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Evan SawdeyPopMatters Interviews EditorAbout Evan Sawdey Evan Sawdey began contributing to PopMatters in late 2005 after contributing for years to his college newspaper The Knox Student. Evan became the Associate Interviews Editor for PopMatters in the summer of 2008, and then the full Interviews Editor a year after that. Since joining, Evan’s work has been quoted/featured in a wide array of publications including SLUG Magazine, The Metro (U.K.), the Gulf Times, Soundvenue Magazine (Denmark), and multiple national newspapers. Evan is also the cofounder of the Globecat music interviews blog, has been a guest on WNYC’s Soundcheck (an NPR affiliate), was the Executive Producer for the Good With Words: A Tribute to Benjamin Durdle album (available for free at GoodWithWordsAlbum.com), and records and produces songs for himself in his increasingly-limited spare time. He currently resides in Salt Lake City, Utah. Features
The 88After years of being pop music's "best kept secret", the 88 are now breaking out with their theme song to the NBC show Community. [3 February 2010] When Over-the-Top Hits the Spot: 2010 Grammy AwardsOverblown set pieces, fiery performances, and category wins that no one saw coming -- yes, this year, the Grammy Awards decided to be interesting. [1 February 2010] GitheadWith a love of Eastwood and Bosch, this supergroup tackles 20 Questions while basking in the warm critical glow that third album Landing has received. The Gospel According to Butch: Part 3—The ArtistHere songwriting is the focal point and Walker talks about his time working with Avril Lavigne, gives props to "The Macarena", and how he shouldn't try to make songs that are "post-gleeful". [25 November 2009] The Gospel According to Butch: Part 2—The PerformerThe ever-prolific producer/songwriter Butch Walker notes how live shows lack a genuine mystique these days, his secret for surviving a tour, and why he'll probably never see Third Eye Blind in concert again ... [18 November 2009] The Gospel According to Butch: Part 1—The ProducerButch Walker talks with PopMatters about the music industry, the problems that young bands frequently succumb to in the studio, and why it's more important to write songs than design T-shirts. [11 November 2009] Old CanesStealing Kurt Vonnegut books? Getting choked up during M*A*S*H? Appleseed Cast frontman Chris Crisci talks about all of these things and more as his folk-affected side-project releases their second album. [1 November 2009] 20 Questions: Fuck ButtonsStealing penguins! A secret connection with Garfield! Dropping fruit pastille in the primordial ooze! Experimental UK noise duo Fuck Buttons discuss this and more. [28 October 2009] Does Criticism Even Matter Anymore?Answer: it matters more now than it ever has before, as there is simply so much out there that it’s nearly impossible for one man, one publication, or one conglomorate to cover it all. [19 October 2009] AnvilStill riding high off of the success of their acclaimed documentary (and likely Oscar-nominee), the founders of Canada's famed metal trailblazers Anvil sit down to answer 20 Questions about family, weed, and a surprising love of Star Trek ... [14 October 2009] The Stone Roses: The Stone Roses: 20th Anniversary Collector’s EditionImagine if you will: an album re-release that actually gets everything right, making an already-classic album sound even better than before, deepening our understanding as to what made it so iconic. [10 September 2009] Long Live the King: Remembering Michael JacksonAs the world mourns the passing of its definitive pop star, we must ask ourselves why his death means so much to us -- and where the legacy of one of the greatest entertainers of all time now stands. [26 June 2009] Inside the RevolutionHundreds have books have been written about Prince and the Revolution, looking for hints and clues about his life and motivations within his lyrics, his images, and film scripts. Yet there are two people who know Prince better than anyone else, and those are the people who were there when it all happened. Speaking exclusively to PopMatters, longtime prince manager Alan Leeds and Revolution keyboardist Matt Fink speak candidly about their experiences recording, filming, and making Purple Rain, and what it was truly like being inside the Revolution. [5 June 2009] Big, Dramatic, Rock Guitar Moments: An Interview with LongwaveFollowing his departure from RCA, Longwave frontman Steve Schiltz wound up touring with Strokes axe-man Albert Hammond Jr., taking advice from the Edge, and making his best album to date. [7 May 2009] There’s Been No Wrong Turns, There’s Just Been Detours: An Interview with the All-American RejectsAll-American Rejects guitarist Nick Wheeler doesn't care about matching the success of his last album, what other people think of him, or what album covers he lands on. All he cares about is his music. [3 March 2009] Pulling Names from a Hat: The 2009 Grammy AwardsIf the Grammy Awards are really supposed to be "Music's Biggest Night", then what does the 2009 ceremony say about the state of sonic entertainment right now? [9 February 2009] The New Golden Age of British TV ComedyEvery once in awhile, Britain rules over America. The Office, Spaced, Coupling and other British shows are gradually narrowing the Atlantic-sized gap between the United States and England. [2 February 2009] “Great Music Comes from Losing Your Fear”: An Interview with KeaneAfter a year that featured their singer going in to rehab, a Gallagher brother slagging them off, and -- oh yeah -- having all their albums top the charts in Britain, Keane songsmith Tim Rice-Oxley discusses coming to terms with his past, his excitement for the future, and how the band handled that big elephant in the room ... [2 December 2008] The Jesus and Mary Chain: The Power of Negative ThinkingThe forefathers of modern-day noise-rock release practically all of their odds-and-sods, which includes songs that are terrible, funny, exciting, bland, and utterly spectacular in equal measure. [6 November 2008] The Moody Blues: Days of Future PassedThe Moody Blues are a band that history should have swept aside, a group forever left in the margins of the Big Book of Rock History, but their sheer gall and audacity made them endure in ways that most people never thought possible. [24 October 2008] “All I Ever Wanted Was to Control My Own Life”: An Interview with Chuck KlostermanCultural critic Chuck Klosterman talks with PopMatters about his new book, Downtown Owl, his regrets about an old one, and that he might next get into making documentary films. [22 September 2008] Joe Purdy [Lowell, Arkansas]Know it or not, odds are you've heard Joe Purdy's music on television -- but there's nothing commercial about this artist. Eschewing the lures and traps of the music industry, Purdy is blazing his own path simply for the love of song. [25 July 2008] “It’s a Masochistic Stare-Down”: An Interview With Adam GreenThe former Moldy Peaches frontman scored with Juno's "Anyone Else But You", but he's a busy man with a brand new solo album, getting hung up on Johnny Depp, and having French boys thank him for writing "such impersonal music". [12 June 2008] “Megalomania Doesn’t Have a Tax-Bracket”: An Interview with Death Cab for CutieSuddenly finding himself with a chart-topping album, Death Cab for Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard finds himself concerned with more important things than popping open a bottle of bubbly. It's just another day in the fun, crazed universe of Death Cab. [2 June 2008] “There’s Never Anything Planned”: An Interview With Mark KozelekSun Kil Moon and Red House Painters' Mark Kozelek explains his unlikely inspiration, reflects on aging, and chooses beauty over catharsis. [8 May 2008] “You Can Only Sweat or Spit or Kick So Many People”: An Interview with Colin MeloyThe Decemberist explains the virtues of cover songs, the senselessness of going solo, and that he's saving the crazy stuff for later. [25 March 2008] Trophy Case: The 2008 Grammy AwardsSomehow, Kanye West was able to make the entire evening about himself. Surprise, surprise... [12 February 2008] It’s Hard to Rhyme Anything with Atchafalaya: An Interview with Chris WallaChris Walla has finally made peace with Homeland Security, but that's not the only thing that the Death Cab for Cutie guitarist wants to set right. Walla talks to PopMatters. [28 January 2008] The Party of the Humans Has Left Us Hungover: An Interview with the Most Serene RepublicRyan Lenssen nearly had his hands cut off, made his bandmates re-record the same album three times over, and says that their latest album wouldn't have been possible without the help of Ayn Rand. [4 December 2007] Let Me Into Your Mind: How J.Ralph Changed My LifeEvan Sawdey gives his personal take on the familiar tale of first musical love, explaining how stumbling across the work of under-the-radar musician J.Ralph opened up new doors into a consciousness of music's capabilities. [29 November 2007] Why Does the Music Have to End?: An Interview with Lou ReedThree decades letter, Metal Machine Music gets a classical reworking. Lou Reed talks to PopMatters about this legendary album and Zeitkratzer's interpretation of it. [12 November 2007] Badfinger: Wish You Were HereThe Beatles' favorite pet project left a failing Apple to record a pair of albums with Warner Bros. that haven't been reissued until now. Thankfully, it was worth the wait. [25 October 2007] So Said the Lighthouse KeepersWhen Klaatu debuted in the '70s no one knew who they were. Then suddenly everyone thought they were the Beatles reunited. And then came the backlash. [1 October 2007] “They Can’t Write You and Me”: An Intimate Chat with Kevin DrewThe Broken Social Scene founder has made his own bed, but just because he's lying in it doesn't mean he can sleep. [17 September 2007] The Comebacks, The Cut-Ups, and All Cut Too Short: The 2007 VMAsIsn't it ironic how the 2007 installment of MTV's celebration of music videos was, in fact, a telling death knell for music videos? [11 September 2007] “I Don’t Have Any Regrets”: An Interview With Avril LavigneLavigne balances the need to stay hands-on with the desire not to overthink while pounding out her best damn album. [5 June 2007] Pop Music Happens: An Interview with Graham CoxonCoxon has a new solo album out, but he seems as concerned with cheese as with anything, except his discovery of writing pop songs. [7 November 2006] Reviews
