Editorial Review

With the same alternative-pop theme as the first Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (10)

Awesome music!
Terrific album that has a lot of variety.All the songs are cool.I especially like Forget It by Breaking Benjamin, Precious by Depeche Mode, You And Me by Lifehouse, and Dirty Little Secret by The All-American Rejects.I also love Feels Like Today by Rascal Flatts.I'd recommend this album because it's wonderful and rockin' good.

Smallville Music Volume 2
At the moment I am a huge Smallville fan, so naturally, I bought the music. Althouth I ordered both at the same time (which I recommend) this one came first. I like the music, but it does not have the feel of the show. There are about 4 songs on it that I really loved, and I was a little disapointed by the cd insert, but overall I am very happy with the purchase.
Excellent
It's a great compilation of songs and the delivery was fast and the product get to me in perfect condition ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Indie Rock    3. Pop    4. Soundtracks & Film Scores    5. TV Soundtracks    6. Television Soundtrack   

Reviews (37)

Excellent debut LP
Jeff Mangum comes out in full force for this early indie release. I heard "In The Aeroplane Over The Sea" before hearing this album, and while i generally regard that album as being amongst the Top 3 greatest ever created, this is a superb album that'd rank at least in my Top 20. The "fuzzy" sound that Elephant Six is known for, is executed masterfully even though this is the band's first full-length album.
Should Be an Amazon Essential Recording
This album is our generation's The Velvet Underground & Nico. Not a commercial success, but a huge influence and a perfect album.

Just as good - if not better - than In the Aeroplane
I would only recommend On Avery Island to fans of Neutral Milk Hotel who have already become familiar with their more successful and higher praised album, In the Aeroplane Over the Sea. On Avery Island is a little more difficult to adapt to than the band's final album; that said, it certainly holds its own when compared to Aeroplane, as it holds the key to what made that album so incredible- Jeff Mangum's frighteningly honest lyrics. With perhaps the exception of the closing track (a 13 minute noise-fest that tests the ears of even the most open-minded of listeners), On Avery Island is entirely enjoyable and every bit as moving as Aeroplane. In fact, such songs as Gardenhead and Naomi bring me back to this album more often than what is considered by many to be the band's prime achievement. If you enjoyed In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, pick this one up- you're sure to love it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Indie Rock    3. Lo-Fi    4. Neo-Prog    5. Neo-Psychedelia    6. Pop    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

There are several schools of thought about Syd Barrett, the early leader of Pink Floyd. Some think he was a genius songwriter, even when he was utterly whacked out. Others think he was just a druggie tosspot (those people are wrong).If you subscribe to the former school, you need to hear Belle and Sebastian, who seem to inhabit a musical universe close to Syd's. Songs seem to fly off the cuff, as attractive as a summer day when you were 16. We're not talking self-conscious strangeness here, but just natural, organic weirdness with melodies that make these songs work. Read more

Features

• Original recording reissued

Reviews (168)

Damn, Where's the minister
Belle and Sebastian's "If You're Feeling Sinister" is an album of extroardinary folk songs that becomes an extraordinary experience when you listen through your heart. The lyrics are a thoughtful ballad of pain, hate and tyranny. Each song will drive you wild with the soft yet brilliant guitar strum and a dark and cold voice that is somewhat uplifting. Stuart Murdoch would be the ringleader of this circus and I like it... This album was a part of what I stood for in the 90's and still is listenable today because of the jagged edges that made me simultaneously happy on each listen.

