| 10 Years The Autumn Effect | 1.5 |
| 12 Stones 12 Stones | 2.5 |
| 12 Stones Potter's Field | 1.5 |
| 311 From Chaos | 4.0 |
| yea 311 are a bit silly...always were. Though From Chaos is probably going to their best album balancing their old school silly rap metal-meets reggae/ska sound with a more alternative rock approach that makes some nice chill jammy songs that are simply fun. Although their softer jams (champagne, Amber, I'll Be Here For Awhile) makes you wonder and slightly beg that they would explore that realm considering it seems to be a very unlikely strong spot in comparison to the rest of their...ridiculous songs. |
| 9T Antiope Syzygys | 4.0 |
| 9T Antiope Of Murk and Shallow Water | 4.0 |
| 9T Antiope Isthmus | 4.0 |
| A Balance Between Negative Space | 3.0 |
A Balance Between certainly come out swinging solid with Negative Space, but they
need to mold their identity a bit more. Wearing your Deftones/Thrice/Circa Survive influence
on your sleeve isn't going to get you to stand out anymore. But their solid songwriting
ability should enable them to find that path eventually. Overall, solid EP with good
potential for a future. |
| A Day To Remember Homesick | 2.5 |
| A Tribe Called Quest We got it from Here… Thank You 4 Your service | 4.0 |
| A Winged Victory for the Sullen A Winged Victory for the Sullen | 4.0 |
| Acceptance Phantoms | 3.5 |
| Acceptance Colliding By Design | 3.5 |
Did anyone see this coming? I didn't think I'd find myself talking about the follow up to the cult-
classic Phantoms. There is a genuine questioning of Colliding By Design, Acceptance
certainly went into this with the intention of making a record that has progressed from Phantoms
and one could argue that they have: hooks are slicker, and the inclusion of stadium synths galore. In a
decade of endless reunions, CBD hardly feels revolutionary and I'm not sure most people will see
what the big deal is. But for the die-hards, the ones who fixated endlessly on Phantoms for
reasons they themselves don't understand will eat this record up for the reasons they loved their
debut, as stated the hooks are here, Jason's Vena undeniable vocals are here. This record is probably
better than Phantoms, but being a little over decade removed from a cult-classic, one will need
time to adjust to such an idea.
Regardless of what you might think of Acceptance, it's feels good to have another record from this
Seattle group. 12 years later we have a solid follow-up that hopefully they can build on in the years to
come. There is little reason that old fans should dislike this album. In conclusion: if you miss Anberlin
check out Colliding By Design by Acceptance. |
| Active Child You Are All I See | 4.0 |
That don't make it good for anybody,
Don't wanna be in love just with anybody,
I'm tired being just Mr. Anybody,
So baby come with me, lets just make about it
2011: James Blake, How To Dress Well, The Weeknd, maybe even Washed Out, and now Active Child to enter the futuristic R&B sound. With 80s-type synths and beats with classical harp glissandos and choir boy vocals. Yes it sounds as awesome as I described and you should listen to this. |
| Adele 25 | 3.5 |
| Aeges Weightless | 3.5 |
| Aero Flynn Aero Flynn | 4.0 |
| Aesop Rock The Impossible Kid | 4.0 |
| Aho Ssan Simulacrum | 4.0 |
| Akira Kosemura Diary 2016​-​2019 | 4.0 |
| Alan Palomo World of Hassle | 4.0 |
| Alaya Thrones | 4.0 |
The long awaited debut Thrones from the Chicago based trio Alaya was one that
has been hotly anticipated for many who first got a taste of their sound via the single
"Inside" back in December 2012. Mixing issues lead to the delay but here approximately 14
months later (50 years in the internet age) with the release finally upon us.
Thrones is proof that Alaya won't just be some flavor of the week. The band takes
the tech-y/groove elements of bands like Cloudkicker/Periphery and the melodic accessibility
of Killswitch Engage/Chevelle (esp. here on the latter, with taking that punchy yet somewhat
intimate sound) into a tight knit cohesive sound. Although slightly spotty at points,
vocalist Evan Graham Dunn is usually on point finding a nice raspy melodic pocket against
the technical playing. All-In-All, Thrones is a solid debut project that indicates a
bright future ahead for the band, and one that will appeal to both metal mainstream and
underground circles. |
| Alex Kresovich Gold N' Fly: 007 | 3.5 |
| Algiers The Underside of Power | 4.0 |
| All India Radio Fall | 4.0 |
| Alva Noto and Ryuichi Sakamoto Insen | 4.0 |
| Alva Noto and Ryuichi Sakamoto Vrioon | 3.0 |
| Alva Noto and Ryuichi Sakamoto Revep | 4.0 |
| Alva Noto and Ryuichi Sakamoto UTP | 4.0 |
Taking the experimentation of Noto/Sakamoto and expanding their piano glitch work with the Ensemble Modern. UTP_ is a stirring piece of left-field classical minimalism intertwined with shots of electronic experimentation that is sure to dazzle anyone who is into the unique and obscure. Otherwise, if your not into this: It isn't precisely a easy listen with it's formless structures and eccentric intervals. It can however grow into something much more since it's such a unique listen.
So if you want to know what happens when you get a modern Japanese composer, a German electric artist, and the Ensemble Modern all in one collaboration? UTP defines this bizarre yet incredible piece of art quite well. A must have for fans of their Noto/Sakamoto's previous work, Murcof, William Basinski, Loscil, or any other form of electronic/classical minimalism. |
| Alva Noto and Ryuichi Sakamoto Summvs | 4.0 |
| Potentially their final collaboration: and one that stands as their most unified creation largely in part to Noto finally matching the notes of his glitches to Sakamoto's piano passages. |
| Alva Noto and Ryuichi Sakamoto Glass | 4.0 |
| Amia Venera Landscape The Long Procession | 4.5 |
| Anberlin New Surrender | 3.0 |
| Anberlin Cities | 3.5 |
| Anberlin Never Take Friendship Personal | 4.0 |
| Anberlin Dark Is the Way, Light Is a Place | 4.0 |
| Anberlin Vital | 4.0 |
| Anberlin Lowborn | 3.5 |
| Anchor and Braille Felt | 3.5 |
| Angels and Airwaves I-Empire | 2.5 |
| It has it's many obvious flaws, no doubt. But the album is a lot more focused than epic fail of WDNTW and it even has (in some sense surprisingly) decent songs. The album still suffers from ripping of much from the 80's/Edge from U2 guitar riffs. Though in and b/w there are some decent songs. (Breathe, Sirens, Secret Crowds) are examples of AVA controlling their cliche sound textures in some decency. And although Tom might never reach the peak he had with Blink, if the band progresses they might be able to pull out a bit and make a decent record even if the 80's sound/Edge guitar effect is overused/abused. Till then, AVA will remain the laughing stock or "greatest band ever" to many people. For all the reasons we hate (and love) Tom Delonge. |
| Angels and Airwaves Love | 3.0 |
| AVA have really cleaned up pretty well with Love. It still focuses too much on long passages that meander but Tom settles more on his knack of retaining catchy songs-closer to an appropriate balance that actually now suggests that AVA could obtain what they initially aimed for...or at least come close. But the answer will be a bit shrouded in mystery with the rise of Blink again. Overall though-nice effort on this one Tom. |
| Animal Collective Merriweather Post Pavilion | 4.5 |
| Animal Collective Strawberry Jam | 4.0 |
| Animal Flag The Sounds of Sleep | 4.0 |
| Animals As Leaders Animals as Leaders | 4.0 |
| Animals As Leaders Weightless | 4.0 |
| AAL trim down the shredage and focus more on songwriting structure with Weightless. It's apparent that this is def. a more bandcentric release and less the Tosin Abasi show. The band puts more focus on grooving riffs, tasteful leads, and abstract jazzy and electronic passages. The fast shredding still pops in here but it's done even more tastefully and fits much better in the realm of the song-and therefore makes it much more hard hitting. The album also benefits from a gorgeous production and a much more concise flow So unless you miss the shreddage of their debut there is honestly very little reason that you would like Weightless less. It is overall the better structured album, and sure many "djent" bands are doing the same groove-meets-shreds-meet electronica segue but no one right now is taking it to abstract level of creativity and making it all flow concisely and beautifully like AAL, and Weightless proves that in an unabashedly manner. |
| Animals As Leaders The Joy of Motion | 4.0 |
| The Joy of Motion is AAL most colorful and arguably best album to date. Sure the band is exploring different styles and even toning down on some of the heaviness. But don't be fooled, this still has enough kick to substitute your morning cup of coffee. |
| Anna Wise The Feminine: Act 1 | 3.5 |
| Annabel (lee) If Music Presents: By The Sea​ | 4.0 |
| Antonio Vivaldi The Four Seasons | 4.5 |
| Aoria I Know You Came Here to Erase Me | 3.5 |
| Aphex Twin Selected Ambient Works Volume II | 4.5 |
| Araabmuzik Electronic Dream | 3.5 |
| Architects For Those That Wish to Exist | 4.0 |
| Ariana Grande Thank U, Next | 4.5 |
| Ariana Grande Dangerous Woman | 4.0 |
| Arovane Lilies | 4.0 |
| Arovane & Mike Lazarev Aeon | 4.0 |
| Artifex Pereo Time in Place | 3.5 |
| Artifex Pereo Passengers | 4.0 |
| As Cities Burn Come Now Sleep | 4.5 |
| As Cities Burn Hell or High Water | 4.0 |
| ASAP Rocky Live.Love.A$AP. | 3.0 |
| A definitive example of an amazing producer collaborating with a mediocre rapper. Yes there are moments of brilliance, but Live.Love.A$AP really suffers from it's lack of lyrical substance. Sure it flows, but it eventually flows into the ground...becoming stagnant. Still, for all my cynicism this music is probably really good to drive to, or get high to. |
| aswekeepsearching Zia | 3.5 |
| Attack Attack! Attack Attack! | 2.5 |
| Whatever promising improvements Attack Attack's self titled had based on the early previews are completely destroyed when the full course album comes into play. The band has strange moments of catchy brilliance-only to lead into their (at this point signature) incredibly stupid self deprecating ironic metal/electro breakdowns with little or no reasoning. But in the end that's exactly what Attack Attack! aims to do: Mix electro club music with generic metalcore (and the breakdowns to go with it)-and not giving a damn who likes it or not. It'll of course appeal to a small crowd of scene kids who enjoy it-and no one else. Which is strangely a shame because the few catchy moments (that don't go over the top) suggest the band be much more if they ever stop being so....stupid. |
| Audioslave Revelations | 4.0 |
| Audioslave Out of Exile | 3.5 |
| Audioslave Audioslave | 3.5 |
| Even though both sides of their sounds were carelessly slab together on this album. This debut from the alt-rock supergroup proves to be a very natural fit for the lead vocalist of Soundgarden and instrumentation of Rage Against The Machine. A bit less than a third of these tracks feel a bit unnaturally forced but when they do click their sound proves to make this combo a winner. |
| August Burns Red Messengers | 3.5 |
| This is you're typical above average run of the mill hardcore band. But what brings out their sound is their unique breakdown patterns that they mix up consistently. This is (not to a Meshuggah level per say) but enough to help them stand out from their peers, and enough to say that Messengers is a solid album. |
| August Burns Red Thrill Seeker | 3.0 |
| August Burns Red Constellations | 3.5 |
| Austrian Death Machine Total Brutal | 2.5 |
| Autopilot Off Make A Sound | 3.5 |
| Ave. To Three Way Intersection | 4.0 |
| An incredible combo of jazz fusion, electronica, and hip-hop in one cohesive flow that is a little too long but it'll keep you coming back for more. |
| Backstreet Boys Never Gone | 3.5 |
| BADBADNOTGOOD BBNG2 | 4.0 |
| BADBADNOTGOOD BBNG | 4.0 |
| BADBADNOTGOOD III | 4.0 |
III Albums in, BBNG remain consistent in delivering exciting and original new jazz/post-bop
for a millennial generation. Although a much more mellow experience, III is arguably
their best work yet thanks to the trio pushing into different genres seamlessly (swing,
electronica, and ambient on top of their hip-hop based roots). Thus suggesting the trio
desire to remove the genre tags altogether. Easily will be a forerunner for best Jazz-based
albums of 2014. |
| Banks Goddess | 3.0 |
| Barcelona Absolutes | 3.5 |
| Bastille Bad Blood | 3.0 |
| Beach House Devotion | 3.5 |
| Beach House Beach House | 3.5 |
| Beach House Teen Dream | 4.0 |
| Bela Bartok Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Sz. 83 | 4.5 |
| Bell Witch Mirror Reaper | 3.0 |
| Belong October Language | 4.0 |
| Belong Colorloss Record | 4.0 |
| Ben Babbitt Kentucky Route Zero- Original Soundtrack | 4.5 |
| Ben Lukas Boysen Gravity | 4.0 |
| Ben Lukas Boysen Spells | 4.0 |
| Bent Knee Shiny Eyed Babies | 4.5 |
| Bent Knee Shiny Eyed Babies is the definition of insanity, but is also the exact type of progression that is required in 2014 where an over-saturated music scene makes originally a more limited component. You can tell each of the members bring their respective influences into a unique sound, interestingly blending elements of psychdelia, baroque pop, ambient, and even a dose of progressive rock. A lot of this music ends up sounding like an insane crossover between Fiona Apple, Radiohead, Devin Townsend, and Imogen Heap-all morphed into one blast. Excellent in it's melodies and intricately placed with it's instrumentation-Shiny Eyed Babies is a bold and daring album on all fronts, daring you to sink in it's soft lush atmospheres only to pull the carpet from under you-exposing your tears and gritting teeth smile. |
| Between the Buried and Me Colors | 4.0 |
| Between the Buried and Me The Great Misdirect | 4.0 |
| Beyonce I Am... Sasha Fierce | 2.5 |
| Bibio Ambivalence Avenue | 4.0 |
| Bibio Silver Wilkinson | 4.0 |
| Big K.R.I.T. ReturnOf4eva | 4.0 |
| Big K.R.I.T. 4Eva N A Day | 4.5 |
| Big K.R.I.T. 4eva Is a Mighty Long Time | 4.0 |
| Bill Seaman f (noir) | 4.5 |
| Billy Woods and Kenny Segal Hiding Places | 4.5 |
| Bing and Ruth No Home of the Mind | 4.0 |
| Bing and Ruth City Lake | 4.0 |
| Black Letters Still As You | 4.0 |
| Blindside Silence | 5.0 |
| Blindside About A Burning Fire | 3.5 |
| Blindside The Great Depression | 4.0 |
| Blindside The Black Rose | 3.5 |
| Blindside With Shivering Hearts We Wait | 3.5 |
| In their four year absence since the Black Rose EP, WSHWW is a nice warm return from the old alternative metal giants. On the album we see the band taking traces from their past albums. Ranging from the continued progression into a more rock based sound of The Great Depression, the production and electronic/orchestrated dabbling in About A Burning Fire, and the immediacy of Silence. 17 years into their career, Blindside aren't doing any new tricks. More so being a band with such a sound in 2011 won't separate itself too much from the pack (though save from Christian's undeniable vocal prowess). But for old fans, WSHWW will bring a sense of nostalgia and presence at the same time. It's a triumphant return for the men from Sweden that stands strong among their past albums. |
| blink-182 Blink-182 | 3.5 |
| blink-182 Neighborhoods | 3.5 |
| So I'm 12 years old again, but instead of rocking out in my room I'm floating in space. |
| Blue Man Group The Complex | 3.5 |
| Blue Sky Black Death Late Night Cinema | 4.0 |
| Boards of Canada Trans Canada Highway | 4.0 |
| Bohren und der Club of Gore Dolores | 3.5 |
| Bohren und der Club of Gore Black Earth | 4.0 |
| Bon Iver Bon Iver, Bon Iver | 4.0 |
| Bon Iver 22, A Million | 3.0 |
| Botch We Are the Romans | 4.0 |
| Bowery Electric Beat | 4.0 |
| Brand New The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me | 4.0 |
| Brand New Daisy | 4.0 |
| Breaking Benjamin We Are Not Alone | 3.0 |
| Breaking Benjamin Phobia | 3.5 |
| Brian B. Thomas STOPLIGHT | 4.0 |
| Brian Eno Ambient 1: Music For Airports | 4.0 |
| Brian Eno Ambient 4: On Land | 4.5 |
| Brian Eno Thursday Afternoon | 3.5 |
| Brian Eno The Ship | 3.5 |
| Bring Me the Horizon Amo | 4.0 |
The widely polarizing opinions of Amo have been amusing to observe, and one that the band
seems to enjoy (to an extent) as well. Make no mistake, Amo smashes together alternative metal
with sugary pop, edm, traces of their metalcore past and even a dose of nu-metal: blowing it all up in
a cinematic fashion. Elements of Linkin Park, PVRIS, and even 30 STM can all be heard through this.
If reading (some) of these names make you want to gag spare me a few more moments: Amo is
an absolute exhilarating ride. Sure the lyrics are cheesy, but it matches the over-top nature of the
music. The tracks are diverse, layered beautifully, and flow in and out of each other in seamless
fashion that is so 2019 pop-centric yet unique in it's own sense. So I think there is a question of how
you approach listening to Amo. BMTH I believed always had a poppy-core beneath their previous
projects, and on Amo it sounds like their having a hell of a time just embracing every aspect of
who they've always been, while managing to streamline it into a cohesive yet adventurous 50+ minute
experience. Tracks individually might sound a bit generic, but as part of the track flow it has so much
more punch. You can be super surious and call this audio-bile, or loosen up a little and embrace the
multiple flavors, and the cheesy/kooky nature of Amo. |
| Bring Me the Horizon Post Human: Survival Horror | 4.0 |
| Bruno Mars 24K Magic | 4.0 |
| Burial Untrue | 4.0 |
| Burial Kindred | 4.0 |
| Cage (USA-NY) Kill the Architect | 4.0 |
| Cage (USA-NY) Hell's Winter | 4.0 |
| Carly Rae Jepsen Emotion | 3.0 |
| Cat Temper Meow at the Moon | 4.0 |
| Chad Lawson re:piano | 4.0 |
| Chance the Rapper Acid Rap | 3.5 |
| Chance the Rapper Coloring Book | 4.0 |
| Chelsea Wolfe Pain Is Beauty | 4.0 |
| Chelsea Wolfe Abyss | 4.0 |
| Chevelle Wonder What's Next | 4.0 |
| Chevelle This Type Of Thinking (Could Do Us In) | 2.5 |
| 10th grade: The year of exploring the overdone genre of Alternative Metal. I was madly in love with this album because of my fanboyness or whatever. The formula here is simple: crunching guitar power chords with thick bass lines and at times clever drums rhythms over some strong melody lines and abstract yet creative lyrics. The songs here are rather strong and give way too a unique strong guitar attack that Chevelle has manage to built it's name upon. However the album has a major issue with dragging way too much on songs. This unfortunately kills the momentum of the album and makes this majority of the songs set in mediocre. They get things flowing well in the first three songs (The Clincher, Get Some, Vitamin R) it goes down from there however. The album does show the potential with those roaring guitars, and is something that is better focused on Vena Sera. It isn't that terrible but this is certainly a "fans" only or a "IloveeverythingthatisgenericAlternativeMetal" fan (admit to guilt). Otherwise, skip this one and check out Wonder What's Next or Vena Sera to see Chevelle at their best. |
| Chevelle Vena Sera | 4.5 |
| Basically: all that previous potential that you could see in Chevelle's albums finally comes full swing here in Vena Sera. You will never hear an alternative metal trio put in as much heavy crunch like these guys. Easily, their most aggressive and best album to date. |
| Chevelle Live From The Road | 1.5 |
| This is a hideous mess. I mean the band has massively improved since this recording but this exposes the pure amateurishness of their musicianship. Stick the studio releases and anyway you could get better performances of this on youtube. |
| Chevelle Point #1 | 3.0 |
| Chevelle Sci-Fi Crimes | 2.5 |
| Sci-Fi Crimes is.....weird. In one sense, Chevelle tackles on a more raw sound (reminiscent of Point #1), and in another sense it tackles down on the grooves found on Vena Sera. But in the end, Sci-Fi Crimes is nothing more than another Chevelle record. Not to say the album is terrible but the band gets stuck in some really bland moments that drag out on their already outdated sound. However, on a more positive note there are moments of rather weird but interesting brilliance connected between the trio, scattered throughout the tracks. And ultimately Pete Loeffler comes into his own vocally-giving his best performance yet with his incredible emotive vocals that carry out incredibly well. In the end (if your not a fanboy), Sci-Fi Crimes will appeal to you if you are particularly a fan of Pete's vocals and cryptic yet unique lyrics. Otherwise, you'll have to scope through the tracks and pick and choose the tracks you like. So that is Sci-Fi Crimes: some interesting, some bland, Pete's incredible vocals, another Chevelle record. Hopefully something more solid next time (which they are still capable of). |
| Chevelle Hats Off To The Bull | 3.0 |
| Hats Off to the Bull is an improvement from Sci-Fi Crimes. But in slight tragedy this is Chevelle firing all of their cylinders, and 6 albums in the band is starting to tire them out since they've been riding on the same formula since their debut. |
| Chevelle La Gárgola | 4.0 |
With La Gargola Chevelle haven't sounded this properly rejuvenated since Vena
Sera. To be somewhat fair, Sci-Fi Crimes and Hats Off To The Bull aren't
terrible records, but the lack of personality and variation between songs really dragged
down those listening experiences. The songs on La Gargola consist of slight
variations between the songs that allows the record to breathe and flow properly.
