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Kevin JagernauthFeatures
Surround Sound #9: HodgepodgeThe latest Surround Sound installment tackles a hodgepodge of kids movies, TV shows, indie flicks, and more. [19 December 2006] Behind the Show Behind the MusicThe O.C.'s Alexandra Patsavas explains how music gets from her ears to your screen. [1 January 1995] Fifteen Minutes with Bloc PartyDrummer Matt Tong talks about their rapid success. Reviews
Maps: We Can CreateShortlisted for the Mercury Prize, Maps' debut full length is another solid entry into the growing “widescreen sound” oeuvre. [26 July 2007] 
Montag: Going PlacesAntoine Bedard's sophisticated electronic compositions provide more than meets the ear. [24 July 2007] 
Boom Bip: SacchrilegeAn ‘80s aesthetic that borders on ironic, and will throw longtime fans for a bit of loop. [28 June 2007] 
The Locust: New ErectionsStill going after 12 years, San Diego's most provocative outfit offer their most ambitious record to date. [26 June 2007] 
Various Artists: Music From And Inspired By Spider-Man 3Featuring exclusive tracks by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, the Flaming Lips, the Walkmen and the Killers, Spider-Man attempts to court an indie audience. [4 June 2007] 
Tim Kinsella: Field Recordings of DreamsI’m probably one of the few critics left who still believes Kinsella has some great stuff still instead him, but he is losing the goodwill of both critics and fans by releasing tossed off projects like this. [1 June 2007] Various Artists: Off The Clock Vol. 1: Up And Coming Artists From StarbucksIf you're buying music at the same time as you buy your coffee, you deserve what you get. [23 May 2007] 
Stars: Do You Trust Your Friends?Stars take their breakthrough album Set Yourself on Fire and hand it over to their friends for hit-and-miss remix treatment. [22 May 2007] 
The Narrator: All That To The WallThis Chicago trio offer up another solid disc of shaggy-haired and slackjawed indie rock. [15 May 2007] 
Mando Diao: Ode to OchrasySwedish garage rockers use their run-ins with lowlifes and weirdos on the road to help fuel their third full length. [20 April 2007] 
Call Me Lightning: Soft SkeletonsAfter a promising debut, Call Me Lightning disappoint with a routine sophomore effort. [10 April 2007] 
Shining: GrindstoneOn its fourth album, Norway's Shining obliterates the line between rock, jazz and classical composition and, in the process, creates one of the most compelling albums of the year. [28 March 2007] 
The One AM Radio: This Too Will PassWhile the songs feature even more organic instrumentation than before, they all exist in that tepid, midtempo, watery, emotional area that is being done much better by similar artists. [27 March 2007] 
Amiina: SeoulFragile, and twee to the point of nothingness, it’s sweet without being sugary, but unfortunately acts like a constant appetizer in a meal where the main dish never appears. 
Loney, Dear: Loney, NoirOriginally released in 2005, Loney, Noir is an elegant album of earnest indie pop. [21 March 2007] 
Acrobat: The Unbelievable TruthFalling somewhere between the delicate, emotional songwriting of Travis and the sonic bombast of Elbow, Acrobat’s carefully crafted sound is nearly stadium ready. [16 March 2007] 
Trans Am: Sex ChangeAfter the politically charged Liberation, Trans Am return with their ninth album of fused electronics and rock 'n' roll. [26 February 2007] 
Youth Group: Casino Twilight DogsAustralia's Youth Group add another album of midtempo, sensitive indie rock to an already crowded marketplace. [7 February 2007] 
Owen: At Home With OwenMike Kinsella moves from his bedroom to the studio, but is still having trouble finding love, reconciling the past, and living with regrets. [12 January 2007] 
Air: Late Night TalesAir take their fans on a trip through their record collection. [5 December 2006] 
My Latest Novel: WolvesStrings are the thing these days, and here's yet another literate collective ready to grab your heart with a disc of symphonic pop. [15 November 2006] 
Various Artists: Musics In The MarginA 25-track compilation of artists, scientists and ordinary people -- most of which you've never heard of -- creating sound and art on the most gut level of honesty and sincerity. [6 November 2006] 
Jeremy Enigk: World WaitsJeremy Enigk returns -- again -- with another fantastic album of highly evocative, soaring rock. [27 October 2006] 
Now It’s Overhead: Dark Light DaybreakAndy LeMaster looks towards arena-sized rock on his third outing as Now It's Overhead. [25 October 2006] 
The Curtains: CalamityEx-Deerhoof guitar slinger steps out on his own with an album not dissimilar to that of his former colleagues. [20 October 2006] 
Brazilian Girls: Talk To La BombA mature and assured sophomore effort proves Brazilian Girls are not just another dance floor act. [11 October 2006] 
Jenny Piccolo: Jenny PiccoloA 52-track, 36-minute discography from the late but not quite lamented hardcore act, Jenny Piccolo. [2 October 2006] 
Viva Voce: Get Yr Blood Sucked OutPop this in the car system, roll the windows down, put on the shades, sip the Dr. Pepper and haul ass. Pick up that special someone. Then cruise to the lake and make out. 
