HARLEM: Hippies (Just Music)
Arizona’s Harlem have been around for a few years now, self-releasing their debut album Free Drugs in 2008 before being signed to Matador Records and having it re-released in 2009. Now comes the band’s second album, Hippies, a rollicking ride through the world of garage rock. Vocal duties on Hippies are evenly shared by Michael Coomer and Curtis O’Mara — who switch between guitar/vocals and drums on stage.
Recorded at the Distillery in Costa Mesa, California, Hippies is a more refined record than its predecessor, offering a great blend of garage rock riffs and power-pop hooks. The band draws heavily on the punk-pop spirit of the Ramones and the powerful alt-punk of the Pixies, while also reaching further back to Nuggets-era garage rock. If you like your rock ‘n roll raw, stripped back and with loads of hooks, then Harlem is the band for you. — Lloyd Gedye
LIZZ WRIGHT: Fellowship (Universal)
Lizz Wright’s latest CD Fellowship is self-explanatory. The gospel-inspired album shows off Wright’s ability to sing any genre and her unbelievably powerful vocals. The New York Times describes Wright’s voice as “luminous — smoky and perfectly pitched — one of the most wondrous rhythm-and-blues instruments of our time”.
Born in a small town in Georgia to a local minister, Wright grew up travelling through the South singing with her parents and siblings. So it’s no wonder Wright takes us on a spiritual voyage, revisiting classical gospel songs like Amazing Grace and Shirley Caesar’s Sweeping through the City. But there are some surprises too, such as Gladys Knight’s, I’ve Got to Use My Imagination and guest performances by great artists such as Angelique Kidjo, Meshell Ndegeocello, Joan as Policewoman and frequent Wright collaborator Bernice Johnson Reagon. A must-hear even if spirituality is not your thing. Fellowship is a follow-up to Wright’s much-acclaimed 2008 record The Orchard. — Karabo Keepile