Editorial Review

It's never easy following up a multi-platinum success, but Canada's Nickelback's latest seem sure to match the sales of the many-million-selling Read more

Reviews (165)

Solid effort, through and through
Nickelback follows up Silver Side Up with another catchy, angst-driven grunge disc. What's good is that the lyrical content is more varied with this effort. The one downer: "Someday" sounds virtually identical to "How you Remind Me" (tempo, guitars, drum parts, everything ... there's even a mash-up avaiable online where the two songs are played simultaneously and you really notice the similarities).
Are you that dumb?
Whoever said this album isn't even worth a penny is the dumbest person ever.He (or she) asked a very stupid question.Where did the 90's go?There still back in the 90's!Every generation has it's own kind of music.Do you expect to hear Elvis on the popular radio stations anytime soon?No, because he is in the past and new music has come out.The 90's are called the 90's because they were played in the 90's!New music is and will forever be coming out and if your stuck in the 90's then don't turn on the damn radio because most of the stations will be playing music like this.So shut up about your favorite music because nobody cares what it is.

What a load of dung....
When I first heard Nickelback about 7 or 8 years ago (The State), I thought they were decent, nothing great, but decent.I still think The State is an OK disc.But like most bands, once they sell out and find fame, the quality of the product goes down the tubes.Besides being musically bland, and never changing...the lyrics are just about as deep as a rain puddle after a drizzle."Figured you out" has to be the worst...any 8th grade dropout could write that, its just plain dumb, as well as vulgar.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Heavy Metal    3. Pop    4. Post-Grunge    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

The title of this album would seem a tad precious applied to the releases of the majority of Nashville musicians. But Guy Clark--song craftsman, guitar builder--has been doing such finely measured work for all of his storied career that "Workbench Songs" aptly sums up the pride and precision he brings to these 11 offerings. Joined by cowriters Darrell Scott, Rodney Crowell, Gary Nicholson, Lee Roy Parnell, and Verlon Thompson, Clark is at turns wry and poignant in chronicling human acts great and small. And, as usual with his albums, a number of these songs resonate long after first listen. "Walkin' Man," a Celtic-flavored demo recording which kicks off the set, pays homage to the pilgrims and searchers--Gandhi and Woody Guthrie--who had the courage to make their own path. "Out in the Parkin' Lot," the Darrell Scott collaboration which Clark recorded on 1997's live Read more

Reviews (2)

latest from a national treasure
There may be better songwriters than Guy Clark-but you can count them on one hand with fingers left over.This disc has him co-writing with some of the best in Nashville-Gary Nicholson, Lee Roy Parnell, Steve Nelson, Ray Stephenson and old standbysRodney Crowell and Verlon Thompson.The result is a project that loses none of Guy's touch, but slightly broadens the musical palate.In addition, there is a greater emphasis on production, making the record sound more like a country record (in a good sense) than a bluegrass or folk record as some projects have sounded in the past.
Excellent latest release
I've been a fan of Guy Clark since Jerry Jeff Walker first sang "LA Freeway" in the early 70s.His distinctive husky voice speaks of roadworn weariness, someone who's lived a long tough life.(And I suspect he sounded that way at 30...)
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Country    3. Country-Folk    4. Pop    5. Singer/Songwriter    6. United States of America   

Reviews (68)

WHAT A VOICE!
I do love the low, sultry twang of Josh Turner.Every song on this CD is great, especially "Unburn all our bridges" wow!
5 Star Train
Josh Turner has a very enjoyable album in the Long Black Train. His voice and musical style should be enjoyed by all.

WOW!!
This is a fantastic CD. It's one of those I can listen to back to back.I've recommended it to all my friends. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Contemporary Country    3. Country    4. Country & Western    5. Neo-Traditionalist Country    6. Pop   

Editorial Review

Six albums into its career, Godsmack finds itself faced with the challenge of moving forward without betraying its roots. Although the veteran act manages to offer up a handful of convincing tunes on this hour-long affair, Read more

Reviews (122)

Godsmack IV: Back to Basics
I have enjoyed listening to the alternative hard rock group, Godsmack for quite awhile since listening to their album 'Awake. In this 4th album release self titled 'IV', Godsmack retained its right and proper path in maintaining its familar rock/metal sound. Why should a band experiment if what they have going at the moment works for them? Instead of changing, Godsmack have decided to confirm and strengthen their case. Sully remains lead singer and driving force behind this quartet of rockers. His vocals retain their strong features that carry each song richly.
How can aggression sound boring?
Godsmack has pulled off a feat: making tortured, aggressive sound, innovative production, quality musicianship and clever lyrics seem so ... boring. Their anger, their sabre-rattling at imagined enemies, it doesn't feel like they believe it themselves. There is a lot of squandered potential here.

