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5 classic

Def Leppard Hysteria

Setting new standards in remaining loyal to a band member by retaining one-armed drummer Rick Allen, Def Leppard released their biggest & best album in 1987s 'Hysteria'. Containing the greatest 4 song sequence in musical history, the glam stomp of 'Pour Some Sugar On Me' is ably backed up by power ballad 'Love Bites', rocker 'Animal' and the harmonized vocals of 'Armageddon It'. While the 2nd side does not quite match up, it still betters similar tracks from phenomenal predecessor 'Pyromania'. Enduring, influential and a classic in every sense, 'Hysteria' is quite simply one of the greatest albums of all time! Recommended Tracks: Pour Some Sugar On Me, Love Bites, Animal, Armageddon It & Hysteria.

Emery ...In Shallow Seas We Sail

After ruffling a few feathers on 2007's 'I'm Only A Man', Emery do more than return to form on their 4th LP '...In Shallow Seas We Sail'... They deliver the album of 2009 & one of the finest post-hardcore releases ever! A much more mature & polished outfit than in their formative years, they craft each song with a strong attention to detail. Containing absolutely no filler, each track has multiple hooks, yet there is still a raw & passionate feel to it all. The dueling clean vocals & intricate yet melodic guitar-work is especially impressive. Recommended Tracks: All of them.

Living Colour Vivid

Living Colour's 'Vivid' not only contains one of the greatest individual songs of all time ('Cult of Personality'), but the combination of musical talent and original fusions of sound make the entire release a truly great album. The quality of songwriting & musical diversity evident on 'Vivid' is akin to that of a veteran band, not one making their debut. Meshing the super-tight rhythm section with Vernon Reid's thrilling guitar-work and Corey Glover's striking vocals, 'Vivid' is not only an even and consistently impressive album that should appeal to a wide audience, but it is one which has stood the test of time. Recommended Tracks: Cult Of Personality, Open Letter (To A Landlord), Desperate People, Middle Man & Which Way To America?

Muse Absolution

'Absolution' is Muse's best album... & they will have to release something phenomenal to top it. From start to finish, the album is an absorbing listen, with Muse combining the ambitious side they showed on previous release 'Origin Of Symmetry' within a more accessible package. It all results in a huge step forward with hardly a filler track. From the spacey synth-heavy pseudo-opener 'Apocalypse Please' to the hooky 'Time Is Running Out', and from the killer guitar riff of 'Hysteria' through to the sublime motivational cut 'Butterflies and Hurricanes', everything is executed near-perfectly. And then there is 'Stockholm Syndrome' which somehow combines everything that is great about Muse coherently. It's a tell-tale of the whole album in fact as the English trio move effortlessly from frenetic hard rock to sparse ballads without missing a beat. As with all classic albums, fantastic tracks such as 'Falling Away With You', 'The Small Print', 'Endlessly' & 'Thoughts Of A Dying Atheist' often get undeservedly forgotten amongst everything else. Thoroughly recommended no matter what your musical tastes. Highlight Tracks: All of them!

Rise Against The Sufferer and the Witness

'The Sufferer & The Witness' is a sensational album which delivers energetic, passionate & accessible punk rock. Rise Against have achieved the difficult task of not selling out their origins, yet furthering all facets of their music to become a little more mainstream through improved production levels and choruses. It is often difficult not to shout along with lead vocalist Tim McIlrath or be drawn in by the extremely effective lyrics. With many highlight tracks, and what could be the best trio to "ever" close out an album, Rise Against deserve all the success they achieve following this release. Recommended Tracks: Survive, Ready To Fall, The Good Left Undone, Prayer of the Refugee, Drones & Roadside.

4.5 superb

Anberlin Cities

The first 3/4 of Anberlin's 3rd LP 'Cities' consolidates on its predecessor's excellence; up-tempo catchy rock highlighted by Stephen Christian's exceptional vocals & interesting lyrics. There is also the majestic acoustic ballad 'The Unwinding Cable Car', as well as an infusion of occasional synths. The final 3 tracks however, lift the album to a brilliance that one could never have imagined. First it is the gorgeous 'Inevitable', then the amazing 'Dismantle. Repair.', and finally, the breathtaking choir-assisted '(*Fin)' closes things off on the highest of highs and what may be the song of 2007. Wow... Just wow! Recommended Tracks: (*Fin), The Unwinding Cable Car, Dismantle. Repair., Godspeed & Inevitable.

Anberlin New Surrender

While 'New Surrender' may not quite reach the individual heights of 'Cities', it is arguably more consistent with absolutely no filler. There are more of Stephen Christian's exceptional vocals & interesting lyrics, and more of Anberlin's up-tempo catchy rock. This time around, there may be more of an emphasis on the "catchy" side of things, with even a song about breaking hearts having a contagious upbeat feel to it. Yet, it is tracks 8-10 - a feel-good & uplifting trio of epic proportions - that really defines 'New Surrender' and makes it another winner from a dependable band that may be able to do no wrong. Recommended Tracks: Burn Out Brighter (Northern Lights), Haight St., Disappear, Breaking & The Resistance.

Arctic Monkeys Whatever People Say I Am....

"Anticipation has the habit to set you up for disappointment..." is an ironical opening lyric to the Arctic Monkey's debut LP. Thankfully, the hype surrounding these 4 teenagers is warranted, as this is an exemplary album that contains excellent songwriting & strangely charming vocals that combine near-perfectly with very good musicianship. It results in a great sound that will have you rocking, tapping your toes & singing along. Furthermore, this album is fun, which means it almost has a character to it in itself. Recommended Tracks: I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor, When The Sun Goes Down, The View From the Afternoon, Riot Van & Mardy Bum.

Billy Talent Billy Talent

Once Ben Kowalewicz's screeching vocals are overcome and any pop discrimination is put aside, there is too much on offer here throughout Billy Talent's self-titled debut LP to not enjoy it. Whether it is by the catchy choruses, relatable lyrics, fist-pumping sing-alongs, tight musicianship or all of the above, it is near impossible not to get hooked. Quite simply, this is one hell of a fun punk album. Recommended Tracks: Try Honesty, The Ex, Nothing To Lose, River Below & Line and Sinker.

Birds Of Tokyo Universes

'Universes' sees Birds Of Tokyo find their natural sound by taking the soaring melodies & guitar-driven hooks of their debut and building upon them with greater atmospheric soundscapes & punchier vocals. The first half of the LP is likely to contain the album's singles with a number of polished & catchy songs. The latter half sees the band lean much more towards the experimental & progressive. It all results in one hell of an enjoyable listen that proves Birds Of Tokyo are no longer a side-project. Recommended Tracks: Silhouettic, Broken Bones, Wild Eyed Boy, Armour For Liars & Head In My Hands.

Def Leppard Pyromania

While showing more than a few snippets of potential on 'High N Dry', it was on the influential 'Pyromania' where Def Leppard and producer "Mutt" Lange reset the boundaries of how accessible metal can be. Equally filled with tight musicianship, infectious melodies and anthemic choruses, the use of layers of harmonized backing vocals is especially impressive on this LP which contains barely a filler track. Thoroughly recommended to pretty much anyone... No matter what their taste in music is. Recommended Tracks: Photograph, Rock Of Ages, Foolin', Too Late For Love & Rock Rock (Till You Drop).

Fightstar One Day Son This Will All Be Yours

Not resting on their laurels, Fightstar mature & progress on 'One Day Son, This Will All Be Yours'. Another consistent effort, this LP continues to prove that the English quartet are experts at combining raw aggression & slick melodies. This time however, they do so in a more diverse & ambitious fashion. From the Muse-like piano & synths of 'Floods' to the strings of 'You & I', and from the full on metal of 'Deathcar' to the perfectly placed female vocals of the closing ballad, this is one hell of a satisfying release. Recommended Tracks: Floods, Unfamiliar Ceilings, I Am the Message, Deathcar and You & I.

Fightstar Be Human

Fightstar deliver another ambitious LP with 'Be Human', this time adding orchestral arrangements to their blend of aggression & melody. It works a treat, giving the album a cinematic feel that proves the quartet's songwriting maturity. Diversity also exists; ranging from the offbeat ('Whisperer') to pop ('Mercury Summer'), and from dance-rock ('Tonight We Burn') to metal ('Damocles'). Without a filler track, it is the anthemic 'The English Way' & epic 'War Machine' which stand out, the latter's chill-inducing finale being the musical moment of 2009! Recommended Tracks: War Machine, The English Way, Colours Bleed To Red, Whisperer & Chemical Blood.

