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Michael KeefeAbout Michael Keefe Michael Keefe is a freelance music journalist, an independent bookstore publicist, and a singer/guitarist/songwriter in a band. Raised on a record collection of The Beatles, Coltrane, Mozart, and Ravi Shankar, Michael has been a slave to music his whole life. At age 16, he got a drum set and a job at a record store, and he’s been playing and peddling music ever since. Today, he lives in Oregon with his wife (also a writer, but not about music), two cats, and a whole lot of instruments and CDs. Features
Coachella 2009: A Musical OasisUnder the searing sun of the California desert, Coachella shines through again as one of the nation's best music fests… [1 May 2009] The Best Singer-Songwriter Albums of 2008Former (or current) members of the Dream Syndicate, Fleetwood Mac, and the Wallflowers are just a few of the best singer-songwriters stepping out on their own this year. [10 December 2008] Pleased to Meet ‘Em: The Replacements’ Sire YearsRhino reissues the second half of the Replacements' discography, from the mid-'80s masterpiece Tim to their laid-back 1990 swan song, All Shook Down. [26 September 2008] Just Another Brick: The Phases of Pink FloydKeefe trolls through all the highs and lows of the Pink Floyd catalogue, surveying both their history and offering video highlights of the seminal band's many incarnations. [8 February 2008] The Best Singer-Songwriter Albums of 2007What unites these artists is an individual presence -- a voice -- that is powerful enough to carry an entire album without retreating to the cozy confines of a band. [13 December 2007] Various Artists: The Brit BoxTracing the evolution of UK alt-pop from just after new wave died, through the Britpop explosion, and ending right before Coldplay emerged, this four-disc box set is both an excellent survey and a very well sequenced mix. [20 November 2007] Laurie Anderson: Big ScienceRemastered for the 25th anniversary of its original release, Laurie Anderson's debut remains a uniquely compelling and surprisingly timeless statement on life in the modern world. [8 August 2007] Robyn Hitchcock: Storefront Hitchcock / Jewels for SophiaThese reissues of two late '90s Robyn Hitchcock albums find the surrealist singer-songwriter in prime form. [2 August 2007] Charles Mingus: Tijuana MoodsThis newly remastered version of the Mingus classic still sounds crazy after all these years -- crazy good! [11 July 2007] Magazine: A Band from Under the FloorboardsCall them post-punk, new wave, or art-rock, these remastered versions of Magazine's four studio albums reveal the Manchster quintet to be one of the best and most creative bands of their era. [7 June 2007] Globespotting: Best World Music of 2006In a year of stylistic cross-pollinations, sounds from around the world come together on Michael Keefe's list of fun and fascinating albums. [12 December 2006] The Sound: A Musical Missing Link, Waiting to Be RediscoveredIt's difficult to imagine in today's environment of light speed information dissemination, but there was once a band whose debut album received five-star reviews from both New Musical Express and Melody Maker, and yet that group never gained anywhere near the level of popularity they deserved. The Sound were one of the very finest bands of the post-punk era. [9 March 2006] Reviews
Deluge Grander: The Form of the GoodFor progressive rock fans who could do without the words, Deluge Grander delivers with a complex, instrumental rock symphony on The Form of the Good. [17 August 2009] 
Trashcan Sinatras: In the MusicPost-Smiths Scottish jangle-poppers continue to age gracefully with their lovely new album. [28 July 2009] 
Elvis Costello: Secret, Profane & SugarcaneCostello's latest completes his trio of 2000s Americana albums. Though enjoyable enough, it is the weakest of the three. [3 June 2009] 
Super Furry Animals: Dark Days/Light YearsVeteran Welsh psych-pop quintet continue to evolve, while revisiting the tripped-out, up-tempo sounds of their early days. [17 April 2009] 
Willie Nile: House of a Thousand GuitarsNew York rocker and singer-songwriter Willie Nile unleashes another great set of songs you'll swear you already know. [15 April 2009] 
The Hold Steady: A Positive Rage (DVD)The world's best bar band kick out the joys in this live CD/documentary DVD package. [8 April 2009] 
Robyn Hitchcock & the Venus 3: Goodnight OsloFor his second outing with the Venus 3, Robyn Hitchcock both tightens up his songs and adds to his arrangements with vocal harmonies and horns. The result is another winner. [13 February 2009] 
Cheap Trick: Budokan!: 30th Anniversary EditionOne of rock's all-time classic concert LPs is expanded, remastered, redoubled, posterized, essayfied, and videotastically ultra-enhanced. In a word: Budokan! [12 November 2008] 