Doctor Who: The End of Time, Parts 1 and 2As David Tennant's tenure as the Tenth Doctor comes to a close, we can't help but wish that his last adventure was a bit more substantial than this. [8 February 2010] 
Doctor Who: The Waters of MarsAs the tenth Doctor's tale winds down to its end, The Waters of Mars show that the greatest horror of all exists in the Time Lord himself. [4 February 2010] 
Subprime Nation by Herman M. SchwartzTrue power is not simply controlling things and making them do what you want. True power is doing all of that without having to report or justify your actions to anyone. [27 January 2010] 
Star Trek (2009)Stylish, action-packed, and a helluva lot of fun. What was the last Star Trek film you could truly say that about? [21 January 2010] 
Spoon: TransferenceWhen you break it down, Transference is really just another Spoon album... and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. [18 January 2010] 
“Weird Al” Yankovic: The Essential “Weird Al” YankovicThree decades after his first accordion-assisted recordings, we're still talking about the Clown King of Pop Music and his continued influence. [7 January 2010] 
I Drink for a Reason by David CrossWhat's unfortunate is that Cross' thoughtful, considered standup routines do not prepare you for the wildly uneven, remarkably slapdash effort that is this book, a hit-or-miss collection of jokes from someone whom we expect better. [4 January 2010] 
Britney Spears: The Singles Collection"'Sharing the same heart'? That's like some... Britney Spears sh*t, man!" -- Jay (Romany Malco) The 40 Year Old Virgin. [4 December 2009] 
Will Ferrell: You’re Welcome, America. A Final Night with George W. BushYou can't help but think that Ferrell would've wanted to go out on a high note with his Bush impression, instead of just giving us what is essentially an easy go-round of his greatest hits. [1 December 2009] 
Shakira: She WolfWhen it works, She Wolf is a sexy modern-day disco stunner. When it doesn't, it's pretty embarrassing for everyone involved. [24 November 2009] 
Lady Gaga: The Fame MonsterOn her new EP, Gaga tries several different styles, doing a Shakira imitation one moment before launching into a Queen homage the next. [23 November 2009] 
Will Stratton: No WonderFollowing his quiet stunner of a debut album, this 22-year-old folk artist just proved that lightning, indeed, can strike the same place twice. [12 November 2009] 
Say Anything: Say AnythingMax Bemis and co. have returned with one of the most self-referential albums to ever grace the emo-rock canon, and lo' and behold, it's one of Bemis' best. [6 November 2009] 
Doctor Who: The Next DoctorAnother one of Davies' overwrought space melodramas winds up imploding on itself, but the DVD special feature is a treat worth savoring. [4 November 2009] 
Doctor Who: The Deadly AssassinHeavily based on The Manchurian Candidate, the political intrigue here makes this one of the best Doctor Who adventures ever filmed -- no, really. [3 November 2009] 
Doctor Who: Delta and the BannermenIt's not that this particular story was bad -- we've just been lead to expect much, much better from this sci-fi warhorse. [2 November 2009] 
Weezer: RaditudeWeezer are now writing nothing but unabashed pop songs, aiming for nothing but the top of the charts and hoping you'll come along for the ride to multi-platinum glory. Word of advice: don't. 
Doctor Who: Image of the FendahlPsychic grandmas, the theory of evolution, and a gun-weilding Tom Baker makes for one of the most tension-filled Doctor Who outings of the "classic" era. [1 November 2009] 
White Denim: FitsFits is an electic, sprawling, amps-to-11 rock excursion that revels in nostalgia almost to the point of outright defiance. White Denim have crafted one of the best rock albums of 2009. [20 October 2009] 
30 Rock: Season ThreeSometimes comedies, no matter how ridiculous or off-the-wall they may be, can give us the perfect mirror to our own lives. [5 October 2009] 
Paul Van Dyk: Volume—The Best of Paul Van DykBy focusing on Van Dyk's hits and big-name remixes -- instead of what is actually his best material -- Volume proves to be a remarkably dull dance detour. [25 September 2009] 
Basement Jaxx: ScarsAt its best, Scars sounds like prime-era Jaxx, the sheer amount of well-executed ideas and delightfully weird touches making them unlike any other dance artist this decade. [21 September 2009] 
Pearl Jam: BackspacerBackspacer is the poppiest, punkiest, and most up-beat record that Pearl Jam have ever recorded. [18 September 2009] 
Our Noise: The Story of Merge Records, the Indie Label That Got Big and Stayed Small by John CookDespite some generous editorializing, Our Noise is as engaging (and human) a music industry tale as you're ever going to read. [11 September 2009] 
Various Artists: Secret Love 5The annual compilation from the indie-groove maestros Sonar Kollektiv features more of the same coffeehouse pop that last year's edition had, but some new bands and a delightful Feist cameo still make it a fine listen. [3 September 2009] 
Various Artists: Funky Fräuleins: Female Beat, Groove, Disco, Funk in Germany 1968-1978Although nothing on here can be qualified as quintessential, it's still hard not to get down with a compilation so upbeat, feel-good, trans-global, and -- well -- just plain funky. [31 August 2009] Various Artists: Away We GoFor those who have been following Alexi Murdoch, Away We Go is essentially his debut album repackaged with some other songs thrown in. For everyone else: It's a wonderful, breezy collection of big-hearted singer-songwriter numbers. [16 August 2009] 
The Avalanches: After the GoldrushWhen you hear a band place Underworld in the same neighborhood as MC5, and then put Phoenix a stone's throw away from Guns N' Roses, the group's eclectic genre-hopping makes a bit more sense. [14 August 2009] 
The Beach Boys: Summer Love SongsDon't break out the flip-flops quite yet: This fine and servicable Beach Boys compilation hits only a couple of highlights (along with some excellent album cuts), but isn't much in terms of a cohesive listening experience. [11 August 2009] 
Torchwood: Children of EarthIt'll be hard for the show to ever be darker than Children of Earth, and even harder for it to ever be more compelling. [10 August 2009] 
The Units: History of the UnitsThese late '70s synth-punk pioneers finally have all its early material rounded up in one place, and lo and behold: It's one of the best albums of the year. [9 August 2009] 
Various Artists: Eccentric Soul: Smart’s PalaceNumero scores again by unconvering the work of the Wichita-based Smart Brothers, a family of incredibly talented musicians that straddled the line between funk and soul almost effortlessly -- hits, budgets, and institutionalized band members be damned. [6 August 2009] 
Vollmar: 12” EP CollectionJustin Vollmar is, in essence, Phil Elvrum. This is not a good thing. [5 August 2009] 
Daily Adventures of Mixerman by MixermanEventually, Mixerman gives a name to the big-name producer in question: Willy Show. [27 July 2009] 
Kleerup: KleerupKleerup has the potential to be one of the best dance producers alive... he just has to learn how to grow first. [24 July 2009] 
The Most Serene Republic: ... And the Ever Expanding UniverseTechno beats and female vocal choirs merge with '80s synth keyboards and pocket orchestras to create the Most Serene Republic's most sonically overstimulated, instensely replayable album of their young career. [17 July 2009] 
Oneida: Rated OOver the course of three fuzzed-out discs, there's one solid Oneida album to be found in here; you just have to wade through some indulgent, excessive, and flat-out boring instrumental passages to get to it. [14 July 2009] 
A-Trak: Fabriclive.45Just wait a few seconds and the next thing you know, you'll be off in another part of A-Trak's multi-colored dance factory, with this Willy Wonka leading your ears through a maddeningly diverse array of traps, puzzles, and exciting aural detours. [13 July 2009] 
Jim O’Rourke: I’m Happy, and I’m Singing, and a 1, 2, 3, 4Not a straight-up masterpiece, but a thorough and thoughtful exploration of the possibilities of glitch music though the ears of a true sonic master. [10 July 2009] 
Doctor Who: The E-Space TrilogyWe lose two great companions, gain an annoying character, and are attacked by spiders, vampires, and robotic knights -- another delightful Who romp. [11 June 2009] 
Doctor Who: BattlefieldAlas, this is Who at it most unimaginative, hopelessly tied to its own story at the expense of actual fleshed-out characters. [10 June 2009] 
Russell Brand in New York CityBrand's giddy, almost childish approach to his comedy hides a mind that's deeper and far smarter than we're lead to believe. [9 June 2009] 
Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along BlogWhen the DVD commentary track turns out to be a fully-blown musical in its own right, you know you're in for something special. [2 June 2009] 
Revolutionary RoadFor those who thought Mendes strayed from Yates' vision too much, give the commentary track a go. For everyone else: watch the emotional fireworks fly... [1 June 2009] 
The Zero Boys: Vicious CircleIndianapolis punk heroes finally get the reissue treatment almost three decades after they formed ... and they still rock harder than most bands out there today. [29 May 2009] 
My Booky Wook by Russell BrandBrand is witty, intelligent, and -- through all his debauchery and self-inflicted torment -- a remarkably likable chap, charismatic even through his writing. [22 May 2009] 
U2: Medium, Rare & RemasteredWith long-lost B-sides, fantastic one-off experiments, drastically different alternate versions of some of their biggest post-millennial hits, U2's latest rarities collection proves to be one of their most surprisingly satisfying releases in recent memory. 
