Review: Blitzen Trapper - Furr:

Upon first listen I'm still not sure how to categorize these guys, but I don't remember them being so upbeat. Still, they don't make an entirely-cohesive album, but with enough good tracks worth listening to again.

TheirSpace

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Purchase for $10.79

Review: Black Keys - Attack & Release:

Upon first listen I've been ignoring the hipster hype on these guys for years now, assuming it was just more of the same. Had I known there was an extremely solid blues-rock band hiding beneath the hype, I wouldn't have hesitated so much.

TheirSpace

Stream the entire album

Purchase for $10.69

Review: Brian Wilson - That Lucky Old Sun:

Upon first listen it's not as epic (or storied as) SMiLE, but if you're still looking for that early-'60s California pop feel, you could do worse.

HisSpace

Stream seemingly abritary songs from the album

Purchase for $11.88

Review: Tom Gabel - Heart Burns:

Upon first listen it's no the return to anarcho-acoustic punk many were hoping for from the Against Me! frontman's debut, but it serves his namesake well. There's a couple of questionable decisions (electric drums?) and some really good songs (Anna, which blows away the live versions). At the end of the day it's an interesting experiment - one that I hope is repeated.

HisSpace

Stream clips from the entire EP

Purchase for $7.50

Review: The Walkmen - You & Me:

Upon first listen this is what I would expect Bob Dylan and The Band to sound like if he tried to make an Indie Rock album.

TheirSpace

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Review: Verse - Aggression:

Upon first listen it's lacking something I can't quite put my finger on. Something that their previous albums had that made me fall in love with the band in the first place.

TheirSpace

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Purchase for $10.97

Review: Various - Tarantulas Records' Summer Is Here:

Upon first listen this sampler brings no new artist onto my radar, as it this compilation was designed to do.

TheirSpace

Purchase with The Explosion's Sick of Modern Art for $7.97

Review: Various - Masked And Anonymous:

Upon first listen it's another collection of Dylan covers surrounded by songs from Dylan himself. Unsurprisingly it's rather hit-or-miss when it comes to the covers (Grateful Dead's Baby Blue a highlight and Articolo 31's Rolling Stonea a lowlight).

Stream the entire album

Purchase for $9.20

Review: United Nations - United Nations:

Upon first listen this supergroup of heavy hitters in the emo/post-punk scene make one of the best pure screamo albums in recent memory. It's not likely to replace the classics, but that's not what they're going for anyway.

TheirSpace

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Purchase for $12.29

Review: TV On The Radio - Dear Science:

Upon first listen it's a suspiciously subdued album, lacking any of the grandiose moments present on Cookie Mountain. Still, it's undeniably catchy and upbeat (most of the time) and a solid, if underwhelming, follow-up.

TheirSpace

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Purchase for $13

Review: The Streets - Everything Is Borrowed:

Upon first listen Mike Skinner keeps getting wierder and further away from his Original Pirate Material roots. Some of the melodies are really well done (especially the first two tracks), if unconventional, but it's a very difficult listen.

HisSpace

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Review: Stars - Sad Robots EP:

Upon first listen it's a very subdued affair that is the perfect amount of tracks. Anymore and it'd be tiresome. Any less and you'd feel cheated.

TheirSpace

Stream the entire EP

Purchase the EP varying packages starting at $20

Review: Snapcase - End Transmission:

Upon first listen it's a very weird album for the band. Poor ordering of the tracks make for an uneven listen. In the end it certainly won't replace lookinglasself or Progression as de facto standards.

TheirSpace

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Purchase for $11.32

Review: Secret Machines - Secret Machines:

Upon first listen it's another adequate album that fails to live up to the potential they displayed on their debut.

TheirSpace

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Purchase for $9.99

Review: Portugal. The Man - Censored Colors:

Upon first listen it's way out in left field. The attention it has received by sites like AbsolutePunk and the label its on (Equal Vision) do not prepare you for the avant garde experience contained within. As such, it's disorienting to listen to the first time and I will be adding it to my rotating playlist for the forseeable future, if only to figure out if it's any good.

TheirSpace

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Review: Amanda Palmer - Who Killer Amanda Palmer:

Upon first listen it's hard to sustain the appeal of overly-dramatic songs for an entire album - and the former Dresden Dolls is no exception. Still, there's a couple of really great songs on here (Astronaut, Runs In The Family and Oasis) worthy of a Palmer-related mixtape.

HerSpace

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PUrchase for $11.99

Review: Of Montreal - Skeletal Lamping:

Upon first listen it sometimes takes an adequate follow-up to reveal how great an album is. In this case, Skeletal Lamping is merely adequate, overshadowed by the much better Hissing Fauna.

TheirSpace

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Review: Oasis - Dig Out Your Soul:

Upon first listen I've always admired Oasis' singles, but never cared too much for their albums, but I think they've got themselves a winner with this one.

TheirSpace

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Review: No Age - Nouns:

Upon first listen it took me a long time to get into the first No Age record. I expect similar things from the second, as they're a difficult band to get upon first listen.

TheirSpace

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Purchase for $12.47

Review: Music Tapes - For Clouds And Tornadoes:

Upon first listen I liked it much better than First Symphony as it had more of a Daniel Johnston feel to it. Still, by the end, it does get a little grating.

TheirSpace

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Review: Mogwai - The Hawk Is Howling:

Upon first listen they never were one of those post-rock bands that went for the grandiose peaks, a trend that continues here. It's not bad, but I think it's a poor follow-up to Mr. Beast. Of course, it really is difficult to pass judgement on a piece of instrumental music upon first listen.

TheirSpace

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Review: Martin Rev - Les Nymphes:

Upon first listen it's sleep-inducing electronic music.

TheirSpace

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Reviews: Immortal Technique x3

HisSpace

Revolutionary, Vol 1: Upon first listen unobscene production coupled with interesting, thought-provoking lyrics in a surefire winner in the hip-hop arena. Still, it feels like he's either rapping a half beat too slow or his production is a half beat too fast which is distracting only until you're used to it.

