TOP PICK

Skyfall

(MGM)

The latest James Bond film might suffer a bit from its protracted ending, but that’s a minor point of contention. This is a heady, smart movie that takes on a socially relevant theme about fighting terrorism and espionage in the complex postmodern world.

Matt Costa

Matt Costa

(Brushfire/Universal)

Recorded in Scotland and produced by Belle & Sebastian/Mogwai collaborator Tony Doogan at his Castle of Doom studio, Matt Costa’s self-titled album has the sound and feel of a ‘70s singer-songwriter album (think Jackson Browne). It’s an accomplished set of songs that take Costa to a new level.

The Photo Atlas

Stuck in a Honeytrap

(The Photo Atlas)>

This Colorado-based band channels the Gang of Four on this album’s jittery first track, “The Glass Crased,” and then never lets up, delivering snotty vocals and lacerating guitar licks with joyful energy.

This article appears in Feb 13-19, 2013.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.

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