Even the worst song on the album "One Ocean" has a more unique atmosphere than most of
the stuff on their previous two albums. Finally! Chevelle sound like they give a damn
again. Finally progressing their sound ever so slightly and putting some urgency in these
performances. |
| Chevelle The North Corridor | 3.0 |
| Chicago Underground Quartet Chicago Underground Quartet | 4.0 |
| Children 18:3 Children 18:3 | 3.5 |
| Chiodos Illuminaudio | 3.5 |
| CHON Grow | 4.0 |
| Chris Cornell Scream | 1.5 |
| Whether your previous skeptic ideas about Cornell working with Timbaland seemed bad, you can't deny that it could be really creative despite the oddness. However, it can be confirmed that after listening to Scream: the oddness outweighs the creative collaboration resulting in an album that's a bit atrocious. Rather than reaching out to each other and mix and matching ideas: both of these artists just smash all their ideas/signature styles to a wall and let them all stick...regardless them working or not. The songs are certainly catchy but Cornell's vocals are pretty much suffocated by Timbaland's signature yet cliché textures and deadpan beats. This results in basically most of the songs dragging in a really awkward fashion. What makes things even more awkward is with the attempt they use to segue from song to song. The ideas there seemed thrown together last minute rather than appropriate or smooth. Chances are that Top 40 nut jobs will embrace this album to add to their collection because of Timbaland's name on it. There will be a good number of us however agreeing with Trent Reznor about this: it's odd, awkward, and all together a uncomfortable listen. |
| Chris Potter Underground Orchestra Imaginary Cities | 4.0 |
| Christopher O'Riley True Love Waits | 4.0 |
| Christopher O'Riley Hold Me To This | 4.0 |
| Chromeo Head Over Heels | 2.5 |
| Circa Survive On Letting Go | 4.0 |
| Circa Survive Blue Sky Noise | 4.0 |
| Circa Survive The Amulet | 4.0 |
| clipping. There Existed an Addiction to Blood | 4.5 |
| clipping. Visions of Bodies Being Burned | 5.0 |
| Cloacal Kiss Easter | 3.5 |
| Cloud Boat Book of Hours | 4.0 |
| Cloud Boat's Book of Hours will probably be a bit unfairly compared to James Blake (and by no means in a bad way). But those vocals soaked in the reverb are eerily similar. Thankfully, the beautiful use of guitar textures and more aerial/ambient qualities gives this album just enough separation to be viewed as a unique and most certainly solid project. |
| cLOUDDEAD cLOUDDEAD | 4.5 |
| Cloudkicker The Map Is Not the Territory | 4.0 |
| Cloudkicker The Discovery | 4.0 |
| Coheed and Cambria From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness | 3.5 |
| Cold War Kids Robbers and Cowards | 4.0 |
| Cold War Kids Loyalty to Loyalty | 3.5 |
| This album is a slow grower, maybe too much of a slow grower for it's own good. Cold War kids LTL makes Cowards & Robbers seem unbearably tame. The guys experiment a lot more with different instruments/styles in this album. At first the album seems overdone with the stomp grits of instruments and Willett's super strecthed vocals. Though overtime the album digested into something quite enjoyable. The album as a whole isnt as charming as Cowards & Robbers, but it certainly is almost just as enjoyable. |
| Cold War Kids Mulberry Street | 3.5 |
| Cold War Kids Behave Yourself | 3.5 |
| Cold War Kids Mine is Yours | 3.5 |
| Cold War Kids throw on some more colorful aesthetics to their black n' white bluesy soul punk sound-making their sound more poppy and polished. Ultimately, Mine Is Yours should not only appeal to old fans, but those who found Cold War Kids too overwhelming with their rather boxed in sound. Here, we see the quartet manage to breakout with their sound without straying their roots. Bravo Men! |
| Coldplay Parachutes | 4.0 |
| Coldplay X&Y | 3.5 |
| Coldplay A Rush of Blood to the Head | 4.5 |
| Coldplay Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends | 4.5 |
| Coldplay Prospekt's March | 4.0 |
| Coldplay Mylo Xyloto | 4.0 |
| Coldplay Ghost Stories | 3.5 |
| Coldplay Music of the Spheres | 3.5 |
| Colleen Les ondes silencieuses | 4.0 |
| Comeback Kid Wake the Dead | 3.5 |
| Comeback Kid Broadcasting | 4.0 |
| Comeback Kid Symptoms + Cures | 3.5 |
| Comeback Kid Die Knowing | 3.5 |
| Comeback Kid Outsider | 3.5 |
| Consider the Thief Signs and Wonders | 3.5 |
| Converge No Heroes | 4.0 |
| People going on complaining how mindless and overtly brutal/dissonant this album is. Well 1. In terms of this being brutal/dissonant-this is Converge, so what are you expecting? 2. Although it be weird to call it a grower, if the listener looked beyond this being some mess they would actually realize the amount of raw beauty Converge has portrayed here. There isn't a band out there that can pour out such an emotional intensive atmosphere like Converge. All 14 tracks here are absolute ace with a killer rhythm section, Kurt's incredible guitar riffage, and Jacob being the awesome madman he's always been. Unless you clearly don't like metalcore/thrash or whatever. No Heroes is worth your time and patience because to be honest, raw beauty never felt so good. |
| Converge Jane Doe | 5.0 |
| Pretty much one of the most aggressive/infuriating records of all time. Where the pinnacle of rawness and beauty collaborate in jaw-dropping phenomenon. From the throat grabbing "Cocubine" to the epic closing title track, this is album is relentless yet consistently at the top of it's game throughout-and doesn't let down for one moment. This much more than metalcore, or punk, or metal or whatever genres you can pinpoint this too. This is a classic, a legacy of aggressive music and shows what aggressive music can be. Ultimately, even if this is in NO WAY your cup of tea/style of music, this is certainly worthy of checking out and getting into because this is one of the best albums of all time. Period. |
| Converge Axe to Fall | 4.5 |
| Converge All We Love We Leave Behind | 4.0 |
| Copeland You Are My Sunshine | 5.0 |
| Copeland finally find their niche of their sound on You Are My Sunshine. There is an incredible amount of hidden depth find in all of the layers of the music and lyrics. And the mix between Aaron Marsh voice and the instruments is nothing short of exceptional. That being said don't expect to *get it* upon first listen: you will have to be patient when listening to You Are My Sunshine-because overtime slowly all the layers will reveal themselves to you-and if it does you might possibly end up being hooked onto this album for a good set period of time. Basically put: contender (if not) the best indie pop record this decade. |
| Copeland Eat, Sleep, Repeat | 4.0 |
| Copeland In Motion | 3.5 |
| Copeland The Grey Man EP | 4.0 |
| If you are a fan of You Are My Sunshine this would well work as an additional collection. |
| Copeland Ixora | 3.5 |
| Maybe it's because I'm no longer trying to be a sullen late teens/early twenties soul. But the melancholy nature of Ixora is something that I don't totally relate to these days. Or maybe it is because I have overplayed You Are My Sunshine to death, becoming a record that probably should be branded on my arm, and any other attempt to out do that record would be foiled. But it is certainly a nice return from a band that has been out for a bit now. There is some nice experimentation brought in as well with the incorporation of some world elements in some of these songs. The final track "In Her Arms...." finishes the album surprisingly strong, with the urgency of the strings and woodwinds recalling some of the glory of YAMS. If you ever been a fan of Copeland or any of their peers back in their 2000s, Ixora is worth a spin or two. |
| Copeland Blushing | 4.5 |
| Copeland Revolving Doors | 3.5 |
A pleasantly nostalgic re-living of some Copeland classics with an orchestra. In a slight surprising twist it is the older
tunes (pre-YAMS) that feel a bit more engaging from an arrangement perspective, as the YAMS and post YAMS
arrangements admittedly don’t feel as distinct from their original arrangements. All of it remains enjoyable, and gives an
idea of how their older albums would’ve sounded if they were released in 2022. Worth a spin for any Copeland fan. |
| Covet technicolor | 4.0 |
| Crosses EP | 3.5 |
| Crosses Crosses | 3.5 |
| Cults Cults | 3.5 |
| Cynic Carbon-Based Anatomy | 4.0 |
| Cynic Kindly Bent to Free Us | 3.5 |
| Daft Punk Random Access Memories | 3.5 |
| Dakota Suite & Emanuele Errante The North Green Down | 4.0 |
| Dalek Abandoned Language | 4.0 |
| Daniel Blomquist measureless oceans of space | 4.0 |
| Danny Brown XXX | 4.5 |
| Mr. Brown's tales of sex, drugs, and violence are pushed to such an extreme it eventually becomes parodic. And what makes XXX truly thrilling is how the whole thing plays out as Danny's downward spiral into insanity, depression, and it's astonishing ending makes XXX and exhilarating ride. |
| Danny Brown Old | 3.5 |
| Danny Brown Atrocity Exhibition | 4.0 |
| Dark New Day Twelve Year Silence | 2.5 |
| This supergroup consist of members from various nu-metal/hard rock bands. The band knows how to write great hooks and catchy choruses, and the musically this band put on a tight performance giving flowing dynamics to each part perfectly. Unfortunately the incredibly lack of diversity takes a major toll on the album. They get things flowing well with the neat chunky breakdown chorus riff in "Taking Me Alive" and the soaring chorus of "Brother" but then goes to an absolute drag for the rest of the album. "That's Enough" mixes things will enough with the neat vocal harmonies and spiraling guitar lead that goes around. But aside from the opening tracks, "That's Enough" and the closing track. The band unfortunately suffers from the lack of variety on their debut album. However, there is a potential for decency if they manage to put a bit more diversity in their sound. |
| Dark Sines The Space Time Paradox | 4.0 |
| Das Racist Shut Up, Dude | 3.5 |
| Das Racist Relax | 3.5 |
| Das Racist Sit Down, Man | 4.0 |
| Daughter If You Leave | 4.0 |
| David Bazan Curse Your Branches | 4.5 |
| David Bazan Strange Negotiations | 3.5 |
| David Bazan revists his sound from Control and starts looking outward rather than in. |
| David Bazan Blanco | 3.5 |
| David Bowie Blackstar | 4.5 |
| Dayseeker Sleeptalk | 4.0 |
| Dayseeker Dark Sun | 4.0 |
| Dead By Sunrise Out of Ashes | 3.0 |
| Dead Poetic Vices | 4.5 |
| If there was one blatant flaw with Dead Poetic's past albums-it was the cookie cutter screaming that was wedged into their songs causing them to crackle a bit. Thankfully, Dead Poetic in a open menatality ditch the screaming (and switch three members) and create Vices-their (debatably) final and best album. rVices actually plays like these songs were from the 90's but there given a new kick (Aaron Sprinkle and his Tooth & Nail super polish). Though things really take of in the song-writing context of the songs. DP stay rooted in a rock sound but they manage to flawlessly write in a variety of styles-and make it all flow together. This is kicked up another notch with Brandon Rike's honest and earnest vocals and poetic (har har) lyrics. All this (and a Chino Moreno guest appearance) make Vices a unique record. It's interestingly shameful that the band disintegrated shortly before it's release cause Vices suggests that the band could have shot into the spotlight more. |
| Dead Poetic New Medicines | 4.0 |
| Deaf Center Low Distance | 4.0 |
| Deas Vail All The Houses Look The Same | 4.0 |
| Deas Vail White Lights | 4.0 |
| Deas Vail Birds & Cages | 3.5 |
| Death Grips Government Plates | 3.5 |
| Traces of DG's past three releases can be found all mixed into Government Plates-all while pushing further into more edgy/absurd territory. Aside from the timing of this release, MC ride who usually is balanced out with his other members, takes more of an elemental part on some of these tracks. AOTY? more time will be needed, but no doubt this is Absurd Of The Year. |
| Death Grips Exmilitary | 4.0 |
| Death Grips The Money Store | 5.0 |
| When Ex-Military came out, Death Grips came in with a unique mix of glitchy hip-hop beats and hardcore punk aggression into a sound that could hardly be categorized into one genre. And shortly a year later we have DG make a true sense of musical progression with The Money Store. Much of the first half of this album will be familiar but with the second half a batch of club bangers come in. And when I say club bangers I mean disgustingly huge raw bass and drum beats that will absolutely tear you a new one. The Money Store sees the trio exploring more dance-y type tracks but still keeping themselves firmly rooted in their agro hip-hop punk sound that right now no one is even close to copying. Death Grips have their own alley of sound and they continue to run with it, and with that, The Money Store should easily be on top of many 2012 lists. |
| Death Grips No Love Deep Web | 4.0 |
| Death Grips The Powers That B - Part I: Niggas on the Moon | 3.5 |
| Death Grips The Powers That B - Part II: Jenny Death | 4.0 |
DG almost sounded like a parodied version of themselves on niggas on the moon, saved thanks to the
creative use of bjork vocals allover the project. Jenny Death meanwhile takes a surprisingly melodic flavor.
Many of these textures guitars are slightly reminiscent of Exmilitary, but expanded as an intergral part to the
band sound, resulting in trashy-art rap rock. I still find myself questioning how serious this really is (i mean how
much darker could these guys get). And now they might not even be done. Whatever, it sure is another
thrilling chapter in the Death Grips discography. However, is this the melodic high they end on, or do they
continue into Death Grips 2.0? |
| Death Grips Bottomless Pit | 3.5 |
| Decahedron Disconnection Imminent | 4.0 |
| Deerhunter Fading Frontier | 3.5 |
| Deftones Around the Fur | 4.0 |
| Deftones Deftones | 3.0 |
| Deftones Saturday Night Wrist | 4.0 |
| This is the Deftones reaching a pinnacle-which holds a thin line between total collapse or a new comeback. Fortunately they follow through with the comeback with Diamond Eyes. But despite all the pain that went through making Saturday Night Wrist-it's interesting to hear all the tension b/w all the songs to the space metal backdrops. Chino vocals sound rather strained here but he uses it to his strength to represent the state of where the band is at the moment. In the end though it all works and shows to be another success from the Deftones. |
| Deftones White Pony | 5.0 |
| Deftones Diamond Eyes | 4.5 |
| Deftones Koi No Yokan | 3.5 |
| Deftones Gore | 4.0 |
| Deltron 3030 Deltron 3030 | 4.5 |
| Demon Hunter Storm the Gates of Hell | 3.5 |
| Depeche Mode Exciter | 4.0 |
| Depeche Mode Violator | 4.0 |
| Dessa A Badly Broken Code | 3.5 |
| Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows D.R.U.G.S. | 2.5 |
| The hype machine that is D.R.U.G.S isn't as grand as your typical Craig Owens fanboy would seem to suggest, nor is it a total abomination. There is truth to that Craig improved his vocals quite well from his Chiodos-days (though some of the lyrics are quite cringe worthy), and Feldman did a good job giving the band a nice catchy poppy post-hardcore sound. With this said, DRUGS debut album actually manages to barely scrap by in beating the run-of-the-mill post-hardcore clones due some odd charm, charisma, and enough musical variety to differentiate the songs. Though in the end it will most likely not change your opinion about the band because of how self-absorbed they function |
| Dirty Loops Loopified | 3.5 |
| Discovery LP | 2.5 |
| Disperse Journey Through The Hidden Gardens | 3.5 |
| Disperse Living Mirrors | 4.0 |
| Disperse Foreword | 4.5 |
| Do Make Say Think You, You're a History in Rust | 4.0 |
| Does It Offend You, Yeah? You Have No Idea... | 3.5 |
| Donny Benet Le Piano | 4.0 |
| DoomThrone Skeleton Veiled in Flesh | 1.0 |
| Doomtree All Hands | 4.0 |
GET UP
LIKE I
NEVER
F*CKING
GOT UP
BEFORE
The production on All Hands provides a potency and fire that finally matches the intensity of arguably the most underrated rap collective in the states. |
| Dr. Dre Compton | 3.0 |
| Draemings The Eternal Lonesome | 3.5 |
| DragonForce Inhuman Rampage | 3.0 |
| Drake Thank Me Later | 3.5 |
| .....I thought this album was up? Guess someoned it. I was thinking that i would hate this album. However Drake works his melodies and beats like a charm despite his lyrics being decent at best (but certainly an improvement from his mixtapes). It's good he got a number of guest spots to help him throughout the album. Drake might live in his post-808 & Heartbreak sound for a while but on Thank Me Later he pulls it of well. |
| Drake So Far Gone | 3.5 |
| As one of Mainstream Hip-Hop's new faces: Drake is not too great of a lyricist....but in some sense you can forgive him for it considering that So Far Gone has some really cool electro-pop backdrops for his sing-rapping. Drake overall seems more chilled here than bounce-y (think 808 & Heartbreak). Though the bounce-y moments come in and are quite catchy. All-in-all a promise mixtape that shows Drake could be game-changing if he could work his lyrics a bit better. Here looking forward to his debut album. |
| Drake Take Care | 4.0 |
| Drake Nothing Was the Same | 3.5 |
| Drake Views | 2.5 |
| Drake Honestly, Nevermind | 3.5 |
First reaction: Yes Drake made a house album but also made his best album in years? By no means the deepest album,
and sometimes it meanders unnecessarily but Drake capitalizes on the chill summer night vibes and rides it with a
singular focus (minus the last track). Maybe the bar has been so low but it?s cool to see Drake switch things up and
actually focus on a consistent sound vs the unfocused nature of his albums from the last decade plus. |
| Drake and Future What a Time to Be Alive | 3.5 |
| Dream Theater Score | 4.0 |
| Dream Theater Train of Thought | 4.0 |
| Dream Theater Octavarium | 3.5 |
| Dream Theater Black Clouds and Silver Linings | 4.0 |
Dream Theater made another album full of their typical epic-ness (and the extra cheese to go with it). However in a returning shock they have made one of their most balanced albums yet that pretty much rules hard. Throughout the 6 epic songs, the album flows cohesively and doesn't bore for a moment. The album shows that while Dream Theater does still run on their old tricks, they still know how to push their sound continuously and remain to be one of the today's best progressive metal bands.