The Big Eyes Family Players: Do The MusikingChamber music for the iPod generation. [12 September 2006] 
Headlights: Kill Them With KindnessThe full-length by this Midwest trio comes on the heels of their phenomenal debut EP. Will lightning strike twice? [6 September 2006] 
The Hylozoists: La Fin Du MondeThe vibraphone is probably the uncoolest member of the percussion family. [24 August 2006] 
Hanne Hukkelberg: Do Not As I DoThis is at best a curio for the diehard fans only. For the rest of you, I urge you to seek out Little Things and hear what everyone else has been sleeping on for the past year. [16 August 2006] 
Think About Life: Think About LifeMontreal band distill the sound of their peers but fail to offer a unique voice of their own. 
Various Artists: Project: BicycleA fascinating examination of how different people can interpret one single sample. [11 August 2006] 
Aleuchatistas: What You WillInstrumental post-jazz-whatever rockers offer riffs and revolution. [26 July 2006] 
Various Artists: Harlan County USA: Songs of the Coal Miner’s StruggleThey have the plan, but we have the power. [29 June 2006] 
Rye Coalition: CursesIt's been five years in the making . . . was it worth the wait? [28 June 2006] 
The Love Letter Band: Fear Not My Brothers Fear Not My Sisters, for I Have Seen the FutureJust about everything you might expect a band with this name, who release their album on Valentine's Day, might sound like. [15 June 2006] 
The Dan Band: The Dan Band LiveIf you've ever needed to own a CD in which a slightly overweight man belts out "Total Eclipse of the Heart", the Dan Band is for you. [18 May 2006] 
Caroline: MurmursA great deal less than the sum of its parts, this album is best left to romantic interludes and background listening. [16 May 2006] 
The Black Heart Procession: The SpellFor their fifth album, Pall and Tobias seem stuck on Three Mile Autopilot. [9 May 2006] 
Victory at Sea: All Your Things Are GoneTwelve years into their career, the dynamic trio from Boston deliver their finest album yet. [3 May 2006] 
Built to Spill: You in ReverseFor the first time in their career, the band has made an album that is both musically and lyrically indifferent. [19 April 2006] 
13ghosts: CicadaThis Birmingham, Alabama, group's third full length has ridden a quiet wave of buzz over the past year, raising the profile of this previously obscure act. [18 April 2006] 
Puerto Muerto: Songs of Muerto CountyAll horror film sounds tracks need not be horrifying or horrible. [7 April 2006] 
Various Artists: See You on the Moon! Songs for Kids of All AgesIndie rockers take on their most challenging project yet -- writing songs for kids. [4 April 2006] 
Bound Stems: The Logic of Building the Body PlanStudio trickery hides incompetent playing on this Chicago group's infuriating debut. [27 March 2006] 
Ester Drang: RocinateThis Oklahoma trio's sophomore album is an gorgeous Faberge egg of an album, that when split open, reveals nothing inside. [22 March 2006] 
Corm: Audio Flame KitReissue of the only full-length from this mid-'90s Washington, DC act whose members went on to play in Q and Not U and The Maginot Line. [17 March 2006] 
Metal Hearts: SocializeIf you think your high school diary set to music might sound good, this album is for you. [13 March 2006] 
Andrew W.K.: Who Knows? Live In Concert: 2000-2004 [DVD]Party hard! Just don't ask too many questions about the man himself. [27 February 2006] 
Nina Simone: Sings the Blues and othersWith two brand new reissues and one new compilation, Nina Simone is presented as both pop star and preacher. [16 February 2006] Ruins: PallaschtomIf Lightning Bolt or Fantomas aren't challenging enough for you, this Japanese duo will blow your mind. [9 February 2006] 
Desert City Soundtrack: Perfect AddictionOn their second-full length, Portland piano-emo trio mature but fail to make a lasting impression. [2 February 2006] 
The Strokes: First Impressions of EarthThe Strokes venture into uncharted territory and offer a disc twice as long and half as good as their now classic first two records. [3 January 2006] 
Lightning Bolt: Hypermagic MountainRhode Island's most notorious drum and bass duo climb to the peak of prog-noise-rock perfection. [23 December 2005] 
Embrace Today: We Are the EnemyIs being straight edge really that important, anymore?" [22 December 2005] 
Faunts: High Expectations/Low ResultsAn unfortunately all too appropriate title for this Canadian band's debut album. [21 December 2005] 
Make Believe: Shock of BeingYet another middling release from yet another Tim Kinsella-affiliated project. [20 December 2005] 
Phosphorescent: Aw Come Aw WryLooking for something authentic? Be careful what you wish for. [8 December 2005] 
Holy Fuck: Holy FuckGiven the band's name, this might be the most expletive-filled review you'll read all year. 
