The Frames - Set List: Odd choice for a first album to listen to, but it sure whet my appetite for more.

Floorpunch - New Jersey: Great to have in one place for when that '90s hardcore nostalgia hits.

Flogging Molly - Swagger: I can see the allure, but I'd rather listen to The Pogues or Dropkick Murphys instead of something in between.

F-Minus - F-Minus: More like A-minus punk.

Explosions In The Sky - Take Care: Always get my attention for portions, but never an entire album.

Dropkick Murphys - Going Out In Style: If it ain't broke...

Dropkick Murphys - Live On Landsdowne: It's been 10 years since I've seen these guys live. This CD reminds me that's 10 years too many.

Destroyer - Kaputt: Destroyer always does better in EP(ish) form.

Deerhoof - Vs Evil: Count me amongst the detractors.

Death - Spiritual Mental Physical: Lacking passion and energy.

Cops And Robbers - Face To Face With Hate: Hardcore punk the way it was meant to be.

Vic Chesnutt - West Of Rome: Meh.

Vic Chesnutt - West Of Rome: Meh.

Cheap Girls - My Roaring 20s: Not as dynamic but equally as enjoyable.

Cheap Girls - Find Me A Drink Home: I loved this, but am unable to justify it.

Johnny Cash - Folsom: Amazing.

Campaign - Likes To Party/Beetle Juice!: Hot Water Music reimagined as a melodic punk band. And it's awesome.

The Byrds - Essential: 2 discs is a bit much.

David Bowie - Singles 69-93: Sometimes you don't realize how talented someone is until it's laid out over 2 discs.

Black Keys - Brothers: When you're in the mood for Blues, Black Keys have you covered.

Black Breath - Heavy Breathing: One of the best heavy albums in recent memory.

Bad Religion - Against The Grain: A little too slickly produced for a punk album from 1990.

Arcade Fire - Demo: This doesn't provide any advance warning of the band they were to become.

Reggie And The Full Effect - Songs Not To Get Married To: Depressed Reggie is no fun.

Get Up Kids - There Are Rules: A completely different band.

Reggie And The Full Effect - Promotional Copy: Tries too hard to be unconventional.

Ben Nichols - Last Pale Light: If not written beside it, the campfire is where these songs would be most enjoyed.

Matt McCarthy - Come Clean: Funny at times, but not enough to recommend.

Get Up Kids - Simple Science: Get Up Adults.

Dismemberment Plan - Emergency & I: Anymore quirky and it wouldn't have worked. Instead it succeeds tremendously.

Das Racist - Shut Up, Dude: Wildly inconsistent.

Capstan Shafts - Revelation Skirts: More flourishes without compromising the essential brevity of the songs.

Hannibal Burress - My Name Is Hannibal: Takes a while to get into, but very rewarding.

The Anniversary - Your Majesty: One of "emo pop's" finest albums.