|
| Dream Theater Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory | 4.0 |
| Dream Theater The Astonishing | 2.0 |
| This album would at least be DECENT if they slimmed it to 10-12 tracks. Whatever interesting moments are captured are diluted from the overkill from the piano ballads and generic DT wankery. The Astonishing is Astonishingly bad. |
| Dream Theater Distance Over Time | 3.5 |
| dredg El Cielo | 4.0 |
| Driftless Perfect Blue | 4.0 |
| Dumbsaint Panorama, In Ten Pieces | 4.5 |
| Dumbsaint with Panorama prove that excellent composition and unique production can overcome whatever rstereotypes a genre may otherwise push down on you. Post-rock/metal at it's core, Dumbsaint smartly add a rvariety of prog, ambient, and hardcore music elements into a neat hybrid package. At 55 minutes, every part is rcarefully arranged. Dynamic shifts are especially notable, the soft moments are melancholy and lush, the heavy rmoments are expansive, cut-throat, with terrifying aggression. What is soon to be a score for a film, rPanaroma works remarkably well as a stand-alone experience. Highly recommended if your a post-whatever rfan. |
| Dustin Kensrue This Good Night Is Still Everywhere | 3.0 |
| Dustin Kensrue Please Come Home | 3.5 |
| Dustin Kensrue Carry the Fire | 4.0 |
| Dustin Kensrue approaches Carry The Fire with solid workmanship. Kensrue continues to be a solid lyricist, with much of this album weight in religion, philosophy, and love, all sounding resolute. This is a carefully crafted folk rock album that dabbles with enough musical variation and synth-y flourishes that should be interesting to not only fans Kensrue's previous work, but even fans of Thrice's work post-Beggars/TAI Earth EP. Dustin sounds beautifully aged here, with a confident bluesy rasp that supports what is his most mature outing to date. |
| Dustin Kensrue Desert Dreaming | 4.0 |
| Earl Sweatshirt Sick! | 4.0 |
| Earlyguard Possible World | 4.0 |
| Eddi Front Marina | 4.0 |
| El-P Cancer 4 Cure | 4.0 |
| Elizabeth and The Catapult Taller Children | 4.0 |
| This album has all the great potential to break waves through both the indie and mainstream community. Though this is hardly a sell-out-simply catchy indie pop music that has some very jazzy and folksy twists-which is done incredibly well. Lead singer Elizabeth Ziman comes of as a crossover of Ella Fitzgerald and Feist, whether shes singing in the snarl in the pop opening "Momma's boy" or cutesy innocence on folksy "Race You" or the jazzy swing with the flaring horns on the "Rainiest Day Of Summer": this is seriously looking to be one of the more solid albums of 09. An absolute must have for fans of indie/indie pop. |
| Ellie Goulding Lights | 4.0 |
| Ellie Goulding Halcyon | 4.0 |
| Ellie Goulding Delirium | 2.5 |
Ellie Goulding goes Calvin Harris with her "big pop" album. A few of these tracks are neat: the trap
leanings of "On My Mind", the folksy debut album nostalgia of "Lost And Found", the subtle power of
"Devotion", The stack chords/vocal harmonies of "Army", and even the grand (if slightly cheesy)
"Love Me Like You Do". Aside from those songs, Delirium is unbelievably generic and bloated at
it's 16 track length. This wouldn't be such an issue if most of the songs didn't sound exactly the
goddamn same. A truly disappointing album, especially after the more varied and artistic explorations
of her first two albums. Not even Ellie's cool/cutesy rasp voice can save these songs from being
nothing more than used for a lame ass commercial where Instagram teenagers dance around with
hand held fireworks, pretending their lives are cooler than yours. |
| Eluvium Copia | 3.0 |
| Emery The Question | 4.5 |
| Emery presents The Question: an album that tell of tales of sex, heartbreak, drugs, violence, religion etc. Album stay rather ambiguous with it's variety of vices and struggles till it all ties in together at the mournful ending of "In A Win, Win Situation" where Toby and Devin come to their conclusions about the matter(s). An interesting and compelling listen, and one that is highly recommended. |
| Emery The Weak's End | 3.5 |
| Emery I'm Only A Man | 3.5 |
| Emery While Broken Hearts Prevail | 3.5 |
| Emery The Question Re-Release | 3.5 |
| Emery ...In Shallow Seas We Sail | 3.5 |
| Emery You Were Never Alone | 4.0 |
| Emiliana Torrini Me and Armini | 4.0 |
| Emiliana Torrini Fisherman's Woman | 3.5 |
| Emiliana Torrini Love In the Time of Science | 4.0 |
| Eminem Kamikaze | 3.5 |
| ERAAS ERAAS | 4.0 |
| ERAAS Initiation | 4.0 |
| Eric Whitacre The Complete A Capella Works, 1991-2001 | 5.0 |
| Do you think acapella groups that do covers of TV show themes are cheesy? I do. How about those old fashion acapella choirs that sing for christmas. I think that's lame too. Tbh actually I'm not entirely a fan of accapella though Eric Whitacre's A Capella works in the work of 10 years is quite possibly one of the best albums you will hear. The album kinda sounds like Gregorian chants-but their not and their given a complete twist in the new age music styles/theories. If you like good music then you should check this out-and maybe it's sounds lame but this is something you do not want to miss out on-even if u think A capella is cheesy. |
| Erik Satie Gymnopédies | 4.0 |
| Every Time I Die The Big Dirty | 3.5 |
| Every Time I Die New Junk Aesthetic | 4.0 |
| Every Time I Die Ex Lives | 4.0 |
| Every Time I Die Radical | 4.0 |
| Evol Intent Era of Diversion | 4.5 |
| Explosions in the Sky The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place | 3.5 |
| Extol The Blueprint Dives | 4.5 |
Sometimes, progression can be a ridiculous thing. Despite, it's always healthy for an artist to venture, grow, and expand their sound even if there is a risk in completely flopping the entire art if it's not executed well. Well, on the Blueprint Dives Extol don't precisely care about the risk and pretty much shed their entire death metal sound for a rather challenging yet rewarding experimental prog. metal album. Here, all the musicians excel incredibly bringing their unique influences into the bag. The band manages to bring the off-kilter beats reminiscent of Opeth or Dream Theater and collide it with the atmosphere/vocals of Radiohead & Deftones. The album might come of a bit odd with the amount of experimentation thrown into the album-but on the flip coin that's what makes this album such a unique listen. The band is christian, however the lyrics aren't overtly explicit and can certainly be enjoyed whether you are one or not. It's a shame that the band for the most part is done but they certainly ended their career making not only their best album, but one of the most unique and challenging prog. metal albums ever.
|
| eyesix Limerence | 3.5 |
| Fair The Best Worst-Case Scenario | 3.5 |
| Falling Up Crashings | 3.5 |
| Falling Up Captiva | 4.0 |
| Falling Up Dawn Escapes | 3.0 |
| Falling Up Fangs | 2.5 |
| In terms of a concept-Falling Up surely created something interesting-lyrically speaking. Unfortunately, musically the album is stuck in space-it just floats and doesn't precisely build up to anything-their are a whole bunch of incredible ideas here but are not executed to their potential. |
| Falling Up Falling Up | 4.0 |
| fanso Acid House | 4.0 |
| Far-Less Everyone Is Out to Get Us | 4.5 |
If there is one record that Post-Hardcore fans are missing out on: it's this one. Far-less will take on you an adventure like no other on their album Everyone Is Out To Get Us. It doesn't bend to the status quo in any form. It's random, spastic, badass, and stands entirely on it's own ground. Through the eleven songs Far-less mix up the pot in one of the most ridiculous ways you can ever imagine. The band pushes the envelope musically in a wickedly far manner with it's crashing guitars and pulsating rhythms. Brandon Welch's vocals sit smoothly on top of the chaos and his clever sarcastic "march-to-my-own-beat" lyrics almost fit perfectly with the ridiculous progression of the album. Also major props to Ray Felts (who unfortunately no longer part of the band) for putting on one of the most technical, yet unique drum performances ever. This whole thing probably sounds really fanboyish (as my rating is as well) but no doubt-Everything Is Out To Get Us is nearly a perfect album that functions as it pleases. And from that it remains one of the most unique albums in rock music.
|
| Far-Less A Toast to Bad Taste | 4.0 |
| You know if Far-less decided to make a "Everyone Is Out To Get Us' pt.2 the album would have kicked major butt. Their debut was full of post-hardcore epics that were diverse enough and unique enough to stand on it's own and if they copied it there would be enough diversity to claim it a excellent album. But no, Far-less basically said screw it and made the polished, tight, and radio friendly indie album called A Toast To Bad Taste. This isn't progression people-this is called a switch up. Such a ridiculously switch up that it might take a few listens to get into. In the end though-it's Far-less-and that means awesome music. And despite the more friendly sound Far-less still manage to mix up the pot and and maintain diverse styles through the album. In the end, even if you didn't like this album. You gotta give major credit to Far-less for pretty much making one of the most incredible yin yang of albums (comparing EIOTGU to ATTBT) and pulling it of incredibly well. Where Far-less will take their sound next? Who knows. I'm convinced if they made an R&B record it'll be like the greatest album of it's time. |
| Far-Less Broken Hearts Unite | 3.5 |
| Far-Less Headache | 3.5 |
| In response to their slow painful decay into oblivion and multiple member switches. Far-Less latest (and final) EP shows the band in a more bare-bone form. The songs are more downtempo, oblique, sparse, and Brandon Welch's vocals are exposed in raw exhibition. Due to the nature of this release and band-this release will go by largely silent-and the band won't be missed by many. But for those are still hanging around for whatever reason. This final EP suits and closes/concludes this band's short yet interesting career by tying all their past releases into one package-which strangely also shows a sign of it's completion. |
| Father John Misty I Love You, Honeybear | 4.0 |
| Father John Misty Pure Comedy | 4.0 |
| Feist The Reminder | 4.0 |
| Feist Metals | 3.5 |
| Fireflight Unbreakable | 2.0 |
| Fireflight kicks opens with The Title Track which is quite possibly one of the strongest opening numbers for an album in 2008. The song is in your face and soars in the chorus. The following song You Gave Me A Promise while isn't as strong follows the same format with it's strong urgency. From there though the album just drops into absolute crap. The songs just become bland and pretty much follow up in the same format as the Title Track except pretty much gets stuck in a stale/bland sound till the end. Alt. metal and Christian hobo music lovers should check out the first two songs "Unbreakable" and "You Gave Me A Promise". Otherwise-steer clear of this one. |
| FKA Twigs EP2 | 4.0 |
| These 4 songs pretty much deliver you the best experimental R&B you'll hear this year. |
| FKA Twigs LP1 | 4.0 |
| FKA Twigs Magdalene | 4.0 |
| FKA Twigs Caprisongs | 3.5 |
| Fleet Foxes Helplessness Blues | 4.0 |
| Floating Points Reflections - Mojave Desert | 4.0 |
| Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders & The LSO Promises | 4.0 |
| Florence and the Machine Ceremonials | 4.0 |
| Flying Lotus Los Angeles | 4.0 |
| Flying Lotus Until the Quiet Comes | 3.5 |
| Flying Lotus You're Dead! | 4.0 |
| Flyleaf Flyleaf | 3.5 |
| Foals Total Life Forever | 4.0 |
| Foo Fighters Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace | 3.5 |
| Foo Fighters In Your Honor | 3.5 |
| Foo Fighters Greatest Hits | 3.5 |
| Foo Fighters Wasting Light | 3.5 |
| Foo Fighters Sonic Highways | 3.0 |
| Fort Minor The Rising Tied | 3.5 |
| Four Year Strong Enemy of the World | 4.0 |
| Four Year Strong Brain Pain | 4.0 |
| Foxboro Hot Tubs Stop Drop and Roll!!! | 3.5 |
| Foxing The Albatross | 3.5 |
| Frank Ocean Nostalgia, Ultra. | 3.5 |
| Frank Ocean Blonde | 5.0 |
| Frank Ocean channel ORANGE | 4.0 |
| Freddie Gibbs Pronto | 4.0 |
| Freddie Gibbs Shadow of a Doubt | 3.5 |
| Freddie Gibbs You Only Live 2wice | 3.5 |
| Frederic Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 | 4.0 |
| Frederic Chopin Piano Sonata No. 3, Op. 58 | 4.5 |
| Frederic Chopin Piano Sonata No. 2, Op. 35 | 4.5 |
| Frederic Chopin Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21 | 4.0 |
| Freelance Whales Weathervanes | 4.0 |
| Frodus And We Washed Our Weapons In The Sea | 4.0 |
| From Indian Lakes Wanderer | 3.5 |
| From Indian Lakes Absent Sounds | 4.5 |
| From Indian Lakes Everything Feels Better Now | 4.0 |
On Everything Feels Better Now, FIL submerge themselves into the pure dream pop aesthetic that
was hinted at in Absent Sounds. Any sort of aggression into their sound have been cancelled out
by synth/guitar wash textures reminiscent of many indie darlings (Tycho, Deerhunter, Washed Out).
These synth sounds and purely analog hence it's very rich quality. This sound compliments Joey
Vannucchi beautifully effective hush vocals throughout the album, who recorded every instruments on
this album. An excellent album to accompany your autumn commutes and introspective longings. |
| From Overseas & zakè Demain, d​è​s l​’​aube | 4.0 |
| Frontierer Orange Mathematics | 4.0 |
| Frou Frou Details | 3.5 |
| Frozen Silence Frozen Silence | 3.0 |
| Future of the Left How To Stop Your Brain In An Accident | 4.0 |
| G-Spliff My Melancholic Girls | 4.0 |
| Gabriel Kahane Book of Travelers | 4.0 |
| Gang Colours The Keychain Collection | 3.5 |
| Garfunkel and Oates All Over Your Face | 4.0 |
| Basically a female version of "Flight of the Concords" especially since they now struck a deal with HBO....coincidence? |
| Gates (USA-NJ) Parallel Lives | 4.0 |
| Gates (USA-NJ) Here and Now | 4.0 |
| Gemini Graduation | 4.0 |
| George Van Eps Mellow Guitar | 4.5 |
| Glassjaw Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Silence | 4.0 |
| Glassjaw Worship and Tribute | 4.5 |
| Glassjaw El Mark | 3.5 |
| Glassjaw Our Color Green (The Singles) | 4.5 |
| Glassjaw Coloring Book | 5.0 |
| Glassjaw Material Control | 4.0 |
| Godspeed You! Black Emperor F♯ A♯ ∞ | 4.5 |
| Goldmund Corduroy Road | 4.5 |
| Goldmund The Malady Of Elegance | 4.0 |
| Goldmund Two Point Discrimination | 4.0 |
| Good Old War Only Way To Be Alone | 4.0 |
| Good Old War Good Old War | 3.5 |
| Good Tiger We Will All be Gone | 4.0 |
| Gospel The Moon Is a Dead World | 4.5 |
| Grandbrothers Open | 4.0 |
| Grandbrothers All the Unknown | 4.0 |
| Grandbrothers Late Reflections | 4.0 |
| Grimes Art Angels | 4.0 |
| Grimes Miss Anthropocene | 4.0 |
| Grizzly Bear Yellow House | 4.0 |
| Grizzly Bear Veckatimest | 4.5 |
| Grizzly Bear Horn of Plenty | 3.5 |
| Grouper Dragging a Dead Deer Up a Hill | 3.5 |
| Grouper A I A | 4.0 |
| Grouper Ruins | 4.0 |
| Halsey If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power | 4.0 |
| Hammock Raising Your Voice... Trying to Stop an Echo | 4.5 |
| Hammock Longest Year | 2.5 |
| There is something about Hammock's music that has aerial (or maybe aquatic) embellishment to their incredibly gorgeous sound, which is why it manages to have an incredible staying power vs. other ambient post-rock acts. However, The Longest Year EP seems to be ready for a flight (or a swim) but gets it's feet stuck in the ground. It still sounds incredibly pretty, it just doesn't go anywhere. |
| Hammock Kenotic | 4.0 |
| Hammock Maybe They Will Sing for Us Tomorrow | 4.0 |
| Hammock Chasing After Shadows...Living with the Ghosts | 4.0 |
| Hammock Oblivion Hymns | 3.5 |
| Hammock Departure Songs | 4.0 |
| Hammock Love in the Void | 4.0 |
| Hands Like Houses Dissonants | 3.5 |
| Hands Like Houses -Anon. | 4.0 |
| Anon is unabashed in embracing it's Alternative Metal ethos. I can't help but get pulled back into those late 90's to mid 2000s Alternative Metal records. Sure it sits a bit generic but the catchiness and fun and surprising diversity of this record makes Anon the thrill-seeking "get in your car and drive" fun it aims to be. |
| Hans Zimmer The Lion King | 3.5 |
| Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard The Dark Knight | 4.0 |
| Harnes Kretzer Petrichor | 4.0 |
| Haste the Day When Everything Falls | 3.5 |
| Haste the Day Pressure the Hinges | 3.5 |
| Haste the Day Dreamer | 3.0 |
| Have a Nice Life Deathconsciousness | 4.0 |
| He Is Legend Suck Out the Poison | 4.0 |
| He Is Legend I Am Hollywood | 3.5 |
| He Is Legend 91025 | 3.0 |
| He Is Legend It Hates You | 4.5 |
Incredibly and almost shockingly amazing. HIL have blown all the doors open with It Hates
You. Taking the melodic flavor of I am Hollywood and the grit of Suck Out The Poison and
combining them and stretching their sound even farther into an epic stoner metal sound. All
the musicians here put on an incredible performance. But what really hits the spot here is
the amount of melodic/emotional depth that is shown here with Tanbouz's layered guitar
work/drop G (yes that low) crushing riffs and Croom's intense claustrophobic yet absurd
vocals (and harmonies.....and Bibis Ellison female vocals to add more intensity). The record
is gritty, weird, and oddly beautiful. HIL have really outdone themselves here and have put
them in place for one of the best albums of 09...and if not it's certainly one of the
biggest surprises this year. |
| He Is Legend Heavy Fruit | 4.0 |
| He Is Legend few | 4.0 |
| Heads. PUSH | 4.0 |
| Heathered Pearls Extended Current | 4.0 |
| Heems Nehru Jackets | 4.0 |
| Helios Unomia | 4.0 |
| Helios Moiety | 3.5 |
| Helios Eingya | 3.5 |
| Helios Caesura | 4.0 |
| Helios Unleft | 4.0 |
| Hidden Orchestra Night Walks | 4.0 |
| Holding Absence The Greatest Mistake of My Life | 4.0 |
| Holy Fawn Death Spells | 4.0 |
| Honey Harper Starmaker | 4.0 |
| Hoobastank Hoobastank | 2.5 |
| Hoobastank The Reason | 3.5 |
| Hoobastank Every Man for Himself | 3.0 |
| Hotel Neon HOTEL NEON | 4.0 |
| A simple yet compelling ambient drone album that brings a strong dose of melancholy in it's serene atmosphere. |
| Hotel Neon Hotel Neon 10: Reworks | 4.0 |
| Hotel Neon All is Memory | 4.0 |
| Hotel Neon Moments | 4.0 |
| How to Destroy Angels How To Destroy Angels | 3.5 |
| There was and has been a lot of negative commentary and whining via NIN fans about Trent's "new musical direction" he has taken from putting NIN in hiatus. Most of these people are actually really dumb because HTDA is literally the latter day sound of NIN combined with the sensual sinister female vocals of Mariqueen Maandig Reznor (whose vocal approach is just like idk um...her husband?). So unless you absolutely detest her vocals (which is absurd if you did). HTDA is a great continuation from NIN that has a few hiccups (mostly lyrical) but is a promising-enjoyable EP from the new Reznor couple/Ross. |
| How to Destroy Angels An Omen | 4.0 |
| Pushing further in the abstract and obscure, HTDA finds a very interesting array of textures with An Omen. Finding a creepy atmospheric medium that is strangely tense and relaxing at the same time. HTDA seem content with looming in the meditative zone that prevents songs from really exploding. But instead of this backfiring, this really works well for the most part of the EP. This may not be love at first listen, but a few listens with the EP will show itself in it's rich electronic textures and production. Recommended. |
| How to Destroy Angels Welcome Oblivion | 4.0 |
| How to Dress Well Love Remains | 4.0 |
| Howard Shore The Fellowship of the Ring | 4.0 |
| Howard Shore The Return of the King | 4.0 |
| Howard Shore The Two Towers | 4.0 |
| Hurtwave Night Therapy I | 4.0 |
| I Am Robot and Proud Grace Days | 4.0 |
| Liem goes at it again with another collection of soft IDM goodies. There isn't much of a change here but a nice addition to Liem soft lush electronic numbers. "Friction On Teeth" is probably one of the cutest songs ever with it's blep-blip-bloop synths that slowly build into a nice ambience. All in all, another grand collection from Liem's solo work. |
| I Am Robot and Proud The Catch/Spring Summer Autumn Winter | 4.0 |
| I Am Robot and Proud The Electricity in Your House Wants to Sing | 4.5 |
| I Am Robot and Proud Uphill City | 4.0 |
| I Am Robot and Proud Touch/Tone | 3.5 |
| iamamiwhoami Kin | 4.0 |
| Idlefon Intensive Collectivity Known As City | 4.0 |
| Igor Stravinsky L'Oiseau de feu | 5.0 |
| Imogen Heap Speak For Yourself | 5.0 |
| Imogen Heap Ellipse | 4.0 |
| Imogen Heap returns from a four year gap with Ellipse. In which Imogen takes on a more minimal/subtle and slight darker approach to her electronic-pop pieces. Aside from that, it's pretty much the same experimentation of Imogen using a large array of sound and instruments and making it all flow smooth. Although the album isn't as exciting as Speak For Yourself, the album has its merits in being much more relaxed and soothing. And shows that ultimately Imogen remains one of the most creative and best pop singers out there today. |
| Imogen Heap Sparks | 3.5 |
| In Pieces Lions Write History | 4.0 |
| In This Moment The Dream | 3.5 |
| Incubus (USA-CA) Light Grenades | 4.0 |
| Incubus (USA-CA) A Crow Left of the Murder... | 4.5 |
| Incubus (USA-CA) Morning View | 4.0 |
| Incubus (USA-CA) If Not Now, When? | 3.0 |
| Innerpartysystem Innerpartysystem | 4.5 |
Here we are years later and Innerpartysystem's S/T record while incredibly under-the-radar, sounds
radiant as ever. Don't Stop never felt more like an actual anthem in our current media circus that you
see on TV. |
| Innerpartysystem The Download EP | 3.5 |
| Innerpartysystem Never Be Content | 4.0 |
| Isaiah Rashad The Sun's Tirade | 4.0 |
| Isaiah Rashad Cilvia Demo | 4.0 |
| ISIS Panopticon | 4.0 |
| Islands Return To The Sea | 4.0 |
| Ivoryline There Came A Lion | 2.5 |
| J Dilla The Shining | 4.0 |
| J Dilla Ruff Draft | 4.0 |
| Jaimie Branch Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die ((world war)) | 4.0 |
| Jake Bowen Isometric | 4.0 |
| James Blake Enough Thunder | 3.5 |
| James Blake James Blake | 4.0 |
| James Blake Overgrown | 4.0 |
| James Blake The Colour in Anything | 3.5 |
| James Maloney Gaslight | 4.0 |
| Jamie's Elsewhere They Said a Storm Was Coming | 2.5 |
| Janelle Monae The ArchAndroid | 4.5 |
| The ArchAndroid is probably one of the most ADD-ridden album I have ever heard. Janelle Monae covers a melting pot of styles throughout the 18 track madhouse. What will intrigued you is how she actually manages to pull the damn thing of with her vocal versatility and strength. This of course ultimately contributes to her success on the album. In conclusion good luck trying to find a better more daring pop album in 2010: The ArchAndroid is basically the Pop Album Of The Year. |
| Janelle Monae The Electric Lady | 4.0 |
| Janelle Monae Dirty Computer | 4.0 |
| Jason van Wyk Opacity | 4.5 |
| Jason van Wyk Descendants | 4.0 |
| Javier Santiago Phoenix | 4.0 |
| Jay-Z American Gangster | 4.0 |
| Jeff Bridges Sleeping Tapes | 4.0 |
| Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez Avenue Q | 3.5 |
| Jefferson Friedman / Craig Wedren / ACME On In Love | 4.5 |
| Jeremy Camp Stay | 2.0 |
| Jessie Ware What's Your Pleasure? | 4.5 |
| Jessy Lanza Oh No | 4.0 |
| Jimmy Eat World Futures | 5.0 |
| JMSN Priscilla | 3.5 |
The first thing you'll notice about JMSN AKA Christian Berishaj's new project is that it sounds pretty damn similar to The Weeknd with it's spaced out R&B sound (plus the use of strings and sax if you've noticed). However, within a few listen you'll notice that JMSN lyrical content portrays stories about love (and lack there of) that are relatable on an everyday level. Admittedly, they are pretty cookie-cutter but vs. The Weeknd's sexual indulgence/drug infested world that digs into depression, it's nice to hear something a good bit more level headed. JMSN vocals also are pretty spot on-sounding with him bringing out his inner Justin Timberlake at times.
