Parlophone
Producer: James Ford
It’s been a banner year for singer Damon Albarn, whose latest Gorillaz album earned high marks. That act provides an intriguing contrast to the Britpop art rock of his other band, Blur. On this recording, “St. Charles Square” offers a joyous, satisfying fuzz. “Barbaric” grabs listeners with bouncy effervescence. “The Everglades” is like a morose shared dream. Aficionados will doubtless come away grinning, although newcomers may have difficulty relating to most of these tracks. – Andy Kaufmann
