Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson
Summer of Fear (Saddle Creek)Two songs into his sophomore LP, co-produced by Kyp Malone of TV on the Radio, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson sing-shouts, “I’m sorry that it turned out bad.” Considering the rough times this man has seen – homelessness, addiction – it could have ended much worse for Robinson. Here he’s joined by a stellar crew of musicians, including Chris Taylor of Grizzly Bear, who played on and produced the first MBAR album as well. It’s Robinson’s show, though, and he finds plenty of ways to pay homage to radio heroes such as Bowie, Springsteen, and Gabriel, as well as Lou Reed. Soulful on the opener “Shake a Shot,” “Trap Door,” and “Death by Dust,” Robinson’s talented enough to pull off substituting theatricality for genuine focus. He keeps his storylines generally straight and taut, including both parts one and two of the title track, a compelling, lyrical effort that rewards repeated listening. (Thu., 12mid, Maggie Mae’s Gibson Room.)
This article appears in March 19 • 2010.