Good, but not their best
Many self-proclaimed "indie people" will tell you that this is hands down, the best album by Belle and Sebastian.I've concluded through years of dealing with people like this that they purposely choose obscure and odd-sounding music and claim it is "awesome" to try to showcase themselves as more understanding and knowledgable about music than you could ever be.Those are the people that love this album more than the other ones.Don't get me wrong, this is a good album.But it is much softer and, at times, simply weirder than the 2 albums that I enjoy, "The boy with the arab strap" and "Tigermilk."The people that love this album will tell you those records are bad, and their reasoning basically boils down to the fact that those albums are instantly accessible and enjoyable on their face.You get immediate gratification listening to those albums.This one, I feel like I am straining to enjoy it in the way that I enjoy those.I shouldn't have to feel like that.Musical elitists will tell you otherwise.

haters
this Cd is simply amazing. W/e you do, do not listen to these people saying every song sounds the smae, because quite frnakly, they dont. Belle and Sebastian speaks about world issues, and life stories thorugh their lyrics, and they deserve to be recognized. Everyone of these people who talk about how the songs sound the same, should stop listenign to belle and sebastian waiting for some poppy catchy radio song, becuase this is not that type of band. They make beautiful music and they deserve recognition because every one of their cd's is absolutely amazing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Chamber Pop    3. Folk-Rock    4. Indie Pop    5. Indie Rock    6. Pop    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop    9. Scotland    10. Singer/Songwriter    11. Twee Pop   

Editorial Review

Well before the release of this solid but slender debut, the Brooklyn-based Yeah Yeah Yeahs were the subject of so much international press hype that the WhiteStripes were probably taking quick, nervous peeks over their shoulders. But while Read more

Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (234)

Transgress All Limits
4.75 stars--not perfect, but almost
Just...Don't buy it.
It...just...burns. Karen O screaming so much?! SCREAMING ISN'T MUSIC! I can scream. But I don't sell music. She like when you're choking and you're screaming at the same time. She sounds like she's hoarse. My mouth just popped open after listening to one song of the album at my friend's house. The singing girl sounds like SHE'S DYING. This is not good music... I don't know what she's trying to do or say during "Man". And all those pointless noises in the other songs. -999999999999999 STARS.

mmmm...Yummy Music!
I Don't know about any of the hype involved with this band...Someone simply recommended them, I listened, and after the first track I was HOOKED!! This band rocks, thats it, plain and simple! Vocals are truly top notch!! Good sound! Want some good rock?? Then get this CD!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Garage Punk    2. Indie Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (2)

One of 2006's Best!
After The Dears' 2004 masterpiece, "No Cities Left," many fans were left wondering if it could get any better. That album made The Dears into one of indie rock's biggest stars and one of Canada's most notable talents, so topping such a brilliant album would undoubtedly be a monumental task. Fortunately for the fans, The Dears have not let us down. "Gang of Losers" not only builds upon the fundamental sound of The Dears, but it also improves it.
Top Ten Albums of the Year
Since I heard The Dears were working on a new album I have been impatiently waiting to see how they could follow up 2004's masterwork No Cities Left. With the new and equally impressive Gang of Losers, this wonderful band from Canada do not recreate No Cities Left. Which is a great thing. The intro to Gang of Losers would lead us to believe we are in for a supersonic sounding album. How quickly things change with the first actual song, coincidentally the first single from this masterwork. I was surprised to discover a sound that is much rawer than The Dears previous efforts. Almost a grunge sound on a few songs. There are definitely echoes of The Smiths scattered about in little vignettes. When listening to this album pay special attention to the wonderful tracks Bandwagoneers, Ballad of Humankindness and You and I are a Gang of Losers. Murray Lightburn puts his emotially charged voice on display in his chant "Heaven knows that I'm a fake" on Bandwagoneers. Heaven may know Mr. Lightburn but those of us not to divinely gifted can't see anything fake going on here.
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Subjects:  1. Canada    2. Indie Rock    3. Pop    4. Post-Rock/Experimental    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

When Beck mangles folk, hip-hop, country, blues, and lo-fi rock into a unique sonic species, he pays homage to his influences in a way that is utterly entertaining. Indeed, the alt-rock vagabond is responsible for some of the 1990s' most indispensable music. In his lesser moments, however, Beck's attempts at emulating his preceptors fall flat, creating only B-grade versions of the genuine articles. Read more