The Smiths: The Sound of the SmithsThe Smiths "re-package" themselves on this definitive single-disc encapsulation of one of the '80s best underground bands. A two-CD deluxe edition adds rarities, worthy b-sides, and some great album tracks. [10 November 2008] 
The Clash: Live at Shea StadiumThis rousing and rocking complete live show from 1982 finally affords Clash fans the full concert experience. [10 October 2008] 
James: Hey MaAfter a seven year hiatus, James sound revived and hungry again on Hey Ma. [3 October 2008] 
Brian Wilson: That Lucky Old SunMelodically strong and flat-out enjoyable from start to finish, That Lucky Old Sun is Brian Wilson's love letter to a bygone Southern California and his best freshly-penned album in over 40 years. [2 September 2008] 
Old Man Luedecke: Proof of LoveThe Canadian banjo player and singer-songwriter's sophomore album takes rural Americana north of the border. [15 August 2008] 
Willie Nile: Live from the Streets of New YorkJourneyman rock singer-songwriter Willie Nile follows his excellent third comeback album, Streets of New York, with its punchy and energetic live counterpart. [7 August 2008] 
The Ones: The Ones"Flawless", maybe, but The Ones aren't particularly fun, fabulous, or fresh. [4 August 2008] 
Liz Phair: Exile in GuyvilleLiz Phair's smart, daring, vulnerable, sexy, iconic debut album of DIY indie rock and next-gen feminism is remastered and appended with a few mediocre bonus tracks and a mixed-bag DVD documentary. [21 July 2008] 
Orchestral Manœuvres in the Dark: OMD LiveOMD's classic lineup reunites for a rearranged live take on their 1981 masterpiece. The reinterpretation succeeds, while the ensuing hit parade merely suffices. [7 July 2008] 
The Notwist: The Devil, You + MeThe music world has changed a lot since Neon Golden, but, for better or worse, the Notwist remain largely the same. [20 June 2008] 
Julie Ocean: Long Gone and Nearly ThereThis power pop quartet's debut is tasty enough, but suffers slightly from a song-to-song sameness. [12 June 2008] 
Radiohead: The Best OfCapitol actually does a respectable job of compiling Radiohead's strongest material from their first seven albums. [6 June 2008] 
Tindersticks: The Hungry SawA five-year break and some fresh blood have proven invigorating for Tindersticks, who pick up right where they left off. [14 May 2008] 
Joe Ely & Joel Guzman: Live Cactus!Americana singer-songwriter Joe Ely and accordion player Joel Guzman are very good in the intimacy of this live setting. [6 May 2008] 
Hayshaker: Black Holiday in Mexico CityHayshaker balances their folk and rock sides on this debut EP. [24 April 2008] 
Various Artists: In the Name of LoveThis compilation of U2 cover songs by African artists mostly succeeds as a pure listening experience, a cool idea, and a fine introduction to some great musicians. [16 April 2008] 
The Billionaires: Really Real for ForeverThe Billionaires craft male/female-sung guitar-and-keyboard power pop. [26 March 2008] 
The B-52’s: FunplexThe B-52's lay their goofball-meets-heavenly vocals and wacky lyrics across a bed of driving rock guitar and pulsating electronic beats on this fresh and fun comeback album. [24 March 2008] 
Allison Moorer: MockingbirdMoorer sings her own eclectic mixtape of tunes from fellow songstresses, and mostly succeeds in making these her own. [20 February 2008] 
Ray Davies: Working Man’s CaféLegendary Kinks leader Ray Davies continues his new and vibrant solo career with another very strong album of nicely varied songs that focus on the trials of the middle class. [18 February 2008] 
The Shackeltons: The ShackeltonsMixing late '80s US punk with garage rock and post-punk revivalism, Pennsylvania quintet the Shackeltons manage to emote without being emo. [30 January 2008] 
Aphrodesia: Lagos by BusOn Lagos by Bus, San Francisco ensemble Aphrodesia carry us along on a sweaty, dusty, steamin', red-hot ride through the heart and soul of Afrobeat. [22 January 2008] 
Eliza Lynn: The Weary Wake UpThis versatile singer-songwriter sounds quite assured on her strong sophomore album. [4 January 2008] 
Supersilent: EightWildly experimental, genre-hopping Norwegian quartet Supersilent make noise, rumbles, bleeps, and even beauty on album eight. [3 January 2008] 
The Capstan Shafts: Environ MaidenThe Capstan Shafts' sophomore outing of lo-fi pop tunes is a no-brainer for fans of early Guided by Voices. [19 December 2007] 
Ari Shine: A Force of OneThe influence of Elvis Costello permeates this very good debut from indie pop songster Ari Shine. [10 December 2007] 
Hard-Fi: Once Upon a Time in the WestAlthough it doesn't match the band's debut, Hard-Fi's sophomore album is just enough good to rise above average. [5 December 2007] 
