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Elizabeth NewtonAbout Elizabeth NewtonElizabeth has been writing for PopMatters since 2006. Most of her time is consumed by listening to, writing about, or talking about music. She also plays sax and violin in various ensembles in Tacoma, Washington, where she lives as a student studying music and economics. She hopes to combine the two in order to expand music education and its positive effects on lower-income communities. Reviews
The Sea and Cake: Car AlarmThe Sea and Cake's eighth full-length is full of the group's characteristic juxtaposition of subtle, organic beauty against precise rhythmic and technical work. [21 October 2008] 
Apollo Sunshine: Shall Noise UponShall Noise Upon is more of the same from Apollo Sunshine, which in their case means boundless innovation and unmatched creativity. [4 September 2008] 
Eric Hutchinson: Sounds Like ThisSmart arrangements and Hutchinson's bold charm combine to make Sounds Like This the summer's most guilt-free guilty pleasure. [21 July 2008] 
Blind Melon: For My FriendsFor those who had sadly but successfully resigned themselves to a future without Blind Melon, For My Friends is a godsend. [11 June 2008] 
The Apples in stereo: Electronic Projects for MusiciansIt's clear the Elephant 6's founding ideals are as influential and enduring as ever. [5 May 2008] 
Golden Shoulders: Friendship Is DeepThe time spent listening for the fleeting moments of greatness on this disc might better be spent returning to Golden Shoulders' earlier Let My Burden Be. [21 April 2008] 
Tiny Vipers: Hands Across the VoidJesy Fortino is a unique voice worth listening for, creating unique music worth struggling through in order to find its beauty. [18 January 2008] 
Pseudosix: PseudosixAny fan of folk, alt-country, jazz, or indie should be listening to the aching, delicate, and enchanting sounds of Pseudosix. [4 January 2008] 
Earlimart: Mentor TormentorThis is a lovely and cohesive disc which, through carefully constructed phrases full of direction and intent, proves the duo of Aaron Espinoza and Ariana Murphy to be one of indie's most underrated acts. [10 October 2007] 
Eisley: CombinationsOn their second LP, Eisley bring us more songs touched by luminous, engrossing melodies coupled with rich lyrical images. [14 September 2007] 
The Section Quartet: FuzzboxThe central problem with this album is that the group never fully masters the rock or classical sound, and instead remains stuck in the middle without the best of either world. [13 September 2007] 
Handsome Furs: Plague ParkSpin it on your stereo late one night in a dark, empty room, and you may find that its pervasive despondence will mingle with your disappointment, your exhaustion, your heartbreak, and somehow make you feel just a little bit better. [29 August 2007] 
Tegan and Sara: The ConThis album is very, very good. To be more precise, it is one of the best albums so far of 2007 and one of the best recent pop releases. [9 August 2007] 
Jean Luc Ponty: The Acatama ExperienceIt is uplifting to hear modern jazz that is at once both easily accessible and startling creative. [8 August 2007] 
Cary Brothers: Who You AreIt is not the best music I've ever heard in my life, nor is it life-changing. But it succeeds in that it serves as a perfect complement to everyday actions, to our words and emotions, and to our life. [2 July 2007] 
No More Kings: No More KingsThis is the sort of music that MTV thrives upon: music driven by pop culture, and full of style rather than substance. [7 May 2007] 
Blackfield: Blackfield IIBlackfield's melodies are gorgeous and enchanting as Steven Wilson and Aviv Geffen collaborate once more to carefully manipulate time and space to their advantage. [30 April 2007] 
Kaiser Chiefs: Yours Truly, Angry MobUnfortunately, the Kaiser Chiefs' second LP is summed up most concisely by one of its own tracks: "Everything Is Average Nowadays". Indeed it is, including the world of mainstream British rock. [27 March 2007] 
Aqueduct: Or Give Me DeathIt is pop, it is rock, it is modern, it is primitive, it is familiar, it is fresh, and all of these things at once! [22 February 2007] 
Norah Jones: Not Too LateNot Too Late is a lovely set of songs, both bittersweet and powerful, that reassures us that pop music can be beautiful and genuine. [7 February 2007] 
The Whigs: Give Em All a Big Fat LipA rerelease on a major label will hopefully gain the The Whigs more exposure in an increasingly competitive world, exposure they rightfully deserve. [2 February 2007] 
The Paybacks: Love, Not ReasonIt is somewhat refreshing to stumble across an album that is packed with straightforward, balls-to-the-wall rock and roll. [19 January 2007] 
Simon Dawes: CarnivoreCarnivore proves to be an album of true versatility and unforgettable depth -- one of the best so far this year. [20 December 2006] 
Math and Physics Club: Math and Physics ClubFor those searching for an album of genuine notions and enchanting melodies, this one just might be the perfect fit. [4 December 2006] 
Oxford Collapse: Remember the Night PartiesBrooklyn trio Oxford Collapse's first release with Sub Pop proves to be not only a bold venture of great depth, but also a fantastic party in itself. [21 November 2006] 
Street Dogs: Fading American DreamStreet Dogs release their third album, Fading American Dream, with the goal of making people think about current events, and what the album lacks in originality it makes up for in spirit. [25 October 2006] |
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