12.21.2007

Review: Various - Instant Karma: The Campaign For Darfur:

Upon first listen I'm not as familiar as I should be with Lennon's solo stuff as I should be. Still most of these covers work very well.

  • ItsSpace
  • Stream some of it in its entirety and the rest as clips
  • Purchase for $13.49
  • 12.20.2007

    Reviews: OK Computer Turned Ten

    Various - Hypeful.com Presents...Ten OK Years: Upon first listen it turns out to be pretty difficult to ruin a Radiohead song. Especially instrumentally.

  • Download the entire album

    Various - Stereogum.com Presents...OKX: Upon first listen the songs are a bit more cohesive sounding, but more drawn out. I think if you mixed this outing with Hypeful's you could get a very satisfactory album.

  • Stream the entire album
  • 12.19.2007

    Review: Two Gallants - Two Gallants:

    Upon first listen it doesn't have a Steady Rolling or Las Cruces Jail, but what it does have is really good.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $6.86
  • 12.14.2007

    12.12.2007

    Review: REM - Automatic for the People:

    Upon first listen I figured it was time to finally get a copy of this seminal album. Especially as we passed the fifteen year mark since its release. I would have grabbed it sooner if someone would have told me how much it sounded like Polaris (or vice versa). I just wish it didn't have some many huge hits (Nightswimmer, Everybody Hurts) because it detracts from the flow of the non-singles.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $7.49
  • 12.10.2007

    Review: PJ Harvey - White Chalk:

    Upon first listen most of it is rather sleep-inducing and the rest just seems annoying. Perhaps if I had invested myself in some of her previous work this would have been easier to listen to.

  • HerSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.91
  • 12.07.2007

    Review: Paul Butterfield Blues Band - East/West:

    Upon first listen I usually despise the masturbatory guitar solo, but this blues-rock album, which has a few of them, is really, really good. How have I never come across them before?

  • TheirSpace for the Paul Butterfield Fund and Society
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $3.91
  • 12.06.2007

    Review: New Buffalo - Somewhere, Anywhere:

    Upon first listen I like her debut, The Last Beautiful Day, enough to check out her follow-up. I like her follow-up enough to go back and check out her debut again, but probably not the follow-up.

  • HerSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $7.51
  • 11.30.2007

    Review: Most Serene Republic - Population:

    Upon first listen I love most of these songs. Unfortunately, they don't always transition that well and it detracts a little bit from the album.


  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.99
  • 11.29.2007

    Review: Master P - Featuring...Master P:

    Upon first listen it's a cash grab by an artist I have no real interest in. I can see how it could be alluring to have all of the non-album collaborations on one disc, but not when it's Master P.


  • HisSpace
  • Purchase for $9.90
  • 11.28.2007

    Review: Lennon/McCartney - Toot And Snore in '74:

    Upon first listen it's interesting from a historical perspective (last time the two of them played together), but you're not likely to listen to it ever again.


  • McCartney's Space
  • Lennon's Space
  • Download the entire album (courtesy of Licorice Pizza, a blog I recommend reading)
  • Review: Jens Lekman - Night Falls Over Kortdela:

    Upon first listen I really liked the first few tracks. But by the end of the album I was ready for it to be over. I can't imagine it holding up a couple of years from now.

  • HisSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.89
  • 11.27.2007

    Review: Ben Lee - Ripe:

    Upon first listen Ben Lee should be a household name. His songs are the perfect background for everything from Grey's Anatomy to the latest Michael Bay project.

  • HisSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.85
  • 11.26.2007

    Review: Fats Domino - Greatest Hits: Walking to New Orleans:

    Upon first listen if you don't have any Fats Domino in your collection, this is a great way to get some. Still, I can't imagine many people listening to all thirty tracks on a regular basis.

  • HisSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.90
  • 11.21.2007

    Review: Dropkick Murphys - The Meanest Of Times:

    Upon first listen this is their best album since Gang's All Here, but that's not saying much. It still feels a bit gimmicky and tiresome by the end.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.97
  • 11.20.2007

    Review: Dashboard Confessional - The Wiretapes, Vol. 1:

    Upon first listen this tour-only covers album is a nice way to reward fans (provided they pay $10 on top of their ticket price). Like most albums full of covers, some work and some don't. It's not that Mr. Confessional does a bad job, but sometimes the songs don't necessarily lend themselves to an acoustic pop-punky delivery.

  • HisSpace where he has El Scorcho, by Weezer, streaming
  • Check out eBay if you wish to purchase
  • 11.19.2007

    Review: Band Of Horses - Cease To Begin:

    Upon first listen this is a perfectly adequate follow-up to the amazing Everything All The Time. I can, however, see how it might not hold up on repeat listens, which EATT did.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.97
  • 11.15.2007

    Review: Amusement Parks On Fire - Out Of Angeles:

    Upon first listen it doesn't have any of the instantly-infectious songs from their self-titled album, instead, electing to tread water between shoe gaze and post rock.

  • TheirSpace (which has three album tracks streaming)
  • Buy it digitally at your favorite store until it's released domestically
  • 11.14.2007

    Review: Akron Family - Love Is Simple:

    Upon first listen there's a couple of great tracks, but the album just seems to drag along, not coming to an end soon enough.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.03
  • 10.23.2007

    Updates on Hold

    Yesterday, I was involved in a rather severe car accident. On my way home from work my car was struck on the passenger side at an almost 90 degree angle (T-Bone, as it may be). I suffered a large laceration to my forehead and bruising on my right side (along with various nicks and scrapes). I'm not sure how long I will be out, but it will take a few days, at least, for me to get back to my daily routine.