Stream the entire album

Purchase for $8.99

Revolutionary, Vol 2: Upon first listen it seems like he got his timing back on track, to accompany his even more politically-charged lyrics. There are a couple of moments and a few tracks that I wish didn't make the cut, but by-and-large it's a much more solid album than Vol 1 - and the first one was really good.

Stream the entire album

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3rd World: Upon first listen he realizes he can repeat a line a few times and have a "chorus" which works sometimes, but not always. It's certainly a more stylized, more polished, record, which isn't inherently bad.

Stream the entire album

Purchase for $13.14

Review: I Am Kloot x2

TheirSpace

Gods And Monster: Upon first listen nothing I Am Kloot does is noteworthy. Which is why I can't figure out why I consistently drawn to their work. Somehow I missed this release a few years ago, something I know regret.

Stream the entire album

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Play Moolah Rouge: Upon first listen it's a little more repetitive than Gods and Monsters (and their self titled and Natural History before that), but still oddly compelling.

Stream clips from the entire album

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Reviews: Hatebreed x4

TheirSpace

Under The Knife: Upon first listen the production's a little muddy (it is, after all, an independent hardcore/metal release), but there's not doubting it's ferocity, intensity and overall heaviness.

Stream the entire album

Purchase for $9.52

Satisfaction Is The Death Of Desire: Upon first listen I came to Hatebreed a bit late (Perseverance), so it's taken me a long while to get back to what most consider their masterpiece. Now I can see why. Heavy, catchy, brutal - it's all here and less refined than later albums.

Stream the entire album

Purchase for $12.50

The Rise Of Brutality: Upon first listen it's a bit more polished than their earlier works, but still just as heavy. But between Satisfaction and Perseverance, I'm not sure how much more you could need.

Stream the entire album

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Live Dominance: Upon first listen the prominence of the vocals makes it feel like less of a live album of hardcore/metal. At least, if my experience is any indication. Still, it's a wonderfull, one-stop shop for Hatebreed fans, covering all of their albums and giving further creedence to the idea that in the dictionary, next to the word for "breakdown" should be an audio clip of Hatebreed.

Purchase for $9.84

Review: Make Do And Mend - We're All Just Living:

Upon first listen I have no idea how to descrbie these guys. I guess Brand New-esque? Whatever it is, I really liked it.

TheirSpace, where you can purchase it for $7

Review: Jenny Lewis - Acid Tongue:

Upon first listen it's a very retro-'70s singer-songwriter album. Her last solo album did not hold up on repeated listens and I don't anticipate this one to either. Still, there are a couple of tracks I really like (Carpetbaggers with Costello, especially).

HerSpace

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Review: Last Lights - Last Lights:

Upon first listen this band had the unfortunate experience of showing up on my playlist right after American Nightmare's Background Music, all but ensuring I wouldn't be able to appreciate it. That being said, this was one of those bands that I listened to one track on their MySpace profile and immediately went to their website to purchase their record. Normally I do more research, listen to a few more tracks - maybe even the entire album - before making a purchase, but not this time.

TheirSpace, where you can download their Demo for free and purchase this EP for $5

Review: Kings of Leon - Only By The Night:

Upon first listen I can only come to one of two conclusions: A) Kings of Leon got exponentially better since the last time I listened to them or B) I've never properly listened to Kings of Leon.

TheirSpace

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Review: Dustin Kensrue - Please Come Home:

Upon first listen it's a perfectly adequate folk record. I'm sure if you were a big Thrice fan, this would be amazing, but as a more passive fan, it comes off as less than that. Not to say it's not worth listening to now and again.

HisSpace

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Review: Hostage Calm - Lens:

Upon first listen I instantly began comparing it to Highwire Days. Melodic hardcore punk at its finest. Not too deep, but completely adequate.

TheirSpace

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Review: His Hero Is Gone - Monuments to Thieves:

Upon first listen it was not all what I was expecting. Musically engaging, but virtually indecipherable lyrics really hold it back.

TheirSpace

Purchase for $14.99

Review: Harvey Danger - Where Have All The Merrymakers Gone?:

Upon first listen it's punk-influenced pop from the mid-'90s. Perfectly adequate yet unspectacular. Almost worth the price of admission just for Flagpole Sitta, a monster single that barely belongs on the album.

TheirSpace

Purchase for $11.94

Review: Fucked Up - The Chemistry Of Common Life:

Upon first listen it's like if the Mars Volta were a hardcore band. And not Spanish-speaking. I wasn't sure they would be able to top Hidden World, and while I'm not sure they have just yet, they sure made more than an adequate attempt.

Their website

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Review: Ben Folds - Way to Normal:

Upon first listen Mr. Folds is at his best when he's goofy and slightly over-the-top. He does both of those things here, as well as some more traditional Songs of Silverman-esque tracks.

HisSpace

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Review: Fiery Furnaces - Remember:

Upon first very long listen it's a staggering amount of audio. Forgive the hyperbole, but it seems like it's 112 tracks and 74 hours long. Still, they find a way to reinvent nearly all of their songs in sometimes positive, mostly negative (for those that listen to them a lot) ways. I think it wildly appropriate when artists rearrange, tweak or modify songs after they've been released and/or in live settings, but this takes it to a level I'm not entirely comfortable with. Yet.

TheirSpace

Purchase for $14.46

Review: The Explosion - Bury Me Standing:

Upon first listen it's not going to be able to touch Flash, Flash, Flash which is in my top 10 punk albums of all time, but it is their version of New Wave. Grown up, well-produced, yet familiar. A lot better than Black Tape.

TheirSpace

Purchase for $12 (if they ever release it)

Dungen - 4:

Upon first listen it's not nearly as pyschadelic, intense or passionate as Ta Det Lugnt, instead opting for what would be considered pop songs. Hard to get into without knowing what the words are.

TheirSpace

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Purchase for $9.96

Review: Champion - Promises Kept:

Upon first listen I finally get why people love Champion. Straight edge hardcore done right and in the vein of the mid-90s Boston scene.

