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
Jason Paul + the Know It Alls
Alien or Martian?
Broken Anchor Recordings (2021)
I’d seen the name Jason Paul + the Know It Alls around a few times but never really looked into them -- which is a shame, seeing that they share members with a personal favorite, Toys That Kill. It took ‘em four records, but I’m finally checking out the brand new Alien or Martian?, released this April.Suffice to say there … Read more
Jasper TX
An Index Of Failure
Handmade Birds (2013)
I cannot explain how much I needed to listen to this right at this moment when my heart rate is racing and it feels as if my chest is going to explode, the calming feeling that the final recordings of Jasper TX are literally helping me to breath semi normally; An Index Of Failure is quite simply a pretty album … Read more
Jawbone
Hauling
Loose (2006)
Blues is a word all too easily thrown around these days; attached to the current clique of US indie bands, "bluesy" has become just another overused adjective used to describe over-hyped bands that don't actually sound all that bluesy. Jawbone, however, a one-man band from Detroit, actually does, mixing those blues up with splashes of punk guitar and garage rock, … Read more
Jawbreaker
Dear You (Reissue)
Blackball (2004)
Many people consider Dear You to be a perfect record. I'm not one of them, and I'm a Jawbreaker fan, too. Nope, I'm one of those finicky kids that thinks they hit their stride around the time that 24 Hour Revenge Therapy was released and that a major label budget nearly ruined them. Nearly. I never said that, while imperfect, … Read more
Jay Eff Kay
America: Suicide Notes Vol. 1
Independent (2007)
I don't see myself as a hip-hop expert, but I think it's fair to say that the genre is pretty jaded. Mainstream rap like Chingy or Soulja Boy or whatever is on the radio now has been pegged as "good hip-hop" by the media, which means underground rappers basically have their work cut out for them just to defend their … Read more
Jay-Z
American Gangster
Roc-A-Fella (2007)
In the rap world of 2007, is there a more polarizing MC than Jay-Z? Chances are you'd be hard pressed to find a rapper with more disparity between his supporters and critics. With that being said, perhaps it is extremely appropriate that his latest project would be in the form of the equally polarizing "concept album." When executed correctly, the … Read more
Jay-Z
The Black Album
Def Jam (2003)
Oh, the farewell. There are two kinds of retirement in music. The first is the graceful bow out of the spotlight, which may or may not be a good thing, depending on the artist, but always covers the band or artists's body of work in a veil of class and dignity. The second is a much more shameful route. Often … Read more
Jeff The Brotherhood
We Are The Champions
Infinity Cat (2011)
Have you ever wondered what Weezer would sound like had they turned into a psychedelic garage band? Well, look no further because the Nashville duo, JEFF the Brotherhood, do a fine job of showcasing that concept. This band of brothers have been rocking the Nashville music scene for the past decade and finally began to get some exposure with 2009’s … Read more
Jefferson Third
This is Only a Test
Independent (2006)
Oh the joys of a local band starting to make it big! I've been a friend of two members of Jefferson Third since I was a freshman in high school. It was only a matter of time before the two of them started a band. And when one of them was randomly assigned a college roommate and they started jamming … Read more
Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine
White People And The Damage Done
Alternative Tentacles (2013)
Heisenberg's uncertainty principle dictates that nothing in this universe has a truly defined position or trajectory and by trying to define it, the momentum of the object becomes even more unstable and unpredictable. The lesser known certainty principle is this: there will never be a Dead Kennedys reunion with Jello Biafra at the helm. Ever. It's not going to happen. … Read more
Jena Berlin
Passion Waits as the Program Keeps Going
Watch the City Burn (2005)
I realize that we are more than halfway through 2006. I realize that Jena Berlin recently began recording their follow-up to this album. But, I have two solid reasons for reviewing this album so late: 1) I never heard of the band prior to receiving the album in the mail a few weeks back, and 2) Passion Waits as the … Read more
Jena Berlin
Quo Vadimus
Jump Start (2007)
Quo Vadimus is the sophomore effort from Philadelphia's Jena Berlin. Unfortunately, odds are that most of you reading this are unfamiliar with the group despite releasing an extremely promising debut in 2005. This, in my opinion, makes the title of the album all the more fitting. "Quo vadimus" is Latin for "Where are we going?" On the surface this phrase … Read more
Jenny Hval
Blood Bitch
Sacred Bones (2016)
Jenny Hval has soared into the experimental scene since the release of Viscera, the first album under her own name. The quality of her work, and the scope of her vision continued to take form through a series of excellent records in Innocence is Kinky and Apocalypse, girl and is now reaching a peak with her newest album. Blood Bitch … Read more
Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins
Rabbit Fur Coat
Team Love (2006)
Rabbit Fur Coat is the first solo album by Jenny Lewis, the former child actress who also fronts indie darlings Rilo Kiley. Taking a break from her aforementioned band, Lewis has crafted a pop album full of alt-country leanings with the help of the Watson Twins. The album is co-produced by M. Ward and Mike Mogis (stalwarts within the Omaha/Saddle … Read more
Jenny Piccolo
Jenny Piccolo
Three One G (2006)
Discography CD's are certainly a weird bunch. Bands nowadays don't generally record three or four records like many bands of yore, instead putting out a slew of seven-inches and compilation tracks (making this format viable and feasible). Or maybe bands of yore put out seven-inches and bands nowadays put out a demo, get signed, put out an EP, a full-length … Read more
Jeremy Enigk
World Waits
Lewis Hollow (2006)
If you're not familiar with the name Jeremy Enigk, I have only one conclusion: you've been living under a rock for quite some time. Enigk is best known as the frontman for Sunny Day Real Estate - a band whose reputation should precede themselves - and The Fire Theft - an offshoot project of Sunny Day Real Estate. In addition … Read more
Jesse Dayton
The Outsider
Blue Elan Records (2018)
Powerful, bottom heavy, but good headlamps. She loves to look good, but also can build an engine; loves fancy dress, yet plays in the mud. She’s drive-able in the city, and capable of off-road adventures. As much as country music loves the Daisy Duke, and the General Lee, symbols stereotypically good, The Outsider locks into enough country to forgive its … Read more