Robyn Hitchcock: I Wanna Go BackwardsThis glorious five-CD box set contains remastered editions of three of Robyn Hitchcock's very best solo albums, plus two discs of mostly great non-LP cuts. [30 November 2007] 
Nicole Atkins: Neptune CityOn her debut album, Jersey girl Nicole Atkins creates a vibrant album of timeless chamber pop. [27 November 2007] 
Tandy: To a Friend/Did You Think I Was Gone?This Tandy two-fer CD set reissues self-released albums from 2005 and 2006, revealing the night-and-day moods of songwriter Mike Ferrio. [19 November 2007] 
Os Mutantes: Mutantes LiveNearly 40 years after the Brazilian psychedelic rock band helped spearhead the Tropicalista movement, Os Mutantes return with this double-live celebration. [13 November 2007] 
Leigh Marble: Red TornadoIndie Americana singer-songwriter's sophomore album hits the mark. [22 October 2007] 
David Bowie: The Buddha of SuburbiaThis largely forgotten not-actually-a-soundtrack album is only pretty good, but it did initiate an upswing in quality releases from the always unpredictable David Bowie. [17 October 2007] 
Qui: Loves MiracleFormer Jesus Lizard vocalist David Yow lends his lunatic howls to Qui's sophomore outing. [16 October 2007] 
The Coral: Roots & EchoesThe UK psych-tinged alt-pop band's fifth album is their subtlest, but it's also among their best. [15 October 2007] 
The Future Kings of Nowhere: The Future Kings of NowhereA promising debut from this North Carolina band of acoustic indie rockers. 
Jamie T.: Panic PreventionWith bedroom production and scruffy vocals about UK youths, Jamie T. emerges as a DIY savant on his excellent debut. [2 October 2007] 
Vieux Farka Touré: RemixedThese new versions of songs from Vieux Farka Touré's excellent self-titled debut shine with the inspiration of their source material and cohere nicely as an album of world beat electronica. [28 September 2007] 
Devendra Banhart: Smokey Rolls Down Thunder CanyonPushing beyond the boundaries of indie folk, Banhart's fifth album is another very fine achievement in his immensely satisfying and always intriguing career. [26 September 2007] 
Nellie McKay: Obligatory VillagersOn her brief third album, Nellie McKay combines a mish-mash of musical theater styles with clever wordplay. The results are a mixed bag. [25 September 2007] 
The Modern Lovers: The Modern LoversThe Modern Lovers is the direct link between the proto-punk of the Velvet Underground and the new wave era. Later, the album would influence countless indie and alternative acts. [21 September 2007] 
Naked Eyes: Fumbling with the CoversFormer Naked Eyes singer co-opts his old band's name for this pleasant set of solo acoustic cover tunes. [7 September 2007] 
Save Pluto: Age of Lowered ExpectationsSave Pluto offer a course in Power Pop 101 on their debut. [5 September 2007] 
Lee Perry & the Upsetters: Ape-ologyA dub lover's dream come true, this two-disc set collects three of Lee "Scratch" Perry's essential late 1970s albums. 
(Not That You Asked) by Steve AlmondSteve Almond is a typical American guy (well, perhaps aside from caring about books and the fate of the human race, anyway). 
The Brunettes: Structure & CosmeticsNew Zealand cute-pop duo aim big on album three, their first for "major" indie label Sub Pop. [31 August 2007] 
Look Mexico: This Is Animal MusicTallahassee indie quartet's debut mixes mathy rhythms with catchy melodies and jazzy, Pavement-esque phrasings on their winning debut. [30 August 2007] 
Minus the Bear: Planet of IceSeattle indie rock math-heads cool off on their third proper full-length, but remain rock solid. [22 August 2007] 
The Airborne Toxic Event: The Airborne Toxic EventThis jangly L.A. indie pop quintet's debut EP is quite a treat, promising greatness for the future. [20 August 2007] 
The Waterboys: Book of LightningRecorded live in the studio, the Waterboys' ninth studio album is their best since Fisherman's Blues. [17 August 2007] 
Lee Morgan: The Finest in JazzThis sampler of the great jazz trumpeter's mid-1960s Blue Note hard-bop recordings is a good place for new listeners to dive in. [10 August 2007] 
Prefab Sprout: Steve McQueenRemastered by original producer Thomas Dolby, this 1985 sophisti-pop album remains a classic. [7 August 2007] 
Luther Russell: RepairLuther Russell's charming mix of Americana, blues, and downcast pop offers many small rewards to the attentive listener. [3 August 2007] 
How to Talk to a Widower by Jonathan TropperIf Hornby and Parsons are the prime examples of UK "lad lit", then American author Jonathan Tropper leads the "guy lit" genre. [27 July 2007] 
James Chance & the Contortions: Soul Exorcism ReduxThis newly remastered live set of post-no wave free-jazz funk is the perfect way to exorcise your twitchy soul. 