Foo Fighters The Colour and The Shape (10th Anniversary Edition

Foo Fighters The Colour And The Shape

Overall, the Foo Fighters have clearly aimed for wider appeal with their second release and achieved it successfully without selling their soul. More proficient and expansive than their self-titled debut, while also containing lyrical growth, 'The Colour and The Shape' shows a professional outfit at work as even the little things such as padding out 4+ minute songs is more efficient here. While there are a couple of misses on the album, they tend to be short and the strength of the highlight tracks more than make up for that. Quite simply, this is the Foo Fighters best LP. For more detail, see my review of the 10th anniversary edition of the album. Recommended Tracks: Everlong, Monkey Wrench, My Hero & Hey, Johnny Park!

Franz Ferdinand Franz Ferdinand

Jam-packed with fidgety angular guitar hooks, catchy sing-along choruses, witty satirical lyrics and harmonic vocal melodies, this is an exciting and vibrant debut album that consistently excels and contains no filler. Furthermore, through the band's charisma, it has that certain X-factor which one cannot help being wowed by. A deserving winner of the 2004 Mercury Music Prize and thoroughly recommended for listeners of all kinds of musical styles. Recommended Tracks: Take Me Out, Darts of Pleasure, Michael, The Dark of the Matinee & This Fire.

Jimmy Eat World Bleed American

This album can best be described with 3 adjectives: "Catchy", "Sing-along" & "Memorable". Taking the more accessible aspects out of their previous very good LP 'Clarity' & amping them up a further notch, Jimmy Eat World lay their melodies over strong & often interesting instrumentation. There is arguably not one filler track amongst the 11 songs here and the variety of emotions & styles are impressive throughout. In fact, 'Bleed American' is quite simply the best of its kind in the pop-rock (or power-pop) genre. Recommended Tracks: Bleed American, Get It Faster, The Middle, Hear You Me & Sweetness.

My Chemical Romance The Black Parade

My Chemical Romance improve all facets of their sound, but go one step further by taking a brave risk on their 3rd album 'The Black Parade'. Thankfully, it pays off as this theatrical rock-opera of sorts works excellently due to how well it brings together all forms of rock music. At worst, there has to be something here that is liked. At best, there is not a bad track amongst this lot. Providing hooky & anthemic sing-along accessibility to their rockers, MCR also provide vibrancy & positivism to what are essentially dark & depressing subjects. An "Album of 2006" contender. Recommended Tracks: Welcome to the Black Parade, Famous Last Words, I Don't Love You, Teenagers & How I Disappear.

Rise Against Appeal To Reason

Bettering 'The Sufferer & The Witness' was impossible, but with 'Appeal To Reason' Rise Against have consolidated themselves at the top of the punk/melodic hardcore pack. While there is a want to head towards mid-tempo numbers, songs are still far from tame & include the same base punk rock aesthetic as always, just in a more melodic & slickly produced package to enhance accessibility. Filled with rollicking fast-paced numbers, memorable moments & hooky vocals, there is not a bad tune included and the mosh-worthy 'Savior' could be their best track yet. Recommended Tracks: Savior, Collapse (Post-Amerika), Hero Of War, Re-Education (Through Labor) & Kotov Syndrome.

Story of the Year In The Wake Of Determination

While their debut LP seemed too compromised, Story of the Year just do what they enjoy on follow-up 'In The Wake of Determination'. With a greater reliance on the dual guitar attack of Ryan Phillips & Philip Sneed, the genre of choice here appears to be hard-rock, with a lashing of punk through Sneed's backing vocals. While heavier than its predecessor, the most impressive aspect of the album is its ability to remain so melodic, with many anthemically catchy vocal hooks. So check your head at the door & have a fun, hard-rocking time. Recommended Tracks: We Don't Care Anymore, Five Against The World, Take Me Back, Taste The Poison & Sleep.

The Academy Is... Almost Here

Following on from their rather disappointingly derivative and wordy self-titled EP, The Academy Is... show pop sensibilities beyond their years on debut full-length release 'Almost Here'. No matter which way you look at it, this is one hell of a hooky & impressive album without a bad track to be heard. It is catchy pop-rock at its very best. If there is justice in the music world, The Academy Is...'s time is NOT "Almost here"... It IS here! Recommended Tracks: Slow Down, The Phrase That Pays, Down and Out & Attention.

The Blackout The Best in Town

During a year in which many post-hardcore heavyweights released albums, they may all be upstaged by 6 young Welshmen. The secret to The Best In Town's success is that The Blackout have combined heaviness with catchy & accessible melodies. While the energetic dual vocal dynamic still exists, the band has matured & progressed in almost every facet of their craft. They are not looking to push the boundaries of post-hardcore, but simply perform the genre better than the majority of their peers. Immensely enjoyable & crowd-pleasing, this is a surprise A.O.T.Y contender. Recommended Tracks: Save Our Selves, This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things, ShutTheF*ckUppercut, Top Of The World & The Fire.

4 excellent

Anberlin Never Take Friendship Personal

Anberlin don't reinvent the wheel on 'Never Take Friendship Personal', they simply consolidate on their promising debut. The songs are better produced & written - as proven by the fantastic 7 minute closer - and while the lyrics are almost entirely based around relationships, they are perceptive & relatable enough to be unique. Amazingly, Stephen Christian's vocals have also improved, since he handles aggressive ('The Feel Good Drag'), poppy ('Time & Confusion') & gentle ('The Symphony of Blase) tracks in his stride. Tight, catchy & enjoyable, there isn't a bad track here with the exception of a short instrumental. Recommended Tracks: Paperthin Hymn, Dance Dance Christa Paffgen, A Day Late & (The Symphony of) Blas?

Bayside Live at the Bayside Social Club

Billy Talent Billy Talent II

Birds Of Tokyo Day One

British India Guillotine

Built To Spill Keep It Like A Secret

Cooper Temple Clause See This Through And Leave

Craig David Born To Do It

Editors An End Has A Start

Editors The Back Room

Emery The Weak's End

Beginning superbly with a multitude of (both musical & vocal) hooks, the opening 1-2 punch of 'The Weak's End' delivers an accessible & melodic brand of post-hardcore. The occasional screams only accentuate Toby Morrell's smooth vocals, while the slower passages that contain relatable lyrics are emotionally believable. A sense of inexperience sees Emery struggle to bring out the full potential of later tracks, meaning the 2nd half doesn't quite match the 1st, but this is still an excellent debut from a band capable of reaching great heights. Recommended Tracks: Walls, The Ponytail Parades, Fractions & The Secret.

Fightstar They Liked You Better When You Were Dead

Charlie Simpson leaves Busted behind with a debut EP that masterfully integrates melody & aggression. His & Alex Westaway's grungy vocals emote passion & energy, while the latters guitar-work impressively showcases both hard-hitting riffs & ambience. Lyrically strong & containing great drumming, the under-production hinders the catchy 'Speak Up', but helps the raw 'Palahniuk's Laughter'. Extended from a 5 track 22 minute EP to a 9 track 38 minute one, the better cuts are strangely those which did not make their subsequent LP. Recommended Tracks: Palahniuk's Laughter, Speak Up, Amethyst & Paint Your Target.

fun. Aim and Ignite

If 'Aim and Ignite' can be classified as pop, then it is the best pop album of 2009. Nate Ruess & Co. deliver a thoroughly satisfying LP with many highlights & only a couple of tracks where the interest drops. From infectious harmonies to thoughtful piano ballads, fun. has successfully released an album which is simple, yet intricate; immediate, yet a grower. Best of all are the 2 bookends; the joyous African rhythms of the 7 minute closer & the uplifting theatrical opener which seamlessly uses every musical technique in the book to result in one of the songs of the year! Recommended Tracks: Be Calm, Take Your Time, The Gambler & At Least I'm Not As Sad.

Funeral For A Friend Tales Don't Tell Themselves

House of Pain Truth Crushed to Earth Shall Rise Again

Jack's Mannequin Everything In Transit

A surprisingly impressive album of piano based pop-rock. More often than not however, this is performed with a pace that belies its genre... As well as occasional flashes of under-rated guitar work. Lead man Andrew McMahon proves his talent by somehow making rather straight-forward music sound completely original. With his catchy melodies and witty, yet genuine, lyrics that include very good story-telling, the songs also have a feel good nature about them, even if the themes do not. Likeable in every way, the album does lose a bit of steam between tracks 7-10a. Recommended Tracks: The Mixed Tape, I'm Ready, Dark Blue & Holiday From Real.