Godsmack stays innovative with release of IV
Many times in the rock band realm, bands try and expand their direction and vision.They try to change the tempo, the sound, and anything to try and garner more of the wind that their sails have captured in the past.Many don't make it as fans that want more of the same formula often times sneeze at the change in direction.With IV, Godsmack still retains some signature sounds in sonic dire that is poetic and solid, while taking the edge off a bit here and there that was so prominent in past recordings.In all reality, it is not much change as we have seen this band progress to this point since the release of their self-titled debut album in 1998.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Industrial Metal    3. Pop    4. Post-Grunge    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Her father called her "The Brain," and while it's always been apparent why, Rosanne Cash will likely astonish listeners with the new level of writing and depth of feeling she brings to Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (68)

4 stars only because I haven't listened to all the songs yet!
I've been waiting for Rosanne Cash to find her voice and break out with another stunning album since "The Wheel." I find great similarities between that album and this one: The thoughtfulness, the incredible soulfulness, and the intertwining of sorrow, passion, longing and questioning. Add to that a fiery edge on several of these tracks (such as you don't really find on the more meditative "The Wheel") and you have a stellar album. I have not listened to the entire album as of yet, but what I have heard has convinced me to make the purchase. This is by far the best music Ms. Cash has released in many years; in fact, in my opinion "Black Cadillac" outshines "The Wheel" and yes, possibly even "Interiors" as a coherent, thought-provoking and emotionally provocative album. As for it's dark content, recent losses in my own life cause Ms. Cash's songs to resonnate in my heart and soul with even more power. I needed this album at this time in my life. As well, it's great to see Ms. Cash at the top of her form once again.

A dark ride
Rosanne Cash's meditation of the loss of life and love (her father, Johnny; her stepmother, June Carter Cash; and her mother, Vivian Cash Distin) is here darkest album since the divorce chronicle of "Interiors." She calls into question both God and herself on such songs as "House on the Lake" and the title track. Like some of Emmylou Harris' best work (like the recent "Red Dirt Girl"), Rosanne has moved to the far fringe of country and given her music an both a dose of intelligence atmospheric edge. You won't find any lighthearted 'redneck girl' stompers here. In fact, "Radio Operator" is probably the closest thing to a generic country song on "Black Cadillac."
Another great one from Rosanne
Since she gets virtually no radio-play in our area I always look forward to her new releases.This one was clearly in the making for some time and provides a reflection of things going on in her life; as well as issues in the world around us. A worthwhile addition to your collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Country-Rock    3. Contemporary Country    4. Country    5. Pop    6. Rock/Pop    7. Singer/Songwriter   

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (204)

Lifehouse
Overall a very good album.I would say maybe their best to date.

Amazing CD!
There is not a single song on here that I do not love.I know taste in music is pretty subjective, but these guys put out an AWESOME album however you think of it.Each song was excellently written and performed.I highly recommend buying this cd - you will not be disappointed.

LIFEHOUSE~*~LIFEHOUSE
YOU & ME.....FAN-F-IN-TASTIC~*~*~*~FIRST HEARD IT ON "MEDIUM" AND HAD TO HAVE IT....AAAAAAA+++++++....HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Pop    4. Post-Grunge    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

It may be too cynical to assume Hybrid Theory changed its name to Linkin Park in order to appear right next to Limp Bizkit in your local record bin. But rock-rap workouts like "One Step Closer" and "Papercut" do make Linkin Park a comfortable fit with Fred Durst and his ilk. Producer Don Gilmore (Pearl Jam, Lit, Eve 6) and twin vocal threats Chester Bennington and Mike Shinoda serve up industrial-strength rap and rock melodicism with equal aplomb on this woulda-been-self-titled debut effort. "Points of Authority" aims to sound like Trent Reznor wanking it up with Lars and company, whereas guitarist Brad Delson's Edge-y harmonics help "In the End" and "Pushing Me Away" evoke a dark romanticism akin to A Perfect Circle. Curiously, the band gets by with no bass player, while sample-happy DJ Joseph Hahn's step into the spotlight on the instrumental "Cure for the Itch" suggests a potential for eclecticism that could help Linkin Park outlive its seemingly transient genre. Read more