    In the meantime, I missed the Saves the Day show last night. I had tickets and was on my way home to meet my wife so that we could go, but never made it home - until today. Anyone go? How was it?

    http://www.freewebs.com/jasonsousa

    10.22.2007

    Review: Coheed and Cambria - Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star4, Volume 2: No World For Tommorrow:

    Upon first listen this is the album I wish they had made after IKSSE3. Musically, it fits between that album and Good Apollo, Vol. 1 despite the storyline fitting better this way. It's got slow, sappy songs, big honking rock songs but no Suffering (though it is a damn catchy tune, just not what I want out of Coheed). Makes me rethink my decision to skip over their show in a few weeks.

  • TheirSpace, which is currently streaming the entire album
  • Purchase the Basic Version for $7.99
  • Purchase the Deluxe Version for $17.99
  • 10.19.2007

    Review: Foo Fighters - Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace:

    Upon first listen it's another solid record from Grohl and Co. Nothing amazing, nothing bad, all of it what you expect from the band.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.49
  • 10.18.2007

    10.16.2007

    Review: Dashboard Confessional - The Shade of Poison Trees:

    Upon first listen this is one giant curve ball of an album. Just as I though Chris was getting comfortable in his big band (and releasing the excellent Dusk And Summer), he decides to return to his acoustic roots. Which is great and all, but then he does so without any of the emotion and youthful exuberance exhibited on previous albums. But, just as Dusk took some getting used to, I'm sure this one will find its way into a fairly steady rotation.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.89
  • 10.15.2007

    Review: LCD Soundsystem - LCD Soundsystem:

    Upon first listen this was an extremely tolerable electronic album. Granted, some of the tracks weren't as strong and the whole thing ran a bit long, but I could see myself listening to this on a regular basis; if I cut it up and put the best tracks on a single CD.

  • HisSpace
  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.91
  • 10.12.2007

    Review: Knife Fight - Crisis:

    Upon first listen it's straight forward hardcore. Ten tracks, less than fifteen minutes. You already know if it's for you.

  • Purchase for $10.75 (LP)
  • 10.11.2007

    Review: Beirut - The Flying Club Cup:

    Upon first listen this blows Gulag out of the water. Seeing as how I didn't really care for that album, it wasn't that difficult. Still, I like where he went with this album and find it a wonderful compliment to Armchair Apocrypha.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.95
  • 10.09.2007

    Review: The Go! Team - Proof of Youth:

    Upon first listen this is way better than Thunder, Lightning, Strike which I loved.

  • TheirSpace which currently has five tracks from the album
  • Purchase for $12.50
  • 10.08.2007

    Review: Fiery Furnaces - Widow City:

    Upon first listen it's a return to form for the duo, distancing themselves from their past two releases. Still, I just didn't fall in love with it like Blueberry Boat and Gallowbird's leaving me to conjecture that maybe that's enough Fiery Furnaces for me.

  • TheirSpace
  • Their MySpace Profile has Ex Guru and Uncle Charlie streaming
  • Purchase for $12.50
  • 10.03.2007

    Review: Clutch - From Beale St. To Oblivion:

    Upon first listen this is a very decent hard rock album. Nothing all that special nor exciting.

  • TheirSpace which has Electric Worry and a few other non-album tracks
  • Purchase for $9.42
  • 10.02.2007

    Review: Capgun Coup - Brought To You By Nebraskafish:

    Upon first listen it's like watching a group of 8-year-olds make pasta. They just throw everything against the wall to see if it sticks.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.91
  • 10.01.2007

    Review: Kevin Drew - Spirit If:

    Upon first listen this album was exactly what I expected. Rejects from Broken Social Scene paraded under their name in an effort to sell more copies of an album. In the end it lacks the cohesiveness and the looseness of BSS but retains its strong production values.

  • HisSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.99
  • 9.28.2007

    Review: Blitzen Trapper - Wild Mountain Nation:

    Upon first listen they certainly borrowed heavily from '60s and '70s rock and pop. If only they had stayed there and not tried to be 'weird' or 'quirky'.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $7.24
  • 9.27.2007

    Review: Articles of Faith - Complete Discography

    Articles of Faith - Complete Discography, Vol. 1 1981-1983: Upon first listen this twenty track compilation shows a lot of range for only spanning two years. From noise punk to an acoustic guitar, it's all here and works well. I'm looking forward to volume two.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.33

    Article of Faith - Complete Discography, Vol. 2 1983-1985: Upon first listen they show off some of their range, but ultimately it's louder, faster and angrier. And did I mention better? I should have.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.88
  • 9.26.2007

    9.25.2007

    Review: Talking Heads - Remain in Light:

    Upon first listen it's a bit more grandiose arrangement-wise than previous albums, but it works. If they never made another album, this would be their pinnacle.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $6.48
  • 9.21.2007

    Review: Still Life - Madness and the Gackle:

    Upon first listen it possesses the two most important aspects of a good screamo album: sincerity and passion. Still, I can only take so much screamo which is why this won't likely get much play.

  • TheirSpace
  • Download Useless
  • Purchase for $10.00
  • 9.20.2007

    Review: Keely Smith - The Essential Capitol Collection:

    Upon first listen, this one is twenty seven tracks! I guess if you're a Keely Smith fan that's good, but for the rest of us would-be-casual fans it's too much.

  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $13.05
  • 9.19.2007

    Review: Stars - In Our Bedroom After The War:

    Upon first listen I almost turned it off due to the obscene amounts of bass. When I finally got into it about halfway through, I was a bit disappointed. But that closing song? Wow. Makes me want to listen to it all over again.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.99
  • 9.18.2007

    Review: Louis Prima - Jump, Jive An' Wail- The Essential Louis Prima:

    Upon first listen it's twenty six tracks. I can barely listen to twenty six tracks of anyone, nevermind Louis Prima. Cut it down to ten and I might pay attention.

  • HisSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.99
  • 9.17.2007

    Review: Pharoahe Monch - Desire:

    Upon first listen it wasn't as good as I was expecting, but it was adequate. I'll have to revisit to see what all the fuss was about.

  • HisSpace
  • Stream most of the album
  • Purchase for $8.43
  • 9.14.2007

    Review: Okkervil River - The Stage Names:

    Upon first listen I can't believe how much I liked this record. I thought Black Sheep Boy was alright, so I didn't have a whole lot of expectations, but it easily exceeded them. A bit more upbeat, a bit more polished, a hell of a lot better.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $8.62
  • 9.12.2007

    Review: Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam:

    Upon first listen this is likely their most straight forward and most accesible album, sure to confuse fans of their last two.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.39
  • 9.10.2007

    Review: No Age - Weirdo Rippers:

    Upon first listen this is certainly one of the most disjointed and uncohesive albums I've ever listened to. It's almost as if they put all the music and vocals into a computer and layered unassociated vocals on top of a drum track from a fast song and a guitar line from a pop song. If that makes any sense.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $8.08
  • 9.07.2007

    9.06.2007

    Review: Lucky Soul - The Great Unwanted:

    Upon first listen this band brings out the '50s Motown and introduces it to the 21st century to mixed results. It has its moments, but about half way in, the novelty has worn itself thin.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Buy digitally until the US release
  • 9.05.2007

    Review: Los Campesinos! - Sticking Fingers Into Sockets:

    Upon first listen I know it's cliche to compare bands, but this really is like Architecture in Helsinki done extremely well. Catchy without being cheesy and quirky without being annoying.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire EP
  • Purchase for $5.44
  • 9.04.2007

    Review: Liars - Liars:

    Upon first listen a lot has been made about how this isn't a concept album. A lot hasn't been made about how great the album is aside from that fact, because it is a really great record.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.74
  • 9.03.2007

    Review: Jason Isbell - Sirens of the Ditch:

    Upon first listen it's the standard big production, singer-songwriter type of album you've come to expect in a pro tools era of music. Still, you could worse.

  • HisSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.61
  • 8.31.2007

    Review: Goodnight Loving - Crooked Lake:

    Upon first listen I couldn't tell if this was the same band that released Cemetery Trails, but it is. Just don't hold that against it, because they've released a relentless country-tinged punk album that was a breathe of fresh air.

  • TheirSpace (which contains four tracks)
  • Purchase for less than $10 when it becomes available
  • 8.30.2007

    Review: The Forms - Icarus:

    Upon first listen it's like modern day 'emo' but way heavier and without that high-pitched off-key whiny voice. In other words, it's good.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.88
  • 8.29.2007

    Review: Bryan Ferry - Dylanesque:

    Upon first listen Ferry does a good job of covering Dylan when he's quiet and seemingly alone. When he tries to get all big band with slick production it just fails. Miserably.

  • HisSpace
  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $12.89
  • 8.28.2007

    Review: Dr. Hook - Greatest Hooks:

    Upon first listen I easily grabbed hold of their big singles without having heard them before (Cover of the Rolling Stone and Sylvia's Mother). Most of the rest of it is cheesy love songs and aren't really worth listening to.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream Sylvia's Mother (among others)
  • Purchase for $12.77
  • 8.27.2007

    Review: Desert Fathers - The Spirituality:

    Upon first listen this genre-defying band manages to successfully channel both Sonic Youth and Slint. Sign me up.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $12.99 (or check eBay, where I grabbed my copy for $.65 plus $3 in shipping)
  • 8.24.2007

    Review: Architecture in Helsinki - Places Like This:

    Upon first listen it seems as though they dialed down the quirkiness which makes it much more listenable than In Case We Die, but nonetheless unenjoyable.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.93
  • 8.23.2007

    Review: Common - Finding Forever:

    Upon first listen it's lost some of the obnoxious production found on Be and found it's way being the best hip-hop album of the year. So far.

  • HisSpace
  • Stream most of the album
  • Purchase for $7.99
  • 8.22.2007

    Review: Rilo Kiley - Under The Blacklight:

    Upon first listen I'm really suprised that a lot of people didn't predict an album like this coming from Rilo Kiley. If, after Execution and Adventurous, you couldn't tell that they were on a path to modern pop, you should be ashamed. They've lost some of their quirkiness and honesty as well as a good portion of their fanbase. But it works. Kind of. Sometimes. Not on Under The Blacklight or Dejalo. And a couple others. But the first three tracks are really good.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $12.49
  • 8.21.2007

    Review: Charles Mingus Sextet - Cornell 1964:

    Upon first listen there were only a few times when this sextet made me stand up and take notice. And that's not enough for a two-disc live experience.

  • HisSpace
  • Stream most of the album
  • Purchase for $17.41
  • 8.13.2007

    Other Projects

    Not ignoring the site, I've just been busy with one of my other projects: http://penguinvirgin.blogspot.com

    Also, just discovered Facebook. Never really cared before because I figured it was just like MySpace. It kind of is, but it's like MySpace on steroids. And really, I just use it to play Scrabble with my wife and sister.

    I have been listening to new music, but mostly stuff that doesn't come out for a few more weeks. I should resume updates by the end of the week.

    8.07.2007

    Review: Various - Warm and Scratchy:

    Upon first listen this free album from the [adult swim] camp collects new tracks from a wide array of indie-rock stalwarts in addition to a few bands on the horizon. The album itself flows very well despite the amalgamation of artists and styles, which was the most surprising. And while I didn't enjoy all of the songs, a found a couple new artists I want to check out, which is the best reason to grab this free sampler.

