How much can anyone forgive in exchange for a good beat? Justin Timberlake unintentionally poses that question on his sophomore record, but as long as listeners are after nothing more than a solid party album, Futuresex/Lovesounds will keep them satisfied. Read more…
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Colombian beauty Shakira’s double volume of songs is split in more ways than one. The first album, Fijacion Oral Vol. 1, is sung entirely in Spanish whereas Oral Fixation Vol. 2 comes in English. While Shakira’s famously breathy lyrics and Kate Bush-esque squeals are evident on both, she also wavers from insincere to poignant in equal doses. Read more…
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Paula Frazer manages to escape the common pop-trap of drilling monotony with her latest release, Leave the Sad Things Behind. The ethereal, placid album won’t be high energy enough for dance or rock fans, but is perfect for anyone in the mood for some contemplation. Of course, listening to someone else contemplate is more like escaping, but whatever. Put this in if you were already on the verge of curling into a ball and crying. Read more…
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Blake Sennett hasn’t quit his day job with Rilo Kiley, but he has created an immensely pleasing alt-country album just in time to spark summer romance for his listeners. Sun, Sun, Sun is the second album from Sennett’s side project, The Elected, and its richness belies the band’s relatively short time together. Read more…
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Madonna is good. She doesn’t always produce the best music, but she certainly demands attention in every possible way. Confessions on a Dance Floor marks her musical return to a genre most of today’s pop listeners are unfamiliar with – Disco. Read more…
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The boys of Bril have come barreling out of San Clemente, CA with the kind of angst that only four kids from Orange County would consider to be extremely intense. Bril is the kind of band you’ll overhear on the “edgy” love interest’s iPod in a Mandy Moore flick. That is to say, they’re about as edgy as a butter knife. Read more…
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Jenny Lewis continues to live up to her status as indie-rock darling on her first semi-solo album, Rabbit Fur Coat. Sweet vocals paired with wistful storytelling make for a little gem of a record. Lewis doesn’t shine every single moment, but the earnestness in her performance makes it rather easy to overlook any lesser areas. Read more…
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After achieving the success that the universe appears to have determined is owed all cast-members of In Living Color, Jamie Foxx has finally accomplished his original showbiz goal and recorded an R&B album. But in a stunning twist of events, the quality of Unpredictable is merely adequate. Read more…
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Hopefully you’ve already bought The Woods, Sleater-Kinney’s excellent effort of 2005. If not, or if you own a single Nickelback album, then go buy this record now and listen to it until you realize exactly why Sleater-Kinney is such an excellent rock band. Read more…
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The pairing of Burt Bacharach (of “What’s New, Pussycat?” fame) and Dr. Dre sounds just illogical enough to be genius. Sadly, genius was not to be, as At This Time is just jazzy, overwrought Muzak. Read more…
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