Bodies of Water: Ears Will Pop & Eyes Will BlinkFrom indie folk-pop underpinnings to Polyphonic Spree-like grandiosity, the debut full-length from this L.A. girl-boy band is definitely on the right track. [25 July 2007] 
Life in a Blender: The Heart Is a Small BalloonCollege rock stalwarts and They Might Be Giants pals come together for their sixth album of quirky pop, but don't have quite enough pizzazz to hit the next level. [24 July 2007] 
Manic Street Preachers: Send Away the TigersWith Send Away the Tigers, the Welsh rockers regain their '90s glory. [23 July 2007] 
Sea Wolf: Get to the River Before It Runs too LowIrving's Alex Church goes solo (with friends) as Sea Wolf on this quite nice debut EP of wistful indie folk and chamber pop. [10 July 2007] 
Sarah Borges: Diamonds in the DarkWith her compelling sophomore album, this catchy, rock-country singer-songwriter shows why she should be a star. [9 July 2007] 
The Police: The PoliceThis two-disc collection presents most of the great songs from one of the best bands ever. Obscenely, I had hoped for even more. [29 June 2007] 
Of Montreal: Icons, Abstract TheeThis EP offers some tasty leftovers from Of Montreal's excellent 2007 full-length, Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?. [27 June 2007] 
The Damned: Damned Damned DamnedThis lavishly packaged three-disc edition makes a strong case for this excellent punk album's entry into the "must have" canon alongside the classic debuts from the Sex Pistols and the Clash. [26 June 2007] 
The Jesus Lizard: Live [DVD]If you can swim with The Jesus Lizard, then dive right in with this DVD. 
Art Brut: Its a Bit ComplicatedTalk-singer Eddie Argos and his art-pop indie rock quartet bring on the fun once again for their sophomore album. [20 June 2007] 
Sleeping in the Aviary: Oh, This Old Thing?Wisconsin trio marry Buzzcocks-like punk-pop with Pavementy indie rock. [19 June 2007] 
Richard Thompson: Sweet WarriorThe understated guitar god and top-notch songwriter returns with an excellent album of wry rockers, Brit-folk ballads, and protest songs. [13 June 2007] 
Jana Hunter: Theres No HomeIndie singer-songwriter Jana Hunter adds to the "Weird America" tradition on her mature second album. 
The Bravery: The Sun and the MoonAlthough the Bravery take themselves a little too seriously on their sophomore effort, it's still a pleasure to indulge in their post-punky pop. [29 May 2007] 
Rara Avis: Shaktified EP 1This guitarist and laptopper's download-only EP sounds dated and dippy. [22 May 2007] 
Depeche Mode: Black CelebrationThis final pair of Depeche Mode reissues reveal the band's creative highs and lows. [10 May 2007] 
Maxïmo Park: Our Earthly PleasuresDespite a good start, this post-punky UK guitar-pop quintet's sophomore album doesn't quite match up to its debut. [9 May 2007] 
Björk: VoltaMartial beats, brass orchestrations, and eclectic collaborations are the key elements of Björk's sixth album of outré electronic pop. [7 May 2007] 
The Feeling: Twelve Stops and HomeUK quintet reach US shores with their excellent debut, mixing ebullient power pop and catchy rock with melodies worthy of Neil Finn. [26 April 2007] 
Maria McKee: Late DecemberAfter a strong first half, McKee's theatrical ambitions get the better of her on this uneven mixture of roots, R&B, glam, and rock opera. [25 April 2007] 
The Go Find: Stars on the WallThis perfectly amalgamated Morr Music band's sophomore album is mopey yet pleasant, Post Service-sounding indie pop. [24 April 2007] 
Arctic Monkeys: Favourite Worst NightmareAlthough lacking the pop of their debut, these UK indie rockers continue to evolve, turning out a strong batch of thorny songs on their sophomore album. [23 April 2007] 
The Biltmores: Same Story, Same EndingHeavily indebted to Modest Mouse and Built to Spill, this indie rock quartet's debut sports enough good tracks to make for a worthwhile listen. [16 April 2007] 
Bright Eyes: CassadagaConor Oberst has (mostly) left his indulgences behind, settling down to create an American indie rock album of substance, maturity, and passion. This is the Bright Eyes we've been waiting for. [11 April 2007] 
Damero: Happy in GreyMoody Berlin electro-pop singer's debut is a fine little album for soundtracking your mildly bummed-out day. [10 April 2007] 
Jessie & Layla: KineticKinetic, the debut full-length from Irish sister duo Jessie & Layla, is one of the happiest little surprises of early 2007. [6 April 2007] 
Various Artists: Roots of Rumba RockA very fun and sublimely sweet collection of great songs from an exciting period in the history of African music. [30 March 2007] 
Lily Frost: Flights of FancyThe Canadian indie pop singer returns with a fine little EP of "misfit songs". [29 March 2007] 
Ry Cooder: My Name Is BuddyOn his latest album, global producer and cultural resurrectionist Ry Cooder is influenced by another great and important artist: himself. 
