Editorial Review

There's nothing like a breakup to focus your muse. This follow-up to the stunning, multi-platinum Read more

Reviews (210)

Average
Average like most cds these days, you're lucky you can find 3+ good songs.I've had it less than 2 weeks and it takes me a while to find favorites or totally give up and resell it. My boss heard it and asked it it was church or horror movie music.

No sophmore slump for Evanescence!
I was concerned ar first about this record because most artists who do so well with their first record have a tendency to fall prey to the "sophmore slump" with thier second record.The Open Door, however, has no such problem.I find myself likeing this record more than I like Fallen, the first five songs in particular made me downright euphoric.This is a terrific album, and I highly recommend it.

Make this CD your next music purchase
The only song I don't like is "Call Me When You're Sober." I almost didn't buy this CD because of that song, thinking the rest would be like that awful song (an obvious bone they threw to the radio Gods). It is completely out of place with the rest of the CD. The rest of the CD is really great. Amy's voice is in top-form. The heavier songs remind me they are still the Evanescence I know and love, and the more melancholy songs are hauntingly beautiful. There is a tremendous layering of sounds on this CD (in a good way). There is a different take than what was heard on Fallen. Every band borrows a little from somebody, and this CD has percussion and sonic effects reminiscent of Tori Amos's "To Venus and Back", and some of the bass and guitar work reminds me a lot of The Gathering's "How to Measure a Planet?" I'm a fan of both, so it doesn't bother me! This CD is an outstanding follow-up to their debut. I think if they tried to make "Fallen Part 2" they would have failed. This is one of the best CD's of the year, no doubt about it.
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Subjects:  1. Goth Metal    2. Pop    3. Post-Grunge    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Unquestionably one of rock’s greatest vocalists, Rod Stewart should have titled this album Read more

Reviews (75)

ITS A HEARTACHE, BONNIE TYLER WINS 100%
HELL this cd is just trash. Mess of every single cover. I say Rods covers of Its a heartache and have you ever seen the rain are so bland. Go for BONNIE TYLER's versions. She maybe a chick, but by god she is the goddess of rock. More gutsey versions that Rod. I have to say i reckn Rod is paying the record company to release this rubbish. I couldnt rate under 1 star, bugger

Actually remarkable
This is as awful as his days in Faces were just bloody brilliant.
Where is Rod?
Where has Rod Stewart gone?This is so bad that I couldn't even finish listening to the CD.I am such a big Rod Stewart fan, but I think his glory days are over. I have had my fill of his remakes at this point.Don't waste your money on this one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. England    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (139)

Eloquent and Excellent
John Mayer is back and better than ever with Continuum.This album from this brilliant singer-songwriter is destined to be a classic.He eloquently, vocalizes the thoughts and fears of our generation from heartbreak to the fear of losing our parents and aging.He also does an excellent job of addressing social issues with the utmost class and without forcing his opinions on anyone.Kudos, John!I am pleased to see someone talented represent our generation, and I look forward to buying his music for many years to come.

Satisfied
I was sitting up late Saturday night and turned it to Soundstage already in progress. I saw Buddy Guy on stage playing with this young guy I had never seen. I became enthralled with the performances but I never caught his name. So afterwards I looked up the Soundstage tv schedule and found out it was John Mayer. Did some further checking and found out about his turn toward the blues, and I love blues. Took a chance and bought the cd next day. Best music I've bought in a long time. No, it's not straight blues. But it's definitely honest. And in this day and time of kitsch glorification, I'll take it. I feel like my money was well spent. Can't say that for a whole lot of things I've bought.

A wonderful, thoughtful album...
The fact that I am taking the time to post, speaks volumes about how special I think Continuum is...I often find myself "suckered" into buying a CD these days, because a track suggests that the rest of the album may prove to be a pleasant surprise. It is a bit like the movie trailer that entices you to head to the theater, only to be disappointed that you have already seen the only enjoyable part of the movie. Continuum is the exception to that unfortunate rule...It is an extraordinary piece of work. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Album Rock    3. Blues-Rock    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

At a time when the majority of those his age are drifting into retirement, 65-year-old Bob Dylan has put the capper on a three-record run that ranks with the best in his storied, 44-album career. Like Read more