Jimmy Eat World Futures

Ladyhawke Ladyhawke

Living Colour Time's Up

Manchester Orchestra Mean Everything To Nothing

On 'Mean Everything To Nothing', Manchester Orchestra put the "rock" back in indie-rock. Right from the beginning, a fuller rock sound is apparent & it holds up the few relatively less memorable cuts here. Meanwhile, lead vocalist Andy Hull seamlessly moves from passionate screams ('Shake It Out') to catchy sing-alongs ('I've Got Friends'), and from desperate howls ('100 Dollars') to emotional storytelling ('I Can Feel A Hot One' & 'The River'). A pleasing step up, this is a consistent & mature LP from an accomplished band. Recommended Tracks: I've Got Friends, Shake It Out, I Can Feel A Hot One & The River.

Moneen The Red Tree

Nicely maturing, Moneen keep the experimental song structures, dynamics, energy, meaningful lyrics & excellent guitar-work from prior releases, but build on them with greater efficiency, more melody & better production on their 3rd album 'The Red Tree'. Whether songs are heavy & hard hitting like the opener, or emotional & calming like the 2 closers, the Canadians are truly passionate & heartfelt about their work. This is a real step up that justifies the occasional comparisons to Brand New, as they merge their emo style of pop-punk with a more indie-rock sound. Recommended Tracks: The Frightening Reality..., There Are a Million Reasons..., Don't Ever Tell Locke... & If Tragedy's Appealing...

Muse Showbiz

Considering they were rather young at the time & this was Muse's debut album, 'Showbiz' is a mighty fine release. The way in which the trio is able to pull off the quiet/loud dynamics at times is akin to bands who have been plying their trade for a decade. Look no further than opener and highlight track 'Sunburn' which goes from mesmerizing piano to screeching guitar. 'Muscle Museum' adds an interestingly quirky eastern-european feel to the equation, while the patient build-up of the title track is very rewarding. There are a few missed steps here and there ('Falling Down' is pretty boring & the closer doesn't do a great deal for me), but for the most part, 'Showbiz' is more than just an imaginative debut, it is a very good album in its own right. Recommended Tracks: Sunburn, Fillip, Showbiz & Muscle Museum.

Muse Black Holes and Revelations

On their 4th full-length release, Muse predominantly attempt to consolidate the larger audience they attained following the brilliant 'Absolution'. With a slightly more stadium rock leaning, it would be incorrect to label this album "safe", but by and large it simply tries to subtly adjust what was heard on its superior predecessor. In isolation however, this is still a strong record, with many tracks that will grow on you (see the industrial-like 'Maps of the Problematique' and ballad 'Invincible'), even if they do not quite reach their full potential (especially 'Assassin' which begins so promisingly). The highlight duo is the smooth & accessible pop-rock of 2nd single 'Starlight' and the unconventionally structured hooks of 6 minute closer 'Knights of Cydonia'.

Naughty By Nature 19 Naughty 9: Nature's Fury

Naughty By Nature Naughty By Nature

P.O.S. Audition

A genuine revelation, P.O.S. shows on his 2nd LP 'Audition' that he is one hell of a talented & interesting rapper. With lyrics that are both witty & political, P.O.S. sets his impressive vocal flow over the top of an excellent mix of electronic & live instrumentation (including guitars, strings, bass & horns), and holds interest throughout on this consistent & deep release. Furthermore, despite being far from a mainstream rapper, he has a great knack for a hook, which really tops this album off nicely. Recommended Tracks: Stand Up (Let's Get Murdered), Bleeding Hearts Club (MPLS Chapter), Paul Kersey to Jack Kimball & Half-Cocked Concepts.

Paloma Faith Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful?

Phrase Clockwork

Pink I'm Not Dead

Pink M!ssundaztood

Red Innocence and Instinct

'Innocence & Instinct' is another consistent & catchy LP that slightly refines Red's sound. The songwriting is a little more intricate here, with the trademark symphonic flourishes being more subtle. Furthermore, Michael Barnes' vocals have strengthened, helping out both ends of his range, as he moves from menacing to emotional with ease. It must be noted that this rating applies for the 14 track deluxe (released on the same day as the standard) version, since 2 of the 4 extra cuts are genuine highlights. Both 'Shadows & 'Forever' could well vie for best mainstream rock song of 2009! Recommended Tracks: Shadows, Forever, Death Of Me & Nothing and Everything.

Rise Against Siren Song Of The Counter Culture

Saosin Translating The Name (Death Do Us Part)

Saosin Saosin

The Fratellis Costello Music

Thursday Full Collapse

Thursday Common Existence

3.5 great

30 Seconds to Mars A Beautiful Lie

Anberlin Blueprints For The Black Market

A debut which displays enormous potential, 'Blueprints For The Black Market' sees Anberlin searching for their niche sound somewhere in between hard-edged rock & pop-punk. The quintet is at their best when at the heavier end of the spectrum ('Readyfuels' & 'Glass to the Arson'), however they occasionally pull off the hybrid sound near-perfectly (the catchy & memorable 'The Undeveloped Story' & emotional 'Cadence'). Even when the album leans towards generic pop-punk, Stephen Christian infuses hooky melodies and provides some moments of brilliance through his commanding & distinct vocals. Recommended Tracks: The Undeveloped Story, Readyfuels, Cadence & Glass To The Arson.

Anberlin Lost Songs

Seriously, it has to be considered showing-off when a band can put a song as great as the majestic part-acoustic/part-electric opener 'The Haunting' on a B-Sides, Covers & Rarities compilation. Elsewhere on 'Lost Songs', Anberlin display their usual brand of catchy rock, as well as some interesting covers (from the likes of Bob Dylan, Depeche Mode, Radiohead & The Smiths). Furthermore, a few of their classics have been acoustically stripped down to varying degrees of success. With 19 tracks & 70 minutes worth, this is a deep & enjoyable compilation that will predominantly appeal to fans. Recommended Tracks: The Haunting, Downtown Song, Enjoy The Silence & A Day Late (acoustic version).

Anchor & Braille Felt

'Felt' marks a successful side-project foray for Anberlin vocalist Stephen Christian, as he presents 11 stripped back numbers that should appeal to fans & non-fans of his main band. Alluring & dreamy vocals are the highlight here and, while the album does get a little samey over its 45 minute duration, it is relatively consistent. From the relaxing 5 minute 'Summer Tongues' to the quaint sub 3 minute 'Calm, Calm, Calm Yourself', the variation in moods is sufficient. There is also a nice mixture of instrumentation, with the opener alone using strings, horns & an organ. Recommended Tracks: Summer Tongues, Rust, Calm Calm Calm Yourself & Like Steps In A Dance.

Arctic Monkeys Favourite Worst Nightmare

Billy Talent Billy Talent III

Billy Talent is not the first band to tone down their sound for mainstream accessibility & they won't be the last. In lowering their energy levels however, they have definitely lost some of that wow factor that made them so great. Thankfully, the guitars still satisfy & the anthemic sing-alongs still exist (especially on tracks 6-9). The two-edged sword of 'III' is that in providing consistency, they exhibit insufficient variation. Still, consistency is not to be under-valued & this is still an enjoyable release, albeit a step down for Billy Talent. Recommended Tracks: Turn Your Back, Diamond on a Landmine, Devil on My Shoulder & Saint Veronika.

Bloc Party Silent Alarm

This is about a 3.7 for me (which was funnily enough the average rating on this site at the time I rated it). 'Silent Alarm' is the best of Bloc Party's first 3 full-length releases and is an even listen from beginning to end, with practically no filler. There are also some moments of genius here, but it rarely manifests into individually great songs (which I personally find important). The other thing about this album which I find strange is the love for 'Banquet' which is good, but pretty much part of the pack for mine. 'Helicopter' is clearly the best song here.

Bloc Party Intimacy

The energy & enthusiasm shown on the first 3 tracks ('Ares', 'Mercury' & 'Halo') is almost like an apology for previous album 'A Weekend In the City'. But where that album also started well & then stalled, 'Intimacy' is very even & consistent with the closing 3 tracks ('Talons', 'Better Than Heaven' & 'Ion Square') also impressing. And this time, only half of the songs cross the 4 minute barrier. Not quite up to the debut 'Silent Alarm', but not all that far from it in quality.

