Reviews

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Written by Justin Curia Wednesday, 17 November 2010 01:15

The slow burn of the freaky folk will lift the demon souls from whatever bowels in which they may rest. It’s healing, really.

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Written by Wil E. Smith Wednesday, 17 November 2010 01:08

This music sounds as if it’s meant to score an interstellar war among mechanized manifestations of the Athenian Pantheon [Greek gods in robot form], fought over the souls of humanity.

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Written by Laura Hamlett Saturday, 13 November 2010 23:47

The 13 tracks here—17 if you include four remixes—range from heavy to melodic, yet they all mesh well, and all enthrall.

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Written by Jennifer Manjarez Friday, 12 November 2010 15:36

Although his first few albums post-surgery were touch-and-go, Vol. 5 has proven Stewart is nothing if not resilient and a true artist.

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Written by Teresa Montgomery Friday, 12 November 2010 14:57

You can envision lead singer Matt Vasquez tearing up the inside of the Waits Room while recording it.

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Written by Glen Elkins Thursday, 11 November 2010 13:03

You can almost feel the miles of pavement passing smoothly beneath sheet metal floorboards as Aaron’s steady plucking and graceful croon create an aura of idyllic nostalgia.

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Written by Laura Hamlett Sunday, 07 November 2010 21:43

“Mick Jagger” is a keeper, combining “ooh ooh”s, tightly strummed guitars, and Westfield’s now familiar wail.

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Written by Ted Moniak Thursday, 28 October 2010 12:45

These songs are like a small town in a Flannery O’Connor story—just a little ole’ town populated by plain folks, but with some gothic secrets and unrelenting peculiarities.

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Written by Mike Rengel Tuesday, 26 October 2010 12:02

It’s fascinating to hear an outfit once described with pinpoint accuracy as “the sound of a flight of stairs falling down a flight of stairs” arrive at this place.

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Written by Christopher Sewell Friday, 22 October 2010 02:39

Kings of Leon are back with a new album. Sorry, let me start again. The four-time Grammy winning, multi-platinum-selling Kings of Leon are back with a new album. Ok, that’s better. 

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Written by Pete Timmermann Thursday, 07 October 2010 22:28

Grinderman 2 is easily one of the best releases of the year.

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Written by Laura Hamlett Thursday, 30 September 2010 21:58

But wait…that rhythm line. I swear I’ve heard it somewhere before. Oh, that’s right: Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart.”

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Written by Laura Hamlett Sunday, 26 September 2010 22:03

The seven-minute “Always Loved a Film” ups the ante with the duo’s best offering since the brilliant “Born Slippy” of Trainspotting soundtrack fame.

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Written by Laura Hamlett Sunday, 26 September 2010 21:58

Gray conveys a bit of wear and tear in his vocal delivery.

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Written by Jason Green Friday, 24 September 2010 15:24

Like much of Egerton’s discography, this album is consistently solid, with nearly every song being at least “good” and the peaks easily qualifying as “great.” 

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Written by Michele Ulsohn Thursday, 23 September 2010 07:07

If thought-provoking lyrics, razor sharp harmonies and stylistic surprises are your thing, you’ll be pleased to find them in abundance on Blood/Candy.

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Written by Joe Witthaus Wednesday, 22 September 2010 09:36

Despite repeatedly changing bands since the initial hiatus of RATM, Morello appears to have jumped back into his funky stylings effortlessly, which makes his work with SSSC that much more impressive.

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Written by Courtney Rau Wednesday, 22 September 2010 09:23

On the surface, her list of influences seems dissonant, disconnected and difficult to mix into a coherent whole. But Glasser has a unique ability to consolidate forms, both organic and synthetic, into seamless melodies that are almost meditative in their execution.

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Written by Mike Rengel Tuesday, 14 September 2010 14:52

Francis and the Lights broadcast an attractive, unwavering belief in the healing power of the radio, in songs as transmissions from a distant, like-minded soul.

