Editorial Review

John Mayer's big-label debut was a multiplatinum breakthrough success whose sensual anthem "Your Body Is a Wonderland" scored him an unlikely Grammy for Best Pop Vocal. That out-of-the-box succes--and more than a few critics grousing that Mayer's muse was cloned from Dave Matthews--primed him for the typical sophomore slump. Instead, Mayer delivers an album whose tone and title suggests a gentle, tongue-in-cheek rebuke to his naysayers. Propelled by the subtle ambitions of an expanded pop-jazz framework (largely courtesy of Sheryl Crow/No Doubt/Jellyfish producer Jack Joseph Puig), Mayer's breathy vocal tack now suggests a detached, conflicted, and significantly less precious incarnation of Michael Franks. But, the way he weds fluid pop hooks to lyrical concerns whose self-obsessions are undercut by telling dollops of self-deprecation from the my-spirit's-too-big/smart-for-my-body laments of "Clarity," the upbeat single "Bigger Than My Body," and the bluesy plea "Come Back to Bed" to the cautionary, melodically-rich "Daughters" and even the antimaterialist agitprop of "Something's Missing should clearly draw in listeners." Read more

Reviews (616)

He Ain't Heavy...
Up until getting Continuum and listening to it twenty times, Heavier Things remained in my head as my all time favorite JM CD.Everyone loves Room for Squares and we all got introduced to John through that one, and everyone loved it immediately.But the first time I listened to Heavier Things, I thought, "not quite as good as Squares."The second time I listened to it, I thought, "hey this is pretty damn good."Then I started listening to it out on my daily walks, and the more I listened to it, the more I thought it was amazing.I liked John after Squares, but it was listening to Heavier Things over and over that really made me fall madly in love with him.Made me want to see him in concert, and again... Made me buy Try! and Any Given Thursday (DVD and CD, both great), and Continuum, and devour them and play them at home, in the car, etc. etc.I hope that John will keep putting out new stuff for a long, long time.I can't can't can't get enough of his music.He ain't bad to look at either!

Holds up to Squares....
John Mayer is a true musician in a time of mindless pop & annoying celebrity singer wannabees. I had to listen to Heavier Things a couple times before I appreciated the more subtle and mature tone. That may be the reason why some were disappointed. It lacks the "hooks" and some of the "wit" of Squares but has an abundance of true musicianship, emotion and maturity. For me the big hits of Room for Squares (No Such Thing & Your Body is a Wonderland) have worn a bit thin over time. There are no such tracks on Heavier. I've listened countless times & none have gotten old for me. Heavier is a beginning to end listen. No tracks need be skipped.
John Mayer: New to me.
Though John Mayer is new to me, I have always liked the 'soft rock' genre. I got drawn in by the easy rock guitar selections, (especially 'Clarity') and listening to the lyrics came later.
Read more

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

Editorial Review

Some writers and fans have taken to calling this album Read more

Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (163)

Subtly, strangely catchy..brave new world robotic pop..
From the beginning of the title song on Thom Yorke's new solo album, with the grainy piano sample and all, I was prepared to not like this album. This album is predominantly electronic, and I really like electronic music (Warp, Aphex, Global Goon, Boards, Plaid). I even liked Radiohead's last few albums more than anyone I know, most of my friends despise them. But I was hoping Yorke would do something on this "side project" more like old Radiohead, honestly. Right, expectations dashed, and once I got over that, I could appreciate this album for what it is.
Brilliant. You just have to give it time.
I was immensely dissapointed with this album the first time I heard it. But I kept listening and one day it just clicked. First it was Harrowdown Hill...possibly the best song of the year in my opinion, then "And it rained all night" then slowly every song on this album became a masterpiece, there is a certain gradiousity in this albums simplicity. Seriously, If you like Kid A, Amnesiac, or Hail to the Theif...you will come around on this. One of the top 5 albums I've heard this year.

Thom Yorke: no talent big-mouth with nothing to say
Funny how black kids outta Harlem and Watts know the score when it comes to capitalism (it works if you let it) despite having never benefited from it, yet rich white kids view it with nothing short of contempt and disdain, as if "work" were another dirty four-letter word.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Experimental Rock    3. Indie Electronic    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

The Killers match postpunk guitars with a synthesizer overlay that recalls '80s New Wave without burying their sound in nostalgia. On their debut, Read more

Reviews (596)

Much overrated
When I first bought this cd I really liked it, but unlike most other cd's it sounded worse with time. After 2-3 months it was just sitting in my drawer and I found myself skipping stations on the radio when they played the Killers. After seeing them live at the Virgin Festival this weekend I know they are totally phony, not only is their cd bland but they are the worst live band ever. Do yourself a favor save your money on this one.

