Minor Love

Minor Love is former Moldy Peaches leader Adam Green’s sixth solo album. (The success of Juno further exposed the Peaches’ track “Anyone Else But You.”)  Whether Green is growing up or acting out is up for debate. Like his musical hero Lou Reed, Green relishes a blunt approach and the ability to make others nervous. He played most of the instruments on this solo album and there’s a sparse clarity that allows his monotone vocals to make a greater impact. “I’ve been too awful to ever be thoughtful,” he admits on the opening cut “Breaking Locks,” and from there it’s an uncomfortable romp through his sins and desires. “Goblin” adds a Bo Diddley pound that sounds like it was discovered on a Caribbean vacation while listening to Jonathan Richman albums. “What Makes Him Act So Bad” has a sly smile to its slink. “Boss Inside” is an acoustic lament that recalls David Ackles. “Castles and Tassles” floats like a mid-‘70s AM Radio singer-songwriter hit. The attitude may be punk, but the music is mostly flat-footed folk, except in that rare moment of bargain-basement feedback (“Oh Shucks”).