Shawn Braley
Initiative’s craftsmanship isn’t to be ignored just because they’re playing power chords and octaves. The construction of a pop song is a science, and The Initiative were able to create an album filled with gems that build up, crescendo, and explode at just the exact moments they should.
More...
album reviews
The Initiative
The Initiative
Take Me Home
Take Me Home
Mates of State
Mates of State
Mountaintops
Mountaintops
Matthew MacDonald
Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel have always had two things in common: their love of music and their love for each other. After 10 years of marriage and two children, Mates of State return with their 7th studio album, Mountaintops.
More...
Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel have always had two things in common: their love of music and their love for each other. After 10 years of marriage and two children, Mates of State return with their 7th studio album, Mountaintops.
More...
Shiny and the Spoon
Shiny and the Spoon
Ferris Wheel
Ferris Wheel
Darren C. Demaree
Highlighted by simple, beautiful tracks like “Killin’ the Flower” and “I Hear Ghost”, they are able to show you some prowess with the lyric, as well as an ability to step back at let the music deliver itself without too much interference.
More...
Highlighted by simple, beautiful tracks like “Killin’ the Flower” and “I Hear Ghost”, they are able to show you some prowess with the lyric, as well as an ability to step back at let the music deliver itself without too much interference.
More...
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers
I'm With You
I'm With You
Jason Turner
The problem with setting a high bar is the expectation that you will always be able to reach it. Although I’m with You is not the Chili Peppers’ best effort, it’s certainly not a failure.
More...
The problem with setting a high bar is the expectation that you will always be able to reach it. Although I’m with You is not the Chili Peppers’ best effort, it’s certainly not a failure.
More...
Heartsounds
Heartsounds
Drifter
Drifter
Aaron George
You know, normally I would look at an album like Drifter, the new release from Heartsounds, and write it off as rehash. But, I can’t lie, this band is doing something right and has managed to tame my cynicism.
More...
You know, normally I would look at an album like Drifter, the new release from Heartsounds, and write it off as rehash. But, I can’t lie, this band is doing something right and has managed to tame my cynicism.
More...
Viva Voce
Viva Voce
The Future Will Destroy You
The Future Will Destroy You
Brian Ahnmark
So from two-piece to four-piece to side project to two-piece again, it frankly doesn’t matter how many cooks are in the kitchen. So long as Kevin and Anita are stirring the pot, the meal is always delicious.
More...
So from two-piece to four-piece to side project to two-piece again, it frankly doesn’t matter how many cooks are in the kitchen. So long as Kevin and Anita are stirring the pot, the meal is always delicious.
More...
Eddie Vedder
Eddie Vedder
Ukulele Songs
Ukulele Songs
Brian Ahnmark
Because these arrangements are so sparse, the effect of the overall work is necessarily based entirely on the strength of the songs. Good thing Mr. Vedder does this for a living and knows his way around a tune.
More...
Because these arrangements are so sparse, the effect of the overall work is necessarily based entirely on the strength of the songs. Good thing Mr. Vedder does this for a living and knows his way around a tune.
More...
Explosions in the Sky
Explosions in the Sky
Take Care, Take Care, Take Care
Take Care, Take Care, Take Care
Brent Andermann
You know the point in a band’s career where they stop second guessing themselves and start making music for them? This is that time.
More...
You know the point in a band’s career where they stop second guessing themselves and start making music for them? This is that time.
More...
The Black Swans
The Black Swans
Don't Blame the Stars
Don't Blame the Stars
Megan Torelli
I was impressed with the strange cohesiveness of the album itself, and how it came as a whole.. it could have been sloppy... but it was not. The songs and the premonition-like words fit together like glue.
More...
I was impressed with the strange cohesiveness of the album itself, and how it came as a whole.. it could have been sloppy... but it was not. The songs and the premonition-like words fit together like glue.
More...
Wavves
Wavves
King of the Beach
King of the Beach
Aaron George
At their most upbeat, the songs on King of the Beach could be compared to the likes of Screeching Weasel or Violent Femmes, with their fast, pop-punkish rhythms and nasally, slightly whiny vocals that are centered largely on self loathing and not caring about things in general.
More...
At their most upbeat, the songs on King of the Beach could be compared to the likes of Screeching Weasel or Violent Femmes, with their fast, pop-punkish rhythms and nasally, slightly whiny vocals that are centered largely on self loathing and not caring about things in general.
More...
Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters
Wasting Light
Wasting Light
Brian Ahnmark
Finally, finally, finally, the Foo Fighters found the recipe to the magic potion. Wasting Light is the sound of a band shedding all preconceived notions and labels to instead write the songs that will move them – and then capture performances of those songs worthy enough to move us.
More...
