A Review of the First Television Personalities Album, and not a Review of the Guy That Gave It to Me. by Jody Beth Rosen
"I'm glad I remembered to bring this with me, because otherwise I would have had to mail it to you."
Pop Punk with an Operatic Heart by Kim Lumpkin
L.A. based band Say Anything is all about wearing their hearts on their sleeves. More specifically, the heart of Say Anything mastermind Max Bemis.
Idlewild's Dirty Little Secret by Marty Brown
The touching story of an aspiring private detective and his love of derivative music.
Wherein Moby Loses Every Ounce of Credibility He May Have Once Had by Marty Brown
It’s not so much the fact that Moby sold his soul to Starbucks that bothers me, as it is his reluctance to admit it.
Roll over Beethoven by Dainon Moody
Maybe it's the carbon copies (no, not love) that we need. Maybe they're all we need.
Smells Like Teen Spirit by Daniel Reifferscheid
whatever the reservations that you may have about their image, t.A.T.u.'s music demands respect.
Prince is Back, and He's Damn Happy by Andrew Hicks
3121 flows from beginning to end with only a few hiccups, and the ride is over in 53 minutes. Prince's triple-disc kitchen sink efforts are a thing of the past - the new Prince is calculatedly commercial and finally capable of self-editing.
Back In The Sweaty ’70s... by Daniel Reifferscheid
It wasn’t uncommon for Philadelphia International’s masterminds Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff to sign down on their luck veterans (The O’Jays, who had been paying their dues since the early '60s, hit it big there; Jerry Butler of The Impressions had also been hit-less for a few years), but Billy Paul truly was something else in that his roots stemmed not from Soul but from Jazz.
‘Love’ Is a Many Splendored Thing by Kim Lumpkin
69 Love Songs is the kind of music that is best listened to in the dark, letting the various moods wash over you like waves, sometimes crashing, sometime rushing up and back playfully, and sometimes inching along so slowly you’re not sure if they will ever reach the shore before sliding back into the sea.
An Epic Of Master Proportions by Tony Pellum
"THAT'S a good number!!"—Seth Birdeau
Collective Soul Shine On by Travis Lowell
Buy this CD. You won't be disappointed.
Talent and a Positive Attitude by Laurie Edwards
Usher has faith, respect, and sense of responsibility to his family and fans. Not so much for and to himself, though; the man seems entirely other-directed.
Backward-looking forward thinking by Andrew Hicks
Leela James has to follow and coexist with a decade of neo-soul stars, and while she sports a rich, husky voice you'd expect to hear coming from the mouth of a 300-pound sister at a black church, you'd be hard-pressed to point at anything new about much of the songwriting or production on this album.
Don't Give This as a Present by Laurie Edwards
Almost all of these songs are either horribly arranged or utterly out of Striesand's natural vocal range.
Please Tell Me This Isn't the Future! by Laurie Edwards
There has to be some human involvement in music for it to fulfill one of its essential functions: communication between musician and audience. A Difficult Future is the sound of computers.
Ballboy Hate You by Daniel Reifferscheid
Vicious, dire, depressed, hopeless and brimming full of poison and misanthropy.
Bluegrass with a Twist by Dainon Moody
Big bottom, big bottom/ talk about mudflaps, my girl s got em sounds like it should have been recorded with a stalk of wheat gripped between the singer s teeth and some Skoal in his lower lip in the first place.
Hot Dog! Jumping Frog! Albuquerque! by Chris Sweet
A great starting point for the curious and not-so-curious.
I Wanna Be Like Ms. Dynamite When I Grow Up by Daniel Reifferscheid
No, there is no need for cultural tokenism here, because Ms. Dynamite stands mighty fine on her own.
Coltrane's Offering to the Creator by John Nesbit
Certain albums defy human description. John Coltrane's A Love Supreme is such a creation—to call it a prayer to the Almighty is a gross understatment. But don't shortchange yourself—get the Deluxe edition!
Alejandro Escovedo Reaches His Full Potential by Chris Sweet
Tuneful and majestic, Alejandro shows why he is No Depression magazine's artist of the decade for the 90s.
Vain Attempts at Making Good on the Title's Promise by Marty Brown
For all their artistic aspirations and musical maturity, Coldplay really hit their stride when they counter their natural sullenness with puppydog romanticism.
Singing a "Sceptic's" new verse by Yoni Bashan
I advise listeners to take a long breath in order to stay focussed on the transient odd meters and fast-paced vocals.
The voice of early Fates Warning returns by Kevin Buffington
Even after 15 years of inactivity Arch still has the chops. Lets hope that next time he has more music in him.
The Curse of the Acoustic Martyr: Easy Listening For Alterna-Boomers by Marty Brown
Beware, kids, this review name-drops more than a Hollywood agent.
India.Arie Drops the Soul Bomb on the Grammys by David Jack Browning
When the nominations for the 44th annual Grammys were announced on Jan. 4, people were asking India who? But India.Arie, the acoustic soultress who now has more attention than she knows what do with, is getting the props she deserves. Her debut, Acoustic Soul, is the standout album every artist dreams of, and that includes 8-nominee U2, who also has a star-studded album, but there's this time, it was Arie who left nothing behind.
Nobody's Fault But My Own by Dainon Moody
Hi. My name's Beck. Welcome to my porch. Please make yourselves comfortable.
Hip-Hop From The Motherland by Daniel Reifferscheid
Mot only a fascinating look into how music mutates when it falls into strange hands (which, let's face it, is the history of Hip-Hop in a nutshell), but also a glimpse into an entire culture.
Laidback Disco for You Laidback Playmates by Adam Dorfman
The amazing thing about both discs of After the Playboy Mansion is Dimitri from Paris’ ability to fuse songs from a variety of genres of music into a seamless whole.
Well At Least They Got the Scapegoat Part Right by Greg Smith
Scapegoat Wax is Sisqó and Nelly for white, suburban ten-year-old skinheads. And the video looks like an advertisement for Kroger's with a hot model and a fat, incompetent white rapper thrown in for good measure. Avoid this one at all costs, but the video is almost worth seeing once for its unsurpassed stupidity and strangeness.
‘Nuther Beer, ‘Nuther Tear... by Daniel Reifferscheid
In a dark bar at four in the morning, it holds up as well as any of Waits' forays into the genre of piano balladry.
Giving Feminism a Good Melody by Becka Lucas
Let's face it, we live in a gender-inadequate, commercialistic, male-dominated society. Even in the United States, women are treated as second class citizens
Could YOUR English Teacher Rhyme Like This? by Kelechi Emeka
Use a number 2 pencil. Make dark marks, filling in the bubbles completely. Erase completely to change your answer. Do not tear, fold, or spindle this CD.
The Hoax and Why You Believed It by Marty Brown
What happened to the U2 I used to know?
Nothing's Changed by Dainon Moody
His tales of the heartbroken have proven profitable. Stick with what works. If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it kinda mentality. No wonder he’s so happy being sad.
Ragged But Worth It by Laurie Edwards
What we hear is what dedicated artists came up with, basically on the spur of the moment. While none of the music is technically topnotch, much of it is spirited.
Cash Fuses with Modern Rock by John Nesbit
Johnny Cash shows that older guys can still rock in the new world.
The Beast In Me by Chris Sweet
A great American songwriter is in top form again.
Radiohead's Wild, Wacky World of Spatio-Temporal There-ness by Jody Beth Rosen
Moments of insidiousness, moments of pleasantry. Arcs of crisis, tensions that never 100 percent un-tense.
Diary Of The Cutest Couple In Indie-Pop by Tony Pellum
Alien abduction, consistent marriage, and Starbucks yuppies.
Best Show Ever. Andrew W.K. 5/31/02 by Kevin Carlson
There were no politics, no posing, no swearing, and no message other than, "We're here for a short time, have as much fun as you can."
Faith No More: Angel Dust by Travis Lowell
Released in 1992, Angel Dust was far ahead of its time.
The Inevitable Return Of The Great Babe Hope by Daniel Reifferscheid
Angels With Dirty Faces, for all intents and purposes, wasn't made to be a perfect album. It was made to support its singles (which is where the real party is at), and to provide nice background music at teenage parties. As such, it does its job well.
O Uncle, Where Art Thou? by Jody Beth Rosen
Anodyne: pre-Nashville twang by way of danceable Replacements angst.
Gimme Gimme Flawless Compilation! by Daniel Reifferscheid
If you’re looking for a heartfelt tribute to Dee Dee Ramone, look elswhere. To me, The Ramones were just another room in the wonderful house of Pop, and it is in that way that I will describe them.
They're Fine by Daniel Reifferscheid
the boys and girls on Anti-Folk, Vol.1 want us to believe that they're the bums and weirdoes shouting obscenities and bible quotes on the streets of New York City.
De La Soul Isn't Dead, But They Are On Life Support by Greg Smith
Special guests such as Slick Rick and part of Cypress Hill fail to mask the fact that De La Soul struggles mightily to be the least bit interesting.
Captain America's Been Torn Apart by Jody Beth Rosen
Like Exile on Main Street, but more Slim Dunlap than Slim Harpo. Hell, more Slim Shady!
More beautiful than strange by Dainon Moody
It sounds just a tad too stuffy to let on that Aqualung sounds remarkably well-established, but that's the honest truth.
Arlo Guthrie Live In Concert by John Nesbit
A living link to the past, Arlo Guthrie charms with incredible stories. See him live when you can.
A trip through more recent times by Kevin Buffington
For those who haven't had the extreme pleasure of seeing Armored Saint live, this DVD/CD set gives a nice view from the fan's perspective.
A pedestrian effort from yet another German power metal band by Kevin Buffington
Those looking for a cheesy German power metal band would probably do better grabbing some Helloween than this lackluster offering.
The Wonder of Stevie by Dainon Moody
At The Close Of A Century fills in the cracks where the already ample Song Review left off, cramming everything from that collection on it, and then a lot more.
Eating Lipstick and Drinking Champagne by Jody Beth Rosen
Enthusiastic girl-group harmonies, teen silliness, and arena speed-riff bliss.
Roots Of A Revolution by Daniel Reifferscheid
A great historical artifact and a solid collection.
Psychedelic Sex Rock for the Zero's by Jay Hawkinson
If you like your Monster Magnet sleaze metal twisted in Swedish rolling papers moistened with a litte Soundgarden lament, cut through the haze and pack some Roachpowder into your bowl.
Attak by KMFDM by Shannon W. Hennessy
Kein Mehrheit Für Die Mitleid follow up their Boots EP in 2002 with the full-length release of Attak, their first full-length (as KMFDM) since disbanding in 1999.
Combustible Listening by Brian Hogue
Everything in these songs is dirty, dry and dusty, threatening to burst into flames at any moment. And sometimes it does.
A classic album, lovingly revisted by Kevin Buffington
Any progressive metal or Fates Warning fan who doesn't already own a copy of Awaken the Guardian needs to purchase the release as soon as possible.
On The Wings Of An Angel... by Shannon W. Hennessy
"And the angels do'th shine brightly still...though the brightest fell." -William Shakespeare
The Original Lineup's Last Great Album by Kevin Buffington
The original lineup's swan song, but still a fine archive of good pop-metal.
Big Mama Jukes it Out! by John Nesbit
A real pioneer of the blues, Big Mama knows how to wail. Before there was Elvis and before there was Janis, there was Big Mama!
Documenting Denton by Chris Sweet
A sampler of a vibrant and exciting musical scene.
Real Down Home American Music From Down Under by Kim Lumpkin
Like Laura Cantrell’s Not the Tremblin' Kind and the O Brother, Where Art Thou soundtrack, Chamber’s Barricades and Brickwalls, her second album, also reflects the current interest in no-frills, grass roots American country and bluegrass music, and the fact that Chambers was born and raised in Australia doesn’t seem to make a lick of difference.
A Whole Lot Of Wasted Talent by Chris Sweet
Carlton's talent is lost under the weight of imitating her influences and supporting musicians that overwhelm any good ideas here.
Something old and mostly new by Dainon Moody
L. Abramson may not change the world with her voice and hollow-body electric guitar, but she might allow our hearts to take a breather and our lives to slow down a little. She'll fill us up with the empty.
Delicate Sound of Thunder by Dainon Moody
It was as if each of their fingers were connected to the heavens themselves, their playing controlling the light show.
Dare to Believe by Travis Lowell
Disturbed isn't in the business of cajolling their listeners to "believe" (whether it's in God, the lack of God, themselves, or humanity). They are demanding that we find something to believe in, to free ourselves.
Don't Fence Me In by Dainon Moody
To hear Cassandra's "You Gotta Move" - recorded in an abandoned Mississippi boxcar - is to experience what McDowell had in mind for it when he wrote the tune.
Wouldn't you like to be a Kwellerhead, too? by Dainon Moody
A Kwellerhead is a prepubescent raving fan who, sadly, still cannot grow hair on his face. The fan rebels against his age by mimicking Mr. Kweller's shag of a mullet-do, compensating his lack of a beard by shunning the haircut shears and growing more atop his head.
Sugar Hill Records: More Than Just Breakdance Soundtracks by Greg Smith
Best Of Sugar Hill Records is the perfect introduction to the many styles of Sugar Hill Records...and an unfortunate reminder of breakdance music.
Live Again by Dainon Moody
Better Than Ezra's Kevin Griffin is a guy you initially want to punch in the mouth.
Girl Power by Dainon Moody
"The Shaggs. Better than the Beatles—even today"—Frank Zappa, who named Philsophy of the World his third favorite album of all time in a 1976 Playboy poll.
The Decline of Western Civilization (Oh, dear God, not Japan too) by Tony Pellum
The passionless Backstreet Boys still aren't ready for Uptown.
Frank Black gets real. by Abe Scott
Frank Black & The Catholics have made the best record of the year, and you, most likley, didn't even notice.
Blazing Arrow Hits the Bulls-Eye by Kelechi Emeka
Blazing Arrow is unquestionably the best album of the year so far. Blackalicious has raised the bar for every other Hip-Hop artist from this point forward.
Coming Soon To A Bowling Alley Jukebox Near You by Tony Pellum
Bleed American is the world’s most beautiful paint-by-number. The “art” hanging in your grandparents' dusty den because it is agreeable to all.
People Get Ready by Dainon Moody
Viewing them for their age alone is a short sighted; it simply doesn't allow them the dignity of all they've worked to achieve thus far.
Hungry eyes by Dainon Moody
Try as vocalist Kele Okereke might to drag that energy all the way to the end of its set, he had to do it kicking and screaming. Well, yelping actually. Lots of yelping. Which has about the same affect on the ears as staying overnight in a kennel might.
Once Again, Blondie's Back! by Kim Lumpkin
Blondie somehow manages to be true to their past glory without sounding stale and trying plenty of new things without alienating their hardcore fans
Misery is the River of the World. Everybody Row. by Marty Brown
Old Waits vs. New Waits in a brutal grudge match to the death. Seriously.
Life Is Sad; Life Is a Bust. by Jody Beth Rosen
Blood on the Tracks goes there, and it stays there.
Sneaker Pimps Stomp Out the Doubters by David Jack Browning
The Sneaker Pimps haven’t lost anything since they split with former lead Kelli Dayton. In fact, if anything, they’ve gained ground. They learned from the loss of Kelli Dayton and turned it into something that could bring the band out of obscurity. Nah. But at least the music’s good. By the time the chorus of the first track hits, you'll think, “Kelli who? Oh, Ozzy's daughter? I love the Osbournes. Yeah, great show.”
Was the wait worth it? by Kevin Buffington
After a break of nine years, Johnson has created a mostly enjoyable album with very few surprises.
Killing Me Softly With Your Songs by Dainon Moody
Cassandra sings songs you will find yourself making love to. This effort shows her on her way to reaching that elusive sultry soundtrack of the night.
Done Got Old by Dainon Moody
There are indications the Bottle Rockets have already entered that same realm where classic rock musicians die off, one by one.
Overlooked Blues King by John Nesbit
Albert King has influenced many guitar masters. Blues at Sunrise offers sufficient evidence.
More Love, Less Theft by Dainon Moody
Everything you hear about Bob's voice is true. The jokes are rarely kind and they're going to live on longer than he does.
RE: VU by Jody Beth Rosen
The VU were really two bands: a disingenuously dreamy art-pop Invasion redux, and a more classicist, cosmopolitan Black Sabbath, with a better grip on the histories of evil.
Road Trip through Hell, Space and Arizona by Tony Pellum
Alienated arena-rock!
Pronounced "SIB-bur-ee" by Jody Beth Rosen
What makes Siberry unique is her lyrics. They can be endearingly Dadaist or gratingly quirky, depending on whom you ask.