Green Day: 21st Century BreakdownThe fiery follow-up to American Idiot is both a conceptual mess and a breathtaking display of ambition, the band now trying to do everything at once at the expense of a unifying theme. [15 May 2009] Ursula Bogner: Recordings 1969-1988A joke side-project from minimalist electronic composer Jan Jalinek. Correction: a bad joke side-project. [4 May 2009] 
Doctor Who: The Armageddon Factor (Special Edition)In dealing with false wars and arrogant generals, this comes eerily close to reflecting our current political climate, evil skull-faced creatures be damned. [3 May 2009] 
Tinted Windows: Tinted WindowsMembers of Cheap Trick, Fountains of Wayne, the Smashing Pumpkins, and Hanson form a Power Pop Supergroup only to craft an early contender for the Worst Album of 2009. [1 May 2009] 
Doug Keith: Here’s to Outliving MeAmericana crooner spends too much time following his influences to make an album that even comes close to be distinctive or memorable. [16 April 2009] 
Doctor Who: The Androids of TaraMistaken identities. Political intrigue. Robotic princesses with laser guns for stomachs. Yup: it's another classic Who episode. 
Sylvain Chauveau: The Black Book of CapitalismUltimately, The Black Book of Capitalism isn't a masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination, but it's soaring highs announced a powerful new talent in the realm of avant-garde composition, and nine years since his debut, Sylvain Chauveau shows no signs of slowing down. [12 April 2009] 
Deleted Scenes: Birdseed ShirtBy nicking styles from a laundry-list of indie-rock greats, the Deleted Scenes forget to create an identity for themselves. [10 April 2009] 
Various Artists: Yo Gabba Gabba!The Roots, the Ting Tings, the Aquabats, and Mark Kozelek are just a few of the indie-luminaries that contribute new songs to this ... Nick Jr. kids show soundtrack? [2 April 2009] 
Yeah Yeah Yeahs: It’s Blitz!Ripping off New Order? Stealing from the B-52s? Reveling in synth-washes and disco beats? The Yeah Yeah Yeahs finally give in and make their "pop" album -- but on their own terms. [30 March 2009] 
Erin McCarley: Love, Save the EmptyAnonymous post-Fiona mainstream radio drivel. You were expecting something more? [24 March 2009] 
Fountains of Wayne: No Better PlaceWhen your lead vocalist looks like he has somewhere better to be for half the set, you know you're in trouble. [22 March 2009] 
Synecdoche New YorkConsumed with existential dread, this film captures the feeling of near-death angst remarkably well, enough to the point where it's not Caden that's feeling it -- it's the audience. [20 March 2009] 
Secret Dakota Ring: CantarellCantarell is one of those unexpected, pleasing moments of pop joy that blindsides you out of left-field: an album that assumes nothing and then somehow accomplishes more than it has any right to. [19 March 2009] 
Kelly Clarkson: All I Ever WantedAll I Ever Wanted is shameless, unabashed Top 40 fodder, the product of many producers, songwriters, executives, and label heads. So why, then, does Clarkson sound like she's having so much fun? [13 March 2009] 
Beth Orton: Trailer Park (Legacy Edition)Over a decade after its first appearence, Trailer Park shows William Orbit's former dance-muse becoming the frontrunner in the post-Joni folk-pop sweepstakes. [12 March 2009] 
Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!: Season 2When a cameo by Patton Oswalt proves unfunny, you know something is wrong. [4 March 2009] 
U2: No Line on the HorizonHip-hop drum beats, strange reflections in ATM machines, mournful church organs, and a female boot fetish. Without question, No Line on the Horizon sounds like no other U2 album that came before it; whether that's a good thing or a bad thing remains to be seen ... [2 March 2009] 
Naked Gun: I Love the 80’s EditionSome 21 years down the line, The Naked Gun, surprisingly, is still pretty damn funny. [1 March 2009] 
Backseat Dreamer: Love Not Found EPIf you tried cross-breeding the glitchy sounds of Germany's Oval with the earliest recordings that My Bloody Valentine ever put out, you'd have the interesting but forgettable songs of Backseat Dreamer. [25 February 2009] 
Kinky: BarracudaMexico's greatest trans-global dance act finally transform into the electro-rockers that they've always hinted at becoming to solid, if somewhat mixed, results. 
Of Montreal: Jon Brion Remix EPThis EP teases at what could've been: a full-fledged meeting of eccentric minds that not only works, but sounds almost exactly like what you'd expect it to. [24 February 2009] 
The Bad Plus: For All I CareBy adding a vocalist, the Bad Plus feel reduced to mere backing-band status, something that a group this talented should never, ever be subjugated to. [19 February 2009] 
Doctor Who: Four to DoomsdayFor Peter Davidson's first full episode as the Doctor, we're treated to horrible costume choices, a great script, and the worst companion to ever set foot in the TARDIS. [17 February 2009] 
Jonathan Creek: Season ThreeThere's still some magic in these British murder-mysteries -- just not as much as before. [2 February 2009] 
Copeland : You Are My SunshineVocoder-assisted, post-Coldplay, mid-tempo pop that is trying so damn hard to not be generic. [28 January 2009] 
Franz Ferdinand: Tonight: Franz FerdinandSpoon ripoffs? DFA-styled dancefloor excurions? Putting Damon Albarn in his place? Whatever is going on with Franz Ferdinand, it's a welcome, if not completely memorable, change of pace. [27 January 2009] 
Joseph Arthur & the Lonely Astronauts: Temporary PeopleTo say that this is Arthur's best release in years would be something of an understatement. 
Lady GaGa: The FameChristina Aguilera singing over Britney's Blackout? Kind of, but Lady GaGa is also a lot more fun than either of them at this dance stuff anyways. [20 January 2009] 
Kevin Rudolf: In the CityKevin Rudolf thinks he's a bigger star than he actually is, and how dare you think otherwise. [15 January 2009] 
Doctor Who: The War MachinesYes, Artificial Intelligence will continually try and destroy us, but it still makes for some grand sci-fi viewing. [14 January 2009] 
Tina Turner: Tina!There's nothing truly wrong with Tina! -- it's just that the Acid Queen deserves better than this. [9 January 2009] 
Electric Six : FlashyThe Electric Six are back again, and though their sound largely remains the same, their experimental detours are getting more interesting with each passing disc. [7 January 2009] 
Doctor Who: The Invisible Enemy / K9 and CompanyK-9 remains a vital part of the Who universe -- but he's just not leading man material. [6 January 2009] 
Fall Out Boy: Folie a DeuxPete Wentz is now dissecting the meaning of his own fame, which is far less interesting than the drama that preceded his ascent into tabloid culture. [15 December 2008] 
Tropic Thunder: Unrated Director’s CutA fun, occasionally brilliant satire of these Hollywood tropes that actually retains its comic punch after multiple viewings. [14 December 2008] 
Nickelback: Dark HorseWhen Kroeger declares it's "last call, you sons of bitches!" on the country-rock closer "This Afternoon", all you're left with is the feeling that you should have left this party a long, long time ago. [9 December 2008] 
Rivers Cuomo: Alone IIAlone II follows the template of its rarities-packed predecessor a little too closely, leaving behind it a mish-mash of semi-decent tracks and only a few genuine takeaways. [3 December 2008] 
Doctor Who: The Five Doctors (25th Anniversary Edition)This stands more as a giddy popcorn thriller than an entertaining philosophical meditation on existence -- which, as it turns out, proves to be rather fitting. [1 December 2008] 
Doctor Who: The Trial of a Time LordThere are many moral qualms left open at the end of Trial, but the comical, fantastic, and dangerous journey has rarely been so satisfying. 
Guns N’ Roses: Chinese DemocracyNo album, ever, is worth a 17-year wait. With that said, though, Chinese Democracy at least tries to match the impossibly lofty expectations it has going for it. [24 November 2008] 
Tommie Sunsine : Relax, This Won’t HurtThis set features songs that are too minimal to be called house music, too simplistic to be called rave, and all far too boring to be called entertaining. 