For some, Priscilla may a bit heavy with it's 16 slow jams. But it continues to bring excitement to a genre that once was commercially stale, and ultimately JMSN more relatable lyrical content is something satisfying-being able to listen more with heart and less out of a lens or a perspective. |
| Joe Satriani What Happens Next | 3.5 |
| Joe Vann Found in the Smoke | 4.0 |
| Johann Sebastian Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major, BWV 1048 | 4.0 |
| Johann Sebastian Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 in F major, BWV 1046 | 4.0 |
| John Mayer Continuum | 4.5 |
| John Mayer Battle Studies | 3.5 |
| Battles Studies is John Mayer being John Mayer. Songwriting he does stay in his own skin but he does throw around some slight experimentation with different guitar tones and subtle recording ambiences. It's easy to call this passable especially since after such a grand album such as Continuum-but Battle Studies deserves a few listens to grow so you can pick out the little details-and ultimately it stands as another solid album from mainstream music best new bluesman. |
| John Mayer Heavier Things | 4.0 |
| John Williams Minority Report | 4.0 |
| John Williams Schindler's List | 4.0 |
| Jolly The Audio Guide to Happiness (Part 1) | 3.5 |
| Jolly The Audio Guide to Happiness (Part 2) | 4.0 |
| I love Jolly. Jolly loves me, they really do. I feel loved! |
| Jon Benjamin Well I Should Have... (Learned How To Play Piano) | 4.0 |
| Jon Hopkins Immunity | 4.0 |
| Jon Hopkins Singularity | 4.0 |
| Jonezetta Popularity | 3.5 |
| Jonsi Go | 4.0 |
| Josh Groban Josh Groban | 3.5 |
| JPEGMAFIA Veteran | 4.0 |
| juche juche | 4.0 |
| Julia Kent Character | 4.0 |
| Justice †| 4.0 |
| Justin Timberlake The 20/20 Experience | 4.0 |
| Kacey Musgraves Golden Hour | 4.5 |
| Kacey Musgraves Pageant Material | 4.0 |
| Kae Tempest The Line Is A Curve | 4.0 |
| Kanye West Graduation | 3.5 |
| Kanye West Late Registration | 4.0 |
| Kanye West The College Dropout | 4.5 |
| Kanye West 808s and Heartbreak | 4.0 |
| Kanye West My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy | 4.0 |
| Kanye West Yeezus | 3.0 |
| Kanye West The Life of Pablo | 2.0 |
| Kanye West ye | 3.0 |
| Kanye West Jesus Is King | 3.5 |
| With Kanye re-embracing/re-purposing his own ego through the concept of Jesus. Kanye makes his most focused colorful, inspired, concise, and life-affirming project since MBDTF. |
| Karnivool Asymmetry | 4.5 |
| Kate Havnevik Melankton | 3.5 |
| Kate Micucci E.P Phone Home | 3.0 |
| Kate Micucci Songs EP | 3.0 |
| Kauan Kaiho | 4.0 |
| Kausemus Pinta | 4.0 |
| Kausemus No I | 4.0 |
| Kele The Boxer | 3.0 |
| Kelsea Ballerini Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good) | 4.5 |
| KEN mode Success | 4.0 |
| Kendrick Lamar Section.80 | 4.0 |
| Kendrick Lamar good kid, m.A.A.d city | 4.5 |
| Kendrick Lamar To Pimp a Butterfly | 5.0 |
| Kendrick Lamar untitled unmastered. | 4.0 |
| Kendrick Lamar DAMN. | 4.0 |
| Kendrick Lamar Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers | 4.5 |
| Kero Kero Bonito Bonito Generation | 4.0 |
| Kevin Federline Playing with Fire | 1.0 |
| Kiasmos Kiasmos | 4.0 |
| Kid Cudi A Kid Named Cudi | 3.5 |
| Kid Cudi Man on the Moon: The End of Day | 3.5 |
| Kid Cudi Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager | 4.0 |
| Kidcrash Jokes | 4.0 |
| Kids See Ghosts Kids See Ghosts | 4.0 |
| Killer Mike R.A.P. Music | 4.0 |
| Killswitch Engage As Daylight Dies | 3.5 |
| Kronos Quartet Aheym | 4.0 |
| Kutless Sea of Faces | 2.5 |
| Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Nandacollection | 4.0 |
| Cynics be damned, this is an excellent J-pop record. Kyary's cutesy pop vocals are solid but what makes them truly shine is Yasutaka Nakata production that matches Kyary's hyperactive quirky vocals. |
| La Dispute Wildlife | 4.0 |
| Lacuna Coil Karmacode | 3.5 |
| Lacuna Coil Shallow Life | 3.0 |
| Lady Gaga The Fame Monster | 3.5 |
| Ms. Gaga-with all her intent found in her wacky and unique fashion sense barely reflect her pop songs-which are largely inoffensive. Solid, yet inoffensive. |
| Lady Sovereign Public Warning | 4.0 |
| Lauryn Hill The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill | 4.5 |
| LCD Soundsystem American Dream | 3.5 |
| Leandro Fresco & Rafael Anton Irisarri La Equidistancia | 4.0 |
| Les Doux Dialects | 3.5 |
| Less Art Strangled Light | 4.0 |
| letlive. Fake History | 3.5 |
| Library Tapes Sketches | 3.5 |
| Life in Your Way Waking Giants | 3.5 |
| Lights Lights | 3.5 |
| Lights The Listening | 3.5 |
| All in all: Lights makes a solid electronic-pop in it's simplest form. |
| Lights Acoustic | 3.5 |
| Lights Siberia | 3.5 |
| Lights Out Asia Eyes Like Brontide | 4.0 |
| Lights Out Asia Tanks And Recognizers | 4.0 |
| Lights Out Asia In The Days Of Jupiter | 4.0 |
| Linkin Park Meteora | 4.0 |
| Linkin Park Reanimation | 4.0 |
LP explores the outer regions of their style (industrial, electronica, hip-hop) in more concrete and
partly abstract remixes, and the results largely pay off. Proving further than LP does best when they
go off the beaten path. |
| Linkin Park Hybrid Theory | 3.5 |
| Linkin Park Minutes to Midnight | 4.0 |
| Linkin Park Hybrid Theory EP | 2.5 |
| Linkin Park A Thousand Suns | 5.0 |
| First they ditch nu metal, now Linkin Park ditch the *single* formula: finally creating an album that embraces their experimentation in a full blown course. Old school fans will proclaim this the death of LP, and haters are gonna hate. But for those who are willing to explore A Thousand Suns openly will find an album that capitalizes on their eccentricities-which in return compliments what they've been capable of all along. |
| Linkin Park Living Things | 4.0 |
| After the epic, bombastic, and daring A Thousand Suns, LP takes the sounds found on rthat album and tread back to their pop song format from their early days with Living rThings. What happens here is that while most of these songs are filled with wildly rinteresting sounds and sonic explorations, the pop formatting formula make these songs held rback on their potential. Not saying that Living Things is a bad release: it's not. But it rtruthfully could have been much more interesting, especially after the absurd artistic rfreedom that A Thousand Suns basked in, showing the band's true potential.r3.3/5 |
| Linkin Park Recharged | 2.0 |
With Recharged, Linkin Park take their slightly-above-decent release of Living
Things and turn most of these songs into derivative EDM and dubstep styles that don't
bring anything new to the table, or do anything remotely interesting. You would think after
the fluid and artistically rich remixes of Reanimation they could think of something
more creative. This is rather surprisingly boring release from a band that actually has
maintained a level of progression in their sound despite their sometimes obvious mainstream
push. Recharged doesn't sound like what the title suggests, instead it's depleted on
creative ideas, boring in it's predictability, and a bit too lifeless. |
| Linkin Park The Hunting Party | 4.0 |
| After the slightly lackluster Living Things and the disappointing remix album Recharged LP come back swinging with The Hunting Party. Like A Thousand Suns, LP takes a somewhat surprising left turn here churning out some of their heaviest material since their Hybrid Theory/Meteora days. What is surprising is how hungry these men sound for exploring 15+ years into their career. Ultimately a statement to being able to remain relevant as one of mainstream rock's elites. |
| Linkin Park One More Light | 4.0 |
Linkin Park's final album/Chester Bennington's Suicide Note.
Of course it would have that pop grandiose feel.
RIP. |
| Little Big Town Nightfall | 3.5 |
| Little Simz Grey Area | 4.0 |
| Little Simz Sometimes I Might Be Introvert | 4.0 |
| Little Tybee For Distant Viewing | 4.0 |
| Little Tybee Little Tybee | 4.0 |
| Local Natives Hummingbird | 4.0 |
| Loma Prieta I.V. | 4.0 |
| Lorde Pure Heroine | 3.5 |
| Lorde Melodrama | 4.0 |
| Loscil Submers | 4.0 |
| Submers theme is derived from the album title itself: A collection of natural flowing ambient pieces that reflect the essence of being in a submarine. |
| Loscil Clara | 4.5 |
| Loscil Equivalents | 4.0 |
| Lotus Plaza Spooky Action At A Distance | 4.0 |
| Love and Death Between Here And Lost | 3.0 |
| Lovedrug Pretend You're Alive | 3.5 |
| Slow-burning bitterness = Pretend That You're Alive |
| Low Double Negative | 4.5 |
| Low Hey What | 4.0 |
| Ludwig van Beethoven "Pathétique" Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 | 4.5 |
| Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 5 in C minor, Op. 10, No. 1 | 4.0 |
| Lukeing Forward Wandering In Urban Fog | 3.5 |
| Lupe Fiasco The Cool | 4.0 |
| Lupe Fiasco Food & Liquor | 4.0 |
| Lupe Fiasco Lasers | 2.5 |
| Lasers in a really odd way is an interesting record. Which shows a defined example of a label takeover on an artist's album. God knows what Atlantic was thinking when trying to "dumb down" the samples to a pop formula for one of mainstream wordiest MC's. The overriding problem is how "unnatural" this album is. And despite Lupe's clear talent shown in the verses it's almost aggravating to listen to with the stupid pop choruses that plague some of these songs. Still some of these songs are pretty great (Letting Go, Words I Never Said, All Black Everything). In the end, the strangest thing about Lasers is how Lupe sounds like a guest on his own album. |
| Lupe Fiasco Food & Liquor 2: The Great American Rap Album Pt.1 | 3.5 |
| Before I rant it should be stated that Lupe has always been a solid lyricist. Whether you agree with the guy or not his flow is impeccable and one of the more complex lyricist of mainstream hip-hop. That aside, if this album was released after the ambitious The Cool. everyone would be crapping on this. But because this comes after the radio-friendly sh*tstorm that was Lasers, it would make you believe that Lupe's F&L2 is the true return to glory of his debut. Unfortunately, a very clunky middle section and watered down production still holds Lupe back from his excellent first two records. Next album will probably go one of two ways-he progresses upward to better sounds, or remains stagnant production wise chasing the former glory he once lived in. |
| Lupe Fiasco Drill Music in Zion | 4.0 |
| Lupe Fiasco DROGAS Wave | 4.0 |
| Lushlife Plateau Vision | 4.0 |
| Lushlife Ritualize | 3.5 |
| Lusine A Certain Distance | 4.0 |
| Lustmord [ O T H E R ] | 4.0 |
| Lydia Illuminate | 4.5 |
| Yea i'll admit....I only like this album because it sounds absurdly similar to Copeland. But Lydia manages to make their own sound out with Illuminate. The songs have a nice grand waltz-like feeling with it's cinematic guitars, swaying pianos, and big grand drums-and with the quiet guy/girl duo vocals on top. They manage to make a winning sound despite some songs sounding the same.rIf they continue in this direction they probably won't shake the Copeland similarities. But quite frankly, I won't complain cause Lydia still makes it work-and Illuminate is the proof of this |
| Lydia Assailants | 3.5 |
| Assailants sorely lacks flow and feels cut too short. However, it's a worthy addition to have if you are a fan of Illuminate. |
| Lydia Paint it Golden | 3.5 |
It's pretty ridiculous that this album released so quickly. Forget that Assailants was released a little over a year ago. Leighton's side project with producer Matt Malpass The Cinema just released an LP three weeks prior to this. And while the songs still float and delicately build up and down in typical Lydia fashion, it's apparent The Cinema sessions have influence this newer more feel good/optimistic and upbeat sound found on Paint It Golden.
Since Lydia's return was partly influence from the cult status it built itself with kids tattooing Illuminate lyrics on their skin, Paint It Golden will hold that same appeal to many of those fans: it may not win new fans but with two LP releases within 3 weeks it's a great time to be a Leighton/Lydia fan. |
| M.I.A. Kala | 4.5 |
| MIA Kala brands a weird indie hipster style that mixes world culture music and samples with hazy electro beats and synths. It'll be a miss for some but if you can understand MIA's oddball artsy music slabs you will be in for a treat with Kala in which if it doesn't make you party-it'll intrigued you with the serious and political charged lyrical depth that would seem to counterfeit the music but it does the exact opposite. |
| M.I.A. Arular | 4.0 |
| M.I.A. Maya | 4.0 |
| It'll take a few listens and some open-mindness to take on the clusterf*ck known as MAYA by M.I.A. And if you do you'll be engulfed in her "digital ruckus" for forty-two minutes and you will love (or almost love) every minute of it. |
| M.I.A. VICKI LEEKX | 3.5 |
| M.I.A. Matangi | 4.0 |
| M.I.A. AIM | 1.5 |
| M83 Hurry Up, We're Dreaming | 4.5 |
| M83 Junk | 4.0 |
| Mac Miller Circles | 4.0 |
| Made In Heights APORIA: IN THESE STREETS | 4.0 |
| Madvillain Madvillainy | 5.0 |
| Mae The Everglow | 5.0 |
The Everglow is so choked up in emotions that there should be something in you that moves from
the sheer heart it's body pours out. Cleverly played in a story format, the record carries you through a
15 track powerhouse that tell of different tales of love, loss, rejuvenation, and connection. From the
opening piano ballad of 'We're So Far Away' to the explosiveness of 'Painless' and the intense
climatic buildup of 'Breakdown', Mae has the musical chops to back up the very intricate and
compelling album. Highly recommended. |
| Mae Singularity | 4.0 |
| Mae Destination: Beautiful | 3.0 |
| Mae (m)orning | 3.5 |
| Mae (a)fternoon | 3.0 |
| So Mae continue to expand on their newfound experimental tendencies from the (m)orning EP into the (a)fternoon EP. The initial listening might come of as a shock cause this is probably one of their most drastic (although subtle) changes on their sound. The aesthetics and cinematic sound that they usually surround themselves with is stripped down here for a much more intimate sound. Overall, this is a much more mature and laid back Mae-so while it isn't as grand as The Everglow or even Singularity-it's certainly fun to see them try new things cause in the end they still manage to release a solid collection of experimental pop rock songs. Unfortunately what really nearly kills this is the filler opening and closing tracks that really stumble awkwardly in and out of the album |
| Mae (e)vening | 3.5 |
| Majical Cloudz Impersonator | 4.0 |
| Marielle V. Jakobsons Star Core | 4.0 |
| Markus Guentner Empire | 4.0 |
| Maroon 5 It Won't Be Soon Before Long | 4.0 |
| Martin Stig Andersen Limbo (Original Videogame Soundtrack) | 4.0 |
| Massive Attack 100th Window | 4.5 |
| Massive Attack Mezzanine | 5.0 |
| Mastodon Leviathan | 4.0 |
| Matter Teraphim | 3.5 |
| As everyone else has said, Matter's Teraphim revels in the tricks the many post-hardcore greats did back in the 2000's. So the sound might feel a tad bit outdated, but my God these guys have urgency and heart. That with the crisp production make Teraphim alone worth a spin or two. |
| Matthew Collings Splintered Instruments | 4.0 |
| Max Richter From Sleep | 4.0 |
| Meiko Meiko | 4.0 |
| Memphis May Fire The Hollow | 3.5 |
| MMF: finally a band that uses these synthcore breakdowns without sounding horrible....songs make lack diversity but it's made up for solid musicianship, catchy choruses, and solid song structures. |
| Merkabah (PL) Moloch | 3.5 |
| Meshuggah obZen | 4.0 |
| If I ever end up being damned to hell for sinning too much I wouldn't be surprised if obZen by Meshuggah would be the hell's theme. In fact when I burn in eternal torment it'll still be a slight task at hand not to head bang. |
| Meshuggah Chaosphere | 4.0 |
| Metro Station Metro Station | 1.5 |
Is it catchy? some songs yes. But that's as far as any music listener will go for to enjoying this garbage. The basis of the problem with this album (as stated countless times) is how the album functions more like a "product" than actual "art." These vocalists try too hard to sound as cool as they can with those god awful whisper-me-sex vocals. And because of this just about all the songs fall flat on their face. Also note to the complete contradicting lyrics ("Seventeen Forever", "Wish Were Older.")