Reviews (153)

Fresh Breeze Blowin
The music contained within this CD is simply brilliant, particularly when compared for what passes as commercial music these days.Dylan's songwriting and vocals are superb and his production efforts are flawless. The band is in top form and the mix is spot on.This project,as most of Dylan's recorded work, will stand the test of time. My only criticism is the absence of any acknowledgement for songwriting inspiration. Certainly at least a "tip of the hat"is deserved by Big Maceo Merriweather for his influence of Worried Life Blues for Someday Baby. Same goes for Hambone Willie Newbern as it relates to Rollin and Tumblin. Perhaps, we'll have to wait for the next chapter of Chronicles to acknowledge these artists.

Like Wine
Like wine, and as another reviewer has already commented, Dylan really does get better with age... though that's not to detract at all from his past masterpieces. There are several in depth reviews written so I figure I can make this one short and sweet: the album is great and worth a listen whether you're a long time DYlan fan, a Dylan neophyte, or never cared for him (can't imagine many belonging to this last group...)

Still Magical
Having grown up with hard rock and merging in to jazz with age,I'm not sure what prompted me to buy the album.I hadn't heard it or about it.Bob Dylan was just some wierd musician to me - This one album has changed all that; I'm a new Bob Dylan fan -Modern Times is pure musical magic.It is at the same time haunting, ironic, true, brilliant...(yes I'm beginning to purchase older stuff now..I've a lot of catch-up work to do!)One review labled the music "pedadantic" - likely not a musicians point of view.No it's not oversaturated with gizmo sound and yes it lacks the immediately catchy Brittany Spears pop sound.Bob Dylan is the wrong place to look for that anyway.Relax, reminisce, day-dream - older is sometimes better! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Blues-Rock    3. Folk-Rock    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Rock    7. Rock & Roll    8. Rock/Pop    9. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

The Killers five-million-selling debut, 2004's Read more

Reviews (109)

Please...don't patronize...
Don't flatter these boys. There are about 3 catchy songs....the rest may have as well been recorded in a bathroom.
Best Buy Exclusive Bonus Track - "Daddy's Eyes"
There are enough reviews already covering all the viewpoints out there about this album. I, for one, think it is absolutely amazing. What I want to discuss is the Best Buy Bonus CD. I think the 2nd track on this bonus disc, "Daddy's Eyes", is unbelievable and would have been one of the best songs on the album. Those of you who have heard it please comment about it. I want to see what you think.

No, This Is Not "Hot Fuss." IT'S BETTER!!!
Honestly, I feel sorry for people who don't get it. Correct, this IS NOT "Hot Fuss" and that's the good news. But it's ridiculous to keep rehashing this over and over again. The Killers have grown from their last album and evolved for the better. They've gone from novelty to keepsake. "This River Is Wild" and "Uncle Johnny" scream of improvement. I could tell from their recent VMA performance that they were a better band. And I'm not a rabid fan. I caught on to the craze late last time. But you can tell that they're still developing/shaping their style on this record. "Sam's Town" is more about expanding their sound artistically as opposed to strictly writing radio jingles. The biggest problem is that people expect mainstream music to be literal without metaphor or hyperbole and that's their greatest error. The Killers made a great album, you just have to open your eyes and ears a little bit more. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Rock/Pop    5. United States of America   

Editorial Review

On Read more

Reviews (45)

Hello? Beck is still brilliant and he proves it with THE INFORMATION
I admit that my first impression of THE INFORMATION was that Beck had phoned this one in, kinda like a "Beck-By-Numbers" pastiche. But it only took a few more listens for his fantastic songwriting ability to shine through for me. Beck already merged just about every conceivable music genre on MELLOW GOLD and ODELAY, so it's not really fair to expect him to reinvent the freakin' wheel with every new album.
Get your hands on the Best Buy bonus track "This Girl That I Know"!!
This is not really a review for the CD which is just sick (that's good).I downloaded the bonus track thinking whatever, it's free. I'll listen then delete it.I have no idea why it's not on the CD!I guess they're really trying to get legitimate songs as bonus tracks so you'll actually read about how good it is and feel like you need to go rebuy it which sucks.But anyway, get your hand on it somehow.It's one of the best tracks on the CD (or not on the CD I should say!)