  • Stream and Download the entire album
  • 8.06.2007

    Review: The Terrible Twos - If You Ever See An Owl:

    Upon first listen I have always been a big fan of Matt Pryor's voice and I will listen to just about anything he puts out. Still, an album for childrens's songs? I was a bit skeptical. It only took until the really great When I Get To Eleven to make me a convert. And while the rest of the album has some misses (though likely approriate for the target audience) this is one fine album.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.48
  • 8.02.2007

    Review: Pelican - City of Echoes:

    Upon first listen the best parts are when they get loud and some more metal and there just isn't enough of those times for me to enjoy this, though I can see why people like it.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.48
  • 8.01.2007

    Review: Parts & Labor - Mapmaker:

    Upon first listen I was very excited after the first few tracks, but as the album continued I found myself bored. It's decent, but not earth-shattering or even compelling pop-punk meets indie rock.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.47
  • 7.31.2007

    7.30.2007

    Review: Handsome Furs - Plague Park:

    Upon first listen I had forgotten the pedigree when I put this disc on, but was instantly reminded of it when I heard Dan's voice which as distinguishable and unique as any in rock music today. And while I wasn't the biggest fan of Wolf Parade, I did enjoy this album. It's much more consistent, sincere and even-tempered.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.48
  • 7.27.2007

    Review: Gastr del Sol - Camoufleur:

    Upon first listen I had to keep checking to make sure that each track was the same band and I hadn't accidentally put in a mix CD. Each song sounds like a different band and in some cases, each song sounds like two or three different bands. While I liked some of the tracks, or parts of some of the tracks it was just too inconsistent to enjoy.

  • Stream clips from the album
  • Purchase for $10.73
  • 7.26.2007

    Review: Boredoms - Vision Creation Newsun:

    Upon first listen I can't believe I had given up on these guys a few years ago because this album is really, really good. They don't sound like anyone in particular, but if you're a fan of Godspeed, Mars Volta and Sonic Youth, you'll likely find aspects you really like too.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album (in a hurry? just check out track 1)
  • Purchase for $7.85
  • 7.25.2007

    Review: The Beta Band - Three EPs:

    Upon first listen this coffee-house-sized jam bad belongs where I first heard them: on movie soundtracks. Their sound works well there and possibly as singles, but does not hold up over an album.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.05
  • 7.24.2007

    Review: Battles - Mirrored:

    Upon first listen this is virtually unlistenable as an album, but tremendous as an audition for production work (which they should be granted).

  • Stream Atlas and Prism, among others, at TheirSpace
  • Purchase for $11.97
  • 7.23.2007

    Review: Bark Psychosis - Codename:Dustsucker:

    Upon first listen the album is intimate and subdued yet intense and immediate. Emotional without screaming and enjoyable without choas. This is post-rock.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $12.99
  • 7.20.2007

    Review: The Polyphonic Spree - The Fragile Army:

    Upon firs listen it's neither as good as The Beginning Stages nor as mediocre as Together, We're Heavy, instead falling somewhere in between. Regardless, it's the type of band that you really need to be in the mood for before you put the disc in.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $12.23
  • 7.19.2007

    Review: Interpol - Our Love To Admire:

    Upon first listen the album certainly shows growth (albeit limited due to their choreographed sound) that is sorely needed. It had me all the way up until the last two tracks, but I'll be back.

  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $12.98
  • 7.17.2007

    Review: Against Me! - New Wave:

    Upon first listen most of it doesn't even sound like an Against Me! record and the parts that do sound like a bad imitation of Against Me! record. That being said, it will be getting far more rotation than Searching For A (Former) Clarity.

  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.99
  • 7.16.2007

    Review: The White Stripes - Icky Thump:

    Upon first listen this is certainly a more mature Stripes album, not to mention one less eccentric than Satan was. Gone is some of the youthful energy present in previous releases, instead replaced by slower, seemingly-more introspective maturity.

  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.49
  • 6.20.2007

    Neglected Bloggerly Duties

    Extremely busy week at work.
    Getting married on 6/30.
    Honeymoon until 7/8.
    Another busy week at work.
    First new review? 7/16 or 7/23.

    6.18.2007

    Review: Bark Psychosis - Codename:Dustsucker

    Upon first listen this was a very frustrating album by this sometimes-instrumental (post-)rock band as there were times when I really thought they were onto something and others that I couldn't figure out why I thought I like them. I'll put it this way; if all of my songs were on shuffle, I'd likely hit the next track whenever they came on.

  • Stream From What Is Said To When It's Read and 400 Winters
  • Purchase for $11.69
  • 6.13.2007

    Review: Dark Meat - Universal Indians:

    Upon first listen this is a very frustrating listen. One minute I'm loving the hippie-festival folk and the next I'm bored. Certainly requires more listens.

  • Stream the entire record
  • Purchase for $11.99
  • 6.12.2007

    Review: Be Your Own Pet - 2006 - Be Your Own Pet:

    Upon first listen I enjoyed this album much more than I would have normally due to their excellent set they put on opening for the Arctic Monkeys a few weeks back. Either way it's still pretty good Sonic Youth meets Yeah Yeah Yeahs noise rock.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $5.41
  • 6.11.2007

    Review: The Cure - Seventeen Seconds:

    Upon first listen I get the increasing impression that The Cure may be a singles and headphones type of band.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $6.89
  • 6.08.2007

    Review: The Veils - Nux Vomica:

    Upon first listen the depression-woe-is-me feel comes across as a bit forced but it's still a pretty decent pop-rock record.

