The SoundTrack to my Life

The White Strips ~ Elephant In a similar line as contemporary acts The Vines and The Hives, this somewhat post-punk sounding duo comes with a very interesting proposal: a down-to-earth, forget-all-you've-heard-about-production, don't-polish-the-edges-type sound. For the fourth album by Jack and Meg White, it could be dismissed as a poorly produced album, but beware: there's more behind their work than jumps up right away. I had the opportunity to see to the guitar-drum duo live last night in Conan, and they were very impressive. In fact, Jack White (guitar) brought back memories of Jeff Buckley in more than one sense: the passion, his voice almost ripping his throat. This is an act to keep an eye on. The best of this recent wave of bands driven by the same inspiration and frustration that brought the punk and grunge movements to life. J J J 3 smiles!

Maroon 5 ~ songs about Jane

I saw these guys in concert when they opened up for Sheryl crow. They instantly caught my attention then they started playing, and they were a mix of old-school funk, new age rock, and a little Rx Bandits, being that it seems like every instrument in the band has the "leading the band" feel. It's a very dominant band, and an even more dominant CD. The effects are used at the right time, and the songs are some of the most well-written songs I've ever heard under or above ground. Maroon 5 may be too soft for some people... But if you truly want to hear great music that you really don't hear everyday, check out Maroon 5. I'll be looking for them on tour...

J J J J J 5 smiles!

Evanesence ~ Fallen

i don't know which exact words im going to use to describe evanescence's music...but one thing for sure, its amazing! its rare that you can find a good rock band with a female vocalist.. but amy lee did a very good job on vocals, her haunting voice seems to fit on every song whether its more of rock or just plain ballad. some standouts are Going Under, Tourniquet, Taking Over Me, Everybody's Fool and of course the two hits from daredevil soundtrack Bring Me To Life & My Immortal. its great to hear a new and fresh band with this quality of music!! definitely worth it!

J J J 3 smiles!

John Mayer ~ Inside wants out [EP]

For a debut effort made obviously with very little money, this album is unbelievable. In fact, several of the songs on this album (Back to You, Neon, My Stupid Mouth, and even No Such Thing) are better than the radio cuts (listen to No Such Thing and you'll see). Also appearing on this album is the song that every girl on the planet wishes their ex would sing to them: Comfortable. With lyrics like "I loved you. Grey Sweatpants. No makeup. So perfect. Our love was comfortable and so broken in" who the hell wouldn't want that song written for them?
Mayer recorded this album at 19 and you can already see the beginning of his creative genius. I only give this album four stars because there's room for improvement. "Victoria" and "Quiet" are weak songs which thankfully did not make it onto Room For Squares. However, for die hard Mayer fans and those just beginning to jump on the Mayer bandwagon...it's definitely worth your money.

J J J J J 5 smiles!

Jason Mraz ~ Waiting for my Rocket to come

Although Jason Mraz has been on the scene in San Diego for some time, this is his first studio release. I have had the good fortune to see him perform at local venues on multiple occasions and have repeatedly been blown away by his talent, his stage presence and his insanely unique voice. I was a little afraid that a produced studio album would not adequately showcase this incredible talent. This album, while certainly different than seeing him live, adds a whole new dimension of sound to his songs. None-the-less, this is by far the best album I have bought this year. This is the most excited I've been about a new artist since I first saw Nickel Creek live two years ago. If you appreciate any of the following: Jazz, Reggae, Pop, Freestyle Rap, Folk, or Alternative Rock -- you won't be disappointed by the fusion of all of them. If this guy gets any radio watch out Dave Matthews, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Glen Phillips...

J J J J 4 smiles!

Hot Hot Heat ~ Makeup the Breakdown

This album was so different than everything I was listening to at the time when I got it that it took a while for me to notice how good it is. Hot Hot Heat has catchy hooks to spare. The songs are all different from each other, but at the same time, the distinct, flashy vocals give it an identity. The guitar and bass always do stuff that compliments the rhythm and melodies perfectly without going over the top. I'd list their influences, but I wouldn't know where to start.

J J J 3 smiles!

The Flaming lips ~ Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots

I heard a clip of "Do You Realize?" toward the end of some show and had to have it. I was a little put off at first by much of the CD but I love most of it now. These guys are definitely not the run of the mill and their lyrics make you think. I especially like "Do You Realize?", "Fight Test", "In the Morning of the Magicians" and "Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell" - many familiar thoughts but often necessary to be reminded. It's apparently unfashionable for a 54 year old to be a rocker but....