A New Rock
I loved the style of The Killers ever since I was first introduced to their hit song "Somebody Told Me." The vibe that the group gave off, uniquely combine rock with a techno-ish feel to it, so not only could you rock out to it and bang your head but you could also put it on at a dance party and get down to it.
Amazing
Hot Fuss is amazing. Every track on the cd is worth listening to. It is filled with catchy songs that will most likely get stuck in your head and stay there for a good long time.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Bass    3. Drums    4. Guitar (Electric)    5. Indie Rock    6. Pop    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop    9. Synthesizer    10. Vocals   

Editorial Review

Things have gone ridiculously well for Coldplay since 2002's Read more

Reviews (1264)

Incredible.
Wow! Just when you're wondering if Coldplay can keep it up or have blown all their cookies producing Parachutes and A Rush of Blood..., boy, do they kick you in the pants to put you straight. This is more complex, more dynamic, simply more dazzling than anything they've produced so far (well, except for The Scientist. Doubt if they'll ever top that!). Too cool by far. If you loved their other stuff, boy, are you going to writhe in ecstacy over this. Best tracks? I could say all of them, but if I have to narrow it down- What if?, Swallowed in the Sea, 'Til Kingdom Come. Buy this!

Another Great One from Cold Play
Songwriting and music equals that of A Rush of Blood to the Head. Possibly a more mature sound.

Beautiful, absolutely beautiful
I would have written a review for this album sooner, but I was too busy listening.It will be hard to top this record.Every song is absolutely amazing.I haven't heard a record with this much mood since Pink Floyd's "dark side of the moon", I truely believe this record will hold its place with phenomenal albums such as the above mentioned.FIX YOU, has a special place in my heart and will until the day I die.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Britpop    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

An enviable multitasker, M. Ward deftly charts the varied dusty soundscapes of Americana. Since 2005, he's toured with the White Stripes, coproduced the debut from Rilo Kiley's Jenny Lewis, compiled a John Fahey tribute, and relocated from Oregon to New Hampshire--and that's just to start. Somehow, he found time to knock out Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (9)

A triumph - and one of the best of 2006
I happened to catch M. Ward in a live performance on "Letterman," and rushed out the very next day to buy the CD. I think the tune he performed was "Chinese Translation," which is among the many standouts on this excellent disc. I would rank this as the second-best release of the year so far - right beneath Neko Case's "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood" (and it's no surprise that Ms. Case herself makes a cameo appearance here - talent tends to attract talent). Trying to place this disc into a genre is a bit difficult, but I sort of like the "lo-fi indie folk" term used by another reviewer. But this is not coffee-house snooze music by any stretch of the imagination. On tunes like "Magic Trick" you can hear echoes of the loose, raucous sound that used to be the trademark of King Bruce and the E Street-ers themselves. Genre almost doesn't matter, though, with music this good. Buy it, slip it into your car stereo and take a long drive - preferably out in the country. I guarantee you'll keep it in your car player for weeks, if not months.

Beautiful album -- a Voice from the roots of Americana music
I just saw M. Ward last night in San Diego -- what a show!Every song was beautifully rendered, particularly the great songs from Post-War (the newest album).This album is rootsy -- reaching back into the best of the Blues, early jazz, country, folk -- and yet also modern in the sense of being "lo-fi" and "alt-rock" yet not so self-conscious as other practitioners of those "genres" of music.Buy this album and enjoy the mostly mellow, well-thought out tones and lyrics.And see him live with his talented backing band if you ever get the chance!

Right in the Head
I am so glad that 4AD signed M Ward because I would have not discovered this cd. I consider this disc as one of the best of 2006. My favorite tracks are: Poison Cup, To Go Home, Right in the Head and of course, Chinese Translation. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Indie Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop    6. Singer/Songwriter   

Features

• Live

Reviews (10)

Y UN DIA VOLVIERON
Para todos los fans de DPM, estos 2 DVDs y un CD son simplemente extraordinarios.
hold the camera still
cinematography is crap..too many cheap effects...jump cuts, makes for a rough viewing especially compared to devotional or one night in paris..also the sound is flat...does not seem to be very inspired...

