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Neal HayesFeatures
Race for the Super BowlTony Dungy's win in Miami was definitely a major event, but a quick look at Super Bowl history shows that the NFL, with its long-disparaging race record, is still far from a level playing field. [12 February 2007] Reviews
Scoring from Second by Philip F. Deaver [Editor]Even the very best baseball players convert only three or four of every ten at bats into base hits. Perhaps Deaver can find some sort of poetic consolation in that statistic. [11 July 2007] 
Various Artists: CrystalTop Music PresentsThis collection will likely inspire many listeners to dig deeper into the CrystalTop catalog. [9 July 2007] 
The Jai-Alai Savant: Flight of the Bass DelegateAnother fiery band from the Windy City delivers an excellent rock album with dub influences. [6 July 2007] 
Of God and Science: Of God and ScienceOf God and Science juggles unusual chords and tricky arrangements, but the band should have focused on songwriting. [12 June 2007] 
C-Mon & Kypski: Where the Wild Things AreA better title for the album would have been Where the Creative Arrangements and Distracting Vocals Are. [4 June 2007] 
The New York Yankees 1977 World Series Collectors EditionReggie Jackson's three-homerun World Series game overshadows all the other accomplishments in his career. It also overshadows all the other action on this DVD. [22 May 2007] 
Eccodek: Voices Have EyesHe's such a good electronic producer that he shouldn't need a day job [17 May 2007] 
Major League Baseball: The Team. The Time. The 2006 MetsIf the Mets DVD lacks the emotional impact that would help endear it to a general audience, it does at least have a handful of cool extras for baseball fans. [7 May 2007] 
Optional 2: Moment of TruthOn its debut album, Moment of Truth, the Goucher College-based duo displays a wide musical palette, infectious energy, and a sense of humor. [2 May 2007] 
Team Shadetek: Pale FireTwo New York producers break out of the boroughs with a full-length debut that's both streetwise and eclectic. [20 April 2007] 
The Snake The Cross The Crown: Cotton TeethThe Snake The Cross The Crown is a talented group, but Cotton Teeth just doesn't have the musical depth it needs to compete in an oversaturated indie market. [18 April 2007] 
Baseball Double Feature - Kill the Umpire / Safe at Home (1950)Sony might have been swinging for the fences with this DVD release, but it ended up hitting an easy pop fly to the shallow outfield. [13 April 2007] 
Flame Shark: Midnight on Pearl BeachThis Shark's Flame flickers but never quite fizzles over the course of a pleasant but unspectacular album. [11 April 2007] 
The Eternals: Heavy InternationalThe Eternals named their latest album Heavy International. Apparently Electro-jazz-funk-dub-post-punk Opus was already taken. 
Vintage World Series: Detroit Tigers 1945 1968 & 1984Not many people will or should buy all the discs, but everyone can be happy that A&E and Major League Baseball are making such a wide range of World Series footage and, by extension, American history available on home video. [26 March 2007] 
Praying for Gil Hodges by Thomas OliphantIn his tender memoir, Praying for Gil Hodges, Thomas Oliphant shows that the most powerful baseball stories don't always make national headlines. [23 March 2007] 
Baby Eagle: Baby EagleSteve Lambke's debut album under his new alias finds him trading aggressive rock music for sensitive folk songs. [15 March 2007] 
The Phoenix Foundation: HorsepowerA new band is set to hit American record stores with the mellow sounds of... New Zealand? 
Cloud Eleven: Sweet Happy LifeWith his latest release, Rick Gallego has created an album that's as breezy and refreshing as a California afternoon. [14 March 2007] 
Lang Lang: Dragon SongsThe latest Lang Lang disc is a window onto an unfamiliar world of music, and a document of a pianist beginning to find his mature musical voice. [5 March 2007] 
The Dirtball: RaptillionThose looking for a groundbreaking album should look elsewhere, but anyone who wants tight flows, solid production, and catchy hooks need look no farther than Raptillion. [12 January 2007] 
Thunderegg: Open BookListeners who invest in Open Book can look forward to spending hours tracing the evolution of a unique artist and enjoying high quality independent music. [11 January 2007] 
Die Princess Die: Lions Eat LionsIf listeners let go of their expectations and embrace the band's blistering sonic assault, they will find the album to be cathartic and strangely catchy. [8 January 2007] 
Marshall University - Ashes to Glory (2006)A West Virginia public television documentary beats Hollywood to the punch by telling one of the most remarkable comeback stories in sports history. [4 January 2007] 
Tommy Guerrero: From the Soil to the SoulSkating legend Tommy Guerrero handles his bass as skillfully as his board, but the most inspiring part of his album is the passion he demonstrates for music. 
As Tall as Lions: As Tall as LionsWith soaring melodies, lush arrangements and great songs, the self-titled album by As Tall as Lions should make the band the pride of the independent music scene. [2 January 2007] 
Haiku: BlewIt might not blow mainstream listeners away, but Haiku's breezy, thoughtful new album should please independent hip-hop fans. [19 December 2006] 
The Electroluvs: BubblewrappedThe synthpop on the Electroluvs' Bubblewrapped has more clicks and twirps than a game of Pac-Man, but no less fun. [14 December 2006] 
The Damnwells: Air StereoCountry, pop, and rock blend smoothly and successfully on the broadcast from the Damnwells' Air Stereo. [27 November 2006] 
Massiv in Mensch: Clubber LangClubber Lang is the closest Massiv in Mensch has ever come to a pop masterpiece, but don't count on crossover success for the German electronic duo. [22 November 2006] 
U2: Zoo TV, Live From Sydney [DVD]A new DVD from U2's Zoo TV tour is a worthy testament to the powers of one of the greatest live acts of all time. [21 November 2006] 
Thunderball: CinescopeAt times sounding like the soundtrack to a cool '70s spy film that never was, Cinescope by Thunderball is as eclectic as it is funky. 