TheirSpace

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Purchase for $11.97

Review: Civ - Thirteen Day Getaway:

Upon first listen it's a perfectly fine pop-punk album. Nothing too revolutionary from the former Gorilla Biscuit.

Gorilla Biscuits Space

Pick it up used for $3.99

Review: Bloc Party - Intimacy:

Upon first listen this is the ablum in which we'll look back in 10 years and say one of two things: A) This is when Bloc Party really started expanding their sonic pallette and taking us with them - or B) This is when Bloc Party stopped being cool (forgiving Weekend In The City).

TheirSpace

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Review: Bigelf - Cheat The Gallows:

Upon first listen I was initially going to call this Beatles-esque but airy, drawn out and darker. And just then, I realized that Pink Floyd would be more apt - and in a good way.

TheirSpace

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Purchase for $9.86

Review: The Adversaries - The Adversaries:

Upon first listen it's straight forward punk from a bunch of high school kids. Fast, aggressive, terribly produced and wholly unremarkable. Except for the fact it was Tom Gabel's first band.

Download the entire album

Review: Adamantium - Traditions:

Upon first listen it had been a long time since I'd listened to anything by Adamantium. Now I know it was because I didn't like it that much to begin with.

TheirSpace

Purchase for $12.16

Review: Wire - Object 47:

Upon first listen it was certainly post-rock/punk, but far more expansive, if a little repetitive.

TheirSpace

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Review: Various - The Fountain Original Motion Picture Soundtrack:

Upon first listen this holds up remarkably on its own. Still, it makes me want to rewatch the film very badly.

Clint Mansell's Space

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Review: Various - This Is Boston, Not L.A.:

Upon first listen I was expecting most of the bands to run together. Stylistically, they do, but their is more than enough nuance to differentiate. Still, I don't think I could listen to more than EP worth of tracks from any of them.

Purchase for $8.78

Review: The Tallest Man On Earth - Shallow Grave:

Upon first listen if you had told me this was a long-lost Dylan album from the early '60s I'd have totally believed you.

HisSpace

Stream a few non-album tracks

No word on US release date as of yet. Available on iTunes

Review: The Terrible Twos - Jerzy The Giant:

Upon first listen it's not quite as little-kid-friendly as Owl, nor is it as catchy. Still, the concept is great and there are some really terrific tunes on here.

TheirSpace

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Purchase for $10.75

Review: The Suicide File - Some Mistakes You Never Stop Paying For:

Upon first listen I've heard most of these tracks before, but they still sound invigorating, fresh and angry.

TheirSpace

Purchase for $14.88

Review: Street Dogs - State Of Grace:

Upon first listen it's going to take me a while to temper expectations from wanting a sequel to Do Or Die. Still, what's here isn't so bad and really shows a broadening of horizons for the street punk.

TheirSpace

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Review: Silent Majority - Life Of A Spectator:

Upon first listen it sounds what I would imagine H20 would have if they had been a mid-90s emo band and not a late-90s NYHC band.

TheirSpace

Check out eBay for a copy

Review: Poison Arrows - Casual Wave:

Upon first listen this EP is pretty good post-punk. Not sure I could listen to an entire album, but a few songs works well.

TheirSpace

Purchase for $6.99

Review: Plants And Animals - Parc Avenue:

Upon first listen it's not as if this is a bad album. It's just that it passes by and you don't take a whole lot away from it. Some of the tracks are too long for their own good, employing minimally-grandiose (ha!) instrumental sections that offer little to the song.

TheirSpace

Purchase for $13.03

Review: Buck Owens - Ultimate Collection:

Upon first listen it's great to have some of these country-the-way-it's-supposed-to-be-done tracks. Still, it's a little grating after 14 or so tracks - especially all those sugary pop/love songs.

HisSpace

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Review: One Day As A Lion - One Day As A Lion:

Upon first listen I had zero expectations for this, so it easily eclipsed them. I liked it in EP form as I'm not convinced La Rocha's vocals (which aren't as incendiary as some of RATM) would hold up over an entire album, though I wouldn't mind the attempt.

TheirSpace

Stream the entire EP

Purchase for $5.88

Review: Okkervil River - The Stand-Ins:

Upon first listen I've been rather indifferent towards these guys over the last few years. That's all changed with Stand-Ins, their best album to date.

TheirSpace

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Review: Conor Oberst - Conor Oberst:

Upon first listen Oberst takes his most direct stab at being Dylan, succeeding in the process.

HisSpace

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Review: The Mae Shi - HLLLYH:

Upon first listen there's some quality tracks in there. Reminiscent of Of Montreal, amongst others, but a lot of it gets lost in the sheer abundance of musical shifts.

TheirSpace

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Purchase for $14.85

Review: The Ike Reilly Assassination - We Belong To The Staggering Evening:

Upon first listen it's eerily similar to what Ted Leo would sound like if he had been more influenced by Bob Dylan and thrown a little Ben Folds into the mix.

TheirSpace

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Reviews: Gaslight Anthem x2

TheirSpace

Gaslight Anthem - Sink Or Swim: Upon first listen it's Against Me! meets Springsteen via The Hold Steady. What's not to like? Scratch that, what's not to
love?

Stream clips from the entire album

Purchase for $11.24

Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound: Upon first listen and I thought it couldn't get better than their last album. How wrong I was.

Stream the entire album

Purchase for $8.82

Review: Fucked Up - Epics In Minutes:

Upon first listen this collection of random trakcs showcase their more straight ahead punk/hardcore roots, before they got all avant garde. Worth having, if only to have a grasp of their progression.

Their Website

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Purchase for $16.70

Review: Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes:

Upon first listen I was expecting over-the-top bubblegum pop. Instead, what was delivered was slower, more focused and way better than those expectations.

TheirSpace

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Purchase for $9.72

Review: The Duke Spirit - Neptune:

Upon first listen the production was a little cleaner than I thought it should be. The music was very shoegaze-esque, but the lyrics crisp and audible. Still a fine rock record though.

TheirSpace

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Review: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - The Best Of:

Upon first listen the pace was a little unexpected, Songwriting seems strong as does emotional presentation.