The best DM live dvd by far
This is by far the most enjoyable dvd by DM. Yes i am sure that Devotional DVD and Exciter DVD were great but in terms of denstiy and powerful, it seems that this dvd is better, Anton is great for making music video but i don't think he is good for live performance as the camera angels in Devotional DVD and Exciter DVD looked plain and focus too much on the screens and stage (which he designed).Yes, i agreed with other reviewers that there're a bit too much of effect on this
Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. England    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. Synth Pop   

Editorial Review

The style known as "anti-folk," as realized by practitioners like Ani DiFranco and Billy Bragg, is derived from a punk aesthetic, and thus tends to be spare and confrontational. But while Regina Spektor's music is anti-folk in the way it subverts the traditional coffeehouse vibe, it's less interested in rebellion and more concerned with the joy of eccentricity, melody and surprise. Read more

Reviews (30)

Clever, quirky, touching--- amazing
I think she is just brillant. I've seen her live once now-- and she just sets the room on fire with talents. I have loved her since the moment I fell upon Soviet Kitsch and I am addicted to "Begin To Hope". I simply can't listen to it enough. Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. I think I may have "Samson" on repeat for the next century or so.

good second
I saw Regina Spektor play recently in Los Angeles. It was at the El Rey Theater. It was sold out. There was an excitement in the air, which you imagine there was for the Beatles. Regina Spektor has a lot of young female fans. Maybe it was some girls who saw her play a few years ago opening for the Strokes or Kings of Leon? Anyway I have seen her play a few times now, and the audiences are getting bigger and more enthusiastic. This is the sort of audience that you get for Bjork or Joanna Newsom. Everyone is quiet and on the edge of their seats. They hang on to every word. The first album was quirky and sort of fit in with the anti-folk thing. This record is a more planned out thing. It's a better-produced record. There are some really poppy songs like "Better." This sounds like a hit for anyone else. This record has more experience behind it, and Regina has grown up a little bit. She sounds really good. Not a weak moment on here. Even Nick Valensi of the Strokes appears on a song.

I like it but i don't love it
Regina Spector is getting a lot of publicity these days. She is all the rage. She also is definitely not in the mainstream and this is an acquired taste.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Anti-Folk    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Rock/Pop    5. Singer/Songwriter   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (20)

(Almost) all things Tori you'd ever want
After years of whispers, promises and delays, finally here comes the Tori Amos box set, and what a delight it is for Tori fans.
Great overview of Tori, but
it's overwhelming.I'm not going to summarize the set in general, because the other reviewers have already done so.I'm going to say that Tori has maybe three emotions she expresses through music:sadness, anger, and wistfulness.The result is a relentlessly downbeat CD collection.Even when the beat is more uptempo, the lyrics are depressing, so it's semi-cheerful as long as you don't know what the songs are about.
AMAZING BOX SET - now stop complaining about omissions!
This box set is sooooooooo great & well worth the wait.We get a glimpse of the struggle she must have went through picking the right grrrls at the time her albums were released.How daunting must have it been to choose between China and Flying Dutchman or Upside Down...between Datura and Zero Point...to add just one more song that was sooooooo good it deserved it's own single, let alone be left off the album entirely (Take To The Sky, Sugar)? Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Box Sets (Audio Only)    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Singer/Songwriter    8. United States of America   

Reviews (17)

ONLY 1 CD
This is only 1 CD.If you want both CD's don't buy this.I thought I was getting 2 CD's.I feel ripped off.

Not the 2 CD collection
This is the best of the 2 CD collection. One of the better compliations out there.

not too satisfied
I misunderstood when I bought this album I thought I was getting both discs. What a bummer! Anyway, the disc I got wasn't too bad. It is fun to go back a few years and remember special moments from high school. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Pop    4. Post-Grunge    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop Collections    7. V/a Compilations   

Editorial Review

If the voice sounds familiar, that may be because a couple of tracks have been featured on Read more

Features

• Content/Copy-Protected CD

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Electronic    3. Indie Pop    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

When an indie-rock band as intimately and fiercely loved as Death Cab for Cutie makes the inevitable major-label jump, it often telegraphs a painful death. Witness Husker Du, the Replacements, Nirvana--hell, even R.E.M. After a successful four-album run on tiny Seattle imprint Barsuk, however, Death Cab for Cutie just might buck the trend on its Atlantic premiere. Yes, you can grumble about the production (a little too slick), the proportion of ballads (a little too many) and the overall feeling of restraint (a little too much), but ultimately the album delivers everything the group does best in emotional, experimental songs such as "What Sarah Said" and "I Will Follow You into the Dark," which both blend stark lyrical details with acoustic guitars and soft-focus electronics. In "Soul Meets Body," meanwhile, songwriter Ben Gibbard has come up with the kind of blissful, beatific pop song that's capable of disarming even the harshest skeptic. "A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere," he sings. Read more

Reviews (250)