Dizzee Rascal Beats The Blue Telephone by Daniel Reifferscheid
Dizzee Rascal deserves a place right at the forefront of the UK Urban movement.
An Aggressive, Impressive Debut by Travis Lowell
Both vocally and musically, the band could easily sound like yet another Pantera wannabe, but luckily they take the higher road and add a decidedly bluesy edge to their style.
All She's Got - and It's Plenty by Dainon Moody
To hear Amel sing about any of the topics she tackles on this excursion—female circumcision, slavery, broken families, even a certain sort of finger-wagging feminism—pulling it off with the same kind of smoothness Sade does when delivering album-length discussions on love, it goes beyond being commendable; it's startlingly refreshing.
The Man Who Welcomed Love by Dainon Moody
Brendan Benson is a tremendously good sport. In the back of his mind, he must feel the tiniest bit flattered for opening up for Keane – and he'll spread the white lie love to alla those who take in this leg of his tour, sure enough – but let's remember who's the one with a handful of albums to his name.
The Great American Storytelling Tradition Lives On by Kim Lumpkin
Dewan's style might not be for everyone, but if you are looking for something that feels both very old and startlingly new, rich in folksy Americana (the dark side more often than not), this album is a revelation.
Zither Me Timbers! by Jody Beth Rosen
Brian Dewan is a singer, songwriter, and electric zitherist who lives in Brooklyn, NY. (That is to say the zither Dewan plays is electric, not Dewan himself. I'm sure the man's personality is quite magnetic.)
Reflective, Relaxed, and Still Remarkable by Aly Walansky
After spending over a decade out of the business, The Go-Betweens reunited in 2000. In Bright Yellow Bright Orange, their second album since being reunited, they exhibit that fine wine is not the only thing that only grows more delightful as the years go by.
Teen Angst, Lousy Singing, and Tacky Clothes by Laurie Edwards
For all her obvious desire to be a slut, she's still wearing those Mouse ears.
LOA is back by Kevin Buffington
A thoughtful and provocative return from some of New York's favorite sons.
Easy-on-the-Tympanum by Emily Budd
Acoustic guitar strumming and electronic drum loops bring these songs character and life. Their dreamy keyboards, breathy background harmonies and coronary beats compliment the lush layers of Fink and Taylor's lead vocals making Azure Ray one of the most pleasing pop groups in the business.
Lousy Lays and Reasons to Live by Jody Beth Rosen
The sound is expansive, warm, and just a little bit frightening.
It's a Toaster, It's a Fridge, No. It's a CD, Silly! by Becka Lucas
Many times I've found indie/unsigned compilations to be severely lacking in either style or talent...or both. I am glad to announce that out of 22 songs most of them are actually worth a listen.
Spazzing Out With Sheryl Crow by Daniel Reifferscheid
Definitively a recovery from the mediocre The Globe Sessions, and it includes more than one good reason to rate Sheryl amongst the best tunesmiths of our age.
Patti Rothberg: So Much More than a Pop Princess by Aly Walansky
It's pop, garage rock, and everything in between—Patti Rothberg explores the essence of female empowerment, and leaves us clamouring for more.
Prog Rock Lives! by Kim Lumpkin
Comparisons to Pink Floyd are quite valid, but the lyrics are a bit grittier, or as another critic has said of their work, more "down to earth."
The Voice, Heart, and Beauty of Ireland by Laurie Edwards
Cara Dillon has a voice like faeries, and her debut US album is so good, I'd have gone higher than five stars if I could. Whatever's the very best, Cara Dillon is better.
Folk Angst! by Kim Lumpkin
Carla Ulbrich's brand of folk is of yet a different type; she uses it as a vehicle to air her frustrations with bad relationships, the unfairness of the songwriting business, and revealing too much over a late night phone conversation while doped up on cold medicine. If that sounds like something you'd hear on the Dr. Demento show, you're right, she's definitely at home there, but her considerable musical ability and lyrical cleverness earn her a place alongside “straight” folk acts, and her snappy, somewhat cynical style is a nice alternative to the sincerity so lovingly poked fun at in A Mighty Wind.
Winds of Change by Dainon Moody
Wilson embodies the freedom to travel anywhere with a song, that the winds might actually carry both performer and listener to a different destination than either had originally planned.
More Imperfection Than Anything Else by Kelechi Emeka
Cee-Lo fans were awaiting this album to prove to the world that rappers from the Dirty South really can rhyme. All it ends up proving is that they really shouldn't be singing either.
Neither Undiscovered Nor Genius, But Intriguing Nonetheless by Jody Beth Rosen
The voice is often the purest expression of the self, the hole in the wall of the corporeal being that allows us to experience the singer's pain, joy, or restlessness.
The Silence After The Storm by Tony Pellum
Absolutely nothing is common about The Dismemberment Plan. They now prove this is the case, even within their own discography.
Honky Tonk Holiday by Kim Lumpkin
On Christmas Caravan, the Zippers have created a blend of original and classic holiday tunes in their own way, and the result is a CD that is at times deeply sad, sometimes funny, and always cozy, like having a bunch of good friends over for a holiday jam session.
40% More Than What Many Bands Can Muster by Brian Hogue
There are ten tracks on this record, which makes for a fairly boring possibility of percentages, but still, stick with me on this one.
Clarity Isn't The Issue by Tony Pellum
This isn't Goo Goo Dolls-style whimpering, nor does it dumb down emotions and confusion to become commercially successful, though it is a tad adolescent.
Smile though your heart is breaking by Dainon Moody
Whether or not Clem Snide knew its devotees were few in number last Wednesday or not, the band made sure to entertain its biggest fans first and foremost: themselves.
How To Deal With a One-Hit Wonder Follow-up by Tony Pellum
A wise step from the alternative bargain bin toward intimate craft.
Kotipelto on his own by Kevin Buffington
A solid album from a vocalist who helped shape the current sound of European melodic power metal.
Minimal Giants of the New Wave by Jody Beth Rosen
The detail of your Young Marble Giant won't rival anything of Michelangelo's—instead, it will resemble an average grammar-schooler's Arts & Crafts project, with broadly-defined features and grotesquely miscalculated proportions.
Six Reasons Norah Jones is Better Than Diana Krall by Dainon Moody
She can whisper and draw comparisons to the cracked splendor of Billie or sing the soft notes and come off sounding like the jazz album Alana Davis hasn’t got around to yet.
Defining Alternative by Tony Pellum
Come on Pilgrim, you know we love you.
Another Sorry Chapter In the History Of Fratboy Electronica by Greg Smith
Come With Us has two great songs guaranteed to please clubbers and home-listeners alike and a whole lot of filler that isn’t nearly commercial or hooky enough to please the pop crowd and that is simply to generic and unimpressive to please the underground crowd.
Ramblin' Jack Elliott in Concert by John Nesbit
Seeing and hearing Ramblin' Jack in concert is a return to the days of Woody Guthrie. He's gained his "Ramblin'" nickname for a good reason!
Buddy Guy in Concert by John Nesbit
Buddy Guy's albums are very good, but his live performances totally rock! If Buddy's in town, cancel everything else that evening and just go!
Peter, Paul, and Mary in Concert by John Nesbit
A nostalgic "feel-good" time for boomers. Younger audiences will remember the "campfire" songs they once sang. But the biggest thing that Peter, Paul, and Mary share on stage is themselves!
Neil Young In Concert by John Nesbit
Don't expect a greatest-hits retrospective from Neil Young in a live performance. You'll get the real deal.
B. B. King in Concert by John Nesbit
B.B. King always gives a professional performance, but check to see who's playing with him because everyone wants to join his tour.
Clandestine In Concert by John Nesbit
Houston's American version of the Chieftains. If you're into Celtic music, they are worth a listen.
The Real New-Millennium Punk Rock by Marty Brown
No one would call Grandaddy punk rock, but maybe they should.
The Cop Show From Heaven by Jody Beth Rosen
It fights crime.
Wake me up before the show show by Dainon Moody
When the Cowboy Junkies' Margo Timmins would look up, her bedroom eyes told stories to those she locked them with. Engaging? Hell yeah.
Forced Entry Into Commercial Rap by Kelechi Emeka
Welcome to the wonderful world of commercial rap. It’s a carefree, glittery world, filled with 20-inch rims on glossy new Benzes, diamond encrusted platinum jewelry, and ravishing young women who’ll give you “brains” so much you’ll become an honor student.
Dancing in My Chair by Laurie Edwards
As the albums go by, Down to the Bone gets better. They're more diverse in their music than once they were, welcoming other styles and the fans that come with those different genres.
Jukebox Hero by Dainon Moody
The songs are each so beautiful, the fact they're tossed-off one-takes is one of those damning pieces of information an aspiring musician just doesn't want to discover; and, once he does, only sheer willpower keeps him from taking his guitar out and leaving it on a set of oft-used railroad tracks.
Horrible Vocals, Mediocre Music by Laurie Edwards
The Storyteller need desperately to lose L-G Persson; on only one tune here does his dying-cat voice fit in. The other problem—utter unoriginality—might be tougher to fix, but losing Persson would be the logical first step to improving the band.
Cry me a river by David Jack Browning
Instead of a nice, organized, constructed cry, Faith Hill's album "Cry" is like sobbing, then weeping, then whimpering, then screaming and then a single tear drops from her eye.
Prince Cleans House by Chris Sweet
A hodgepodge of outtakes and remixes, mostly quite good.
Quirk XPress by Jody Beth Rosen
The Slits were a double-edged quirk-sword.
Music From the Death Factory by Jody Beth Rosen
You're finally finding yourself funny.
Returning From Disillusion by Tony Pellum
E on Prozac.
Sepultura Descends Into the Inferno by Kevin Buffington
Dante XXI is the best Sepultura album to be released since Roots.
Daredevil - The Soundtrack That Didn't Floor Me by Becka Lucas
Well, it's fairly decent until they run out of words and just start screaming incoherently to fill in the spaces between beats. Darn. I hate when that happens ...
Bubba's Way by David Jack Browning
Bubba Sparxxx, along with producer Timbaland, give hip-hop a new way of looking at things but he's got to learn how rhyme. We all have something to say, and Bubba is no exception, but he's got a tough market to crack when everything's about hos and getting crunk. For some reason, a hip-hopper telling us about the life of the back South doesn't seem to fit. But maybe that's the magic of it all.
Middle-Age Riot by Jody Beth Rosen
Your ass is brushing against the tops of trees somewhere in central Jersey.
The Cadillac of Pisstake Albums by Jody Beth Rosen
Audacity prevails.
"Are you ready to turn it down?!?!" by Dainon Moody
Gibbard has two volumes when offering up his very earnest self to his audience – quiet and less quiet.
Gettin' Better All The Time by Dainon Moody
The Drive-By Truckers' songs are not cheery, but they feel real, told largely through smiles so wide, you almost miss the tears.
A Brand New Brand New by Aly Walansky
It's a brand new Brand New. With only shades of their punk-pop side of yesteryear left, Deja Entendu is a bitter exercise in emo. The brutally cutting lyrics are what will make this album a keeper.
Stupid is the New Clever: The Triumph of Clown Logic by Marty Brown
Kuniva says it best: “If you get offended by words like bitch, ho, sissy, faggot, homo, lesbian, fudge packer, clit eater, all that shit like that, then you should turn this shit off right now, because that’s just some of the shit... naw, that’s the only shit that you’re gonna hear right here on this album."
Uncovering a Buried Treasure by Kim Lumpkin
Every once in awhile something comes along that manages to be instantly captivating. This tribute to a virtually unknown duo who wrote highly innovative, surprisingly sophisticated electronic music for kids back in the 1960s, is one of those rare musical experiences.
Industrial Evolution by Shannon W. Hennessy
While a definite draw for fans of Frontline Assembly or Spahn Ranch, Dismantled stands in a league of its own.
The Clive Staples Six by Tony Pellum
At a time when "pop" and "sophisticated" do not dare to be uttered in the same sentence, Sixpence None The Richer's inward journey is not only mature, both lyrically and compositionally, but refreshingly complex ear-candy.
Spoil Your Dawn by Dainon Moody
“Thanks for not going to the Sting show,” the Portland, Ore. native let on after his opening number. “Appreciate it.”
Searching For Soul... by Daniel Reifferscheid
Even at its worst, Don't Give Up On Me is never anything less than elegant.
A Fond Farewell by Kim Lumpkin
Joey Ramone’s last album, Don’t Worry About Me is more mature both musically and lyrically than any Ramones album, yet it still has the sense of simplicity and wonder—and sometimes the sadness and confusion—of a true kid at heart, and it’s strangely comforting to know that Joey never really grew up.
The Alt-Rock Manifesto by Tony Pellum
"Alternative Rock" in its purest form.
That Southern Thing by Dainon Moody
Clearly Patterson Hood of the Drive-By Truckers is the driving force of this bunch of Southerners, the most earnest, giving performer this side of Springsteen.
Lullabye, and Good Night by Laurie Edwards
I'm buying this CD. You have to if you remember the cute Beatle and you keep the faith.
The Return of Brucio by Kim Lumpkin
While much of Bruce’s style is an acquired taste, I’ve always felt that there is plenty there that almost anyone can appreciate, and that definitely holds true for this album.
Billie Holiday Reinvented For the Hip-Hop Era by Marty Brown
Beth Gibbons: sexiest voice in modern music.
Dust by Peter Murphy by Shannon W. Hennessy
Most definitely a “think piece,” Peter Murphy has delivered a CD that provokes its listener to do something that not many albums do; take an emotional inventory and let your mind drift and fill with the face of the one you love like no other.
Softly She Spoke These Words To Me... by Daniel Reifferscheid
Dusty could be the regretful lover begging you to take her back, pleading “I Just Can’t Make It Alone,” or she might be the embittered, rejected individual that icily informs you that there’s “No Easy Way Down.”
My W.A.S.P. Will Kill Your W.A.S.P. by Jay Hawkinson
The album is a sweet shout out to the old school metal currently overshadowed by the TRL nü-metal for the masses trend. It’s as aggressive as all hell and will run most bands ass-backwards up a tree.
Bob Dylan in Concert by John Nesbit
A Dylan concert is not to be missed, but be sure to do your homework before you go and listen very heavily to as many Dylan albums as you can. If you don't understand the words, don't think twice about it—they're all tangled up in ambiguity anyway and he'll go his way while you go yours.
Landmark Blues Album (by mostly white boys) by John Nesbit
You can pick up greatest hits albums of the Butterfield Blues Band, but to get the original breakthrough album—this is the one!
Eclipse: Yngwie's Forgotten Gem by Kevin Buffington
A sadly-maligned slice of '80s hair-metal that has aged much better than many of it's contemporaries.
Spanish kind of love by Dainon Moody
The tapping of Palmieri's foot at a song's onset allowed his crew to start; it served as their beginning metronome, whereas his piano playing, many times relegated to the background, allowed a song to continue.
Up the Irons! by Travis Lowell
Eddie, Iron Maiden's zombie mascot, is an icon (and the probable father of Megadeth's bastard son, Vic Rattlehead). The character is to metal what Jared is to Subway (minus the dorky look and infuriating commercials).
Last Night I Beat the Shit Out of Elliott Smith by Marty Brown
Elliott Smith has a way of making simple acoustic arrangements sound like symphonies. It makes you want to hit him.
Finnish Metallers Don't Dissappoint with Elements by Kevin Buffington
A strong album that fans of European progressive metal are sure to appreciate.
Greasy Garage Rock by Tony Pellum
Elephant is the self-important rock album that triumphs form over content. It's the dirty South, blues infested British album that prides itself on its aesthetic qualities rather than its songwriting prowess.
What Is The Fascination? by Brian Hogue
NEWS FLASH: The White Stripes are not the greatest thing since toasted cheese sandwiches!
Oooooh Yeah by Daniel Reifferscheid
I feel stupid talking about the ease of Presley's voice and the way he turns pedestrian material into gold over and over again, but damnit, the trick doesn't get old no matter how many times he uses it
For The Kids On Shakin' Street... by Daniel Reifferscheid
Try to dig beyond the kitsch and the cliché. I promise you it will be worth it.
The King Takes a Bow by Dainon Moody
All Elvis: 30 #1 Hits is at its core is a well-timed compilation.
Big Boss Man: Uncut, Unashamed, Unimpressive by Dainon Moody
The executives still pimping this stuff as any kind of an essential box set are as disillusioned today as they were then, shooting for hit singles even when the songwriting wasn't up to par. Whittled to a double album is doable. At four, it's so weighed down, it makes for a pretty decorative doorstop.
