By
Chad Taylor
soundcheck@dmcityview.com
 The
Robbie Michael Band
Self-Titled (EP)
Independent
Since they’re rarely long enough to weave a
cohesive story, bands can do one of two things
with an EP — either they can fill it with songs
that sound similar to one another in an effort
to show how they’ve unified their sound, or
they can release songs that are more diverse
and illustrate the group’s range. With their
self-titled EP, the Robbie Michael Band has
opted for the latter, and not without success.
For fans of homegrown country, there’s a well-rounded
sampler platter here. From a traditional ballad,
to a game attempt at a radio-ready party hit
(ala “Friends in Low Places”), to a really solid
finish with a country/rock crossover, the EP
serves as a great primer for people new to the
band. CV
(The Robbie Michael Band plays the Country Blast
at Water Works Park on June 24. The concert
starts at 12 p.m., and tickets run $40 in advance
and $50 at the gate.)
 Fiona
Apple
‘The Idler Wheel is wiser than the Driver of
the Screw and Whipping Cords will serve you
more than Ropes will ever do’
Epic
Fiona Apple has a gorgeous voice. If you ever
forget that fact, all you need to do is queue
up 1996’s “Tidal” and hit play literally anywhere
on the album. Unfortunately, ever since that
transcendent debut, Apple has been a little
too busy being Fiona Apple to bother really
using it. “The Idler Wheel…” is Apple’s first
studio album in seven years, and her songwriting
and raw lyrical power are better than ever.
Through 10 tracks, Apple’s talent and willingness
to experiment are undeniable. The woman is a
daring artist. Her songs are as emotionally
raw as ever, and she wields that smoky, sultry
voice like a truncheon in bitter songs like
“Jonathan.” But conspicuously missing are any
tracks where Apple just sits down and seduces.
There’s no “Criminal” here, not even a “Shadowboxer.”
But, then again, Apple has always enjoyed leaving
listeners wanting. CV
Want your new CD reviewed? Email us a link
at soundcheck@dmcityview.com
or mail a physical copy to: Cityview, 414 61st
Street, Des Moines, IA 50312.
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