LEONARD ETO
Ocean
(nowgomix)

In recent decades a number of visionary mallet-wielders have hauled Japan’s massive taiko drums into the present. Most avant-garde among them is the fantastically costumed Leonard Eto, so it’s surprising to find his latest album so accessible. Documenting a concert held earlier this year in Tokyo, Ocean sees Eto, who has performed with Siouxsie and the Banshees, coaxing low, insistent rhythms out of his various drums. Perhaps the best tracks for those who weary of drums alone are “Kiyoki Mizutama no Shirabe,” on which Eto is joined by guitarist Natsuki Kido, and the related “Waterdrops on the theme of Kiyoki...” and its haunting shakuhachi line. Eto and friends play Sogetsu Hall Nov 25-26. See concert listings for details. DG

JOANNA NEWSOM
Ys
(P-Vine)

Occupying arty territory somewhere between that marked out by Kate Bush, Björk and Jack White, Joanna Newsom’s scratchy storytelling and florid harp accompaniment have struck a chord with a certain select audience. In testament to the pedigree of Newsom’s fan base, her follow-up to The Milk-Eyed Mender was recorded by Steve Albini (Nirvana), mixed by Jim O’Rourke (Sonic Youth) and arranged by Van Dyke Parks (The Beach Boys). Its sweeping, ten-minute excursions are often the sonic equivalent to a children’s fantasy novel: witness, for example, “Monkey & Bear,” which tells the story of an interspecies love affair. Sumptuously orchestrated with strings, flutes and horns, Ys confirms Newsom as one of pop’s most oddly inventive forces. DG

IRON MAIDEN
A Matter of Life and Death
(EMI)

In addition to hitting number one in the Czech Republic and the top ten worldwide, A Matter of Life and Death happens to be the British metal warhorse’s best album in years. Since vocalist Bruce Dickinson rejoined the band in 1999, Iron Maiden have been on the comeback trail. But with the meditation on war that is AMOLAD, they’ve found the right subject matter. The opener “Different World” is a monster of a track propelled by a jaw-dropping hook; it’s just one of many unrepentant, unreconstructed proto-metal anthems that hark back to an era before the term “headbangers” stood for an MTV show. The strangest thing about it all: at a time when young bands are growing beards and hoisting Les Paul guitars, Iron Maiden sound surprisingly contemporary. They play the Budokan on October 25; see concert listings for details. DG



VARIOUS ARTISTS
Rogue’s Gallery
(Anti)

This is one of the most outlandish compilations in recent memory. With dedication, authenticity and some of the most emotive vocalists imaginable, Johnny Depp’s pet project of resurrecting old-time sea chanteys is a curious success. Loudon Wainwright III is unmissably filthy on “Good Ship Venus,” Richard Thompson is as authoritative as ever, Bono is raw and poetic, and the reclusive Mary Margaret O’Hara is delightfully eerie. Bryan Ferry brings heart to his chanteys, while big names Sting and Lou Reed sound at home among an array of folk and alternative voices. Not for everyone, but if you’re curious, it’s a fascinating set that highlights long-forgotten songs and superlative singers both famous and obscure. Robert Poole

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