69 Love Songs by LD BeghtolThe album this book profiles is imperfect, yet astounding. [27 March 2007] 
The Fratellis: Costello MusicThis indie rock debut crackles from top to bottom with nervous energy, confident songwriting, and hopeless confusion over girls, girls, girls. [23 March 2007] 
Emilie Simon: The Flower BookCompiled from her first three albums, Emilie Simon's The Flower Book is an excellent introduction to the US marketplace. 
The Postmarks: The PostmarksThis wistful, indie chamber pop trio from Miami have been getting a good deal of early buzz. [21 March 2007] 
LCD Soundsystem: Sound of SilverWith Sounds of Silver, LCD Soundsystem pass inspection, with perhaps just a touch of tarnish on their disco ball, a patina of "great, but what's next?" ever so slightly dulling their 2005 sparkle. [20 March 2007] 
Mary Karlzen: The Wanderlust DiariesDespite strong performances and thoughtful lyrics, Mary Karlzen's unremarkable music and lackluster vocals result in an album that is only just fine. 
Explosions in the Sky: All of a Sudden I Miss EveryoneFor most bands, a nearly great album would be a victory. But Explosions in the Sky isn't most bands. [14 March 2007] 
Harlem Shakes: Burning BirthdaysThis great EP promises even more from Brooklyn's Harlem Shakes in the near future. These guys are gonna be big. [9 March 2007] 
Steve Swallow with Robert Creeley: So ThereVeteran bassist Steve Swallow fuses poetry to jazz and a string quartet, to mixed results. [6 March 2007] 
Joe Ely: Happy Songs from Rattlesnake GulchFinely crafted, confident, and energized, Rattlesnake Gulch is another great album in singer-songwriter Joe Ely's canon. [1 March 2007] 
The Heights: Bad NewsOn this five-song EP, British band the Heights inject a blunt, beefed-up, American sensibility to the indie rock animal created by the Libertines and Arctic Monkeys. Too bad the band are a year or two behind the curve. [22 February 2007] 
Gianmaria Testa: Da Questa Parte del MareThe Italian singer-songwriter has yet to release an album that isn't at least quite good, and the trend continues with his latest. [20 February 2007] 
Minus the Bear: Interpretaciones del OsoAt times deviating wildly from the source material, this remix collection is a mostly successful rocktronica reconstruction of Minus the Bear's excellent Menos el Oso album. [19 February 2007] 
Michael Mayer: Immer 2Don't give up on trance just yet. Michael Mayer's mix on Immer 2 will take you where you want to go. [13 February 2007] 
Vieux Farka Touré: Vieux Farka TouréThe son of the late Ali Farka Touré carries forth the sound of his father's Malian desert blues on this remarkably assured debut. 
The Good Mornings: The Good MorningsDespite promising elements, this Lansing band doesn't create enough of the atmosphere required of their Americana-meets-Mazzy Star sound. [2 February 2007] 
The Stranglers: Suite XVIThe Stranglers have renewed their maverick approach, sounding as creative and enthused as ever before. Now 30 years into their recording history, the "Meninblack" are back. [26 January 2007] 
Clinic: VisitationsThough not quite as good as their first two CDs, Visitations is a strong and nicely varied album that finds Clinic back in the groove. [22 January 2007] 
The Orders: The OrdersDebut EP from Finnish Interpol imitators is, at least, a darn good imitation. [15 January 2007] 
Deerhoof: Friend OpportunityDeerhoof's appealing new album is their poppiest and most accessible... until its long final track, that is. Fortunately, the disc's sweet taste outlasts its sour finish. 
Tralala: Is That the TralalaThis mighty fine album of peppy, punky, poppy, post-riot grrrl indie rock will get your body bopping and fill you full of glee. [11 January 2007] 
LCD Soundsystem: Forty-Five: Thirty-ThreeJoggin' James Murphy's Nike-commissioned electro-funk epic is the perfect soundtrack for running... and most other activities, too. 