TheirSpace

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Purchase for $10.86

Review: Bad Brains - Rock For Light:

Upon first listen I can see why this is considered a seminal hardcore/punk album. I just can't wait to remove the reggae songs from the track list.

TheirSpace

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Purchase for $9.36

Review: Agnostic Front - United Blood:

Upon first listen this pretty much confirms my suspicions that I do not like NYHC.

TheirSpace

Check out eBay to buy a copy

Review: Matt Pryor - Confidence Man:

Upon first listen it's exactly what I was expecting - a stripped down, more intimate version of On A Wire. And it succeeds in that endeavor.

HisSpace

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Purchase for $10.75

Review: Dennis Wilson - Pacific Ocean Blue:

Upon first listen it was pleasant, if unsurprising. I liked the Bambu sessions more though.

HisSpace

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Purchase for $19.48

Review: Weezer - Weezer (Red):

Upon first listen it's a perfectly adequate pop-rock record. Of course, this comes from someone who wasn't a devotee.

TheirSpace

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Purchase for $10.89

Review: Sky Eats Airplane - Sky Eats Airplane:

Upon first listen I'm not a fan of the "kitchen sink" approach to hardcore (or most aggressive music), incoporating throat-screaming metal, melodicism and more straight forward hardcore punk. It makes it all seem forced and unneccessary.

TheirSpace

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Review: Silver Jews - Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea:

Upon first listen I loved this record. A little cheesy at times, but thought provoking, catchy and addictive. Such a surprise.

TheirSpace

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Review: Ratatat - LP3:

Upon first listen these guys have finally won me over. Addictive, catchy and without lyrics.

TheirSpace

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Review: Have Heart - Songs To Scream At The Sun:

Upon first listen this is probably the best hardcore album of the year. Grabs me much more than The Effort.

TheirSpace

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Purchase for $9.95

Review: Fake Problems - How Far Our Bodies Go:

Upon first listen it's country and folk tinged acoustic punk in the spirit of early Against Me! Not quite as catchy, but for those who miss that era, this is for them - and me.

TheirSpace

Stream the entire album

Purchase for $10

Review: The Effort - Iconoclasm:

Upon first listen I wasn't as impressed as I was expecting. A lot of people are claiming this to be the best hardcore record of the year, but I just don't hear it. I do hear a lot of promise which will bring me back again, however.

TheirSpace

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Review: Die Hoffnung - Love Songs:

Upon first listen it's more accessible than I Hate Myself while maintaining a lot of the same tendencies. Still, it's no substitute for listening to 10 Songs.

TheirSpace

Purchase for $7

Review: Death From Above 1979 - Romance Bloody Romance:

Upon first listen none of these remixes eclipse the original tracks, but a couple of them (the ones that maintain the familiarity) are really good. In the end I'll listen to You're A Woman far more.

TheirSpace

Stream about half of the album

Purchase for $11.97

Review: Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs:

Upon first listen I was very confused by this album. It just didn't sound like what I thought it would have. Certainly a depature from Transatlanticisim/Plans. Darker, sparser, slower and better. A lot better. My favorite album this year (so far).

TheirSpace

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Review: Damiera - Quiet Mouth Loud Hands:

Upon first listen I could not stop thinking that this is very similar to a Coheed and Cambria album if they were more pop and less prog. Unfair to be sure, but something I was unable to shake.

TheirSpace

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Review: Dave Clark Five - Glad All Over Again:

Upon first listen most people would be surprised at how many of these tracks they know without knowing the band's name. While this is a great way to preserve some of these classic pop songs, it runs a bit long with a good bit of filler. If I share it with friends, I'll likely pare it down to about twelve tracks.

Stream a bunch of tracks

Check out eBay

Review: Cinematic Sunrise - A Coloring Storybook And Long Playing Record:

Upon first listen the only redeeming quality about this album is that it actually comes with a coloring storybook. Awesome.

TheirSpace

Stream the entire EP

Available exclusively at your local Hot Topic

Review: The Capstan Shafts - Environ Maiden:

Upon first listen the novelty, for me, has worn off after only the second album I've listened to. I really wish he would flesh out some of these songs.

TheirSpace

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Purchase for $12.19

Review: Brendan Canning - Something For All Of Us:

Upon first listen I can't wait for the next Broken Social Scene Presents because then I can take the few good tracks from here, Sprit If and from the new one to make a really good followup to their self titled album.

HisSpace

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Purchase for $11.97

Review: Beck - Modern Guilt:

Upon first listen I found it very mundane and uninspiring. Bland would be a good word for it.

HisSpace

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Purchase for $7.86

Review: Eef Barzelay - Lose Big:

Upon first listen another good release by the former Clem Snide frontman. Low key instrumentation, emphasis on the lyrics and catchy choruses.

HisSpace

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Purchase for $11.59

Review: Alive In Wild Paint - Ceilings:

Upon first listen not was I was expecting from an Equal Vision Records release. Very quiet with little energy. Great for those who like Dusk and Summer era Dashboard Confessional (which I did), but likely appeals to a niche market.

TheirSpace

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Review: Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer:

Upon first listen I'm just not that into Wolf Parade. I tried many times with Apologies but it never caught on. That trend sadly continues with their follow-up.

TheirSpace

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Purchase for $9.99

Review: Various - Stereogum.com Presents...Enjoyed:

Upon first listen there wasn't a single track that equaled, nevermind improved upon, Bjork's originals. Until Final Fantasy and Ed Droste's Possibly Maybe. Wow.

BjorkSpace

Stereogum

Download the entire album

Review: Tokyo Police Club - Elephant Shell:

Upon first listen it's perfectly fine pop/indie rock, possessing little to set it apart from the virtual sea of same-minded bands.

TheirSpace

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Purchase for $9.99

Review: Thrice - The Alchemy Index, Volumes III (Air) and IV (Earth):

Upon first listen I was expecting one volume of quiet and one of loud. What I got was one of quiet and one of even quieter. Weird thing is, the quieter one was better. A lot better.

TheirSpace

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Purchase for $12.41

Review: Television - Marquee Moon:

Upon first listen it's hard not to find some similarities to Talking Heads but with more good, old-fashioned rock undertones.