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Written by Willie E. Smith Tuesday, 14 September 2010 14:40

Everything about this record is liberating. Shea Seger is real, raw, American roots rock, overflowing with blues and country inflections that showcase Seger’s weathered yet resilient voice.

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Written by Raymee Alper Tuesday, 14 September 2010 10:42

Stinkfoot is promoting Picture Code System as they head into this week’s PLAY:stl Festival. Check out the band this Thursday, September 16 at 9:00 p.m. at Vintage Vinyl.

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Written by Willie E. Smith Sunday, 12 September 2010 14:49

Gnecco has always embraced his influences, and The Heart has plenty to offer those listeners willing to be open-minded about Gnecco’s talents and join with him in celebrating the past.

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Written by Jennifer Manjarez Sunday, 12 September 2010 14:43

This time around the group has elevated an already exceptional and highly praised album to create a sultry, seductive masterpiece of sound.

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Written by Mike Rengel Sunday, 05 September 2010 12:01

Wreckorder offers up more minor detours and mild experimentation than a typical Travis record, but it never strays far from a familiar path.

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Written by Alex Schreiber Tuesday, 17 August 2010 23:18

SSLYBY has found a full chain that will yank them into a whole new matured and happy landscape.

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Written by Sarah Boslaugh Tuesday, 17 August 2010 23:06

 Matt Combs and Mike Compton provide tight vocal harmonizing.

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Written by Jason Neubauer Friday, 06 August 2010 16:25

One may look at the hardcore beginnings of frontman Tim Presley, former guitarist for The Nerve Agents (then referred to as Timmy Stardust), and think “Well…that figures.”

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Written by Jason Neubauer Friday, 06 August 2010 16:20

They are able to take the music in a direction that is natural to all of them and still retains their individual stylings.

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Written by Brett Berliner Thursday, 05 August 2010 09:13

Even with all the guests, the best tracks seem to be those that feature Albarn by himself.

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Written by Joe Witthaus Wednesday, 14 July 2010 13:13

Hey Champ’s video is like watching a Lady Gaga dream laced with LSD.

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Written by Mike Rengel Monday, 28 June 2010 11:50

Austin Collins & the Rainbirds have created a very likeable record, one that offers a heartfelt, earnest rootsiness.

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Written by Sarah Boslaugh Wednesday, 23 June 2010 11:04

In a traditional country manner of course, composed of two parts rockabilly to one part Patsy Cline with some post-modern irony thrown in as well as a dash of pop, a splash of doo-wop and a pinch of South of the Border. 

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Written by Laura Hamlett Saturday, 19 June 2010 23:09

The vocals are clean and sung, not screamed; the music’s layered and rich; the album’s a varied yet cohesive listen, one that grows richer the more it’s heard.

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Written by Laura Hamlett Saturday, 19 June 2010 22:00

Some songs are nearly just Harcourt and his piano, a sound at which he excels.

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Written by Laura Hamlett Thursday, 17 June 2010 22:47

It’s truly a tip-top collection by a top-tier artist.

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Written by Laura Hamlett Thursday, 17 June 2010 22:38

“If you’re the nice guy, act like the nice guy.”

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Written by Teresa Montgomery Thursday, 17 June 2010 11:40

As different as the album might be from a musical and production stanpoint, the heart of the songs remains the same. 

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Written by Mike Rengel Thursday, 17 June 2010 11:29

It feels like the only proper way to experience the disc is on a speedboat with a guy sporting a man-perm.

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Written by Jim Dunn Tuesday, 15 June 2010 23:41

The classic vs. the brave new Fall comes in the battle between Mark E. Smith’s incomprehensible patter—a stream of consciousness rant, really—and the fact that the band is now on a label that demands at least some structure from its artists.

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Written by Pete Timmermann Thursday, 10 June 2010 10:16

His previous records have juxtaposed his very clear, accessible and resonant voice with truly profane/funny/poetic lyrics.

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Written by John Shepherd Tuesday, 08 June 2010 08:41

There’s no question that he will continue to work on projects that will satisfy his muse, and LCD Soundsystem might not yet be done for good.