Beck's Fourth Best Album!
Rumor is on the street that Beck was deep in the mix on this project then abandoned it to release "Guero" instead. Next thing he knew, he was overseeing "Guerolito" and embroiled in a seemingly non-stop tour in support of both of those runaway projects.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Rock/Pop    5. Singer/Songwriter    6. United States of America   

Reviews (32)

It's pretty good.
I don't really think its correct to label this as a "duets" album, since some of the performers don't even sing, they just play guitar or whatever, and the ones that do sing are rarely adding more than background vocals.Thats okay though, since Jerry Lee Lewis really is the star here.I'm surprised he sounds this good considering he's, what, 71 now?I mean, he can still play really well, and his voice sounds pretty good still.
A Rock and Roll Street Brawl
Make no mistake. The star of this CD is the piano playing of Jerry Lee Lewis. The boozy duets with George Jones, Merle Haggard, Ringo Starr and Keith Richards are as comfortable as your favorite slippers. But the true highlight of this CD is the street brawl between Jerry Lee's piano and the guitar of Jimmy Page, on "Rock and Roll". The track opens with a typical Page high octane riff, followed by the Killer saying, "This IS rock and roll!" You sense a battle brewing: the kid gunslinger (OK, middle-aged gunslinger), looking for the legend. And the legend doesn't back down. The battle for supremacy between the piano and the guitar rages at a furious pace, reminiscent of a John Wayne-Richard Widmark fist fight, rolling in a dusty street, both relishing the battle. One gets the sense that Lewis and Page call it a draw at the end, put their arms around each other, and walk back into the bar. This IS a new classic of rock and roll.

The Killer rocks on
Many duet albums have been released last couple of years, but this one is really something special. Jerry lee Lewis his piano playing and vocals are upfront and sound amazing, the guest artists show really respect for The Killers talent.
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Subjects:  1. Honky Tonk    2. Oldies    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock & Roll    6. Traditional Country    7. United States of America   

Editorial Review

On their full-length debut, Denver quartet the Fray don't exactly reinvent the wheel, but those looking for melodic, mid-tempo pop could do far worse. That said, the 12 songs on Top 40 hit Read more

Reviews (117)

Cheesy contempo pop...but irresistible.
I can't necessarily argue with all of the criticisms of this album and band...
makes Nsync look tough
This is such generic boring radio friendly crap and If I hear any more of there songs on Vh1 or MTV I am going to go insane. Somebody say they were helping modern rock, are you insane there boring and sound like some many other generic bands that get theme songs to shows like the O.C.
Reminds me of the late 90s...
There are two things I really like about this album.First, the two hit singles, "Over My Head(Cable Car)" and "How to Save a Life," are absolute stunners, in my opinion both in the Top 5 best singles of 2006.The other thing I like about this is the album reminds me, for better or worse, of the late 1990s glory days of alterna-pop-rock bands like Matchbox-20, Eve6, Third Eye Blind, Tonic, Everclear, etc.All of these bands have one thing in common with The Fray:they all make albums with 2 or 3 killer singles, but nothing else particularily memorable.The rest of the songs on these bands' albums really sound like lesser copies of the singles.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. American Trad Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

This may be his first album in over a decade, but veteran Detroit rock icon Bob Seger shows he's lost none of his signature songwriting chops, sense of blue collar yearning or distinctive vocal prowess during his record biz sabbatical. Rather than reinvent himself for a turbulent marketplace that's regressed from alt.rock to teeny-pop in his absence, Seger stays largely true to his roots here. The album's Nashville recording locale and Seger's winning duet with Patti Loveless on "The Answer's in the Question" reaffirm how much the lines between roots rock and contemporary country have blurred while he was on the sidelines, a notion that's underscored on Seger's raucous turn with fellow Motor City native Kid Rock on their cover of Vince Gill's "Real Mean Bottle." Yet forceful ballads like "Wait For Me" and "Won't Stop" show there's still gold to be mined in the vein of the singer's epochal '70s work, while "Wreck This Heart" rocks admirably and the melancholy closer "The Long Goodbye" showcases Seger as accomplished one man band. All in all a compelling musical argument for the notion that Read more