J J J 3 smiles!

The Ataris ~ So Long Astoria

The Ataris are back in full force. This cd is incredible and shows off how much they have come in the years. Sure, the music is slower then previous releases, but many of the songs retain that same Ataris song we all have come to love. Instead of focus their energy in negative ways by singing about break ups and heart break, the band sings about the good times of growing up and the nostalgic feeling we all get at times. Songs like "So Long Astoria," "Looking Back on Today" and "The Hero dies in this one" are the three best examples of this. If you are a fan, you will enjoy this record greatly and I wish people would stop crucifying an amazing band like this because they have changed. They were never really fast, furious punk rock. This album is better then most pop-punk albums by ... bands such as Good Charlotte and New Found Glory. Buy it now, you won't regret it.

J J J J J 5 smiles!!

The All American Rejects ~ The All American Rejects

After hearing the All-American Rejects' first single, "Swing Swing", I was hooked. I bought the CD and gave it a good listen, only to fall madly in love. The best tracks, "My Paper Heart", "Too Far Gone", "Drive Away", the appropriately named last track "The Last Song", and of course, "Swing, Swing" bring an upbeat flavor to this new band. "My Paper Heart" is reminiscent of Jimmy Eat World, "Too Far Gone" sounds like sad, sappy emo songs that we all need sometimes, "Drive Away" is something you'd want to do just that with on a road trip with your best friends, and "The Last Song" opens interestingly and holds the listener's attention throughout the duration of the track. "Swing, Swing" was a perfect first single for the All-American Rejects, as it is the CD's catchiest (note: catchiest, not necessarily the best, though it is MY favrote) song. The All-American Rejects is a solid investment for everyone who enjoys the pop-punk genre of music, such as New Found Glory and Something Corporate. Also, Jimmy Eat World and Reggie and the Full Effect/Get Up Kids enthusiasts will enjoy this disc as well. Have fun! And don't forget to take a look @ the band's website... the lead singer Tyson is highly attractive.

J J J J J +5 smiles!

Taking Back Sunday ~ Tell all your friends

When I picked up the album I did so because the sticker on the CD said "If you like Thursday, Jimmy Eat World, Dashboard Confessionals, and Saves the Day you'll love TBS." Well, I love Thurday and Jimmy and thought that STD was a nice addition to the aforementioned two. So anyways I listen to the album and was way disappointed. It's not really anything that the band could've done differently, it's just not my type of music. The only song that I really like is "There's No 'I' In Team." That song has a really cool intro and the screaming parts of the song are really well performed. This is just a note to those of you who like Jimmy and Thursday: don't buy into it unless it's the right price. These guys are just mediocre at best.

J J 2 smiles!

The Used ~ The Used

Wow, I cannot say enough about how amazing this band is. Not only is The Used's debut album THE best "screamo"/punk album to come out this year, it is one of the best albums to come out this year, period. The vocals & lyrics are amazing. Bert can scream better than anyone I've heard, but his singing voice is equally as impressive, and he can alternate between the two effortlessly. His words have so much substance and emotion behind them too, which seems especially rare in so much of today's music. Quinn's guitar work is as versatile as Bert's singing, with powerful, driving riffs and beutifully melodic phrases (also a rarity in today's heavier music). A couple of the songs also have orchestral arrangements under the guitars which make the music even more dynamic. The underlying rhythm section with Jeph on bass and Branden on drums is a driving force throughout the entire album as well. Every song is so well crafted, I couldn't pick any in particular as my favorite. There honestly isn't a weak track on here, but I think the highlights are probably "Poetic Tragedy", "Noise & Kisses", and "On My Own". I could go on forever, but I'll sum it up by saying that the last time I was this impressed by an album was when I first heard "Around the Fur" by the Deftones. (and that came out in 1997!) This album is a masterpiece, and I can't imagine anyone finding it as a disappointment.