The album does have it's decent moments. The chorus to Seventeen Forever is quite catchy, same as Control. "Shake It" is probably the best one here with fun get-go dance groove. However most of the lyrics are plagued with being so amateurish and at times lol bad funny. Of course the Cyrus lovers (im being way too nice using that term) would slobber allover this album. As for the rest of us......will just keeping cringing (and laughing).
Tbh this album makes Katy Perry look elite. |
| Mew Frengers | 4.0 |
| mewithoutYou Catch For Us the Foxes | 5.0 |
| mewithoutYou Brother, Sister | 5.0 |
| mewithoutYou A to B: Life | 4.0 |
| Aaron Weiss was once an angry man, frustrated by what would seem to be a dysfunctional relationship. Taking cues from the likes of At The Drive-In and Drive Like Jehu: AB Life is one heck of a raw listen that certainly will take a few listens to get into (basically like any other mWy album). However, once settled the album grows on you and becomes nothing short of brilliance with the dark raw musicianship which directly correlates to Aaron's intense passionate lyrics. |
| mewithoutYou I Never Said That I Was Brave | 3.5 |
| mewithoutYou It's All Crazy! It's All False! It's All A Dream! It's Alright! | 4.0 |
| Aaron Weiss is a happy man now, and his music tells you should be too. Who cares if they sound like jesus campfire songs-it still retains the eccentric glory of their sound-and you should all cave into it's glory. |
| mewithoutYou Ten Stories | 4.0 |
| Michael Manring Small Moments | 4.0 |
| Mick Jenkins The Water[s] | 4.0 |
| The next Chicago star that is about to breakout thanks to this highly unique water-based chilled mixtape. |
| Microwave Much Love | 3.5 |
| Microwave Death is a Warm Blanket | 4.0 |
| Migos Culture | 2.5 |
| Mike Shinoda Post Traumatic EP | 4.0 |
| Clocking under 10 minutes, Post Traumatic isn't really the overtly scrutinized work that Shinoda's previous work (Of LP or FM) has been, this is a broken man spilling his guts out over the loss of a best friend. Although unpolished, this showcases (unsurprisingly) some of Shinoda's most vulnerable performances to date. Critiquing this EP is sort of odd because it is clearly written as a means of therapy for Shinoda, thus recording it allows us it share in that grief, and in that aspect: Post Traumatic delivers in a heartbreaking beautiful way. This is a man dealing with an incredible loss and feeling every motion of numbness and pain, and taking the first steps into seeking solace and hope admist an indescribably dark situation. And although it is painful, I am glad I get to experience these steps with him. |
| Mike Shinoda Post Traumatic | 4.0 |
| Miles Davis Kind of Blue | 4.5 |
| Millionaires Bling Bling Bling! | 1.0 |
| Milo So The Flies Don't Come | 4.0 |
| MisterWives Connect the Dots | 2.0 |
| MNDR E.P.E. | 3.5 |
| Modeselektor Hello Mom! | 3.5 |
| Mono Hymn to the Immortal Wind | 4.0 |
| Monuments (UK) The Amanuensis | 4.0 |
| Moodie Black The Responsive Chord | 3.5 |
| Moodie Black Sana Sana | 3.5 |
| Moses Sumney Aromanticism | 4.0 |
| Motherjane III | 4.0 |
| Mothers When You Walk A Long Distance You Are Tired | 3.5 |
| Mount Kimbie Cold Spring Fault Less Youth | 3.5 |
| Mount Shrine Shortwave Ruins | 4.0 |
| Movements Feel Something | 4.0 |
| Movements No Good Left to Give | 4.5 |
| Moving Mountains Waves | 3.5 |
| Moving Mountains Pneuma | 3.5 |
| Moving Mountains Moving Mountains | 3.5 |
| Mr. Muthafuckin eXquire Kismet | 4.0 |
Exquire's best project to date. From LOTR sampled "Illest N*ggaz Breathin", the clusterf*ck
beat of "Tomorrow's Gone", and the dark jazz piano of "Chains". Exquire's voice and wordplay
shine immensely trough the hazy spaced out production on this album. One of the best NY Hip-
hop mixtapes you'll hear this year.
I WOKE UP THIS MORN. FEELIN LIKE THAT N*GGA. |
| Murcof Remembranza | 4.0 |
| Murcof Cosmos | 3.5 |
| Murcof Martes | 4.0 |
| Murcof Utopia | 4.0 |
| Dim the lights, get comfortable, and let the creepy sparse beauty take you in. |
| Murcof The Alias Sessions | 4.0 |
| Muse Black Holes & Revelations | 4.0 |
| Musiq Soulchild Juslisen | 4.0 |
| Mutemath Mutemath | 5.0 |
| Mutemath Reset | 4.0 |
| Mutemath Spotlight | 3.5 |
| Mutemath Armistice | 4.0 |
| On MuteMath (no longer Mute Math but whatever) Armistice's, you can feel the blood, sweat, and tears poured into making these songs. They pushed the experimental boundaries on this album without it coming of out of place. The musicians here have stepped up their game even more higher. There is a larger experimentation with electronics, soundscapes, strings, brass, and even handclaps to the point that the debut album feels like childplay. Of course that kind of expansion isn't really anything new either but MuteMath really give an incredible attention to every detail and note. Not one note or detail goes without careful attention. But because of all this depth added to their already developed sound: it'll take a few listens for Armistice to click. But once it does previous fans and even haters of the band's previous work will find the album to be a joyride. Because not only have MuteMath truly outdone themselves here but also they have set a new level for Indie/Experimental rock and are well into making a legacy with their already excellent career. |
| Mutemath Odd Soul | 4.5 |
| Mutemath Play Dead | 4.0 |
| Mutemath Vitals | 3.5 |
| Mutoid Man Bleeder | 4.0 |
| My Bloody Valentine Loveless | 4.0 |
| My Epic I Am Undone | 3.0 |
| Nails Abandon All Life | 4.0 |
| Nas Untitled | 4.0 |
| Nas Illmatic | 4.0 |
| Nas STILLmatic | 4.0 |
| Near The Parenthesis Music for the Forest Concourse | 4.0 |
| Near The Parenthesis Japanese For Beginners | 4.0 |
| The longing for the warmth of spring's love, the chill of autumn rain when you're alone. |
| Neon Horse Neon Horse | 3.5 |
| Neurosis The Eye of Every Storm | 4.0 |
| Neutral Milk Hotel In the Aeroplane Over the Sea | 5.0 |
| New Order Get Ready | 4.0 |
| Nick Drake Pink Moon | 5.0 |
| Night Verses From the Gallery of Sleep | 4.0 |
| Nils Frahm Screws | 3.5 |
| Nils Frahm Empty | 4.0 |
| Nine Inch Nails The Downward Spiral | 4.5 |
| Nine Inch Nails Year Zero | 4.5 |
| Nine Inch Nails Ghosts I-IV | 4.0 |
| Nine Inch Nails The Slip | 4.0 |
| Nine Inch Nails Still | 4.5 |
| Nine Inch Nails Hesitation Marks | 3.5 |
| Nine Inch Nails Bad Witch | 4.0 |
| Nirvana In Utero | 4.5 |
| NNNNN Plates | 4.0 |
| Noname Telefone | 4.0 |
| Norma Jean Redeemer | 3.5 |
| Norma Jean Bless the Martyr and Kiss the Child | 4.0 |
| Norma Jean Polar Similar | 5.0 |
| I HOPE YOUR BURN, I'LL BE THE KING OF THE ASHESrOn Polar Similar, Norma Jean somehow builds up their sound even more from Wrongdoers. rThe huge guitars are giving a more detuned, sludgy feel that is equivalent of crushing mountains. The rinstrumentals here in sound quality and scope are all excellent but it's Cory's Brandon vocals rthat have hit a peak of vocal versatility that perfectly captures and matches the music, raging from the rvocally dynamic screaming to the guttural bellowing scratchy singing. As stated by several, Norma rJean have become the rare band that somehow is still releasing their best music. And at album rnumber #7: The Polar Similar is Norma Jean's best album and could potentially be their magnum ropus. |
| Norma Jean Wrongdoers | 4.0 |
| Norma Jean All Hail | 4.0 |
| Norma Jean Deathrattle Sing for Me | 4.0 |
| NSYNC No Strings Attached | 3.5 |
| Number One Gun The North Pole Project | 3.5 |
| Number One Gun To Secrets And Knowledge | 3.0 |
| O'Brother Garden Window | 4.0 |
| O'Brother Endless Light | 4.0 |
| Observatories Flowers Bloom, Butterflies Come | 4.0 |
| Oceana Birth.Eater | 3.5 |
| Oceansize Frames | 4.5 |
| Ocoeur Light as a Feather | 4.0 |
| If i had to describe Light as a Feather with one word-it would be versatility. Here electronic musician Ocoeur (Frack Zaragoza) switches up between a variety of electronic music styles including downtempo, IDM, ambient/drone, and even slight dubstep elements. Recommended listening for solid 2013 electronica. |
| Ocoeur A Parallel Life | 4.0 |
| Odonis Odonis Hollandaze | 4.0 |
| Of Machines As If Everything Was Held In Place | 2.5 |
| Of Monsters and Men My Head is an Animal | 3.5 |
| Of Monsters and Men sound a bit too similar to your other favorite anthemic folk rock group, but they pack in too much heart to be ignored. |
| Olafur Arnalds For Now I Am Winter | 4.0 |
In typical fashion, Olafur writes his pieces with the intention of reeling your heart in.
What is different here is how poppy this album feels. Some of the song tempos are kicked up
ever so slightly and even allows the beautiful voice of Arnor Dan to accompany Olafur in
some of these compositions. For Now I Am Winter is an obvious departure from his
previous work, and most certainly opens up future possibilities for the young Icelandic
composer. A solid album overall, and personally is shaping to be one of my favorites from
2013. |
| Olafur Arnalds re:member | 4.0 |
| Olafur Arnalds Some Kind of Peace | 4.0 |
| Oranssi Pazuzu Värähtelijä | 4.0 |
| Otoboke Beaver ラブ・イズ・ショート | 4.0 |
| Otto A Totland Pino | 4.5 |
Pino is one of those records that you can listen to wherever you go, and completely
sink into it's piano abyss. The compositions here are simple and minimal, but hit a
striking balance that is both melancholy yet relaxing. I could attempt to pull apart
different aspects of the album, however the minimally recorded 18-tracks
runs together under 44 minutes like one long piano track that hardly breaks beyond its
piano-soft dynamics (even the slightly bouncy Jonas remains submerged in it's quiet
acoustics and reverb). Instead, Pino is better described from how you personally
experience it. For myself, it's an album that allows you to enter it's world, and it doesn't
judge you for who are. It's a record that will keep you company wherever you go, provide you
comfort in it's warmth, expressing itself through it's soft-clicking keys as if it were
saying "relax, sit down, and breathe." |
| Otto A Totland The Lost | 4.0 |
| Our Oceans Our Oceans | 4.5 |
| Our Oceans While Time Disappears | 4.0 |
| Outputmessage Nebulae | 4.0 |
| Outputmessage Oneiros | 3.5 |
| Over The Ocean Be Given to the Soil | 4.5 |
| Owl City Maybe I'm Dreaming | 3.0 |
| Owl City Ocean Eyes | 3.5 |
| Owl City is still doing his super sugar sweet electronic pop that at times can feel a bit homogeneous. However Ocean Eyes is step up from Maybe I'm Dreaming with it's bigger/deeper sounds, and more use of sonic landscapes. There is also a more cohesive flow so album doesn't completely tire one out on the first listen. Adam Young might be stuck in la-la land with his project but he continues to show hes the real deal with his melodic depth and sonic soundscapes that could evolve to something much more captivating. Don't believe me? Listen to Fireflies and tell me that it didn't make you smile. PS the album overall rating is low cause it's not br00tal or hipster or depressing for Sputnikmusic to enjoy. |
| Owl City All Things Bright And Beautiful | 2.5 |
| P.O.D. Testify | 4.0 |
| P.O.D. Payable on Death | 3.0 |
| P.O.D. Satellite | 4.0 |
| P.O.D. Fundamental Elements of Southtown | 3.5 |
| P.O.S Never Better | 4.0 |
| P.O.S We Don't Even Live Here | 4.0 |
| Pachyman Switched​-​On | 4.0 |
| Palm Reader Braille | 4.0 |
| Palm Reader Sleepless | 4.0 |
| Palms Palms | 4.0 |
| Paper Rival Dialog | 4.0 |
| Parades Foreign Tapes | 4.0 |
| Paramore All We Know Is Falling | 2.0 |
| Paramore Riot! | 3.5 |
Riot is an interesting listen. For one, this album helped Paramore break out of the "scene" to mainstream for 2309438209482 teenagers girls to go bananas about. But the breaking point here is Hayley's powerful vocals that dominate throughout the album. Powerful enough to bring out the too average rhythm section and David Bendeth's super duper silly nilly sugar coated overglossy safe production-but rather than this dulling the listen Hayley manages to make this work in her favor with her vocals. It's a safe yet fun record and Riot still soars despite the obvious flaws (and one of my biggest guilty pleasures to get personal). However their slight experimentation (Crush, Broken, Fences) suggest that the band can really create something unique if they push outside the boundaries a bit.
|
| Paramore Brand New Eyes | 3.5 |
| Paramore Paramore | 3.0 |
| Paramore with M83 producer Justin Meldal-Johnson shoot for the cinematic grandness inspired by that record on their self-titled Paramore. Although the effort is presented, too many tracks here are only decent at best and when they try to break into a creative mold it unfortunately doesn't break any new ground. Props to the band for trying new styles, however at 17 tracks this is an overbloated record that unfortunately makes Paramore miss the mark they were aiming for. |
| Paramore After Laughter | 4.0 |
| Parquet Courts Human Performance | 3.0 |
| Parquet Courts Wide Awake | 4.0 |
| Pedro the Lion Achilles Heel | 4.0 |
| Pedro the Lion It's Hard To Find A Friend | 5.0 |
| Pedro the Lion Control | 4.0 |
| Pedro the Lion Winners Never Quit | 4.0 |
| Periphery Periphery | 4.0 |
| A near 4 years in the making-it was pretty obvious that these songs were going to be magic based on Misha Mansoor (AKA Bulb) output of the solo instrumentals he was making (via guitar plug-ins and fake drums-which sounded pretty good already). But with the songs finally properly recorded with a vocalist who can sing like an angel and growl and scream with gusto-Periphery have stumbled into something that is truly groundbreaking.rQuite frankly you could call this Meshuggah with melody-but these melodies not only intertwine in all the guitars and downbeat drums-they soar and will absorb you. Quite simply this is an exceptional debut from the 6 piece from DC that will start a new revolution of new bands probably ripping them too much but it was about time something like this would come out. An excellent Metal Album for 2010. |
| Periphery Icarus | 3.5 |
| The remixes are pretty meh. But it's forgivable due to the fact that these b-sides/remakes show great improvement from the debut album. This is primarily seen with vocalist Spencer Sotelo: who really comes into his own here vocally and shows much more versatility overall. The EP should not only compliment the debut album but should be good enough satisfy appetites till the next album comes out. |
| Periphery Periphery II: This Time It's Personal | 4.5 |
| Periphery Juggernaut: Omega | 5.0 |
| omg Periphery finally wrote a metal album! Their finally somewhat tolerable! |
| Periphery Juggernaut: Alpha | 4.5 |
| I hate this album because it's sounds like queefing Messhugah 1/5 |
| Periphery Clear | 3.5 |
If you hate Pediphery, Clear isn't going to change your opinions about them. The
concept presented behind Clear is one that is cool, though ultimately not executed to
their full potential. They could have certainly done more with the concepts presented here
but seem content on just banging these out. The EP still has it's highlights, in particular,
Matt's theatrical-esque "Feed The Ground" and Spencer's disco beat driven "The Parade Of
Ashes" are interesting changes presented to the band's sound. If this a preview for what may
be coming in the future the next album will hopefully present an interesting progression.
