Louis XIV

Between this album and their last, Louis XIV spent three years out of the limelight remaking themselves into a Dostoyevsky-ian nightmare, turning their innocent neo glam posing into something darker -- a morality play fueled by their collective guilt for their over-the-top rock star behaviors during their brief time at the top. This suite of songs is as twisted and clever as a Tim Burton movie, and just as cinematic, with its grand string arrangements crafted by Beck Hansen's father David Campell. At best it recalls Bowie's Man Who Sold the World; at worst, Toni Basil's "Hey Mickey." And that ain't bad.

Even Louis XIV's own members must be sick of the gimmicks that drove their 2005 major —
label debut, The Best Little Secrets Are Kept: T.Rex — y guitars, Bon Scott — style vocals,
perved — out lyrics. So on its second album, the San Diego group finds new tricks, from
cellos played like rhythm guitars to Queen — like choirs of one. It all sounds great, thanks
to co — leader Jason Hill's creative production and engineering (dig the double —... More >