For the Heart by Dainon Moody
What we end up hearing then, is a comfortable Elvis. What it sometimes lacks in the energy most often associated with the frenetic kid he was at the start is replaced with the power he'd learned to harness near his end.
Throw Ya Hands In The Air, Suckas by Tony Pellum
Inverted pop music revolutionaries
Great Early Album from the King of the Boogie by John Nesbit
Hooker (often using different nicknames) has probably recorded more albums than any other blues artist. His catalog of over 100 releases encompasses just about every label that has ever made a blues record.
"I think I thought I saw an Azwethinkweiz!" by Travis Lowell
To call this album "funk rock" or "funk metal" would be underselling the band's versatility, but I'll be damned if I can think of a more accurate description.
Purely Moody by Jody Beth Rosen
Your entire apartment is white.
I Need A Hero by David Jack Browning
One of the worst albums made to date—it's the Glitter of pop albums. It makes Britney Spears look not AS bad. Paging Glen Ballard—Enrique needs some serious help. Never let him do this on his own ever again.
The First Lady of Hardcore Returns by Kelechi Emeka
Nope, not hardcore like Heather Hunter. Think Freddie Foxxx with ovaries.
Can You Smoke A Carbon Leaf? by Becka Lucas
A lot of people don't respect the mandolin player, but it can't be an easy instrument. You try playing a half-length guitar with extra strings and see if you don't have a newfound appreciation for the home grown instrument.
Distilled For Your Listening Protection by Dainon Moody
Effortlessly, almost magically, that familiar voice thundered out of this tiny little man as he sauntered around the stage like a half-asleep Tom Jones—reaching out to touch outstretched hands, pointing and waving to screaming girls, beaming a somewhat embarrassed smile.
All things evolve ... some things faster than others by David Jack Browning
This is a woman at the top of her rap game. She's a far cry from a one-hit or even a one-album wonder. After three good albums, she's just getting started.
Excerpt from Forthcoming "Marty's Guide to Compulsive CD Collecting (Part 1)" by Marty Brown
Bringing some much-needed negativity to the CultureDose music section...
The Greatest Jazz Vocal Group Ever to Perform on the Planet Earth (The Liner Notes Say So!) by Jody Beth Rosen
Lambert, Hendricks & Ross were the top-tomato harmony group, bar none, nonpareil.
It's About The Easy Sheen Of Alcohol by Chris Sweet
Slobberbone's third album is high quality barroom rock, reeking of alcohol abuse and and it's aftereffects.
Rocktronica: Better than Elektrock by Adam Dorfman
Salvo Beta puts out an album of kick ass remixes by people as unrelated as Hrvatski and Melt Banana, defying easy categorization. In order to properly pigeonhole it our reviewer has been forced to create new words and music genres. If only this happened more often...
Punk Rock Lives Happily - Everafter by Becka Lucas
Pitted against many modern pop hits which offer the listener little more than a decent backbeat and the chance of glimpsing breasts in the music video, even this young group of musicians shows surprising skill and the potential for long term durability.
You Gotta Have Faith! by Chris Madsen
Regardless of what popular opinion is on George Michael, this album is his best.
A Surprisingly Good 22 Minutes by Becka Lucas
Backed by instrumentation that screams rock-n-roll, Army of Me manage to capture an original sound, falling squarely between Sinatra and Smashmouth.
Girl Rock Rises from the Dead by Becka Lucas
This isn't rock for the faint of heart. Sure, you've heard “Bring Me to Life” on the radio and in the film Daredevil. You think you can handle anything Amy Lee and Ben Moody can throw at you. Well you ain't seen nothin' yet.
Brutal Planet by Daniel Reifferscheid
In its own dysfunctional way, Fantastic Damage is self-satisfied: there is no conflict going on here, nothing to disturb El-P's (not that original in the first place) concept.
Reconfiguring T-Shirt Phrases Into Catchy Rock Songs by Marty Brown
As soon as you discover Semisonic’s lack of depth, all that’s left is their glorious love of the cliché.
Can't Get Disco Out Of Her Head by David Jack Browning
Minogue’s poignant return to pop is the most welcomed return since the king came back to Pop Camelot last fall. When you release a single as strong as “Can’t Get You Out of My Head,” Minogue’s current hit, we realize how much she sucked in the '80s but how much better she is now. But before you get your hopes up too much, realize that it's not that much better.
Let's Have A Party!!! by Daniel Reifferscheid
For all intents and purposes, a record made for dancing.
Shaken, not Stirred by Dainon Moody
Eleanor took requests during the encore and stuck around to sign CDs and tickets afterward. That, too, was a great thing. It helped those enamored with her to stare just a little longer. It was a win-win situation.
Doro continues doing what she does best by Kevin Buffington
Not Doro's best, but Fight still has a lot of great music for her fans.
Richard, Linda, and Allah by Jody Beth Rosen
First Light, like Dylan's Slow Train Coming, captures the artist at an unusual time in his life, at a spiritual turning point.
Floetry, and It's Not All Right by David Jack Browning
Ah, Floetry. There is flow. There is poetry. There is beat. There is soul. But something doesn't blend like it should. It's like Jill Scott wants to be Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and Eve aspires to be India.Arie. There are just a few problems with that picture.
Got Rhythm. Got Music. Needs a Little More Rhythm. by Marty Brown
Stanton Moore's clearly at the top of his game when it comes to drumming. When he aspires to more than that, he gets into trouble.
Craftful Regression by Tony Pellum
Lacking innovation, mastering craft.
Don't Mess Up A Good Thing by Dainon Moody
When she plays the “Precious Bryant Staggerin' Blues”—a tune basically begging moonshiners to keep out of her stash and asking that someone put her up in their bunk when she staggers home drunk—it's a Polaroid snapshot from her autobiography.
Fooled by April: Catchy Pop for the Lovelorn by Aly Walansky
Fooled by April delivers infectious power pop
The Importance Of Being Earnest (And Looking Depraved) by Daniel Reifferscheid
Light years away from the football chanting of contemporaries like Slade or even the art house sterility of Genesis, Roxy Music were as suave, sophisticated and elegant as they come.
Back when snot was the coolest thing on the block... by Daniel Reifferscheid
Forever Changes seems like the result of a few guys with nothing to do dropping too much acid and thinking they should try out this music stuff, maaaan.
Ambitious Band With Talent to Back Them Up by Laurie Edwards
Dead Poetic is special, and I'm betting they hit the bigtime. Their debut album is a wonderful blend of hardcore and melodic rock. If you like either genre, grab this one as soon as you can.
Bossa Nova, Served Up Italian-Style by Dainon Moody
So what do you get here? A bit of a skipping beat through the duration of 10 songs, with him throwing words in every once in a while to mix things up a bit.
Have A Gay Ol' Time by Tony Pellum
Although many of my favorite Frank Black songs don't necessarily lend themselves to a concert setting and were excluded from the setlist, that never hinders the Catholics from putting on a blistering performance, showcasing their combined talents.
Foolish. by Daniel Reifferscheid
This stuff is just nondescript, and that's the last word anyone should ever have to use to describe Bryan Ferry.
The Dreams of Adrian Hates by Shannon W. Hennessy
Some CDs in our respective collections are for the dark moments; the moments when we need to think about ourselves, those around us, take inventory of our histories and our futures, or just to enjoy the melancholy of a cloudy, thunderstorm-riddled afternoon. Freak Perfume is most definitely one such CD.
Exhume Yr. Idols by Marty Brown
It's difficult to comperehend even the impact an artist like Elvis Presley had on his own time. Where the hell does he fit into ours?
Erykah's Softer Side Turns Razor-Sharp by David Jack Browning
Experiencing Badu's songs live is an experience that cannot be relived in a studio release and probably not as a live album, either. Her live interpretations bring an edge to her tracks when her albums usually lean to the softer side.
Punk Rock Therapy by Kim Lumpkin
In this, the band's fourth release, the tone is drastically changed from one of juvenile mayhem to one of almost aggressively upbeat self-affirmation; the result is a much more cohesive work, a celebration of self-determination and individuality that will leave any but the most stubborn souls smiling.
Fumbling Through Irrelevance by Tony Pellum
Stretch Princess have resorted to throwing darts all over the map, hoping something will stick. Instead, the listener gets treated to a boring game of “name that soulless imitation”
One Nation Under A Groove by Dainon Moody
In the tradition of saving the endangered species, I propose a new campaign much more important than the whales. Save Maceo.
The Future of Folky Country & Western Electronica... by John Dean Alfone
The Future of Electronica...
The Fates' 10th offering by Kevin Buffington
Another typically strong offering from Fates Warning, and one that should appeal to fans old and new.
One guitar filled night by Kevin Buffington
All the guitar shredding mayhem you'd expect from three of the biggest names in the rock guitar world.
White Trash Wonders by Chris Sweet
Booze fueled country rock with a hilarious edge.
Is that you Geoff Tate? by Kevin Buffington
An odd offering by Geoff Tate which probably won't appeal to many of his fans.
Sunny Female Pop-Punk by Emily Budd
Now California contains these hip chicks, Halo Friendlies. This foursome from the Long Beach area grasps the whole Californian attitude and style into their own brand of feel-good, danceable pop-punk.
Centerpieces by Dan Callahan
John Kelly's famous Joni Mitchell act is exquisite and feelingful.
"You're A Chameleon, and I'm Waiting for the Change" by Dainon Moody
The best country moments come in the form of “Forget-Me-Nots” and “Chip Away the Stone”, which, if anything, exposes The Hot Club of Cowtown's range as obvious as a dropped pair of trousers exposes white, naked buttocks.
Quick: Write a Country Song Using the Word "Lozenge" by Jody Beth Rosen
Ghosts of Hallelujah shows The Gourds with heightened creative radar.
Putting the Fun Back In Alternative Rock by Kim Lumpkin
In their debut album, Brakes displays the ability to go from catchy riffs to seven-second punk thrashes to heartfelt (if slightly dirge-like) ballads in the blink of an eye.
Defining the New White MC (part two) by Marty Brown
Pay attention to artists who title their records with loaded words.
Wasted Talent, Wasted Time by Chris Sweet
One step forward, three steps back.
Maximum Overkill—But The Quality Still Shines Through by Daniel Reifferscheid
What idiot would care that it’s cheap Whiskey(town) if it gets you drunk anyway?
Shatner Stands Out With Unbelievable Vocal Performance by John Nesbit
For humor, Golden Throats is one of the best. No one in his right mind would get this for the music itself!
Get To This by Daniel Reifferscheid
a warm record with a great big heart
"Life handed us a paycheck, we said 'we worked harder than this!'" by Brian Block
Good News is American to the core. It's rock'n'roll and carnivals and marches and swamps; willfulness and grime, ambition and temper, and the arrogance to want to fix the world from the ground up.
The American South-Booze, Naked Men, Etc... by Daniel Reifferscheid
As is the case with most singer/songwriters (Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello), there are people who just don’t “get” Randy Newman.
Good Day, Eh ... Our Topic Today Is Beer by Greg Smith
Did Rush's Geddy Lee really sing the following lyrics on a major U.S. hit single?: "Take off, to the Great White North....take off....it's a beauty way to go..."
Avril Lavigne, This is Your Life by Daniel Reifferscheid
They represent what happens when Old meets New much more than they represent some sort of triumph, defeat or subversion of manufactured Pop.
The Title Says it All by Kim Lumpkin
The bad news is that Guess It’s Fine by Montys Loco, a two-woman band from Stockholm, doesn’t do much to overcome the notion that folk-playing “girls with guitars” tend to sound alike. The good news is that with songs this good and the music this tight, it really doesn’t matter.
Thuggin' for Spare Change by Kelechi Emeka
Apparently, not even the warm, inviting bright light can hold 50 Cent. He's back to regale fans with more thug rhymes and street narratives. Be sure to duck when he comes to your town.
Small Club Band Hits the Big Time by Kim Lumpkin
We've all heard stories about bands who dream of playing there, but I never thought I'd be witness to one of these dreams coming true, in this case for the band Guster. Observing this lovefest as a total outsider was an interesting experience for me. It was clear from the excitement in the crowd that this was the biggest show of these guys' careers so far.
The Goo Goo Dolls Play It Safe by Kevin Buffington
If you liked Dizzy Up The Girl, you'll probably enjoy Gutterflower, otherwise skip this one.
New Gwar, New Casualties by Kevin Carlson
Third to be slain was President Bush. Oderus loved his politics of world domination, but when he cancelled their golf game on Saturday...bad mojo. Nobody flakes out on Oderus. Hack City!
Hacked by SMP by Shannon W. Hennessy
A showcase of re-mixes from the Sounds of Mass Production.
Spankin' Beats Like They Was Newborns by Marty Brown
Some of Fatboy’s tracks are so infectious, you forgive him his soulless artistic pandering.
Wisconsin Death Trip by Jody Beth Rosen
A Flannery O' Connor teleplay for an episode of Unsolved Mysteries.
Love Enough For the Whole Wide World by Marty Brown
In honor of Handcream For a Generation's ass-rocking love of all things funner than shit, I'm bestowing Cornershop with nothing less than a perfect rating. Five stars may be excessive, but dammit if it don't feel good.
Long Gone Daddy by Dainon Moody
Get Jewel as Backup Yodeler and hand her a ukulele to plunk along to. This is the stuff that saves singers’ careers.
Music For A Breakdown by Chris Sweet
Tales of heartbreak to the tune of subtle, jazzy pop. It could all come crashing down at any minute.
Flicker & Die by Daniel Reifferscheid
Maybe he should've just made an EP. Maybe he should retire.
Saxon Revisits Their Classic Hits by Kevin Buffington
It may be cheating to re-record your greatest hits, but Saxon doesn't let that stop them from putting out a solid album.
Apocrypha Now by Jody Beth Rosen
Dylan sounded like the hippest fuckin' hillbilly on the block.
Title by Daniel Reifferscheid
Makes a good package for the not yet converted to find out about one of the greatest bands of the past twenty years.
"Let's wander the graphite meadows cold" by Brian Block
Conventionally good singing. Unconventional intensity. Imaginative, stark, and weird instrumentation. Björk is a singer-songwriter too; who says "singer-songwriter" means "pat and obvious"?
Tedeschi shoots for a more contemporary sound by Kevin Buffington
A solid batch of covers that may not do enough to satisfy your blues-jones.
Hourglass - One Small Step ... Back by Becka Lucas
There are so sparkling musical gems that make the whole album worth your consideration. Just 49 minutes of average, not particularly inspired rock.
The mathematical formula to solve Res by David Jack Browning
This disc has its moments of revolutionary pop rock but it's closer along the lines of an attempted coup. It doesn't overthrow the forces of pop music but it definitely leaves some buildings burning and some chaos in the streets.
The Art Funk Soul Sister by Bobby Lashley
In How I Do, Shareese Renee Ballard (otherwise known as RES) not only made the best soul album of 2001; she also stated her case to be along with those great alternative diva's of the past.
Sweet Soul Sista by Dainon Moody
Here it is. Saucy, soulful goodness one can lap up like so much cream from a saucer.
Howlin' Wolf—Intro to Rock Roots by John Nesbit
Howlin' Wolf ranks up there with Muddy Waters for influencing the blues, and all of rock 'n' roll, for that matter!
Payload for the New Metal Order by Jay Hawkinson
Goddamn, these Frenchies are angry!
Before Synth-Pop Was a Dirty Word by Kim Lumpkin
Danceable pop music was never the most respected genre of pop music, but before it became tainted even further by the blatant, transparent prefabrication of the Backstreet Boys et.al, there were musicians who honestly believed they could make meaningful, lasting music in this style. The guys who formed the Norwegian trio a-ha were such musicians.
East Meets West In Electronic Sludgefest by Tony Pellum
Buffalo Daughter are an odd blend of Eastern and Western pop culture, but rather than meshing their influences to cover new ground, they blend everything that America exported and didn’t want back.
Swells and Hushes and Spells and Crushes by Jody Beth Rosen
Not guitar-whiz fast, and not guitar-whiz great, but still perfect.
Portrait of a Soul Man in Eternal Summer. by Bobby Lashley
I Can't Stop's brilliance doesn't lie in his rehashing of any '70s love man poses but in Green's sterling and steadfast dedication to his craft.
Andrew W.K. Parties Himself Straight to the Bank by Kevin Buffington
You'll enjoy this album a lot more if you're easily swayed by positive press.
I Get Wet? Nay, I'm MOIST by Kevin Carlson
An opposing viewpoint of Andrew W.K.'s debut album. It's not banal or trite, on the contrary, it's on par with a Ramones resurrection and needs to be in every CD collection of the country. So there.
