Reviews

Written by Sarah Boslaugh Monday, 02 May 2011 09:42

Much as I like lang's voice in and of itself, I like it even better when she's singing a great song, and the material on Sing It Loud doesn't always live up to her vocal chops.

Written by Sarah Boslaugh Monday, 02 May 2011 09:31

I didn't understand one word of it (I think the lyrics are in Punjabi), but I really don't care—the sound by itself is enough to keep me listening.

Written by Jenn Metzler Monday, 02 May 2011 08:59

Yelle takes those signature elements soaring to a much higher level—one that’s more mature, but upon first listen nowhere near as fun.

Written by Ashley White Thursday, 28 April 2011 08:30

I initially underestimated her talent based on her punkish appearance, but Jessie J has completely surprised me with her vocals, production, and song composition.

Written by Alex Schreiber Thursday, 28 April 2011 08:11

With nearly 30 people singing, it’s hard not to believe them that not only will everything be alright; with some effort, it’ll be extraordinary.

Written by Tony Van Zeyl Wednesday, 20 April 2011 11:14

Here Before is a consistent little postcard from the early ‘80s that sounds a lot like early R.E.M. because early R.E.M. sounded a lot like the Feelies.

Written by Brett Berliner Wednesday, 20 April 2011 10:06

Angles has been highly anticipated, facing huge expectations—and so the fact that it’s merely solid is slightly disappointing.

Written by Christopher Sewell Wednesday, 13 April 2011 12:23

Mosshart’s stint in The Dead Weather has rubbed off on her songwriting—this is a record bathed in a much darker light than previous Kills albums.

Written by Pete Timmermann Wednesday, 13 April 2011 09:18

Not only is it begging to be included on your next road trip playlist, it’s also one of the album’s surest portrayals of Callahan’s resonant lyrics.

Written by Alex Schreiber Monday, 11 April 2011 21:13

James Blake has put together a unique album full of rollicking rumbles, fuzzy waves, and silent moments that make the former two all the more shattering.

Written by Ashley White Monday, 11 April 2011 08:32

With an even balance of sexual confidence and emotioal love songs, this album showcases the uniqueness of Brown’s talent.

Written by Brett Berliner Tuesday, 05 April 2011 16:38

Saigon destroys all expectations by growing into a much more diverse artist, one capable of carrying an album.

Written by Ashley White Tuesday, 05 April 2011 16:34

She lacks vocal variety and expansion; there’s nothing unique about her songs.

Written by Mike Rengel Tuesday, 05 April 2011 16:28

It’s easy to imagine Li as the Swedish version of Lisa Bonet in High Fidelity, recently spurned but still on the prowl.

Written by Jason Neubauer Thursday, 17 March 2011 08:11

They play these songs as though they are brand-new masterpieces of rock ‘n’ roll, with all the excitement and fury that made them great in the first place.

Written by Ashley White Wednesday, 09 March 2011 21:11

Avril laces the album with a variety of emotions ranging from pain, to excitement, to relief, to finally appreciating and loving yourself through it all.

Written by Braden Abbott Wednesday, 09 March 2011 11:47

There’s a bit of St. Vincent, some Jenny Lewis, some Kate Bush, yet her voice is a bit wobbly, a bit unsure.

Written by Nicole Madden Wednesday, 02 March 2011 22:46

One of Gainesville's best known punk bands is all grown up.

Written by Jenn Metzler Wednesday, 02 March 2011 18:54

While fairly distinguishable from 2010’s Causers of This (and the inauguration of chillwave as yet another sub-sub-sub genre), Underneath the Pine is certainly an album one can “chill” to.

Written by Jason Neubauer Wednesday, 02 March 2011 18:50

Some of his earliest recordings paint a picture of the soul sickness so instrumental in forming his classic hits.

Written by Matthew Treon Wednesday, 23 February 2011 16:38

The album is laced with DeVotchKa’s signature Eastern European and Latin flourishes. But 100 Lovers has a greater sonic expansiveness than previous DeVotchKa albums and covers more territory than the band ever has before.

Written by Jason Green Wednesday, 23 February 2011 16:38

The album finds the band celebrating their twentieth anniversary by returning to more familiar territory, getting in the occasional political dig while concentrating most of their energy on telling stories from the streets of New York City with their patented mix of traditional Irish music and American rock n’ roll.

Written by Glen Elkins Wednesday, 23 February 2011 16:28

The album, on this song in particular, sounds very much like Beam's recent live performances and creates a sense of "jammy" collaboration that's a logical extension of the previous record.

Written by Mike Rengel Wednesday, 23 February 2011 16:24

Instead, what Zonoscope recalls most is the engrossing, expansive, longform progressive house and dance pop New Order and Pet Shop Boys ruled the world with in the late '80s.

Written by Brett Berliner Wednesday, 23 February 2011 16:18

One thing I’ve realized is that it’s incredibly difficult to make music that is stimulating without it requiring complete attention at the same time. Sonic Youth has successfully achieved that here.

Written by Laura Hamlett Thursday, 17 February 2011 21:39

Ritual reveals a band more self-possessed and self-aware.

Written by Braden Abbott Wednesday, 16 February 2011 21:07

So, not only has Keely penned one of the best hard rock albums ever, he’s introduced the sweaty twenty-somethings to Campbell’s massive theory of Myth.

Written by Ashley White Wednesday, 16 February 2011 21:00

Kweli’s rhymes are enjoyable, but his repetitive delivery makes the album so blah.

Written by Ashley White Wednesday, 16 February 2011 20:51

You can really feel the struggle she’s going through with the progression of her vocals as well as the intensity of the piano accompanying her brilliantly on this track.

Written by Mary Beth Hascall Wednesday, 16 February 2011 20:46

Eve builds on the band’s love of complex pop melodies, horn and strings rhythm and funky percussion all squeezed into a tight, radio-friendly three to four-minute format.

Written by John Shepherd Wednesday, 16 February 2011 20:42

But, unfortunately, on their own Ottewell’s songs blend together, and what seems remarkable as part of a larger musical canvas ends up being disappointingly tedious.

Written by Mary Beth Hascall Wednesday, 16 February 2011 20:31

Fortunately, Ottewell’s music shines brightly through the harsh stage lights. Shapes & Shadows combines his forceful tenor with passionate songwriting.

Written by Laura Hamlett Wednesday, 09 February 2011 23:25

George Michael has got quite the ear for pop music.

Written by Jenn Metzler Tuesday, 08 February 2011 15:05

Ventriloquizzing puts you in a dimly lit room having what you thought was a just a friendly chat, except that your friend is telling you more than you ever wanted to hear.

Written by Ashley White Tuesday, 08 February 2011 14:58

It’s safe to say that his collaborations with artists who are also set to dominate in 2011 foreshadow an amazing year in music. 

Written by Nicole Madden Wednesday, 02 February 2011 20:28

Motorhead releases their 20th studio album, meticulously following the guidelines set by the previous nineteen.