Otherwise, this is solid business as usual for Periphery. Clear obviously seems more
like a placeholder than a fully fleshed out concept EP. But for fans, this should certainly
be satisfying. |
| Periphery Periphery III: Select Difficulty | 4.0 |
| Person L Initial | 3.5 |
| Person L The Positives | 3.5 |
| perspectiv Year One | 4.0 |
| Peter Broderick Float | 3.5 |
| Petrol Girls Baby | 4.0 |
| Pianos Become the Teeth Wait For Love | 3.5 |
| PM Today In Medias Res | 4.0 |
| Poison the Well You Come Before You | 4.0 |
| Poison the Well The Tropic Rot | 4.0 |
| Poison the Well Versions | 3.5 |
| Pool Kids Music to Practice Safe Sex To | 4.0 |
| Pool Kids Pool Kids | 4.5 |
| Porcupine Tree Deadwing | 4.0 |
| Port St. Willow Even // Wasteland | 3.5 |
| Port St. Willow Holiday | 4.0 |
| Porter Robinson Nurture | 4.5 |
| Portico Quartet Portico Quartet | 4.5 |
| Portico Quartet Living Fields | 4.0 |
Quartet turned trio Portico abandon the jazz murals of their S/T, leaving their minimalist electronics as the
skeleton while adding a variety of vocalists (Jamie Woon, Jono Mcleery, and Joe Newman (of alt-J fame) to bring
out a more dream pop/modern soul touch to their sound. The music here is largely reminiscent of James Blake,
How To Dress Well, and even Jamie Woon's works. Thankfully, Portico's abstract mannerisms give them a
distinct personality next to their newly acquainted contemporaries. Living Fields is another solid lean
ambient electronic album, with a definitive artistic and trend setting sound for 2015. |
| Portico Quartet Monument | 4.0 |
| Project 86 Rival Factions | 4.0 |
| Heavy dance groovers and spastic hardcore are the two styles that pretty much define the sound of P86 album Rival Factions. Here we see the band pushing their sound in their farthest evolution and pretty much shed any trace of their old rap metal sound. Andrew has completely dropped his rap/spoken word in favor of high frantic screams and a deep Billy Joel like (I kid not) vocals (check out Illuminate for that). Randy retains playing guitar well and helps create a balance for Steve's unique bass synth tone (which basically takes full run on Caveman Jam). Guest drummer Jason Gerkin (She Wants Revenge) takes Alex Albert's style and pushes it in direction with the other three (check out the spastic fills in "The Forces Of Radio"). Despite the changes, the band still stands firmly rooted in their tough muscular sound and Andrew's poetic lyrics that makes them unique. It all sounds wacky but the band created a catchy sound and a number of songs that are (surprisingly) quite accessible. Old fans might be disappointed from the drastic change but Rival Factions has something more in vein for everybody. This is easily their most accessible, groundbreaking, tightest, and quite possibly best album yet. |
| Project 86 ...And the Rest Will Follow | 3.5 |
| Project 86 Songs to Burn Your Bridges By | 3.5 |
| Project 86 Truthless Heroes | 4.0 |
| Project 86 The Kane Mutiny | 3.0 |
| Project 86 Drawing Black Lines | 3.0 |
| Project 86 Picket Fence Cartel | 2.5 |
| P86 for a good portion of their career have always had a very interesting sound. Sitting on a fine line between nu metal and post-hardcore without really devoting themselves totally to any. While Rival Factions was a welcomed evolution-Picket Fence Cartel has them going back more into their heavier workman like riffage and poetic passion. Unfortunately, seven albums in-The Drop D simplisitic chug-chug riffs are starting to get really stale-which pretty much makes the entire album a bore. |
| Protest the Hero Fortress | 4.0 |
| Protest the Hero Kezia | 4.0 |
| Protest the Hero Scurrilous | 4.0 |
| PSY/OPSogist Suffused With Static | 4.0 |
| Punch Brothers The Phosphorescent Blues | 4.0 |
| Purity Ring Shrines | 3.5 |
| Purity Ring Another Eternity | 4.0 |
| Purity Ring pull back the over-drenched witch house effects of their debut and make a more catchy, focused, poppy sound on Another Eternity. Vocalist Megan Jones drops the odd flat tones of the last album, stays on key, and sounds more confidence over these batch of songs. Purity Ring smartly progress their sound, proving this duo's relevance in a somewhat oversaturated electro-pop era of music. |
| Pusha T King Push – Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude | 4.0 |
| Pusha T DAYTONA | 4.5 |
| PVRIS Paris | 3.5 |
PVRIS are working with a tough sound, the whole alt-rock/post-hardcore/pop-punk style has
been copied too many times to the point of there being no substance. Thankfully, PVRIS was
able to maintain their blueprint nicely without pushing too too excessive thanks to real
solid songwriting, and Lynn Gunn vocals that demonstrate gusto with control. For their full
length, they might need to try to pull out a few more tricks-but for now the EP works just
well enough to get by as a solid/enjoyable listen. |
| PVRIS White Noise | 4.0 |
| PVRIS manage to bandwagon every single postmodern mainstream and indie pop rock trend on their debut album. This normally would be a disastrous step for most artists, but White Noise ends up being an infectious, catchy as balls hooky album. The instrumentals for the most part are on point, but the winning piece here is front-woman Lyndsey Gunnulfsen who's slick and sweet vocals have a commanding presence throughout the album. A solid progression from their EP and allow PVRIS for the moment, to stand out a with solid concise album. |
| PVRIS All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell | 4.0 |
| Pyramids Pyramids | 3.5 |
| A rather interesting debut album-Pyramids is a weird junxaposition mix of post-rock, ambient drone, shoegaze, and absurd blastbeats. It's unfortunate that the blastbeats are downright cheesy and at times obnoxiously stupid. Because aside from that this is nearly flawless in its colorful array of terrifying textures. A nice interesting listen....though if they work on the stupid drumbeats man this would be truly captivating. |
| Pyramids with Nadja Pyramids with Nadja | 4.5 |
| Queens of the Stone Age Songs for the Deaf | 4.0 |
| Queens of the Stone Age Era Vulgaris | 3.5 |
| R. Kelly Trapped In The Closet (Chapters 1-12) | 1.5 |
| Radiohead Kid A | 5.0 |
| Radiohead In Rainbows | 4.0 |
| Radiohead Amnesiac | 4.0 |
| Radiohead Hail to the Thief | 3.5 |
| Radiohead OK Computer | 5.0 |
| Radiohead The King of Limbs | 4.0 |
| Radiohead A Moon Shaped Pool | 4.0 |
| Radius System Escape/Restart | 4.0 |
| Raekwon Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt II | 4.0 |
| Rafael Anton Irisarri Daydreaming | 4.0 |
| Rafael Anton Irisarri Solastalgia | 4.0 |
| Rage Against the Machine Evil Empire | 3.5 |
| Rage Against the Machine Rage Against the Machine | 4.0 |
| Rage Against the Machine The Battle of Los Angeles | 4.0 |
| Real Estate Days | 4.0 |
| Real Estate Atlas | 3.5 |
| Real Estate is a band that released the 3rd version of their S/T and get away with it being pretty decent. |
| Rebecca Black Let Her Burn | 4.0 |
| Red (USA) End of Silence | 3.0 |
| Red (USA) Innocence and Instinct | 3.5 |
| On their second album: Red pull just enough tricks to create a more focused and slightly more experimental album. This isn't precisely game-changing but this time the band give more careful attention to the use of keyboard/orchestra patches & textures. This helps give the band a stronger unique aesthetic that fits in their sound perfectly and never comes of as smothering (Which was a problem in the first album). In addition, the band has created a more muscular and tighter sound that makes the album more enjoyable. The album is odd in the sense that it's not entirely ear-grabbing upon it's first listen due to the cliche guitar attack, but if given careful attention to the extra textures you'll realize this band isn't just some other 21st century alternative metal chugga-chug band. More so, this is a band on the verge of breaking into a sound that's more like their own. |
| Red (USA) Until We Have Faces | 3.5 |
| Relient K Mmhmm | 4.0 |
| Relient K Two Lefts Dont Make a Right But Three Do | 4.0 |
| Relient K Five Score and Seven Years Ago | 4.0 |
| Relient K Apathetic | 3.5 |
| Relient K Forget and Not Slow Down | 4.0 |
| Rich Brian Amen | 3.5 |
| Rihanna Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded | 3.5 |
| Rihanna Rated R | 3.5 |
| When Ne-Yo said "expect a more edgy/angrier Rihanna on this one"-he really meant it. This album is dark, bleak, raw, and much more explicit from her previous work. Of course this album is still mainstream hip-hop/pop at it's core but Rihanna continues to expand her musical palate with several tracks experimenting with dark atmospheres and electro-rock. It'll certainly be interesting how this album plays out in upcoming weeks (and honestly you should know why at this point) but one thing for sure-Rated R live ups to whatever hype it had and shows Rihanna in a more mature, bolder,and slightly new controversial skin. |
| Robert Glasper Experiment Black Radio | 4.0 |
| Rolo Tomassi Grievances | 3.5 |
| Rolo Tomassi Time Will Die And Love Will Bury It | 4.0 |
| Rosetta Wake/Lift | 4.0 |
| Rosetta The Galilean Satellites | 4.0 |
| Rosetta A Determinism of Morality | 4.0 |
| Run the Jewels Run the Jewels | 4.0 |
| Run the Jewels Run the Jewels 2 | 4.0 |
| Rx Bandits Mandala | 4.0 |
| Ryuichi Sakamoto Async | 4.0 |
| Ryuichi Sakamoto 12 | 4.0 |
| Ryuichi Sakamoto / Illuha / Taylor Deupree Perpetual | 4.0 |
| Sadistik Flowers for My Father | 4.0 |
| Sadistik Ultraviolet | 4.0 |
| Sadistik Altars | 4.0 |
| Sailors With Wax Wings Sailors With Wax Wings | 4.0 |
| Sainthood Reps Monoculture | 3.5 |
| Meeting somewhere between Nirvana's In Utero and Brand New's Vices: Sainthood Reps seem to openly embrace their roots on Monoculture. Alas, like the mentioned records Monoculture plays it well by giving a good healthy variety. When they go heavy it's a familiar but certainly refreshing agro-guitar fuzz rock, but when their experimental soft-loud dynamic play out it shows incredible promise and potential that the band has yet to tap into. Monoculture is incredibly refreshing in it's production and sound and can further help Sainthood Reps develop their own sound/characteristics while still wearing their influences proudly. |
| Saosin Saosin | 4.0 |
| Though might be too glossy/radio friendly for some-Saosin's debut album is an incredible piece of work. All the musicians are front line here with the pulsating rhythm section, the metallic guitar licks, and Cove's soaring vocals which are embellished in some of the most gorgeous harmonies you'll ever hear. It's the kind of thing that when listened to during the right mood the music just soars and takes you into the stratosphere. The only weak points here are the clunky Collapse and the over-dragged balled Your Not Alone. Otherwise-an incredible listening experience which can be sonically explosive at times. |
| Saosin Saosin EP | 2.5 |
| Saosin The Grey | 2.5 |
| Saosin Translating the Name | 3.5 |
| Saosin In Search Of Solid Ground | 3.0 |
| Chances are, if your looking for the Saosin you found on their debut album (like I did) you would find In Search Of Solid Ground rather disappointing. But if you can get past the initial bitterness of the taste there are actually some very solid cuts. How? well for one Saosin didn't precisely water down their sound-rather they wrote in a more straight forward predictable manner (which could be one in the same for some). In essence, ISOSG functions like it states: it experiments into different kinds of alterna-rock and slightly draws farther away from their post-hardcore roots. The songwriting and (especially Cove's vocals and lyrics) have matured. Unfortunately in this process the adrenaline excitement found from their debut album has been cut a bit from the sound as well.rThis ultimately feels like a transitional album: that their ready to push away from their roots. Unfortunately, in their attempt to expand their fanbase it has seem to cut low at previous listeners hoping for their old sound. Which is a shame considering that ISOSG isn't as bad as most people make it to be. It is a more straight-forward rock album that really showcases Cove vocals, and when it calls for it-some solid musicianship. |
| Saosin Along the Shadow | 4.0 |
Call it nostalgia, but Saosin's Along The Shadow is surprisingly engaging from start to end. Yes,
there is no reinventing the wheel here but between Burchell's technical and melodic lead playing,
Green's more scruffy's vocal urgency, and Rodriguez fast and somewhat unpredictable drum parts
make for a feel good fun Alt Rock/Post Hardcore adventure. This is not going to win over any
naysayers or haters. But if your a fan of Saosin's older work and have the itch for early to mid 2000s
popish post-hardcore, Along the Shadow will scratch your itch. I have to admit, I thought I was
going to hate this. So I feel a bit dumbfounded with how much I enjoy this. |
| Savages Adore Life | 4.0 |
| Savages Silence Yourself | 4.0 |
| Say Anything ...Is A Real Boy (re-release) | 4.0 |
| School of Seven Bells Ghostory | 4.0 |
| Search The City A Fire So Big The Heavens Can See It | 3.0 |
| Secret And Whisper Great White Whale | 3.5 |
| During the time of it's release, The Great White Whale didn't sound sound too far from the typical pack of new school post-hardcore rats. However there were a few qualities that helped make the record feel bombastic and engaging (versus bombastic and annoying). Helping to shape the shifting guitars and drums (which are totally solid but a bit unorginal with it's riffs and fills) Jeff Schneweis (known of 'Number One Gun' fame) does a really great job mixing the record giving it a cool spooky production that fits in well with it's Moby Dick/Whale/Ocean theme. Another factor is Charles Finn, who sings pretty damn high with a piercing voice, but it surprisingly never becomes irritating, with him pushing and pulling appropriately at the right times-never pushing beyond what he can't do. I might sound cynical but The Great White Whale could have been pretty meh, but thanks to a solid production that doesn't overpolish the band it makes for a engaging and genuine listen. And while some of the screws are a bit loose songwriting wise, this is still a great debut from the Canadian quintet. |
| Secret And Whisper Teenage Fantasy | 4.0 |
| It's funny when you see an artist basically outdo something that seemed like such a key influence to their sound. No discredit to Saosin really but Teenage Fantasy from Secret & Whisper takes the whole metallic guitar licks/pulsating drums/(non excessive)high pitched vocals to new heights along with more ambient experimenting that fits much better than seen in their debut-but what really makes this hit hard is with how cohesive the entire album is-the songs flow into each other beautifully and it keeps you hooked. In essence, Teenage Fantasy is basically a more experimental yet exciting and cohesive version of The Great White Whale-but it's to a point that it has not only set a potential new standard but also showing the band is on to making themselves something much more than a carboncopy so many other bands in the post-hardcore genre can't seem to shake. |
| Seizures Reverie of the Revolving Diamond | 4.5 |
| Selffish He She Them Us | 4.0 |
| Sevdaliza Ison | 4.0 |
| Sevdaliza The Calling | 4.0 |
| Shad When This Is Over | 4.5 |
| The biggest thing out of Canada since Pamela's Double D's. Word |
| Shad The Old Prince | 5.0 |
Whatever happened to, "I want a Clair Huxtable"
And, "The only rap videos I make are instructional"
I think you got a little bit too comfortable
And you still out of love, so what you gonna do?
Shad is as real as it gets and can make anyone a believer in hip-hop with his lyrical balance of smart, clever, and utterly inspiring wordplay. Not to mention the sweet laid back trippy meets funky grooves that support his wordplay so well. Extremely underrated, positive, optimistic, and essential if your a fan of hip-hop. |
| Shad TSOL | 4.0 |
| Shad Flying Colours | 4.0 |
| Shangrala This Is How We Communicate | 3.5 |
| Sharptooth Transitional Forms | 4.0 |
| Shizune Shizune | 3.5 |
| Showbread No Sir, Nihilism Is Not Practical | 3.5 |
| Showbread Age of Reptiles | 3.0 |
| Showbread Anorexia Nervosa | 2.5 |
| The music by itself will bore you to tears. What makes the album unique is the story that goes along and how it fits quite well for most of the album. The album shows the band branching out into a darker sound with a heavy influence from NIN. With the package as a whole Showbread seem to hit stride with making a pretty powerful record. |
| Shygirl ALIAS | 4.0 |
| Sianvar Stay Lost | 3.0 |
| Sights and Sounds Monolith | 4.0 |
| Sigur Ros Hvarf/Heim | 4.0 |
| Sigur Ros ( ) | 5.0 |
| Sigur Ros Ba Ba Ti Ki Di Do | 4.0 |
| Sigur Ros Agætis byrjun | 4.5 |
| Sigur Ros Takk... | 4.5 |
| Sigur Ros Med Sud i Eyrum vid Spilum Endalaust | 4.0 |
| Sigur Ros Valtari | 3.5 |
| Sigur Ros Kveikur | 4.0 |
| SikTh Death of a Dead Day | 4.0 |
| Silent Planet Iridescent | 4.5 |
| Silversun Pickups Swoon | 3.5 |
| Skillet Comatose | 2.5 |
| Sky Eats Airplane Sky Eats Airplane | 2.5 |
| Sky Sailing An Airplane Carried Me to Bed | 3.5 |
| Owl City in an acoustic style with a slightly more melancholy vibe. Still unbearably gay-and yea you should love every damn minute of this. |
| Skyharbor Guiding Lights | 4.0 |
| Skyharbor Sunshine Dust | 4.0 |
| Slauson Malone A Quiet Farwell, 2016–2018 | 4.0 |
| Sleep For Sleepers The Clearing | 3.5 |
| Sleep Over Forever | 4.0 |
| Sleep Research Facility Deep Frieze | 4.5 |
| Sleep Token Sundowning | 4.0 |
| Sleep Token Two | 4.0 |
| Sleep Token This Place Will Become Your Tomb | 4.0 |
| Sleep Token Take Me Back to Eden | 5.0 |
| Sleepingdog Polar Life | 4.0 |
| Sleepingdog With Our Heads in the Clouds... | 4.0 |
| Sleigh Bells Treats | 3.5 |
| Sleigh Bells Reign of Terror | 3.5 |
| Remember when your kid sister was listening to all that bubblegum pop-and you wished it all sounded m3tal for your satisfaction. Well Sleigh Bells might have answered to your call a bit late but Reign Of Terror sounds exactly like that. Simple bubblegum pop tunes smashed together with heavily distorted guitars and electronic double bass beats. Some of the hip-hop flavor is missing but is traded in for better songwriting, better sounds, and a consistency thread that keeps the whole album flowing. Sleigh Bells continue to hold true to their own unique sound however they have yet to make something truly grabbing. Still, Reign Of Terror does indeed rule and will be great music to blast at your suburban destruction house party. |
| Sleigh Bells Bitter Rivals | 4.0 |
Rather than being just an element, Alexis Krauss's vocals are smartly put more in the front
of the album. The marriage of her vocals meeting in the middle Derek's Miller noisy production results in Bitter Rivals being more immediate, cohesive, poppy, and quick possibly their best record to date. This duo now sounds fully comfortable in their skin, and if they continue to push their creativity things can only go up for them. |
| Sleigh Bells Jessica Rabbit | 4.0 |
| Slipknot Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses | 4.0 |
| Slipknot We Are Not Your Kind | 4.0 |
| Sneaks It's a Myth | 3.5 |
| SOHN Tremors | 3.5 |
| Soulja Boy iSouljaBoyTellEm | 1.0 |
| Soundtrack (Film) Garden State | 3.5 |
| Soundtrack (Film) Ocean's 12 OST | 4.5 |
| Soundtrack (Film) O Brother, Where Art Thou? | 4.5 |
| Soundtrack (Film) Juno | 3.5 |
| Soundtrack (Film) Grease Original Motion Picture Soundtrack | 3.5 |
| Spiritbox Eternal Blue | 4.0 |
| Spiritbox Rotoscope | 4.0 |
| Spoon Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga | 4.0 |
| St. Vincent Strange Mercy | 4.5 |
| St. Vincent Actor | 4.0 |
| St. Vincent St. Vincent | 4.0 |
| You could honestly judge Annie Clark by her album covers. From the quizzical stare of her debut Marry Me to her descending stare as if she was the evil queen on her self titled. This is Annie's defining moment in the realm of her sound, finally accomplished finding her perfect pocket. She takes elements of all her previous work/collabs, and fine-crafts them to near perfection. St.Vincent is the album Annie Clark cements herself as a legend among the people. |
| St. Vincent Masseduction | 3.5 |
| Stars Set Yourself On Fire | 3.5 |
| Stars of the Lid And Their Refinement Of The Decline | 5.0 |
| Stars of the Lid The Tired Sounds of Stars of the Lid | 5.0 |
| This is when all that's left is you and the silence |
| Stars of the Lid Per Aspera Ad Astra | 4.0 |
| Stars of the Lid Gravitational Pull vs the Desire for an Aquatic Li | 3.5 |
| States Line 'Em Up | 3.5 |
| Steven Price Gravity OST | 4.0 |
| Stevens/Dessner/Muhly/McAlister Planetarium | 4.0 |
| Story of the Year In The Wake Of Determination | 4.0 |
When your music is classified as one tree hill material, you get in a feud with Godsmack, and then get sued, it'll sure bring out being pissed of and what not-at least to SOTY. All of this contributes to In The Wake Of Determination-that not only is a change against the innocence of Page Avenue-but almost like a total assaulting resistance to the record. The guitars are much more beefier and and brutal in addition to the entire band removing most of the pop-punk energy for a more hardcore punk and at times metal vibe (with virtuosic solos) to SOTY.