Doctor Who: The Infinite QuestQuest marks the first full-length animated outing for the Doctor -- and, with any luck, it will be his last. [21 November 2008] 
Longwave: Secrets Are SinisterSecrets Are Sinister is the kind of comeback album that a band like Longwave not only needs, but, surprisingly, actually deserves. [20 November 2008] 
The Pink Spiders: Sweat It OutFree of a major-label, the Spiders show that nothing has changed: they're still as infectiously poppy as, well, ever. [19 November 2008] 
UB40: Greatest HitsQuite possibly the finest summation of the band's career as you're likely to find, improving on 2000's Very Best of... in every conceivable away. [18 November 2008] 
Doctor Who: The Complete Fourth SeriesIn its strongest outing yet, the Doctor meets several new friends and old enemies, leaving some classic episodes and one very bloated finale in its wake. [17 November 2008] 
Smashing Pumpkins: If All Goes WrongThis may not show Corgan in the most favorable light, but it shows him in an honest one, making for a surprisingly humanizing viewing experience. [11 November 2008] 
Doctor Who: The Time MeddlerExploring complex themes, this classic Doctor proves to be heady and entertaining in equal measure. [5 November 2008] 
Pink: FunhouseFunhouse is built on regret, confusion, and all the hemorrhaging identities one takes on following the resolution of a marriage, as if Pink has made her own private Sea Change on her own terms. 
Child’s Play: Chucky’s 20th Birthday EditionFor a movie to be franchised to death, it has to be great to begin with, and Child's Play, retains all of its punch two decades later. Heidy-ho! [31 October 2008] 
Doctor Who: Black Orchid (Episode 121)It's sad that the commentary track -- in which the actor's lambaste this episode -- is more entertaining than the episode itself. [30 October 2008] 
Bubblegum Lemonade: Susan’s in the Sky EPFollowing a pair of exuberent power-pop EPs at the start of the year, Glasgow's monosylabic pop wonder Laz finally runs out of inspiration. 
Nikka Costa: Pebble to a PearlSinatra's goddaughter loses her colorful neo-soul sound and starts recording retro-soul like only she knows how. It might be more style than substance, but it's a bet that pays off mightily. [24 October 2008] 
Lovedrug: The Sucker Punch ShowThe best alt-rock band you've never heard of tries to beef up their sound and, as a result, release their worst album to date. 
Boy Eats Drum Machine: BooomboxxxThe sound of the Gorillaz after being pumped full of American steroids. [22 October 2008] 
Of Montreal: Skeletal LampingFollowing Hissing Fauna, it shouldn't be too surprising that Skeletal Lamping is a bit of a let-down, but it's still a nonsensical dancefloor freakfest that only Kevin Barnes could pull off. [20 October 2008] 
Rachael Yamagata: Elephants…Teeth Sinking Into HeartPropulsive singer-songwriter emerges from four years of label wrangling with a two-disc set that separates her personality between balladeer and rocker, with all of her compelling dynamics lost in the chasm between both sides. [17 October 2008] 
Words for the DyingWhat could've been a fascinating fly-on-the-wall document of the creation of one of John Cale's lesser-known albums is trivialized due to the continual absence of proper context and forced drama. [8 October 2008] 
Iron Man (Two-Disc Special Collector’s Edition)Every explosion and punch-line lives and dies by Downey's performance, but he proves more than up to the task, making the ride all the more enjoyable. [6 October 2008] 
Joseph Arthur: Foreign GirlsFormer Peter Gabriel prodigy puts out his forth and final EP for 2008, which, when all put together, manage to sound like the blandest pop-rock of any given post-millenial year. [3 October 2008] 
Jack’s Mannequin: The Glass PassengerFormer Something Corporate frontman bounces back with what should be an outright celebration of his pop-rock skills as well as his defining musical moment, but is weighed down by its sense of self-importance. [30 September 2008] 
Various Artists: Give Me LoveAn absolutely fascinating historical look at traditional Middle Eastern songs prior to 1930 that, unfortunately, do not provide much enjoyment outside of a strictly historical context. [25 September 2008] 
The Big Lebowski: 10th Anniversary EditionA generation-defining comedy about peace and brotherhood, set in a world of backstabbers, liars, and semi-professional bowling leagues. [19 September 2008] 
Janis Ian: The Best of Janis IanIt makes for a surprisingly meaty chunk of pop-folk that has aged quite gracefully. 
The Veronicas: Hook Me UpThe Veronicas are one of the single greatest pop-rock acts working today... it's just a shame that you have to wade through their lesser tracks to discover that fact. [15 September 2008] 
Torchwood: The Complete Second SeasonDarker, deeper, and far more gut-wrenching than its predecessor, Season Two forces us to examine what it means to be human in a town filled with alien forces. 
Downtown Owl by Chuck KlostermanThe notion of Klosterman filling a whole novel with his personality seemed daunting to some: after all, his essay-oriented style was the perfect fit for a generation of ADD-addled teenagers. 
Bit of a Blur by Alex JamesBlur was one of the biggest bands of the 1990s, a fact that everyone in the world was keenly aware of unless you lived in the United States. [29 August 2008] 
Backyard Tire Fire: The Places We LivedThey've evolved from Tom Petty-aping roots rockers into the best pop band the Midwest has to offer. Now is as good a time as any to jump onto the Backyard Tire Fire bandwagon. [27 August 2008] 
Various Artists: Let’s RideBy and large, this is one of those rare pop-rock gems that you've been waiting to discover for e'er so long ... 
The Butterfly Assassins: SylviaYoung group of rock enthusiasts try bridging the gap between prog and baroque, an experiment that would've worked if they remembered to include memorable songs. [22 August 2008] 
The Dandy Warhols: …Earth to the Dandy Warhols…If you thought the Dandy's had gone off the deep end with their last album, then you haven't heard anything yet. A solid contender for Worst Album of the Year. [19 August 2008] 
DoomsdayAll the satirical/B-movie homage aspects of this movie emerge only in retrospect: not during the actual viewing itself. [18 August 2008] 
Pat Benatar: Ultimate CollectionThough a single-disc compilation may admirably cover her many, many hits, this two-disc set actually gives a wider breadth of her career, which, ultimately, is a surprisingly good thing. [8 August 2008] 
Various Artists: Love, Peace & PoetryFor every so-so recording, there is an absolutely spectacular one, all in all making this a worthwhile -- if not absolutely essential -- journey into the Chilean underground. [1 August 2008] 
The School: Let It Slip EPIf there’s any major fault with the School, it’s that their sound never rises above their obvious influences, but their carefree sense of fun ultimately renders such criticism moot. [31 July 2008] 
Spaced: The Complete SeriesCall it the British equivalent of Arrested Development, the next step following Freaks & Geeks and Undeclared -- just make sure you call it absolutely brilliant. [28 July 2008] 
Tickle Me Pink: MadelineTickle Me Pink's tired clichés ultimately knock down any hope of the band creating any sort of identity out of the usual Warped Tour mindset. [24 July 2008] Meic Stevens: Gwymon1972's Gwymon takes a more roots-based acoustic approach. [2 July 2008] 
James Joyce: So This Is Dyoublong?A cringe-inducing example of how not to honor one of the greatest writers who ever lived. [1 July 2008] 
Joseph Arthur: Crazy RainWith his own label and studio, Joseph Arthur is now free to release his own music as he wants. As these first two '08 EPs prove, Arthur's prolific nature is spreading his talents far too thin. [30 June 2008] 
Dianne Reeves: When You KnowPerhaps this is just a victory lap for Reeves, but even then, most victory laps aren't as needlessly bloated as this. [27 June 2008] 
Love Psychedelico: This Is Love PsychedelicoJapanese pop-rock duo winds up pulling off Top 40 pop-rock better than most American acts today. Now that's a hell of an accomplishment. [23 June 2008] 
Coldplay: Viva la Vida or Death and All His FriendsNo, Viva la Vida is not their masterpiece, but for now, it's as close as they're gonna get. [16 June 2008] 
The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies: SusquehannaIt's hard not to feel a bit of smugness emerging from Susquehanna, that very "look-at-me" arrogance that ultimately makes the Daddies' return a take-it-or-leave-it proposition. [10 June 2008] 
Ghost Bees: TasseomancyIf you absolutely can't wait for the next Joanna Newsom record, then this might tide you over. Otherwise, just think of this imitation band as transparent as their name. [6 June 2008] 
Various Artists: 21 [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]Listen to this album once and you got yourself a thrilling musical night in Vegas: some excellent highs, some new experiences, a few dull moments and part you won't be able to remember the next day. [4 June 2008] 
Radiohead: The Best Of [DVD]This no-frills collection of Radiohead's music videos is exactly that, and that's both good and bad. [2 June 2008] 
Living Legends: The GatheringAll eight MCs wind up spitting on every song -- easily satisfying their fan base -- but what's most surprising about the Legends this time out is how readily they fall back on tired political commentary. 
