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Our latest album reviews, featuring the records we've most enjoyed (or not) over the past few weeks.

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Browse our album reviews according to score: Highest (9.5/10 or more) or Lowest (2/10 or less)

The Darkness

Permission To Land
Atlantic (2003)

The Darkness couldn't have arrived at a more bizarre time in mainstream rock music. With scores of pedantic nü-metallers, insipid garage rock revivalists, and happy-go-lucky mall punks currently occupying the charts and airwaves, a ragtag bunch of English boys with a fondness for the grandiose, lighthearted classic rock of yesteryear would seem unlikely candidates for success. But, lo and behold, in the summer of 2003, the group's first album managed to debut on the UK charts at number 2. Does this seemingly unprecedented display indicate a musical sea change of sorts, signaling a Nirvana-like about-face from the somber sounds of Staind and Creed back to the jubilant spirits of Van Halen and Def Leppard? Probably not. The Darkness aren't out to save music. They're just out to rock and have a little fun while they're at it. And after grunge's decade-plus reign on the Clear Channel kingdom that is mainstream rock, such a sentiment is more than a welcome change. The Darkness rocks, there's no question about this. But what do they sound like exactly? The Darkness play a no-frills, tongue-in-cheek brand of good ol' rock-n-roll, taking cues from the more brazen qualities of AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Queen, and early … Read more

All Night Radio

Spirit Stereo Frequency
Sub Pop (2004)

Imagine driving down an endless highway in a thunderstorm while listening to your favorite AOR station. Suddenly lightning strikes the … Read more

Iron Maiden

Dance of Death
EMI (2003)

Iron Maiden has built one of the most reputable legacies of modern music. There is no doubting that. From such … Read more

Capture the Flag

Start From Scratch
Go Kart (2003)

Growing up in the Toledo, OH area, I have seen Capture the Flag mature throughout the years. Starting off as … Read more

Elliott

Song In the Air
Revelation (2003)

It's always sad to see a pioneer go. Especially when it feels like they have reached the peek of their … Read more

The Long Winters

When I Pretend to Fall
Barsuk (2003)

The Long Winters started up a few years ago after vocalist John Roderick's other project "The Western State Hurricanes" split … Read more

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One from the archives

Bad Astronaut

Twelve Small Steps, One Giant Disappointment
Fat Wreck Chords (2006)

Before the release of Twelve Small Steps, One Giant Disappointment, frontman Joey Cape willingly admitted that the record does not measure up to what it should have been, and not many bands would ever publicly admit something like that, but not many bands have experienced the tragedy that befell Bad Astronaut. The band's co-creator, drummer, and one of Cape's best friends, Derrick Plourde, committed suicide last year before the completion of this album, and Cape felt the need to let people know that it should have been better than it is. Representing what was one of Plourde's final pieces of work before he left this world, Cape wanted to keep everything his friend had tracked drums-wise, and so he worked with what he had as much as possible as a … Read more

More album reviews

The Decemberists

Her Majesty, The Decemberists
Kill Rock Stars (2003)

My dear Isabella, It has been an unduly extended period since my previous communication, and I apologize for my unproportioned replies to your correspondence. I cannot but carry doubt that your yearnings to set your eyes upon the ink of my quill have been uncountable. Oh my dear, I have recently alighted with a peculiar piece of American art! A … Read more

Motion City Soundtrack

I Am the Movie
Epitaph (2003)

OK, picture the following: Reggie & the Full Effect are traveling east in a train going from California at 120 MPH. Third Eye Blind are traveling west in a train that is headed west from New York at 80 MPH. When will they hit? I'm sorry, but I don't know the answer to that. However, I can tell you that … Read more

Pelican

Australasia
Hydra Head (2003)

Pelican flirted with my heart earlier this year when they released their self-titled debut. And now with the release of their first full length, Australasia, they have completely taken me. It's been quite some time since a band has been able to garner my attention away from all other happenings in the musical world. They have pieced together a heavy … Read more

