6.04.2008

Review: Saves The Day - Bug Sessions, Volumes 2 and 3:

Upon first listen I can't wait until they've done their entire back catalog acoustically - especially if they continue to be this good.

  • TheirSpace
  • Find it on eBay
  • 6.03.2008

    Review: The Raconteurs - Consolers Of The Lonely:

    Upon first listen it's a lot better than their debut, but doesn't match the latest White Stripes album. Still Jack White and crew provide an extremely solid rock album.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.76
  • 6.02.2008

    Review: Night Marchers - See You In Magic:

    Upon first listen I've liked some of John Reis's other works (Drive Like Jehu, Hot Snakes) but can't seem to get into this release of straight ahead garage rock.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.08
  • 5.30.2008

    Review: Moss Icon - Discography:

    Upon first listen this emo pioneer outfit starts as a Minor Threat-intense punk band, progresses into a spoken work/rant post-punk band and ends as an avant garde weirdo band.

  • TheirSpace
  • Download it
  • eBay
  • 5.28.2008

    Review: Indian Summer - Science 1994 Discography:

    Upon first listen it's like some magical cross between I Hate Myself and Slint. Absolutely amazing. And the second time I've reviewed this album.

  • TheirSpace
  • Wiki
  • Purchase for $9.48
  • 5.27.2008

    Review: The Hated - Collection:

    Upon first listen the production quality is terrible on most songs. Still, beneath that are some good tracks. Waiting (Acoustic) especially as it sounds like a modern day talking blues track with Damned Heart being incredibly catchy.

  • TheirSpace (kinda)
  • eBay
  • 5.23.2008

    Review: Gnarls Barkley - The Odd Couple:

    Upon first listen they will always be thought of and remembered as a singles band. And with only one or two good singles on this disc, it's easy to overlook it.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $13.80
  • 5.22.2008

    5.20.2008

    Review: Flight Of The Conchords - Flight Of The Conchords:

    Upon first listen it was, as expected, a mixed affair. Some of the tracks work outside the confines of their funny, funny show. The rest rely on the visual as much as the context surrounding them.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.76
  • 5.19.2008

    Review: The Feelies - Crazy Rhythms:

    Upon first listen it's hard not to draw some kind of comparison to the Talking Heads, albeit unfairly. It's a very interesting album, full of quirky, upbeat pop and minimalistic electronica and drone. Looking forward to hearing it again.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream some of the album
  • Purchase for $13.61
  • 5.16.2008

    Reviews: Defiance, Ohio

    Defiance, Ohio - Demo: Upon first listen I like where it could end up, but most of the songs are a little underdeveloped.

    Defiance, Ohio - Take What Ya Got: Upon first listen a better outing than their demo - hitting homeruns with a few tracks, but still falling short.

    Defiance, Ohio - The Fear, The Fear, The Fear: Upon first listen it all comes together on their latest album.

  • TheirSpace
  • Download all of their albums
  • Purchase whatever they currently have in stock
  • 5.15.2008

    Review: Chamberlain - Fate's Got A Driver:

    Upon first listen it's a bit more melodic than the rest of their mid-90s emo peers. Still, I'd have enjoyed it more had the vocals been less muddy.

  • TheirSpace
  • Purchase for $12.95
  • 5.14.2008

    Review: Be Your Own Pet - Get Awkward:

    Upon first listen it is a bit of a sophomore slump, but not as much as it could have been. There are some killer tracks on here and I love the fuzzy vocals. I'm more excited, however, at the promise of growth and look forward to their next album for something really special.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $7.84
  • 5.13.2008

    Review: Albert Ayler - Spirits Rejoice:

    Upon first listen I'm sure it makes more sense in context, but having none I'm unsure why Tiny Mix Tapes gave it a five-star review. Still, it's interesting and deserves to be listened to again.

  • HisSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $12.99
  • 5.09.2008

    Review: Elbow - The Seldom Seen Kid:

    Upon first listen the album title is a metaphor for the band as they're always there, doing more, pushing themselves further and improving with each release yet receiving little of the accolades thrust upon their Britpop peers. I've only listened once, but this may be my favorite Elbow album, as difficult as it is to imagine.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $7.84
  • 5.08.2008

    Review: Saul Williams - The Inevitable Rise And Liberation of NiggyTardust:

    Upon first listen this is my least-favorite Saul Williams album. The production was especially distracting and Saul's delivery of the lyrics weren't as immediate as I was anticipating based on past releases.