Mi and L’au: Mi and L’auA warm and tender album that somehow manages to be isolating. [29 November 2005] 
31Knots: Talk Like BloodFor most, Talk Like Blood will be the first taste of 31Knots' skewed, jagged art rock. [28 November 2005] 
The Narrator: Such TriumphThese guys might just be the first indie-rock roots revival band ever. [22 November 2005] 
The Life and Times: Suburban HymnsThis is what real 'alternative music' sounds like. [18 November 2005] 
Bonnie “Prince” Billy: Summer in the SoutheastWill the real Will Oldham please stand up?" [15 November 2005] 
Some Girls: The DNA Will Have Its SaySupergroup spazz core group with members of the Locust, Give Up The Ghost, Unbroken and the Plot To Blow Up The Eiffel Tower. Karen O guest stars. [31 October 2005] Pop Montréal: Day 4 Featuring Oxford Collapse, Alan Astor, Holy Fuck, Subtitle, and Islands (ExEx-Unicorns and devilish heat bring Pop Montreal to a fiery conclusion. [24 October 2005] Pop Montréal: Day 2 and 3 Featuring Antony and The Johnsons, CocoRosie, The Forms, and Big BearMy original plan was an ambitious one, but then a nasty cold front descended. What to do? [21 October 2005] Pop Montréal: Kickoff and Day 1: Featuring Annie, Telefauna, Kickers, Tommorow’s Friends, and ELessons Learned: schedules will be broken, stamina for both work and concert-going is in short supply, and sometimes you find surprises in unlikely places. [20 October 2005] 
Nina Simone: The Soul of Nina SimoneAn excellent DualDisc compilation that shows us Nina Simone the activist, songwriter and performer. 
M83: M83The domestic reissue of the M83's debut finds a band still testing its wings. [19 October 2005] 
Animal Collective: FeelsYet another gorgeous album of magic and whimsy from everyone's favorite purveyors of shamanistic pop. [17 October 2005] 
Charlottefield: How Long Are You StayingBrighton quartet smudges the lines of post-punk on its debut album. [4 October 2005] 
Motion City Soundtrack: Commit This to MemoryMotion City Soundtrack present an infectious dose of straight-ahead pop-punk, with lyrics that balance humor and sincerity. [28 September 2005] 
400 Blows: Angel’s Trumpets and Devil’s TrombonesMinimal punk rock trio get a surprising amount of mileage using just guitar, drums and a voice. [9 September 2005] 
Hanne Hukkelberg: Little ThingsHanne Hukkelberg's debut album heralds her arrival as a major new talent. [2 September 2005] 
Minotaur Shock: MaritimeWide eyed beats meet up clarinets, violins, flutes and more on a satisfying disc of blissed out electronica. [1 September 2005] 
Various Artists: 80 Records and We’re Not Broke (Yet)Label sampler/celebration has much to offer for hardcore and punk music fans. [19 August 2005] 
Above This Fire: In PerspectiveA satisfying start for a punk rock band that just may soon become a household name. [1 August 2005] 
Settlefish: The Plural of the ChoirSettlefish reach back to the early days of indie rock for inspiration, creating both deja vu and excitement on their sophomore release. [28 July 2005] 
Need New Body: Where’s Black Ben?Need New Body continue to laugh at out loud while keeping the joke to themselves on their scattershot third album. [8 July 2005] 
Youth Group: Skeleton JarThough inconsistent, this group's sophomore effort contains a few gems, while hinting at something grander next time around. [5 July 2005] 