Reviews (346)

Beck's Most Eccentric, Enthralling and Mystifying Disc to Date
When lil' Beck Hansen stumbled into stardom with his quirky white-boy raps and sitar-haunts in 1994's "Mellow Gold", none could have foreseen his progression as a musician, entertainer and artist. With "Odelay" Beck molded a compelling stew of rock, country and hip-hop; sampling Bob Dylan and screaming about having a "Devil's Haircut" in his mind. It's a classic to be sure, as is his low-fi, majestic followup; "Mutations". Yet no one could have foreseen what was to come out of Beck's fascinating noggin next...
Perhaps Beck's most wild major-label stint.
And actually, the only reason I think I gave it a four instead of a five is that I prefer the three predecessor albums, which I feel were the masterpieces. But make no mistake, "Midnite Vultures" is just as good of an album. While it was intended that way, it does seem like more of a party album for Beck than any of his other releases. Besides, I love listening to tracks where the lyrics just make me smile, and that happens a lot on here. The themes on sex are really tongue-in-cheek and possibly more relevant today than the seven years ago when it was recorded. Also beware, this is like the polar opposite of "Mutations."
one I'd need if stranded on a desert island
I never get tired of listening to this CD, and I like all of the songs on it.His lyrics are so weird and interesting.The music is so original. Great anywhere... in the car, cleaning the house, during a party, working out, etc. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Dance    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Indie Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

Every great power pop band is all about two things: meaty melodies and oo-la-la choruses, and there's no disbelieving that this Phoenix band have the formula nailed on their sophomore album. Produced by a master of the genre (Steve McDonald, founding member of Redd Kross), the 12-tracker advances the Format's debut album by sandblasting pocketfuls of hooks and poetic prose into the consciousness. Band leaders Nate Ruess and Sam Means progress like a modern day Colin Blunstone/Rod Argent, zigzagging Zombies-like through a piano-led, choral-like pool of tuneful experimentation and falsetto intonation. The band make it almost too easy to pick out potential radio gems, which include up-tempo numbers like "Time Bomb" and "She Doesn't Get It," and especially "Oceans," with its glee club chorus that's downright impossible to shake. But Read more

Reviews (17)

A Formatted Sound Adjustment...A Great Album...
Having always described themselves as a pop band, a pop album such as Dog Problems should come as no surprise to Format fans. Ditching the bare, slender tones of Interventions amd Lullabies, The Format have created a great, new adjustment to their sound. One word can describe it. Full. Or Fuller. Or Fullest? Well, it doesn't really matter, because the songs here are damn catchy. Hearing Ruess' vocals backed by everything from horns to guitars to pretty much anything the band could get their hands on, the CD is a refreshing, theatrical taste of what The Format could do when inspired.
Oh, that's so pretty
From reviews and comparisons to other bands, I really had a different notion of what the music was really all about.There are some great harmonies and melodies.However, this is more of a modern folk/pop album with jangling guitars and pretty vocals.Not for everyone, but just something to keep in mind.

Eh...
Interventions and Lullabies was amazing, hard to live up to.Dog Problems is a great album, but in comparison with the previous album, it really doesn't hold a candle.Dog Problems definitely has a different feel to it than Interventions, and it's good for bands to progress, but it has much more of a power-pop vibe.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Indie Pop    2. Indie Rock    3. Pop    4. Pop Underground    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Fret not, fans of filth, who worry Read more

Reviews (19)

ROCKS
Peaches' best album so far.She keeps getting better and better... Such an individual!