Reviews (1704)

angry why Wait?
Maybe this is angry music, but its not anger contained and bottled and packed in an album with some metro scrawl cover art to envoke nu hipsters into buying another release of angry music. What I'm saying is these songs will having you singing along like a cat in a ball of yarn in no time. From the first to the last track, nothing but exceptional, and the best vocal delviery of the century! Voicing the truth that I as a listener am futile in any attempt to voice my true inner emotions that fuel my anger, atleast unable to voice those emotions as long as I have this cd playing loudly.
Linkin Park's Theory
The rap techno group Linkin Park made their debut back in late 2000. The band consisted of two singers, a tenor and barritone. A drummer, bassist, guitarists, and a talented keyboardist back up the two singers with their rhymes. Linkin Park has a very distinct sound of a rap lyrics sung on top of heavy electronical rock progressions. The end product is well worth hearing and HYBRID THEORY is a great piece of work for this type of genre. The rhythm section is not anything really special for this record, but it works for the very melodic vocals given by Chester Bennington. The thing about this album, is that its sound was still in the experimental stage. It is a major work that helped pave the way for future techno fusion genres. HYBRID THEORY is a good album, and one that should be given some attention.
not rebellious or challenging
this cd sounds like anything else in the past 10 years: 4 chorded pop punk, simular vocal melodies that follow the expected pop sound, and the worst and most cliche lyrics ever.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Pop    3. Post-Grunge    4. Rap-Metal    5. Rap-Rock    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Five for Fighting is actually just one guy with a rather substantial chip on his shoulder who's taken his name from the amount of time a hockey player spends in the penalty box for fighting. Los Angeles native and erstwhile prodigy John Ondrasik really knows his way around a melody, bolstering it with a dramatic sense of timing and rhythm like a more modern and hipper Elton John. And that defiant chip does makes for powerful poetry, although oftentimes he sacrifices logic and clarity for the sake of iambic pentameter. While "Superman" is a catchy affair about the restrictions of being superhuman and the desire to belong ("I'm only a man in a silly red sheet looking for special things inside me"), it's doubtful that anyone who ever read a DC comic would believe that Superman would ever be "digging for kryptonite on this one-way street," since a loose fragment from Superman's home planet might turn him into a blubbering infant or a giant ant. At best, Five for Fighting follows in the narrative-based path paved by Counting Crows. Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Post-Grunge    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop    6. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

In what was widely predicted to be a short-lived supergroup/side-project, Audioslave has instead gratifyingly yielded a bonafide band. The follow-up to their promising, if not quite artistically congealed '02 Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal    2. Hard Rock    3. Heavy Metal    4. Pop    5. Post-Grunge    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Was it homesickness that compelled longtime Los Angeles resident k.d. lang to fashion her one-woman campaign for north-of-the-border nationalism, or just plain good sense? All Canadian content has long been a mainstay of the Canadian Broadcasting System, but few have selected their material with such a fine hand and a high aesthetic. The expatriate singer has taken great pains to create a sophisticated homage to her Canadian roots, elegantly reinterpreting 11 songs penned by some of her more illustrious countrymen (and women) such as Jane Siberry, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, and Leonard Cohen. The idiosyncratic chanteuse turns Cohen's "Bird on a Wire" into an aching monochromatic lament, exploring new tributaries of pain that didn't exist in the original, while recasting Neil Young's "Helpless" into a haunting anthem of memory and comfort, all the while sounding anything but helpless. A gorgeous love letter to her brethren, complete with an intelligent and understated orchestration. Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Country    3. Canada    4. Pop    5. Pop Vocals    6. Rock/Pop    7. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

In 1994 Cash stunned the music world with this commanding collection of 13 solo acoustic performances that roll from gospel to cowboy to sarcastic folk. Minimalism had long been Cash's meal ticket, but this time around, producer Rick Rubin stripped it Read more

Features

• Original recording reissued

Reviews (88)

Good, but not great
I love Johnny Cash, I love every edition of the American Recordings series, but this is the weakest of the series. Don't get me wrong, this is a good CD, I enjoy every minute of it, but if your're a Cash rookie, get the Essential Johnny Cash, this is for hardcore Cash fans like myself, but the Essential is awesome as well. For Classic Cash fans get the Man Comes Around before you get this. The first American Recordings, this one,good but not great.

