“Backspacer”
Pearl Jam
Reviewed by Calev Ben Zion

On old typewriters, the backspace key was used to back up a space and overstrike a letter, usually with a cross-out line or an accent. So, pull out a classic Underwood typewriter, roll in plain cotton weaved sheets of paper; tap the keys into the rhythm of a tale. Backspace, overstrike, accent. It’s a pulp tome of distinct chapters unified in the passion of a cathartic vision. Its author: Pearl Jam.

No doubt, this record rocks. The first four songs are a full frontal attack of punk clamor, Vedder’s voice as powerful an instrument as another guitar. Plaintive earnestness—one part tension, another part deep emotive coo—has been a Vedder trademark since “Ten.” In these songs, his voice is in constant “Spin the Black Circle” mode: shred. But this isn’t the angst or the anger of “Save You” or “World Wide Suicide” in the last couple of solid if contemplative releases. This is an urgent album on a positive vibe trip all the way to touching “The End.” read more »

Matisyahu
“Light”
Reviewed by Calev Ben Zion

Heads up, thumbs up. On this slick nugget, Matisyahu coaxes posi-phonic rhymes into all kinds of sway, bop, tick, and bounce. It’s studio polished eclectica: rapping, singing, beat boxing; Matis is straight up unshy in his spiritual questing laced in a mash up of Auto Tune, New Wavy synths, crisp Hip hop, acoustic balladry, and rock. He’s no reggae purest; he’s no roots zealot, at least not with the music. The uneven mix of styles lends a captivating charm. The first listen is full of surprises; subsequent listens beg inquest, with satisfying sonic and lyrical discoveries. read more »