So dirty, you'll need a shower after listening!
This album is one of the most enticing and addicitve albums I have ever heard. The beats are hot, and the lyrics are dirty beyond description. Peaches knows how to push boundaries, and even when she is seamingly doing what has already been done a thousand times, it always sounds fresh and inviting. Right from the irresistable 'Tent In Your Pants' to the hot 'Rock the Shocker', this album is a sleazy undergound ride you'll want to take over and over. It's worth grabbing if only for the greatest album title in history!!!!
PEEEACHEEES
THIS CD KICKS IT - Peaches has bigger balls than Bruce ever will!!! IMPEACH THE BUSH - THE BEST PEACHES YET!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Electro-Techno    2. Indie Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (5)

Different is Better . . .
Persephone's Bees is not like the rest of the music out there right now, but it is not so shockingly different that it is difficult to listen to for any period of time.It has a kind of mod dance quality to it while still being very modern in tone and sound.When you listen to this cd your going to have a hard time sitting still . . . which to me is a really good quality.If you like your music a little different from the norm and like albums that you can listen to all they way through without a lot of skipping around this is for you!

rebels in a sea of clones
in a world oversatured with 'alternative' music, it's refreshing to see a band that doesn't follow what has become the corporate 'alternative rock' formula. there's no nasily faux english vocals here, it's a real accent, and russian to boot.
Even better than I expected!
After hearing "City of Love" and "Nice Day" some time ago, I *had* to try this CD. What a great surprise that the rest wasn't all the same! This band definitely has something different to say. Great lyrics & hooks, fun & whimsical ("Climbing"), once 60's retro ("Walk to the Moon"), then rocking ("On the Earth"), then just really musical. Great cover (only one on CD) of Status Quo's 'Paper Plane' followed by fast-becoming-my-favorite track "Queens' Night Out". This great CD is in serious danger of being overplayed!
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Subjects:  1. Indie Pop    2. Indie Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (2)

Less idiosyncratic Lambchop = a superb release
Damaged only has 10 songs, but the result is the first Lambchop release that you actually wish didn't end so soon. Previous CDs have tended to be overlong, bordering on tediousness and somewhat same-sounding. Don't misunderstand me, their back catalog is impressive and Lambchop is a great, unique band, but it can be a chore to listen to many of their full length releases from start to finish. Not this one.
Lambchop's latest masterpiece
It may take a few listens, but Lambchop's new album soon reveals it's true worth.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Country-Rock    2. Chamber Pop    3. Indie Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Death Cab for Cutie turn difficult personal issues into literary rock songs while straddling the narrow line between blissful pop and driving indie rock. The Northwest act's songs soar high like Built to Spill's or Beulah's, and almost every track on Read more

Reviews (68)

Honestly, one of their weakest releases
I am a huge Death Cab for Cutie fan.When I disovered them, I bought all of their albums except one.For some reason, I never got around to buying The Photo Album.I've read all the reviews of this album and most say that it's Death Cab's best and beats Transatlanticsm and Plans.Well, I finally bought it and was very excited to listen to it and I was expecting something better from what I am used to hearing from Death Cab.The cd started, and wow was I dissapointed.First off, there are only 10 songs - 9 if you don't count the mediocre first track.You'd think that this small amount of tracks, every song would be real good...wrong.This isn't like any other Death Cab album.Yeah there are a couple tracks that are beautiful but what the hell is up with Ben Gibbard's singing on this cd?It just sounds to me like he just rushed and threw some vocals on top.Most of time he sings off timing (but not off key) and that makes it very hard to listen to.And also on the third track, the song is ruined because you can barely hear Ben's vocals!!I don't know what the band was thinking on that song because it's a great song but the volume on the vocals are unnessary low.The songs overall just don't really pop out to you.My only favorite songs on this are Blacking Out The Friction and Coney Island.Now those two are exactly what I love about Death Cab...catchy lyrics and amazing music.I was so dissapointed and I shouldn't have listened to all these people that said this was Death Cab's best release.So don't make the same mistake.But you know, it's not 100% bad but after listening to Transatlanticsm and Plans, it just sounds weak compared to those.This is an honest review from a loyal Death Cab for Cutie fan so please don't ignore this.Pick this up though if you want to complete your collection.