Reviews (49)

Broken Promise
I grew up in Detroit.I saw Bob Seger about a gajillion times with various bands.He rocked and we loved it, and we loved him.
Buy It Now!
This is his best work since the seventies. A case could be made for this being his best disc ever. Don't waste your time, just order it. If you have any Seger CDs or records that you like, you are going to love this one. I haven't been as taken with a Seger disc since Beautiful Loser (okay, Night Moves and Stranger in Town are pretty much awesome). No matter which one is your favorite, order this one because it will be one of your favorites after the first listen.

good old time rock and roll
Welcome back, Bob! It's been too long. And he didn't go & change things up on this album. It's classic rock. If you liked his previous stuff, you should like this new album. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Hard Rock    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Rock    5. Rock & Roll    6. Rock/Pop    7. United States of America   

Editorial Review

The degree to which you'll like Read more

Reviews (91)

Elegant Sequel to "Captain Fantastic", But It's More Reminiscent Of.......
Thirty-one years after "Captain Fantastic", Elton John and his long-time partner, lyricist Bernie Taupin, have quite literally returned to their roots in "The Captain and The Kid", yielding an album that sounds as fresh and poignant as their great mid 1970s album. And yet, it sounds more like a return to their earlier musical roots, most notably such classic early albums as "Tumbleweed Connection" and "Honky Chateau", than a full-fledged sequel that is also a satisfying conclusion to "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy". All the praise that this album is acquiring so far is quite well earned; demonstrating that Elton's 21st Century musical revival - beginning with "Songs from The West Coast" - hasn't been a fluke. I doubt I have heard as consistently fine a collection of songs as those on this album; indeed, I have to search as far back as his early 1990s hit "The One" to find among his recent albums, one that isboth a great body of work, as well as yielding quite a few Elton John/Bernie Taupin hit singles. Without a doubt, "Captain and the Kid" should be regarded more as an album with a consistently great set of songs, due in no small measure to the introspective nature of Taupin's lyrics chronicling their history - both together and apart - since Elton's triumphant American debut in Los Angeles back in 1970, a memorable performance at Los Angeles' Troubadour Club. Moreover, Elton hasn't sung as well as in a long, long time, even if his youthful falsetto has given rise to a deeper, often richer, sound. And here on this album, he's often backed with classic harmonies from Davey Johnstone and Nigel Olsson - as well as the rest of the current Elton John band - bringing back fond memories of Elton singing with Davey, Nigel, and the late Dee Murray on his classic 1970s albums.
I love this !
I love this !
Fantastic Stuff!
I have just about everything Elton has recorded and have seen him 21 times in concert.I buy his new releases on the day they come out and I have high expectations which are not always met.This CD not only meets, but exceeds my expectations. Several music genres are represented including: honky tonk, country, blues, folk, rockers and ballads.I love how he subtly uses pices of his older classics to add to or reinforce some of the newer lyrics.For example, in the verse to "Blues Never Fade Away" which is about loss, you can hear piano licks similar to "Candle In The Wind" reinforcing losing ones life at a young age.In the song "And The House Fell Down" about his druggie days, the chorus picks up to a beat reminiscient of "I'm Still Standing" which adds the meaning that he survived his druggie days and has become a better person for it.There is not one bad song in the set, but if I had to put them in order from best to least, it would be as follows:
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Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. England    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

In choosing to cover the music of John Dowland (1563-1626), who is known as the "melancholy madrigalist" from his output of cheerful ditties like "Flow My Tears," Police bandleader Sting has entered into a whole new realm of austere eeriness. Originally inspired by the gift of a lute, the rock superstar and activist sings the songs, deliciously sweet and tender or spirited by turn, accompanying himself, with Edin Karamazov sitting on lute and archlute. For listeners accustomed to hearing material of this period interpreted by rigorously trained early music stylists, especially countertenors and the like, Sting's sometimes tight-jawed, chest-heavy vocals may seem amateurish. It's undeniable that in four-part harmonies, the singer, tightly overdubbed, comes across like a combination of the Swingle Singers and Queen (meaning Freddy Mercury and crew, NOT the first Elizabeth). But it's important to remember that music of this period was routinely heard as a casual diversion in private homes, even more often than at Court. It was considered a crucial social skill to be able to join in with an adequate degree of skill, but not everyone was able to negotiate the perilous melodic twists and turns typical of the era's music. With this in mind, the overall effect is of a candle-lit, postprandial entertainment in the home of an English gentleman. Muttered readings from Dowland's letters and brief snippets of sampled birdsong aside, it is a courageous effort, displaying heartfelt admiration for the composer and a considerable degree of earnest charm. --Read more