  • HisSpace
  • Purchase for $5
  • 5.05.2008

    Review: Van Der Graaf Generator - Pawn Hearts:

    Upon first listen it wasn't as pretentious as I was expecting or as it could be, but it also wasn't as good as a lot of other progressive rock.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire original album
  • Purchase for $12.54
  • 5.02.2008

    Review: Thrice - Vheissu:

    Upon first listen it's another good record by the band, but they still yet to release that great record I know they're capable of.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $12.37
  • 5.01.2008

    Review: Sundowner - Four One Five Two:

    Upon first listen this punk-inspired folk album is nothing too special, but good enough to warrant repeat listens, especially if you like to sing along.

  • HisSpace
  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.62
  • 4.30.2008

    On My 1,000th Post, I'm Sick Of It All

    Sick Of It All - We Stand Alone: Upon first listen I can see why they were so influential and highly regarded as this was much better than Blood, Sweat And No Tears (especially the live tracks from that album).

  • TheirSpace
  • Purchase it on eBay

    Sick Of It All - Just Look Around: Upon first listen I'm starting to think that their studio output will never be as good as their reputation that precedes them.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $15.99

    Sick Of It All - Scratch The Surface: Upon first listen this is their best output thus far - even if there are a few wasted tracks.

  • Purchase for $12.79

    Sick Of It All - Live In A World Full Of Hate: Upon first listen I've never been to a hardcore show with the vocals mixed so much to the front. I really wish I had been though, cause it suits it very well. As does the live setting for SOIA's songs.

  • Purchase it on eBay

    Sick Of It All - Spreading The Hardcore Reality: Upon first listen these early-years tracks just don't seem to hold up to the rest of their output.

  • Purchase it on eBay

    Sick Of It All - Built To Last: Upon first listen they inexplicably continue to turn out anthem after anthem.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $6.99

    Sick Of It All - Call To Arms: Upon first listen after ten years, SOIA manages to be one of the most consistently good hardcore bands of all time.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.20

    Sick Of It All - Yours Truly: Upon first listen I think I've finally gone past the point of enjoying SOIA and into boredom.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.92

    Sick Of It All - Live In A Dive: Upon first listen I really need to see SOIA live.

  • Purchase for $10.92

    Sick Of It All - Life On The Ropes: Upon first listen what's more to be said about this classic NYHC band?

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.92

    Sick Of It All - Outtakes For The Outcast: Upon first listen it's a nice accompaniment to the rest of their albums, but I don't see myself listening to it as a whole.

  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.57

    Sick Of It All - Death To Tyrants: Upon first listen this is one of their better albums and the best in the last few releases. Harder, faster, more direct, they show no signs of slowing down.

  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.57
  • 4.23.2008

    Review: Thee Silver Mt Zion Memorial Orchestra & Tra-La-La Band - 13 Blues For Thirteen Moons:

    Upon first listen I'm always amazed at how much this outfit continues to grow after each increasingly-better release. This one is no exception as it eclipses everything else they have released.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $12.78
  • 4.18.2008

    4.17.2008

    Review: She And Him - Volume 1:

    Upon first listen I had very low expectations for this album, which is likely why I liked it so much. Wonderfully sung, beautifully arranged and the covers (You Really Got A Hold On Me and I Should Have Known Better) are a perfect representation of the type of music they were striving to replicate - and did so successfully.

  • TheirSpace
  • Purchase for $13
  • 4.14.2008

    Review: Scarface - Mr. Scarface is Back:

    Upon first listen I must have been in the mood to hear some old-school hip-hop, because I loved this album. The storytelling, the lack of an annoying hook and traditional backing beats made for an enjoyable listen.

  • HisSpace
  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.19
  • 4.11.2008

    4.10.2008

    Review: Chuck Ragan - Feast Of Famine:

    Upon first listen I was a little disappointed in this folk-punk album from someone that will someday (if not already) considered a legend. Perhaps it was his over-emphasis of the final word of every line - but a lot of it seemed unneccessary.

  • HisSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.99
  • 4.09.2008

    Review: No Harm Done

    Our Day Of Days: Upon first listen this melodic hardcore band stands in the shadow of greats like Gorilla Biscuits, H2O, OMDB and Kid Dynamite, but still manage to keep the faith that they're capable of more.

    Start Of Something New (EP): Upon first listen this is a step in the right direction, but still not quite there.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Stream the entire EP
  • Purchase both for only $10
  • 4.08.2008

    4.07.2008

    Review: Mountain Goats - Heretic Pride:

    Upon first listen it's no Sunset Tree but it's far better than Get Lonely and a lot of other mediocre music being made these days.

  • HisSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.87
  • 4.04.2008

    Review: Los Campesinos! - Hold On Now, Youngster:

    Upon first listen I was not surprised to find out that they could not hold their quirkiness over an entire album - instead they should stick to EPs.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.74
  • 4.03.2008

    Review: Lee, Ben - Sings Against Me's New Wave:

    Upon first listen I loved Lee's rendition of this album. It has made me appreciate the original all the more - though I'll use this version to get people hooked on the melodies and song writing before hitting them with the better version.

