One of the things the band is most known for is their electronic manipulation of analog instrumentation, resulting in a sound that is different from your typical electronica creations. That remains a key element on the new album, Velocifero....more

The album's rustic flavor pours forth from the first, languid notes of "How Can A Poor Boy'" - the guitar and harmonica dangle on their notes like a pair of dragonflies that won't move, over a rhythm section that paces up and down like an old dog. By the time Van's deep, bluesman's voice utters the first words, the aroma of a hot, dust-filled Tennessee afternoon is present and pungent ...more

Experiencing the Counting Crows is similar to experiencing wine. Nearly everyone enjoys a particular shade or flavor of wine; however, until you understand what you like about the wine-a buttery finish, a bitter aftertaste-it can be difficult to pick up a wine habit. The deeper you look into trying wine, the more expert you become ...more

In their heart of hearts, R.E.M. have always been a great pop band in the mold of all great pop bands (i.e. the Beatles) and thus have always sounded their best when creating upbeat, 2 minute opuses. Accelerate is full of these types of songs, offering the perfect balance between candy pop goofiness and garage rock casualness ...more

Symphony opens with a succinct introductory track, entitled Gothica, that introduces us to the tapestry of sound we are about to partake in. From Gothica, we are treated to the stirring symphonic strains of the rock-edged Fleurs Du Mal. This track is one of my favourite tracks from the album and Brightmans tones on the tune are downright scintillating and almost sexy. The effervescent rock guitars combine pleasingly with the strings, creating an idyllic rock opener to the album....more

The Mars Volta managed to make The Bedlam in Goliath a much more tortured record then their previous releases. With some of the best musicians you will ever hear on a recording-including John Frusciante of Red Hot Chili Peppersthey all leave their mark and bring together the overall vision Bixler-Zavala and Rodriguez-Lopez have. ...more

Louis XIV demonstrated an ambitious and enthralling dose of rock and roll with their first album, but their aspirations prove too convoluted on Slick Dogs And Ponies. Artists should evolve to create the best work possible, but they should also possess the wherewithal to know when to use some restraint. In the end, this album just makes Louis XIV seem too pretentious for their own good. ...more

Like some wistful Southern novel, the music of Cat Power can transport you to a place where time crawls, like a lazy summer evening where the smell of sugarcane wafts through the sticky air. On her latest album, she blends echoes of the past with more modern expression including her own into a succulent collection of songs called Jukebox....more

Liverpool 8 isn't about particularly deep or evocative lyrics; rather, in a style that proves his influence from Paul, George and John, it is about fun music, a cheery style and moving on with life in spite of troubles. It's an unpretentious style that's been effective since the 60s, and Ringo's voice, while perhaps more crass than the other Beatles', suits it aptly nevertheless ...more

Les Savy Fav has a hypnotic way of balancing its post punk sound with a more contemporary soothing indie one like in The Year Before The Year 2000 where it begins with a soft intro that leads into a more rambunctious chorus and restarting the same way. Kiss Kiss Is Getting Old and What Wolves Do are likewise. ...more