J J J J J 5 smiles

Finch ~ What it is to Burn

I first heard Finch on the Dragging the Lake CD and "Post Script" instantly became my favorite song on the CD. I really got into them so I went to the Drive Thru Records website and found out more about them. Finch is a mix of my two favorite types of music: Punk and hard rock. They mix in the elements of both types to make their own style and it works perfectly. Unlike many other bands out today, they are very talented musicians. They don't just play three chords throughout the whole album. Nate Barcalow's lyrics are written beautifully. You can tell that there is a lot of feeling put into each song. Glassjaw's Daryl's vocals are a great addition to the songs "Grey Matter" and "Project Mayhem". All together this CD is practically perfect. I'm in love with every song on this CD. Not one of them is written badly. "What It Is To Burn" deserves more than just 5 stars. Also, check them out this fall on tour with New Found Glory.

J J J J 4 smiles!

Frou Frou ~ Details

I can't remember where I heard of Frou Frou but I bought her cd and it is absolutely wonderful. Anyone who likes, anything mellow, yet a bit mysterious, would love this album. I would reccommend also any album from Enya, Bjork, or Enigma. This may be one of those rare albums that you will never get tired of listening to. Once again, This is ONE GREAT album!

Zero 7 ~ Simple Thing

I heard "Simple Things" on a listening station at my local music store. I was immediately reminded of "Moon Safari" by Air. As I consider that a classic 90s album, I was pretty much hooked into getting this particular release by Zero 7.

"Simple Things" is really good chill-out music. I've listened to it several times since its purchase a few days ago, and it continues to stay fresh and enjoyable. The tracks are all pretty much low-key, trip-beat relaxing songs, some with vocals, some without. My favorite songs are "Polaris", "Red Dust", and "This World", though I think all of the songs, with the possible exception of track 11, are quite good.

So, Zero 7 has succeeded in creating its own sound, and what a pleasing sound it is.

AudioSlave ~ AudioSlave

We know the story of how this band came to be, but what we didnt know was that this album would be so great. From the explosive opening of "Cochise" going right next to the heavy as hell "Show Me How To Live" going to the intense "Gasoline" and "What You Are," the very dynamic "Like A Stone" to the absolutely powerful and earth-shattering "Set It Off" plus much more, including my personal favorite, the explosive "Exploder", this album is one of the greatest of all time. No rap, soft rock, hating life rock, just pure, straight hard rock album that should be owned by all. Audioslave has saved the state of rock music, and has even saved the sorry state of music with this incredible album.

Queens of the Stone Age ~ Songs Of the Deaf

Queens of the stone age are in this moment the best rock band ... If you like another genre and need a reason to listen rock music....well, then Songs for the deaf is the answer

Foo Fighters ~ One by One

The new Foo Fighters album is simply an average rock album, there's nothing really special about it. The lyrics aren't bad but not great. The songs, unfortunately sound a lot alike. The guitar parts are often similar and repetitive, although the vocals almost make up for it. By far the best song on the album is "All My Life", its definitely the most original song on the whole album, and none others sound remotely like it. Its not a bad album, I just hoped for more.

Pearl Jam ~ Riot Act

Its an awesome CD and the growing pains (although not really all that bad) since Ten was worth it. The music is genuine, speaks of pretty lofty topics in a down to earth and poetic manner. Its' what good rock is about, it speaks to the masses but doesn't sell out.

This is the CD you want if you want to know what the "Seattle Sound" looks like when it grows up. I'm not thinking its going to sell a million albums because Pearl Jam has been beat up over their last albums (again I don't think much of it was deserved) but ten years from now, this may very well be the album people talk about when the next great turning of rock happens. Buy it.

The Wallflowers ~ Red Letter Days

This album is very good, not that I really expected anything less after "Breach", which unlike other reviewers, I actually liked a lot. The Wallflowers continue to produce quality music, which is more than you can say for almost everything else playing on the radio right now. There is so much going on in each song, between each line, and Jacob Dylan's vocals add yet another interesting layer to the mix...he simply has a great rock and roll voice. The lyrics seem intensely personal, but there is a wry, wily humor underlying the whole album that makes you wonders just how much is truly being revealed. Much is being said about some of the darker songs on the record (if I thought someone had written a song like "Health & Happiness" about me, I would pull up the covers & stay in bed for a week!), but I am finding that as the songs wend their way through my consciousness and grab hold, I'm left with a curious feeling of optimism, and some interesting thoughts about the nature of faith and hope.