The Ghost in the Drum Machine by Jody Beth Rosen
For such a short work, I Might Be Wrong isn't the consistently magnificent mini-opera I would have expected from the perfectionistic and quality-obsessed Radiohead. But after an average start, this contractual-obligation stocking-stuffer becomes a wild gift.
Dunno Where's She's Going—But It's a Fun Ride by Laurie Edwards
Based in country/pop, LeAnn Rimes proves she's capable of performing well in other styles too.
The Lady of Mysterious Sorrows and How She Shook Pop Culture to its Bone by Bobby Lashley
Whatever happened to cause Aretha to let out all her years of studying under gospel's Dutch masters and the flood of emotions of her abusive relationship in a vocal explosion was nothing short of a blessing. Because nothing in pop music has been the same since.
You HAVE to Listen to This. No, Really! by Daniel Reifferscheid
The U.K. in the early '70s—nothing but pompous Prog Rock and tacky Glam Rock? Nay, for there’s a movement from that era that has been sadly neglected by music history—that of British Isles Folk Rock.
You've Heard It before, Done Better by Laurie Edwards
These guys pride themselves on their so-called passion. Passionate about their paychecks, maybe...
Living in a Hee-Haw State of Mind by Dainon Moody
All great bands begin as an idea. Purdymouth WV's sprang forth as the result of a hangover.
Failure to Launch by Dainon Moody
If this is the wave of the concert future, it may be best to clock out now and let others do battle with the rising ticket prices and astronomical service fees.
A Chronicle Of The Early Days by Chris Sweet
Disc one contains some of the most influential music of the '80s.
Weird, Silly, and Mostly Good by Laurie Edwards
There's good, bad, weird, and brilliant all over this album. One song, though, "two karats," made me fall in love with .rodlaver.
The Neptunes Rock the Party That Rocks the Body That Rocks the Cerebellar Hemosphere by Marty Brown
In Search Of… puts on record what most of us already know: that sex is a metaphor for everything.
A Life- and Society-Changing Album by John Nesbit
It was 1963. Who was this group? I’d never heard a song that had addressed issues of peace and justice and freedom so profoundly before.
How Did He Do That? by Daniel Reifferscheid
the music is so great—so sophisticated, so diverse, so funky—that you almost don’t notice Stevie is preaching.
A Classical Spin On All Your Metal Favorites by Kevin Buffington
Trying to imagine what Apocalyptica sound like is next-to-impossible. They have to be heard to be believed.
I Know You Had Soul by Dainon Moody
Just as James Brown could rely on a simple “Heh!” to funkify things, Terence Trent D'Arby depended on the sound, one that became unmistakably his. That being the appearance he’d consumed a 20-ounce cup of dirt and gravel before recording sessions.
Don't Buy the Bad Press—Get the Music! by Laurie Edwards
Forget the sniping about how Jackson has crashed and burned. Take the album on its own; the guy's still putting out high-quality work.
Jersey Attitude Gone Violent by Laurie Edwards
Do these guys really believe the stupid bullshit they're saying? Can't they find a singer who can sing?
More Than a Feeling by Dainon Moody
One album does get by sounding that much prettier than the other – Beam singing on your back porch with a few friends and a banjo versus hovering over his tape recorder in Florida all by his lonesome – but production values move to the back burner when it's being presented live.
It's a kind of magic by Dainon Moody
Singer-guitarist Burns plays the morose card perfectly, marrying what comes out as sad sack vocals with the sound and feel of a slightly-inebriated mariachi band, one that's fighting to stay on its feet and play one final song.
Joe's Back. by Kevin Buffington
Another solid if not completely spectacular offering from the man who popularized Instrumental Guitar albums.
Believe the Hype; Don't Hype the Belief by Marty Brown
Yeah, yeah, yeah, The Strokes take a lot of shit, but, at base, they're one of the best bands we've got.
The Strokes—Better Than Toto? by Daniel Reifferscheid
The Future Of Rock it may not be, but Is This It? does have its moments, in a pedestrian kinda way.
Jack The Volume -- Bring The Noise by Chris Sweet
It's a devestating, frenetic dose. Spike up.
"Rock me, roll me, Jackyl me off!" by Travis Lowell
Jesse Dupree may have been accused of many things, but no one will ever make the mistake of calling him shy.
Still a Voice to Sing With by John Nesbit
With the U.S. poised for war, what could be more satisfying than a Joan Baez concert?
Singing His Greatness! Resounding His Word! by Tony Pellum
Their performance clearly wasn't even a performance—attention was on neither the songs nor the duo, but their hearts shone through as a gift to God.
Nice work if you can get it by Dainon Moody
He did have to cheat and steal glances at the music on his stand a goodly amount of the time, but he accomplished his mission – and in a beige suit and two-toned shoes, no less.
Fascinatin' Rhythm by Dainon Moody
The strings added more than just pretty flourishes to the aural landscape being painted; they also added clouds to a white sand beach, pinks to a sunset filled with oranges and yellows already bleeding into an ocean.
Changing The Face Of Jazz, One Riff At A Time by Dainon Moody
Even more evident was observing that, no matter how good they thought they were, this was Scofield’s show. Sure, he’d coolly step off to the side when Bortnick was bending so far over his axe and playing so fast, a heart attack seemed imminent, but when he returned to reclaim his corner of the universe, his solos were the musical equivalent of his lifting a leg and urinating onstage.
Kings And Minor Prophets by Tony Pellum
Just as we imagine David playing lofty minor tunes on the lyre for King Saul, Jonathan David evokes both a history and a modernity.
All the way live by Dainon Moody
“Into the Sun” and “Honey and the Moon” and even “All of Our Hands” are great tracks to slap onto a mix tape and allow your less-than-knowledgeable friends to try and appreciate them, but, truth be told, he's one hell of a boring performer.
Life, Death and All Things In Between by Becka Lucas
Some music is angry so you can scream along and offer the world your hand basket. Other music is full of energy and gets the blood flowing. Then there is music for quiet one-on-one moments that gets other assorted juices flowing. Journey of Man is none of the above.
Musiq Makes the People Come Together by David Jack Browning
So Musiq Soulchild isn't really caught up on spelling. Perhaps he never won a spelling bee in school. It's not a problem, really, unless you're trying to pronounce the names of his two albums, Aijuswanaseing and Juslisen. It's easier just to put the CD in the player and start right away because Musiq has a lot of ground to cover.
Who's Been To Wave School, Who's Got The Wave Cool? by Daniel Reifferscheid
This, volume eleven, still has just enough gems to justify purchasing it, but there's also a disturbingly high amount of obscurities that should have remained just that, offensive teenybopper hits that aimed for the charts without any sense of wit or innovation, and imitations (as well as prototypes) of stuff that more famous bands like Dexy's Midnight Runners and INXS would do much more with and on a much higher level.
Never Underestimate The Power Of A Hook by Daniel Reifferscheid
I love these songs as if they were my own retarded, hyperactive children.
Justify my love by David Jack Browning
I'm not even going to bore you with my endless diatribes of what songs are good, and how even though the lyrics suck almost as bad as Avril's (i.e. “you're outta this world except you're not green.” Yeah. That's real.). But it just doesn't matter. It just, like, totally rocks. For reals. But I will go on the record and tell you now that Justin Timberlake's solo debut is good. In fact, it's great.
Humanity In Inhumanity by Tony Pellum
The most anticipated album in over a decade is a paragon of complete artistic, electronic freedom.
The View From Under the Knife by Jody Beth Rosen
The language of pain and psychological imprisonment is just another dime in the jukebox, baby.
Rattle Your Goddamn Head! by Travis Lowell
"Since when is a red-headed guitarist more intimidating than the fucking mob?"
Less tongue, more twang by Dainon Moody
For all its acclaim, Kiss is still content to try and dress up its music with spectacle, using makeup and platforms to try and distract audiences worldwide from the one thing it has never had to begin with: talent. Hayseed Dixie strips the overblown rock band right down to its skivvies and, whether intentional or not, exposes how incredibly silly these songs were to begin with.
Another Great Release from Axel Rudi Pell by Kevin Buffington
Probably not the best introduction to Axel Rudi Pell due to the limited number of songs, but fans of the band surely won't be disappointed.
Better and Bestor by Dainon Moody
Bestor's music is of the stuff you might find playing on your office radio. Doing it live, then, requires exposing the smooth parts for what they're composed of. Break it down, show some bones and muscles; get to the inner workings of it all. Make it rougher.
Manic Depression For Your Inner Swede by Daniel Reifferscheid
“everyone dreams of birds/ even you, even me/ and allofasudden you'll end up under a tram/ 'cause downtown is like Chinatown”
Knoc-Turn'al's Mini-Album Should NOT See the Light of Day by Kelechi Emeka
The most anticipated release since Snoop Doggy Dogg? The first mini-album in Hip-Hop history? Don't believe the hype. Hopefully this mess of an album will encourage Knoc to keep his butt in the dark.
Lateralus: Tool's latest opiate for the masses by Kevin Buffington
Tool returns with a ferocious cut filled with anger, hatred and more than just a little hope.
Why Lauryn Hill Doesn't Deserve To Be An R&B; Singer by Bobby Lashley
The Black Arts movement, and its special brand of literary and cultural terrorism, hangs like a wretched scepter through Hill's sophomore album.
Dear God—Wish You Were Here—Gavin. by Tony Pellum
dredg is trying too hard to sound like an innovative Papa Roach—the Sigur Rós of alt-metal—yet with a little focus, they might end up sounding a little less like a high-schooler’s Godspeed You Black Emperor!
Avril Lavigne: 21st Century Junk Culture At Its Best (And Worst) by Abe Scott
Let Go is pretty useless except as an example of early 21st century American junk culture—a work of genius, tapping into a market that hasn't been exploited before—12-15 year old girls who respond to the ‘dangerous' appeal of boys who hang out at the skatepark, think that high contrast black and white self-portraits from above their heads are ‘artsy' and ‘cool', and believe wearing a tie over a tank top is a valid fashion statement.
...and, yes, I will fight you by Marty Brown
Seriously.
Let's Not And Say We Did by Kelechi Emeka
Dust off your dashiki, grab your old Afro pick with the black fist on the handle, and get ready for some serious '70s flashbacks. Love, peace, and soul, Catdaddy.
Bright Eyes and the Big, Bad World by Marty Brown
Once upon a time...
Sws. Ms. by Jody Beth Rosen
These chicks were cute, but not the way cashmere sweaters are cute—the way some bugs are cute when you view them under glass, running around creating science and fun.
The Yellow Roosevelt Avenue Leaf Overturned by Jody Beth Rosen
TMBG: You don't hate them as much as you think you do.
Sockin' the Sock Hoppers by Adam Dorfman
As he loaded the CD into the player, he whipped out an unopened bottle of cheap tequila from a previously unnoticed cubbyhole and cracked it open. Just as he took the first swig straight from the bottle, this super-heavy psycho-surf-guitar-riff crashed into the room at a volume that made the previously loud music seem like it had been whispered...
Bruce Haack Makes Me Haappy by Brian Hogue
Feel the energy! Mind-blowing action songs for children and adults. Group jamming is encouraged.
Tasty Chicken Nugget by Dainon Moody
Easy on the ears, it goes down like Eric Clapton during his Derek and the Dominoes days if the lot of them had tripped out on the Grateful Dead.
Ellis Paul - A Study in Perfection by Becka Lucas
I'm usually up for some good, angry issues rock or loud emo kids yelling about their rotten ex-girlfriends, but there are times when I just want to listen to some actual music...something that isn't obnoxious, but I can still sing along with.
Dib Dib Dib Shubedu Ayeh, Etc. by Daniel Reifferscheid
It’s a great introduction to the world of Brian Wilson’s music, and it contains enough instrumental variation and wonderful harmonising to make it desirable even for those of us who already own the records.
Evidence that Koko is Queen of the Blues by John Nesbit
There's a reason Koko Taylor has won 19 W.C. Handy Awards. Live From Chicago shows you why!
Bruce In a Holding Pattern by Chris Sweet
Bruce treads water here. While there are a few marvelous tracks, there are many to skip over.
The Sounds: A Swedish Invasion? by Aly Walansky
Fronted by a woman that looks like she could kick rock ass as well as Debbie Harry or Courtney Love, The Sounds offer a nostalgic synth-pop appeal, all the while paving the way for an apparent Euro-pop invasion.
Bob Schneider's Lonelyland by Dainon Moody
Some good things are born in Austin. Lonelyland is one of them.
Rokken with Dokken? Not anymore.... by Kevin Buffington
Ardent Dokken fans will probably pick this one up on reputation alone, but for everyone else I honestly can't recommend it.
Good Lord, That’s An Ugly Cover by Daniel Reifferscheid
The Parkinsons are a spirited and promising band. But that doesn’t change facts—2002 is NOT 1977, and the band’s refusal to incorporate anything that doesn’t sound exactly like the Punk of olden days, be it in music or in lyrics renders them ultimately irrelevant.
A Neo-Traditionalist Brings A Legend Aboard by Chris Sweet
Jim Lauderdale's second collaboration with Ralph Stanley and The Clinch Mountain Boys takes modern Bluegrass music to a new level.
12 Rods: Back and Strong as Ever by Aly Walansky
After being cut loose by V2 Records, 12 Rods could have fallen apart and drifted into obscurity. However, this act has shown they still have plenty of juice left, and Lost Time is a powerful new example of what they can do—label, or no label.
Somebody Has To Be the Asshole, So It May As Well Be Me... by Marty Brown
Sure, Dylan's new album is perfect. That doesn't mean we have to like it.
Hype Schmype, This Is Some Cool Shit by Daniel Reifferscheid
It’s becoming more and more obvious that the best way to digest the newest slew of overhyped “saviors of the universe” Rock bands lies in the singles format.
A Poorman's Jeff Buckley by Tony Pellum
Travis’ cliché “there is no wrong, there is no right” has nothing on Starsailor’s “you’ve got your daddy’s eyes, and your daddy was an alcoholic.”
The Psych Revival: Even More Irritating Than the Punk Revival by Jody Beth Rosen
Why do we listen to period psych? Most of it is either dull as fuck or truly disastrous.
New Papa Roach Album: Surprisingly Not Horrible by Marty Brown
...well, somebody had to write about it. Don't judge me.
Aestheticism and Art in (Un)Popular Music by Tony Pellum
It is possible for a work to be the epitome of aestheticism without being recognized with large-scale social significance as a “piece of art.” That said, the aesthetic of My Bloody Valentine’s sophomore album, Loveless is beyond reproach.
The Burdens Of The Midwest by Tony Pellum
Lovely32 shows Podstar's evolution and, from themes expressed in their music, personal lives could benefit from a paradigm and geographical shift.
I've Got Two Sides (Part 2) by Chris Sweet
Acid Funk. Sho' Nuff.
Can you hear that sweet, sweet sound? by Dainon Moody
Mimi at the drums makes Meg White look like an excitable Muppet by comparison.
Getting It Right, Over and Over Again by Dainon Moody
This was the kind of beauty the audience held its breath for. Nobody wanted to miss a note.
Fruits of Her Labor by Dainon Moody
Lucinda: “I don't know why we even bother with a set list, but I don't wanna do the same damn thing every night, either.”
Go Ahead Ota.. by Tony Pellum
This week's theme ingredient: Lumpy Gravy
Iggy Pop Hypnotizes Chickens and Seduces Underage Girls by Jody Beth Rosen
Iggy Pop wants to show you his explosion.
Maceo Parker - January 17, 2002 - Park City, Utah by Dainon Moody
Maceo checks in now and again to make sure the party is still happening, throws out pointed fingers and toothy grins, but then it's back to the punchbowl as it chugchugchugs along by itself.
The Coming of Irrelevance by Tony Pellum
Amazingly, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs have, upon the release of a mere eight songs and without the need for an album, proven themselves a horrible band.
Breathe by Daniel Reifferscheid
Hardly a record that will catapult The Coral to the next level; but at the same time, it's also far from being an embarrassment.
A Rolling Stone by David Jack Browning
Angie Stone prefers simply "soul" to define her music, and not so much "neo-soul," the genre that encompasses artists such as Alicia Keys, Musiq Soulchild and Jill Scott. And Stone is right: her latest effort, Mahogany Soul, is pure soul at its best.
Hot Hot Heat is Burning with Good Ol' Cheer by Aly Walansky
With an almost disturbing level of excitement and cheer, Hot Hot Heat pays homage to the giants of yesteryear while displaying a good amount of creativity of their own.
Maladroit and Weezer's Newfound Self-Assuredness by Tony Pellum
Maladroit is, for the first time in Weezer’s career, densely self-reflexive. It comes closest the carefree days of Weezer’s debut with the experience and, for the first time, the self-assuredness of clear direction.