But in the end-this is a very natural progression for SOTY. And ultimately this heavier progression makes complete sense. However there is a slightly reckless ambition this album flows on but the band shockingly uses that to their advantage. The heaviest numbers here truly show their strength of balancing aggressive attacks and super sweet harmonies provided (Meathead, Pay Your Enemy, Is This My Fate). And in all this accumulating SOTY's INWOD being their best album to date. |
| Story of the Year Page Avenue | 3.5 |
| Nothing groundbreaking here that for sure: but this album rocks fast, with an infectious pop punk sound and a strive for solid melodies/harmonies. Though the main problem here is that they sound way too clean with the record: those guitars need to be turned louder. Though props to Dan Marsala for solid vocals and Josh Willis for some neat tricks on his drum fills. Eventually SOTY would progress into more of their ideal sound in the upcoming records. And despite the lack of originality and lack of "heaviness" this remains to be a fun listen on occasion. |
| Story of the Year The Black Swan | 3.5 |
| To get right to it: The Black Swan is a solid album. In all the glory of the 13 songs there isn’t one bad number here. Dan's vocals soar and his screams are gustier than ever, the guitars and rhythm section continue to provide a solid foundation to the sound (and some surprisingly tight classic metal-like solos), and ultimately Philip's soaring harmonies gives Story Of The Year a unique sound with their hard rock-meets overdone (but amazing) vocal harmonies. However, the over-glossy production, predictability, and the amount of recycled riffs create a questionable hit or miss for listeners. |
| Story of the Year The Constant | 3.5 |
| The Constant is another SOTY record (i mean hey the album title even says it is!). They continue from the sound of The Black Swan but improve on it by making it much more focused and immediate in every aspect. In some sense the melodic flair is very reminiscent of Page Avenue which should please old fans. The album runs strong in its 11 cuts but they really come strong in their heavier cuts. This does question how long they can run with this sound...but The Constant is def. in many cases their tightest record and is sure to serve as a summer soundtrack for many this year. |
| Story of the Year Page Avenue: Ten Years and Counting | 3.5 |
| Youtube.com is filled with really terribly dumb and boring acoustic/slowed covers of pop mainstream songs with stupid melody over-embellishments. Ten Years And Counting very acoustic-y nature reminds me of that, so my head initially was not wanting like this. But the pure nostalgia and heart this album has running thru it's veins prevents it from being contrived. This makes Ten Years And Counting an interesting listening experience. The themes getting older, growing apart from people, and moving from home that were present on Page Avenue are recaptured with a more mature feel (reminiscing over reminiscing maybe). For those who don't follow SOTY, this may be above-average acoustic at best. But if you once upon a time loved/lived Page Avenue as a young-ling (like me), Ten Years And Counting may surprise you how deep the nostalgia kicks you in the shin. PS Ryan Phillips new guitar solos he adds to many of these songs are supremely excellent. |
| Story of the Year Wolves | 4.0 |
Sevenish years later in unabashed fashion, SOTY fully embrace their pop ethos that always
penetrated throughout their entire discography. The poppy nostalgia of Page Avenue, to the
shreddy parts of In The Wake.., and the thick slab definitive sound of The Black Swan/The
Constant can all be found on Wolves. With the exception of some increased synth/dub elements
(that were used a fair amount in Greek Fire) SOTY stay in their sound and lane, and they do not try to
reinvent the wheel, and why should they? Ryan Phillips continues to shred smarter and better,
Dan/Phil have some really sweet sounding harmonies thanks to fully embracing of their pop aesthetic,
leading to some of their best vocal work to date. Lyrics aim for simplicity with it's introspection, which
pairs perfectly with the music. Wolves is not only an excellent comeback record but also SOTY's
best record to date. SOTY do continue to show their teeth, at this point though you already know if
you like them this squeaky clean. |
| Strata Strata Presents The End Of The World | 4.0 |
| Strata Strata | 2.5 |
| Straylight Run Straylight Run | 3.0 |
| Street Sweeper Social Club Street Sweeper Social Club | 3.0 |
| Submotion Orchestra Finest Hour | 4.5 |
| Sufjan Stevens Illinois | 4.0 |
| Sufjan Stevens Michigan | 5.0 |
| Sufjan Stevens Seven Swans | 4.0 |
| Sufjan Stevens Silver & Gold | 4.0 |
| Sufjan Stevens The Age of Adz | 4.0 |
| Sufjan Stevens Carrie and Lowell | 5.0 |
| Sum 41 Chuck | 3.5 |
| Sun An Quarter Year | 3.5 |
| Sun Kil Moon Benji | 4.0 |
| Surrogate Love Is for the Rich | 3.5 |
| Swans To Be Kind | 4.0 |
| Swimming With Dolphins Ambient Blue | 3.5 |
| Switchfoot Oh! Gravity. | 3.5 |
| Switchfoot Nothing is Sound | 4.0 |
| Switchfoot The Beautiful Letdown | 3.5 |
| Sylvain Chauveau Un Autre Décembre | 4.0 |
| Sylvain Chauveau Life Without Machines | 4.0 |
| T-Pain Oblivion | 3.0 |
| T.I. King | 3.5 |
| Takeshi Nishimoto Lavandula | 4.0 |
| Takeshi Nishimoto Monologue | 4.0 |
| Taking Back Sunday Louder Now | 3.5 |
| Taking Back Sunday New Again | 3.5 |
| Taproot Gift | 4.0 |
| Taproot Welcome | 3.5 |
| Taproot Blue-Sky Research | 3.0 |
| Team Sleep Team Sleep | 3.5 |
| Team Teamwork The Ocarina of Rhyme | 4.0 |
| Telefon Tel Aviv Fahrenheit Fair Enough | 4.0 |
| Telefon Tel Aviv Immolate Yourself | 3.5 |
| TesseracT Concealing Fate | 4.0 |
| TesseracT One | 4.0 |
| Much like their US cousins Periphery. Tesseract's debut One has been in the making/hyped for quite a few years now. The band sucessfully take a large mix bag of influences and compile it into a cohesive sound and mood that carries through the album. Ranging from (the obvious) Meshuggah-lite grooves to the (intriguing) ambient jamy parts reminiscent of the Deftones and even Radiohead. Drummer Jay Postones is an intrinsic player that grooves well but also throws in some nifty curve-ball drum fills. Ultimately, your judgment on the band will be based upon vocalist Dan Tompkins, who is nothing short of exceptional. Like Chino Moreno, Thom Yorke, and even Jonsi: Dan capitalizes on singing sweet elongated notes moving up and down slowly between the grooving musicians (also throws in a good number of good screams as well). Which leads to the question if this was worth the hype/wait. And without a doubt, an unequivocal yes can be exclaim, concluding that One could very well be metal album of the year for 2011. |
| TesseracT Perspective | 3.5 |
| TesseracT Altered State | 4.5 |
| Just when you thought the band was going to crumble due to the frenzy of finding a vocalist, Tesseract lunges back in with Altered State. Pushing further into atmosphere and experimentation, they continue to forge into making their own sound. Newcomer Ashe O'Hara vocals and harmonies are absolutely stunning and gorgeous. And the band smartly holds back let his vocals shine. A true comeback for the band, Tesseract Altered State certainly hits all the marks and create an album that arguably is better than One, proving that the loss of pivotal vocalist just made room for a better one to come thru. |
| TesseracT Polaris | 4.0 |
| TesseracT Errai | 4.0 |
| Textures Silhouettes | 4.0 |
| The Act of Estimating As Worthless Amongst These Splintered Minds​/​/​Leaden Thoughts | 4.0 |
| The Afters Never Going Back To Okay | 3.5 |
| On their second record: Switchfoot.....oh wait no The Afters create another album of 12 radio-ready cuts of simple catchy pop rock filled with soaring melodies and spiraling harmonies. There is a huge problem with no/lack there of originality-but what makes up for it is simple yet incredibly strong songwriting. Not one song in the batch is bad (or even average for that matter) as all the songs are accessible and strong. You want groundbreaking? Don't look here. But if u like simple catchy pop rock with simple yet strong lyrics check out this album. |
| The Afters I Wish We All Could Win | 2.0 |
| A decent debut from the Texas quartet that unfortunately rips of a bit too much from their current peers (Ahem Switchfoot). The songs aren't bad but a lack of originality and inconsistent flow makes the album feel barely average. Fortunately the band refocuses their sound in future albums. Only reason one would get this is if they were some diehard Christian music lover-monkey head who only likes that inspiration uplifting predictability they never get sick of. |
| The Algorithm Polymorphic Code | 3.5 |
| The modern metal/post-hardcore movement consists of a large list of bands uses a variety of quick dub-step-y electronic flourishes for what usually is a gimmicky trick into some cheap breakdown. Polymorphic Code take that formula, adds more electornica styles, stretches them out into full experimental/movements, and almost removes all the gimmicky/cheap tricks for fully fleshed out electro-metal genre-smashing. It's almost surprising that The Algorithm sound on Polymorphic Code works, and it sounds borderline innovative. The band functions best when they break the electro-metal smash dubstep mode (which is basically after "Bouncing Dot"). That isn't to say those moments are bad but when they mix it up with more styles (ambient, IDM, reggae, techno, glitch etc.) the results become much more engaging and interesting. The Algorithm Polymorphic Code is a close to excellent debut project, that's even brooding more in the avenue of potential, and symbolizes what hopefully will be a bright and innovative future career ahead of them. |
| The Algorithm Octopus4 | 4.0 |
| The Almost Southern Weather | 3.0 |
| A good fun summer record for those who can't enough of Aaron Gillespie and his oh so hot orange hair that he never washes. |
| The Avalanches Wildflower | 3.5 |
| The Bad Plus These Are the Vistas | 4.5 |
| The Bad Plus Give | 4.0 |
| The Bad Plus Prog | 4.0 |
| The Beatles 1 | 4.0 |
| The Beatles Love | 3.5 |
| The Becoming Vol. 1 | 3.0 |
| The Bird And The Bee The Bird and the Bee | 3.5 |
| The Bled Heat Fetish | 3.5 |
| The Breathing Effect I've Never Seen The Northern Lights | 4.0 |
| The Caretaker Everywhere at the End of Time | 4.5 |
| The Caretaker Everywhere at the End of Time - Stage 1 | 3.5 |
| The Caretaker Everywhere at the End of Time - Stage 2 | 4.0 |
| The Caretaker Everywhere at the End of Time - Stage 3 | 4.0 |
| The Caretaker Everywhere at the End of Time - Stage 4 | 4.0 |
| The fading memories of part 2 and 3, have turned into the beginning of nightmares for part 4-the beginning of post-awareness. Th se a e no lo ge me ories, just fr g ments twi t d in hor r. |
| The Caretaker Everywhere at the End of Time - Stage 5 | 4.0 |
| The Caretaker Everywhere at the End of Time - Stage 6 | 4.5 |
| Here we are, at the amalgamation of two and a half years building to the 6th and final installment of Every at the End of Time.With the full project in scope, we finally experience where the final steps of alzheimer's will lead us: a darkened, drone-y abyss. Easily one of the most depressing and devastating albums I have ever heard. |
| The Chariot The Fiancee | 4.0 |
| The Fiancee is not an easy listen...at all. Which is why the album clocking in less than 30 minutes is more than enough for you to understand and encompass the raw chaotic passion here. Unlike most hardcore bands that have the vocals drown a bit with the guitars and drums. Josh Scogin takes full control of the band with his vocals and the musical ideas are built directly around his powerful vocals and rather blunt lyrics. There are no breaks and the music just simply pounds you all the way through (till the end of course). Credit also goes to Matt Goldman for letting Josh's vocals sit loud and clear above the music and still maintaining a slightly raw feel. While criticized for being too bland it's up to one to recognize that The Chariot's formula separates them from their peers. And from that, overall The Fiancee succeeds-it's just up to the listener to understand the rather gritty feel of the band and album. |
| The Chariot Everything Is Alive, Everything Is... | 4.0 |
| Apocalypse is here: run to Jesus!: As cliche a theme gets for christian metal, the live rawness of Josh's vocals and the musicians here match up perfectly to the theme of the lyrics. The album ticks under 30 minutes but seriously you'll probably be knocked out after listening to this monster . |
| The Chariot Unsung | 3.0 |
| The Chariot Wars and Rumors of Wars | 3.5 |
| On Wars And Rumors Of Wars, The Chariot return full swing here with their sound from The Fiancee-except being more jacked up. Despite slight inconsistency (and a few awkward songs) it has its share of some of their most experimental (check out the twangy Abandon) and frenzy chaotic moments dispersed throughout most of the songs. And ultimately Josh Scogin's vocals and blunt lyrics take full charge here cramming as much pain/emotion into the mic as he can. All in all-another good effort from The Chariot that fans will enjoy but they won't win much else. |
| The Chariot One Wing | 4.0 |
| The Chariot Long Live | 3.0 |
| The Cinema My Blood is Full of Airplanes | 4.0 |
You know, Leighton was always "cool". Even behind his rather sad and sappy songs on Lydia his low tenor flows always maintain a rather calming vibe, even during his most intense moments he remain rather restrained. But now with his collab with producer Matt Malpass on this Cinema debut-Leighton "cool" comes out a swinging and the dude is ready to party.
The Cinema's tunes are built in the sense of gorgeous indie pop production of Lydia but it's more electronic driven side and feel good vibe has made the album something you rather dance to in the street vs. crying on your pillow. Regardless, The Cinema's debut is hella fun and stands as another example of music that's not designed for, but is meant to be on radio. |
| The Cinematic Orchestra Every Day | 4.0 |
| The Cinematic Orchestra Man With A Movie Camera | 4.0 |
| The Cinematic Orchestra To Believe | 4.0 |
| The Classic Crime Albatross | 3.0 |
| The Classic Crime The Silver Cord | 3.0 |
| The Contortionist Language | 4.0 |
| The Contortionist Clairvoyant | 4.5 |
| The Contortionist Our Bones | 4.0 |
| The Cool Kids The Bake Sale | 3.0 |
| The Darien Venture A Kite, A Key and A Storm | 4.0 |
| The Dave Brubeck Quartet Time Out | 4.0 |
| The Dead Texan The Dead Texan | 3.5 |
| The Dear Hunter The Color Spectrum (Complete Collection) | 4.0 |
| In the aftermath of Thrice's The Alchemy Index, Jon Foreman Seasons, and Mae's Morning/Afternoon/Evening. Crescenzo under his monkier The Dear Hunter take on what is currently one of the most overblown concept album/projects to date with The Color Spectrum. Overall, Crescenzo's attempt to "interpret" some of these colors are a bit ambiguous but there is absolutely no doubt the Complete Color Spectrum showcases his ability to craft a variety of different moods and feelings through the nine EP's. In a sense, just about everything you listen to here isn't really groundbreaking new-but his ability create a diverse range of solid songs make The Color Spectrum a worthwhile project to sink your teeth into days upon days. |
| The Dillinger Escape Plan Miss Machine | 5.0 |
| The Dillinger Escape Plan Option Paralysis | 4.0 |
| The Dillinger Escape Plan One of Us Is the Killer | 5.0 |
| The Dillinger Escape Plan Dissociation | 4.5 |
| The Famine The Raven and the Reaping | 3.5 |
| The Field From Here We Go Sublime | 3.5 |
| The Field Looping State of Mind | 4.0 |
| The Flashbulb Soundtrack to a Vacant Life | 4.0 |
| The Glorious Unseen Tonight the Stars Speak | 3.0 |
| Praise & Worship has a major problem with sounding stale musically and more cliche than every other generic death metal band. Though the purpose of P & W is for the use of spiritual growth-hence most listeners aren't in for a unique musical experience . And although The Glorious Unseen are unbearably cliche and predictable with the music-the nice atmosphere given to the music provides something a bit more creative than their peers. This actually fits quite well with the lyrical approach of things. This isn't game changing but it's a bit refreshing for such a musically stale genre. There are a few of the bland numbers but if the band utilizes their atmosphere ("Meet Us Here", "Hear Our Prayers", and the slow yet intense "Close to Your Heart" ) and experiment a bit they could progress Praise & Worship into something more musically creative. |
| The Glorious Unseen The Hope That Lies In You | 4.0 |
| The Glorious Unseen capitalize on their ambient-meets-post-rock here on The Hope That Lies In You-and they come away with a stunning album that is raw, honest, intense, and heavenly in every aspect. Unfortunately the fact that this is Praise & Worship will turn of non-believers. However, if one can get beyond the Christian factor (if it is a problem) the listener will be rewarded with a captivating listen. |
| The Go! Team Proof of Youth | 4.0 |
| The Haxan Cloak Excavation | 4.0 |
| The Haxan Cloak And The Nine-Stage Guide To Your Death Experience. |
| The Jonbenet The Plot Thickens | 3.5 |
| The Knife Shaking the Habitual | 4.0 |
| The Listening The Listening LP | 3.5 |
| The Log.Os λόγος | 4.5 |
| 2011 has been an interesting year for R&B, primarily with a lot of artists experimenting with the sound. But the collective that is Log.Os tackles on the style in an incredibly unique and probably one of the most intelligent takes on it you'll here this year. Grab the album for free here http://the-log-os.com/?b0a8a040 |
| The Lonely Island Incredibad | 4.0 |
| The Low Anthem Oh My God, Charlie Darwin | 3.5 |
| The Morning Of The World As We Know It | 3.5 |
| The Morning Of The Way I Fell In | 4.0 |
| TMO remove their High School Musical quirkiness for a much more cohesive mature album. Highly recommended for fans of indie pop. |
| The Naked and Famous Passive Me, Aggressive You | 3.5 |
| The Naked and Famous Simple Forms | 3.0 |
| The National High Violet | 4.0 |
| The National Trouble Will Find Me | 3.5 |
| The National Sleep Well Beast | 3.5 |
| The Ocean Precambrian | 4.5 |
| The Ocean Aeolian | 3.5 |
| The Ocean Heliocentric | 4.0 |
| Everyone seems so upset of the new mellow direction this album has taken-because that begs me to ask what does "progressive" music mean? Of course the term is vague but The Ocean-still embracing their classical composition roots go for a softer more classical approach that takes more nods to Radiohead/New Thrice then to their post-metal contemporaries. This is still the same epic multi-layered Ocean as we know-just much more subdued/softer/and pretty-and if you can get past that you'll see this stands just as strong as their older material. Overall an excellent progression for the band that in the long run will stand as 2010 album contender. |
| The Out Circuit Burn Your Scripts Boys | 3.0 |
| The Out Circuit Pierce The Empire With A Sound | 4.5 |
The Out Circuit is the one-man project of the ex-Frodus bassist Nathan Burke. At its core, The Out Circuit is an experimental rock band going in and out of ambient soundscapes, indie rock, post rock, and at times oddball hardcore. The songs individually may feel odd, but album as a whole Pierce The Empire With A Sound provides one beast of a listening experience. If you are fan of (new) Thrice , Radiohead, Frodus and similar experimental bands I highly suggest you check this project out.
|
| The Postal Service Give Up | 4.0 |
| The Receiving End of Sirens The Earth Sings Mi Fa Mi | 5.0 |
| The Receiving End of Sirens Between the Heart and the Synapse | 4.0 |
| The Reign of Kindo Rhythm, Chord & Melody | 4.0 |
| Some jackass at alt press gave this album a 1/5. You pretty much do not own a soul if you cannot enjoy this at some level. |
| The Reign of Kindo This Is What Happens | 4.0 |
| The Roots Game Theory | 5.0 |
| The Roots Phrenology | 4.0 |
| The Roots Things Fall Apart | 4.5 |
| The Roots Rising Down | 4.0 |
| The Roots How I Got Over | 4.0 |
| The Roots undun | 4.5 |
| The Roots ...And Then You Shoot Your Cousin | 3.5 |
| The Shaggs Philosophy of the World | 3.5 |
| The Shaggs: The Best Worst Band Of All Time. Your soundoff was too short, it has to be at least 50 characters. |
| The Smashing Pumpkins Zeitgeist | 3.0 |
| The Smashing Pumpkins Siamese Dream | 4.0 |
| The Smashing Pumpkins Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness | 4.0 |
| The Smashing Pumpkins Machina/The Machines of God | 3.0 |
| The Spirit Of The Beehive Pleasure Suck | 4.0 |
| When you're too apathetic to be apathetic who gives a f*ck about 50 words. |
| The Starting Line Direction | 3.5 |
| The Staves If I Was | 4.0 |
| The Sun and the Ocean Distant Light/New Darkness | 3.5 |
| The Temper Trap Conditions | 3.5 |
| The Used The Used | 2.5 |
| The Used In Love and Death | 3.5 |
| The Visit Through Darkness Into Light | 4.0 |
| The War On Drugs Slave Ambient | 3.5 |
| The Weeknd Thursday | 4.5 |
| The Weeknd House of Balloons | 4.5 |
| An album that is as sexy as much as it is masochistic, drugged up, and depressingly addicting. |
| The Weeknd Echoes of Silence | 4.5 |
| The Weeknd Kiss Land | 2.5 |
| Tbh Kiss Land is probably a decent record, but because the Triology set the bar so damn high for The Weeknd. More than half of these songs come out sounding bland. Some of the songs such as "Professional",the sexy "Love In The Sky", and the controversial Portishead inspired "Belong To The World" suggest that The Weeknd can still make creative R&B tracks while maintaining an mainstream appeal. But unless he breaks the mold of his now major label influenced sound and repetitive story telling, Abel Tesfaye will continue to hit below the greatness his Trilogy was. |
| The Weeknd Dawn FM | 4.0 |
| The Weeknd After Hours | 3.5 |
| The xx xx | 4.5 |
| The xx Coexist | 4.0 |
| Thirty Seconds to Mars 30 Seconds To Mars | 4.0 |
| In this decade full of half *** alternative metal. 30 Seconds To Mars debut album sticks out above the mediocre with oddball spaced out yet extremely solid prog metal. Drummer Shannon Leto (who records everything organically) plays in experimental way and keeps the beats pulsating and interesting at the same time. In addition Jared's power chords riffage mangage to sound extremly innovative with using weird chord fills in songs such as the beginning of "Oblivion" and "End of The Beginning." which sound oddly fresh. Many of the leads part sound very dynamic and at times downright beautiful in all of the songs. Jared's voice in addition fits the band really well bending and showing perfect expression with each of the songs. The lyrics are downright weird which builds in a weird concept of space/planet Earth/Aliens? etc. but it sits on top of the explosive sound in a very unique way. There will be those who listen to this and find this cheesy and very overindulgent although you can't deny the talent this band has displayed with it's writing skills on this superb debut. |
| Thirty Seconds to Mars A Beautiful Lie | 4.0 |
| Thirty Seconds to Mars This Is War | 4.0 |
| Yea...its overblown ridiculously...and the lyrics are a bit cliche..but you can't deny the "epic" and the fun 30STM brings on TIW with it's large arena U2-esque sound that experiments with electronic passages. Oh, and this is what Tom Delonge wishes he could pull of. |
| Thom Yorke The Eraser | 3.5 |
| Three Days Grace One-X | 3.0 |
Mainstream rock-more so the alternative metal/post-grunge in the 21st century has been slammed by countless bands with this cliche/generic/bland writing style that they get heavily criticized for (which in all fairness is something they deserve). 3DG is another band that could be pushed into the category. The riffs, songwriting, and vocals are all very simple/generic/ and in no way groundbreaking. But what (oddly) separates this album from the clump is the lyrical approach. Unlike hiding everything in vague metaphors 3DG approach the songs with an upfront straightforward lyrical approach.