Very good collection of songs
This CD is obviously one of the catchier DCFC releases. I love this CD. It is the DCFC album I go back to again and again. One of my big complaints are albums with 1 good song, 2 ok songs and 7 bad songs. It makes me feel like I wasted my money buying a whole CD, but The Photo Album has a very good collection of songs. This is the 3rd DCFCAlbum I own, and it is very good. The music is so amazing. These guys have real talent. DCFC have definately won me over as a long time fan. The melodic pop mixed with deeply emotional lyrics are just what the world needs more of, good no nonsense music. I am looking forward to the next album.

favorite death cab album
This album is my favorite from Death Cab. I first heard them right after they released Transatlanticism and fell in love. Some of my favorite songs are "A Movie Script Ending," "Why You'd Want to Live Here," "Blacking Out the Friction," and "I Was a Kaleidoscope." However, the entire CD is good, and I never skip a track when listening. ... Read more

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

Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (1)

Awesome CD!
I highly recommend this CD. If you like Bloodhound Gang (comady music, basicly) and heavy metal, I would recommend this to you.
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Subjects:  1. Comedy Rock    2. Heavy Metal    3. Indie Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock   

Reviews (2)

Snow Patrol - shows promise
I have had this album for a bit over a year now and I still listen to it a lot. Snow Patrol are a indie/grunge/pop band. This first album is very good and although a bit on the basic side funny lyrics and catchy tunes shouldkeep you listening to this for a while. If you like Idlewild you shouldcheck out Snow Patrol.

snow patrol : why aren't they big yet?
This cd is excellent.it has a variety of songs so impossible to get sick of it.pity they only released it in the uk, because i had to pay heaps to get it (im a nzer).it was worth it though.if only they'd get moresupport and they'd be big, so watch this space!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Indie Rock    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Perhaps you weren't convinced of the Verve's staying power until recently. Before the release of Read more

Reviews (245)

Bittersweet never sounded so good before or since...
So back in '97 I was driving along minding my own business when Bittersweet Symphony came on the radio and smacked me in the face. At least thats what it felt like. A pleasant smack. The kind that made me feel as if I had been zoned out all day until I heard the song and suddenly I felt alive! OK, maybe thats a bit dramatic, but you get the picture. I fell in love with the song, and even now 10 years later I still get swept up in the emotion of the song.
Don't Believe the Hype
But for "The Drugs don't Work," which is marginal at best,this album is boring...cookie-cutter, nothing original.

Nothing Bitter Here,It's all Sweet!
This album is a masterpiece!Most albums start out promising, then about three songs into it we lose interest and...turn it off.This album will surprise you,it get's better towards the end,"Neon Wilderness" is more of an intermission than an actual song,so you can't actually count that as a song,although I'm sure that there are some over zealous Verve fans out there that do,and that's ok.From the opening, soothing string arrangement of "Bitter Sweet Symphony" our hearts are held captive,then the whooshing rush of the full orchestra crashes in (this part,by the way,is the sample that Richard Ashcroft used and had to share writing credits with Jagger and Richards)and we are hooked without a doubt, to this beautiful song."Sonnet" is a touching ballad about friendship,"The Drugs Don't Work" isn't a song about drug abuse as the title may seem to impose,rather it's a moving ballad that Ashcroft wrote about the death of his father,it's difficult to listen to this song and not think of a loved one who has passed on."Lucky Man" is a brilliant song that Ashcroft dedicates to his wife when he performs it live.Simply put,every song on this album is a gem.Go out and buy this album now.Enjoy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Britpop    3. Dream Pop    4. England    5. Indie Pop    6. Indie Rock    7. Pop    8. Popular Music    9. Post-Grunge    10. Rock    11. Rock/Pop    12. Shoegaze    13. Space Rock   

Editorial Review

Recorded mildly better than his debut (Read more

Reviews (67)

