Review: Zumpano x2

Look What The Rookie Did: Upon first listen it's quirky pop, mixing The Shins with Polaris.

Goin' Through Changes: Upon first listen it's definetely a change that's not quite as good their debut. More pop oriented, less quirky.

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Review: Wu-Tang Clan - 36 Chambers:

Upon first listen I understand and mostly support the amount of hype for these guys.

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Review: White Stripes with Steven McDonald - Redd Blood Cells:

Upon first listen this is Steven McDonald (of Redd Kross) adding bass lines to the White Stripes breakthrough White Blood Cells. It was not necessary.

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Review: Various - The Wire ...and all the pieces that matter:

Upon first listen I could have just listened to the dialog from the best television drama of all time (there, I said it). Some of the mustic was great, but it crosses so many genres it doesn't feel as cohesive as the show.

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Review: Various - Twelve Stepper Records Presents...Remember Your Roots:

Upon first listen this is another album I acquired for two previously unreleased Against Me! songs. They were unreleased for a reason. There was some redemption as a few bands (Burning Bridges and 48 Thrills) stood out and will be getting further listens.

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Review: Various - Level Plane Records Presents...80 Records And We're Not Broke (Yet):

Upon first listen I acquired this just for the previously unreleased City of Caterpillar track (Driving Spain Up A Wall) which was a bit of a disappointment. The first disc has some really, really great music on it so it's easy to see why they're not broke yet. The second disc, on the other hand...

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Review: Swingin' Utters x2

Swingin' Utters - More Scared: The House Of Faith Years: Upon first listen it's more reminiscent of The Replacements than the snotty Windspitting Punk that I remember from my youth.

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Swingin' Utters - Swingin' Utters: Upon first listen it's more melodic and pop than punk. I guess that's what happens when you get older.

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Review: Marnie Stern - This Is It and I Am It and You Are It and So Is That and He Is It and She Is It and It Is It and That Is That:

Upon first listen it started off as a really cool guitar-driven, Go Team-esque assault of the senses. It quickly, however, devolves into a frustrating, grating experience. The promise is there, but the execution was flawed.

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Review: Bob Dylan - Together Through Life:

Upon first listen it's obvious how much fun Dylan had in the studio on this album. And while not quite up the same par as the last few albums, there are more than enough high-quality tracks here to keep fans happy.

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Review: Raekwon - Only Built 4 Cuban Linx:

Upon first listen I was sadly disappointed, but I'm not sure if it's legitimate disappointment or unrealistic expectations (best album from a Wu-Tang member).

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Review: Ra Ra Riot - Ra Ra Riot EP:

Upon first listen I am absolutely loving this band. These songs are absolute winners even in their early form.

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Review: Q-Tip - The Renaissance:

Upon first listen I love the vocal delivery and the minimal, yet effective, production. I didn't like the album, though, and think I need to look into some of his earlier releases.

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Review: Polar Bear Club - The Redder, The Better:

Upon first listen I'm glad I listened to the LP first. Had I listened in the opposite order I may not have even tried the LP.

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Review: Paul Butterfield Blues Band - Live At Fillmore West 1966-1969:

Upon first listen there are some amazing tracks on here. But there are also a couple that drag on too long. Still, it's a nice document of the band in a live setting.

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Review: Morrissey - Years Of Refusal:

Upon first listen I've never been much of a Moz fan (nor of The Smiths) and this lounge-singer effort has done little to make me want to investigate further.

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