Loud Echoes from the Birth of Grunge by Kim Lumpkin
What makes this release particularly significant for hardcore Melvins fans is that it is the only release with the very first incarnation of the band (Buzz Osborne on vocals and guitar, Mike Dillard on drums, and Matt Lukin on bass).
I Hear the Whispers, and I Hear the Shouts by Jody Beth Rosen
One of the first successful New York bands to arrive after glam pretty much kicked the bucket/went mainstream/whatever.
Soul man by Dainon Moody
Once the requisite amount of noise is being aimed back in Sexton's direction, then he'll flash a knowing smile and drop into “This Little Light of Mine” in a falsetto that dares to make the dogs in earshot cock their heads in unison.
Maryslim Shows America How To Do Rock 'n' Roll by Kevin Buffington
An amazing debut from a band that could teach America a thing or two about rock music.
The Yardstick by Which All Other Metal Albums Are Judged by Kevin Buffington
Simply put, there is no greater Metal album ever than Master of Puppets.
Two Steps Forward by Tony Pellum
The all-important bridge between the post-punk Yo La Tengo of the mid-'80s and the indie heroes we know and love.
Can't Keep It In by Dainon Moody
Rarely is Delopoulos an agenda-based songwriter. His songs are much more the short story, the snapshot or the poem taken from a series that, while it doesn't make a lot of sense on its own, still has some beautiful lines in it.
The First of the Best of the British Invasion by Laurie Edwards
The Beatles were setting the styles, and those groups who were mostly pop-oriented imitated them slavishly.
The Circle Isn't Perfect, But It's Close by Kevin Buffington
Keenan and Howerdel team up to deliver a solid album that should please Tool fans and newcomers alike.
A Hidden Gem Among the Stones by Kim Lumpkin
The general consensus is that Metamorphosis is the “lightest” and least-consistent Stones album, and therefore, the least characteristic of their sound (exactly why a pop-loving adolescent like me took to it so well).
Music for the ADD set by Kevin Buffington
A slice of musical genius in every area. Progressive metal fans can't go wrong here.
Here's to you, you're the Piano Man by Dainon Moody
Michel Camilo may as well be playing the piano with his feet. He plays so blurry fast and with such pounding danceability in his hands and fingers that it'd make more sense. It'd make a good answer, too, as to why nobody touches what he does with his baby Grand.
Marvin Gaye's Sadness at the Edge of Serenity: The Bittersweet Beauty of Midnight Love by Bobby Lashley
As time passes and Marvin Gaye's legend grows into a space between myth and reality, Midnight Love stands as a mirror of his soul.
Borrowing the Spotlight, but Only For a Minute, Mate by Dainon Moody
Garrett's so completely supercharged, you see in his movements that he yearns for the collective to match his speed and agility as he Pied Pipers his way around, barely missing a wary guitarist, his harmonica on full tilt and halfway down his throat.
Tough Country Attitude by Laurie Edwards
This is a new style of country; Mindy McCready has brass tits, and she don't take no shit from nobody.
They Might Be Giants, Masters of Reinvention by Kim Lumpkin
Each of They Might Be Giants' albums is a testament to their relentless pursuit of diversity and what interests them, and Mink Car is no exception.
Dear John... by Tony Pellum
Neither the fan nor the critic in me can explain "Mr. Xcitement."
A Boy With His Toys by Travis Lowell
Without question, Patton's retreat behind a complex array of microphones and sample-triggering buttons has left many fans scratching their heads.
Across the Moonlit Tides of Lake Hali... by Shannon W. Hennessy
Assembled in four tracks—movements, if you will—Mnemonic Induction stands as a sort of standard; a flag raised on a mountain of dreamscapes by two of the most talented practitioners of atmospheric, musical experimentation.
Mixed Bag of (Mostly) Goodies by Laurie Edwards
Swedes can rock, rap, thrash, and funk; MNW is a collection of the best of current Swedish bands. I hope most of them find their way over here.
Grant-Lee Phillips' Mobilize by Dainon Moody
Grant-Lee Phillips, minus his Buffalo.
Well, It Is, Isn’t It? by Daniel Reifferscheid
At worst, the face of Britpop was the smirking grin of Tony Blair; but at its best, it was marvellous.
It Came From The South by Daniel Reifferscheid
Killer Mike's angry energy and his surprising flexibility suggest that he might yet become a major player.
More Songs About David Byrne Not Having to Prove That He's Creative (A Socratic Dialogue Between Two Talking Heads Fans) by Jody Beth Rosen
It's better than that bland yuppie True Stories mid-'80s shit.
Morning View is Not Rocket S.C.I.E.N.C.E. by Travis Lowell
I can't help but think of what might have been.
The End is the Beginning is the End by Tony Pellum
The Microphones have continued to perfect the intimate distance of the low-fi headphone recording, while creating a sophisticated and transcendent narrative that stands as a microcosm as well as a summation of the band's work.
Step into the Fruit Bats' Belfry by Dainon Moody
It doesn't get much better than this in the folk-pop arena and, well, the Fruit Bats are the ones doing the bar-raising.
Crisis Breeds Determination by Daniel Reifferscheid
No more hiding behind black shades and pretending you're Lou Reed, no more “let's try to make the scariest noises possible from our guitars” sessions, no more poses.
"Music And Wine" Continues To Age Like Fine Wine by Greg Smith
"Music And Wine" wasn't just the best song of the day, of the week, of the month, or of the year...it was the best song of the nineties.
Maybe Maybe Y'All by Daniel Reifferscheid
There's not a hint here of the usual self-defense mechanisms employed by retro rappers—no mentions of wanting to take Hip-Hop back to its roots, no ragged insistence of keeping it underground or old skool. Instead, there's a track called “The Hit Song,” and it isn't meant ironically.
The Convoluted State Of Emo, Part 1 by Tony Pellum
Don’t get me wrong, The Juliana Theory isn’t after girls in the conventional sense, and I know that they have among the most upstanding moral credentials, and I’m sure their musical intentions are genuine as well. But genuine in what sense?
Gotta Be Funky by Dainon Moody
The spools of film doubling as earrings on the cover strike of being over the top. But, ask yourselves, when was a film starring Pam Grier toting a sawed-off shotgun considered typical fare?
The mosh is caught live by Kevin Buffington
This set completely destroys Live: The Island Years and is the definitive live document of Anthrax, a band who sound better than ever.
Memories of the Mineshaft—Pass the Poppers! by Laurie Edwards
Dance, drink, snort, and fuck to the best of French House music...and remember the Mineshaft!
Melodic and Contemplative Storytelling by Heather Marie Harris
Meili blends a combination of musical influences and melancholy, storytelling lyrics into a folksy musical journey on this debut album.
An Electroraprockfunk Epic by Kim Lumpkin
With 25 tracks and a running time of 80 minutes, My Machine is a full-fledged epic, and it is also a concept album, with a message about the dangers of relying on the culture of celebrity for our happiness and self-esteem.
Why I Miss The Jayhawks So... by Chris Sweet
My Own Jo Ellen shows you what is missing from The Jayhawks music these days. One of the best of 2000.
Building a Mystère by Becka Lucas
What do spandex clad contortionists, exotic birds, Canada and this CD have in common? Literally speaking, I do not have a clue, but in my mind they all run together when listening to the exotic and intoxicating music of Mystère.
Like Saint Joan, Doin' a Cool Jerk by Jody Beth Rosen
Guitars, bass, and drums all sneak through the mix like mice in Buckley's cat house, leaping through the moonlight, slithering through the drapery shadow formations, disrupting the rhythmic norms of all unmentionable activities Buckley manages to conjure in our minds.
Buckwheat Zydeco in Concert—Rhythm Room, Phoenix by John Nesbit
Upbeat Cajun music will lift the blues out of you. Extreme party music!
Good For You! by Jody Beth Rosen
Vaughn's irony was wrought so strongly you could practically feel his quotation marks vibrate with friction when he spoke.
Neil's Surprise by Kim Lumpkin
Neil Young was one of the mainstays of my childhood years, one of the artists my parents played endlessly, until certain songs became engrained in my consciousness forever. Since then he has become quite a rock legend, and I was glad to have the opportunity to see him perform live. Little did I, or anyone else in the audience, know what we were in for.
"Keeping still to watch the engines come and go" by Brian Block
A pretty hope machine: mechanized, evocative, and warm.
Ouch... by Shannon W. Hennessy
Definitely not a CD for listening to where relaxation is the goal, Neural Architect is more of an aggressive and pounding CD that I would save for exercise, repetitive labor, or for when alertness and readiness are required for the purposes of completing any given task at hand.
Where God and the Tendaberry Rise by Jody Beth Rosen
Is the news she carries objective? Is New York Tendaberry's artistry reportage, drug-induced dementia, or both?
Imagery Is Love by Laurie Edwards
I strongly urge flower children and bluegrass fans—and everyone who still dreams—to own this album and listen to it often.
"Nerr-vana Forever." by Abe Scott
Classic songs can't make up for soulless corprate product.
Unsurprising Mediocrity From the Mediocre Kings by Adam Dorfman
No Code was released in 1996, about four years after Pearl Jam ceased being relevant in modern music and I honestly don’t see my views changing about Pearl Jam unless they decide to completely overhaul their sound or make a really cool video or if Eddie Vedder decides to find a new corduroy jacket to wear…In other words, not very likely.
Slow and Steady Wins by Kim Lumpkin
The music of Slow Runner is described by the band “like if r2-d2 had an aching heart and a love for the noisiest beatles songs.” It is the brainchild of South Carolina-based Michael Flynn, who sounds a lot like Ben Folds. However you describe it, No Disassemble is an often transcendent pleasure to listen to.
Blige Gets The Award For Best Drama by David Jack Browning
Her album says otherwise, but Mary J. Blige's latest album, No More Drama, has just as much intensity and drama as any other album, as long as you can see past the peppier songs we haven't seen in Mary's latest work. Now that Mary's got it figured out, her album acts like a salve for the drama of our lives.
Downtown 87 by Jody Beth Rosen
No, it's not another one of the rats squeaking—it's a violin! And it's being chased by a hungry baritone sax! Oh no!
Can They Might Be Giants Save Children's Music? by Kim Lumpkin
There’s no reason why They Might Be Giants can’t apply their uniquely childlike (not to be mistaken for childish) sensibilities to an album designed specifically for the kiddies, including fun, smooth-running flash animation for each song, much of it interactive, provided by the talented website designers at the Chopping Block.
Nick Cave Wishes You A Happy Valentine's Day by Daniel Reifferscheid
as slight and as pretty as a walk through the snow on a sunny Winter day.
A Fresh Old Voice On the Music Scene by Kim Lumpkin
Although her gentle voice is aching with vulnerability, she wears her suffering with a quiet dignity and intelligence rather than vocal histrionics or melodrama.
Art Is Pain, Now Shut the Fuck Up by Marty Brown
It's next to impossible to write an effectively gleeful song. On that front, the Promise Ring provide.
Miguel Migs And the Lush, Plush Naked Music Mystique by Greg Smith
The mixing from Miguel Migs is crisp and flawless throughout, and as a special bonus, there is even a caricature of a topless woman on the cover. To say this is a recommended purchase for fans of excellent deep house/club music would be an understatement of immense proportions.
*International Drool* by Daniel Reifferscheid
Truly, Rhino Records did a wonderful job of digging up loads and loads of gems that were previously unknown to anyone except for small circles of collectors, but that should have been gigantic hits.
Dig It by Chris Sweet
This box set is worth its weight in gold nuggets. Every track is a keeper.
"O", How Depressing Rice Is... by Aly Walansky
Damien Rice has a sexy Irish sound and rugged good looks. Too bad his emo-folk is too damn depressing to handle at times.
Cultural Pain Made Art by Laurie Edwards
This album has some astounding highs and some blank mediocrities. Oddly enough, the difference between the two appears to be gender-related. Do men feel culturally-imposed sorrow and pain more fully than women do?
Ghosts of Summers Past by Kim Lumpkin
This album is all about flow, and is by far one of the most cohesive works of pop music I’ve heard in a long time; there isn’t a single jarring moment or abrupt change in tone to break the spell.
Jennifer Lopez: Possibly Not On A Level With Jar Jar Binks by Daniel Reifferscheid
what I like about On The 6, and what gives it a three star rating, is that it doesn't get in the way.
A Question of Degrees by Brian Hogue
If this album was a raspberry danish, and the synth was the topping, it would be lightly dusted with powdered sugar rather than slathered with icing.
I Remember, but does Queensryche? by Kevin Buffington
Easily the best album Queensryche has released since Empire, but Mindcrime II certainly doesn't have the import of the original.
Let's Push Things Forward by Daniel Reifferscheid
A great record not because it so wonderfully evokes the streets, buildings and blokes that it speaks of, but because it puts them all in a new light, interesting new shapes that no one either in the UK or elsewhere had previously noticed.
Yes, It's Essential. So What Else Is New? by Daniel Reifferscheid
We still have Otis Blue, complete with a stylin’ black cover featuring a young blonde who clearly made more than one teenager wank off to her picture (still one of the highest honors you can obtain in the Rock & Roll biz) and everything. And then there’s the music.
That's What Marketing Departments Are For by Jody Beth Rosen
There is a surprising amount of restraint from the usual schmaltzy excesses.
Musical Dreamland by Kim Lumpkin
David Christian Pajo has been referred to as “the Kevin Bacon of indie rock,” having been a part of Stereolab, Zwan, and Papa M to name just a few. But this album is all Pajo. He made the album using cheap computer software, singing in a hushed voice. He often recorded in the middle of the night, and it sounds like it. The intimacy is palpable and seductive.
Reveries for the Beat Generration by Becka Lucas
This is the soundtrack to late night, caffiene and alcohol aided, no-holds-barred discussions with Jack Karouac and company where there is no fear of political retaliation.
Again, With The British Invasions Already by Tony Pellum
Noel Gallagher refers to Coldplay as "a bunch of fuckin' pansies, the lot of them," so we know there must be something lovable about these leaders of the new guitar-rock British invasion (even if Rob Thomas is a fan).
Proving Borderline Insanity Might Not Be Such a Horrible Thing by Marty Brown
The Coup bring back responsible, life-affirming, agenda-fueled hip-hop with a streak of insanity.
Buy It by Travis Lowell
Technology has improved a lot between 1986 and 2004.
Defining the New White MC (part one) by Marty Brown
Though most of Personal Journals finds Sage Francis trying to shed his apparent Eminem influence, moments on the album flourish with truly unique humor and pathos.
Beginnings of '60s Urban Folk Music by John Nesbit
This first album by Peter, Paul and Mary set the stage for the urban folk revolution of the '60s and changed the planet.
Hawkwindian Preposterousness With Heineken Hangovers by Jody Beth Rosen
Udo Kier meets Udo Dirkschneider meets Tiny Tim.
Small Band, Big Sound by Kim Lumpkin
Phaser is not the kind of band that seeks to blow the roof of with hard rock but absorbs the audience into thoughtful reverie with pensive lyrics and intricately layered musical sounds.
Back in the '80s by Yoni Bashan
...however, when egos collide...
Hard to Define, Easy to Party To by Kim Lumpkin
As the title of the review implies, good dance music, especially dance music as varied as this, is easier to feel than to describe, and everyone has a different idea of what can “get the party started.” But there is an undeniable freshness to Kudu's sound that will please dance aficionados tired of the same old techno rhythms.
Piano Bread Is People by Brian Hogue
"There is nothing to be said for thinking things through. It seems better to live with the consequences of doing something than to live with the consequences of doing nothing."
Four ways to survive your first Pinback concert by Dainon Moody
If you can't hear the band, locate your nearest groupie and crouch down low: he or she will be singing along with the band in popular word-for-word fashion and all will be well in your world. It'll be almost like they're lip synching, but ... not. You'll just have to hope the boy so proudly trussed up in the faux hawk and girl's jeans is a good singer.
Shaken, stirred, superb by Dainon Moody
Think drinks with wee umbrellas in them and white sand beaches and trying desperately to remain seated without screaming out “Hey Pachuco!” and you've a taste of their spirit.
Everything I hate about New York rolled into one adorable Japanese pop band. by Jody Beth Rosen
Favorite birth-control pill: Ortho-Cyclen
The Dangerous Mid-Tempo Ballad Song Cycle by Marty Brown
Pneumonia merely hints at the band’s potential, goes and grabs a beer and heads right back to the couch.
Taking it to the limit by Dainon Moody
They're some kind of new folkie Indigo Girls persuasion.