Santana ~ Sharman

Sometime soon I guess they'll start selling this album as a double disc set with Supernatural, because that's exactly what it is about. I like this approach to music, I enjoy the diversity of artists working with Santana, but I get annoyed on some songs trying to find out exactly where Santana's guitar is at?? He's backing way back and I certainly don't think he fits with the likes of POD or grunge style music. Nonetheless, this is a fun album and very enjoyable. I guess the whole feel of the album is captured with the pictures of Santana in the sleeve covered in makeup with model-poses. He's posing as a superstar pop star, competing with britney and boy bands; I'll take Santana any day.

The Rolling Stones ~ Forty Licks

I was not really excited when I heard about this coming out. The cover is cool but listening to the record for me is better in my opinion. Some bands are better off with a greatest hit basically because their albums have too much filler. The Stones might of had some filler but very few. What I think was right was not including anything from Dirty Work. Which to me is their worst album. I give it 3 stars because there is a lot of great stuff here. (Wheres She's So Cold?). I heard Don't Stop and it is B-side material. Like I said I am a Stones fan but only up to Under Cover of the Night. If youre a beginner then yes this is a good introduction. But if you want to hear some more Rolling Stones (which you will) buy Hot Rocks 1964-1971, Let it Bleed, Stinky Fingers, Exile on Main Street, Goats Head Soup, Some Girls, Emotional Rescue, Tattoo You. That is their best. No filler on these albums.

Tom Petty ~ the Last DJ

Tom Petty will never be a great politician, but he can still write a great tune. The Last DJ features strong songs from beginning to end, and even the most lyrically heavy-handed tunes grow on you. This outing is more Beatles influenced than any of Petty's work to date, focusing in on Lennon's piano written tunes to great effect. Mr. Petty should reflect on his lyrics a little more before committing them to CD. In particular, complaining about the "golden circle", or whatever it's called, seems completely uninformed. OK, promoters are asking the fans that care the most to pay the most money for tickets. In the past, stadium insiders and radio programmers received these very same tickets as graft and scalped them to the same fans. The difference now is the performer actually gets some of the hefty ticket price rather than some scumbag scalper.