Finally, finally, finally, the Foo Fighters found the recipe to the magic potion. Wasting Light is the sound of a band shedding all preconceived notions and labels to instead write the songs that will move them – and then capture performances of those songs worthy enough to move us.
More...
The Black Keys
The Black Keys
El Camino
El Camino
Chad W. Lutz
The sound for El Camino was hard to pinpoint at first listen. My mind kept telling me, “This is the same album you’ve heard a hundred times before from them!” But that is precisely what remains so great about The Black Keys.
More...
The sound for El Camino was hard to pinpoint at first listen. My mind kept telling me, “This is the same album you’ve heard a hundred times before from them!” But that is precisely what remains so great about The Black Keys.
More...
Maria Taylor
Maria Taylor
Overlook
Overlook
Darren C. Demaree
Though, at times, this album seems to get lost on the way to a greater purpose, Taylor, who might best be known for her work with other people (Bright Eyes, Crooked Fingers, Joshua Radin, Moby) is more than capable to execute a solid solo work, with “Overlook” she shows just that.
More...
Though, at times, this album seems to get lost on the way to a greater purpose, Taylor, who might best be known for her work with other people (Bright Eyes, Crooked Fingers, Joshua Radin, Moby) is more than capable to execute a solid solo work, with “Overlook” she shows just that.
More...
Fruit Bats
Fruit Bats
Tripper
Tripper
Andrew Jackson Jihad
Andrew Jackson Jihad
Candy Cigarettes, Capguns, Issue Problems and Such
Candy Cigarettes, Capguns, Issue Problems and Such
Aaron George
They quietly released Candy Cigarettes, Capguns, Issue Problems and Such which is a collection of twenty two previously recorded, though possibly less well known tracks.
More...
They quietly released Candy Cigarettes, Capguns, Issue Problems and Such which is a collection of twenty two previously recorded, though possibly less well known tracks.
More...
Marianne Faithfull
Marianne Faithfull
Horses and High Heels
Horses and High Heels
Jason Turner
I’ve heard Faithfull’s voice described as ‘lived-in’ and ‘bluesy,’ but nothing could have prepared me for the gravelly, pack-of-cigarettes-a-day performance on “Horses.” Faithfull’s rasp makes Macy Gray sound like a glass-shattering soprano.
More..
I’ve heard Faithfull’s voice described as ‘lived-in’ and ‘bluesy,’ but nothing could have prepared me for the gravelly, pack-of-cigarettes-a-day performance on “Horses.” Faithfull’s rasp makes Macy Gray sound like a glass-shattering soprano.
More..
Dawes
Dawes
Nothing is Wrong
Nothing is Wrong
Brian Ahnmark
Nothing Is Wrong was recorded largely live to tape, capturing at least a hint of the Dawes stage monster (which could never truly be harnessed on tape. Or Pro Tools. Or any recorded medium).
More...
Nothing Is Wrong was recorded largely live to tape, capturing at least a hint of the Dawes stage monster (which could never truly be harnessed on tape. Or Pro Tools. Or any recorded medium).
More...
Paleo
Paleo
Fruit of the Spirit
Fruit of the Spirit
Darren C. Demaree
This is a fun album, and one that shows that Paleo might have tapped into something to keep track of.
More...
This is a fun album, and one that shows that Paleo might have tapped into something to keep track of.
More...
The Civil Wars
The Civil Wars
Barton Hollow
Barton Hollow
Robbie Robertson
Robbie Robertson
How To Become Clairvoyant
How To Become Clairvoyant
Eamon Murphy
In anyone’s book, 13 years is a long time to wait for follow up an album, and that time has afforded Robbie Robertson plenty of opportunity for reassessment of his musical direction.
More...
In anyone’s book, 13 years is a long time to wait for follow up an album, and that time has afforded Robbie Robertson plenty of opportunity for reassessment of his musical direction.
More...
Mountain Goats
Mountain Goats
All Eternals Deck
All Eternals Deck
Megan Eidelbach
I recall hearing, in the past, listening to some of the Mountain Goats’ previous albums, however, I was taken aback by the beauty and the exquisite production and music of the Mountain Goats' March release All Eternals Deck, their first by the Merge label.
More...
I recall hearing, in the past, listening to some of the Mountain Goats’ previous albums, however, I was taken aback by the beauty and the exquisite production and music of the Mountain Goats' March release All Eternals Deck, their first by the Merge label.
More...
William Fitzsimmons
William Fitzsimmons
Gold In the Shadow
Gold In the Shadow
Marty Connors
All of his songs seem to exist in a permanent state of heartbreak. I usually have no problem with a good heartbreak song. If anything, I gravitate toward them. But, Fitzsimmons can't seem to find anything else to write about.
More...