Straight From the Soundtrack of Loser 2 by Tony Pellum
Rock over London, Rock on Manhattan, Kansas.
The Clown Prince of Pop Still Reigns by Kim Lumpkin
The Grammy people may have changed the name of the Comedy category to Spoken Word Comedy (perhaps to shut Al out?), but to the joy of many and chagrin of others, Al keeps on keepin' on, and no other musical comedy artist has come close to the level of popularity Al enjoys. An examination of Al's 11th album, Poodle Hat, may provide some clues to the man's success.
Happy Happy Joy Joy by Dainon Moody
This debut is an attempt where the clear focus is on water. Go ahead. Check out the song titles for proof.
Second Hand Dreams by Daniel Reifferscheid
Look at the cover of Rufus Wainwright’s Poses, and you will notice that though, at first glance, Rufus Wainwright looks depressed, he is in fact just dozing off.
Huzzah! by Jody Beth Rosen
This review practically writes itself.
A Poorman's Radiohead by Tony Pellum
Privacy, while being unoriginal, is completely listenable. Unlike Starsailor who let sappiness, boring arrangement and dragging melodies get the best of them, Kitty Wu do create songs that challenge anything on mainstream alternative radio.
Thorns Without the Rose by Marty Brown
Hurts so good.
A Charming Blend of Old and New by Kim Lumpkin
Covert's first CD was the critically praised Ralph's World, and now, a year later, he has produced the follow up, Ralph's World: At the Bottom of the Sea, an appealing mixed bag of original songs and covers of songs many parents will know and love from their own childhoods.
So Far, So-So by Chris Sweet
Is Prince running out of new ideas?
Stand by my woman by Dainon Moody
What's he look like? Think Kenny Loggins subsisting for weeks on a bread and water diet.
Bright Eyes Brings the Thunder... Go Figure by Marty Brown
On paper, the idea seems horrible. In action, it Rawks.
Evergrey Returns With Another Solid Offering by Kevin Buffington
Evergrey may be a progressive metal band, but even metal fans who can't stand progressive music are bound to enjoy this.
The New Americana by Tony Pellum
Just as Nebraska was the last point in which Bruce Springsteen seemed comfortable with himself as a songwriter, and his most transcendent moment as a storyteller, Eric Bachmann, seasoned from his own history with Archers of Loaf, proves that he can transcend genre, can compose beautiful orchestras and stories simultaneously hopeful, introspective and disillusioned.
"We should paint the moon; i'll load electric pigment on our fingertips" by Brian Block
Ten years ago, there was a movement afoot to claim that Tony Bennett was alternative. Stupidest damn movement in the world. How odd, then, that his elegant and hyper-arranged crooning style, not to mention Queen's, could be made into something honestly alt-rock today.
"Dripping With Drool From the Nerves of This Sentence" by Marty Brown
A hard album to like, an easy album to love.
Opening The Doors to a New Hip-Hop Scene by Kelechi Emeka
Locke's modus operandi is to create uncomplicated, reflective rap flows over simple, head-nodding drums and infectious looped melodies. This fluid combination creates some naturally vibrant and captivating Hip-Hop music.
The Stills: Killer Beat, Retro Heat by Aly Walansky
With some of the best drum action I've heard in years, The Stills present a catchy blend of retro pop and mondern-day grunge.
Rockabilly reigns supreme by Dainon Moody
When The Reverend sang, he sounded like he had swallowed Brian Setzer whole and washed him down with a couple shots of cigarette ash-speckled whiskey.
Smoke'em if you got'em by Dainon Moody
The Reverend Horton Heat delivers a sometimes-smirking Heath in his jeweled flame jacket playing his guitar like Dick Dale crossed with the fingering agility of Angus Young with a small but not-so-secret desire to be Chuck Berry all at once. And that's a good thing. A great thing.
George Lynch revists his own past with surprising results by Kevin Buffington
Frankly I'm astonished at how good these songs sound given the new Lynch Mob treatment. Now if George would only keep it up on his next album of original material.
Celebrating Fifteen Years of Fighting the Power by Kelechi Emeka
The revolution may not be televised, but it certainly is on wax, cassette, and CD. Get a late pass.
Three Taylors In The Band, All Completely Unrelated by Greg Smith
Some music ages like fine wine, other music sounds as dated as moldy baloney. Duran Duran's 1981 LP, Rio lies somewhere in between.
Big Head Todd's Quirky New Offering by Kevin Buffington
Big Head Todd's best album in nearly a decade.
Odd Combinations, Excellent Results by Laurie Edwards
No Doubt has stood the test of time and are an established artistic force with a unique sound.
Ageless Legends Continue to Rock by John Nesbit
Why doesn't Mick Jagger put out an excercise video? I'd rock to that!
"You've been great...and we've been Megadeth!" by Travis Lowell
Their long overdue first live album is two solid hours of aggression, introspection, intelligence, and emotion.
An Overwhelmingly Successful Experiment by Travis Lowell
This is the album that Faith No More never made (but should have.)
It’s Randy Newman And His Heretic Dancing Bear! by Daniel Reifferscheid
As one of the presenters of The Old Grey Whistle Test put it on the show’s recent DVD, anyone who thinks that Americans don’t have a sense of self irony should be submitted to this.
Being Lou Reed by Dainon Moody
Intent on scowling through his songs and clearly opposed to making any other facial expression beyond baring his teeth, it's a little alarming his tales come across as well as they do: they need not be friendly, it appears, to end up being accessible.
The Clash's Fanboy Album by Daniel Reifferscheid
Yes, it's fragmentary, inconsistent, sometimes directionless. And yet, it holds many of The Clash's greatest songs.
Borrowed Time by Dainon Moody
Is comparing her to a sparkly elf who could have easily been passed off as Liv Tyler's warbly high-pitched singing sister in the Lord of the Rings series too harsh a comparison?
Last of the Hard-Core Troubadours by Marty Brown
Best album of 2001.
Eclipsing the Sunz by Kelechi Emeka
It looks like all the faith and prayers of the Sunz of Man could not ward off the evil entity known as the sophomore jinx. Savior's Day suffers from inconsistent production, excessive collaborations, and a serious lack of direction.
Yippee! Country Music Without Redneck Crap! by Laurie Edwards
Scarecrow is definitely country-style, but it has a sophistication beyond most of its genre.
Gary Moore re-explores the rock format with Scars by Kevin Buffington
Gary Moore attempts to combine his rock and roll side with his blues side and the result is Scars, an album which is almost great.
Eve Stings With Power-Punch Raps, Savvy Style by David Jack Browning
Eve stings the competition with her sophomore album, Scorpion. A new pink 'do took over the blonde bombshell of Let There Be Eve... Ruff Ryder's First Lady, and Eve, at 22, shows all she doesn't need anyone to show her what's up in the world of rap. Eve's stinging lyrics put her right in front with Scorpion. She's no longer the first lady of rap—she's been elected president with no term limits.
Philly Street News at Eleven by Kelechi Emeka
Philly and Motown Records is known for soul music right now, but Journalist may be changing that association soon.
Bummed Out Road Trip by Daniel Reifferscheid
It's a grower, in other words.
Lip Service by Dainon Moody
Do the human-sized versions of Cookie Monster or Godzilla have anything to do with the singing of “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots”? Not according to Wayne. He stands in the middle of the madness and sings his high little voice out. This is his world and we're going to enjoy it. And it's a world where Teletubbies are praised, even cheered!
Björk's Grandiosity Hits The Big Screen by Tony Pellum
Björk battles blindness and the big screen in a short, seven-song collection.
Sex in the City by Dainon Moody
"Jazz used to be popular music. People would go out to clubs, listen to the music, go home, and get laid. Simple as that. We're bringing that spirit back." - Steven Bernstein, Sex Mob
Darling, Do You Remember Me? by Dainon Moody
If Clapton had it his way, he'd have stuck to his axe and never allowed the microphone near his face. Johansen, on the other hand, embraces it.
Nothing to Be Ashamed Of by Kim Lumpkin
As the Kid with the most “rock ‘n roll” sensibilities, Bruce McCulloch’s style has always relied heavily on music to play off of or simply enhance the mood, so it’s no surprise that Shame-Based Man is an equal mix of music and comedy, and luckily, both are top notch, enabling the album to bear repeated listening much more than the average comedy disc.
Isaac Brock's Return to Rural America by Marty Brown
Sharpen Your Teeth contains enough goodness to give fans of early Modest Mouse some good, progressive new music, as well as some hope for Isaac Brock and Modest Mouse s future.
when e-mail forwards attack: getting to know the new Tris McCall album by Brian Block
A smart, character-driven, multiracially-influenced set of New Wave pop songs, whose author cares as passionately about Hudson County, New Jersey as each of us should care about where we live.
UFO Live in Germany by Kevin Buffington
UFO's latest live release may not be another Strangers in the Night but it is a solid live set that fans of the band should definitely pick up.
Lukewarm by Daniel Reifferscheid
Stick to buying the t-shirt, dude.
And Then The Kids Got Silenced by Daniel Reifferscheid
Sometimes, even if just for a few seconds, a group comes along that’s so universal, so right, so mind-blowingly great that suddenly all these different groups that us teens have divided ourselves into come together and it’s all wonderful and righteous and good.
Old Friends on Tour by John Nesbit
Essentially a Greatest Hits concert, Simon & Garfunkel bring back the late 60's.
Hippy Hippy Shake by Dainon Moody
She half-whispers through some verses of the samba-ized “Blue Skies” and comes off like an 80-year-old Betty Boop in the straight-laced “Over The Rainbow”.
Castaway Into Insanity by Kelechi Emeka
Only slightly less enjoyable than being stranded on a desert island with Mary Ann and Ginger.
Metal Madness by Kim Lumpkin
Perhaps in welcome reaction to the barrage of over-produced, image-dominated music that still holds a death grip on the radio airwaves and musical channels these days, the '70s style of metal certainly seem to be making a bit of a comeback, one band at a time. What Whitestarr are doing for southern fried rock, Bad Wizard are doing to keep raucous Black Sabbath type metal alive.
Thee Bargayn Byn! by Daniel Reifferscheid
Then Jimmy Lea gets his violin out and woohooo!!!
Get Boned by Dainon Moody
Elvis may have taken “Thank you, thank you very much” with him to the grave, but Brent Best will take “Thank you so much” with him to his. Manners were showing like two sizes too big, hiked-up undiewear.
Be Prepared for Anything, At Anytime, From Anybody by Tony Pellum
Non-traditional nontet explores orchestral rock ambience.
The Arsenal of Megadeth Can't Be Rid by Travis Lowell
...frontman Mustaine and bassist David Ellefson were nearly as drug addled as Poland and Samuelson; and So Far, So Good...So What would go on to be riddled with production problems from the outset.
Alone, but never Lonely by Becka Lucas
Britney may be the "Pop Princess," but la India is "La Princessa de Salsa," and doesn't have to share a crown.
Sex in the Jazz Club by Dainon Moody
This isn't acid jazz; it's more like Miles Davis and Phil Spector meeting in a trippy experimental daydream.
No Man, That’s Somethin’ Else! by Daniel Reifferscheid
Still, I think that even foregoing my obvious bias, Something Else By The Kinks should be counted amongst the greatest albums of all time (although, of course, only my bias matters—personal passion is, after all, the only way of measuring the greatness of a record).
A Stranger In A Strange Music Collection by Jerry Cantu
Iron Maiden took a bold approach to this album. After the success of Powerslave, it was the right time to take a risk. Although not Maiden's best, this album is a must have for any fan of the band, or the metal die hards out there. They used synthesizers perfectly to fit the music here, instead of the opposite.
Alicia Hits Some Of The Right Keys by David Jack Browning
She's a media darling. Everyone's fallin' for her. So what's special about Alicia Keys? Truthfully, not too much. Sure, she's got an interesting sound. It's a tad different than most pop/R&B; stuff out there right now, but it's not the best. Give Keys a few years, an album or two, and she'll really show us what she's worth.
Gray Areas of Vega's Latest Are Red Hot by David Jack Browning
Even with an album as good as Songs in Red and Gray, most will miss Vega's best work, but shouldn't. After an extended absence, master musician of the mellow Suzanne Vega returns with an album so soothing, so incredibly captivating, it will calm the nerves of any listener. Note: Do not attempt listening while driving.
Faith to Spare by Dainon Moody
Meet George Michael, Torch Singer Extraordinaire.
Changing The Face Of Bubblegum Pop? by Tony Pellum
Guitar-driven pop rides the "boy band" wave, yet demands slightly more of the genre.
The Pornography Of Despair by Chris Sweet
A jarring trip through the angst-filled life of Matt Johnson.
I've Got Soul, But I'm Not a Soldier by Dainon Moody
This, on the other hand, serves only as a snapshot of the amazing time you missed. And, now that you've reached the end, you may proceed with the kicking of yourself, starting now.
The Art of Half-Assedness Part 1 by Tony Pellum
Souljacker is, for the first time, neither depressing or overtly striving to avoid depression, and in so, he has written some of his most beautiful blues to date. Yet Eels have done so in a spirit of thrown-together non-musicianship.
A Diamond Amidst the Darkness... by Shannon W. Hennessy
Every now and then, something comes screaming out from under Crap Mountain (AKA, MP3.com), and it is usually something worthwhile, something on a higher evolutionary platform than that which has buried it, and has a survival instinct and life expectancy outside of the ecology that it has been forced to share with those lesser than itself. The Synthetic Dream Foundation is one such something.
The Prolonged Death Throes of Rawkus by Kelechi Emeka
Alas, poor Rawkus! I knew them, Hip-Hop heads: a label of infinite talent, of most excellent artists: it hath borne rap on its back a thousand times; and now, how abhorred in my vision it is!
The Dark Wood; The Sunny Hill by Tony Pellum
Frantically violent—meticulously chaotic.
Starry Skies, Lonely Nights by Tony Pellum
Havalina is quick to namedrop The Pixies, Neil Young and Tom Waits as artists who have transcended any genre or time and have become driving forces in the music. In this sense, Peace, Love & Bullfighting is Havalina’s grandest step towards becoming true auteurs.
Stump Returns to Save Us from Ourselves by Kevin Buffington
Pretty much exactly what you'd expect from a Joe Stump album; jaw droppingly impressive guitar work at a speed and volume which will eventually kill brain cells.
The Heart of Pop Rock by Kim Lumpkin
What surprised and impressed me the most was the heart and craftsmanship that went into both their songs and their performance. And in the music business, which rarely supports artists they can't exploit and burn out, that is all the more impressive.
A More Mature Offering from Maryslim by Kevin Buffington
A solid and more mature followup to the band's stellar debut album. Track these albums down if you can.
A Revamped Metallica with a Revamped Sound by Kevin Buffington
An interesting, but not competely impressive step forward that felt like past history as soon as it hit the shelves.
A Fine Romance by Dainon Moody
As it was, if a blind man were to have attended her performance, he'd have been able to pick out that she was happy and in love.
Climb Aboard by Kim Lumpkin
Swedish rockers The Ark became a proud part of the unofficial backlash against what lead singer Ola Salo describes as “that authenticity bullshit,” referring to the calculated “anti-image” of the grunge, garage, and emo music scenes.
John Linnell to World: "Hi. I'm White." by Jody Beth Rosen
This is the other guy in They Might Be Giants. The one who DIDN'T write that nauseating Malcolm in the Middle theme song. Forget that thing even exists, OK?
Do that to me one more time by Dainon Moody
The faithful were able to witness a band so willing to give its all that, were a videotape of the show ever released, it could double as an aerobic workout routine for budding rockers.
Still Rappin and Annoyin by David Jack Browning
In the same regard that Ja Rule should not sing, Kingpin Skinny Pimp should not rap. Ja Rule was much better at his game when he rapped and Kingpin Skinny Pimp was probably better when he was not behind a microphone. It's a good thing the Memphis metro area really loves Skinny Pimp because I sure as hell don't. And something (maybe taste) tells me I won't be the only one.
Weird Al Is Dead, Long Live Carl Winter! by Daniel Reifferscheid
Here’s the good part, though—he gives away his CDs for FREE!
Still, Alive...And What the Hell? by Travis Lowell
Unless you're the most hardcore of fans or you're a complete Megadeth newbie you're not missing much.
Somewhat Clever, But Still Same Ol' Emo by Aly Walansky
Plain White T's is yet another emo-pop band singing about lost loves to a mellow backdrop. What sets this band apart is that they find clever ways pull you in—singing about the same ol' stuff with thought-provoking lyrics and catchy sound. Still, they pretty much sound like Jimmy Eat World.
PJ's Twisted Tribute to Love by Marty Brown
PJ Harvey may hate falling in love, but her amorous discomfort makes for one hell of an album.