Murder By Death: Red of Tooth and ClawSwitching over to emo-rock outfit Vagrant, the fiery cello-rock group turns in the greatest set of lyrics they have ever penned -- only to match them with the blandest tunes they have ever recorded. [21 May 2008] 
Death Cab for Cutie: Narrow StairsA band as long-lasting as Death Cab would eventually have to regroup and launch their sound into a grittier, more primal direction, shaking off the stigma that comes with entering the Post-Millenial Platinum Club. [16 May 2008] 
Soda Fountain Rag: It’s Rag Time!This album pretends to have the secret spousal angst that belies every Mates of State recording, but the whole thing feels like forced digital sugar rush. [15 May 2008] 
Various Artists: Secret Love 4A compilation that merely intends to explore the possibilities of modern folk music but winds up articulating your deepest yearnings with surprising potency. [14 May 2008] 
Mariah Carey: E=MC2The second act of Mariah's comeback doesn't wisely expand her sound: it instead succumbs to the blueprint so carefully laid out by its predecessor, a pointless remake that exists only because it has to. [1 May 2008] 
Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!: Season OneThough the notion may be blasphemous to some, this proves that Heidecker and Wareheim are the rightful heirs to the sketch comedy throne that was vacated by Mr. Show years ago. [30 April 2008] 
Dizzee Rascal: Maths + EnglishThe U.S. re-release of Dizzee's latest album still feels as exciting and vital as it did when it first came out last year. 
Tickley Feather: Tickley FeatherTickley Feather's eponymous debut is a decisively mixed bag of crazed Casio noodling, but then again, upsetting expectations is exactly what sophomore albums are for. [29 April 2008] 
Various Artists: Dorm Sessions Volume 5It's another year and another mixed bag of an album. But just like every year, you can never fault these kids (or this disc) for lack of ambition. Explosions in the Sky + LichensPlaying without a singer/frontman means that the band operates without a “leader” as it were -- something they’ve spoken about in countless interviews. Watching them perform is like watching a collective in motion. [25 April 2008] 
Various Artists: Easy BeatlesBeatles covers redone as unabashed pop fluff, somehow retaining the original songs' rigidity in the process. [24 April 2008] 
Sun City Girls: You’re Never Alone with a CigaretteInstrumental avant-rock band releases unheard demos and early singles from their 1990 masterpiece. Unfortunately, there's a reason why these songs weren't released. [22 April 2008] 
South: You Are HereSouth are perpetually on the verge of releasing that next great British rock album, but they always end up sabotaging themselves in the process. [21 April 2008] Spa: SpaIt's not a perfect power-pop disc, but at the end of the day, its feel-good vibes wind up steamrolling over any major grievances. 
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox StoryWhatever flaws this Apatow-produced genre parody may carry, it's all forgotten when you're presented with a DVD overstuffed with extras that are almost as funny as the movie itself. [9 April 2008] 
The Raconteurs: Consolers of the LonelyConsolers is a labored album, the product of much studio tinkering and a desperate need for the band to prove themselves as a "serious" outfit. [4 April 2008] 
Sun Kil Moon: AprilWith his first album of new material in over five years, Mark Kozelek winds up playing to his strengths and offering little innovation on his trademark acoustic yearnings. [2 April 2008] 
Kylie Minogue: XMinogue returns with an album that sums up both halves of her two-decade career: one half is all filler, and the other is filled with the best dance-pop singles you're likely to hear all year. [1 April 2008] 
Bubblegum Lemonade: Ten Years Younger EPHis name is Lez, he lives near Glasgow, and he's quietly releasing joyously innocuous pop-rock tunes like they're going out of style. [24 March 2008] 
Various Artists: Be Kind RewindSprawling, breezy lite-funk mixed with classics by Billy Preston and Booker T. & the MGs. Definitely worth rewinding. [21 March 2008] 
Kelis: The HitsWith four crazed, wildly different albums of spaced-out R&B-pop, Kelis proves hard to define and even harder to write off as "just that 'Milkshake' girl." [20 March 2008] 
Chris Walla: Field ManualDeath Cab for Cutie sideman/indie producer extraordinare finally releases his long-delayed solo album, capitalizing on a sound that wouldn't be out of place on a regular Death Cab album. 
Cave: Hunt Like Devil/JAMZ EPTake drugs. Listen to Cave. Repeat. Sounds like this heavy psych-rock combo have locked into a real nice groove here ... [19 March 2008] 
DeVotchKa: A Mad & Faithful TellingThe good news? DeVotchKa haven't changed their sound a bit. The bad news? DeVotchKa haven't changed their sound a bit. [18 March 2008] 
Cassettes Won’t Listen: Small-Time Machine [EP]Laptop troubadors Cassettes Won't Listen have released an EP with only a few highlights. [11 March 2008] 
Hello, Blue Roses: The Portrait is Finished and I have Failed to Capture Your BeautyFor those who think that Dan Bejar has found his own Neko Case, you'd be wrong. [7 March 2008] 
Various Artists: Stay in the Box 2There are some true gems thrown in here, a few major bombs, and other tracks that you'll only need to hear once in your life. [6 March 2008] 
The Armed Forces: Modern Gospel for Modern Men & WomenThe only danger that's actually involved with the Armed Forces is the danger of you wasting your money. [5 March 2008] 
Various Artists: Moods: You, the Night, and the MusicWhat's going to be the soundtrack for you night of downtown flirting? In all likelihood, it's going to be Moods: You, the Night, and the Music. [27 February 2008] 
The Matana Roberts Quartet: The Chicago ProjectIn the jazz market today, you can't have your cake and eat it too (unless, of course, you're Matthew Shipp), and Roberts' ambitions wind up getting the best of her. [25 February 2008] 
Jacob Golden: Revenge SongsWhen Beck deals with heartbreak, he stands front and center, speaking simple truths from the heart. When Golden faces it, he hides in an echo chamber while clutching a thesaurus. Which would you rather hear? [22 February 2008] 
The Left Outsides: And Colours In BetweenDrawn-out, droning acoustic laments that maintain the sound of an "acoustic My Bloody Valentine" while retaining none of the dynamics. [21 February 2008] 
Kate Nash: Made of BricksKate Nash should simply embrace her two-decades-old exuberance, because the joyous, crass, undeniable sense of fun that pours out of Made of Bricks -- her debut album -- is not likely to ever, ever repeat itself. [20 February 2008] 
One Small Step for Landmines: One Small Step for LandminesFlorida emo-rockers focus less on the perverse theatricality and more on, ya know, actually rocking out. 
From Leaf to Feather: Themes on an Imaginary WinterThis album feels like the musical equivalent to taking three Excedrin PM tablets. Have a good sleep, boys. [7 February 2008] 
Shelby Lynne: Just a Little Lovin’From the delicate opening cymbal tap of the title track onward, Lynne remembers what made Dusty Springfield so great in the first place: she poured her soul into each song. [1 February 2008] 
Boy/Girl: Secret Secret Secret SinglesThe feeling of having a trash-compacted indie-rock epic is surprisingly thrilling: all the thrills and none of the spills. 
JoshuaFear of your own child is exploited for maximum effect in this thriller, but there's little in the way of (believable) explanations for the characters’ actions. [30 January 2008] 
The Marble Index: Watch Your Candles, Watch Your KnivesIf you're old enough to remember MTV's 120 minutes or that moment right after grunge gave way to '90s alt-rock (think Everclear minus the angst), then you are required to buy this album. 
The NinesThe notion of character versus creation is what ultimately serves as the basis of this metaphysical thriller. [28 January 2008] 
Mike Ladd: NostalgialatorNostalgialator is one crazy, haphazard album where the sheer entertainment value manages to outshine any of Ladd's lyrical shortcomings. For this we can be grateful. [25 January 2008] 
Mike Patton, John Erik Kaada: Kaada / Patton Live [DVD]An intriguing DVD that will easily fulfill the desires of Patton fans, avant-garde appreciators, and those who just enjoy the flat-out weird. [24 January 2008] 
The Jazz June: The Scars to Prove ItThe band covers a lot of the same musical ground time and time again, often coming across like a good college-rock band who write hooks that are servicable but not extraordinary. [22 January 2008] 
Cex: Exotical PrivatesIt's hard to think of any other four-song EP that delivers the entertainment value of a full-length so readily. [21 January 2008] 
Blue Man Group: Canta ConmigoWe are ultimately treated to a series of remixes of a song that wasn’t even that great to begin with. Better luck next time, guys. 