Built To Spill Perfect From Now On

Craig David Trust Me

Dananananaykroyd Hey Everyone

Def Leppard High 'N' Dry

Def Leppard Retro Active

Def Leppard Adrenalize

Emery The Question

After their impressive debut LP, Emery unsurprisingly concentrate on their melodic strengths here on follow-up 'The Question'... The aggression has been cut back & the rougher edges have been polished up. This assists the energetic & catchy tracks (especially the hooky 'Studying Politics' & offbeat 'Listening to Freddie Mercury'), yet leaves other moments feeling a little sterile. Overall however, there is a likeable consistency evident, while the dual (sometimes tri) vocal attack is always an attraction. Recommended Tracks: Studying Politics, Listening to Freddie Mercury, Playing With Fire & The Terrible Secret.

Emery While Broken Hearts Prevail

On EP opener 'The Smile, The Face', Emery deliver a statement of intent. A powerhouse of a song, it is their best since 'Walls'; a perfect blend of aggression & melody that is memorable from the get-go. Thankfully, 'While Broken Hearts Prevail' is not a one track EP, as the next 3 cuts blend Emery's trademark characteristics without outstaying their welcome. There is still some work to do as can be seen on the slower closing duo that don't quite get the mix right, however Emery are very much back on track here. Recommended Tracks: The Smile The Face, Edge of The World & Say The Things (You Want).

Estelle The 18th Day

Estelle Shine

Fightstar Grand Unification

'Grand Unification' begins excellently with the same strengths that made Fightstar's debut EP so great; aggressive & passionate dual vocals, intricate guitar lines, a tight rhythm section & an appealing knack for melody. This time it's a little more polished & chorus reliant, but that is a neutral factor. Being critical; there is a mid-section lull, and despite some attempts at dramatic tempo switches it does get a little samey by the end. Yet, this is still a very accomplished & promising debut full-length release. Recommended Tracks: Grand Unification Pt. I, Waste A Moment, Paint Your Target & Hazy Eyes.

Foo Fighters There Is Nothing Left To Lose

Foo Fighters In Your Honor

Foo Fighters Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace

Franz Ferdinand You Could Have It So Much Better

Franz Ferdinand Tonight: Franz Ferdinand

From First to Last Aesthetic

I am going out on a limb and saying that this EP is in fact From First To Last's best release. I don't know whether it is the fact that there are only 6 proper songs (track 2 is a short instrumental interlude), the fact that I like the singer better than Sonny Moore or whatever. The 6 cuts included here are all solid with nothing being at all bad. Furthermore, as a whole, the EP is a reasonably accessible take on post-hardcore which has fairly proficient instrumentation, especially when considering that this is the debut of a young band. Most impressive are the dueling clean & screaming vocals, especially on opener 'Such A Tragedy'. Whatever the hell happened to Phillip Reardon anyway?

From First to Last From First To Last

After listening to this some more (more, not moore), I'm lumping this in my "guilty pleasure" category. With the new singer they are almost a different band to before, relying on melody more than anything else. And about 3/4 of the choruses on here suck me in. It's a shame that many of the songs don't feel super complete, but there's always the hooks to keep you coming back to them. Recommended tracks are 'Two As One', 'I Once Was Lost But Now Am Profound', 'Worlds Away' and 'The Other Side'.

Funeral For A Friend Hours

Funeral For A Friend Memory and Humanity

Gallows Grey Britain

The first 4 tracks of Gallows' 2nd album 'Grey Britain' suggest a retread of their debut, even if the comparatively polished production brings out menacing atmospherics. However, with 'I Dread The Night' & 'Death Voices', the English quintet succeed with hooky melodies & anthemic sing-alongs that recall the melodic hardcore of Rise Against. Epic lead single 'The Vulture (Acts I & II)' then sees the band masterfully pull of the patient build-up to display genuine maturity. With the exception of the dramatic 'Misery', the remainder of the LP pales in comparison, but the guitar lines & drums still impress, while the vocals remain passionate. Recommended Tracks: I Dread The Night, Death Voices, The Vulture (Acts I & II) & Misery.

Gavin Castleton A Bullet, A Lever, A Key

Gavin Castleton's concept EP tells the life story of it's lead character in reverse, with each track titled a particular year. Starting in 2054, this is not a happy story as a relationship break-up, drug issues & job loss are detailed. Over deceptively intricate music, Castleton's vocals alternate between anguished singing & spoken word, both of which successfully convey the mood of the situation & his age at the time. A lot of information needs to be absorbed & repetition does come into play towards the end, but with the EP lasting 20 minutes it's never over-bearing. Recommended Tracks: 2038, 2045 & 2031.

Girl Talk Night Ripper

A huge step up for Greg Gillis, 'Night Ripper' is arguably groundbreaking in the way that it layers multiple samples over each other & together to form a brand new piece. Even when the tracks aren't special in isolation, there are often moments of genius like KRS-One over Aerosmith, Notorious B.I.G over Elton John, and Sophie B Hawkins over Panjabi MC. The album is strangely front-loaded though. Or is it simply because the replay value of mash-ups is inherently low? Also not helping is that the vocals too often lean towards hip-hop. Still, reliving blasts from the past that are so well put together is darn fun. Recommended Tracks: Minute By Minute, Once Again, Hold Up & Bounce That.

Girl Talk Feed the Animals

Greg Gillis continues to evolve by using a greater number & range of samples on his 4th album. On the negative side, many tracks become a little too hectic & don't flow seamlessly. However, this is easily negated by the diversity of compositions used as Gillis digs up everything from rock/metal (Nine Inch Nails, Nirvana, AC/DC & Metallica) to classic favorites (Queen, Procol Harum, Kenny Loggins & Rick Springfield). It is this which results in a familiarity that should endear 'Feed The Animals' to a wider audience. Attempting to name as many samples as possible is super fun (read: frustrating). Recommended Tracks: Still Here, What It's All About, Here's The Thing & Hands In The Air.

House of Pain House of Pain

Jack's Mannequin The Glass Passenger

Not as immediate as the band's debut, 'The Glass Passenger' sees Andrew McMahon trade in "witty" and replace it with "mature" following his successful battle with leukemia. While the hooks & melodies are turned down, the album is definitely a grower if given the chance. But while there really is not a bad track amongst the 13, the majority of them do not demand repeat listens. Thankfully, this is balanced off by 'The Resolution', which is not only the band's best song yet, but a song of the year contender. Recommended Tracks: The Resolution, Spinning, Drop Out - The So Unknown & American Love.

Jet Get Born

Jimmy Eat World Clarity

Kaiser Chiefs Employment

Kisschasy Hymns for the Nonbeliever

Linkin Park Hybrid Theory [Japan bonus track]

Linkin Park Hybrid Theory

Living Colour Stain

Living Colour The Chair in the Doorway

Madina Lake From Them, Through Us, To You

Madina Lake's heavier brand of pop-punk may not be the most original sound, but their debut album 'From Them, Through Us, To You' is a fun listen on the back of a number of supremely catchy tracks. The 4 singles are infectious standouts, but they are well complemented by 'Now or Never', 'Stars' & the more post-hardcore leaning 'True Love', which all contain anthemic components that are high on the sing-along factor. The band is not as convincing when they attempt to branch out ('River People' & 'Morning Sadness'), but they predominantly know their strengths & never outstay their welcome. Recommended Tracks: Here I Stand, House of Cards, Pandora & One Last Kiss.

Manchester Orchestra I'm Like A Virgin Losing A Child

An impressive & mature debut for such a young band, 'I'm Like A Virgin Losing A Child' does a respectable job of balancing accessible & emotional indie-rock. While there is a nice mix of everything musically, it is lead vocalist Andy Hull who commands attention with his storytelling & vocal abilities. The sparse ballads are not quite as successful as those tracks which are either up-beat or switch tempo, but nothing is at all bad & this LP shows enough promise to suggest that Manchester Orchestra have an extremely bright future. Recommended Tracks: Alice and Interiors, I Can Barely Breathe, Wolves At Night & Now That You're Home.