The Smithereens: Meet the SmithereensThis fun and faithful tribute to Meet the Beatles marks the welcome return of the once-great Smithereens and a passionate ode to a nearly forgotten, seminal Fab Four LP. [9 January 2007] 
David Bowie: David Bowie: Under Review 1976 - 1979: The Berlin Trilogy [DVD]Unless you're already a huge fan, it would be hard to justify laying out the cash for the hit-and-miss budget documentary Under Review 1976 - 1979: The Berlin Trilogy. [21 December 2006] 
Nicole Atkins: Bleeding DiamondsOn this very promising debut EP, New Jersey singer-songwriter Nicole Atkins and her backing band the Sea craft pop music that is both sophisticated, sweet, magical, and pretty darn cool, as well. [18 December 2006] 
Damien Rice: NineWhen not indulging in cloying string arrangements or abusing lyrical clichés, Damien Rice's 9 is mostly tedious. 
Roses Pawn Shop: The ArsonistRose's Pawn Shop successfully push a bluegrass/old-timey sound onto the bar band stage with the quite fine The Arsonist. [14 December 2006] 
The Inner Banks: The Inner BanksThe Inner Banks have crafted a gorgeous, warm, gently winding debut worth returning to again and again. [11 December 2006] 
Tangerine Dream: The Essential Tangerine DreamJustly named, this compilation from the peak era of electronic space rock pioneers Tangerine Dream tops all others in capturing the band's expansive, propulsive sound. 
Dead Can Dance: WakeA superlative sampler of Dead Can Dance, a unique act whose music is as great now as the day it was released. [7 December 2006] 
The Evens: Get EvensThe Evens' strong sophomore release is a grittier, more overtly political follow-up to their charming debut. [5 December 2006] 
Badi Assad: WonderlandAssad creates a moodier, but equally enthralling, complement to 2005's excellent Verde. 
The Awkward Stage: Heaven Is for Easy GirlsWith smart lyrics, thoughtful arrangements, lots of hooks, and an early autumn mood, Heaven Is for Easy Girls is a sure winner for lovers of indie pop everywhere. [29 November 2006] 
Natalie: Everything NewIf you like disposable Top 40 R&B pop, Natalie's Everything New will satisfy your sweet tooth. [19 November 2006] 
Lily Frost: Ciné-MagiqueThe fourth album from Canadian alt-pop singer-songwriter Lily Frost is an addictive delight. [16 November 2006] 
Branford Marsalis: BraggtownBranford and the boys offer ballads, burners, and the Baroque on the bi-polar Braggtown. [15 November 2006] 
The Places: Songs for CreepsSinger-songwriter Amy Annelle's songs are creepy on the surface, but the good stuff lies below. 
The Ratchets: Glory BoundOn their second album, the Ratchets serve up meat and potatoes punk rock with a pinch of reggae. Unsurprisingly, they sound the Clash circa 1978. [13 November 2006] 
The Hold Steady: Boys and Girls in AmericaFrom bar band to arena-ready rockers, the Hold Steady reach near-Springsteenian heights on their third album. [9 November 2006] 
The Thermals: The Body, the Blood, the MachinePortland indie trio return with a thrilling punk-pop concept album about religion. [8 November 2006] 
Nellie McKay: Pretty Little HeadNellie McKay's excellent second album, Pretty Little Head, surfaces at last, revealing a greatly matured songwriter on top of her game. [6 November 2006] 
The Dead Science: Crepuscule with the Dead ScienceOn this creepily creeping EP, the Dead Science barter in weirdness more so than musicality and fail to connect. [3 November 2006] 
Cities: VariationsInterpol/Bravery/Bloc Party also-rans get reworked by Ladytron and others on this new EP. The results, too, are mixed. [2 November 2006] 
The Slits: Revenge of the Killer SlitsWith one killer track and their revenge served luke-warm, this new EP is a brief and mildly successful comeback for these pioneering women of post-punk dub. [30 October 2006] 
John Lee Hooker: HookerAt long last, this wonderful four-disc box set offers a career-spanning retrospective of the amazing blues legend John Lee Hooker. [27 October 2006] 
Myra Melford: The Image of Your BodyIf you like a little hard-hitting adventure in your jazz, this album is artful and intelligent. And, oh yes, it definitely swings. [20 October 2006] 