  • Against Me's Space
  • Ben Lee's Space
  • Download the entire album
  • Purchase the original for $9.95
  • 4.01.2008

    Review: GlassJaw - Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Silence:

    Upon first listen this wasn't as bad as my expectations had prepared me for, but it still wasn't great. I'll stick to I Hate Myself.

  • TheirSpac
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $12.88
  • 3.31.2008

    Review: Flat Duo Jets - Two Headed Cow:

    Upon first listen this was a very interesting album. Part blues, part punk, part rockabilly, part instrumental. I'm still taken aback by its uniqueness.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.01
  • 3.28.2008

    Review: FC Five - Super Bloom:

    Upon first listen either I've forgotten how formulaic they once were or they've become a lot more so. Either way I'll have to pass.

  • TheirSpace
  • Import it for $21.90
  • 3.27.2008

    Review: The Forms - The Forms:

    Upon first listen I loved most of the songs, but was expecting a little more cohesiveness or flow. Either way, I'm sure it'll get more than a few listens.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.28
  • 3.26.2008

    Review: Destroyer - Trouble In Dreams:

    Upon first listen I enjoyed this album more than Rubies but still not as much as the rest of the internet.

  • HisSpace
  • Purchase for $10.77
  • 3.25.2008

    Review: British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music?:

    Upon first listen I liked this album much better than Open Season, but still didn't feel wholly interesting like their debut. Still, it was good enough to revisit.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $8.99
  • 3.24.2008

    Review: Bowerbirds - Hymns For A Dark Horse:

    Upon first listen there is a ton to like on this acoustic/folk/weird album, just not enough to come back to again and again.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase the album fro $12
  • 3.20.2008

    Review: The Hives - The Black and White Album:

    Upon first listen it's easy to surmise that a few years from now when a Greatest Hits of The Hives is released, it will include a few of these tracks. But that's where they're strength remains - in the hits, the singles.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $7.49
  • 3.19.2008

    Review: Rollins Band - Weight:

    Upon first listen I usually complain about bands mixing their vocals too high. In this case, they've been mixed far too high. It's like Rollins is doing Def Poetry and there's this pseudo-hard rock music behind it. Way behind it.

  • HisSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $12.20
  • 3.18.2008

    Review: Bob Dylan - The Other Side of the Mirror:

    Upon first listen it's great to have all of his Newport Folk Festival performances in non-bootleg form, sounding cleaner than ever.

  • HisSpace
  • Purchase for $11.93
  • 3.17.2008

    Review: The House of Love - The House of Love:

    Upon first listen I was expecting more jangly guitars and more rhythm. What I got instead was seemingly-repetitive songs about love (how'd I miss that clue?).

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream their Best Of
  • Purchase for $10.49
  • 3.13.2008

    Review: Thrice - The Alchemy Index, Vols. 1 and 2:

    Upon first listen it's a very hit or miss affair on the first disc of harder tracks. The second disc is a bit more consistent and interesting.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $8.99
  • 3.10.2008

    Review: A Wilhelm Scream - Ruiner:

    Upon first listen it was a pretty good listen. Still, I couldn't help but wonder how much better it could have been had they not made it so busy sounding.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.29
  • 2.29.2008

    Review: John Fogerty - Revival:

    Upon first listen it's on par with the rest of the rock veterans. Meaning it's really good but doesn't come close to his best output.

  • HisSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.87
  • 2.28.2008

    Review: Woelv - Pamplemoussi:

    Upon first listen it just wasn't what I was expecting, but in the end it's still not something I'd listen to with any kind of frequency. It's too slow and not attention-grabbing.

  • TheirSpace(I think)
  • Try eBay for this out-of-print album (or get the newest LP from here
  • 2.25.2008

    Review: Husker Du - New Day Rising:

    Upon first listen I could have really liked this album. If it didn't sound like it was recorded in a bathroom with the shower running.

  • TheirSpace
  • Purchase for $10.98
  • 2.22.2008

    2.21.2008

    Review: Minus The Bear - Menos El Oso:

    Upon first listen this was a very interesting album. And not something that I can easily categorize, but if I had to I'd have to say it sounds like Cake.

  • TheirSpace
  • Purchase for $9.68
  • 2.19.2008

    Review: Various - I'm Not There Soundtrack:

    Upon first listen it's a good thing they gave you two discs of material. This way you can make your own one-disc version containing all the good covers (Jeff Tweedy, Cat Power) and none of the bad ones (anyone trying to cover Maggie's Farm).

  • ItsSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $13.85
  • 2.18.2008

    Review: Sigur Ros - Hvarf-Heim:

    Upon first listen it's officially been too long since I've listened to Sigur Ros, because I had forgotten how absolutely beautiful they sound.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.99
  • 2.15.2008

    Review: White Rabbits - Fort Nightly:

    Upon first listen I'm just not sure. There seems to be more than meets the ear, but it was difficult to discern. Perhaps another attempt is in order.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $8.46
  • 2.13.2008

    Review: The Capstan Shafts - Euridice Proudhon:

    Upon first listen it would be difficult to not compare this to Jeff Mangum and John Darnielle. Twenty two tracks all about a minute long and never using music to introduce or close out or song (or even to stretch a song) makes for an interesting, if not enjoyable listen.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire albumPurchase for $8
  • 2.12.2008

    Review: The Fall Of Troy - Doppelganger:

    Upon first listen I love the music on this album but find both their screaming and singing
    to be incredibly cheesy.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $7.77
  • 2.11.2008

    Review: Sonic Youth - Daydream Nation:

    Upon first listen if I wasn't keenly aware that this was a seminal album by a seminal artist I wouldn't have liked it too much. Conversely, if I had heard this live instead of on CD, I'd have loved it immensely.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $6.99
  • 2.08.2008

    2.07.2008

    2.06.2008

    Review: Joey Eppard - Been to the Future:

    Upon first listen I may have liked this acoustic album if he had sang with more conviction (and a deeper voice).

  • HisSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchaes for $10
  • 2.04.2008

    Review: The Mars Volta - The Bedlam in Goliath:

    Upon first listen this is their best album since De-Loused. Coincidentally it's their most accessible one. Maybe ever.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $9.76
  • 1.31.2008

    Review: The Good Life - Album Of The Year:

    Upon first listen there were enough tracks that I liked that I'm looking forward to listening to it again. There weren't however, enough tracks that I liked to recommend it just yet.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $5.86
  • 1.30.2008

    Review: Flowers Forever - Flowers Forever:

    Upon first listen the only words that come to mind are: subdued exuberance.

  • TheirSpace which has five tracks streaming
  • Purchase for $14.99 (out 2.19.08)
  • 1.29.2008

    Review: A Weather - Cove:

    Upon first listen this is wonderful headphones music for when you can relax and enjoy.

  • TheirSpace
  • Purchase for $12.75 (out March 4, 2008)
  • 1.28.2008

    Review: Blood on the Wall - Awesomer:

    Upon first listen I wish they would settle on what type of band they want to be. If I wanted to listen to an album of various artists, I would.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $7.17
  • 1.25.2008

    Review: Michael Ian Black - I Am A Wonderful Man:

    Upon first listen I knew before listenting I would likely find myself annoyed by some of his antics. And I was right. But I laughed a lot more than I was annoyed. A lot more.

  • HisSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $10.77
  • 1.24.2008

    Review: Merle Haggard - Hag's Christmas:

    Upon first listen I just can't get into an album of Christmas songs I've heard a hundred thousand times since I was a kid.

  • HisSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $5.16
  • 1.23.2008

    Review: Kottonmouth Kings - Greatest Highs:

    Upon first listen this was a very frustrating set of songs (two discs, almost forty tracks). A seldom few are any good and the rest alternate between novelty rap and terrible.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream a few tracks and clips from the rest
  • Purchase for $13.85
  • 1.22.2008

    Review: Radiohead - Airbag/How Am I Driving?:

    Upon first listen I likely wouldn't remove any of the tracks from OK Computer for any of these, but it's a wonderful compliment to an already-outstanding album.

  • TheirSpace
  • Purchase for $2.39
  • 1.15.2008

    Downtime

    Expect another week of downtime with normal updates resuming on Monday.

    1.11.2008

    Review: The Weakerthans - Left And Leaving:

    Upon first listen I'm not exactly how to categorize this album, but if you're a fan of Piebald or The Mountain Goats (or both), then this is for you (and me).

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream the entire album
  • Purchase for $6.67
  • 1.10.2008

    Review: Various - Stereogum.com Presents...Drive XV:

    Upon first listen it helps that I'm not so familiar with the source material as I enjoyed this album more than both of the two Radiohead ones.

  • Download the entire thing
  • 1.09.2008

    1.08.2008

    Review: Kenotia - You've Dug Your Grave, Now Lie In It:

    Upon first listen this female-fronted band is poppy and catchy like a thousand other emo-type bands but still manages to rock while not coming off as cheesy like a thousand other emo-type bands.

  • TheirSpace
  • Stream clips from the entire album
  • Purchase for $11.34
  • 12.21.2007

    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

    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