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Written by Jason Neubauer Monday, 07 June 2010 13:02

The sound of Iggy and the Stooges has been a permanent fixture in the collections of rock’n’roll fans since their inception over forty years ago.

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Written by Sarah Boslaugh Monday, 07 June 2010 12:48

Elliott Brood’s sound is a nice mix of acoustic and electric which shows that they have mastered a variety of style.

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Written by Jason Neubauer Friday, 04 June 2010 19:29

Across America brings a refreshing take on revival music with a heavier-handed dose of traditionalism than the likes of most ’50s throwback groups.

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Written by Jason Neubauer Friday, 04 June 2010 16:45

 The gold mine for those who loved all there was about The Pixies.

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Written by David Lichius Tuesday, 25 May 2010 10:46

JSBX is one of the greatest live bands ever. Disagree? To quote Spencer, “you can kiss my ass, because your girlfriend still loves me.”

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Written by Bruce Matlock Tuesday, 25 May 2010 10:17

This could be the record that puts the Black Keys headlining arenas worldwide; they have the skills to be as big as the White Stripes.

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Written by John Shepherd Friday, 30 April 2010 12:36

Even when We Are Wolves misstep slightly on Invisible Violence, the defiant dancing doesn't need to stop.

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Written by Brett Berliner Wednesday, 28 April 2010 10:47

Ultraviolet is directionless. Combine that with the weak subject matter, and we are provided little incentive to listen.

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Written by Brett Berliner Tuesday, 06 April 2010 16:45

This album has a very strong opening and ending but the middle is skippable.

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Written by Sarah Boslaugh Monday, 29 March 2010 13:29

The tracks are an interesting selection of material and once you hear what McCoury’s done with them you’ll be won over for sure.

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Written by Nick Licata Friday, 26 March 2010 13:45

It has its ups and downs but, for the most part, it is a very solid album.

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Written by Joe Witthaus Friday, 26 March 2010 13:22

Backing their work with energetic live shows, the band is definitely worth the time and the dollar.

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Written by Kurt Klopmeier Friday, 12 March 2010 16:57

It’s nice to see that a band can play straight ahead indie rock and still find its individual voice.

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Written by Mike Rengel Friday, 12 March 2010 16:44

Many songs are just phrases repeated over and over again.

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Written by John Shepherd Tuesday, 09 March 2010 16:48

The Monitor is without question the work of a maturing band.

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Written by Joe Witthaus Tuesday, 09 March 2010 16:29

Spot-on guitars and almost addictive solos that seem to beckon for a second listen also mesh will with the best parts of Past Lives.

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Written by Brett Berliner Tuesday, 09 March 2010 16:03

Even with a lot of vulgar lyrics, it never sounds too off putting because everything here is really catchy.

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Written by Courtney Rau


 Monday, 08 March 2010 12:23

Each indivdual song is its own tableau of drunken regret, hopeful longing, and bittersweet realization.

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Written by Laura Hamlett Friday, 26 February 2010 23:35

“No more talk, no more waiting on the side/ the lights are up and it’s showtime.” The boys are back, indeed.

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Written by Nicole Madden Tuesday, 23 February 2010 19:58

Dead to Me deserves props for pushing forward and trying to find their new voice.

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Written by John Shepherd Tuesday, 23 February 2010 18:29

The album’s overall sentiment, rendered in his wavering but still-powerful baritone, seems to be, “It’s alright, I’m ready.”

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Written by Laura Hamlett Saturday, 20 February 2010 17:48

Each of the five members pulls his weight perfectly, delivering an attention-grabbing performance and generating his share of infectious energy.

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Written by Laura Hamlett Saturday, 20 February 2010 17:45

Here, the length of a syllable is just as important as a guitar riff; time is irrelevant, meant to be bent to your will.

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Written by Laura Hamlett Saturday, 20 February 2010 17:42

At just four songs it’s woefully short, and even those four songs don’t quite know what to make of themselves.

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Written by Mike Rengel Friday, 19 February 2010 20:06

But with each subsequent spin, despite my best efforts to stop it doing so, the disc got under my skin a little bit more.