Daily Loaf

Scarlett Johansson and Pete Yorn
Break Up
(Rhino)

Inspired by Serge Gainsbourg’s duets with Brigitte Bardot, singer-songwriter Pete Yorn teams up with actress Scarlett Johansson for Break Up, a sweetly-produced and easy-to-enjoy album. The nine-song collection goes by quickly and has ScarJo and Yorn seductively singing saccharine melodies over Beach-Boys-style production. It’s a mellifluous session, but the songs are a little too sappy for my taste. Recorded back in 2006, the album is set to be released next Tuesday, September 8. ScarJo describes this as a “small project between friends.” Highlights: “I Don’t Know What to Do” and “I Am the Cosmos”.

With 17 years of pop rockin’ under their belt, The Apples in Stereo collect their best tunes on one album, #1 Hits Explosion. For seasoned fans, this may not be a choice album as it’s really just a recap of what they’ve been enjoying for years. For noobs like, me the album is a great primer. With bright 60’s pop rock — think Beatles, Beach Boys and Velvet Underground — Apples in Stereo can cure your case of the Mondays in a pinch. Highlights: “Energy,”  “Go” and “Tidal Wave.”

Juliette Lewis
Terra Incognita
(The End Records)

Imagine a bluesy version of Mars Volta’s De-Loused in the Comatorium with controlled drumming, Juliette Lewis’ explosive vocals and pop song structure. This is what a great Omar Lopez-Rodriguez-produced release sounds like. Evoking Janis Joplin, the 12-track album is darker than anything Lewis has done before. OLR’s expert influence is blatant all throughout the album (guitar work, song keys, effects), but man, does it work. Highlights: “Hard Lovin’ Woman” (for Janis fans) and “Romeo.”

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