Ensemble: EnsembleEnsemble elegantly bridges the divides between electronica, classical, folk, and indie-pop, effortlessly integrating all of these disparate genres into one lovely and unassuming sound. [13 October 2006] 
Tom Zé: Estudando o PagodeWhen so few albums are either entertaining from start to finish or have anything of import to communicate, Tom Zé's smart and zany Estudando o Pagode offers the best of both worlds. [9 October 2006] 
Robyn Hitchcock & the Venus 3: Olé! TarantulaIf you like catchy guitar pop with imaginative lyrics, Olé! Tarantula deserves a spot on your shelves. The Vestals: Songs About Girls … And Other MysteriesFans of post-Beatles pop from Big Star to Spoon should check out this very good sophomore album from Minnesota's the Vestals. [4 October 2006] 
Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry: Panic in BabylonOn Panic in Babylon, the master of reggae dub still has a fire in his belly and complete mastery over the recording studio. [2 October 2006] 
The Receiver: DecadesIf you can let go and float along with the Receiver, their Decades is a lovely little escape. [29 September 2006] 
Crowdpleaser & St. Plomb: 2006Swiss DJs Crowdpleaser and St. Plomb usher in the era of microtrance. 2006 is headphone techno for today. [28 September 2006] 
Ska Cubano: ¡Ay Caramba!A sort of modern lounge album, ¡Ay Caramba! is a fun and very well performed melding of national styles that are similarly appealing and yet are comprised of very different ingredients. Combining the recipes works. [22 September 2006] 
The Zutons: Tired of Hanging AroundInfluences like the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and the Jam all congeal together in perfect proportions on this great sophomore release from Liverpool indie-rockers the Zutons. [21 September 2006] 
The Avatars: Never a Good TimeContrary to its title, listening to the new album by catchy punk rockers the Avatars is a rip-roarin' great time from start to finish. [20 September 2006] 
Earlymay: Little AnswersEven this slight jump forward doesn't give Earlymay enough of an identity to really make an impact. [19 September 2006] 
Josie Cotton: Movie Disaster MusicReturn of one of the original new wave valley girls is intriguingly skewed, but slight. [7 September 2006] 
Susanne Abbuehl: CompassCompass is pretty, but it is also largely unsatisfying, with Abbuehl's vocals lying buried (inexplicably) in the very spare mix. 
Flourescent Grey: Lying on the floor mingling with god in a Tijuana motel room next door to a veteriFluorescent Grey challenges the distinction between sound and music, crafting found sounds into textures that may or may not be songs, but are consistently interesting. [6 September 2006] 
Easy Star All-Stars: RadiodreadThe reggae collective responsible for Dub Side of the Moon reinterprets Radiohead's OK Computer, offering fresh perspectives on well-worn songs and creating a new vibe from an old atmosphere. 
Bruce Cockburn: Life Short Call NowThe good and great songs easily overpower the middleweights, making for a very strong Bruce Cockburn album that even his casual fans will want to pick up. [31 August 2006] 
Anathallo: Floating WorldA curious puzzle of an album, you have to spend time with Anathallo's excellent, awful, and sometimes just fine Floating World in order to sort it all out. [29 August 2006] 
Patricia Barber: MythologiesJazz pianist, vocalist, and writer Patricia Barber plays it too cool on the overly restrained Mythologies. [23 August 2006] 
Cheikh Lô: Lamp FallMostly sunny, while still retaining the bite of musicians playing with intensity, and well-produced without any gimmickry, Lamp Fall is at the top of the Afro-pop ranks. [22 August 2006] 
Prince Diabaté: DjerelonUpbeat, but with a blue-toned soul, Prince Diabaté's latest CD is well worth hunting down. [21 August 2006] 
French Kicks: Two ThousandFrench Kicks have become indie rock wallpaper, and Two Thousand, while perfectly enjoyable, is, all in all, just another sheet on the wall. 