Remarkable
"Plans" is a subtle but crucial development for Death Cab For Cutie. While the songwriting approach is recognisable from their previous albums, their production has opened up - the music sounds wider, richer, and their palette of sound is far wider.
A heart-breaking disappointment...
I'm not going to say I'm a long-time Death Cab fan, but my fondness for the band has led me through their entire catalogue, from Transatlanticism all the way back to You Can Play These Songs With Chords, my personal favorite being We Have The Facts... I tend to prefer lo-fi indie rock, though the sheer strength of Death Cab's songwriting kept me a fan up through Trans.
Transatlanticism wasn't as good as this...
DCFC has really peaked with this one.A solid performance through and through, this one is more enjoyable from start to finish than their last album was.They received a lot of radio airplay for a couple of the songs off of this one and it was well-deserved as they finally received national attention. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Dream Pop    3. Indie Pop    4. Indie Rock    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. Twee Pop   

Editorial Review

Read more

Reviews (234)

His best record
One song in particular, JOHN WAYNE GACY JR, is startling.The first few times I played the CD, without really listening to the lyrics, I heard it as a love song, due to the gorgeous minor-key melody, then only realized later what it was about. The song is eerily beautiful, and at the same time, stunningly creepy, about the love a serial killer feels for his victims."He dressed up like a clown for them."I wasn't aware that pop music could do something as complex as this, until Stevens did so.

Recycled goods
Having listened to Steven's previous albums, Greetings from Michigan and Seven Swans countless times, I cannot help but to notice the amount of regurgitation on this album.Stevens blatantly rips off his own music.I consider Michigan to be Sufjan's masterpiece.Do yourself a favor and start there.

Rewards with time and patience.
Ok where to begin. I am some what astonished by the few reviews I have read for this album that have been negative (i.e. 2 stars or lower). Not because "oh these people are idiots, or this music is just to much for them" but precisely the opposite reason. There were a few reviews that were 2 stars or lower from people who wrote somewhat intelligent and thoughtful comments. My advice to these people is to just give this some time to sink in. I know that it is not above these people, and If they give it a few extra listens it will eventually catch them.
Read more

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

Editorial Review

All hail the riff king! The Black Keys' guitarist/singer Dan Auerbach has the meanest way with a hook since Jimmy Page. He adds to his arsenal on the band's fourth full-length release, on which each track pounds its way into your skull with fuzzy, swampy fury. Less is very definitely more in Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney's world as the stripped-down guitar/drums attack smolders, burns, and then ignites without shifting into heavy-metal overdrive. But even with the occasional ballad such as "You're the One" slowing the momentum, this is an intoxicating blast of raw, thudding blues power. The duo impressively control the dynamics, raising and lowering the tension in a yin-yang struggle of ominous, greasy, heavy blues-rock that never sounds forced. With the exception of a few subtle but effective overdubs, this is the sound Auerbach and Carney heard in the drummer's basement studio where the music was recorded. Like the best rock and roll, the disc exudes a dark, cramped claustrophobia and foreboding sense of danger, just like wandering through a haunted house, unaware of what is behind the next corner. It's the main ingredient in the band's deceptively simple yet potent formula that creates this addictive, compelling, and often intense album. Read more

Reviews (9)

Unadorned rock and roll
The Black Keys are one of my favorite rock and roll bands with their garage band minimalism tempered by touches of blues and psychedelia. But I was a little surprised when the band signed to the eclectic Nonesuch label and wondered how this would affect their sound. Well, I needn't wonder at all as this album was literally recorded in a band member's basement and keeps the same raw and exciting sound as the bands previous work. Most of the songs are kept short and sweet with blistering blues based guitar and basic drumming giving way to melodic hooks like in "Your Touch" which is very catchy and has elements of pop without compromising their rough and tumble sound.
Magic Potion
Focus: that's the element that seems to be missing from The Black Keys' latest long-player, their fourth album in all. The blues-rockin' riffs, courtesy of Dan Auerbach, are present and correct, and Patrick Carney's drums are rarely less than suitably bombastic, but Magic Potion suffers, rather, from alarming dips in concentration. For every romper-stomper of a four-minute fuzz-soaked foot-stamper, there's a meandering exercise in mediocrity just around the metaphysical bend.
Magic indeed...
Unlike many of the other reviewers here, this is the first Black Keys album I have heard, and I was extremely impressed.The vocals remind me of a mix between Bob Dylan, Led Zeplin, and Jimmi Hendrix and the guitar work is absolutely amazing.Many of the reviewers here stated that this album may not be as good as their previous releases; if that statement is remotely true I will be buying every one of their cds.After hearing the first 3 tracks I knew instantly that this band will be one of my all-time favorites.Do yourself a favor and check this out.I highly recommend this album. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues-Rock    2. Garage Punk    3. Indie Rock    4. Pop    5. Punk Blues    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Essentially a live showcase for their mega-selling breakthrough Read more

Features

• Enhanced
• Live

Reviews (112)

Only buy it if you want the videos
Look, I loved Fallen.If I want to hear these songs then I'll listen to that.Frankly they are not the greatest band when playing live.I love the band, but I say stick to the studio albums.I only bought this to have the videos from fallen.I'd suggest you do the same.