  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.20
  • 6.07.2007

    6.06.2007

    Review: Operation Ivy - Energy:

    Upon first listen I had never given this band a chance growing up. As all of my friends were transitioning from punk to ska I ridiculed them for the horns they were now dancing to. Despite being more punk than ska, I lumped Operation Ivy in with this crowd and ignored them until now. Either the music doesn't hold up or it was never that good at all, either way I'm disappointed by the legendary status that they have received over the years.

  • Stream four tracks
  • Purchase for $9.99
  • 6.05.2007

    Review: Joanna Newsom and the Ys Street Band - EP:

    Upon first listen every time I listen to Ms. Newsom I realize how I had forgotten how magical she can sound. This EP is no exception and a wonderful compliment to her last album.

  • Download Crab, Clam, Cockle Cowrie (via The Daily Growl
  • Purchase for $10
  • 6.04.2007

    6.01.2007

    Review: Bob Dylan Parody - Dylan Hears A Who:

    Upon first listen this ingenius idea for a parody should be amazing. Sadly, Kevin Ryan (the brainchild of this adventure) picks Seuss stories that are a bit long and wear down the patience of the listener.

  • Stream Green Eggs And Ham, Too Many Daves and Oh, The Thinks You Can Think!
  • This album not for sale
  • 5.31.2007

    Review: Dungen - Tio Bitar:

    Upon first listen it lacks that magical element that Ta Det Lungt had and while it's still enjoyable it's not amazing.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.99
  • 5.30.2007

    Review: Brand New x2

    Brand New - Your Favourite Weapon: Upon first listen this album was buried behind the Saves the Days, Get Up Kids and Taking Back Sundays for no good reason. While it likely doesn't eclipse those bands, it compliments them well.

  • Download Seventy Times 7
  • Purchase for $12.00

    Brand New - Deja Entendu: Upon first listen this effort is far more focused than their debut and it begins to get easier to see why they have such a horde of loyal fans.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.11
  • 5.29.2007

    5.25.2007

    Review: Dinosaur Jr - Beyond:

    Upon first listen this is the first time I've listened to Dinosaur Jr outside of the bits from 1981: The Year Punk Broke and I have to say that once you turn the volume up it is a very satisfying listen. It's too bad that bands like Nickelback are our rock heroes because there is no reason bands like Dinosaur Jr couldn't be.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.38
  • 5.24.2007

    5.23.2007

    Review: The Clientele - God Save The Clientele:

    Upon first listen I don't think I realized how much this band sounds like The Beatles when I listened to Strange Geometry. With that being said, I think this one is a better album and more enjoyable from start to finish.

  • Stream Bookshop Cassanova and Nothing But Sunshin
  • Purchase for $9.95
  • 5.22.2007

    Review: The National - Boxer:

    Upon first listen it's pretty standard fare for The National, but where their previous effort managed to grab the listener, this one does not. More likely is that it takes more than just one listen to appreciate what they do.


  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.82
  • 5.21.2007

    Review: Various - La Vie En Rose Official Motion Picture Soundtrack:

    Upon first listen this is one of the best soundtracks I have heard in a long time. This despite, or in spite of the fact that's almost entirely in French.

  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.85
  • 5.18.2007

    Review: Bjork - Volta:

    Upon first listen this wasn't the electropop album I was expecting based on the pre-release buzz, but then again, that's likely a good thing. Most of the songs are hit or miss with the slower, more intimate songs being better and the production-heavy songs feeling out of place.

  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.85
  • 5.17.2007

    Review: Talking Heads - Fear of Music:

    Upon first listen this is certainly their darkest, slowest and most straightforward release (thus far) and has its moments but doesn't grab me the way the first two albums did.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $5.95
  • 5.16.2007

    Review: Patti Smith - Twelve:

    Upon first listen this is certainly interesting to listen to once, but likely not to be revisited unless you make a lot of mix CDs.

  • Stream most of the album in its entirety
  • Purchase for $10.40
  • 5.15.2007

    Review: Wilco - Sky Blue Sky:

    Upon first listen this is a pop record and certainly not what I expected from Tweedy and Co. after A Ghost is Born.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $12.34
  • 5.14.2007

    Review: Brandi Carlile - The Story:

    Upon first listen this is leaps and bounds
    better than her debut, but I have to agree with one of my co-workers;
    she's got a great album in her, but this just isn't it.

  • Stream
    the entire album

  • Purchase
    for $6.53
  • 5.11.2007

    Review: Various - Petrol Present The Greatest Songs Ever Series Sampler:

    Upon first listen this collection has 2 tracks from each region of the upcoming aforementioned series. I can't say that I can recommend any of the regions unless I hear more, but from what I did hear, they're all at least interesting.

  • Stream clips from all of the different series
  • Purchase each series for $24.95
  • 5.10.2007

    Review: Master P - Ghetto D 10th Anniversary Edition:

    Upon first listen there are some great tracks on here. But only about 10 of the 19, making for a longer-than-necessary listen.

  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $13.25
  • 5.09.2007

    Review: Jethro Tull - The Best of Acoustic Jethro Tull:

    Upon first listen I can't help but believe that this wouldn't be better reviewed by someone more familiar with the source material. That being said, it did make me interested in exploring their other work. Hopefully, it retains the fantasy, gypsy-esque qualities that I liked so much.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $13.95
  • 5.07.2007

    Review: Jerry Lee Lewis - Last Man Standing:

    Upon first listen, this duet album full of covers is a necessary listen for Jerry Lee Lewis fans and likely so of fans of his duet partner. But for the more casual listener, it's interesting to listen to once but likely won't get played again.

  • Stream all but one song
  • Purchase for $12.22
  • 5.04.2007

    Review: Various - A Tribute to Joni Mitchell:

    Upon first listen this is worth a listen if only for the covers by Sufjan Stevens and Bjork. The rest of them are still good, just not great.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.15
  • 5.03.2007

    Review: McCarthy Trenching - McCarthy Trenching:

    Upon first listen this let's-get-drunk style country album leaves a bit to be desired as I don't hear the passion and intensity I was expecting.