		This is were all the cool CD's of the week chill



		New: The White Strips ~ Elephant In a similar line as contemporary acts The Vines and The Hives, this somewhat post-punk sounding duo comes with a very interesting proposal: a down-to-earth, forget-all-you've-heard-about-production, don't-polish-the-edges-type sound. For the fourth album by Jack and Meg White, it could be dismissed as a poorly produced album, but beware: there's more behind their work than jumps up right away. I had the opportunity to see to the guitar-drum duo live last night in Conan, and they were very impressive. In fact, Jack White (guitar) brought back memories of Jeff Buckley in more than one sense: the passion, his voice almost ripping his throat. This is an act to keep an eye on. The best of this recent wave of bands driven by the same inspiration and frustration that brought the punk and grunge movements to life. J J J 3 smiles! Maroon 5 ~ songs about Jane I saw these guys in concert when they opened up for Sheryl crow. They instantly caught my attention then they started playing, and they were a mix of old-school funk, new age rock, and a little Rx Bandits, being that it seems like every instrument in the band has the "leading the band" feel. It's a very dominant band, and an even more dominant CD. The effects are used at the right time, and the songs are some of the most well-written songs I've ever heard under or above ground. Maroon 5 may be too soft for some people... But if you truly want to hear great music that you really don't hear everyday, check out Maroon 5. I'll be looking for them on tour... J J J J J 5 smiles! Evanesence ~ Fallen i don't know which exact words im going to use to describe evanescence's music...but one thing for sure, its amazing! its rare that you can find a good rock band with a female vocalist.. but amy lee did a very good job on vocals, her haunting voice seems to fit on every song whether its more of rock or just plain ballad. some standouts are Going Under, Tourniquet, Taking Over Me, Everybody's Fool and of course the two hits from daredevil soundtrack Bring Me To Life & My Immortal. its great to hear a new and fresh band with this quality of music!! definitely worth it! J J J 3 smiles! John Mayer ~ Inside wants out [EP] For a debut effort made obviously with very little money, this album is unbelievable. In fact, several of the songs on this album (Back to You, Neon, My Stupid Mouth, and even No Such Thing) are better than the radio cuts (listen to No Such Thing and you'll see). Also appearing on this album is the song that every girl on the planet wishes their ex would sing to them: Comfortable. With lyrics like "I loved you. Grey Sweatpants. No makeup. So perfect. Our love was comfortable and so broken in" who the hell wouldn't want that song written for them? Mayer recorded this album at 19 and you can already see the beginning of his creative genius. I only give this album four stars because there's room for improvement. "Victoria" and "Quiet" are weak songs which thankfully did not make it onto Room For Squares. However, for die hard Mayer fans and those just beginning to jump on the Mayer bandwagon...it's definitely worth your money. J J J J J 5 smiles! Jason Mraz ~ Waiting for my Rocket to come Although Jason Mraz has been on the scene in San Diego for some time, this is his first studio release. I have had the good fortune to see him perform at local venues on multiple occasions and have repeatedly been blown away by his talent, his stage presence and his insanely unique voice. I was a little afraid that a produced studio album would not adequately showcase this incredible talent. This album, while certainly different than seeing him live, adds a whole new dimension of sound to his songs. None-the-less, this is by far the best album I have bought this year. This is the most excited I've been about a new artist since I first saw Nickel Creek live two years ago. If you appreciate any of the following: Jazz, Reggae, Pop, Freestyle Rap, Folk, or Alternative Rock -- you won't be disappointed by the fusion of all of them. If this guy gets any radio watch out Dave Matthews, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Glen Phillips... J J J J 4 smiles! Hot Hot Heat ~ Makeup the Breakdown This album was so different than everything I was listening to at the time when I got it that it took a while for me to notice how good it is. Hot Hot Heat has catchy hooks to spare. The songs are all different from each other, but at the same time, the distinct, flashy vocals give it an identity. The guitar and bass always do stuff that compliments the rhythm and melodies perfectly without going over the top. I'd list their influences, but I wouldn't know where to start. J J J 3 smiles! The Flaming lips ~ Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots I heard a clip of "Do You Realize?" toward the end of some show and had to have it. I was a little put off at first by much of the CD but I love most of it now. These guys are definitely not the run of the mill and their lyrics make you think. I especially like "Do You Realize?", "Fight Test", "In the Morning of the Magicians" and "Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell" - many familiar thoughts but often necessary to be reminded. It's apparently unfashionable for a 54 year old to be a rocker but.... J J J 3 smiles! The Ataris ~ So Long Astoria The Ataris are back in full force. This cd is incredible and shows off how much they have come in the years. Sure, the music is slower then previous releases, but many of the songs retain that same Ataris song