Excellent live performance
1. Evanescence: Excellent live performance.
A Must-Have For Those of you That Love Evanescence
There is no question when I tell you that Amy rocks out loud live! She definately knows how to work the crowd. During her performance, she and the rest of the band do a KoRn cover of "Thoughtless" (which I LOVE) and also perform two other songs not found on the U.S. version of 'Fallen' including Breathe No More (from Elektra soundtrack) and Farther Away (from the Bring Me to Life Single and/or Jap. version of Fallen) Of course, any true Ev fan would already know all of that info. The dvd includes the entire live performance, all the music vids from Fallen, and some behind the scenes footage of the whole band. (Some of it is really funny) A great buy. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Having long recorded as Palace Music or Palace, the enigmatic, elusive Bonnie "Prince" Billy continues to confound musical expectations.His latest may well be his loveliest, a series of meditations and tone poems on love and mortality, with the autumnal strains of a chamber quartet and the vocal counterpoint of Dawn McCarthy supporting Billy's tremulous expression of his surreal, stream-of-consciousness lyricism.Results range from the dreamy, bluesy "Cursed Sleep" and the evocation of a British madrigal on "No Bad News" to the discordant propulsion of "The Seedling" and the call and response of the folkish "Then the Letting Go." It all fits together in a manner that defies categorization and dares the listener to resist its aural seduction. Read more

Reviews (2)

Recommended
This might be the best CD that has come out this year.It may be Will Oldham's best CD since "Viva Last Blues." It may be better than "Viva Last Blues" although these are two different styled CDs."The letting go" has a mostly very mellow sound.Almost every song is beautiful.The string and guitar melodies are uplifting.Will Oldham's voice is grounding, it is the familiar voice you have heard for the past decade or so.Dawn McCarthy's voice will then again lift you up.McCarthy's voice is a fantastic companion to Oldham's.Other singers/bands have tried to use a female voice to echo or accompany the lead vocal and it has often become irritating.This is not the case with "the letting go," McCarthy's accompaniment adds so much to the album but without taking away from Oldham.I haven't listened to a Will Oldham album since "Ease down the Road." This makes me want to go back and listen to those albums I have missed.One song in particular, "The Seedling" (I believe) has a different sound than the rest of the album.It has a harsher sound, but is still a good song.
Pleasant surprise
My copy of The Letting Go came with a free bonus disc called Little Lost Blues.It's a 10 track compilation of singles and rarities.The track listing for the bonus disc is:
Read more

Subjects:  1. Indie Rock    2. Lo-Fi    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop    6. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

Nine seconds into her first studio album since 2002's Read more

Reviews (70)

An impressive cohesive whole
With her flaming red hair and imposing good looks, Neko Case strikes an impressive pose, but that's nothing compared to the development of her singing and songwriting over the past few years. This album bathes her strong voice with echoing reverb, making her tales of love and loss seem even more apocalyptic. Case mixes country, folk and pop with an unusual deftness that sets her apart from the veritable army of female singer songwriters on todays music scene, and with backup from the likes of Calexico, one of the finest roots rock groups around, the music meshes very well with the lyrics.
wonderful stuff..
"Alt-country" would indeed be a limiting description,none-the-less an accurate point of reference,as this artist is obviously drawing from past Country musicians.But make no mistake,this is not a tired retread thru the same-old same-old but rather an exceptional modern piece of music.I'm usually more inclined towards the Heavy than the twangy,but this is just so well written and catchy with a distinct melancholic cloud hanging over the proceedings,and this woman can SING.One of the few recent musicians that deserve that designation!

"Country Noir" indeed - excellent purchase
After having this recommended to me as a hard-to-categorize album, I was lucky enough to stumble into a copy the next day.The beautifully produced, played, sung, and especially well written songs on this album are haunting and catchy at the same time.The album comes in at just about 35 mintues, which is perfect for a quiet listen while reading or driving around.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Country-Rock    3. Indie Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. United States of America   

Reviews (137)

Totally addicting!
I bought this CD for two main reasons - "Dirty Little Secret" and "Move Along." After sampling the tunes I found myself liking a few others and so I took the plunge and bought this CD.