Amazing.

This band made it big in the 90′s with their hit, ‘Hard to Handle.’  After several more albums, along with most of their band being changed, Before the Frost… has arrived, and it’s hit hard.  They have done a great job at making a dynamic album from their opening track ‘Good Morning Captain,’ to my favorite ‘Kept My Soul.’

Don’t write this band off because they are ‘too popular,’ or because they may have been overplayed in the 90′s.  The Black Crowes have matured as a band, and I believe this is their best album yet.  I look forward to seeing how they follow such a great album.

I hate half marks, so this album is going to receive a 4/5.  But take note, it just barely falls short of a 5.

Rating: 4/5

I first became a Wilco fan with their Yankee Hotel Foxtrot back in 2002.  I remember one of my friends (or so I thought) told me after seeing the album cover that I wouldn’t like the band.  Were they ever wrong… jerks.  So it wasn’t until a couple years later that I actually got a chance to listen to Wilco.

I have to admit that A Ghost Is Born was disappointing.  Sky Blue Sky made a decent recovery, but Wilco (the Album) has blown the socks off of all its predecessors.  Particularly once the third track (One Wing) started, I was instantly won over.

Jeff Tweedy’s vocals still have that authentic sound that is what helps give Wilco their distinct sound.  Wilco (the Album) delivers a solid performance, one of the best I have heard this year. 

They are still defining who they are as a band, but that shows that they are not afraid of maturing as musicians (unlike so many other bands that exist today doing the same thing over and over).  Because of this, I have a high respect for the band not only in their music, but also as artists.

Rating: 4/5

Another album by one of today’s most appealing bands, Death Cab for Cutie.  At first I was a little thrown off with a song that front-man Ben Gibbard sang almost entirely solo.  Soon I was taken on an adventure through a band that really does well with dynamics.

Every album progresses and shows the bands ability to not only continually put out a quality recording, but also the band’s ability to grow musically, which keeps fans waiting for the next thing.  Their latest release has (dare I say) even topped Plans and Transatlanticism, which is hard to believe.

Though Narrow Stairs is on the short side for a full length album, it is well worth picking up.  I found myself hitting the play button again after the first listen… and the second.

Rating: 4/5

The way the band builds on dynamics and makes the entire album flow smoothly makes In Rainbows not only enjoyable, but easy to play while concentrating on other things (like blogging). No particular song has really set itself above the others, which is the case in their prior release; Hail to the Thief. With that being said, no particular song falls short of any expectations. Solid album, hands down.

For some time it seemed as if Radiohead was finished as a band. Thom Yorke released The Eraser in 2006, which solidified my skepticism even more. I was wrong. With this album originally being an optional donation download, Radiohead let the world know that not only another album was complete, but they were going about it in a totally different way than ever before.

Rating: 4/5

I can honestly say that there was no way I could have known what was to be heard in Fur and Gold.  Judging from the cover (and we are taught never to judge a book by it’s cover, does that go for albums as well?)  I knew it was going to be something interesting.

With Natasha Kahn’s accent and some quasi-haunting music, Bat For Lashes makes for a unique yet very enjoyable listen.  Turn on a couple lava lamps and light some candles before you listen, it will make the experience very enjoyable.

Thank you Ricky for pointing me towards Bat for Lashes.

Why make big budget music videos when you can be just as creative in a DIY sense?

‘What’s a Girl To Do?’ is a fun and enjoyable video.  Though I must admit the bikers with masks are a bit creepy. 

Rating: 4/5