Abra Moore
On the Way
(Sarathan Records)
In 1997, Abra Moore scored a Grammy nomination for Strangest Places. Neither a Grammy nor fame was forthcoming, so she's charted an independent course. On the Way suggests the journey will be worthwhile but rocky. When Moore is on, her voice has a primal keen worthy of Sinéad O'Connor. But she should definitely lose the Daniel Lanois-lite production of Mitch Watkins, who has Moore swallowing air she ought to exhale and sounding like a cross between Enya, Nanci Griffith and Rickie Lee Jones. Too often Moore's vocals simply drown in the viscous sonic soup. Many of these songs probably sound much better live, as the album versions are marred by being over-produced and under-performed. Abra Moore performs at the Iron Horse on Aug. 26.—Rob Weir
Circus Devils
"Love Hate Relation with the Human Race"
Sgt. Disco
(Ipecac)
Don't write off Robert Pollard just yet. The ever-prolific former Guided By Voices frontman hasn't been at the top of his game since, oh, 1996, but he's still got a few nutty poetic tricks up his sleeve. Pollard is aided here by two former GBV collaborators. Pollard has internalized the classic-rock aesthetic. He's added absurdist Captain Beefheart colors to his palette. Download "Love Hate Relation with the Human Race" for its glorious, boneheaded cowbell. Circus Devils are uneven, but Pollard on an off day is more interesting than countless others at their peak.—John Adamian
Jeff Talmadge
At Least That Much Was True
(CoraZong)
Texas singer-songwriter Jeff Tallmadge's latest is just 11 songs, but you get four distinct mood and style changes. On the opening four tracks he evokes John Prine in his use of raspy voice, Americana themes and wry innuendos. But then he moves into folk troubadour mode, starting with a glorious cover of Bob Dylan's "Girl of the North Country," before turning absolutely sweet on some love songs. The bonus track is the final revelation. "Chet Baker Street" is true to its title, with Tallmadge channeling Baker's dreamy, drifting cadences and spirit. In an age in which too many releases are the length of Tom Wolfe novels, this thoughtful and well-executed release is proof you can pack a lot into a small musical package.—Rob Weir
Nick Lowe
At My Age
(Yep Roc)
At My Age opens with the lyric, "In my life I've done things I'm not proud of." It's the sort of casual admission that makes you smile as you allow Lowe to charm you with his sparkling wit and peerless gift for confessional pop balladry over the next 12 cuts. Lowe has written classic songs and produced classic albums, but his greatest achievement may be how gracefully he's aged. Lowe now has the assured manner and musical stature of an old-school country crooner like George Jones. If Lowe keeps this up—as he sings—"there's hope for us all."— Alan Bisbort