  • Stream XXX and Headlines
  • Purchase for $10.29
  • 5.01.2007

    Review: Feist - The Reminder:

    Upon first listen I'd like to issue my own reminder about how much really great music there is out there and that this sadly isn't.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $7.59
  • 4.24.2007

    Review: Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare:

    Upon first listen this is a giant pile of mediocrity. The beauty of their debut was the tightness they displayed with their cocky attitude that somehow managed to not turn you off. That beauty has been bastardized as they don't sound like the uber-tight band that we all over-hyped.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.49
  • 4.23.2007

    Arctic Monkeys tomorrow. Rest of week off.

    I'm actually out of CDs to review. I don't have anything new and I've stopped mining some of the older artists for a little while. Recommend me something.

    4.20.2007

    Review: Neil Young - Live At Massey Hall 1971:

    Upon first listen I have removed all of the previous Neil Young albums from my DAP and have replaced them with one Neil Young album; this one.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $13.73
  • 4.18.2007

    Review: Talking Heads - More Songs About Buildings And Food:

    Upon first listen it doesn't seem as tight as 77 does, but that's likely because 77 has been playing constantly on my computer for the past few weeks. Still, I can't wait to give this one more of a chance as it has the potential to be great.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $8.54
  • 4.17.2007

    Review: Nine Inch Nails - Year Zero:

    Upon first listen this album is so 'industrial' it's a frustrating listen. Especially, when I thought maybe, just maybe he was getting away from such noise.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.99
  • 4.13.2007

    Review: Brandi Carlile - Brandi Carlile:

    Upon first listen this folky, classic rock-esque album shows a lot of promise for the heretofore relatively-unknown Carlile. A lot of promise that isn't fulfilled on this outing but could be further down the road.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $8.01
  • 4.12.2007

    Review: Bright Eyes - Cassadaga:

    Upon first listen there is no doubt the Mr. Oberst of capable of greatness, it's just that he still hasn't achieved it. There are, as usual, so really good tracks on here, and mixed with the left off tracks from the Four Winds EP, could make a pretty solid album, but it still just doesn't have that final piece to the puzzle that's been lacking for his entire career.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $7.59
  • 4.11.2007

    Review: Neil Young - On The Beach:

    Upon first listen this is easily the weirdest Neil Young album I've ever heard (though I'm told it's not nearly his weirdest). Still, it's got some good tracks but falls a bit on the uneven side of the tracks.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $6.61
  • 4.10.2007

    Review: Neil Young - Harvest:

    Upon first listen this is the album that Neil Young finally realizes his orchestral vision that began with Everybody and was tightened with Gold Rush but completes itself here. It's still a frustrating listen at times because some of the songs are too short and could use some of the aforementioned piddle-farting to help amplify the track.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $6.57
  • 4.06.2007

    Review: Neil Young - Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere:

    Upon first listen and with great naivete and enormous hindsight I found the album to be lacking in emotion, passion and overall execution as most of the tracks failed to impress.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $6.70
  • 4.05.2007

    Review: Kings of Leon - Because of the Times:

    Upon first listen it took me most of the album to really appreciate the voice and delivery (as it did with their previous effort) but once I did I found myself dancing along and enjoying every minute.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $7.89
  • 4.04.2007

    Review: Fucked Up - Hidden World:

    Upon first listen I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this set as I hadn't heard anything by them previously and hadn't seen much good press (save for the Pitchfork review) but I wasn't pleasantly surprised. There are a couple of really, really great hardcore-but-not-hardcore tracks on here that convince me of impending genius. There are also a couple of tracks that seem like very traditional hardcore tracks with a couple of strings or whistles tacked on. Ultimately it's an album with the band looking over its shoulder, making sure it's OK to move forward and once they realize that it is, look for them to run free.

  • Download Baiting The Public
  • Download Hidden World
  • Purchase for $12.75
  • 4.03.2007

    Review: Sterling - Cursed:

    Upon first listen there is just too much good instrumental and crescendo-building music around to recommend this one.

  • Stream Lurker, Part 1
  • Purchase for $11.08
  • 4.02.2007

    3.30.2007

    Review: The Poison Arrows - Straight Into The Drift:

    Upon first listen the album feels very detached from its surroundings, giving way to a an extremely isolated post-rock meets electronic pop outing.

  • Stream Lockaway and Clear Cut
  • Purchase for $6.59
  • 3.29.2007

    Review: Talib Kweli and Madlib - Liberation:

    Upon first listen some of the tracks here are some of the best that Kweli has released since Black Star. Others, not so much.

  • Stream Funny Money
  • Purchase for $14.95 (or invent time travel to go back a few months and download it for free from Stones Throw)
  • 3.28.2007

    3.22.2007

    Review: Ted Leo and Pharmacists - Living with the Living:

    Upon first listen I think Mr. Leo and drug-pushing counterparts should stick to live performance and mainstream pop covers as their studio output never seems to hold a candle to either of those.

  • Stream BombRepeatBomb and The Sons of Cain
  • Purchase for $11.98
  • 3.20.2007

    Review: The Police - Zenyatta Mondatta:

    Upon first listen it's reggae-based music that I really like. Go figure. And it (mostly) holds up the test of time.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $4.34
  • 3.16.2007

    Review: Comeback Kid - Broadcasting:

    Upon first listen this is leaps and bounds better than Wake the Dead. It's still formulaic and predictable but it's so much more raw. The change of singers has definetly served them well (though not for live shows, yet).