TheirSpace

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Purchase for $9.86

Review: Sparks - Kimono My House:

Upon first listen there is no other way to put it besides 'interesting'.

TheirSpace

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Review: Siouxsie And The Banshees - Join Hands:

Upon first listen if you had told me prior to listening that this was Amanda Palmer's solo album, I'd have believed you. In a good way.

TheirSpace

Purchase for $10.77

Review: Shai Hulud - Misanthropy Pure:

Upon first listen the music is relentlessly aggressive, but the singing is nothing special.

TheirSpace

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Purchase for $9.99

Review: Really Red - Discography:

Upon first listen this band runs the gamut of many different subgenres of punk, which in the end, make it difficult to give a fair shot.

TheirSpace

Download the entire album

Keep an eye out on eBay for their releases

Review: John Ralston - Sorry, Vampire:

Upon first listen it's not as memorable as his last album, but still a decent pop-rock outing with catchy hooks and good production.

HisSpace

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Purchase for $12.99

Review: Rain - La Vache Qui Rit:

Upon first listen this late '80s melodic hardcore band sounds like a slower, more rock-oriented version of Gorilla Biscuits. That's a good thing.

TheirSpace

Purchase for $8

Review: Public Image Ltd - First Issue:

Upon first listen it's punk in definition, if not aesthetic. I was not expecting to like this, but was oddly compelled to each and every minute.

TheirSpace

Keep an eye out on eBay

Review: Nine Inch Nails - The Slip:

Upon first listen it's close to being my favorite Nine Inch Nails release (not like that'd be hard), but loses me on the back half.

TheirSpace

Purchase for $11.86

Review: Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark - Dazzle Ships:

Upon first listen I discovered this album at the same time I came across Music Tapes. Knowing what was about to come, and with a slightly more open mind, I came away enjoying this album quite a bit. I don't foresee myself listening to it frequently (or perhaps ever again), but I also didn't hate it.

TheirSpace

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Purchase for $9.95

Review: Music Tapes - First Imaginary Symphony For Nomad:

Upon first listen this is avante garde lo-fi to the extreme - and something that's of no interest to me.

TheirSpace

Purchase for $14.44

Review: Mudcrutch - Mudcrutch:

Upon first listen it's another standout record in Tom Petty's outstanding career, containing a few tracks that will surely end up on a multi-disc best of at some point in the future.

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Review: Modern English - Gathering Dust:

Upon first listen it's hard to believe this is the same band as the one performing I Melt With You. Makes for a disorienting listen that's unable to be shaken.

TheirSpace

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Review: Manic Street Preachers - The Holy Bible:

Upon first listen I was far more impressed by this album than I was several years ago by their greatest hits collection. Something worth further investigation.

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Review: Kayo Dot - Blue Lambency Downward:

Upon first listen and after Choirs and Dowsing all I have to ask is wtf?

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Review: Islands - Arm's Way:

Upon first listen Nick Thorburn and Co. have tried way too hard and failed (most of the time). Still, I think Nick and Kevin Barnes should find a way to collaborate for an album - that would be epic. In the meantime, I'll continue to enjoy Return To The Sea.

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Review: Indian Summer - Hidden Arithmetic:

Upon first listen and as suspected, most of their material does not hold well in a live setting (especially without a professional recording) as most of it just sounds like noise (moreso than normal). Good for completists like myself, but even I will likely never listen again.

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Review: The Instruments - Dark Smaland:

Upon first listen I was expecting something a little more melodically-endowed. Still, it's almost hauntingly beautiful in all of it's slow, instrumental glory.

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Review: Futureheads - This Is Not The World:

Upon first listen this is not the dizzingly-layered band of yesterday or tomorrow. This is the bland pop of today.

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Review: French Kicks - Swimming:

Upon first listen I didn't like it as much as Two Thousand, which came out of nowhere for me. Most of it is really repetitive and nearly-always boring.

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Review: Fast Cars - Coming, Ready Or Not:

Upon first listen this was really, really good, despite that questionable production. Instead of being a punk band with pop tendencies, it's a pop band with punk tendencies and it works. A lot. Check these guys out. Now.

TheirSpace

Their web site has a ton of live and demo tracks available to download

Keep an eye on eBay

Or buy the import for $29.57

Review: Everybody Out - Everybody Out EP/Struggle And Strife:

Upon first listen I was so excited about this Rick Barton-led group (of Dropkick Murphys fame), but was a little disappointed with the outcome. It's not that it's bad, but it tries far too hard to be something that it's not. Still, I'll proceed to check out each and every release.

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Purchase Struggle And Strife for $9.59

Review: Broken Hearts Are Blue - Truth About Love:

Upon first listen I read had read somewhere that this would be a huge hit had it been released presently as opposed to in 1999. That may be true, but it would also be slammed for sounding like every other mid-'90s emo band.

TheirSpace

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Review: The Breeders - Mountain Battles:

Upon first listen I had no real expecations, having only heard of the band and never hearing them, but they managed to eclipse expectations. It's not perfect, but there's enough good to go back for more.

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Review: Bjork - Post:

Upon first listen I was blown away by this album. I had been keeping up with her most recent releases, but never thinking to go back and see how she got there. Now I wish I hadn't waited so long.

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Review: Coldplay - Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends:

Upon first listen it's a hell of a lot better than X&Y, though that wasn't particularly difficult. It has some excellent tracks on it (Viva La Vida, Violet Hill) and relatively few clunkers, but it's still doesn't manage to come close to AROBTTH or Parachutes. Granted, I've had more time with each of them, but it just doesn't have that same feeling. Still, the album definitely pushes that traditional Coldplay sound and finds the band ripping off more than U2 and Radiohead, opting for bands like My Bloody Valentine and Arcade Fire, both a welcome addition to their cannon.

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Review: Bob Dylan And The Band - The Basement Tapes:

Upon first listen it's not something I'll listen to as a whole, but it's nice to have some of these songs to listen to. Put into the context of Dylan's whirlwind career, it falls between Blonde On Blonde and John Wesley Harding, almost as if Dylan didn't want anyone to hear him tinker with his new direction.