Creative Violence by Jody Beth Rosen
At times, Strange Little Girls is unforgivably lousy. But there are three, four, maybe five songs here that flirt with brilliance.
A pleasantly surprising Italian metal band by Kevin Buffington
Yet another quality European metal band with a decent, if not spectacular, record.
Take it on the run by Dainon Moody
Screw the superlatives already. Why dance around it? This is amazing, amazing music. It inspires. It creates fan boys out of full-grown men and groupies out of critics.
"Not With a Bang, But A Whimper" by Tony Pellum
Summer Sun is the Goat's Head Soup that ended Yo La Tengo's run at greatness since 1993's Painful.
What You Once Were Isn't What You Wanna Be Any More by Marty Brown
I've lived with Summerteeth for a couple of years now, and—miraculously—I only love it more and more with each listen. Now that Wilco has released Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, the substance on Summerteeth is enriched, as if it captured Jeff Tweedy in his final moments of insecurity before he decided to become a genius...
Devil Inside by Dainon Moody
I never knew it before witnessing it myself, but brief moments of possession make for a scintillating performance.
Yesterday's Songs by Dainon Moody
It was paint-by-the-numbers schmaltz when the songs called for it, but Super Diamond could still tack a GNR “Sweet Child ‘O Mine” riff at the end of “Sweet Caroline” and make it work.
Amongst The People by Daniel Reifferscheid
an album that is all about finding ways to deal with one's peers
Forgivably Poetic Pathos by Tony Pellum
Fumbling Towards Repetition. Repetition I need to hear.
Ack—Dare I Say, "Quintessential"? by Tony Pellum
This centerpoint of The Pixies' history defines the alternative era to come.
The Saint Conquers All by Kevin Buffington
Armored Saint's finest hour comes in the midst of their darkest time.
Other Music for Undernourished Neurotics by Jody Beth Rosen
In 1977, Talking Heads were scaring the heck out of middle America with their brilliant debut album.
Music as an Emulsifier by Becka Lucas
Composer Gus Flaherty creates an intricate and rich tapestry of passion and intrigue
Sweet by Daniel Reifferscheid
Retro? Yes, darling, but it's not the dull, characterless form of Retro that goes around elswhere—there's more than just craft going on around here
Grizzled, Gray, and Far From Gone by Dainon Moody
Willie has been singing most of these songs since the 1960s. If ever there was a chance for him to sound more relaxed with the material than with songs he's recorded for the first time, well, this is it.
Hippest country cats in the business by Dainon Moody
A little bit country? Nope. Lots more than that.
Hip shake baby by Dainon Moody
The Colonel swung from the upper wires looking not unlike a malnourished Conan O' Brien (or Danny Kaye doing some serious character acting as a crack addict) while the owners stood agape, taking turns shrugging their shoulders at one another.
Riff! Riff! Riff! Marketing! by Daniel Reifferscheid
Always a good thing, marketing or not.
Dude, Kids These Days Are Fucked Up by Daniel Reifferscheid
So many moments on this album seem to prove that he has an empathy, a full blown connection to all the shit and gold that mingles on his record, from The Buggles to Eminem, from Kylie Minogue to Radiohead. And yet this feeling is never quite embraced.
Repackage! Resell! by Chris Sweet
Great music but this stuff can be found elsewhere at a cheaper price.
Urbane Cowboy by Kim Lumpkin
As many artists have discovered, it can be quite liberating to do something that is totally different from what they are known for. And like fellow Canadian comedian Bruce McCulloch, he proves he really can carry a tune, with a deep, mellow voice more Tom Monroe than Seymore Krelborn, managing to convey just the right amount of humor and sincerity in each track.
We're An Accordion Band by Dainon Moody
Those Darn Accordions is not as fluffy sweet as cotton candy, as one may deduce upon a first casual listen, but yearns for and exposes truth from deep within its gooey center.
Redefining Christian Hip-Hop by Tony Pellum
Already considered a veteran Christian MC, comfortable both in front of the mic and behind the production board for years, his debut album, The Ballpoint Composer shows an evolving side of Christian music.
Take These Planets And Shove 'Em. by Bobby Lashley
B.O.B.W. is a glaring and at times morally reprehensible failure that does its best to forward the notion that all the "tortured" angst ridden poses that Jay and R. have done in the past were just poses.
Boys to Men by Kim Lumpkin
In the days when Backstreet Boys and Spice Girls ruled the airwaves and video channels, the Hanson boys, with their wholesome image and retro looks, were like a throwback to a more innocent time, relying more on optimism and talent than the cynical, calculated raunchiness of NSYNC and their ilk.
I've Got Two Sides (Part 1) by Chris Sweet
The dark side of the funky genius.
The very best of Iced Earth by Kevin Buffington
A great introduction to the band for fans new to Iced Earth. Beware though, The Blessed and the Damned will leave you wanting even more.
Blind Boys of Alabama - January 25, 2002 - Ogden, Utah by Dainon Moody
Given the age of the Blind Boys, it was like listening to the songs on an LP, complete with a perfect amount of pops, crackles and buzzes.
Life and Times of S. Carter, Sensitive Sociopath by Marty Brown
In an oft-quoted line from The Blueprint, Jay-Z says, “If I ain’t better than Big, I’m the closest one.” The comparison is only somewhat accurate.
Dream Evil's "Book" comes to America by Kevin Buffington
A very good album that doesn't quite live up to my exceedingly high hopes for Dream Evil.
Hardcore Moving Mainstream by Laurie Edwards
Though grounded in hardcore, this Florida band is showing signs of moving closer to center by tightening their sound, writing intelligent and sensitive lyrics, and adding some harmony. It's a nice move, and it should bring them new fans and better sales.
Ultimate Elvis Collection by John Nesbit
If you've only heard Elvis' greatest hits, you haven't heard his best material. It's sure to be in this box set.
A Cornerstone of Rock and Roll by Chris Sweet
The Complete Stax/Volt Singles 1959-1968 [Box Set] is an incredible monument to soul music.
Cruel To Be Kind by Dainon Moody
Nick Lowe ups the schmaltz factor, leaving his cowboy boots by the wayside.
Chan Marshall's Troubled Waters by Jody Beth Rosen
Cat Power has been down by those devil's waters, with those Stephen King eyes of hers, taking stock of it all.
Southern Anthems by Brian Hogue
"Love is a tired symphony you hum when you're awake."
This is not your mother's Blondie...or is it? by Kim Lumpkin
Despite its long history full of ups and downs, Blondie, arguably the most successful new wave band of all times, is not resting on its laurels. Curse is full of the spunk and spirit that put Blondie on the map and satisfy long time fans, but it is also fresh enough to appeal to a whole new generation
Portrait of a Soul Queen in Spring by Bobby Lashley
With one album, Alicia Keys jumps up from the most overrated R&B; artist since Michael Jackson to the best young talent R&B; has seen in a very long time.
Your Favorite Film Scores Done the Fantômas Way by Travis Lowell
This band could sit around a microphone, loudly chewing their food, and some critics would hail Fantômas' "work" as a sonic breakthrough.
Yes, Phillip, Androids DO Dream... by Shannon W. Hennessy
The long-awaited, new, full-length release from Android Lust sees anticipation transformed into astonishment.
Electronic Beats, Acoustic Cello, and Optimistic Trainrides by Tony Pellum
The Michigan-based trio of Andrew Prinz and Allysa Massais, both trained in classical cello, combine with Andrew’s sister, Marissa on Arp Synthesizer to solidify a dreamy atmosphere.
Steve Vai: Soundtrack King by Kevin Buffington
Vai fans and fans of soundtrack music should definitely give a listen to this one.
More Mouth Music for the Masses by Kelechi Emeka
Beware flying spittle. With Scratch's ferocity at his unique brand of "vocal turntablism," you may end up with a little more than flava in your ear.
Real Name, No Gimmicks by Tony Pellum
This time when Eminem exorcizes his demons, we can’t help but feel for the guy.
You're All Right by Marty Brown
Either way, you have a lot of explaining to do.
Ethel Merman Boogie-Oogie-Oogies by Dan Callahan
The Ethel Merman Disco Album is a camp classic not to be missed.
Girl, we couldn't get much higher by Dainon Moody
As far as a reaction went, nobody seemed prepared to know how to do so. So the Fiery Furnaces didn't allow for one. Still, the silent staring and slack jaws were testament enough of something rarely expected or seen at a live performance: amazement. It is by no means overstating to let on that seeing this kind of magic onstage will only happen a handful of times in a lucky concertgoer's lifetime.
The Emo-Prog Connection by Tony Pellum
Sadly, it seems as if Enigk has lost his passion for emotional rock in favor of King Crimson thievery.
A Glorious New Start for Iced Earth? by Kevin Buffington
The Glorious Burden isn't perfect, but the "Gettysburg" epic will stand as one of the crowning achievements of the genre.
The King takes on the King of Kings by Dainon Moody
Elvis is the only performer I know who can mix God and sex in the same song—it's all in his presentation.
All in the Family by Dainon Moody
It takes a special kind of lady to admit watching a Best in Show competition while playing her bass onstage is as distracting as watching porn.
U2's The Joshua Tree—A Blockbuster With Substance and Style by Greg Smith
It is widely believed among diehard fans of U2 that The Joshua Tree was meant to be a double album, as evidenced by the plethora of non-album b-sides that appeared on its singles.
A Powerhouse Duo of Talent and Good Cheer by Kim Lumpkin
Other critics have noted that the Kennedys' sound reaches well beyond the folk realm, so it's not surprising that they play a variety of musical styles in concert.
Memories of England by Laurie Edwards
Dave Davies longs for what never was and expresses his sorrow beautifully.
Where the Ladies and Gentlemen Floating in Space Have No Name for the Bends by Brian Block
A gorgeously crafted and sung album, warm and melancholy and anthemic all at once.
The Ridiculous, the Portentous, and the Brilliant by Stephen Murray
Although the theme from The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly is Morricone's single most remembered number, it is the opening scene of Once Upon a Time in the West in which the music and visuals are most perfectly fused.
34 1/2 Love Songs by Marty Brown
Love songs, Wild Turkey and you.
Classical Pop by Kim Lumpkin
Technically, the Magnetic Fields can be classified as a “pop” band, but the experience of one of their concerts is much more akin to a classical music performance, and the result is both unique and highly enjoyable.
A Touch of Magnificence by Kelechi Emeka
While Will Smith is in Hollywood saving the world from deadly aliens, DJ Jazzy Jeff is in Philly, saving the world from wack music.
Eminem: Artistic and Social Discussion by Tony Pellum
Homosexuality, Violence, Parenting, and Vicodin
Apparently, Eminem Is Whatever I Say He Is... That's a Huge Responsibility by Marty Brown
Not a flawless album by any stretch of the imagination, but raw and imperfect like a landmark album should be.
KRS-ONE Challenges Hip-Hop: Profits or Prophets? by Kelechi Emeka
At its core, The Mix Tape is a passionate assault on commercial rap and a call for Hip-Hoppers to work to reclaim their culture. Class is once again in session.
Surrealist Punk by Jody Beth Rosen
The common household cleanser cut into your designer drugs.
Sympathy For the Devil by Marty Brown
Your enjoyment hinges on which strings of your heart the devil decides to pull.
Masterpiece of the Human Condition by Tony Pellum
College boys deliver their thesis on humanity.
The Nacrasti by R|A|A|N by Shannon W. Hennessy
Where you go when you experience R|A|A|N is limited only to your own imagination, but it is a trip worth taking.
There's Nothing Wrong With Normalcy by Marty Brown
This collection of B-Sides and rare singles shows Built to Spill at their purest, if not their best.
A Focused Effort From the Prog-Metal Masters by Kevin Buffington
Symphony X's latest release is among the band's, and the genre's, best.
More Masterfully Told Musical Tales by Kim Lumpkin
This second album is not startlingly different from Brian Dewan Tells the Story, but thanks to the boundless variety of Dewan's subject matter, there are still plenty of new things to discover.
Image And Sound by Tony Pellum
Relaying lyrical imagery through auditory senses takes longer for image particles to appear. Especially when the hooks are so darn catchy.
The Blueprint For All Divas by Chris Sweet
A must for any music collection.
Welcome 2 The Dawn by Chris Sweet
Prince shows he knows no boundaries as he takes self-indulgence to the limit.
Hi. I'm Lou Reed, And I'm Totally Fucking Insane by Daniel Reifferscheid
A chaotic mess
Raw Chicago Blues, Almost Live by John Nesbit
It's best to see Buddy Guy perform live in a small club, but The Real Deal will have to satisfy until he comes to town.
Faith No More: The Real Thing by Travis Lowell
If one carefully reads the lyrics he can see that they follow several themes: love, obsession, loss, and victimization.
Irony Is Dead. Welcome Back, Banality! by Daniel Reifferscheid
Yes, it's better than “Let's Roll”, “The Angry American” and, for what it's worth, The Concert For NYC. But if we truly believe that an album as half baked and Goddamn *dull* as The Rising is the best that we can do, then truly, Bruckenheimer has already won and we might as well give it all up anyway.
Cinematic Minimalism and Electronic Alienation by Tony Pellum
Ultimately cinematic in scope, The River Made No Sound constantly forms silent moving pictures, whether it spans lonely highways or the subtle brilliance of a Kurosawa rainstorm.
Something Old, Something New by Dainon Moody
Sure it sounds like the score of a meandering spaghetti western from the get-go, but in its refusing to be any kind of a slave to convention, the rug's pulled out pretty quickly. In other terms: if Clint Eastwood was strolling through town with a couple tumbleweeds in the beginning, he'd be forced into doing a water ballet routine atop the cow trough by the end.
Languorous But Never Boring, Melancholic But Never Depressing by Stephen Murray
I like to let the sound wash over me. The music may be too undramatic or too melancholic for some others.
Now I Wanna Sniff Some Ikea... by Daniel Reifferscheid
Most of these contributions sound somewhat nastier than the originals.
Roses In Concrete (The Britpop Revolution Starts HERE) by Daniel Reifferscheid
The best thing about The Stone Roses, as I said, is that feeling of brotherhood
Up for the Down Stroke by Dainon Moody
The Strokes taste good. And if you get to the center of the lollipop a little quicker with them than others, so what?
The Jazzyfatnastees and the Philly Soul Avant-Garde by Bobby Lashley
The Tortoise and the Hare is where they take those giant leaps that they had feigned to their listening audience before. Where they establish themselves as genre bending wrestlers of various styles all in a layered pastiched medium. It is also a record that puts them in the highest order of soul artists working today.
The Most Flattered Album of All Time by Tony Pellum
A look at current-day manifestations of the most influential album of all time.
No Man Could Shout Louder by Daniel Reifferscheid
If you need a quick high quality fix of honking and shouting, pick this one up.
The Power of Two by Dainon Moody
In a very real way, happening upon The Waifs in Salt Lake City is a lot like stubbing your toe on buried treasure. It's one of those happy accidents.
Let Me Tell You How I Feel, Remy by David Jack Browning
Remy seems to take us back to a day when mezzo funk was the smoothest thing since the induction of Nair. He’s got the right touch with the music—his blend of electric piano, guitar, bass and drums (all played by Remy) seems to be the perfect one-man band. But what he doesn’t have is the voice. The boy cannot sing.
Oooh, Weren’t They Clever... by Daniel Reifferscheid
The Who Sell Out remains a testament to what The Who were capable of when egos and laziness didn’t get in the way. It isn’t timeless, but as a time capsule, it works great.
Keep Him in Your Heart for Awhile by Aly Walansky
A fitting self-penned tribute to the embodiment of rock noir, "The Wind" by Warren Zevon is a masterful body of work. Made even more poignant by Zevon's death this week, this is album that celebrates an icon of classic rock as he says his final goodbye with a little help from his friends.
"This is a rock show, not a TV show!" by Kim Lumpkin
To attempt to fully capture what a TMBG show is like for those who have never been to one may be a futile exercise, but it is worth the effort since this is a band that deserves to be seen live in order to fully experience the energy and fun they generate, and which even their TV appearances don’t do full justice to.
Holiday Angst You Can Dance To by Kim Lumpkin
It’s hard to complain about Holidayland since it was totally unexpected, and for anyone who likes TMBG but has never heard such goodies as “Feast of Lights” or “O, Tannenbaum,” it is a definite must-have, and it would make a wonderful stocking stuffer for any TMBG fan on your list.
Hail to the King by Dainon Moody
It's a bit like a time capsule of the music industry at the time, capturing a period when one singer's influence was so pervasive, all others wanted a piece of the action, expressing it musically.