All of his songs seem to exist in a permanent state of heartbreak. I usually have no problem with a good heartbreak song. If anything, I gravitate toward them. But, Fitzsimmons can't seem to find anything else to write about.
More...
Snow Patrol
Snow Patrol
Fallen Empires
Fallen Empires
Chad W. Lutz
Throughout the 14-song LP, Fallen Empires explores themes of triumph and redemption in the face of adversity and oppression. Songs like “This Isn’t Everything You Are” (4:57), title track “Fallen Empires” (5:19), and “Lifening” (3:52) all lend to a move toward something bold and something better; the common and overarching theme of the album.
More...
Throughout the 14-song LP, Fallen Empires explores themes of triumph and redemption in the face of adversity and oppression. Songs like “This Isn’t Everything You Are” (4:57), title track “Fallen Empires” (5:19), and “Lifening” (3:52) all lend to a move toward something bold and something better; the common and overarching theme of the album.
More...
Primus
Primus
Green Naugahyde
Green Naugahyde
Chad W. Lutz
Primus fans should definitely be pleased with their latest release along with your average metal head and rocker.
More...
Primus fans should definitely be pleased with their latest release along with your average metal head and rocker.
More...
St. Vincent
St. Vincent
Strange Mercy
Strange Mercy
Jason Turner
Strange Mercy is in unquestionable success; it’s luscious, imaginative, haunting and beautiful. A fresh album from an emerging superstar with a Bjork-like esthetic.
More...
Strange Mercy is in unquestionable success; it’s luscious, imaginative, haunting and beautiful. A fresh album from an emerging superstar with a Bjork-like esthetic.
More...
Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks
Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks
Mirror Traffic
Mirror Traffic
James Wickens
Mirror Traffic, the fifth release from Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, represents the clearest articulation yet of the S.M. aesthetic.
More...
Mirror Traffic, the fifth release from Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, represents the clearest articulation yet of the S.M. aesthetic.
More...
My Morning Jacket
My Morning Jacket
Circuital
Circuital
Incubus
Incubus
If Not Now, When?
If Not Now, When?
Chad W. Lutz
The new album showcases a band trying to progress without losing what is essentially Incubus.
More...
The new album showcases a band trying to progress without losing what is essentially Incubus.
More...
Taking Back Sunday
Taking Back Sunday
Taking Back Sunday
Taking Back Sunday
Aaron George
Taking Back Sunday has come a long way since 2002’s Tell All Your Friends, and in a sense they have grown musically, though “growth” here might be better called “perfecting” as the sound hasn’t changed much since Where You Want to be.
More...
Taking Back Sunday has come a long way since 2002’s Tell All Your Friends, and in a sense they have grown musically, though “growth” here might be better called “perfecting” as the sound hasn’t changed much since Where You Want to be.
More...
The Dead Trees
The Dead Trees
WHATWAVE
WHATWAVE
Flogging Molly
Flogging Molly
Speed of Darkness
Speed of Darkness
Aaron George
Flogging Molly is back with their ninth release, Speed of Darkness. Any and all comments about how darkness does not travel will end with this one and we will just grant them artistic licence.
More...
Flogging Molly is back with their ninth release, Speed of Darkness. Any and all comments about how darkness does not travel will end with this one and we will just grant them artistic licence.
More...
The Felice Brothers
The Felice Brothers
Celebration, Florida
Celebration, Florida
Eamon Murphy
"Celebration, Florida" is another in the vein of unique musical mishmash, but with a little something new. The band has taken the road not yet travelled, and I’m still not quite sure what to make of it all. Have the Felices gone a little bit electro on us?
More...
"Celebration, Florida" is another in the vein of unique musical mishmash, but with a little something new. The band has taken the road not yet travelled, and I’m still not quite sure what to make of it all. Have the Felices gone a little bit electro on us?
More...
Travis Barker
Travis Barker
Give the Drummer Some
Give the Drummer Some
Aaron George
For Give the Drummer Some the age old but usually misguided formula of “Cram as many big names in as you can and hope that makes it good” seems to have been followed devoutly.
More...
For Give the Drummer Some the age old but usually misguided formula of “Cram as many big names in as you can and hope that makes it good” seems to have been followed devoutly.
More...
Panic! At The Disco
Panic! At The Disco
Vices and Virtues
Vices and Virtues
Megan Eidelbach
The songs themselves are obviously different in many ways, with a variety of styles and experimentation. The album so far has gotten mixed reviews, most of the positive recalling the mixture of sound and instruments, and the negative attacking Urie's obvious lyrical naiveté.
More...
The songs themselves are obviously different in many ways, with a variety of styles and experimentation. The album so far has gotten mixed reviews, most of the positive recalling the mixture of sound and instruments, and the negative attacking Urie's obvious lyrical naiveté.
More...