West Indian Girl: 4th & WallThe band's "comeback" ends up sounding like a Twin Cinema-era New Pornographers relaxing after a couple of bong hits. [16 January 2008] 
Van Morrison: Still On TopIt's not a perfect retrospective, but when the highs are as thrilling as "Jackie Wilson" and "Crazy Love", it's pretty hard to deny Morrison's legacy as a singles artist. [11 January 2008] 
OneRepublic: Dreaming Out LoudTo quote their hit song: it is, in fact, too late to apologize indeed. [10 January 2008] 
Angels & Airwaves: I-EmpireWhere Whisper came off like an ego-driven side project, I-Empire paints the Angels as a fully-fledged band. [8 January 2008] 
Joy Division: Unknown PleasuresAnton Cobijn's movie biopic has triggered the largest revival of interest in Joy Division in nearly a decade. [21 December 2007] 
Paul Oakenfold: Greatest Hits & RemixesBecause we needed a dance remix of Radiohead. [20 December 2007] 
Rivers Cuomo: Alone: The Home Recordings of Rivers CuomoAlone shows Rivers Cuomo disarmed and open, doing what he loves. Sometimes it succeeds marvelously. Sometimes it fails. [18 December 2007] 
The Secret Handshake: One Full YearElectro-pop follows excellent Hellogoodbye-styled EP with a full-length that, though good, does not fully deliver on his promising talent. [13 December 2007] 
She Wants Revenge: This is ForeverDepeche Mode had a conscious knowledge of how outlandish their songs were, and they played it out with full conviction. When it comes to She Wants Revenge, however, they are without a sense of irony. [10 December 2007] 
The Killers: SawdustAs much as Brandon Flowers & co. would like to be remembered for their full-length efforts, their radio hits will ultimately define their legacy. Sawdust is an interesting look at other aspects of the Killers' sound, but as a standalone disc, it's largely hit-or-miss. [29 November 2007] 
Joe Cocker: Classic CockerIn a very long line of Cocker retrospectives, it's obvious that, though his heart means well, Cocker's career as a musician has been relentlessly one-note. 
MF Grimm: The Hunt for the Gingerbread ManThe album only falters during the less-imaginative hood tracks, but it still remains yet another amazingly strong album by a rapper that's deserving of a much wider audience. 
Gorillaz: D-SidesWhat's so odd and peculiar about this album is simply how this set of song sketches and rejected ideas not only rivals its parent album in terms of quality, but, in many ways, it absolutely surpasses it. [28 November 2007] 
Jonathan Creek: Season TwoThough Season Two isn't quite as strong as its first, Jonathan Creek still carries on the tradition of not only being one of Britain's most intricate crime dramas, but also its funniest. [26 November 2007] 
Various Artists: Blow Your CoolFor being a 20-track collection of previously unreleased psych-rock songs from 1969-1974, Blow Your Cool sounds remarkably bland. 
You Say Party! We Say Die!: Lose All TimeWe Say Party! You Say Die! show few signs of growing beyond their strict self-imposed indie rock parameters. [21 November 2007] 
Soulja Boy Tellem: Souljaboytellem.comSouljaboytellem.com is Soulja Boy's debut offering, and while it is predictably mediocre, few could have ever expected it to be so utterly bizarre. As a matter of fact, it borders on unintentionally hilarious. 
Chris Botti: ItaliaBotti has chops that can be used to amazing effect, but if he keeps watering his talents down with overblown, generic arrangements, then the distance between the commercial Botti and the credible one is just going to get bigger and bigger. "Jazz-lite", indeed. [15 November 2007] 
Dan Wilson: Free LifeOften armed with just an acoustic guitar, Wilson crafts a lush, laid-back singer-songwriter album that caters to all his potential demographics. [14 November 2007] 
Pat Monahan: Last of SevenOn Last of Seven, Monahan actually does something a bit unexpected: he makes a record that doesn't sound like something he could've created within the confines of his band. 
Collective Soul: AfterwordsIt won't change your life, nor will it go down in the Big Book of Rock History as a landmark achievement. No, Afterwords is a pop-rock disc that's well done, consistent, and -- ultimately -- just plain fun. [8 November 2007] 
Imani Coppola: The Black & White AlbumCoppola's The Black & White Album is a jaw-dropping explosion of colors, textures, and sardonic wit. 
Blaqk Audio: CexcellsCexcells is an album of decent songs and missed opportunities. [6 November 2007] 
Prince by Morton, BrianWhat starts out as an interesting profile on a blazing young prodigy soon devolves into nothing more than a critical sessionography. [5 November 2007] 
Say Anything: In Defense of the GenreSomewhere within the two discs of In Defense of the Genre, a really good album is lurking. [1 November 2007] 
The Last Goodbye: Poison KissJazzy lounge-club instincts make for the most entertaining moments on Poison Kiss, which, otherwise, is drowned out in mid-tempo pop-rock drudgery. [31 October 2007] 
The 1900s: Cold & KindSongs that are not only top-shelf, but also timeless. By not following hipster-indie trends, the 1900s have crafted an album of indefinite shelf life. [19 October 2007] 
The Bird and the Bee: Please Clap Your HandsEuropean jazz-pop keyboard duo releases an EP that sounds like their debut in every way: sound, style, and top-notch quality. [18 October 2007] 
Kenna: Make Sure They See My FaceFace remains a giddy, guilt-free taste of electro-pop that single-handedly renders Kenna as a force to be reckoned with. [15 October 2007] 
Electric Six: I Shall Exterminate Everything Around Me That Restricts Me From Being the MasterAnother solid album of apocalyptic dance-rock, except now with oboes! [12 October 2007] 
Zeitkratzer: Metal Machine MusicFor those who want to hear what the far edges of pop music are like, then strap yourself in for another fine version of Mr. Reed’s Wild Ride. [11 October 2007] 
Various Artists: Gilles Peterson Digs America Vol. 2Peterson once again offers up a dizzying array of lost jazz and soul nuggets, this time featuring rarities by Al Jarreau, James Tatum, and Mary Lou Williams. [10 October 2007] 
Carole King: Love Makes the WorldKing's new music will inevitably be compared to Tapestry, a monolith that not even King herself can get past. 
Mick Jagger: The Very Best of Mick JaggerAnd the trashiest, most rollicking and flat-out fun album of 2007 is... a Mick Jagger solo retrospective?! Bet you didn't see that one coming. [5 October 2007] 
The Pipettes: We Are the PipettesThis is effervescent ear candy with a dash of nervy taboo, sometimes hinting at deeper emotional crevices that -- by law -- this type of pop is not supposed to be dabbling in at all. [3 October 2007] 
Hayseed Dixie: Weapons of Grass DestructionHow does a comedy cover band prove themselves? By writing original songs. As Weapons of Grass Destruction proves, this can be a gift, but it's mostly a curse. [2 October 2007] 
Various Artists: This is NextThe world is better for every new pair of ears that gets turned on to Of Montreal and Ted Leo. The only real question is this: do you really need this album to begin with? [1 October 2007] 
Office: A Night at the RitzA Night at the Ritz is -- hands-down -- the single greatest pop achievement of 2007. So why does it feel like a disappointment? [27 September 2007] 
Northern State: Can I Keep This Pen?In The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne was labeled with an A. Here, Hesta Prynn and crew are batting for a B+ and a Most Improved Award, to boot. Hawthorne just can't keep up. [24 September 2007] 
Josh Small: TallWhile some may say that the banjo is nothing but a cornball instrument in these modern times, Josh Small is out to prove that the banjo has a beautiful, weeping soul. [21 September 2007] 
Cloak/Dagger: We AreThis isn't essential listening, but if you're in dire need of a hardcore fix, Cloak/Dagger does nothing but satisfy. [19 September 2007] 
Pinback: Autumn of the SeraphsAutumn of the Seraphs is nothing but a photocopy of their last album. Fortunately for us, their last album was absolutely brilliant. [14 September 2007] 
Bat For Lashes: Fur and GoldNominated for this year's Mercury Music Prize, the Lashes' debut takes the phrase "RILY: Tori Amos, Bjork" and works it into something just short of magical. [13 September 2007] 
June Panic: Songs from PurgatoryThis staggering, ambitious triple-disc set is like growing up with a friend who plays all of his songs for you the second he's done recording them. [12 September 2007] 
Jupiter Rising: ElectropopWho needs to break new ground when you're breakin' it down? [11 September 2007] 
C-Rayz Walz & Sharkey: Monster MakerC-Rayz Walz -- no matter how hard he tries -- just isn't a party rapper. [7 September 2007] 
The Cult Inside My Head: Stalking HorseThe whole thing comes off like Iggy Pop trying to make a John Frusciante solo album and failing miserably. [6 September 2007] 
Monument: DecadesSome bands are accused of being watered-down versions of their big-name influences; if Monument continues at this rate, they'll wind up being more water than band. [31 August 2007] 
Ringo Starr: PhotographAs McCartney wrote "Silly Love Songs", Ringo was actually writing silly love songs. And you know what? There's nothing wrong with that. 