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Review: Delays - Everything's The Rush:

Upon first listen it is a hell of a lot better than You See Colours, though it's been far too long since I've listened to Faded Seaside Glamour to put it into context. I don't remember, however, them being so 'peppy', 'upbeat' or 'danceable' as they are on this really, really good album.

TheirSpace

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Review: Chumbawamba - Pictures Of Starving Children Sell Records:

Upon first listen this album runs the gamut musically, but has a central theme lyrically: political satire. Poking fun at a host of '80s-themed issues it manages to come across as both sincere as well as fun.

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Review: Elvis Costello And The Imposters - Momofuku:

Upon first listen it's a really great album in the same way that Modern Times was great for Dylan. No one expects them to put out another My Aim Is True or Highway 61, but is still surprised to listen to this 20 years later.

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Review: Beulah x2

Beulah - Handsome Western States: Upon first listen I found this album to be very weird. It both fits in and sticks out of the E6 Collective, while appealing to fans of Daniel Johnston, Ben Kweller and Olivia Tremor Control (note: I said 'and").

Beulah - When Your Heartstrings Break: Upon first listen Beulah manages to perfect it's genre transcendence, blending lo-fi, pyschadelic pop, shoegaze, drone and post-rock into something special.

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Review: Ambulance LTD - EP:

Upon first listen this EP features four tracks from their then-forthcoming LP and one more. The LP tracks sound great, if a bit unpolished in comparison to their LP counterparts and the extra track didn't graduate to the LP for good reason.

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Review: New Found Glory / International Superheroes Of Hardcore

New Found Glory - Tip Of The Iceberg: Upon first listen sometimes you have to
grow up to appreciate immaturity. Something I've apparently done.

TheirSpace

International Superheroes Of Hardcore - Takin' It Ova: Upon first listen this is a great tongue-in-cheek look at hardcore and The Scene. Like Good Clean Fun, only less obvious.

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Review: The Hold Steady - Stay Positive:

Upon first listen I was a little underwhelmed. Ok, reall underwhelmed. Because I didn't care for Separation Sunday I had low expectations for Boys and Girls in America. Because Boys and Girls was so good, I had high expectations for Stay Positive. So high, they could have never lived up.

TheirSpace, which currently has the entire album streaming

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Review: H2O - Nothing To Prove:

Upon first listen it's another solid outing that does not achieve the greatness of their earlier albums.

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Review: Sunday's Best - Where You Are Now:

Upon first listen it fails to achieve notoriety despite its foundation for future glory.

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Review: Tapes 'n' Tapes - Walk It Off:

Upon first listen I was extremely bored by the album, despite the promise of Hang Them All.

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Review: Saves The Day - Bug Sessions, Volumes 2 and 3:

Upon first listen I can't wait until they've done their entire back catalog acoustically - especially if they continue to be this good.

TheirSpace

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Review: The Raconteurs - Consolers Of The Lonely:

Upon first listen it's a lot better than their debut, but doesn't match the latest White Stripes album. Still Jack White and crew provide an extremely solid rock album.

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Review: Night Marchers - See You In Magic:

Upon first listen I've liked some of John Reis's other works (Drive Like Jehu, Hot Snakes) but can't seem to get into this release of straight ahead garage rock.

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Review: Moss Icon - Discography:

Upon first listen this emo pioneer outfit starts as a Minor Threat-intense punk band, progresses into a spoken work/rant post-punk band and ends as an avant garde weirdo band.

TheirSpace

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Review: Indian Summer - Science 1994 Discography:

Upon first listen it's like some magical cross between I Hate Myself and Slint. Absolutely amazing. And the second time I've reviewed this album.

TheirSpace

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Review: The Hated - Collection:

Upon first listen the production quality is terrible on most songs. Still, beneath that are some good tracks. Waiting (Acoustic) especially as it sounds like a modern day talking blues track with Damned Heart being incredibly catchy.

TheirSpace (kinda)

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Review: Gnarls Barkley - The Odd Couple:

Upon first listen they will always be thought of and remembered as a singles band. And with only one or two good singles on this disc, it's easy to overlook it.

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Review: Giant's Chair - Purity And Control:

Upon first listen this "emo" band is one I know I'll like eventually, but I'm not sure why.

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Review: Foxy Shazam - Introducing:

Upon first listen it's a fun pop/rock record, but nothing to get too excited about.

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Review: Flight Of The Conchords - Flight Of The Conchords:

Upon first listen it was, as expected, a mixed affair. Some of the tracks work outside the confines of their funny, funny show. The rest rely on the visual as much as the context surrounding them.

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Review: The Feelies - Crazy Rhythms:

Upon first listen it's hard not to draw some kind of comparison to the Talking Heads, albeit unfairly. It's a very interesting album, full of quirky, upbeat pop and minimalistic electronica and drone. Looking forward to hearing it again.

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Reviews: Defiance, Ohio

Defiance, Ohio - Demo: Upon first listen I like where it could end up, but most of the songs are a little underdeveloped.

Defiance, Ohio - Take What Ya Got: Upon first listen a better outing than their demo - hitting homeruns with a few tracks, but still falling short.

Defiance, Ohio - The Fear, The Fear, The Fear: Upon first listen it all comes together on their latest album.

TheirSpace

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Review: Chamberlain - Fate's Got A Driver:

Upon first listen it's a bit more melodic than the rest of their mid-90s emo peers. Still, I'd have enjoyed it more had the vocals been less muddy.

TheirSpace

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Review: Be Your Own Pet - Get Awkward:

Upon first listen it is a bit of a sophomore slump, but not as much as it could have been. There are some killer tracks on here and I love the fuzzy vocals. I'm more excited, however, at the promise of growth and look forward to their next album for something really special.

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Review: Albert Ayler - Spirits Rejoice:

Upon first listen I'm sure it makes more sense in context, but having none I'm unsure why Tiny Mix Tapes gave it a five-star review. Still, it's interesting and deserves to be listened to again.