Desert island pick #1!
"Self-Titled" is without a doubt, Mr. Smith's finest hour.Many people feel that this recording is too sullen---but I think it is beautiful in a spiritual way.Elliott Smith was the most gifted songwriter of his generation.Upon first listen I was not as impressed as I was with Roman Candle & Either/Or, so it stayed in its case for a couple of weeks.After a couple of weeks went by Ithought I would give it another whirl after watching "The Royal Tennenbaums."I was, and still am, completely addicted to this cd.I need almost like oxygen.It is without a doubt my favourite recording of all time.As soon as "Needle in the Hay" begins with that doomed, yet heavenly A minor chord--Mr. Smith takes you on a ride.Every song is stellar.The recording sounds a bit like opiates would when they take effect for the first time, and is just as addictive.Songs like "Satellite" and "Alphabet Town" make you wanna cry tears of joy in that music could be so brilliant and emotionally effective."The Biggest Lie" is a wonderful closer, via leaving the listener feeling a bit optimistic and hopefull.Everytime I finish this album I am always a bit catatonic and emotionally drained as if i had just fallen in love, lost a close brother, detoxed on heroin, driven 12 hours, and fallen in love again among a setting sun skyline.Any artform that can have that effect on listeners will always remain timeless.Every music fan should have this one!!!

My favorite Elliott Smith album
Elliott Smith (R.I.P.) is my favorite artist of all time. I have found something in his music that I have not found anywhere else. This album (his second) without a doubt conveys that "something" the most.
Absolutely wonderful...very deep.
I heard the name somewhere...where, I thought to myself, "Alex must listen to him." I thought I'd surprise her and learn the lyrics, so that we could sing the songs together in rush-hour of the busy grid locked traffic of Minneapolis when I visit her. On this whim I purchased the album and was shocked initially by the musicianship of the record (as a musician myself, I'm on an infinite search for music which makes me want to play). Soon after this realization, I then came to the second realization that Elliott uses words to express ideas very delicately and profoundly.
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Subjects:  1. Indie Pop    2. Indie Rock    3. Pop    4. Popular Music    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Sadcore    8. Singer/Songwriter   

Reviews (110)

The Subjectivity of Music.....
I've just finished scanning most of the reviews to date.We've got those who loved the album from the beginning....like I did.Then there are those that hated it initially but found that it grew on them. Finally, we have those who hate it, find it either some intellectual joke played on them or the worst example of a singer who can't sing they've ever heard.
Beautiful
Gentle, yet harsh. can make you feel two extremes. unique creative voice, yet not trying, free. kings and queens. harps. adult lived lullabies. intricate simple delicateness. hard to sing to. pretty. lovely. men too. enjoy. if it were material it would be glass. the kind that if you touch with your finger it breaks. yet at times as the glass breaks. listen to it, you won't regret it.

Sly, spry, surprising and captivating
I first heard about Joanna Newsom after reading an interview with her by The Onion AV Club, and was intrigued by the references to her odd singing voice.I managed to find a free download for the video of her song "Sprout and the Bean" (you can too with a bit of googling) and thought the song was sweetly enchanting.Newsom's singing is surprising in that it sounds like the voice of a young girl, but once I got used to it I really enjoyed how the naivete implied by her voice contrasts with the sometimes slyly ironic lyrics."I killed my dinner with karate / kick 'em in the face, taste the body" is a sublime line to hear with that voice.
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Subjects:  1. Folk-Rock    2. Harp    3. Harpsichord    4. Indie Rock    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. Sampling    9. Wurlitzer   

Editorial Review

The star-crossed fracture of London's much-hyped, woefully short-lived Libertines initially yielded the mixed blessings of Pete Doherty's ongoing, tabloid-chronicled flirtation with self-annihilation and Read more

Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (5)

reflections2
"I gave you the Midas touch/You turned round and scratched out my