Landmark Album Which Marked Johnny Cash's 3rd Career Comeback! But "Personal File" CD is Better!
Yes, JOHNNY CASH: AMERICAN RECORDINGS is a great CD, mostly because it is a key milestone in his career, even though it is not nearly his best album at all, in my opinion.
RosieB
I have long been an admirer of Johnny Cash.I was stationed in Vietnam when he, June and his group were there and I cannot express enough our appreciation of him and his group.I consider him a "troubador" and a great interpreter of all kinds of songs...as evicenced in this CD.I intend to get all of his songs from 68/69-90's which I missed out on for various reasons, e.g. not promoted the way they should have been and being stationed overseas so much.My thanks to Rick Rubin for his excellent treatment of Johnny.I loved hearing just him and his guitar...the best. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. Pop    5. Traditional Country   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (17)

Exceptional best-of set
Of course you know all these songs, and of course there are many more great cuts deeper on the original albums, but for a single-disc review of a band with over 10 years' worth of releases, this 18-track set is hard to beat.The group went through several striking stylistic changes over its lifetime, but that variation actually helps this disc hold together as an album as well as a set of songs.
A nice compilation of The Talking Heads
I've always liked The Talking Heads, they always had catchy songs that were fun to listen to. I must admit, my favorite of theirs has always been "Burning Down The House", but there are so many good songs on here, as well. The Talking Heads were one of the best bands of the 80's, that's when they had their best work. The 70's were ok, too, but their 80's work really shined. I'm quite happy with this.

Articulate Collection
Oddly, a compilation by Talking Heads should come out uneven and disjointed, but this collection is marvelously done.The songs meld well together and provide a sampler that wouldn't prevent anyone from buying their excellent original albums.('Talking Heads '77,' 'Remain in Light,' and 'Speaking in Tongues' are their crowning achievements artistically, but 'Fear of Music,' 'More Songs About Buildings and Food,' and 'True Stories' demonstrate that they had a great repertoire. (Unlike, 'Sand in the Vaseline,' which is also excellent, but perhaps takes too many gems and doesn't align them as well.)
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Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. American Punk    4. College Rock    5. New Wave    6. New York Punk    7. Pop    8. Pop/Rock    9. Post-Punk    10. Rock    11. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

The last Nirvana collection recorded before the untimely death of Kurt Cobain, Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (410)

Kurts Finest hour
I was rather sceptical on buying this album since I already had the session on tape but being the huge Nirvana fanatic that I am I decided to purchess this album anyway. This is very easily one of the finest live albums ever recorded, not only does it capture the bands sound in a whole new light but it also captures Kurt Cobain as a performer at his most vulranble and bare best.
My Girl - Where Did you Sleep Last Night
This entire album bears the soul of Kurt Cobain, as did most of his work.However the last song, Where Did You Sleep Last Night is a dying persons testimony to a system that is demented.Take a look at the video.Its like the remenants of his soul went into the ending of this song.

WORLD-CLASS
I've never been much of a fan of "Alternative" music but this album is stunning. The band really shows everyone they are real musicians and artists. Kurt Cobain was a powerhouse of an entertainer and an open channel of emotion. This album is a fitting farewell.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Grunge    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (107)

This is cool stuff !!!
Bored with all the lame rock stuff out there? I saw some television special on this band and they are very interesting. They are talented and play a form of music that nobody else their age does.
A very different offering
I really love this CD! it is one of the most diverse collections of music I have ever heard. Nickle Creek break from their blue grass roots here and come in to their own. It is also worth noting that this is the first album without Alison Krauss at the production helm. The blending of their voices, and the virtuosity they have is incredible. Helena, When in Rome, Sara's cover of Dylan's Tomorrow Is A Long Time and Best of Luck are my favorites. I also like Somebody More like You as it features Sean's voice. Yes, this may disappoint some fans that were expecting a little more blue grass, but it has inspired me as a musician to think outside the musical box.