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Review: Animal Collective - Water Curses:

Upon first listen small doses of Animal Collective are the preferable way to listen to them.

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Review: Elbow - The Seldom Seen Kid:

Upon first listen the album title is a metaphor for the band as they're always there, doing more, pushing themselves further and improving with each release yet receiving little of the accolades thrust upon their Britpop peers. I've only listened once, but this may be my favorite Elbow album, as difficult as it is to imagine.

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Review: Saul Williams - The Inevitable Rise And Liberation of NiggyTardust:

Upon first listen this is my least-favorite Saul Williams album. The production was especially distracting and Saul's delivery of the lyrics weren't as immediate as I was anticipating based on past releases.

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Review: The Vines - The Best of The Vines:

Upon first listen I can't believe anyone would care.

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Review: Van Der Graaf Generator - Pawn Hearts:

Upon first listen it wasn't as pretentious as I was expecting or as it could be, but it also wasn't as good as a lot of other progressive rock.

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Review: Thrice - Vheissu:

Upon first listen it's another good record by the band, but they still yet to release that great record I know they're capable of.

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Review: Sundowner - Four One Five Two:

Upon first listen this punk-inspired folk album is nothing too special, but good enough to warrant repeat listens, especially if you like to sing along.

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On My 1,000th Post, I'm Sick Of It All

Sick Of It All - We Stand Alone: Upon first listen I can see why they were so influential and highly regarded as this was much better than Blood, Sweat And No Tears (especially the live tracks from that album).

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Sick Of It All - Just Look Around: Upon first listen I'm starting to think that their studio output will never be as good as their reputation that precedes them.

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Sick Of It All - Scratch The Surface: Upon first listen this is their best output thus far - even if there are a few wasted tracks.

Purchase for $12.79

Sick Of It All - Live In A World Full Of Hate: Upon first listen I've never been to a hardcore show with the vocals mixed so much to the front. I really wish I had been though, cause it suits it very well. As does the live setting for SOIA's songs.

Purchase it on eBay

Sick Of It All - Spreading The Hardcore Reality: Upon first listen these early-years tracks just don't seem to hold up to the rest of their output.

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Sick Of It All - Built To Last: Upon first listen they inexplicably continue to turn out anthem after anthem.

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Sick Of It All - Call To Arms: Upon first listen after ten years, SOIA manages to be one of the most consistently good hardcore bands of all time.

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Sick Of It All - Yours Truly: Upon first listen I think I've finally gone past the point of enjoying SOIA and into boredom.

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Sick Of It All - Live In A Dive: Upon first listen I really need to see SOIA live.

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Sick Of It All - Life On The Ropes: Upon first listen what's more to be said about this classic NYHC band?

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Sick Of It All - Outtakes For The Outcast: Upon first listen it's a nice accompaniment to the rest of their albums, but I don't see myself listening to it as a whole.

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Sick Of It All - Death To Tyrants: Upon first listen this is one of their better albums and the best in the last few releases. Harder, faster, more direct, they show no signs of slowing down.

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Review: Thee Silver Mt Zion Memorial Orchestra & Tra-La-La Band - 13 Blues For Thirteen Moons:

Upon first listen I'm always amazed at how much this outfit continues to grow after each increasingly-better release. This one is no exception as it eclipses everything else they have released.

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Review: Silent Drive - Love Is Worth It:

Upon first listen it's hard to take seriously when he's singing and just as hard when he's screaming.

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Review: Sigur Ros - Von:

Upon first listen I think I have a new Best Album to Fall Asleep To.

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Review: Beanie Sigel - The Solution:

Upon first listen I'm not sure what the problem was, but it was obviously not something that affected me.

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Review: She And Him - Volume 1:

Upon first listen I had very low expectations for this album, which is likely why I liked it so much. Wonderfully sung, beautifully arranged and the covers (You Really Got A Hold On Me and I Should Have Known Better) are a perfect representation of the type of music they were striving to replicate - and did so successfully.

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Review: Ron Sexsmith - Retriever:

Upon first listen it's another album by Sexsmith that's good but not great.

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Review: Walter Schreifels - Authur Lee EP:

Upon first listen another great outing by a great songwriter, though too short.

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Review: Scarface - Mr. Scarface is Back:

Upon first listen I must have been in the mood to hear some old-school hip-hop, because I loved this album. The storytelling, the lack of an annoying hook and traditional backing beats made for an enjoyable listen.

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Review: Say Anything - In Defense of the Genre:

Upon first listen this is way worse than I thought it was going to be. And I thought it was going to be pretty bad.

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Review: Chuck Ragan - Feast Of Famine:

Upon first listen I was a little disappointed in this folk-punk album from someone that will someday (if not already) considered a legend. Perhaps it was his over-emphasis of the final word of every line - but a lot of it seemed unneccessary.

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Review: No Harm Done

Our Day Of Days: Upon first listen this melodic hardcore band stands in the shadow of greats like Gorilla Biscuits, H2O, OMDB and Kid Dynamite, but still manage to keep the faith that they're capable of more.

Start Of Something New (EP): Upon first listen this is a step in the right direction, but still not quite there.

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Stream the entire EP

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Review: Nada Surf - Lucky:

Upon first listen it wasn't as infectious as The Weight, but that could change after a few more listens.

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Review: Mountain Goats - Heretic Pride:

Upon first listen it's no Sunset Tree but it's far better than Get Lonely and a lot of other mediocre music being made these days.

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Review: Los Campesinos! - Hold On Now, Youngster:

Upon first listen I was not surprised to find out that they could not hold their quirkiness over an entire album - instead they should stick to EPs.

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Review: Lee, Ben - Sings Against Me's New Wave:

Upon first listen I loved Lee's rendition of this album. It has made me appreciate the original all the more - though I'll use this version to get people hooked on the melodies and song writing before hitting them with the better version.

Against Me's Space

Ben Lee's Space

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Guru - The Best Of Guru's Jazzmatazz:

Upon first listen I couldn't get past Slicker Than Most.