Shipping News: Flies the FieldsEx-June Of '44 and Rodan members disappoint with another disc of competently played and largely forgettable explorations in mood. [1 July 2005] Darediablo: Twenty PacesAn admirable if unimpressive romp through '70s rock that will have you yearning for the real deal. [28 June 2005] 
Franklin Delano: Like a Smoking Gun in Front of MeThis Italian group's attempt at experimental neo-roots music lacks form, shape, and perspective. [27 June 2005] 
Ruins: Vrresto [remastered]Japanese power duo's 1998 release remains as fresh, vital, and challenging as it did seven years ago. [23 June 2005] 
Cartel: The Ransom EPLooking for something subversive? Dangerous? Criminal? Threatening? Look somewhere else. [22 June 2005] 
Shout Out Louds: Howl Howl Gaff GaffThe Shout Out Louds will break your heart and put it back together again with a potent mix of garage, pop, and wide-eyed wonder. [17 June 2005] 
Various Artists: Bonnaroo Music Festival 2004A strong, if somewhat single-minded, two disc compilation of the best from Bonnaroo 2004. [13 June 2005] 
Summer at Shatter Creek: All the AnswersCraig Gurwich's sophomore disc is a beautiful, assured effort in melancholy indie rock. However, you might want to wait until autumn to listen to it. [9 June 2005] 
Around the Bend (2004)Henry's instructions bring Turner and Jason to important landmarks that dredge up memories and force them to face events that have haunted their lives. [24 May 2005] 
The Plot to Blow Up the Eiffel Tower: Love in the Fascist BrothelSan Diego post-punkers redefine the meaning of the word 'full-length' with a 24-minute long player that swaggers, swoons, stomps, and spits its way into becoming one of the finest pieces of hardcore fury you're likely to hear this year. 
The Big Town (1987)In Cullen's rise to the top, he summarily steps on everyone who tries to help him or slow him down. [23 May 2005] 
Volcano High (2001)Instead of building to a final showdown, the movie seems one continuous climax that is completely exhausting. [13 May 2005] 
Tim Kinsella: Crucifix SwastikaThe most shocking thing about Tim Kinsella's moronically titled new release is how tame and inconsequential it really is. [21 April 2005] 
Blue Merle: Burning in the SunBlue Merle's interesting instrumentation handicaps strong songwriting on the group's debut album. [19 April 2005] 
6ixtynin9 (Ruang talok 69) (1999)Tum doesn't so much triumph over adversity as take advantage of idiotic and inept opponents. [14 April 2005] 
Point Line Plane: Smoke SignalsOn synth and drum trio Point Line Plane's sophomore effort, they are shown up by their own album artwork and one sheet. [13 April 2005] 
The Black Maria: Lead Us to ReasonEx-Grade frontman Kyle Bishop's new project is a disappointing, uninspired trip down the alternative FM radio dial. [11 April 2005] 
Bars: Introducing…Singer Kevin Baker stands at the front and center of Bars' impressive debut of stripped down punk rock. [28 March 2005] 
I Am a Promise (1993)Lacking the bias that makes Michael Moore's movies so popular, the Raymonds' film is more satisfying. [23 March 2005] 
Red Eyed Legends: Mutual InsignificanceThe group's second EP is a step forward from their debut but is held back by Chris Thomson's lack of engagement. 