Osvaldo Golijov: AinadamarIn the early 21st century, an era driven by forces of globalization, a composer who stands ready to make a similarly significant cultural contribution is Osvaldo Golijov. [16 November 2006] 
Beeda Weeda: Turfology 101Beeda Weeda assumes the role of teacher on his latest album, but his rapping skills can't compensate for his clichéd lessons. [8 November 2006] 
Lupe Fiasco: Food and LiquorOn his debut album, a rapping Rumpelstiltskin spins style, social commentary, and skateboarding into hip-hop gold. [5 November 2006] 
Spanky Wilson and the Quantic Soul Orchestra: Im ThankfulBy working with a soul singer from the '60s, Will Holland has proved that musicians can be in with the new without being out with the old. [1 November 2006] 
Golden Bear: Golden BearAlthough it's a bit rough around the edges, the self-titled debut from the Austin-based band Golden Bear should be a treat for fans of earnest, catchy, and melodic pop music. [31 October 2006] 
Jazzanova: Broad CastingAs eclectic as its title would suggest, Jazzanova's Broad Casting is a compilation of downtempo and broken beat music by some of today's most interesting electronic artists. [26 October 2006] Cat Scientist: CicadaFun and bouncy, it's great if punchy humor is to your tastes, but otherwise will seem overwhelmingly cutesy. [23 October 2006] Astronautalis: Mighty Ocean and Nine Dark TheatersAstronautalis continues to keep one foot in hip-hop and one in indie, as he searches for meaning in an alien world. 
Ojos de Brujo: TecharíOjos de Brujo is back with an excellent third album that blends traditional flamenco with diverse styles, ranging from hip-hop to reggae. [19 October 2006] 
TM Juke: ForwardAdventurous but not reckless, TM Juke's latest release is a skillful and soulful mix of jazz, hip-hop, funk, and downtempo electronica. 
Freddie Cruger: Soul SearchCruger draws on funky music from around the world, and his debut album is at once smooth, eclectic, and supremely danceable. [13 October 2006] 
Subtle: For Hero: For FoolBy turns exhilarating and exasperating, Subtle's music is creative, eclectic, and occasionally brilliant. [3 October 2006] 
Stefon Harris: African Tarantella: Dances with DukeRooted in the past, vibraphonist Stefon Harris blossoms on his new disc, staking a personal claim on the legacy of a jazz hero. [2 October 2006] 
Blue Sky Black Death: A Heap of Broken ImagesTwo producers introduce themselves with a two-disc debut, which, like many double albums, is creative, ambitious, and a few tracks too long. [27 September 2006] 
Messer für Frau Müller: Triangle, Dot & DevilRussian neo-lounge act's camp and kitsch belies its complex sampling and arrangements. [12 September 2006] 
Travis Blaque: The Many Facets of…After 20 years on the hip-hop scene, Travis Blaque has finally delivered his first full-length solo record, and it is a solid effort indeed. [11 September 2006] 
The Shys: AstoriaUnder their new moniker, the Shys struggle to bring their live energy to the recording studio, resulting in an up-and-down, but not dissatisfying, straight rock record. [1 September 2006] 
Kyoto Jazz Massive: 10th AnniversaryOn this exceptional two-disc compilation, an all-star cast of DJs and producers pays tribute to an acid jazz giant and provides an ideal introduction to the sophisticated world of broken beat music. [31 August 2006] 
Soundless (2004)Despite a few flaws, this stylish German film delivers thrills, spills, and a heavy dose of fun. [30 August 2006] 
Burning Man: Beyond Black Rock (2005)Although it is not a substitute for visiting the yearly festival in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada, the latest Burning Man documentary is an interesting and thorough film. [29 August 2006] 
Otto von Schirach: Maxipad DetentionDrawing on sounds ranging from animal noises to construction sounds, manic producer Otto von Schirach has created an album that is definitely not for the squeamish. [25 August 2006] 
Comets on Fire: AvatarOn their latest album, the members of Comets on Fire refine their psychedelic rock by showing a softer side without neglecting the groovy freakouts for which they earned their fame. [24 August 2006] 
Bedroom Walls: All Good Dreamers Pass This WayOn their second album, the members of Bedroom Walls hone their dreamy indie pop and deliver a bittersweet meditation on youth and heartache. [21 August 2006] 
Blöödhag: Hell Bent for LettersRiding on a brilliant concept and passable musicianship, the pioneering edu-core band Blöödhag brandishes books and wields literary allusions in order to spread the glory of science fiction. [18 August 2006] 
Pure Reason Revolution: The Dark ThirdOn its first full-length release, a British band reaches into the future while remaining rooted in the glory of rock's psychedelic past. [31 July 2006] 
Various Artists: The Rough Guide to the Music of IranA new Rough Guide opens a window on an unfamiliar culture and reveals rich musical traditions. [26 July 2006] 
Quantic: An Announcement to AnswerWill Holland, a.k.a. Quantic, returns with a funky musical travelogue packed with the sounds of Africa and the Caribbean. [25 July 2006] 
Various Artists: The Rough Guide to Planet RockA new Rough Guide proves that although the world is small, it has no shortage of regional variations on the theme of rock and roll. [13 July 2006] 
Dabrye: Two/ThreeOn his latest release, producer Dabrye delves further into underground hip-hop and gets by with a little help from his friends. [10 July 2006] 
Matthew Herbert: ScaleHerbert has created music that is thoroughly fresh and consistently challenging, and, in today's culture, that feat alone is enough to earn the album the heartiest of recommendations. [7 July 2006] |
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