we all have come to love. Instead of focus their energy in negative ways by singing about break ups and heart break, the band sings about the good times of growing up and the nostalgic feeling we all get at times. Songs like "So Long Astoria," "Looking Back on Today" and "The Hero dies in this one" are the three best examples of this. If you are a fan, you will enjoy this record greatly and I wish people would stop crucifying an amazing band like this because they have changed. They were never really fast, furious punk rock. This album is better then most pop-punk albums by ... bands such as Good Charlotte and New Found Glory. Buy it now, you won't regret it. J J J J J 5 smiles!! The All American Rejects ~ The All American Rejects After hearing the All-American Rejects' first single, "Swing Swing", I was hooked. I bought the CD and gave it a good listen, only to fall madly in love. The best tracks, "My Paper Heart", "Too Far Gone", "Drive Away", the appropriately named last track "The Last Song", and of course, "Swing, Swing" bring an upbeat flavor to this new band. "My Paper Heart" is reminiscent of Jimmy Eat World, "Too Far Gone" sounds like sad, sappy emo songs that we all need sometimes, "Drive Away" is something you'd want to do just that with on a road trip with your best friends, and "The Last Song" opens interestingly and holds the listener's attention throughout the duration of the track. "Swing, Swing" was a perfect first single for the All-American Rejects, as it is the CD's catchiest (note: catchiest, not necessarily the best, though it is MY favrote) song. The All-American Rejects is a solid investment for everyone who enjoys the pop-punk genre of music, such as New Found Glory and Something Corporate. Also, Jimmy Eat World and Reggie and the Full Effect/Get Up Kids enthusiasts will enjoy this disc as well. Have fun! And don't forget to take a look @ the band's website... the lead singer Tyson is highly attractive. J J J J J +5 smiles! Taking Back Sunday ~ Tell all your friends When I picked up the album I did so because the sticker on the CD said "If you like Thursday, Jimmy Eat World, Dashboard Confessionals, and Saves the Day you'll love TBS." Well, I love Thurday and Jimmy and thought that STD was a nice addition to the aforementioned two. So anyways I listen to the album and was way disappointed. It's not really anything that the band could've done differently, it's just not my type of music. The only song that I really like is "There's No 'I' In Team." That song has a really cool intro and the screaming parts of the song are really well performed. This is just a note to those of you who like Jimmy and Thursday: don't buy into it unless it's the right price. These guys are just mediocre at best. J J 2 smiles! The Used ~ The Used Wow, I cannot say enough about how amazing this band is. Not only is The Used's debut album THE best "screamo"/punk album to come out this year, it is one of the best albums to come out this year, period. The vocals & lyrics are amazing. Bert can scream better than anyone I've heard, but his singing voice is equally as impressive, and he can alternate between the two effortlessly. His words have so much substance and emotion behind them too, which seems especially rare in so much of today's music. Quinn's guitar work is as versatile as Bert's singing, with powerful, driving riffs and beutifully melodic phrases (also a rarity in today's heavier music). A couple of the songs also have orchestral arrangements under the guitars which make the music even more dynamic. The underlying rhythm section with Jeph on bass and Branden on drums is a driving force throughout the entire album as well. Every song is so well crafted, I couldn't pick any in particular as my favorite. There honestly isn't a weak track on here, but I think the highlights are probably "Poetic Tragedy", "Noise & Kisses", and "On My Own". I could go on forever, but I'll sum it up by saying that the last time I was this impressed by an album was when I first heard "Around the Fur" by the Deftones. (and that came out in 1997!) This album is a masterpiece, and I can't imagine anyone finding it as a disappointment. J J J J J 5 smiles Finch ~ What it is to Burn I first heard Finch on the Dragging the Lake CD and "Post Script" instantly became my favorite song on the CD. I really got into them so I went to the Drive Thru Records website and found out more about them. Finch is a mix of my two favorite types of music: Punk and hard rock. They mix in the elements of both types to make their own style and it works perfectly. Unlike many other bands out today, they are very talented musicians. They don't just play three chords throughout the whole album. Nate Barcalow's lyrics are written beautifully. You can tell that there is a lot of feeling put into each song. Glassjaw's Daryl's vocals are a great addition to the songs "Grey Matter" and "Project Mayhem". All together this CD is practically perfect. I'm in love with every song on this CD. Not one of them is written badly. "What It Is To Burn" deserves more than just 5 stars. Also, check them out this fall on tour with New Found Glory. J J J J 4 smiles!						