Reviews (39)

Gotta Wonder Why?
I knew this was going to be rough when Sting appeared on Studio 60 in a subtle plug to his new CD. C'mon, whose idea was it to have Sting play the lute on a national tv show? I thought it was a cheap plug in the show, even cheaper for the show then for Sting.
good effort
I like Sting. And I like some renaissance music. So - lute plus Sting sounded like a good idea. It is a good idea, but about half of one. Unfortunately the tenor of Stings voice gets weary as the songs go on. Part of the problem is either the original music (though I don't know it) or Stings attempt to read it in a certain way. I like about half the cd...which is not bad. I think it might have been interesting to pair some of these songs with original Sting tunes. Glad to see him stretching, always happy to see an artist keep being an artist. His lute playing is enjoyable, even if pooh-poohed by purists. I'll be making my own mix of some of these songs with other Sting songs.

A Renaissance Man
This album gives me new appreciation for 16th cent. music and poetry.After I heard it I went online and listened to more "professional" covers of Dowland's music. I honestly think that what Sting has accomplised is a very conversational, more accessible, album of songs than other classical attempts. It has a deep, earnest conviction that charges the music with an attractive passion; Sting deftly executes all the songs, with only a couple examples of a slightly roughened voice. But his voice has aged to perfect, albeit there are no Roxanne high notes here, and the Jonson cover "Have you seen the white lily grow" exhibits Stings amazing voice.Get this album, but dont forget that on iTunes there are a few exclusives, including the most beautiful lute version of 'Fields of Gold.' Go check it out! ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Snow Patrol are frequently compared to Coldplay in the press, which seems strange as they write far better songs and do not appear to be quite so self-hating, nor as rich. Their delightfully dour little pop songs do touch on the melancholic side of things, but the lyrics are wonderfully slice-of-life descriptions. Singer/lyricist Gary Lightbody gives a shout-out to Sufjan Stevens when on the punchy "Open Your Eyes" he sings, "The anger swells in my guts." Perhaps a better comparison would be American indie-rock act Sebadoh? Regardless, this band continues to surprise. If you went to see this mixed Scottish/Irish group on tour after hearing their wistful, breakout third album Final Straw, you might have been a bit confused by the rock juggernaut confronting you. Read more

Reviews (91)

A Small Step Backward
I was a big fan of Final Straw.Tracks like Wow, Chocolate, Run, and Somewhere a Clock is Ticking led the playcount on my ipod for months.I thought Final Straw was a huge step foward from albums like Songs for Polarbears, which was, in my view, boring.I think Eyes Open is a small step back.Overall, it is a solid album, but it lacks the depth of Final Straw.I agree with a previous reviewer who stated that some of the tracks are too simple to be interesting.However, tracks like Chasing Cars, It's Beginning to Get to Me, You Could Be Happy, the Finish Line, and, to a lesser degree, You're All I Have and Hands Open and are good enough to make the album worth the money.Add Gary Lightbody's always subperb vocals (if you don't think a good lead singer can make a big difference, listen to the train-wreck that is the Killers' new album) and you have a pretty enjoyable album.
The Grey's Effect
From the moment Snow Patrols song "Chasing Cars" played over the final minutes of the season finale from Grey's Anatomy, I have been hooked. Since I bought the album "Eyes Open" it has rarely left my media player of choice. From the heavy handed pop rock tracks like "Hands Open" to the bitter sweet "You Could be Happy" the album is a complete package of radio friendly hits. Though it has yet to be seen if it is completely thrashable.
"It's so clear now..."
Snow Patrol strikes again and again with Eyes Open. Each song on this album stands out on it's own while still keeping a general flow of a complete album alive. Unlike their contemporaries Coldplay and Keane (and indeed there own previous albums) this album is fantastic from first listen on. Right away I had "You're All I Have", "Hands Open", and "Open Your Eyes" blasting throughout my room for weeks. I was very surprised to find out that "Chasing Cars" had become a huge hit (I ban myself from radio) because within a collection of outstanding tracks this one seemed more average and is definatly a weaker single then, let's say, "Run" off Final Straw. Generally, i would maintain Final Straw is the stronger album but Eyes Open has a refreshing throwback to the grunge-esque sounds on Songs For Polar Bears. Other Fantastic tracks include "Make This Go On Forever" and "Headlights On Dark Roads". ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