Matt Nathanson: Some Mad HopeA strong contender for Most Generic Album of the Year. Wait, who was singing again? [24 August 2007] Ryan Adams & the CardinalsWhether or not he's anal isn't really the issue. When it comes to sound, Ryan Adams simply can't catch a break. [17 August 2007] 
Meic Stevens: Sackcloth & AshesThe "Welsh Bob Dylan" turns out to be more like the Welsh Donovan, making pitch-perfect folk rock while dismantling language barriers in his spare time. [15 August 2007] 
Lisa Germano: Lullaby for Liquid PigAn above-average dream-pop album by an acclaimed avant-songwriter gets the double-disc re-release treatment (when a single-disc would've suited just fine). [14 August 2007] 
Yakuza Heart Attack: Yakuza Heart AttackThey haven’t achieved the MegaMan rock-opera grandeur of the Protomen, but there’s a good chance that Yakuza Heart Attack might level up soon. [9 August 2007] 
DJ Khaled: We The BestIf Khaled continues re-releasing b-list Ja Rule tracks and inviting lazy, has-been rappers to his party, then the whole affair will seem less VIP and far more self-indulgent and self-congratulatory. 
Garbage: Absolute GarbageOver the course of four albums, these alt-rock giants gradually tore themsleves apart, leaving a train of radio staples in their wake. Advice: sit back and enjoy the show. [3 August 2007] 
Butterfly Assassins: Butterfly Assassins EPYoung group tries too hard to be Muse, making better inroads as Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Jr. [1 August 2007] 
Chantal Kreviazuk: Ghost StoriesFormer Avril Lavigne songwriting buddy and one of Kelly Clarkson's favorite collaborators releases her fourth solo disc, proving that she saves some of the best stuff for herself -- filler included. 
Various Artists: Chasing the SunTime-Life stabs at the heart of sun-drenched nostalgia, making a more-hit-than-miss box-set that ultimately gets weighed down by a merely passable surfing documentary (though there are certain summer gems contained that absolutely cannot be missed). [30 July 2007] 
Tokyo Rose: The Promise in CompromiseNew Jersey rock trio follows up a stellar, underrated sophomore set with an album that throws most of their budding promise away. [26 July 2007] 
The Death of a Party: The Rise and Fall of Scarlet CityLike how Ozma imitates Weezer, the Death of a Party wants to be the Blood Brothers. They should stop trying. [25 July 2007] 
Will Stratton: What the Night SaidNot even 21, Stratton creates a folk album so good that even Sufjan Stevens had to stop by and play on it. He can expect a call from Mark Kozelek soon. 
Driver of the Year: Driver of the Year Will Destroy YouIndie-rock for porn films. But hey -- even Francis Ford Copppola started out that way! [23 July 2007] 
Ben Jelen: Ex-SensitiveIt’s just unfortunate that since we’ve now seen what Ben sounds like in a variety of contexts, the root of the problem is abundantly clear: Ben Jelen himself. [19 July 2007] 
Taxi Taxi: Maps and LegendsNew York's Taxi Taxi seems content to be the poor man's Long Winters, but a few genuine gems hint at something much bigger lurking behind the scenes. [13 July 2007] 
Kids On TV: Mixing Business With PleasureThe gayest album this side of the Scissor Sisters; in this case, it's not a good thing. [11 July 2007] 
Mochipet: Girls Love BreakcoreIf Richard D. James was trapped in Top 40-land, this is what he would create. It's the sound of riding the merry-go-round to insanity and having fun along the way. [10 July 2007] 
Shakes: Sister Self Doubt EPWhere do The Shakes sit on the strobe-light fence? From the sounds here, they’re sittin’ pretty. [6 July 2007] 
I Am the Pilot: Crashing Into ConsciousnessOrginality? Paging all originality. You are needed in the I Am the Pilot recording studio. 
The Secret Handshake: Summer of 98 EPElectro-emo is what? Brooding? Sad? How about dancable and fun? Surprisingly, the Secret Handshake does just that ... [3 July 2007] 
Girl in a Coma: Both Before Im GoneA trio of Goth girls release an album that cross-pollinates Bossanova-era Pixies with everything you've ever loved about the Breeders. [2 July 2007] 
Justice: CrossAs all our favorite '90s dance heroes release albums that are more arty than funky, Justice releases an album that not only is guarunteed party-starter, but also a signal of the back-to-basics dance revolution that's nearing. 
Electric Laser People: Straight Talk on Raising KidsMIT grads play robot-engineers by day, horny rock star posers at night. [28 June 2007] 
Simian Mobile Disco: Attack Decay Sustain ReleaseHyped-up UK dance duo delivers the goods: sweaty, dirty, catchy-as-hell strobelight fantasies that work more often than not. [21 June 2007] 
Various Artists: La Vie en RoseEven 44 years after her death, Piaf remains a true icon, featuring one of the most spectacular song canons in pop history. [8 June 2007] 
Umphreys McGee: The Bottom HalfJam band practices the art of restraint, releases one of the best albums of their career, makes world better place. [31 May 2007] 
Cosm: 6 Song EPAs if Aphex Twin was hired to write music to play overhead at Starbucks. [30 May 2007] 
The Bad Plus: ProgJazz trio covers Tears for Fears without irony, Bowie with care, and outdoes Rush's "Tom Sawyer" with their originals. No jazz album this year even comes cloes. [29 May 2007] 
The Exies: A Modern Way of Living With the TruthAlt-rock group releases bland album, covers Talking Heads without irony, but pulls pleasant curveballs with a simple acoustic guitar. [25 May 2007] 
Idiots!: Spring Is HereThe album can get a little same-sounding the further you dig in, but there are also some genuine pop gems lying about. [15 May 2007] 
Antennas to Heaven: The Line Between Myth and Reality Has Always Been in FinlandHere’s to a debut album that only wants to live up to its influences, which it does in spades. [11 May 2007] 
The Lapdancers: The Ghost of Alcohol and SongThe album has remarkable pep and energy, even if the ballad-heavy last third drags a little. [10 May 2007] 
Various Artists: 14 Songs in 28 DaysThe only thing more satisfying is knowing that there are hundreds -- nay, thousands -- more excellent and fantastic songs out there. Perhaps the next one will be yours. [4 May 2007] 
Cibo Matto: Pom Pom: The Essential Cibo MattoTwo Japanese women write songs about food, sample Duke Ellington, and set it all to sci-fi trip-hop beats. In other words: complete musical genius. 
Midnight Movies: Patient Eye / Golden HairThere’s nothing wrong with exchanging sunshine boom for indie gloom, but as a teaser EP, collectors need only apply. [30 April 2007] 
Chateau Flight: Les VampiresEven divorced from the images they accompany, this 40-minute work stands on its own remarkably well, smartly jettisoning aside the notions of both the pop song and tension-filled cinematic score to create a moody, distinct electronic work. [20 April 2007] 
Various Artists: PlayA new genre is emerging that is as perplexing as it is fascinating: Indie Children's Music. [16 April 2007] 
Various Artists: Dorm Sessions Volume 4It’s a disc that won’t change your life, but for a sampling of what college rock is doing now, it gets the Bic lighter waving proudly in the air. [13 April 2007] 
The Bishops: The Only Place I Can Look is DownThe Bishops are doing nothing more than trying to re-write "Help!" over and over again. [12 April 2007] 
Blue Stone: Worlds ApartCopping a feel from orchestral electronic masters E.S. Posthumus, the producers behind Blue Stone manage to build mid-tempo dance beats and liquid piano notes around an anonymous array of feather-voiced vixens [10 April 2007] 
Blackhole: BlackholeUtah’s own Blackhole can also claim that they have no guitars -- instead employing the use of two mighty bassists, to give the hard-rockers a deep, heavy sound that bleeds through on every track of their eponymous LP. [9 April 2007] 
Backyard Tire Fire: Vagabonds and HooligansBackyard Tire Fire is one of those bands that you just hate. Not because they’re terrible, but because they’re a band so unique, distinct, amazing and talented that you get frustrated about them getting ignored by the mainstream again and again. [6 April 2007] 
Joy: Sailing DaysSailing Days is an EP made specifically for listening while on a back porch with nothing to do. [4 April 2007] 
Treeball: I Dream of Eclectic SheepIn the time it would take to watch a typical sitcom, you get something that may not change your life, but just might leave a smile on your face. [3 April 2007] 
The Willowz: ChautauquaMichel Gondry's favorite band is probably not going to be your favorite anytime soon. [30 March 2007] 
These Arms Are Snakes: EasterOverall, Easter manages to be These Arms Are Snakes' strongest statement. [27 March 2007] 
Shedding: What God Doesnt Bless, You Wont Love; What You Dont Love, The Child Wont KnowThe artwork has more to say than the album contained within. [22 March 2007] 
Various Artists: Screaming Masterpice [DVD]Given this is a CliffNotes take on musical heritage, it’s still hard to criticize a documentary where the filmmakers sit back and simply let the music speak for itself. [15 March 2007] 
Manicured Noise: Northern Stories 1978/80They may not be the greatest band to have ever walked the Manchester scene, but they were a good one -- a damn good one. [13 March 2007] 
Lovedrug: Everything Starts Where It EndsThis album won’t change your life, but for simply being a rock album, it’s a surprising joy. [6 March 2007] 
Nurse & Soldier: MarginaliaOneida side-project apes indie-pop husband-wife duos, rips your heart with lyrics, and manages to leave surprisingly unscathed. Point, home-team. [13 February 2007] 
Jill Scott: CollaborationsIf you're going to use Jill Scott on your track, it would help if you actually played to her talents. [2 February 2007] 
Rob Crow: Living WellGo home. Kiss wife. Spend time with kid. Record full-blown confessional indie-rock LP. Sleep. [30 January 2007] 
Cobra Starship: When the City Sleeps, We Rule the StThe song titles are almost as bad as the tunes themselves. [24 January 2007] 
The Earlies: The Enemy ChorusThere's a point on the Earlies’ sophomore album, The Enemy Chorus, when it stops being an album and transforms into an experience. 