Wildly Overrated
I know that fans of the band will click furiously that this review is "not helpful" because it doesn't sing Nickel Creek's praises, but so be it.
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Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Bluegrass    3. Contemporary Bluegrass    4. Contemporary Country    5. Country    6. Pop    7. Progressive Bluegrass    8. Singer/Songwriter    9. United States of America   

Reviews (18)

Surprisingly excellent
I probably shouldn't say "surpringly" excellent we are after all talking about Sufjan, but when this was released I was hesitant to buy it because I thought of a B-sides and outtakes album as not up to par with regular releases. I thought that if this didn't make the album then it must not be as good, that's pretty much the case with most other artists. Artists other than Sufjan. This album is really amazing and is absolutely level with his other releases. It should be looked at as an album and not a collection of outtakes . I highly recommend this to all Sufjan fans especially those who love "Illinoise"

He's an avalanche
Sufjan Stevens has reached a new level in his musical career -- the point where every shred of his art is of interest.
Still better than anything else out there.
This album takes a handfull of listens before it starts to sink in and get comfortable.Some of the songs seem a little caotic and over the top at first, but when you start to understand the world that Sufjan creates through out the album, you realise that he is, in fact, capable of putting out better and better music.There is nothing out there better than Sufjan, other than lesser substitutes that only provide a brief brake from listening to Sufjan continuosly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Indie Pop    3. Indie Rock    4. Pop    5. Progressive Folk    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. Singer/Songwriter   

Reviews (13)

Amazing as expected
I cant say anything bad about this cd. The music is so beautiful.. I love his poetic lyrics. Even though I am agnostic I can appreciate how elegantly he expresses his belief in Christianity. I cant wait to see them perform their new songs Oct. 21st! They put on such an amazing and energetic show.. If they come to your town DO NOT MISS OUT ON IT!!!

Simple amazement found on a compact disc
Once again, MeWithoutYou has done it! No other band that I have heard has come even some-what close to capturing the feelings and originality that these fellows have. There is a distinction in their music that is unreachable by all other bands! "Brother, Sister" is a wonderful addition to their collection of fascinating music. I admit I was, as with all bands, a bit skeptic before it came out. Seeing as how I am in Iraq right now, and my wife is in the states, I knew she would buy it, so i found somewhere to download it (a bit ahead of time, actually). I listened to it, and listened to it. I was in a strange MWY daze, as with all of their albums, so I knew it was another winner!
their best album yet
Throughout the last few weeks on our messageboard, members have been coming out of the woodwork and reluctantly saying, "this new mewithoutYou CD is really good," while I can only imagine muttering and staring at their shoes. It's not that mewithoutYou ever created anything but exceptional music; 2002's [A-->B] Life created a stir in the stereos of a few limited people aching for something truly different to listen to. While well-received in some circles, it was more than likely panned by just as many critics who were unable to digest the overdriven guitars and the meandering vocal patterns. As 2004 rolled through, however, the band began to win over skeptics with their second CD, Catch for Us the Foxes, and later subsequently won mtvU's "Left Field" award for "most original artist." Yet, even then, people have written the band off for their ties to Tooth & Nail and more importantly, the band's Christian faith.
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Subjects:  1. Christian Punk    2. Pop    3. Post-Grunge    4. Punk Revival    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Naysayers take note: Shinedown’s Read more

Reviews (103)

In All Honesty, One Of The Best Albums I Have Ever Listened To
Us and Them has been in constant rotation in my CD player since I first picked it up a few months ago.No matter how many times one listens to it, it never gets old.Solid songwriting and musicianship, paired with Brent Smith's incredible vocals make for an unforgettable album.Every song, from the 3rd single "Heroes" to the ballad "Someday", is executed perfectly.
Just as good as the first...if not better
I was a big fan of the first album, and like most people here I think this is an even better example of their sound. I am currently listenting to it for the umpteenth time and have not gotten sick of it yet. Only other album I can say that about is 10 by Pearl Jam. Very good company in my eyes.
The new Shinedown
Just like others have reviewed, you can't expect to hear a "Leave a Whisper II."Mostly because Shinedown is the kind of band who makes good music, and good music is not the same as in the last track or as in the last CD.If you think about it, anybody's favorite CD is a favorite because each track has a different personality and chemestry.CDs that sound the same are always boring and lose people's interest immediately.So why would anybody want to hear something that sounds just like their first CD?
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Metal