Metric Live It Out

On 'Live It Out', Metric use a louder & more pronounced guitar attack in combination with the band's usual new-wave tendencies. It works well too, since James Shaw puts together some genuinely hooky guitar melodies. The LP is a little inconsistent & some of the slower cuts lack appeal, but even then the enchanting & almost mysterious voice of Emily Haines makes those tracks interesting & worth a listen. The 2 clear highlights are the supremely catchy 'Monster Hospital' & the quiet/loud dynamics of 6 minute opener 'Empty'. Recommended Tracks: Monster Hospital, Empty, Handshakes & Glass Ceiling.

Metric Fantasies

Two tracks into 'Fantasies', you get the feeling that this could be the album of 2009. 'Help I'm Alive' & 'Sick Muse' are a fantastic opening duo that are alluring & super catchy (both vocally & musically). There are memorable tracks elsewhere, but there are also some overlong cuts that are too complex & atmospheric for their own good. When Metric concentrate on writing hooky melodies from their synth-pop/alt-rock concoction, they are something special. Unfortunately, when they don't, the replay factor is low. Thankfully, there are more hits than misses here. Recommended Tracks: Help I'm Alive, Sick Muse, Gimme Sympathy & Stadium Love.

MGMT Time To Pretend

MGMT Oracular Spectacular

Moneen Are we Really Happy with who we are Right Now?

With dual vocals that occasionally stray towards whiney emo, Moneen reminds of early Taking Back Sunday on their 2nd LP. However, there is more ambition at play here with their energetic pop-punk sound being stretched in all directions through tempo-switching & experimental song structures. Furthermore, the above-average lyrics concern more than just the usual stereotypes of the genre, while Chris Hughes' guitar-work is super impressive. Some songs are a little too rough around the edges & over-length is a concern as many songs begin to blend into each other over 51 minutes, but this is a very good LP that hints at the potential for greatness! Recommended Tracks 5, 2, 8 & 9.

Moneen Hold that sound EP

This 4 track EP gives a sneak peek at Moneen's upcoming 4th album. There is adequate reasoning for it to exist, as it seems as if they have undergone a change in sound if the title track is anything to go by. Gone are the whiney vocals and in their place are a plethora of smooth melodies & soaring musical harmonies that appear to be targeting a mainstream audience. Elsewhere, the frenetic nature of 'Madness!' may remind of prior works, but is a rather unremarkable song. Finally, 2 gentle acoustic tracks show the band's sincere side and come up trumps, with the simple - yet memorable & recitable - chorus of 'The Way' especially impressing. Recommended Tracks: Hold That Sound & The Way.

Muse Origin of Symmetry

Clearly Muse's most ambitious album and definitely not the place to start for new listeners, 'Origin Of Symmetry' is an extravagant hotch-potch of ideas from singer/songwriter/guitarist/pianist Matt Bellamy. Beginning with the absolutely amazing 6 minute 'New Born' - which heads from twinkling piano to striking guitar riff - all the singles ('Bliss', 'Plug In Baby' and a great cover version of the 1960's cut 'Feeling Good') hit the mark expertly. However, this LP will ultimately be judged by its more outlandish tracks, which encompass every genre from metal through to classical, and space-rock through to opera. Some, like the epic 'Citizen Erased' and 'Space Dementia', find their target. But others, like the screaming 'Micro Cuts' and verging-on-boring 'Screenager' and 'Megalomania' come off as overblown and pretentious. It all gets a bit much after a while too, making the album seem longer than its 52 minute running time. Recommended Tracks: New Born, Plug In Baby, Citizen Erased & Feeling Good.

My Chemical Romance Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge

My Chemical Romance The Black Parade Is Dead! CD/DVD

Naughty By Nature Poverty's Paradise

P.O.S. Never Better

On his 3rd album, P.O.S. takes his original fusion of punk/rock & hip-hop to new levels. The live drums are loud, the guitars fuzzy & choruses include gang vocals. It's initially abrasive & not very immediate, but P.O.S.'s rapid fire rhymes are as passionate as ever & his witty lyrics shine through (especially on 'Been Afraid' & 'Out of Category'). The menacing nature of the closing 3 tracks is also engrossing and tops 'Never Better' off nicely. However, count me in the minority in thinking that this is inferior to predecessor 'Audition', as the hooks are reduced & many songs feel incomplete at around the 3 minute mark. Recommended Tracks: Been Afraid, Goodbye, Out of Category & Low Light Low Life.

Panic! At the Disco A Fever You Can't Sweat Out

Razorlight Up All Night

Red End Of Silence

On top of the alternating angsty & melodic vocals of traditional nu/alt-metal, Red has the ability to write a good hook, whether it be via a catchy chorus, a hard-hitting riff or the inclusion of piano & strings arrangements. The latter component is their secret weapon, and while over-used, it is an effective one. Vocalist Michael Barnes has a strong voice which also conveys emotion well, whether the piece is hard & fast, or soft & slow. The LP is front-loaded, but the stripped back closer ends things on a surprising note. An impressive debut with genuine crossover potential. Recommended Tracks: Lost, Let Go, Breathe Into Me & Already Over Pt 2.

Rise Against The Unraveling (Re-Issue)

Newer fans that have been won over by Rise Against's most recent & more polished releases need not fear, as 'The Unraveling' is a surprisingly accomplished debut that contains all of the band's trademark strengths. The 2005 re-issue polishes things up a little and adds a couple of decent bonus tracks to the mix, but come the end of the day, it is the melody, passion and thought-provoking lyrics which still make this an excellent listen from beginning to end. For more detail, see my review of the original 2001 version of the LP. Recommended Tracks: Everchanging, 1000 Good Intentions, My Life Inside Your Heart & Alive and Well.

Rise Against Revolutions Per Minute

Rise Against The Unraveling

Saliva Every 6 Seconds

Saosin Saosin EP/Warped Tour EP

Sick Puppies Dressed Up as Life

Skunk Anansie Paranoid And Sunburnt

Story of the Year Page Avenue

Despite attempting to reach too many targets with an invariable sound, Story of the Year impress in being able to deliver a number of aggressively catchy melodies on their debut LP 'Page Avenue'. Clearly a front-loaded album - with its best quartet of tracks arguably being the first four - the St.Louis quintet alternate from post-hardcore to hard-rock, and from pop-rock to metalcore in searching for their true sound. The memorable highlights on offer here suggest a band with genuine crossover potential, but a little more streamlining & imagination will be required first. Recommended Tracks: Until The Day I Die, Anthem of Our Dying Day, And The Hero Will Drown & In The Shadows.

Story of the Year The Black Swan

Fans will be fine with this combination of the band's previous 2 releases, yet 'The Black Swan' is Story of the Year's least impressive LP to date. The highlights are as catchy as ever, but are sporadic & tactically spread out. Most of the fun which was evident on 'ITWoDetermination' seems to be gone & while the motives are admirable, the results can be heavy-handed since the lyrical growth works against them & musical progression is negligible. Still enjoyable & good, but the band are simply preaching to the converted here, which was clearly not their intention. Recommended Tracks: Wake Up, The Antidote, We're Not Gonna Make It & Message To The World.

Taking Back Sunday New Again

On Taking Back Sunday's 4th LP 'New Again', the hooks are a little more subtler than usual, making it less immediate than their previous releases. Yet, it is also a sign of the band's songwriting maturity, which makes this undoubtedly their most consistent album to date. While some may find the middle section so-so, the closing trio are strong, with the catchy guitars & memorably biting lyrics of 'Capital M-E' a highlight. The M.V.P of the album however, could well be the rhythm section, which lays an impressive foundation right from the very beginning of the terrific title track. Recommended Tracks: New Again, Capital M-E, Carpathia & Swing.

The The Script

The Academy Is... Santi

The Almost Southern Weather

Underoath drummer/clean vocalist Aaron Gillespie does a Dave Grohl & not only writes every song for this side-project, but practically plays every instrument too. It's a resounding success as the harsh sound of his main band is toned down to a more conventional rock feel. Where Gillespie really shines is his ability to create hooks. The catchy & memorable 'Say This Sooner' has numerous, as does the Amazing Grace re-working 'Amazing Because It Is'. While there is no filler, a few too many tracks do unfortunately blend into each other though. Recommended Tracks: Amazing Because It Is, Say This Sooner, Southern Weather & Everyone Here Smells Like A Rat.