That's not to say it's groundbreaking but they do it much better than most of their contemporaries. Basically put: the simple lyrical approach goes hand in hand with the simple musical approach. Not that the album is incredibly smooth but when they hit the strides this stuff sounds incredibly honest, strong, and catchy. If your hoping for something groundbreaking here-don't bother because you won't find it. However, if you want some nice simple honest catchy alternative metal (because it's music too!). This is certainly an album to check out. |
| Thrice The Alchemy Index Vols. III & IV | 5.0 |
| Silver wings alone makes this collection worth getting. But overall, Thrice's spin on airy aesthetics and stripped down acoustics proved to be very successful. Despite slight inconstancy, the amount of depth and variation in these two discs is absolutely flooring. All in all, a nice collection of solid songs to have, particularly if you're not a fan of their heavier stuff. |
| Thrice The Alchemy Index Vols. I & II | 5.0 |
| Thrice Vheissu | 5.0 |
| Thrice The Artist in the Ambulance | 4.0 |
| Thrice Red Sky | 4.0 |
| Thrice The Illusion of Safety | 3.5 |
| Thrice Live At The House Of Blues | 4.0 |
| Thrice Come All You Weary | 4.0 |
| Thrice The MySpace Transmissions | 4.0 |
| Thrice If We Could Only See Us Now | 3.5 |
| Thrice Beggars | 4.5 |
| All the fanboys on this site are and will overhype the crap out of this. (Including myself). But if you haven't listened to it yet, it should at least behoove you to give this album a shot. It is def. worthy of that. |
| Thrice Major/Minor | 4.0 |
| Major/Minor: The sound of Beggars on roids. |
| Thrice Daytrotter Sessions | 4.0 |
| Thrice strip their stripped-sounding album Beggars down to it's chilly bones, details such as the slowly creeping delay guitar in 'All The World Is Mad' and somber piano of 'Circles' brings Cold War kids to mind. Regardless, these are some really cool reinterpretations of their originals. Apparently "Kings Upon The Main" was performed at this session to and I really wish that I could hear that. |
| Thrice To Be Everywhere Is to Be Nowhere | 4.5 |
| Thrice The Artist in the Ambulance (Revisited) | 4.5 |
| Thrice re-do the over compressed and muddy mix of TAITA and give it new life. Instrumentals are given new air to breathe, Riley tweaks some drum parts and Dustin?s aged voice gives the recordings a new sonic depth. As much as this will be a fun nostalgia trip for all the fans who hung around for 20+ years, the songs on TAITA revised stand on their own and will probably make for a standout 2023 post-hardcore release. |
| Thrice Palms | 4.0 |
| Thrice continue to be surprising on a musical level. Unintentionally, it sounds like Eric Palmquist work with MuteMath has bled into a handful of these tracks. The Beggars meets Water/Air comparisons work here too, as does drawing comparisons to piano becomes teeth and even the national. Dustin lyrically pushes into more open grounds, leaning less on religion and more with how we connect with other people. Thrice embrace the alt-rock band more than ever on Palms, but it stays diverse and it still holds onto their quintessential thrice quirk elements such as the 5/4 time signature switch to 6/4 on beyond the pines because yay mathcore jk. Really though: Palms is another solid from the SoCal band, but it?s the softer moments on the record that shine a bit more. |
| Thrice Deeper Wells | 4.0 |
| Thrice Horizons/East | 4.5 |
| Thursday A City By the Light Divided | 4.0 |
| Thursday No Devolucion | 4.0 |
| Tim Hecker Ravedeath, 1972 | 4.0 |
| Tim Hecker Virgins | 4.5 |
| Titus Andronicus The Most Lamentable Tragedy | 3.5 |
| Titus Andronicus A Productive Cough | 1.5 |
| Tool 10,000 Days | 4.0 |
| Tool Lateralus | 4.0 |
| Tool Ænima | 4.0 |
| Tosca Dehli9 | 3.5 |
| Overall the trip-hop disc is pretty cool but the real magic is in the 2nd disc with it's airy atmospheric minimal piano structures. |
| Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross The Social Network OST | 3.5 |
| Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo OST | 4.0 |
| For The Social Network Reznor's/Ross's attempt at a soundtrack was quite successful. The claustrophobic feel of the pieces fit very well with the context of the movie. But outside of that it felt a tad bit one dimensional with it's sounds and textures. The duo improve upon that experience with their second go at it on the The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Soundtrack. Clocking in nearly at three hours: TGWTDT soundtrack is a monstrous listen. But this time, Reznor/Ross really strike a core of balancing the experimentation of Ghosts with the thread consistency of TSN. Thus, making this their best take on moody soundtrack music yet. Oh, and the Immigrant song cover kicks ass, but you already knew that. |
| Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross Gone Girl OST | 3.5 |
| Triosk The Headlight Serenade | 4.5 |
| A crazy swindling mix of a jazz trio, post rock, and ambient/electronica atmosphere-all mix into one. With near perfect-brilliant results. |
| Triosk Moment Returns | 4.0 |
| Trust Company True Parallels | 2.5 |
| Trust Company The Lonely Position of Neutral | 3.5 |
| Yea they are similar to Linkin Park: but probably not as much as you think. The sound seems pretty similar but what separates the band is Kevin Palmer whisper vocal approach (Deftones anyone?) and the songs have more of a pop-punk feel to them. The mix of different influences provides (at times) quite an infectious sound/listen. "Downfall" builds on soft/loud extremes but it keeps the song rather intense. Meanwhile "Hover" has probably one of the most infectious choruses you'll ever hear. The album suffers from some of the songs sounding the same but aside from that TrustCompany have released an all around good solid album. |
| Trust Company Dreaming In Black and White | 3.0 |
| Dreaming In Black and White sounds like a progression Trustcompany would make from The Lonely Position Of Neutral. However there are two problems with this: One is that it sticks a little too familiar and the lack of experimentation can be underwhelming. And second, it's 2011: this type of of alternative-metal is a bit outdated. Still, there isn't anything necessarily bad about DIBAW. Actually it's pretty catchy and oddly nostalgic, and may be worth a spin for that nostalgic feel of early 2000 MTV2 Alternametal. |
| Twelve Gauge Valentine Shock Value | 3.0 |
| Take Every Time I Die southern metal guitar riffs, make the sound a bit darker (guitars detuned Db like Norma Jean) and mix both vocalists and somewhere in between you get Twelve Gauge Valentine. It's makes an interesting mix but the album has a huge problem with a lack of variety/all the songs sounding really similar. Despite this the band has a really infectious sound with a pummeling bass which can be quite the ear-candy. Its an enjoyable album but it gets old really fast. Despite flaws it's still decent and makes for a good listen on occasion. Recommended Tracks: Casket Junkie, Dive-Bomb, 99 With An Anchor, Search Of The Alleycat Dwellers |
| Tycho Past is Prologue | 3.5 |
| Tycho Dive | 4.0 |
| I become giddy with joy with that first female vocal part kicks in on the title track, and then it flows in bubbly grooves for another eight minutes. Aside from that Tycho is still the same old on Dive. But who cares? you're here for that killer production that makes you feel overwhelmingly warm and fuzzy inside. Sh*t rules. |
| Tycho Awake | 3.5 |
| Despite the obvious fact that Tycho's sound is staring wear a bit thin, Awake presents enough of a change utilizing the guitar as more of the focal point to make your summer road trips enjoyable. |
| Tycho Weather | 4.0 |
| Tyler, the Creator Bastard | 4.0 |
| U2 U218 Singles | 4.0 |
| To get to it: if your a *casual* or *radio* U2 fan this could work for you. It basically has all the huge hits, the anthem-stadium numbers that they use to shine and glimmer. Just a simple collection of their singles, all of which are solid classic numbers. |
| Uboa The Origin Of My Depression | 4.0 |
| Ulla Tumbling Towards a Wall | 4.0 |
| Ulrich Schnauss Goodbye | 4.0 |
| Uncommon Nasa Written at Night | 4.0 |
| Uncommon Nasa Oculus | 4.0 |
| Underoath They're Only Chasing Safety | 3.5 |
| Underoath Define the Great Line | 4.0 |
| Underoath Lost in the Sound of Separation | 4.5 |
| At a first few listens one would think this album is a more dragged version of Define the Great Line Pt.2 . Though if given time to digest all the parts and music. The listener will (and should realize) that everything on the whole scale has stepped up a notch artistically. I will take note that i can't help but feel that the band gave some of the heavier parts a direct more southern feel to everything which comes out weird at first but surprisingly works really well. rIt's amazing and almost funny to see how much this band has grown since its beginnings. What started out as mediocre deathcorescreamoemowhatever you wanna call it to basically real solid epic metalcore with post metal atmospherics, this album (as well as DTGL in 2006) potentially will stand one as of the best heavy albums of 2008.r |
| Underoath Ø (Disambiguation) | 5.0 |
| People will have there their opinions over which UO album is the best-and Disambiguation will be one of these new albums to add to debate. Regardless what you think, this is certainly their most ballsy & experimental release yet with it's use of baritone guitars, more cohesive electronic passages, more jammier parts and mathy elements. Although all of these are done extremely well the clutch here is Spencer Chamberlin's with his undeniably fascinating vocal work that has a grizzly-bear like overtone that encompasses his most rawest emotions yet. All in All UO keep rolling with the punches and release one of 2010's best metal releases. |
| Underoath Erase Me | 4.0 |
| Underoath Voyeurist | 4.0 |
| Underoath takes the strongest musical elements of Erase Me and combined it with the rclassic sound of their three post-hardcore/vaguely post-metal works (DTGL/LITSOS/and a rstrong emphasis on the dark energy of Disambiguation). U/O lyrics continue to cut thru with rheavy jabs at the christian ethos that they were once brought up on. All of this is brought rtogether in a tight 10 track album with each of the musicians bringing their best performances rto date. If you're like me and loved the really dark energy of Disambiguation, rVoyeurist should scratch your itch for that satisfyingly brutal aesthetic: but now rwith more hooks, color and experimentation, all at the same time. |
| Underoath VOYEURIST | Digital Ghost | 4.5 |
| Uneven Structure 8 | 3.5 |
| Uneven Structure Februus | 4.5 |
Februus is designed to played on good speakers. You would be doing yourself a disservice otherwise because you'd be missing half of the pieces. Although it splits at 10 tracks this feels more like 3 parts which ultimately should be digested all in one listen. In it's duration, the album maintains an ambience that keeps the songs flowing. But unlike many artists who use a small dose of ambience to segue tracks, Uneven Structure utilizes these ambiences as their own separate entities.
This in return contributes to the success of Februus-mixing half ambience and half groove metal in a beautiful manner that ultimately puts you in a trance while at the same time making you want to head-bang to it's poly-rhythmic grooves. Vocalist Matthieu Romarin also does a good job guiding the listener through the music with his versatility. His best strength kicks in with his growls during the heavier moments on the album which help build up on the intensity. Although the entire album is a treat, it's ultimate buildup to 'Finale' really showcases US's power in aces. Soaring on a three chord progression, heavily textured while maintaining groove and constant loop, until the ambience creeps in eventually completely drowning out the band and submerging the listener in abyss. US have created one of the best metal albums of the year with Februus and this is a highly recommended listen if you remotely consider yourself a fan of post or groove metal. |
| Uneven Structure 8 (Re-release) | 4.0 |
| Using the tricks acquired through recording Februus, US rerecord their debut EP 8. It's pretty clear that this is nowhere as accomplished as Februus but nonetheless the ideas are interesting enough and represent more of that atmospheric feel the band probably wanted to achieve in the first recording. Vocalist Matthieu Romarin also adds some nice vocal textures to make things pop out a bit more. The EP smartly clocks under 25 minutes, maintaining just enough edge and intrigue behind all the somewhat generic groove riffs. So despite the obvious woes of sounding generic, US were still able to manage pulling themselves out of the mold into an interesting sound with 8, and def. shows the potential that was fully realized with Februus. |
| Uneven Structure La Partition | 3.5 |
| Uneven Structure Paragon | 3.5 |
| United Nations United Nations | 3.5 |
| Valleyheart Heal My Head | 4.0 |
| Vampire Weekend Contra | 3.5 |
| Various Artists (Classical) Variations Of Chopin | 4.0 |
| Various Artists (Electronic) Expanse At Lower Levels | 4.0 |
| Various Artists (Indie) Come As You Are | 3.0 |
| Varth Dader Tice Nitties | 4.0 |
| Venetian Snares Rossz Csillag Allat Szuletett | 4.5 |
| VersaEmerge VersaEmerge | 4.0 |
| VersaEmerge Perceptions | 3.5 |
| VersaEmerge Fixed at Zero | 4.0 |
| Fixed At Zero strangely will take a few listens to absorb due the absence of the post-hardcore type sound. Instead they take the route of a pop sound that suggests that their listening to more Imogen Heap than that other band you love to compare them to. And to even put more shock to it this album all together outdoes everything they do. |
| VersaEmerge Neon | 3.5 |
| Vince Guaraldi Trio A Charlie Brown Christmas | 4.0 |
| Vince Staples Big Fish Theory | 4.0 |
| Warmth Life | 4.0 |
| Washed Out Within and Without | 4.0 |
| Washed Out Paracosm | 3.5 |
| Washed Out Purple Noon | 3.5 |
A bit of a return to form after the experimental and more soulful feel of Mister Mellow, Purple Noon isn’t going to
blow you away. But the aesthetics of his signature chillwave sound from his earlier albums are given a subtle
change into a more straight electronic pop sound, varied textured instrumentals and dare I say, slightly more
cleared up vocals? Another album to make you dream of living the isolated beach life because going to one is a
terrible idea when people don’t know how to socially distance. |
| Weezer Maladroit | 3.5 |
| Weezer The Green Album | 4.0 |
| Whipping Boy Heart Worm | 4.0 |
| White Moth White Moth | 4.0 |
| R. Loren expands on the musical experimentation with melding more genres into his ever-hazy sound but he gives everything on the whole more focus (which was flawed on Pyramids). A very solid "debut" album overall. |
| White Moth Black Butterfly Atone | 4.0 |
| Will Wiesenfeld, Baths & Geotic Bee and Puppycat Soundtrack | 4.5 |
| William Basinski The Disintegration Loops I | 4.5 |
| William Basinski The Disintegration Loops II | 4.5 |
| William Basinski The Disintegration Loops III | 4.5 |
| William Basinski The Disintegration Loops IV | 4.0 |
| William Basinski Cascade | 4.0 |
| William Basinski and Richard Chartier Aurora Liminalis | 4.0 |
| Willow Smith <COPINGMECHANISM> | 4.5 |
Similar in shift with Halsey's-NIN collab album from last year: Willow finally hits the mark
on copingmechanism. Chris Greatti provides a tighter yet adventurous, and darker yet
more colorful musical palette, which in turn provides an urgent backdrop to match Willow's
dramatic vocal performances. Cynics cannot deny: Willow for once sounds excellent paired
with these instrumentals and not so "try-hard" that much of her previous material suffered
from. At right under half n hour, Willow makes you feel every moment with emotional flair
and agony. And with it's short run time it'll make you want to repeat this record more and
more. Definitely the surprise of 2022 for me. |
| Wye Oak Civilian | 4.0 |
| Like being in an underwater haze on a warm night. The Maryland duo really pack quite a full sound despite some of the instrumentally minimalism. |
| Wye Oak The Knot | 3.5 |
| Wye Oak If Children | 3.0 |
| Wye Oak Shriek | 4.0 |
| Xihilisk EPTwo | 3.5 |
| Yann Tiersen Le fabuleux destin d'Amelie Poulain | 4.0 |
| Yeah Yeah Yeahs Show Your Bones | 4.0 |
| Yeah Yeah Yeahs Yeah Yeah Yeahs | 3.0 |
| AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRTTTTTTTTTTTTTT SSSSSSSSSSSTTTTTTTTTTTTTAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRR |
| Yeah Yeah Yeahs Fever To Tell | 3.5 |
| Yeah Yeah Yeahs It's Blitz! | 3.5 |
| Yellowcard Paper Walls | 3.5 |
| Yoko K. 012906 | 4.0 |
| Yoko Kanno Zankyou no Terror OST | 4.5 |
| Young Buffalo Young Von Prettylips | 4.0 |
| Young Fathers TAPE ONE | 3.5 |
| Young the Giant Young the Giant | 4.5 |
| Young the Giant Mind Over Matter | 3.5 |
Call it charm, or the stars aligning. But Young The Giant's debut album was full of so much
youthful charm, it was an incredibly catchy and melodic album. For a band who had such a
by-the-book indie rock sound, It had a surprising staying power that was undeniable. Which,
probably made the hype for Mind Over Matter somewhat unfair. Subsequent listens
signal an obvious progression in their sound. But unfortunately they now sit a little bit
more in the general mold of popular indie pop/rock of the 2010 era's (featuring Justin
Meldal-Johnsen grand production of synth/stadium loving sound). However, Sameer's vocals
here are absolutely undeniable and have shown a clear improvement from the debut. Despite
the similarities to their peers, for YTG, this is a fitting progression that is still
enjoyable. |
| Young the Giant Home Of The Strange | 3.5 |
| Youth Lagoon The Year of Hibernation | 3.5 |
| Album you listen to when you're pissed of and you wish you were hiding away from the rest from the world. In some abstract place, like idk Idaho or something. |
| zakè (扎克) Orchestral Tape Studies | 4.0 |
| Zake, City of Dawn orchestre de poussière | 4.0 |
| Zee Avi Ghostbird | 4.0 |
| Zee Avi Zee Avi | 3.5 |
| Zero 7 Simple Things | 3.5 |
| Zeroh tape | 4.0 |
| Zeroh Bred: A Dedication | 4.0 |
