Reviews

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Written by David Lichius Friday, 12 September 2008 03:42

All Systems Go 3 has its flaws, but more than suffices as an addition to Rocket From the Crypt's ever-expanding catalog.

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Written by Sarah Boslaugh Friday, 12 September 2008 03:39

Santana III sounds as fresh today as it did in 1971. And it's never sounded better than in the newly remastered Legacy edition, a two-CD set.

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Written by Laura Hamlett Monday, 08 September 2008 07:02

Hutchings is one of those mad geniuses who constructs every aspect of every song in his proverbial bedroom.

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Written by Lauren Beckerle Monday, 08 September 2008 07:00

Her songwriting is drenched with an exclusive brand of symbolism.

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Written by Laura Hamlett Monday, 08 September 2008 06:54

In a field strewn with indie rockers introspective and understated, E for Explosion stands out.

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Written by Willie E. Smith Thursday, 04 September 2008 02:22

These seem to be inspired offerings, but they are so saturated with elements, energy and ideas that the only connecting thread is Gareth Jones' voice,

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Written by Chris Reed Thursday, 04 September 2008 02:19

If this album is just the beginning, this band will do great things.

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Written by Kevin Renick Wednesday, 27 August 2008 09:15

This ensemble utilizes an expansive, multi-voice approach, arrangements that range from folksy to downright proggy.

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Written by Kevin Renick Wednesday, 27 August 2008 09:13

Every song has something to offer, but there are obvious highlights.

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Written by Alex Bates Friday, 22 August 2008 04:16

It's been a long time since I've heard a band as versatile as this Brooklyn foursome.

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Written by Sarah Boslaugh Friday, 22 August 2008 04:14

If you're an anime or manga fan, you are probably familiar with one of the many versions of the story.

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Written by Jason Green Monday, 18 August 2008 17:00

As a document of music that fits Maida's aesthetic without falling back on Our Lady Peace's post-grunge guitar anthems, it proves an interesting listen, but as a whole, the album comes up lacking.

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Written by Jennifer Manjarez Monday, 18 August 2008 04:14

Youngs could be compared to a more colorful and aggressive Mandy Moore.

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Written by David Lichius Monday, 18 August 2008 04:11

Mock Orange has not remained static, recently touring and recording a split EP.

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Written by Kevin Renick Monday, 18 August 2008 04:03

Someone Else's Déjà Vu, the third full-length platter from Son Ambulance, is no casual collection of tunes,

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Written by Kevin Renick Monday, 18 August 2008 03:58

Quarter Acre Lifestyle have made a fast, powerful, beautifully recorded set of tunes that definitely deliver the goods for the patient listener.

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Written by Kevin Renick Monday, 18 August 2008 03:55

This one's for the dance shoes and the late-night excursions.

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Written by Pete Timmermann Monday, 18 August 2008 03:51

Remember is a two-disc (three-LP) behemoth of a live album, spitting out a total of 51 tracks of songs you've heard before but never like this.

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Written by Chris Reed Thursday, 07 August 2008 05:30

Beck really masters the art of short but sweet on most of these songs. The result: a ten-song album that clocks in at under 34 minutes of total play time.

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Written by David Lichius Thursday, 07 August 2008 05:12

From beginning to end, it is clear that Nude With Boots is not a repeat of (A) Senile Animal.

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Written by Bryan J. Sutter Wednesday, 06 August 2008 05:57

On this collaboration between singer-songwriter Jim Guthrie and ex-Unicorns and current Islands member Nick Thorburn, the narrow distance between single and otherwise puts other indie musicians to shame.

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Written by Jennifer Manjarez Wednesday, 06 August 2008 04:53

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Written by Eammon Azizi Wednesday, 06 August 2008 04:52

It's everything you love about Chromeo, in a new, enhanced package. 

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Written by Alex Bates Wednesday, 06 August 2008 04:49

With their sophomore LP, Heavenly Bender, Sam Champion keeps pace with other, more well-known bands of its indie/folk rock genre.

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Written by Gabe Bullard Wednesday, 06 August 2008 04:47

A band once known for transient random noise bursts now seems more comfortable with occasional horn flourishes, harpsichord vamping and a slightly out of place disco/half disco.

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Written by Jennifer Manjarez Wednesday, 06 August 2008 04:43

Télépathique could be more closely compared to C.S.S.—also from Brazil—only less pop and a bit more electronica.

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Written by Christopher Reed Wednesday, 30 July 2008 14:45

Lensing is at the same time contemporary and classic.

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Written by Eammon Azizi Wednesday, 30 July 2008 14:42

Indie, punk, garage rock that'll keep you wanting more and more...

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Written by Sarah Boslaugh Wednesday, 30 July 2008 14:36

The songs on Stardust come from what is often referred to as "The Great American Songbook:" popular songs from the pre-rock era which have successfully transcended the context of their origins.

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Written by Jaffa Aharonov Wednesday, 30 July 2008 14:28

Lyrically, Jeanius is mostly a mix of two things Grae is incredibly good at.

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Written by Jason Green Friday, 25 July 2008 02:31

As you might expect from a series of tracks recorded in such quick succession, there's a handful of stumbles along the way, but Singles 06-07 overall proves a solid introduction into Reatard's wide-ranging arsenal of lo-fi guitar rock.

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Written by Willie E. Smith Thursday, 17 July 2008 09:28

On this five-track EP, Northside's Sweet Revenge is discovering its strengths and abilities.

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Written by Willie E. Smith Thursday, 17 July 2008 09:25

Vedera circa 2005 was the perfect anthemic indie rock band; moody but not rut inducing, all about gradual ascension in song. Circa 2008, Vedera is about immediacy.