The Almost Monster EP

Released 4 weeks prior to The Almost's 2nd LP, the 'Monster EP' is a promising teaser due to the strength of its 5 tracks. 'Hands' is a radio-ready highlight with its winning piano line, jangly guitars & super infectious sing-along chorus, while B-Side 'Birmingham' adds a punk influenced chant. Conversely, the opening acoustic half of the 6 minute title track re-explores the occasional country vibe given off on the band's debut, before satisfyingly breaking out into an instrumental jam. The remaining 2 cuts are not distinctly memorable, but each has a hooky chorus similar to Southern Weather's album tracks. Recommended Tracks: Hands, Monster & Birmingham.

The Big Pink A Brief History of Love

The Blackout The Blackout! The Blackout! The Blackout!

The Blackout's debut EP is nothing you have not heard before, but with hardly a filler track it ticks all the boxes for a young band. From the metalcore like aggressive opener to the dual clean approach of the middle duo, the Welshmen are equally as proficient when it comes to vocals, musicianship & songwriting. They are at their best however, when performing a melodic & very accessible brand of post-hardcore - as heard on lead single 'Hard Slammin' - where Gavin Butler's catchy vocal melodies are well complemented by Sean Smith's manic & energetic screaming. Recommended Tracks: Hard Slammin', I'm A Riot? You're A F**king Riot! & Fashion Conscious Suicide.

The Blackout We Are the Dynamite

The Blackout's debut full-length release threatens to run off the rails early with some bland, lazy & uninspiring guitar-work, but eventually delivers another impressive slice of fun, infectious & melodic post-hardcore. The dueling vocalists are once more in action on cuts like 'Spread Legs Not Lies' & 'Prepare For A Wound', while the polished production brings out the Welsh sextet's more accessible side elsewhere ('The Beijing Cocktail' simply oozes hooks). A semi-epic orchestral closer then hints at the band's maturity & ends things off nicely. Recommended Tracks: Spread Legs Not Lies, The Beijing Cocktail, Prepare For A Wound & Life and Death In Space.

The Feeling Twelve Stops And Home

The Fratellis The Flathead EP

The Fratellis Here We Stand

The Temper Trap Conditions

The Used Artwork

'Artwork' sees The Used craft a fuller sound that leans more towards conventional melodic rock than usual. It is their most consistent effort to date & there is no filler whatsoever. Some tracks are a little one-paced & rely on a sole hook... But there is always a hook. Variety is subtly provided through a couple of aggressive cuts, a piano ballad & some trademark eccentricity. Of course, questionable lyrics & The Used are synonymous, so it does pay to concentrate on those aforementioned hooks. Recommended Tracks: Blood on My Hands, Kissing You Goodbye, Come Undone & Meant To Die.

Thursday A City By the Light Divided

VersaEmerge Perceptions

It is impossible not to compare VersaEmerge to Paramore, as singer Sierra Kusterbeck sounds similar to Hayley Williams & both bands play guitar-driven pop-punk. If anything, the 18 minute 'Perceptions' EP suggests that VersaEmerge have the musical edge, especially when it comes to highlight 'In Pursuing Design', which contains dreamy melodic guitar with attention-getting drums that give away their post-hardcore past. Meanwhile, 'Consider The Sea' shows off the band's impressive pop sensibilities. The only apparent downfall is when the pace is slowed on the average 'Clocks' and 3 short & unnecessary interludes. Recommended Tracks: In Pursuing Design & Consider The Sea.

VersaEmerge VersaEmerge

Just 6 months after the release of 'Perceptions', VersaEmerge return with yet another very good 17 minute EP that sees their sound evolve with more electronica added to the mix. Keys/synths play a large part in 4 of the 6 tracks, yet it is the remaining 2 cuts which impress most; 'Past Praying For' is simply very catchy, while a re-recording of 'Clocks' takes on a more acoustic feel & sees it go from average to fantastic. This self-titled EP is a marginal improvement on 'Perceptions', if only for the lack of multiple interludes. VersaEmerge are well & truly ready to release their debut album now. Recommended Tracks: Past Praying For & Clocks.

3 good

Breaking Benjamin Dear Agony

Built To Spill You In Reverse

Built To Spill There's Nothing Wrong with Love

Built To Spill Ancient Melodies of the Future

Craig David Slicker Than Your Average

Daniel Merriweather Love & War

Dappled Cities Zounds

David Guetta One Love

Def Leppard On Through the Night

Def Leppard Yeah!

While the AllMusic 4.5 rating is mind-boggling, this album of glam-metal covers does see a partial return to form for Def Leppard, since the consistency & depth here is superior to any of their previous 3 LPs. Results are best when the band let their hair down, such as on Sweet's 'Hell Raiser' and Thin Lizzy's 'Don't Believe A Word'. But there are also some neat re-interpretations, while Phil Collen's fun lead vocal romp on closer 'Stay With Me' is a revelation. Still, this is just a covers album and some of the tracks are too dated to save ('No Matter What' & 'Drive-In Saturday') or are simply too run of the mill. Recommended Tracks: Hell Raiser, Rock On & Stay With Me.

Def Leppard Songs from the Sparkle Lounge

Reinvigorated after covers album 'Yeah!', Def Leppard's first album of original material in 6 years is their best for 15. Blazing guitars highlight Songs From The Sparkle Lounge's better tracks, as 'Go' hits hard, 'Bad Actress' lets loose & has some fun, while 'Come Undone' contains a thick Kashmir-like riff. Even the country infusion on Tim McGraw duet 'Nine Lives' works well enough. It's just a shame that Joe Elliott's voice doesn't have the grit that some songs need. While a handful of cuts are a little ineffective, nothing is awful. Although, the Queen-inspired ballad 'Love' is sure to polarize. Recommended Tracks: Go, Bad Actress & Nine Lives.

Emery I'm Only A Man

Looking to tap into any kind of popularity, Emery wildly mix it up on 3rd LP 'I'm Only A Man'. Everything from mainstream rock ('World Away') to immature electronica-infused pop ('Don't Bore Us, Get To The Chorus') is included. The band also add some trademark elements to keep fans on side, but it is all rather hit and miss & does not flow all that well. There will definitely be something for you here (maybe the tender 'What Makes A Man A Man', or the hooky 'Party Song'), but it won't be the entire LP. Recommended Tracks: What Makes A Man A Man, Can't Stop The Killer & World Away.

Empire Of The Sun Walking On A Dream

Evermore Dreams

Foo Fighters Foo Fighters

From First to Last Heroine

This album should have been called 'The Year My Voice Broke' because Sonny Moore sounds a great deal better here than he did on 'Dear Diary...'. This means there simply isn't anything too horrible to drag this album down, unlike its predecessor. While still being nothing so great as to demand repeated listens, 'Heroine' does have its fair share of quality tracks, with 'The Latest Plague' being the pick of the bunch ahead of successive trio 'World War Me', 'Shame Shame' and the approaching epic 'The Crows Are Coming For Us'.

Funeral For A Friend Casually Dressed & Deep in Conversation

Gallows Orchestra Of Wolves

English quintet Gallows re-work early 80s U.S hardcore & 70s English punk to release a raw, raucous & aggressive debut. It is a relentless onslaught from the very beginning as lead vocalist Frank Carter passionately delivers pissed-off lyrics that are intermittently indecipherable & occasionally offensive. 'Orchestra of Wolves' is at its best when melody is infused into the equation and when the guitars are driving the songs. But it arguably all comes together only once on lead single 'Abandon Ship'. The album is very front-loaded, to the point that after track 6, Carter's voice simply becomes too over-bearing. Recommended Tracks: Abandon Ship, Six Years & Come Friendly Bombs.

Jessica Mauboy Been Waiting

Jimmy Eat World Chase This Light

Kaiser Chiefs Off With Their Heads

Kisschasy United Paper People

Kisschasy Seizures

Klaxons Myths Of The Near Future

Linkin Park Meteora

Linkin Park/Jay Z Collision Course (The Ulitmate Mash-Up)

Living Colour Collideoscope

Living Colour Biscuits (EP)

Madina Lake Attics To Eden

'Attics To Eden' contains pretty much more of the same brand of heavy - but catchy - pop-punk that comprised Madina Lake's debut, just with slightly slicker production. There is also a greater reliance on synths & keys which ultimately results in a more inconsistent package. The singles are once more the standouts, although the Muse-cloning 'Legends' & funky 'Statistics' are also noteworthy. While this may not hold as much interest as its predecessor, it is still a predominantly fun listen with a sufficient amount of hooks to get by. Recommended Tracks: Never Take Us Alive, Let's Get Outta Here & Legends.

