Mini-Reviews: New Pornographers & Putumayo Presents Americana

Mini-Reviews concentrate on the initial impression you get from an album -- what it sounds like, who does it remind you of, how does it make you feel?

The New Pornographers - Challengers
A bit of a departure from their normal, upbeat, hooky Indie Rock fare, this album is much more subtle. I think this one will take a few listens to fully absorb, and that is a big change from their older albums which immediately grabbed my ear and would not let go. I would say that for die-hard fans like me, pick this one up. Otherwise go with an older one like Electric Version or Mass Romantic. You cannot go wrong with those if you like Indie Rock.

Putumayo Presents Americana
This is a great sampler, one of the best Americana samplers I have heard, complete with my favorite Old Crow Medicine Show song, favorite RobinElla song, and several great tunes by the likes of Robert Earl Keen, the Little Willies (Norah Jones' country band), Tim O'Brien, Josh Ritter, and several others. A great mix for old-school fans like me and a great intro for folks new to the Americana scene. Get this one!