  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.97
  • 3.15.2007

    3.14.2007

    Review: Andrew WK - Close Calls With Brick Walls:

    Upon first listen this pretty much severs my relationship with Mr. WK as I will no longer be investing time into his future endeavors in a vein hope of preserving I Get Wet in all its quirky, unrelenting glory.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $19.78 (it's an import)
  • 3.12.2007

    3.09.2007

    Review: The Good, The Bad & The Queen - The Good, The Bad & The Queen:

    Upon first listen it's exactle what you were expecting from Mr. Blur; downtempo, guitar-based rock that sometimes works and sometimes doesn't.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.89
  • 3.08.2007

    Review: Calla - Strength In Numbers:

    Upon first listen this follow-up to the solid Collisions is a more complex, more textured effort that I found even more rewarding. If you were a fan of Collisions, or even Elbow (not that they sound similar) you should be checking this out.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.75
  • 3.07.2007

    Review: Apostle of Hustle - National Anthem of Nowhere:

    Upon first listen this is a case of the pre-released media hyping an album that inevitably will fail to deliver. I was so stoked on this album after the pre-release of My Sword Hand's Anger and the album title track (the best 2 tracks on the album), but was slightly underwhelming. Hopefully, it will grow on me.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.85
  • 3.06.2007

    Review: Arcade Fire - Neon Bible:

    Upon first listen it lacks the immediacy present on Funeral, but still manages to be compelling. A lot of the tracks are good (No Cars Go, Intervention), but it's not the album that Funeral is.

  • Stream Keep The Car Running
  • Purchase for $8.95
  • 3.05.2007

    Review: Explosions in the Sky - All Of the Sudden, I Miss Everyone:

    Upon first listen EITS is certainly the most consistent post-rock band and they do little to tarnish their own legacy. It's everything you're expecting and maybe a little you're not.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $8.99
  • 3.02.2007

    Review: Talking Heads - 77:

    Upon first listen this is the blueprint for nearly all of the indie rock albums in at least the past 7 years. And I loved every minute of it.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $6.48
  • 3.01.2007

    Review: Ron Sexsmith - Time Being:

    Upon first listen the songwriter's songwriter
    strikes again. Great songs, wonderful arrangements and no acclaim or
    record sales to show for it.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $13.49
  • 2.28.2007

    Review: Sonic Youth - Sister:

    Upon first listen I wasn't impressed until I turned the volume up. Way up. Part of the problem would have to be my admittedly high expectations predicated on the first 10 minutes or so of 1981, The Year Punk Broke in which the band performs Schizophrenia live and it blew me away.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $4.34
  • 2.27.2007

    Review: Sloan - Never Hear The End Of It:

    Upon first listen I never thought I was going to hear the end of the 30 tracks presented here, a lot of it filler, most of which owing a great deal to the Beatles and Badfinger.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.95
  • 2.23.2007

    Review: New Amsterdams - Worse For The Wear:

    Upon first listen it's a really great album if you're not expecting On A Wire, Pt. 2. And even if you are, it's pretty great.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $8.77
  • 2.22.2007

    Review: Lifetime - Lifetime:

    Upon first listen it's almost a little forumlaic in its raw-yet-melodic pop/punk style. Until you realize that these guys pretty much invented the style and then it becomes what it is; a natural evolution of the style they created.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.18
  • 2.21.2007

    Review: Apples in Stereo - New Magnetic Wonder:

    Upon first listen I'm growing a bit tired of all of this great pyschedelic pop out there. Unfortunately, as great as it is there is better.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.18
  • 2.20.2007

    Review: Peter Bjorn and John - Falling Out:

    Upon first listen there are some good tracks on this Swedish pop album, but I just didn't enjoy the entire thing.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.56
  • 2.19.2007

    Review: Luscious Jackson - Greatest Hits:

    Upon first listen there is such a melange of different, but oddly similar genres that works only sometimes. All of that is not to say that there aren't some good tracks on here, because there are. But I could have dealt better with a Greatest Hits EP.

  • Stream Naked Eye, Ladyfingers and a remixed Why Do I Lie
  • Purchase for $14.88
  • 2.16.2007

    Review: Love of Diagrams - EP:

    Upon first listen I love diagrams no more and no less than I did prior to listening to this post-punk EP.

  • Stream the entire EP
  • Purchase for $2.99
  • 2.15.2007

    Review: Sondre Lerche - Phantom Punch:

    Upon first listen it seems as though Mr. Lerche's confidence grows exponentially with each album. I grew to really like Two Way Monologue and quite enjoyed Faces Down, but this one may be the best of his young career.

  • Stream clips of the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.85
  • 2.14.2007

    Review: Kayo Dot - Dowsing Anemone with Copper Tongue:

    Upon first listen it's a bit more avant garde than Choirs of the Eye, but there are a lot of rewarding parts to it. Just don't expect to be blown away.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.95
  • 2.13.2007

    Review: Hot Cross - Risk Revival:

    Upon first listen this is the best punk/hardcore/screamo album of this year, by far. Granted this is among the first that I have listened to, but it's going to take some really great to top this.

  • Stream Fatefully
  • Purchase for $10.00
  • 2.12.2007

    Review: Bloc Party - A Weekend In The City:

    Upon first listen I just can't enjoy this album. I loved the EP, enjoyed the first LP but will probably never listen to this one again. It's boring and lacks any of the spontaniety of the aforementioned discs. Its energy is something to be laughed. The best part of that EP was how you felt that the songs were to fall apart at any minute. I just don't feel that way here.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.70
  • 2.09.2007

    Review: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! - Some Loud Thunder:

    Upon first listen I can't believe how much I liked this album when I didn't really care for the narcissistic debut. I'm not entirely sure why, but it just works for me this go round. Though it could have been a track or two lighter.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.95
  • 2.08.2007

    Review: Shins - Wincing The Night Away:

    Upon first listen I absolutely loved Chutes Too Narrow and really liked Oh, Inverted World (perhaps because I listened in that order?) but do not find the same attachment to this new disc. It's less of a pop album and more of an indie-rock album which isn't always a bad thing but I'm certainly going to need some more time with it.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.72
  • 2.07.2007

    Review: Ambulance LTD - New English EP:

    Upon first listen the best part of this EP is the demo songs from their debut. The new tracks just don't have that same immediacy, shimmer or stick-in-your-head-forever allure.