Moneen The World I Want To Leave Behind

Muse Muse EP

With 3 of this EP's 4 tracks being later re-recorded for their excellent debut LP 'Showbiz', the 16 minute 'Muse EP' is a nice little summation of the English trio's early potential. Many of Muse's strengths are on show, including Matt Bellamy's falsetto vocals & attention-grabbing riffs, as well as a talented knack to pull off effective quiet/loud dynamics. However, to suggest that this is much more than a taste of things to come would be going over the top, since the 3 'Showbiz' tracks were not highlights of that admittedly even album, and eventual B-Side 'Coma' is just another good solid track. Recommended Track: Cave.

Muse Random 1-8

Muse have always been ambitious and that fits right in with releasing (if only in Japan) an 8 track EP of B-Sides and live cuts after only one LP. Individually, most of these songs could have slotted in as album tracks on 'Showbiz', but as a whole they only result in a good solid package and nothing more. Only for diehard fans of the band, Muse's usual traits are on show here; The tempo-switching 'Host', the hooky guitar riffs of 'Coma' and the distorted vocals of 'Agitated'. Yet, it is the slower and haunting near-instrumental of 'Forced In' which stands out alongside the live version of the under-rated 'Filip'.

Muse Hullabullo Soundtrack

Muse continue their run of annual releases with a 2 disc set that fans of 'Origin of Symmetry' should eat up. The first disc comprises of interesting - if not exactly spectacular - B-Sides, some of which have been released before. Meanwhile, the second disc is a batch of live recordings that exhibits how fantastic the band are live, especially with the 1-2 punch of 'Citizen Erased' & 'Showbiz'. Unfortunately, in presumably keeping to some sort of thematical concept, the likes of 'New Born', 'Bliss', 'Plug In Baby' and 'Sunburn' disappointingly do not make the cut. Recommended Tracks: Citizen Erased, Showbiz & Dead Star.

Natalie Imbruglia Come to Life

Naughty By Nature 19 Naughty III

Newton Faulkner Hand Built By Robots

Faulkner is definitely a talented guy and there are some very good songs on his debut LP (especially 'Dream Catch Me', which is simply one of those songs you have to admire as if it doesn't win you over upon first listen, it eventually does later on). But this isn't totally my kind of music and when it's stetched out to such an overlong duration, it begins to get a little grating by the 13th (of 17) tracks. 'Hand Built By Robots' definitely shows Faulkner's ambition and his follow-up album will be very interesting to keep tabs on. Recommended Tracks: 'Dream Catch Me', 'All I Got' & 'People Should Smile More'.

Of Machines As If Everything Was Held In Place

It does not take long to work out Of Machines' sound; polished up post-hardcore with dual clean & screaming vocals that are backed by relentless drums & over-melodic guitars. It's a good sound too (best showcased on 'Becoming Closer to Closure'), except for the fact that they repeat the dose over & over. It gets annoying after a while & many tracks sound so similar that it's difficult to tell where one song ends & the next starts! That is why a couple of slower, dreamy instrumental passages & the occasional bit of electronica work a treat. Not bad for a debut, but 'As If Everything Was Held In Place' would have made for a better 6 track EP. Recommended Tracks: 7, 2 & 5.

OneRepublic Dreaming Out Loud

Breaking worldwide on the back of smash hit 'Apologize', OneRepublic immediately put themselves near the top of the pop-rock heap with the sufficiently consistent 'Dreaming Out Loud'. As with similar artists, some songs do stray into blandness, and that is not helped here by some overlength. However, lead singer Ryan Tedder's above-average lyrics and a real sense of musical & production ambition (which reminds of genre-leading Coldplay) means that this is a rather promising debut. Recommended Tracks: Apologize, Stop and Stare & All We Are.

OneRepublic Waking Up

Orson Bright Idea

Pink Funhouse

Saliva Back Into your System

Saliva Cinco Diablo

Skunk Anansie Stoosh

The Academy Is... From The Carpet E.P.

The Academy Is... Fast Times at Barrington High

The Almost Monster, Monster

The Fratellis The Fratellis EP

The Rakes Capture/Release

The Rakes Klang

Thursday War All The Time

2.5 average

30 Seconds to Mars 30 Seconds to Mars

Arctic Monkeys Who The Fuck Are Arctic Monkeys EP

Arctic Monkeys 5 Minutes With... (EP)

Bloc Party A Weekend in the City

This was disappointing for me & the main reason is overlength with regards to many of the tracks. Only 5 of 13 songs on 'Silent Alarm' were over 4 minutes, where-as only 2 are less than 4 minutes here! And guess what, those 2 just happen to be the highlights ('Hunting for Witches' & 'The Prayer'). Coincidence... I think not! The album starts well enough & there is some potential elsewhere, but there is also a lot of yawn moments unfortunately.

British India Thieves

Carolina Liar Coming to Terms

Children Collide The Long Now

Cooper Temple Clause Kick up the fire.....

Cooper Temple Clause Make This Your Own

David Guetta Pop Life

The title of David Guetta's 3rd LP says it all as the French DJ infuses more pop into his house music. For the most part, it ends up as an awkward & forgettable mess, full of overlong & repetitive beats made for clubs. However, 'Pop Life' gets by satisfactorily on the back of its standouts where the house/pop combination works near perfectly. U.K Top 10 hits 'Love Don't Let Me Go (Walking Away)' & 'Love Is Gone' are 2 such examples, while Cozi's alluring voice on 'Baby When The Light', Juliet's captivating contribution to 'Do Something Love' and Tara McDonald's feel-good vocals on 'Delirious', add more than passing interest. Recommended Tracks: Love Don't Let Me Go (Walking Away), Baby When The Light & Love Is Gone.

Def Leppard Euphoria

Following the experimental & unfocused 'Slang', Def Leppard suffered a drop in sales and returned to their catchy glam/pop-metal with 1999 LP 'Euphoria'. It pays dividends on the slick harmonized vocals of opener 'Demolition Man' & a couple of ballads, while highlight 'Paper Sun' wouldn't have felt too out of place on 'Pyromania'! Alternately, 'All Night' has embarrassingly terrible vocals & 'Back In Your Face' isn't much better. Meanwhile, many dated mid-tempo tracks towards the end of the album aren't necessarily bad, but are redundantly ho-hum. It all adds up to another disappointing hit & miss affair. Recommended Tracks: Paper Sun, Demolition Man & Promises.

Def Leppard X

By far Def Leppard's poppiest release, it pays to think of 'X' as being performed by another band. At times, the harmonized backing vocals work, such as on opener 'Now' & closer 'Scar'. However, the over-riding problem is that 'X' contains too many similarly paced & unmemorable songs. Any time they try to add some edge, it comes off as a miscued hotch-potch ('Gravity') or terribly recycled ('Four Letter Word', which unashamedly copies 'Armageddon It'). It is probably on par with their previous 2 LPs though since it doesn't quite plummet to their depths. Unfortunately, it doesn't climb to any great heights either. Recommended Tracks: Now, Long Long Way To Go & Scar.

Def Leppard Slang

Electric Six Fire

I tried and tried to write a review for this album and every draft came out convoluted. I just can't get the words right to describe it. Probably because it is so strange & different. I'd call it (humorous) theatrical rock with lashings of electronica. One can't take 'Fire' too seriously as it is occasionally fun and contains a few contagious tracks & some good guitar riffs. But the lasting value is poor and it often gets overwhelmed by the silly lyrics & ineffective vocals (especially when Valentine goes into freestyle-like corny rhyming mode). Recommended tracks are the 2 lead singles 'Danger! High Voltage' & 'Gay Bar'.

Evermore Truth of the World: Welcome to the Show

Funeral For A Friend Between Order And Model EP

Funeral For A Friend Seven Ways To Scream Your Name

Gavin Castleton Home

Another concept LP for Castleton, but this time he bites off more than he can chew. After telling an entire life story in 20 minutes on his previous EP, here he goes on for 53 overlong & convoluted minutes to bring us a tale of love, zombies & ladybugs! It begins well with impressive musical arrangements & a nice Lauren Coleman duet, but from there it falls apart like a C-Grade horror film. 'Beetlemeet' is F-Grade! Points for ambition, atmospherics & diversity, but this is rather tedious. Or maybe I just dislike zombie movies & super-hero ladybugs! Recommended Tracks: Coffeelocks, Buggouts & Red + Blue = Yella.