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Reviews (284)

VERY OVERRATED........
I just don't get all the praise for this cd.I approached this project very enthusiastically and was very disappointed.
I was questionable...
At first I wasnt sure what to expect from Christina this time around but she gave me a HUGE surprise with Back to Basics. The first cd is just as good as the 2nd. I must say that the 2nd disc inspired me to go to church! LOL thats how good her vocals are. She is inspiring and proves that she belongs in the music industry for years to come. Good job

A remarkable CD set. Great songs, great voice, andgreat spirit.
This is a truly remarkable CD set. I grew up listening to Bessie Smith, Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, and the Motown singers (no, I'm not that old, I was just the guy dressed like a punk rocker, and liking the Sex Pistols, but actually loving classic Jazz, Blues, and R&B best after being introduced to them by a guy I became friendly with who was a music teacher). It is fairly remarkable to see this diminutive woman and pop phenom known for her slightly raunchy Hip-Hop songs show her true range. From the first time I heard Aguilera several years ago I thought: "This woman really has a set of pipes, I wonder if she'll ever begin to explore her full range." Well she has, and the result is wonderful. I have a feeling it must have been infuriating for her to be in the shadow of that Spears chick, the fellow Mouseketeer, who was all package but really didn't have the voice or style to sing anything real in any idiom. Aguilera pays homage to her antecedents; the numbers stylized versions, some deliberately recorded to simulate the kind of "in the can" sound you encounter when you hear an old Tin Pan Alley classic. Still, these songs remain hers. I am quite astounded. I doubt this album will appeal to many people much over forty. I think even octogenarians would be rocking in their walkers, if they gave it a chance, but that probably won't happen. What I hope is that Aguilera's fan base in their teens and early twenties will be inspired to listen to songs like Dinah Washington's version of "Cry Me a River" or Billie Holiday's "Mean To Me" and know where Aguilera is really coming from. Aguilera is a student of the Masters who came before her (she lays this out so well in the Hip-Hop styled intro), yet she can also deliver the goods. It gives me real hope. Not everything in the music business is, in the end, prepackaged, and there are those out there still carrying the torch and passing it on. Kudos to Aguilera! She may be a tiny woman, but she has a giant voice, and a real spirit. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Dance-Pop    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Urban   

Editorial Review

Capitol raised a few eyebrows when they signed indie stalwarts the Decemberists. There's nothing blatantly commercial about the Portland quintet, from Colin Meloy's quavery voice and hyper-literate lyrics to the band's wide-ranging music, which encompasses baroque pop, prog rock, and dozens of other styles. Then again, he did once sing, "I was made for the stage," and those who've seen the group live know this to be true. Sure, they're storytellers, but they're entertainers, too--just not in the Top 40 sense. Never ones to play it safe, their major label debut takes its inspiration from a Japanese folk tale. It travels from the Replacements-style balladry of "The Crane Wife 3"--which joins words like "Each feather it fell from skin/'Til threadbare while she grew thin" to the melody from "Here Comes a Regular"--to the ELP hoedown of three-part epic "The Island" to the haunting duet between Meloy and Laura Veirs on "Yankee Bayonet (I Will Be Home Then)." It's an impressively eclectic effort that somehow manages to avoid sounding scattered. Co-produced by Chris Walla (Death Cab for Cutie) and Tucker Martine (the Long Winters), the Decemberists' fourth full-length is richer, less immediately catchy than its predecessor (there's nothing as bouncy here as Read more

Reviews (25)

3 and a half really....But Very Solid and Good
Right then let's get down too it.I'm not going to list the songs and what not as most reviewers have done so already and have pretty much nailed the jist of what they convey.