  • Stream Fearless and the Sugar Pill Demo in full and clips from the rest
  • Purchase for $4.97
  • 2.02.2007

    Review: Diana Ross - I Love You:

    Upon first listen I Love You is to romance and love what Andrew WK's I Get Wet is to partying and drunken shenanigans. Where Andrew WK's campiness and overall enthusiasm make his album a winner, Diana's overproduction and underwhelming performances (Not to mention, 15 love songs? You've got to be nuts) make this a disc not worth exploring.

  • Stream most of the album
  • Purchase for $10.95
  • 2.01.2007

    Review: Monty Python x4

    Monty Python - Another Monty Python Record: Upon first listen I'm not a very big Monty Python fan and this album is no exception. Though I did laugh a few times, I won't be revisiting this album soon.

  • Stream clips from the entire album and purchase it for $18.98

    Monty Python - Monty Python's Previous Record: Upon first listen I didn't laugh once on this record.

  • Stream clips from the entire album and purchase it for $18.98

    Monty Python - The Life Of Brian: Upon first listen I was the most familiar with The Life of Brian coming into this exercise in patience. I couldn't finish the movie, however, and the album nearly met the same fate.

  • Stream clips from the entire album and purchase it for $13.97

    Monty Python - The Meaning of Life: Upon first listen I didn't laugh, but I felt as though I could have. I almost want to see this movie now because I felt that if I could better relate to some of these characters, the skits could actually be funny.

  • Stream clips from the entire album and purchase it for $13.97
  • 1.31.2007

    Review: Os Mutantes - Os Mutantes:

    Upon first listen if you're looking for some '60s psychadelic pop that was made, well, in the '60s, please do yourself a favor and check this band out. They're from Brazil and lack the gene that allows them to sing in English, but it's worth it. There are some songs that miss their mark, but on the whole it's a good album.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $8.19
  • 1.30.2007

    Review: Of Montreal - Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?:

    Upon first listen this album is worth a good deal of the hype it's getting. And how could it not be? Sounding like someone put the Fiery Furnaces, Belle and Sebastian and Of Montreal into a blender, it would be an almost certain smash and it doesn't entirely dissapoint. Some of the tracks tend be get a little repetitive, but there's so much good about it that I can see it getting overlooked on future spins.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.49
  • 1.29.2007

    Review: Piebald - Accidental Gentleman:

    Upon first listen I've hated each of the last two Piebald records. A few listens later and I loved them both. But it took some time. Accidental Gentleman continues that trend in that I hate it upon first listen. Hopefully, they won't dissapoint and I'll love it a few listens from now.

  • Stream the entire album at TheirSpace
  • Purchase for $11.00
  • 1.26.2007

    Review: Menomena - Friend And Foe:

    Upon first listen the title is very fitting. This is a really, really good album, but ever so short of being a great album. Lots of good tracks (Friend) and a couple of mediocre ones (Foe).

  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $8.35
  • 1.24.2007

    Review: Al Green - The Definitive Greatest Hits:

    Upon first listen I enjoyed myself for the first few tracks, but after that it's hard to be energized by 21 consecutive tracks by Mr. Green. Still, if you're a fan, surely this would be on repeat.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.72
  • 1.23.2007

    Review: Crowded House - Farewell To The World:

    Upon first listen it's very solid arena-friendly pop. Some great songs, some OK songs and some sketchy songs all culminating with their only US hit Don't Dream It's Over.

  • Stream studio versions of four tracks
  • Purchase for $16.80
  • 1.22.2007

    Review: Califone - Roots & Crowns:

    Upon first listen his is a great follow-up to Heron King Blues which I thought was an OK album. This one sure would shake up my best of '06 list (if I ever devote the time to making one).

  • Stream Spider's House and The Orchids
  • Purchase for $11.25
  • 1.11.2007

    Review: Various - Peanut Butter Wolf Presents Chrome Children:

    Upon first listen there is some absolutely stunning music on this disc. Accompanied by some absolutely atrocious music. Still it's a nice selection from one of the few record labels actually pushing hip-hop forward.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.68
  • 1.05.2007

    Review: The Beatings - Holding On To Hand Grenades:

    Upon first listen the post-punk stylings of this band do nothing for me. If you're looking for some good post-punk this year, check out Mission of Burma.

  • Stream Feel Good Ending and a few non-album specific tracks
  • Purchase for $12.25
  • 1.03.2007

    Review: Various - Rocky Balboa, The Best of Rocky:

    Upon first listen I must confess that I have never seen a Rocky movie from beginning to end. I'm familiar with the concept and seen bits and pieces of the previously released five installments, but never a complete one. That being said, this compilation gets me really excited to see not only the first five, but the new one. There's nothing like Theme from Rocky back-to-back with Eye of the Tiger to get you're heart racing.

  • Stream a couple of tracks off of the Rocky IV Soundtrack
  • Purchase for $13.29
  • 1.02.2007

    Review: Dean Martin - Christmas with Dino:

    Upon first listen if you've heard these songs once, you've heard them a thousand times. If you're a Dino fan, this is for you.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.88