Old: Frou Frou ~ Details I can't remember where I heard of Frou Frou but I bought her cd and it is absolutely wonderful. Anyone who likes, anything mellow, yet a bit mysterious, would love this album. I would reccommend also any album from Enya, Bjork, or Enigma. This may be one of those rare albums that you will never get tired of listening to. Once again, This is ONE GREAT album! Zero 7 ~ Simple Thing I heard "Simple Things" on a listening station at my local music store. I was immediately reminded of "Moon Safari" by Air. As I consider that a classic 90s album, I was pretty much hooked into getting this particular release by Zero 7. "Simple Things" is really good chill-out music. I've listened to it several times since its purchase a few days ago, and it continues to stay fresh and enjoyable. The tracks are all pretty much low-key, trip-beat relaxing songs, some with vocals, some without. My favorite songs are "Polaris", "Red Dust", and "This World", though I think all of the songs, with the possible exception of track 11, are quite good. So, Zero 7 has succeeded in creating its own sound, and what a pleasing sound it is. AudioSlave ~ AudioSlave We know the story of how this band came to be, but what we didnt know was that this album would be so great. From the explosive opening of "Cochise" going right next to the heavy as hell "Show Me How To Live" going to the intense "Gasoline" and "What You Are," the very dynamic "Like A Stone" to the absolutely powerful and earth-shattering "Set It Off" plus much more, including my personal favorite, the explosive "Exploder", this album is one of the greatest of all time. No rap, soft rock, hating life rock, just pure, straight hard rock album that should be owned by all. Audioslave has saved the state of rock music, and has even saved the sorry state of music with this incredible album. Queens of the Stone Age ~ Songs Of the Deaf Queens of the stone age are in this moment the best rock band ... If you like another genre and need a reason to listen rock music....well, then Songs for the deaf is the answer Foo Fighters ~ One by One The new Foo Fighters album is simply an average rock album, there's nothing really special about it. The lyrics aren't bad but not great. The songs, unfortunately sound a lot alike. The guitar parts are often similar and repetitive, although the vocals almost make up for it. By far the best song on the album is "All My Life", its definitely the most original song on the whole album, and none others sound remotely like it. Its not a bad album, I just hoped for more. Pearl Jam ~ Riot Act Its an awesome CD and the growing pains (although not really all that bad) since Ten was worth it. The music is genuine, speaks of pretty lofty topics in a down to earth and poetic manner. Its' what good rock is about, it speaks to the masses but doesn't sell out. This is the CD you want if you want to know what the "Seattle Sound" looks like when it grows up. I'm not thinking its going to sell a million albums because Pearl Jam has been beat up over their last albums (again I don't think much of it was deserved) but ten years from now, this may very well be the album people talk about when the next great turning of rock happens. Buy it. The Wallflowers ~ Red Letter Days This album is very good, not that I really expected anything less after "Breach", which unlike other reviewers, I actually liked a lot. The Wallflowers continue to produce quality music, which is more than you can say for almost everything else playing on the radio right now. There is so much going on in each song, between each line, and Jacob Dylan's vocals add yet another interesting layer to the mix...he simply has a great rock and roll voice. The lyrics seem intensely personal, but there is a wry, wily humor underlying the whole album that makes you wonders just how much is truly being revealed. Much is being said about some of the darker songs on the record (if I thought someone had written a song like "Health & Happiness" about me, I would pull up the covers & stay in bed for a week!), but I am finding that as the songs wend their way through my consciousness and grab hold, I'm left with a curious feeling of optimism, and some interesting thoughts about the nature of faith and hope. Santana ~ Sharman Sometime soon I guess they'll start selling this album as a double disc set with Supernatural, because that's exactly what it is about. I like this approach to music, I enjoy the diversity of artists working with Santana, but I get annoyed on some songs trying to find out exactly where Santana's guitar is at?? He's backing way back and I certainly don't think he fits with the likes of POD or grunge style music. Nonetheless, this is a fun album and very enjoyable. I guess the whole feel of the album is captured with the pictures of Santana in the sleeve covered in makeup with model-poses. He's posing as a superstar pop star, competing with britney and boy bands; I'll take Santana any day. The Rolling Stones ~ Forty Licks I was not really excited when I heard about this coming out. The cover is cool but listening to the record for me is better in my opinion. Some bands are better off with a greatest hit basically because their albums have too much filler. The Stones might of had some filler but very few. What I think was right was not including anything from Dirty Work. Which to me is their worst album. I give it 3 stars because there is a lot of great stuff here. (Wheres She's So Cold?). I heard Don't Stop and it is B-side material. Like I said I am a Stones fan but only up to Under Cover of the Night. If youre a beginner then yes this is a good introduction. But if you want to hear some more Rolling Stones (which you will) buy Hot Rocks 1964-1971, Let it Bleed, Stinky Fingers, Exile on Main Street, Goats Head Soup, Some Girls, Emotional Rescue, Tattoo You. That is their best. No filler on these albums. Tom Petty ~ the Last DJ Tom Petty will never be a great politician, but he can still write a great tune. The Last DJ features strong songs from