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Written by Jaffa Aharonov Thursday, 17 July 2008 09:23

The Last Tycoon is not what I would call a bad album. I can listen to it. It is pleasant.

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Written by Piper McDaniel Thursday, 17 July 2008 09:17

There is something altogether wild about this music; it pervades shifts in tone, genre and style.

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Written by Laura Hamlett Thursday, 10 July 2008 08:30

Throughout the disc's 15 tracks, there is no letting up, no turning back.

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Written by Alex Bates Thursday, 10 July 2008 08:19

This is still a one-of-a-kind straightforward album that everyone should check out.

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Written by Laura Hamlett Thursday, 10 July 2008 08:17

This is not the sound of a band past its prime, but rather one fully planted in the midst of its generous talents.

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Written by Laura Hamlett Thursday, 10 July 2008 08:12

For the most part, in fact, what was unique about Joel Cadbury's voice seems buried in the mix here.

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Written by Alex Bates Thursday, 03 July 2008 06:52

These four guys sound more like a '60s British rock band than a current group from Chicago.

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Written by Bryan J. Sutter Thursday, 03 July 2008 06:50

Slug brings his best, even if it is for only half an album.

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Written by Alex Bates Thursday, 26 June 2008 03:30

Not only does the title track make you want to dance, it also pulls you in with the simple yet catchy lyrics.

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Written by Pete Timmermann Wednesday, 25 June 2008 09:58

"In the Rushes" has a fun time messing with The Who's "A Quick One While He's Away," which is appreciated, though not altogether necessary.

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Written by Emily Jones Thursday, 19 June 2008 14:38

The music of the jacksonknife will find a way to lodge itself into your brain.

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Written by Eammon Azizi Monday, 16 June 2008 03:07

Plain and simple, this is a great album that any music lover should be proud to own.

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Written by Sheila Shahpari Wednesday, 11 June 2008 13:55

The sound tends toward dissonant, distorted guitar overlaid with eerily consonant vocal harmonies.

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Written by Ryan Parker Tuesday, 10 June 2008 11:06

As good as Bloom's music is, his lyrics are what make him stand out.

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Written by Kevin Renick Monday, 09 June 2008 12:56

Heather McIntosh is a busy and inspired musician; she's part of the Elephant 6 collective, and also contributes to Japancakes, Elf Power and other bands.

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Written by Kevin Renick Monday, 09 June 2008 12:52

Peter Garrett and his killer combo were every bit as committed and every bit as capable of delivering incendiary blasts of topical sonic sizzle as their contemporaries.

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Written by Kevin Renick Monday, 09 June 2008 12:44

Freedom Wind sounds more like the best of the Beach Boys—and yet different enough to not make you want to go back and listen to them because it's so good itself.

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Written by Alex Bates Monday, 02 June 2008 13:42

You'll find yourself trying to sing along to without even knowing the words.

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Written by Mary Beth Hascall Monday, 02 June 2008 13:36

Station proves that this Windy City group has grown together as musicians over the past few years.

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Written by Glen Elkins Wednesday, 14 May 2008 08:14

Abandoning the distorted guitars and meandering ambivalence which haunt earlier recordings, Rest relies more on a myriad of new instruments, employed in new ways.

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Written by Glen Elkins Wednesday, 14 May 2008 08:11

The album's most accessible song, "More Than Alive" left me speechless, which is ironic because there can't be enough said about this strangely epic tune.

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Written by Zane Womack Wednesday, 14 May 2008 08:09

While Toby Driver's voice is neither tuneful nor particularly melodious, it speaks volumes of emotion and depth.

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Written by Rebecca Reardon Wednesday, 14 May 2008 08:05

Brain Thrust Mastery offers a bit of everything: clever writing, memorable hooks and tight harmonies.

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Written by Sheila Shahpari Wednesday, 14 May 2008 08:03

The accompanying harp, the female harmonies, and of course, Sollee's cello and vocals, get me every single time I hear them.

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Written by Kevin Renick Wednesday, 07 May 2008 02:57

Mid/Air, their second album, is clearly the work of sparklers, of inspired, disciplined musical artists who were lit up in the studio and radiating in all directions.

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Written by Kevin Renick Wednesday, 07 May 2008 02:54

Sparrow has made this an utterly charming and sweetly sincere recording that likely could never have been made in the United States.

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Written by Kevin Renick Wednesday, 07 May 2008 02:51

It's got that sound—that staggering, powerful combination of primal R'n'R ingredients exemplifying the form at its most artfully transcendent.

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Written by Amanda Pelle Wednesday, 07 May 2008 02:48

While One Lone Car's musical aptitude is validated by an unnerving blend of edgy guitar hooks, bold bass, and mechanical drumming, their talent is broadened by another gift: smart, oppressing, honest lyrics.

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Written by Kevin Renick Wednesday, 07 May 2008 02:45

This whole album seems to be about that certain kind of day, with Mason recalling people and events, trying to feel a connection to life when it's clearly difficult.

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Written by Kevin Renick Wednesday, 07 May 2008 02:43

I was spellbound by the new album by Rachel Taylor Brown, a Portland, Ore., singer/songwriter who's a true original.

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Written by Josh Schobert Friday, 25 April 2008 02:39

If you're going to start with a bang you might as well end with a bang, and Billy Talent do just that.

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Written by Pete Timmermann Friday, 25 April 2008 02:36

You pretty much know what you're in for after the astoundingly good first track, "Lost Verses," which is eight or so minutes long but is elegant in a way that is hard to describe.

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Written by Glen Elkins Friday, 25 April 2008 02:31

In the album opener, Gautreau's voice sounds like a downtrodden Morrissey on a lazy day off, timidly bellowing personal thoughts through a tunnel of reverb.