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Review: GlassJaw - Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Silence:

Upon first listen this wasn't as bad as my expectations had prepared me for, but it still wasn't great. I'll stick to I Hate Myself.

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Review: Flat Duo Jets - Two Headed Cow:

Upon first listen this was a very interesting album. Part blues, part punk, part rockabilly, part instrumental. I'm still taken aback by its uniqueness.

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Review: FC Five - Super Bloom:

Upon first listen either I've forgotten how formulaic they once were or they've become a lot more so. Either way I'll have to pass.

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Review: The Forms - The Forms:

Upon first listen I loved most of the songs, but was expecting a little more cohesiveness or flow. Either way, I'm sure it'll get more than a few listens.

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Review: Destroyer - Trouble In Dreams:

Upon first listen I enjoyed this album more than Rubies but still not as much as the rest of the internet.

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Review: British Sea Power - Do You Like Rock Music?:

Upon first listen I liked this album much better than Open Season, but still didn't feel wholly interesting like their debut. Still, it was good enough to revisit.

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Review: Bowerbirds - Hymns For A Dark Horse:

Upon first listen there is a ton to like on this acoustic/folk/weird album, just not enough to come back to again and again.

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Review: The Hives - The Black and White Album:

Upon first listen it's easy to surmise that a few years from now when a Greatest Hits of The Hives is released, it will include a few of these tracks. But that's where they're strength remains - in the hits, the singles.

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Review: Rollins Band - Weight:

Upon first listen I usually complain about bands mixing their vocals too high. In this case, they've been mixed far too high. It's like Rollins is doing Def Poetry and there's this pseudo-hard rock music behind it. Way behind it.

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Review: Bob Dylan - The Other Side of the Mirror:

Upon first listen it's great to have all of his Newport Folk Festival performances in non-bootleg form, sounding cleaner than ever.

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Review: The House of Love - The House of Love:

Upon first listen I was expecting more jangly guitars and more rhythm. What I got instead was seemingly-repetitive songs about love (how'd I miss that clue?).

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Review: Ghostface Killah - The Big Doe Rehab:

Upon first listen Ghostface proves once again why he is one of the top MCs still putting out music. Maybe ever.

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Review: Thrice - The Alchemy Index, Vols. 1 and 2:

Upon first listen it's a very hit or miss affair on the first disc of harder tracks. The second disc is a bit more consistent and interesting.

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Review: Talking Heads - Speaking In Tongues:

Upon first listen it gets a little tiresome towards the middle but finishes strong enough.

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Review: Jane's Addiction - Ritual de lo Habitual:

Upon first listen I can't believe it's taken me so long to listen to such an amazing album.

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Review: A Wilhelm Scream - Ruiner:

Upon first listen it was a pretty good listen. Still, I couldn't help but wonder how much better it could have been had they not made it so busy sounding.

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Review: John Fogerty - Revival:

Upon first listen it's on par with the rest of the rock veterans. Meaning it's really good but doesn't come close to his best output.

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Review: Woelv - Pamplemoussi:

Upon first listen it just wasn't what I was expecting, but in the end it's still not something I'd listen to with any kind of frequency. It's too slow and not attention-grabbing.

TheirSpace(I think)

Try eBay for this out-of-print album (or get the newest LP from here

Review: Single File - Heartbreak & Masturbation/My Best Defense/No More Sad Face:

Upon first listen this is some hard-to-beat pop-punk and I look forward to a full length.

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Review: Husker Du - New Day Rising:

Upon first listen I could have really liked this album. If it didn't sound like it was recorded in a bathroom with the shower running.

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Review: Descendents - Milo Goes To College:

Upon first listen if I had listened to this in high school, it would be one of my favorite albums. But I didn't.

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Review: Minus The Bear - Menos El Oso:

Upon first listen this was a very interesting album. And not something that I can easily categorize, but if I had to I'd have to say it sounds like Cake.

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Review: Various - I'm Not There Soundtrack:

Upon first listen it's a good thing they gave you two discs of material. This way you can make your own one-disc version containing all the good covers (Jeff Tweedy, Cat Power) and none of the bad ones (anyone trying to cover Maggie's Farm).

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Review: Sigur Ros - Hvarf-Heim:

Upon first listen it's officially been too long since I've listened to Sigur Ros, because I had forgotten how absolutely beautiful they sound.

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Review: White Rabbits - Fort Nightly:

Upon first listen I'm just not sure. There seems to be more than meets the ear, but it was difficult to discern. Perhaps another attempt is in order.

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Review: Plain White T's - Every Second Counts:

Upon first listen there are about a dozen smash hit pop songs on here. Simply astounding.

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Review: The Capstan Shafts - Euridice Proudhon:

Upon first listen it would be difficult to not compare this to Jeff Mangum and John Darnielle. Twenty two tracks all about a minute long and never using music to introduce or close out or song (or even to stretch a song) makes for an interesting, if not enjoyable listen.

TheirSpace

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Review: The Fall Of Troy - Doppelganger:

Upon first listen I love the music on this album but find both their screaming and singing
to be incredibly cheesy.

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Review: Sonic Youth - Daydream Nation:

Upon first listen if I wasn't keenly aware that this was a seminal album by a seminal artist I wouldn't have liked it too much. Conversely, if I had heard this live instead of on CD, I'd have loved it immensely.

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Review: Neil Young - Chrome Dreams II:

Upon first listen it's just not as strong as his last last two studio albums nor his last live album.

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Review: Chiodos - Bone Palace Ballet:

Upon first listen this is way better than their debut. More melodic and less cheesy. Loved the piano.

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Review: Joey Eppard - Been to the Future:

Upon first listen I may have liked this acoustic album if he had sang with more conviction (and a deeper voice).

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Review: Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend:

Upon first listen this album is digustingly catchy and addictive. Without being obnoxious.

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Review: The Mars Volta - The Bedlam in Goliath:

Upon first listen this is their best album since De-Loused. Coincidentally it's their most accessible one. Maybe ever.

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Review: Jay-Z - American Gangster:

Upon first listen it seems as though Jay-Z is his hit or miss self on this soundtrack.

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