Angie Stevens

"Queen of This Mess"

Boss Koala Records

Release: Today

4 out of 5 Stars

Extremely weird album art aside, Angie Stevens’ “Queen of This Mess” is a creative alt-country album that showcases Stevens’ powerful country voice and her songwriting ability. The heartfelt songs are beautifully sung, and the wide array of instruments, like upright bass, violin and organ, give them diversity and richness.

From the very first song, the tender “Hold Me Close,” to the last, the poignant “Ship Song” which features accordion, Angie Stevens consistently brings something new to each without straying too much from her country roots. Some songs have more of an indie-rock influence, while others are rootin’ tootin’ ditties that would sound great in a saloon or on a dusty front porch.

Stevens also doesn’t suffer in the area that some country music does – the lyrics. Her songs tell stories, but not in an obvious or annoying way. The narratives are subtle, mysterious and appealing, with lines like “I don’t think I’ve ever loved anyone so hard / it dripped from my lips, it seeped from my scars” in the angry “Give it on Back.”

Overall, “Queen of this Mess” is a very interesting listen, full of country charm and quaintness but without being overbearing or falling victim to cliché.

Jon Robert

Meant to Be"

Red Cup Music

Release: June 2

2 out of 5 Stars

Jon Robert’s music has been featured on MTV shows like “The Hills” and “The Real World,” and this says a lot about his music. Namely, that it isn’t very good but that it has the potential to become popular.

This Boston-based musician’s first full-length album, “Meant to Be,” somehow manages to be both catchy and boring. Robert’s acoustic pop-rock songs are nothing if not unimaginative, but after a few listens even the harshest critic will be singing along.

“Meant to Be” is well-produced and consistent, but it lacks a certain pizzazz. The songs feel predictable, almost like you can hear what’s coming before it arrives. But, to his credit, Jon Robert does have a good voice. It’s youthful and clear, and breathy in all the right places. Yet, there’s nothing about it that sets him apart.

“Serena” is one of the better songs on the album, probably because the slightly faster pace makes the song stand out. The boy-is-nervous-to-meet-pretty-girl narrative has (of course) been done before, but the uptempo song is still fun.

The songs on this album would fit in easily on a top 40 radio station, and your Jonas Brothers-adoring little sister might really like Jon Robert.

-Megan Morgan is a professional writing senior.

Telekinesis

"Telekinesis!"

Merge Records

Release: Out now

4.5 out of 5 Stars

The debut record from this Seattle band is one of the freshest to come out this year. Balancing hooky '70s pop with minimalist folk songs, the record lively bounces along and refuses to leave your head. With the signature production touch of Death Cab for Cutie's Chris Walla, the album leaves you pleasantly surprised.

Telekinesis started as a one man band with Michael Benjamin Lerner helming every instrument in recording. It has since transformed into a full band, and the sound is all the richer for it. What could have quickly become a snooze fest has instead developed into one of my favorite records of the year. Instantly catchy and memorable, "Telekinesis!" is full of brilliantly formulated songs with little if any filler in between.

The record rolls to a start with the slow-moving “Rust” before rocketing off with the stellar “Coast of Carolina.” Lerner coos over a splash of cymbals and straightforward rock riff. “Tokyo” is the most raucous song of the bunch, stuttering and stomping through. The quaint “Foreign Room” calmly strolls through with an elegant beginning before launching off into a power pop masterpiece.

The gorgeous love ballad “I Saw Lightning” brings the album to an end. The song is dazzling enough to take one’s breath away. A simple combination of Lerner’s voice and acoustic guitar, the song lifts you up and sails you away in a gust of beauty and simplicity.

This is not a record to miss. It has something for everyone; it is a record you could put on in the car and everyone would simply nod along. It’s a sort of soundtrack to that epic summer road trip with your friends, glistening with the warmth of summer and smell of leather seats. If only more records could be this good.

You can catch Telekinesis this Sunday at the Opolis.

-Joshua Boydston is a psychology sophomore.