House of Pain Same As It Ever Was

Jet Shine On

Kaiser Chiefs Yours Truly, Angry Mob

Linkin Park Minutes to Midnight

Natalie Imbruglia Counting Down the Days

More of the same acoustic pop with a slight indie-bent from Imbruglia, who is still looking for her next 'Torn'. Admittedly, she comes damn close on shimmering lead single 'Shiver', which is clearly the best track here. Elsewhere, there are the usual safe & inoffensive - but likeable - songs that have been her hallmark. Occasionally, the tracks verge into blandness, but the poignant piano ballad 'On The Run', the quirky Daniel Johns (Silverchair) written 'Satisfied' & the up-beat 'Sanctuary' just make 'Counting Down The Days' a passable LP. Recommended Tracks: Shiver, On The Run & Satisfied.

Naughty By Nature Iicons

Pink Can't Take Me Home

Pink Try This

Razorlight Razorlight

Sick Puppies Tri-Polar

After the huge leap forward of 'Dressed Up As Life', Sick Puppies almost plummet back to their cringe-worthy debut here on 3rd LP 'Tri-Polar'. From the mis-placed aggression of opener 'War' to the bland radio-rock of 'Maybe', too many tracks rely on a lone hook that cannot sustain an entire song. Thankfully, the Aussie trio has a knack of producing a catchy & melodic chorus, so cuts like 'Riptide', 'So What I Lied', 'Survive' & 'Should've Known Better' are not write-offs when their energy is controlled. Meanwhile, the closing duet with bassist Emma Anzai is a mini-revelation. Just passable & rather disappointing. Recommended Tracks: So What I Lied, White Balloons & Riptide.

The Academy Is... The Academy

The Almost No Gift To Bring

A couple of decent acoustic cuts, a couple of reworked (NOT for the better) songs from 'Southern Weather', and an interesting version of 'Little Drummer Boy'. That's pretty much it for this average, but not necessarily bad, 5 track EP. Considering the 2 slower cuts from 'Southern Weather' were rather strong, one could have expected this more relaxed batch of songs to be a little better. As it stands though, it is simply a time filler. Recommended Tracks: Amazing Because It Is & Your Love Is Extravagant.

The Rakes Ten New Messages

Wes Carr The Way the World Looks

2 poor

Craig David The Story Goes...

Def Leppard The Def Leppard E.P.

Editors In This Light and On This Evening

Evermore Real Life

Foo Fighters One By One

From First to Last Dear Diary, My Teen Angst Has a Body Cou

Rating this a 2 may be a touch harsh because there are 3-4 fairly good songs on this album. However, there are also quite a few horrible ones which just turn me off completely! And they mainly do that due to the often cringe-worthy voice of teenager Sonny Moore. It's not only his voice, but the over-dramatics of it all are off-putting on too many occasions. While the album did grow on me a little, it ultimately fails since it was not immediately accessible, nor does it demand me coming back to it. The main reason for this is a lack of melody, which even the debut EP was able to include relatively consistently. My highlight track would actually be 'Featuring Some Of Your Favorite Words', followed by 'Note To Self', 'Populace In Two' and 'Ride The Wings Of Pestilence'.

Girl Talk Unstoppable

Hinder Take It to the Limit

Kris Allen Kris Allen

Lady GaGa The Cherrytree Sessions

A pretty flimsy excuse for an EP at just 9 minutes in length, 'The Cherrytree Sessions' sees Lady Gaga perform 3 of her smash hit singles from worldwide best-selling album 'The Fame', at label Cherrytree Records. All tracks are stripped down to some extent, with the piano version of 'Poker Face' faring best since Gaga varies the pace & adds some theatrical personality to her performance. Breakthrough hit 'Just Dance' comes with just the synth basics & sees the songstress give a strained vocal rendition, while 'Eh Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)' is so-so in front of a piano & human beat-box. Not awful, but not exactly a revelation either. Recommended Track: Poker Face.

My Chemical Romance I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought...

Panic! At the Disco Pretty. Odd.

Papa Roach Metamorphosis

Razorlight Slipway Fires

Rise Against This Is Noise: Canadian Tour EP

Saliva Blood Stained Love Story

Short Stack Stack is the New Black

Not too dissimilar to the likes of Metro Station & Forever The Sickest Kids, Short Stack are Australia's addition to the latest fad of immature electro pop-punk. Their debut LP 'Stack is the New Black' begins with it's energetic 4 singles, all of which carry annoyingly infectious - yet one-dimensional - hooks. Clearly aimed at teenage girls, the album is occasionally misguided in its dark lyrical content, while a genuine surprise comes in the form of a few half-decent slower cuts. The album is over-produced for its own good, since anything here verging on raw is rather horrible. Recommended Tracks: 17 & Shimmy A Go Go.

The Galvatrons Laser Graffiti

Thursday Waiting

1.5 very poor

Hinder Extreme Behavior

Deserving the negative critical response they have received, Hinder perform simple and dull pieces that remind one of a 3rd rate 1980's hair band. This is evident from the very beginning of this one-trick pony debut as the music performed here is so mind-numbingly simple that there is no point even attempting to listen for any kind of variation. When they do attempt some variety on 'Room 21', the band show their true colors and completely botch it. Furthermore, the lyrics contained on this LP range from repetitively themed to sexist! Recommended Tracks: Lips Of An Angel & Shoulda.

Jimmy Eat World Stay on My Side Tonight

Predominantly including remade versions of some songs that were left on the cutting room floor during early recording sessions for the 'Futures' LP, 'Stay On My Side' is basically an EP full of average album tracks. Sure, it is interesting to a point and has good length for an EP since it is 27 minutes long, but the quality of each of the tracks simply does not stack up with Jimmy Eat World's usual quality. Recommended Track: Over.

Saliva Survival of the Sickest

On this LP, Saliva attempt to return to the song structures & styles from their best album to date 'Every Six Seconds', and combine it with the mainstream rock apparent on follow-up 'Back Into Your System'. However, the quality in practically every aspect of their performance has diminished. Disappointingly bad, this is a poorly produced combination of uninspired music, mostly terrible vocals & headache-inducing lyrics, which only fuels the fire of naysayers who suggest that Saliva are derivative, dated & posturing wannabees. Recommended Tracks: Two Steps Back and Rock & Roll Revolution.

Sick Puppies Welcome To The Real World

This young Australian trio seems to be having some fun and enjoying themselves, but that doesn't always translate well to the listening public. Rock-Rap has not dated well for any band and Sick Puppies were nowhere near the top of the genre circa 2001 when this LP was released. In fact, when a young & immature vocalist with a thick Australian accent is taken into account, 'Welcome To The Real World' ends up being rather cringe-worthy. Recommended Tracks: Nothing Really Matters & Do You Know.

Sick Puppies Fly EP

Understanding that they needed to change direction, these young Aussie rockers steer away from any kind of rap-rock hybrid on this transitional EP. And while they show glimpses of potential & finding their sound, Sick Puppies still cannot cover their weaknesses as inconsistent vocals, little depth and too much repetition plagues the 'Fly EP' throughout. Recommended Track: Fly

The Feeling Join With Us

Yet another British band with an impressive debut album crashes & burns on their follow-up, as The Feeling get far too ambitious on 'Join With Us'. They do not have the musical talent nor songwriting skills to keep many Bowie & Queen-influenced cuts from coming off like children's songs! Any attempt at emotion comes off as rather bland, while the stabs at quirky pop miss the mark, despite an occasional catchy moment. In the future, The Feeling would do well to recall the K.I.S.S principle: Keep It Simple Stupid. Recommended Tracks: I Thought It Was Over & The Greatest Show on Earth.

1 awful

Girl Talk Secret Diary

By definition, a "glitch" can never be a good thing, can it? So lord knows why anyone in their right mind would think that the musical genre of glitch could be a positive. This 40 minute album bleeps, skips and scratches its way through ten tracks of absolute garbage. A 6 minute Master P and New Kids On The Block collaboration may cause seizures, while 'Fun Have To' & 'Time To Get Glamorous' are headache inducing. Dizzying & unlistenable to at times, 'Secret Diary' also includes annoying switches in volume. This should have remained a secret!