Denison Witmer: Safe AwayWhile listening to a Denison Witmer album start-to-finish might be a bit taxing simply because he’s so low-key, his presence remains undeniable. [10 January 2007] 
Ima Robot: Monument to the MassesThis isn’t the first time you feel like a great opportunity is squandered. [4 January 2007] 
The Legends: Public RadioThe album in question can be summed up in one word: horrid. [20 December 2006] 
Pinback: Nautical AntiquesEnter indie stalwarts Pinback. Enter rarities collection Nautical Antiques. Enter one of the finest additions to their catalog. 
Whirlwind Heat: Types of WoodCertain tracks conjure up the one word that Whirlwind Heat would never seem to encompass: dull. [14 November 2006] 
JoJo: The High RoadWe’re back to the days of a really good single and an unholy amount of filler. [13 November 2006] 
Paul McCartney: Ecce Cor MeumUnfortunately, there are multiple moments where McCartney sounds less like he's composing a classical work as he is a film score (and one to some lightweight romantic-drama, at that). [8 November 2006] 
The Blood Brothers: Young MachetesYou can call it selling out. You can call it mainstream. Just don’t call it bad. Call it the best album of their career. Scratch that: call it one of the best of 2006. [3 November 2006] 
Jesse McCartney: Right Where You Want MeJesse McCartney is a Lunchable: prepackaged to the point of absurdity. [2 November 2006] 
David & the Citizens: Until the Sadness Is GoneWhen you drop something as joyous as power pop, you better have something good to fill in its place. Fortunately, for David & the Citizens, they have the perfect fill-in: music with heart. [31 October 2006] 
Puffy AmiYumi: SplurgeWhen an album is this movie-theatre-popcorn good, it's hard to complain. [13 October 2006] 
Guster: Ganging Up On the SunPop music ain't easy, but damn can Guster make it look effortless. [10 October 2006] 
Halifax: The Inevitablility of a Strange WorldNever before in my years of being a music critic have I walked away from an album with not a single track to recommend. Congratulations Halifax: you're the first. [9 October 2006] 
Murder By Death: In Bocca Al LupoIf I died while listening to this, I wouldn’t complain in the least. [22 September 2006] 
Xiu Xiu: The Air ForceThe Air Force is, without a doubt, Xiu Xiu’s best album and grandest statement. [14 September 2006] The MTV Video Music Awards 2006To think: the most water-cooler-worthy moment of VMA 2006 was done by some guy pulling a prank. Maybe there is hope for next year's show, after all. [6 September 2006] 
Controlling the Famous: Automatic CitySadly, the story of how the album title came to be is more interesting than the music itself. [22 August 2006] Death Cab for Cutie + Mates of StateWe have the facts, and we're voting yes. [7 August 2006] 
Brandtson: Hello, ControlAt its core, it's a run-of-the-mill Brandtson record, but it's presented with such wide-eyed techno wonder you can't help but feel it creep into your skin a little more than it should. [4 August 2006] 
The 5 Browns: No BoundariesThey are five fingers of the same talented hand, and if they just happen to bring in a younger audience to the Classical Appreciation Club, more power to them. [1 August 2006] 
DJ Olive: Heaps AsEven the jokes of Tasmanian Devil cartoons are fresher than what you experience here. [21 July 2006] Death Cab for Cutie: DirectionsMusic videos as a companion to CDs? It just might work... [18 July 2006] 
Pieces of a Dream: Pillow TalkIt's never a good sign when you half expect every song to suddenly be interrupted with a voice saying "Your call is very important to us, and a representative will be with you shortly." [17 July 2006] 
Head Like a Kite: Random Portraits of the Home MovieThe concept has been done before, and by better musicians, countless times over. [13 July 2006] 
Bent Fabric: JukeboxIt's not perfect, but when you find yourself dancing without even realizing it, it doesn't need to be. [5 July 2006] 
Alexi Murdoch: Time Without ConsequenceThis may not be the most defining folk album of the new millennium, but Alexi Murdoch's career is off to one hell of a start. [6 June 2006] 
Candy Bars: On Cutting Ti-gers in Half and Understanding NarravationIf they work at it, they can pull of something worth 100 Grand. Until then, they’re just relegated to being a Whatchamacallit. [5 June 2006] 
Kind of Like Spitting: The Thrill of the HuntThe hunt may be short, but damn is it worthwhile. [31 May 2006] 
Blue October: FoiledOne-hit wonders from Texas give commerical success another go, and wind up with a dark and biting pop album that shatters any preconceptions that ever existed about them. [30 May 2006] 
T-Bone Burnett: Twenty Twenty: The Essential T-Bone BurnettIt doesn’t matter if you know any of the songs: hyphen or not, good music is simply good music. Here’s to a career that’s been full of it. [26 May 2006] 
Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti: Lover BoyIt’s fun to take a trip down a nostalgic path that never existed in the first place. [11 May 2006] 
Various Artists: Cavalcade of the ScarsThe whole is greater than the sum of its parts. [3 May 2006] 
Theo & the Skyscrapers: Theo and the SkyscrapersTheo Kogan is out there, trying to find that breakthrough moment, but the Skyscrapers don't seem like the skyrocket she's looking for. [21 April 2006] 
South: Adventures in the Underground Journey to the StarsThey may not be Britain's kings of melodic rock songs yet, but at this rate, they won't even need The O.C. anymore. [6 April 2006] 
3/4hasbeeneliminated: A Year of the Aural Gauge OperationA strange, twisting, bizarre, memorable experience: when it finally stops spinning, you might just re-think what all music should sound like. [5 April 2006] 
Band of Horses: Everything All the TimeStill in their early stages, you can tell that the Horses have more to offer. Someday they’ll be at full gallop. Here, they're just at a trot. [21 March 2006] 
David & the Citizens: David & the CitizensThis teaser EP does the job of stirring up the requisite interest, even if it only leaves you wanting the future to deliver on the bits of promise contained within. [8 March 2006] 
Headscan: Pattern RecognitionThis Canadian duo specializes in that vaguely Matrix-y soundtrack styled 'dark techno.' [2 March 2006] 
The Invisible: The InvisibleAs terrible as it is to say, you almost wish that the band would live up to its name and just disappear. [24 February 2006] Low Skies: All the Love I Could FindSlowcore band avoids the pitfalls of its genre to deliver an album of simple yet surprising refinements. [23 February 2006] Black Furies: Death Trip Saturday NightOnce you're drunk off your ass and the Furies' leather-jacket roadies are packing up the amps, you'll realize that you don't even remember who just played and won't be able to recall a single song. 
Dean Gray: American EditThis album is a bastard child. This is the bad seed that has strayed from its noble parents, the mutt on the street. [2 February 2006] 
Various: Stubbs the Zombie: The SoundtrackIt doesn't take braaaaains to enjoy the simple pleasures of a solid cover album, even when it's in the dicey realm of indie rockers covering classics. [1 February 2006] 
The Handsome Charlies: Gentlemen Never TellThis Australian quartet has created a delicious bite of pop-rock with enough swagger and personality to be worthy of a decent following and a few iPod-worthy tunes you can flip through any time. [31 January 2006] BlogsSound Affects: 20 Questions: Nouvelle Vague [21 January 2010]Sound Affects: 20 Questions: Still Life Still [17 January 2010]Mixed Media: The Lil’ Tribute Album That Could (MP3s) [14 January 2010]Consuming Consumables: Our Noise: The Story of Merge Records [24 November 2009]Mixed Media: Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” Video: WTF? [12 November 2009]Sound Affects: Abstract Optimism: A Brief Chat with Owl CityMixed Media: Why is one of 2009’s best records absolutely free? [28 September 2009]Mixed Media: Will Stratton’s Free Album Bonanza (MP3) [11 September 2009]Sound Affects: Cash for Catharsis: Paying Artists to Write Songs About You [21 April 2009]Mixed Media: Billy Bob Thornton and the New Surrealism (video) [13 April 2009]Mixed Media: Department of Eagles - “No One Does It Like You” (video) [1 April 2009]Consuming Consumables: Spaced: The Complete Series [12 December 2008]Mixed Media: Top 5 Videos of 2008: Evan Sawdey [11 December 2008]Consuming Consumables: The Big Lebowski: 10th Anniversary Edition [3 December 2008]Sound Affects: Breakdancing Demons Make My Day [10 October 2008]Sound Affects: Mindless violence or something deeper? [4 May 2008] |
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