beginning to end, and even the most lyrically heavy-handed tunes grow on you. This outing is more Beatles influenced than any of Petty's work to date, focusing in on Lennon's piano written tunes to great effect. Mr. Petty should reflect on his lyrics a little more before committing them to CD. In particular, complaining about the "golden circle", or whatever it's called, seems completely uninformed. OK, promoters are asking the fans that care the most to pay the most money for tickets. In the past, stadium insiders and radio programmers received these very same tickets as graft and scalped them to the same fans. The difference now is the performer actually gets some of the hefty ticket price rather than some scumbag scalper. Jack Johnson ~ Brushfire Fairytales Jack Johns ons first album is great to listen to on lazy Sunday afternoons. Its mellow without putting you to sleep, and the lyrics are very sing able. Its one of those albums where you can listen to every song and not get tired of it. Jack ranges from fun, upbeat, melodic ditties, to thought provoking ballads like "losing hope." Jack Johnson is a great up-and-comer and definitely deserves a good listening to. His has been one of the great sleeper hit albums of the past year. *Rating: wonderfully Mellow* ColdPlay ~ A Rush of Blood to the Head Coldplay required a lifetime to make its wonderfully assured debut, Parachutes. But it took less than two years for the moody British quartet to deliver a masterful follow-up. As a band they have advanced to a stage where they outshine nearly every one of their rivals in terms of imagination and emotional pull. A Rush of Blood to the Head is a soulful, exhilarating journey, moving from the cathartic rock of "Politik" to the hushed tones of "Green Eyes" without once breaking its mesmerizing spell. Singer Chris Martin takes his voice on soaring flights, reaching places only Jeff Buckley previously dared to go. And the music is nearly flawless, a persuasive cross between Pink Floyd and The Verve. Even if they haven't come up with another "Yellow," you would be hard-pressed to care. This is exquisite stuff. --Aidin Vaziri Rating: addicting SugarCult ~ Start Static Sugarcult is a pop/punk band with a great variety of songs, creating a crisp tone. The vocals that do not screech or whine in your ears, eliminating annoyance. The lyrics are particularly good with some of the bands personal insights, but also fun tunes such as "Debbie". Theres an extra on the cd called, "Underwear" which shows their variable sound. This is more of a ballad, while in contrast you have "Superhyperspastic", a fast paced humorous song. Overall, it is a great cd that you can listen from beginning to end without becoming tired. I strongly recommend the song, "Hate Every Beautiful Day". They sound exactly the same live, as they do on the album, with great vocals and music. Down to earth and very friendly, wandering through the crowd, this is a group to watch for as rising stars! Rating: Pretty damn good Finch ~ What it is to Burn All i gotta say is that this is a 10 star album! Every Song on here is perfectly done. These guys are amazing with Their Lyrics and how they express there feelings.Songs Like New Beginings, Three Simple Words, The Bonus Track What it is to burn whcih is truly the best song ever. and letters to you. If you Like Punk, Emo Or hardcore Punk, You have to check out Finch and if your looking for a new taste or New band check out finch! Every Lyric, Ever Song Ever emotion Is real and you can feel it. The Whole Cd Is great, And im sure you always wondered if there is a cd without 1 or 2 or even 5 track that arent good... 5 stars!!!! Midtown ~ Living Well Is The Best Revenge The first time I saw this CD in the store I thought that a new Nsync or Backstreet Boys had formed and cringed. My friend made me listen to them a few weeks later and I fell in love with them. With a sound very similar to New Found Glory's self titled CD, Midtown's "Living Well Is The Best Revenge" is a great punk/pop album filled with great melodies and lively guitar. The only bad thing I have to say about this album is that a few of the songs sound similar. I'd recommend this album to fans of Blink 182, New Found Glory, and Sugarcult. You will not be disappointed with this CD. Simple Plan ~ No Pads, No Helmets just Balls Man do I love this CD. The songs are well written, they are original, and Pierre is an awesome lead singer. Seriously, what's in the water in Canada? Yet another amazing band from Canada. The songs are true and at times downright funny. The "standout tracks" for me are..."Meet You There", "One Day", "Perfect", and "Addicted". "Perfect" is a beautiful song about (i think) Pierre's battered relationship with his father. This is obvious when he states "I'm sorry I can't be perfect." Not that the other songs aren't good also. I just had to choose a few to tell you guys. Oh yeah, and also Mark Hoppus (Blink 182) accompanies them on vocals and as a bassist. And Joel Madden (the awesome band Good Charlotte) sings back-up on "You Don't Mean Anything." All in all, it is one of the BEST CD's I have ever bought. ROCK ON SIMPLE PLAN!!



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Maroon 5 ~ songs about Jane

Evanesence ~ Fallen

John Mayer ~ Inside wants out [EP]

Jason Mraz ~ Waiting for my Rocket to come

Hot Hot Heat ~ Makeup the Breakdown

The Used ~ The Used

Frou Frou ~ Details

Zero 7 ~ Simple Thing

AudioSlave ~ AudioSlave

Queens of the Stone Age ~ Songs Of the Deaf

Pearl Jam ~ Riot Act

Finch ~ What it is to Burn

Simple Plan ~ No Pads, No Helmets just Balls