Reviews

Sunday, 12 November 2006 17:00

Harvey had some 60 songs to choose from and the collection is fairly balanced, offering listeners a chance to hear her perform live versions of album and unreleased cuts as well as the classic "Wang Dang Doodle."

Written by David Lichius Saturday, 11 November 2006 08:45

With a sprawling nature in both length and sound, Isis has created a bridge between those who wouldn't touch anything metal and those who would avoid any record that sniffs of indie.

Written by Chris Schott Saturday, 11 November 2006 08:27

Almost gospel in nature, the songs are quite uplifting. Also, if you're into this kind of thing, a hint of spiritual desperation and a yearn for direction seems to live in Beckler's words. But for those who have had this cup of tea before, Beckler is only skin deep.

Written by Joe O'Fallon Friday, 10 November 2006 03:14

The EP demonstrates a sophisticated sound and also exposes lyrical weaknesses.

Written by Dave Jasmon Friday, 10 November 2006 03:09

With the proper intent, strain, and dedication, a good pop musician can eventually break your heart.

Wednesday, 08 November 2006 12:04

While Tea Leaf Green clearly draws on this blueprint for success in a jam scene where receptiveness is relatively stable and open-minded, they do so without any overt mimicry of their predecessors.

Written by Joe O'Fallon Monday, 06 November 2006 15:00

The Long Blondes are a modern-day band. They release songs as they create them. It doesn't matter if you listen to them out of order.

Written by James McAnally Saturday, 28 October 2006 05:22

Coney Island Baby announced Lou Reed as a career artist, skirting on the edge of avant-pop: palatable, yet still provocative to mainstream America.

Written by Chris Schott Saturday, 28 October 2006 05:19

The very next track, "Canyon," carries the same feel of vocal dryness and sloping manner from Buckner, but the music gives the style new life, forcing a new outlook upon listeners who may fear a monotonous record.

Written by Kevin Renick Saturday, 28 October 2006 05:16

For some reason, I kept seeing brown while listening to these ten songs: the brown of muddy rivers, desert sand, a full glass of whiskey, the color of a tavern wall...

Written by Kevin Renick Saturday, 28 October 2006 05:13

It's sort of the "post toasties" of post rock.

Written by Kevin Renick Saturday, 28 October 2006 05:10

Standout track "Drive My Friend" is the most irresistible one here, and it's as good a case for the beauty of the minor third interval that I've ever heard.

Written by James McAnally Saturday, 28 October 2006 05:06

Like a great short-fiction writer, Jurado knows when to comment and when to step aside and let a character speak.

Written by Jason Green Saturday, 28 October 2006 05:02

The songs are short, the band is tight, and the music is, by and large, bright and enjoyable.

Written by Kevin Renick Saturday, 28 October 2006 04:57

What you find on this very unconventional 13-song platter is a haunting blend of organic, homegrown chamber pop, percolating percussion, and fairly static female vocals which, when layered or harmonized with, create a sharp-edged, captivating sound.

Written by Joe O'Fallon Saturday, 28 October 2006 04:54

Interestingly, standout tracks don't come from the suspect artists Animal Collective, Yo La Tengo, and the Hidden Cameras.

Written by David Lichius Tuesday, 17 October 2006 08:36

Hailing from Lawrence, Kan., Ad Astra Per Aspera are a difficult breed to pin down. Laying their influences at the feet of the Blood Brothers, Man Man, Nation of Ulysses, and other "avant-dark, well constructed chaotic-punk-rock".

Written by Joseph O'Fallon Tuesday, 17 October 2006 08:28

This Bright Eyes collection is worth hearing, and even solid Bright Eyes fans can appreciate studio recordings.

Written by Jason Green Tuesday, 17 October 2006 08:04

In Search Of... reaches back to the band's roots, concentrating on '70s Southern rock boogie guitars and upbeat piano-driven melodies.

Written by Jeremy Goldmeier Tuesday, 17 October 2006 07:51

The songs rarely deviate from their core progression, repeating that main musical phrase over and over again with slight variations, until the tune is essentially a blunt instrument for clubbing the listener into submission.

Written by Jason Green Monday, 16 October 2006 03:07

While lacking the inspired insanity of Cibo Matto's better moments, the variety is what makes Ecdysis a compelling listen.

Written by Jeremy Goldmeier Monday, 16 October 2006 02:50

And then the buoyant vocal harmonies kick in, dousing the tune in aching splendor; somewhere, a Belle & Sebastian fan is soiling himself.

Written by Joseph O'Fallon Monday, 16 October 2006 02:45

Lines like "I guess I'm on the long list of girls that love the shit out of you" strangely bring songwriting closer to reality, and her conversational talk-sing approach lessens the gap between the audience and the musician.

Written by Toriano L. Porter Saturday, 14 October 2006 04:43

While there's nothing wrong with Chingy being proud of where he's from nor writing or rhyming about it, rap fans around the world have grown to not only love Chingy's tender side, but the high-spirited, club-hopping side, as well.

Written by Laura Hamlett Saturday, 14 October 2006 04:39

"I said I'm trying to write my novel/she said, ‘Neither am I.'"

Saturday, 14 October 2006 03:41

Springsteen's kids didn't hang out at the mall and they certainly weren't going to the chillout tent as kids do on Boys and Girls, but they were still bored, still looking for cheap thrills, and the Hold Steady's Craig Finn nails that.

Wednesday, 11 October 2006 23:48

We all have them. Those albums that we prize high above all others and feel make up some small, but significant  portion of our life soundtrack. Unappreciated, slighted, selling for .01 on Amazon...these are the CDs that PLAYBACK:stl's staff voted as the most overlooked albums of the last decade. The lists were compiled and those albums with the most votes make up our Top 25 (we allowed some extra space for a few of the near misses). Of course, readers may look at this and see names like the Flaming Lips, Andrew Bird and Our Lady Peace who have certainly sold a few CDs in their day. However, this is for all those CDs that should have sold more, should have registered more with the music-buying public. At least according to our staff. We are sure you have your own list, and you can certainly share them with us, but for now, this is our Top 25. 

Written by PLAYBACK:stl Wednesday, 11 October 2006 08:42

More brief CD reviews...enjoy!

Written by PLAYBACK:stl Wednesday, 11 October 2006 08:38

CD reviews in brief.

Written by Derek Lauer Wednesday, 11 October 2006 08:06

This box set is the holy grail of lost treasures.

Written by Chris Schott Wednesday, 11 October 2006 08:03

Casey Reid is the St. Louis equivalent to one of those Disney movies where the underdog sports team beats all the odds and takes home the championship.

Written by Jason Green Wednesday, 11 October 2006 07:59

The newly reconstituted lineup, featuring the only two surviving original members, thankfully doesn't try too hard to recreate past glories, but instead has crafted a back-to-basics album that revels in boozy blues-rock, glam, and Spector-esque girl group pop.

Written by James McAnally Wednesday, 11 October 2006 07:57

VanGaalen seems capable of simultaneously making Midnite Vultures and Sea Change if he were able to edit his own ideas.

Written by David Lichius Wednesday, 11 October 2006 07:53

On their first full-length since 2000's One, Nomeansno has made what might be their most accessible record since 1989's Wrong and easily their best record in over 15 years.

Written by Jeremy Goldmeier Wednesday, 11 October 2006 07:50

If this band wants to make its breakthrough splash in the indie majors, it's going to have to tighten up its batting stance.

Written by Daniel O'Malley Wednesday, 11 October 2006 07:45

They've been likened to the Sex Pistols specifically, while ex-Pistol Steve Jones himself has christened them "a bunch of little cunts"—a compliment, the group maintains.