Thunderbirds Are Now!: JustamustacheThe sugar rush, caffeine-addled sophomore effort from these ex-dance punkers, explodes with ideas, none of which stick. [21 March 2005] 
Jesu: JesuEx-Napalm Death/Godflesh mastermind Justin Broadrick finds his way to the light through dense layers of metallic sludge. [18 March 2005] 
The Flesh: The FleshThese party-weary New Yorkers reluctantly get dolled-up for the dance floor. [14 March 2005] 
Hanalei: We Are All Natural DisastersGlitch pop debut by the Ghost frontman offers up a mouthful. [4 March 2005] 
Nine Good Teeth (2003)While the director suggests he wants make an objective film, Nine Good Teeth is undeniably skewed to display Nana in the best possible light. [24 February 2005] 
...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead: Worlds ApartThe Austin, Texas trio's second major-label album is a painful shift into FM alternative rock territory that bears very little resemblance to the band that gave us Source Tags and Codes. [10 February 2005] 
A New Kind of Love (1963)The film offers up a timeless double standard: a man who has many sexual partners is considered masculine, but a woman with multiple partners is a slut. [7 February 2005] 
Anadivine: ZooAnadivine lack the forward thinking and progressive spirit of Coheed; although these songs are well crafted and nicely executed, they are instantly forgettable. [4 February 2005] 
Headlights: The Enemies EPEx-Absinthe Blind and Maserati members paint their indie rock in black, and their debut is one of the most exciting and breathless releases of the past year. [27 January 2005] 
Wetherby (1985)Crippled by their past and unable to function in the present, these characters represent what David Hare calls 'the part-emotional landscape that is England.'" [26 January 2005] 
Elevator Division: YearsMidwestern rockers try to leave their hometown scene behind, opting for a different sound than their aesthetic influences. 
The Girl From Paris (2001)The Girl From Paris details the ways that farming is lonely and difficult. [17 January 2005] 
S: Puking and CryingThose looking for something grittier than the Postal Service and Styrofoam will find much to admire in S. [14 January 2005] 
Call Me Lightning: The Trouble We’re InCall Me Lightning bring unchecked energy touched with a bit of madness to its debut that will have fans yelling 'We Be the Lightning!' in no time. [11 January 2005] 
How to Steal a Million (1966)When Simon enters the picture, it doesn't take much (a few batted eyelashes and Audrey Hepburn in a nightie) for him to overlook her father's crimes. [3 January 2005] 
Various Artists: Homesick Vol. 1 [DVD]It brings together 13 videos from across the pop-punk and hardcore spectrum into one collection. [28 December 2004] 
Reeve Oliver: self-titledA lot of pop-punk albums cross my desk, but a rare few stick out -- this is one of them. [16 December 2004] 
The Clearing (2004)The kidnapping sets in motion a thriller that doubles as a character study, delving into Wayne and Eileen's strained marriage. [29 November 2004] 
The Hebrew Hammer (2003)The Hammer remains confused and conflicted, almost apologetic for who he is. [24 November 2004] 
Ray Charles: Live in Concert with the Edmonton Symphony [DVD]Fans looking for footage of his incendiary R&B will need to look elsewhere. However, Live in Concert is a pleasant trip to the crisp, seasoned concerts Charles gave in the latter part of his life. 
Mulholland Falls (1996)Mulholland Falls resembles an episode of Law & Order with funny hats. [8 November 2004] 
Walking Tall (2004)Kevin Bray sees his Walking Tall as a series of fight sequences, a simplification that leaves it open to interpretation as a barometer of our political climate. [1 November 2004] 
The Road to Memphis / Godfathers and Sons / Red, White & Blues - PopMatters Music Review )For a genre of music that was borne out of hardship, and featured some of music history's most powerful and poignant material, its striking how tame The Blues is. [15 September 2004] 
Ray Charles: Genius Loves CompanyGenius Loves Company showcases a man who continued to challenge the definition of just who Ray Charles was. [1 September 2004]
The Black Heart Procession: Tropics of Love [DVD]Combining Tom Waits's atmospheric sensibilities with somber, piano-laden dirges, the Black Heart Procession swear that love will destroy you. [8 March 2004] 
Various Artists: 270 Miles from Graceland: Live from Bonnaroo 2003 [DVD]With the ideals of Woodstock thrown out the window, music festivals have become more about corporate synergy than politics. [1 March 2004] 
Portastatic: Autumn Was a LarkAfter the title track steals the show, the rest of the record feels flat and lifeless. One wonders if McCaughan is biding his time waiting to be reunited with his Superchunk friends. [21 November 2003]BlogsShort Ends and Leader: Short Cuts - In Theaters: Black Snake Moan [21 February 2007]Short Ends and Leader: Short Cuts - In Theaters: Little Miss Sunshine [7 August 2006]Short Ends and Leader: Short Cuts - In Theaters: Edmund [1 August 2006] |
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