The Sound: The Dutch Radio RecordingsThese five CDs fill out the live history of one of the greatest post-punk bands to ever hit the stage. [8 August 2006] 
Ali Farka Touré: SavaneWestern blues is brought to the fore on Savane, the excellent final recording from Ali Farka Touré. [3 August 2006] 
Lenine: LenineOn this U.S. collection of songs culled from his last three albums, Lenine steps in where the older generation of the Musica Popular Brasileira vanguard left off. [21 July 2006] 
Moth: Immune to GravityThe latest from Moth is a fun and consistently strong album of gloriously dumb, but really quite smart, indie rock music. [14 July 2006] 
Sufjan Stevens: The AvalancheSufjan Stevens's warmed-up leftovers are more creative, engaging, sophisticated, beautiful, and simply better than what most other musical acts have to offer with their A-list material. [10 July 2006] 
Talkdemonic: Beat RomanticTalkdemonic's Beat Romantic fuses elements of classical composition with IDM, jazz beats, and thoughtfully placed organic filigree, making for a very lovely and engaging album of hypnotic melancholy and meditative bliss. [7 July 2006] 
Luka Bloom: InnocenceA lovely and pensive album, Innocence finds Irish-born singer, songwriter, and acoustic guitarist Luka Bloom in very fine form. [5 July 2006] 
Johnny Cash: Personal FileSpare and unadorned, these homespun sessions from Johnny Cash require an attentive ear for their quiet magic to be heard, but that investment yields a great pay-off. [19 June 2006] 
Pinmonkey: Big Shiny CarsPinmonkey's latest album is perfectly pleasant, but is so safe that it makes no inroads into the listener's mind, body, or soul. [15 June 2006] 
Stuart A. Staples: Leaving SongsOn Leaving Songs, Stuart A. Staples infuses his melancholic compositions with dashes of country and vintage R&B, perfectly complementing his body of work with Tindersticks. [6 June 2006] 
Zero 7: The GardenWith The Garden, Zero 7 push beyond the electronica genre and out into an unnamed territory, an adventurous and yet highly listenable vocal pop for the 21 century. [2 June 2006] 
Gigi: Gold & WaxGigi is a very talented singer with a rich and restless musical background, but Gold & Wax suffers a little too often from stale and heavy-handed arrangements that squelch the prodigious talents of both her and her sidemen. [31 May 2006] 
Natacha Atlas: Mish MaoulAtlas' gorgeous voice presides over the entirety of Mish Maoul, imbuing these songs with a prayerful authenticity that transcends the genre. [26 May 2006] 
Stella Chiweshe: Double CheckSince the early '90s, Piranha has worked to establish Chiweshe's reputation as the world's premier player of the mbira ... Double Check thoroughly cements that reputation, and even augments it. [11 May 2006] 
AFX: Chosen LordsAphex Twin proves that music can be memorable without hooks or readily identifiable melodies. [10 May 2006] 
Anouar Brahem: Le Voyage de SaharThe sound is spacious, but appropriately warm for an album meant to evoke the desert of Northern Africa and which, instead, evokes no one place, no one genre, and no one time. [2 May 2006] 
Ms. John Soda: Notes and the LikeMs. John Soda is the collaboration between Micha Acher (of Notwist fame) and singer/keyboardist Stefanie Bohm (from not-so-famous experimental rockers Couch). [20 April 2006] 
Richard Butler: Richard ButlerThis is a lovely album and a very welcome return from the former lead singer of The Psychedelic Furs. [18 April 2006] 
Magneta Lane: Dancing with DaggersLexi Valentine takes Chrissie Hynde's sweetly sour alto and wraps it around Debbie Harry's blasé romanticism for an emotionally potent vocal style that conveys the same tender toughness as those two peerless women who came a generation before. [4 April 2006] 
Afterhours: Ballads for Little HyenasToo long overlooked in US and UK markets, Afterhours is finally coming available to the rest of us who would appreciate them. [23 March 2006] 
Cristina Branco: UlissesThe widely renowned fadista illustrates the difference between casting off toward unknown horizons and merely drifting off course. [17 March 2006] 
DJ Cam: Revisited byThe stylistic range of the contributors to Revisited by demonstrates the breadth of influences that infuse the works of the remarkable DJ Cam. [16 March 2006] Maximo Park: Missing SongsMaximo newbies should try falling in love with A Certain Trigger first, but definitely save some room in your collection for Missing Songs. [1 March 2006] 
Tori Amos: Fade to Red: Tori Amos Video Collection [DVD]In an era when entertainment was taking over as the principle medium for the communication of ideas, it would not be a stretch to say that Amos was among the leaders of the last (but presumably not final) wave of feminism. [24 February 2006] Wooden Wand and the Vanishing Voice: The FloodWhile often handed the freak folk label, the trio of extended meditations here reveal Wooden Wand to exist on a different plane from the likes of Devendra Banhart, Joanna Newsome, or even the more sonically adventurous Animal Collective. [17 February 2006] 
Man: Helping HandThe somnambulant journey you take with Man is beautiful, shadowy, and illusory. [16 February 2006] 
Jenny Lewis: Rabbit Fur CoatRilo Kiley's Lewis most assuredly found her voice on Rabbit Fur Coat, her exceptionally charming solo debut. [7 February 2006] 
Hard-Fi: Stars of CCTVA heady mix of punk and guitar pop influences, this debut full-length proves the UK act to be exciting, catchy and highly promising. [1 February 2006] BlogsConsuming Consumables: The Damned: Damned Damned Damned (30th Anniversary Expanded Edition) [$24.98] [3 December 2007]Consuming Consumables: The Brit Box: U.K. Indie, Shoegaze, and Brit-Pop Gems of the Last Millennium [$64.98] [29 November 2007]Consuming Consumables: The Fratellis - Costello Music [$9.98] [22 November 2007]Consuming Consumables: LISTEN - John Lee Hooker: Hooker [27 November 2006] |
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