Lessons Learned from Rock-n-Roll by Becka Lucas
These off-the-wall characters grew up in the '80s, and the music of that decade left a clear impact on them.
Watch Out Kids, It's A Groove Record! by Daniel Reifferscheid
They find a niche to groove in and then they just stand there until everyone is bored.
Exile in Memphis by Jody Beth Rosen
Even though Big Star have received overwhelming acclaim and are often cited as a major influence of many musicians, they never enjoyed success while they were a band.
Through A Glass, Darkly by Tony Pellum
C.S. Lewis, in poppy art-guitar form.
BR5-49: Still Alive, Still Kicking - Sortof by Dainon Moody
Fans of Hank Williams rejoice: the rockabilly BR5-49 is not dead ... yet.
Embrace the Pain and Blood by Laurie Edwards
Excellent music, gorgeous agonizing lyrics...and the shitty lead vocals that dropped this album from 4 1/2 stars to 3 1/2.
Model Timeless by Daniel Reifferscheid
Those who've heard Costello's classic debut, My Aim Is True might notice that the lyrics on his second album testify to a very odd process—that of dematurization.
A Culture Lost by Jerry Cantu
Cheese! Cheese! Cheese! but don't we all like it on our burgers? This is not a "great" album, but does give us a temporary escape to dream of what could be. Just be sure to slap yourself back into reality after listening.
You Don’t Get Dirt On Your Hands By Hanging ‘Round The Library... by Daniel Reifferscheid
Syd Barret once noted that “You shouldn’t try to be what you can’t be,” and this applies very well to Gillian Welch. She’s a strong artist on an indie label, so why does this record feel like she can’t decide anything for herself?
The Art of Half-Assedness Part 2 by Tony Pellum
The Breeders can't be criticized for putting out a seemingly "incomplete" album. That's the point. What must be examined is how well Title TK accomplishes this aesthetic, and how valuable this aesthetic is.
To the Faithful Departed: Take This With You When You Go by Becka Lucas
Were they trying to be revered yet misunderstood like so many “we hit the mark in the early '90s” bands?
Breaking the Mold by Dainon Moody
Whereas dad was always on the verge of cracking up and was eager to please his audience, she doesn't have much of that familiar Southern charm to go around: she's much more likely to give any critics a good swift kick in the jewels.
Tiger Man by Dainon Moody
It's a night that demanded big red panties be thrown to the stage. And, from one vantage point, pink and fuchsia ones worked as well. Tom Jones is not a picky panties guy.
Tomahawk's First Cut by Travis Lowell
On their debut album, Tomahawk's signature sound is perhaps best described as "drunken cowboy spy rock."
Nina Gordon - Now in Regular and Veruca Salt-Free by Becka Lucas
While our collective ears are assaulted by the barrage of teenybopper love songs touting either lust or fidelity (seemingly all sung by 13-year olds), it is refreshing to find an album with more than a good choreographer to back it up.
*Drool* by Daniel Reifferscheid
Music that is as transcendental and funky as anything that the USA or the UK ever produced.
Sound and Fury by Kim Lumpkin
The genre with the silly label “nü metal,” including such bands as Slipknot and Insane Clown Posse, is characterized by bands who dress in outrageous, sometimes grotesque costumes in order to stand out from more conventional looking rockers such as Limp Bizkit or Staind.
A Hefty Slice of Helloween Pie by Kevin Buffington
For those who don't really care about getting every Helloween album, this is the first and last album you should get.
Stick With "The Real Thing" by Travis Lowell
Unfortunately, far too many songs on this album leave me longing to hear Fred Durst belt out his rendition of "Ashes to Ashes." And that's really saying something.
Aight Vol. 3? by Kelechi Emeka
Though certainly not another Fantastic, Slum Village's latest effort proves that three is still the magic number.
Minimalist Climax by Tony Pellum
All space-goo evaporated, leaving only dispersed surf-punk elements scattered about the Sonoran desert.
Debut of Blues' Future Queen by John Nesbit
If you don't find Shemekia Copeland in the blues section, check the soul, gospel, or rock sections because this little lady crosses the lines like no one you've ever heard!
Tyranny Strikes Back! by Yoni Bashan
Nothing irritates me more than when I stroll into my local guitar store and receive condolences for having a Floyd-rose setup on my guitar
Tartan Terrors in Concert by John Nesbit
Tartan Terrors set themselves apart from the plethora of Chieftains clones with the stage presence and tremendous sense of humor--a Celtic group worth seeing live!
Do the Scorpions still have it? by Kevin Buffington
An album that should please fans but won't be getting much airplay, even on stations that still play "Rock You Like A Hurricane" to death.
Pick Me Up, Give Me Some Alcohol by Chris Sweet
Cash repeats the high quality performance he turned in on 1994's American Recordings
Ghost-Rock Monotony by Brian Hogue
It pains no one more than myself that I have to speak so lowly of someone whose scientifically-inspired-fairy-tale-rock used to generate such a different response from me.
Quirk-Pop Hip-Hop Acid Trip True School Good Sex Masterpiece! by Daniel Reifferscheid
The greatest thing ever.
Hair-Down Hoedown by Dainon Moody
Looking amazingly like she was in dire need of a walker or crutches—or both—she did a splendid job emulating the knock-kneed, stumbling drunk women of America.
An Astoundingly Average Album by Travis Lowell
No longer is Korn a frustrated, brooding group of individuals hell-bent on creating strangely accessible dark anthems.
The Child Stays in the Basement by Marty Brown
Untouchables ends up heavy on stadium rock bluster, with precious little of the musical texture and intricacy that made Follow the Leader one of the few transcendent albums of its genre.
Welcome To The Treehouse by Tony Pellum
The former bassist of Scottish indie-cult Belle & Sebastian released his side project's debut with his wife and brother-in-law in early 1999 to a very limited audience.
Kiddie Fun, Easy Message by Laurie Edwards
"Not fair, my poor hairbrush Oh, where is my hairbrush? Nowhere not fair oh where oh where not fair! My little hairbrush"
The Sha Na Na of Garage Rock by Abe Scott
Revivalist mediocrity at its worst.
The wonders you can create with a home studio... by Chris Sweet
Both bands are masters at home recording, creating magic from so little.
Deutsch Amerikanischer Freundschaftsbund by Daniel Reifferscheid
While it can at times be a challenging listen (even for those of us who actually understand the lyrics!), Verschewnde Deine Jugend is still a great look into a movement that has for a long time gone sadly neglected
Wasted Year by Jerry Cantu
Pre-dates Zepellin and Sabbath. The best example of early metal. Too bad it was wasted.
Much more than "that Blister in the Sun Band" by Kim Lumpkin
Many bands who have been around as long as the Femmes would sleep through a show in that situation, and would hardly have been blamed for doing so; however, the Femmes went above and beyond the call of duty
Lizzy's Classic Available Again! by Kevin Buffington
Metal Blade is to be commended for the great job they've done with this reissue of Lizzy's classic metal album.
Joe Jackson- Music For Your Uncle by Daniel Reifferscheid
Something for an older relative who's a casual music fan to play in the car
Feel Like Makin' Love by Dainon Moody
D'Angelo feels like makin' love. And you will too, upon listening to his sophomore effort. Whether you like it or not.
The Frustrating Beauty of India.Arie by Bobby Lashley
Frustrating duality is rearranged, condensed, and acclerated on a greater level on India.Arie's disappointing Voyage To India
Fantastic Voyage, but it's not a Carnival Cruise by David Jack Browning
The longer I listen to Voyage to India, the better it becomes, yet some things just seem out of place. However, there is a good share of high points to keep the Voyage afloat.
Marvin's Lost Midnight Jazz Masterpiece by Bobby Lashley
Released in 1997, Vulnerable is a concept album of tortuous romantic estrangement, where Marvin lays out all of his romantic torments and calls on his higher angels to help absolve him of his misery, aided by his own noble self-revelation, free of ego or selfishness.
Susan Tedeschi Is Worth the Wait by Kevin Buffington
I honestly can't imagine the person that this album doesn't appeal to, at least in some respect.
Some Goodies For The Fans by Chris Sweet
A low-priced CD single with plenty of rarities for the die-hard fans.
Still Rolling, No Moss by Dainon Moody
Few albums of mine bear the markings of a favorite. Mick Jagger's last one made the cut.
The Sounds of the Battlefield In Ruins by Shannon W. Hennessy
Once you have started the journey across the wasteland with Ex.Order, you will be too transfixed on the train wreck that you witness within your mind's eye to look away or to turn back.
Zak Stevens Returns with a Familiar Sound by Kevin Buffington
Zak may not be in Savatage anymore, but fans of that band are sure to enjoy this release as well.
Stuck in the Mud by Marty Brown
Once Nappy Roots shake the legacy of Outkast and Goodie Mob, they stand a chance of making some incredible hip-hop.
Cloudy Days Are Here Again by Tony Pellum
Pacific Northwest music with heart...again.
Jarvis Cockers’ Ode To Life And Everything by Daniel Reifferscheid
Epic, melodramatic tunes in the key of Scott Walker (who produced the record) that use elements of nature to symbolise aspects of modern society and the human condition itself.
"Those few who've slipped the surly bonds will rise like salmon at the spawning" by Brian Block
A deceptively simple, oddly hopeful tale of pain, self-destructive escape, hell on earth, and good ol' earth on earth. With great sing-alongs, except for your psychiatrist's waiting room.
Anthrax Returns and Still as Potent as Ever by Kevin Buffington
WCFYA is a slice of downhome American metal. It may not be the bands best work, but it's certainly worth picking up just to remember what a great band is supposed to sound like.
It's A New Creed Album. . . Are You Excited Yet? by Kevin Buffington
Won't someone please tell me what those 5 million fans are hearing that I'm not?
When They Were Afraid To Be Sensitive Guys by Tony Pellum
Nerdy surf rock that works.
=w=2K by Tony Pellum
1300 words of self-indulgent crap.
"Thinking 'bout the people upside-down in Japan" by Brian Block
Breezy melodies, catchy harmonies, smart production, and it's not like I know for a fact that these guys are jerks...
A Profound Look into the Human Condition by Aly Walansky
Fun, profound, and quite possibly one of the best pop albums in years, "Welcome Interstate Managers" seems to be a classic in the making.
Wesley Willis - Tempe, Arizona - January 28, 2002 by Tony Pellum
Pop culture doesn't always make sense. Wesley Willis is a product of this culture.
Settling into the right amount of whelm by Brian Block
The most exciting, fun, kinetic, bizarre, and unique album I've heard this year produce.
Not Much to Smile About by Laurie Edwards
They're doing all the good old things, but they're not even subtle about lifting from older, better bands. This is thievery at its most blatant.
Daniel Reifferscheid’s 115th Attempt To Understand What’s Going On by Daniel Reifferscheid
What’s Going On is by no means a *bad* album (I’d still take it over Dre or Metallica anytime of the day); it has more ideas and songs than most. However, too many songs get lost in the bloated arrangements and preachy lyricism—“Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology),” “Wholy Holy,” “God Is Love”...
All out of love by Dainon Moody
It's better to just drink it in and sigh with the satisfaction the Long Winters are kind enough to set a pick and move forward, whether the masses understand it eventually or regard it with all the fleeting comprehension of viewing blurry scenery out the window of a moving car.
Puppy Violence (So What’s The New Elvis Costello Album Like, Then?) by Daniel Reifferscheid
a festival of colors that will not budge on using horns any more than a pianet.
Imbruglia Gives Us The "Wrong Impression" by David Jack Browning
Natalie Imbruglia’s sophomore album, White Lilies Island, was even more important than her first. Nowadays when you’re gone for four years without as much as a peep, people think that time buys you a lot. But for Imbruglia, taking too much time maybe was a big mistake.
Re-Energizing Rock by Kim Lumpkin
Although brief, the 4-song EP from Whitestarr's debut album (along with the aforementioned video on DVD) gives a decent overview of how they have mastered the subtleties of the genre. Each song skillfully showcases soaring guitar licks and Alder's appropriately scratchy, “rock-fried” voice.
1985's Most Boring Aspect Revealed by Greg Smith
The resulting album is an overly idealistic collection of pure Reagan-era nonsense. Three ballad hit singles, "Saving All My Love For You," "You Give Good Love," and "The Greatest Love of All" sound so uniformly similar that I need to hear several verses of each song to tell them apart. There may be musical instruments used on this album, but I can't really hear them. I can only hear Whitney's whailing, crooning, shrieking vocals singing some of the most mundane, predictable lyrics ever pressed onto vinyl.
The Poetry Reading You've Been Waiting For by David Jack Browning
This is what good music is about. It’s what people love about Bob Dylan. It’s what people say Michael Stipe does with the wonderful rock of R.E.M. It’s what Alicia Keys would like to do, but can’t. It's about the lyrics.
Heir to the Queen by John Nesbit
Shemekia Copeland is the most exciting female blues artist of the modern era and will inherit Koko Taylor's crown. This album is essential for anyone into the blues.
Tamed by rock'n roll by Dainon Moody
Tweedy's your guide, remember? Just imagine what he could do with a flute and a big mess of nasty follow-the-leader rats.
Horrendously Funny Warblings! by John Nesbit
Can an amateur opera reject find success in the recording business? Mrs. Miller stands as proof that ANYONE can make it in show business ... if you have a gimmick.
Tom Petty, Roaches, & the WWF by Dainon Moody
Nobody knows just where to place Tom. He still looks like the shaggy, blonde-haired boy who once worked the graveyard shift in...a graveyard.
Will Play AC/DC For Food by Dainon Moody
One of the highest points of the evening came when Johari finally caved to demands and put in a stunning version of “Big Balls”. She taunted those who hung over the stage, meeting their stares and motioning that her balls were in fact the largest, by either grabbing her crotch or holding out cupped hands.
Like a Great Mix Tape for the Experimental-Curious by Jody Beth Rosen
Music Futurists is a highly accessible and well-conceived collection.
Hurts So Good by Kim Lumpkin
Pain is an ambitious 8-member band (or as they describe themselves, “six dumb males, one voluptuous female, and a drummer”) that uses a wide variety of instruments to create their own brand of hyper pop-punk with just a hint of ska flavor that stays with you a long time afterwards.
In His Heart, He Wants to Be a Teen Idol by Laurie Edwards
All my amusement and anger at this album doesn't mean shit. Ludacris has sold 281,823 copies of Word of Mouf.
Def Leppard is not a metal band (and don't forget it!) by Kevin Buffington
X is certainly better than Slang, but anyone expecting a hard rocking album is going to be saddened by the disproportionate number of ballads.
Breaking His Own Heart For Your Benefit by Marty Brown
The obligatory Elliott Smith paean. Again.
Music from and inspired by Universal Records by Jay Hawkinson
The inherent problem with soundtracks such as this one is that they become little more than self-serving samplers for the record label rather than true companions to the movie.
Here To Save The Day by Chris Sweet
You will not hear a finer album this (or most) years.
They're The Band That Loves You by Daniel Reifferscheid
Watch these kids, they're going places.
When a well-trimmed moustache matters most by Dainon Moody
The sounds Yanni and his crew produce are, hands down, pretty diverse. Diverse in that new age way. In that Kenny G-David Lanz-John Tesh-Jim Brickman-Mannheim Steamroller sort of way.
Not your father's jazz music by Dainon Moody
As long as Scofield can reinvent himself as he has so splendidly here, he’ll remain on the forefront of not just the jazz-jam scene, but any he chooses.
"Don't Believe The Hype" by Tony Pellum
These kids are everywhere, and Karen O, Touch & Go Records, and any other LiveJournal reader know this. Yeah Yeah Yeahs are then a high school aesthetic, created for the up and coming elitists who turned on The Strokes when they received too much hype and aren't sure what to think of The White Stripes' MTV success.
Our Neighbors To The Northeast—Iceland! by Tony Pellum
When the accordion kicks in, we’re left wondering how such a combination of acoustic instrumentation and computers leaves us with warm fuzzies.
Art-Pop Battles the Nasty Critic by Marty Brown
Yoshimi provides an accessible alternative to manufactured pop that's still very manufactured and very pop.
The Convoluted State Of Emo, Part 2 by Tony Pellum
*w00t w00t* “For No One” is so emo, man!
Misguided Punk by Emily Budd
Understanding post-punk and hardcore acts can be tricky over obnoxious, screaming lyrics. Some may laugh or plug their ears at this hardcore rock, unsure of what jarring reaction should take place while listening to such music. Should music really make you feel uncomfortable or frustrated? Or should you always be satisfied and enjoy the songs? These may be some questions that come across your mind while listening to mewithoutYou.