Jason Molina

Pyramid Electric Co.
Secretly Canadian (2004)

My initial fascination in Jason Molina and the Songs: Ohia crew began with a small, albeit inaccurate description of his music. It explained his songwriting past, including but not limited to blues, country, and metal. Although I still don't understand the last genre comparison to this day, the point it was trying to make was plenty clear to me. Jason … Read more

The Offspring

Splinter
Sony (2004)

This was always going to be a difficult record to make. Offspring have a strange legion of fans ranging from Orange County punk rockers remembering their sun-kissed punk beginnings, to the 'hey-look-its-those-pretty-fly-guys' fans who would be amazed to learn that this record is their seventh. Their last few records have been hit and miss, and Splinter is no exception. Originally … Read more

Stars

Heart
Arts & Crafts (2003)

There are few things worse in this world than a record composed by a group of people that are intensely passionate about the contents, but that doesn't live up to the enthusiasm with which it is crafted. Such is the case with the latest release from Stars, the Montreal pop group most widely known for their ties with Broken Social … Read more

Yaphet Kotto/This Machine Kills/Envy

Split
Sonzai (2004)

Whenever I listen to the type of record that Yaphet Kotto or Envy would make, I always play the TV at full volume to supplement the chaos. Sometimes I'll change it to something like an MTV awards show or a shitty sitcom to add my own sort of psuedo-ironic soundtrack. It works even better in this case, because the record … Read more

Atmosphere

Seven's Travels
Epitaph (2003)

"Atmosphere finally made a good record, yeah right, that shit almost sounds convincing...." Almost. Actually, not at all. Sometimes underground hip hop boggles my mind. I'll admit, there are lots of great artists that remain 'underground' or at least avoid regular MTV video rotation and major success. Not to say that either being hugely successful or "staying true to the … Read more

Mates of State

Team Boo
Polyvinyl (2003)

Everyone needs something cute every once in a while... once in a while. Too much can make you vomit, but a little dose can make you feel a lot better about things. Mates of State's latest album, Team Boo might just be the appropriate prescription. Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel are a married couple from San Francisco playing in a … Read more

The Shins

Chutes Too Narrow
Sub Pop (2003)

Since I've only heard a couple of songs from last year's solid debut, Oh, Inverted World, this review will be free of any mentions of "sophomore slumps." Chutes Too Narrow deserves better than that. The album completely shatters this notion to the point that it doesn't deserve recognition. That said, the entire album feels like a soundtrack to some wonderful … Read more

Madball

N.Y.H.C.
Thorp (2004)

So, you want to listen to some FUCKING HARDCORE?! Yes, Madball, that loveable NYHC band is coming out with a new album aptly titled N.Y.H.C. How adorable! Despite my music knowledge, I've never really been into the hardcore scene, but now, after listening to this album, I understand what the hell all those hardcore kids talk about when they keep … Read more

Hatebreed

Rise of Brutality
Universal (2003)

I'm confused how a band can take themselves seriously whatsoever, and have an album called Rise Of Brutality. Although Hatebreed doesn't talk about their large amount of bitches they are keeping in check or forties they are consuming in the club, the whole feel of this music reminds me of gangsta rap, trying so damn hard to act tough and … Read more

Constantines

Shine A Light
Sub Pop (2003)

I'm from California. I live near the ocean. I like driving. I like watching baseball. I'm the outside world's perception of a fairly typical American guy (except for my slightly unhealthy obsession with noise-rock, but this is neither the time nor the place to get into that). And like most Americans, Canada isn't really something with which I find myself … Read more

The Beatles

Let It Be...Naked
Capitol (2003)

What if Ringo finally realized that he wasn't selling out shows like his buddy Paul? What if Paul's queen may have drained her spending account and put a considerable hole in his? What if both were afraid of their ties to an alleged murderer? The Beatles have seen their share of these sticky situations, and how do they get themselves … Read more

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Browse our album reviews according to score: Highest (9.5/10 or more) or Lowest (2/10 or less)