Reflection and Opinion: A Few Words In Remembrance of Michael Jackson (1958-2009)

The death of Michael Jackson is strangely personal to a lot of us. He was brimming with talent. No matter how unusual he became and no matter how odd his surrounding world seemed from the outside, his talent could not...

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June 26, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (13)

Review: Dinosaur Jr.’s “Farm”

Have you ever gotten your socks blown clear off by a rock record? Have you ever had your expectations not only met but exceeded to the point where you were left dumbfounded with your mouth hanging wide open? I now...

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June 24, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (1)

Review: Tiny Masters Of Today’s “Skeletons”

If you think music by teenagers has to follow strict rules and always go for the most sugar-coated pop dynamic, you need to hear Tiny Masters Of Today. The Brooklyn band is built around a brother and sister pair. Ada...

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June 23, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (0)

Review: Mos Def’s “The Ecstatic”

Not only does Mos Def stand as one of the last hopes for real, classic hip-hop in a pop-obsessed, shallow market, he also wants to consistently break new ground. When too many rappers want to go with the trends and...

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June 11, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (1)

Review: Eminem’s “Relapse”

If Eminem’s new album, “Relapse” was a movie, it would be a low-quality slasher film, going for the jugular (and the lowest common denominator) at every chance. Eminem tries too hard to offend. He says all the worst possible things...

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May 20, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (6)

Review: Green Day’s “21st Century Breakdown”

As a longtime listener and admirer of Green Day, my initial reaction to their new album, “21st Century Breakdown” was negative. It seemed to me like a retread. Why do another rock opera when they did it so well the...

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May 18, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (12)

Review: Maxïmo Park’s “Quicken The Heart”

In the States at least, the music of Maxïmo Park is a little under-the-radar. It shouldn’t be. They are one of the best, smartest bands working today. They deliver spiky, British, punk-driven new-wave that sounds like it would’ve fit right...

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May 15, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (0)

Review: Booker T. Jones’ “Potato Hole”

For Booker T. Jones’ first solo offering in a number of decades, the mighty MG’s-leader and organist extraordinaire found some puzzling accompaniment. He chose the Drive-By Truckers as his back-up band. Why the Drive-By Truckers? Their country-fried sludgy rock doesn’t...

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April 24, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (0)

Review: Camera Obscura’s “My Maudlin Career”

Scottish dream-pop ensemble Camera Obscura live in an old, classic, musical world. Leader, Tracyanne Campbell’s songs could’ve sprung up during any point during the rock era from the early sixties onward. The band borrows heavily from the traditions set-up by...

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April 24, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (0)

Review: The Breeders’ “Fate To Fatal” E.P.

Kim and Kelley Deal, the twin sisters who lead the Breeders have long given up on having another hit the size of “Cannonball.” Listening to the title track of their new digital E.P., “Fate To Fatal,” it’s apparent that they...

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April 21, 2009 | Permalink | User Comments (1)