Music Reviews

Album Review Rating System: *= kill the band, ** = Skip it, *** = Burn A copy, **** = pick it up, ***** = Buy This Now!

Mute Math: Armistice

Mute math put out an amazing debut album and made daring videos for it. Some people paid attention. Then they got a song on the "twilight" soundtrack and suddenly everyone knew who they were. With a song almost as big as the movie, Mute Math are capitalizing on the fame by putting out an even more furious and slightly less radio friendly Album. What? of course they included "Spotlight" their Twilight single, but overall this album is aimed at pushing their own limits and they do it beautifully. There is a sense of urgency throughout the album, in many ways due to Darren Kings Drumming. Even the slow songs follow a flow that makes this one of the most engaging and cohesive albums of the year.

My Rating: **** 1/2

The Black Eyed Peas: The E.N.D.

B.E.P. define dumb fun. Their beats are hot, extremely danceable and Fergies purring and belting can throw you an earworm like its no ones business. The raps can usually lack, but really, does anyone listen? There's not much to day about this album. If you enjoy top 40 safe rap/dance music, this has already been the soundtrack to your summer/fall. If you're not a fan, nothing here will change your mind, this energy is strictly for believers

My Rating: *** 1/2

Jennifers Body: Motion Picture Soundtrack

Usually a movie this 80's era cheesy would cover its bases with a hot, start studded album. Hot Bands? Check. Skip the movie and check out a soundtrack that features, Silversun pickups, Florence & The Machine, Panic At The Disco, Haley Williams, Little Boots, Dashboard Confessional and etc...etc.. etc...? Check. Wonder why some many good bands still make it an inconsistent album? Check.

My Rating: ***

Blue October : Approaching Normal

Blue October hit the airwaves with a song about addiction and followed it with an upbeat song about oceans. They then returned to the studio and avoided anything even approaching a radio ready single. Their label must've had a heart attack. The secret is, their last album wasn't that radio friendly either. With the exception of their two singles, "foiled" was just as harsh and angry as this album. The good news? Singer Justin Furstenfeld does angry and tormented very well. The bad news? without a break like "into the ocean" the album can grow a little monotonous, even with U2 producer Steve Lillywhite working his magic. Attempts at softness come across as bogged down and forced, while the rough stuff showcases a very talented band. Overall a good effort, but not great

My Rating: *** 1/2

Thrice: Beggars

Thrice came up in the same group as Thursday, Brand New, Taking Back Sunday, My Chemical Romance and Fall Out Boy, all starting in the overly vague Sreamo/Emo category. At this point each of these bands has chosen a direction (for better or worse) and moved on. Thrice were always quite possibly the hardest of the groups, their first two albums blistering and adventurous. And with each passing album Thrice has moved away from the sound that brought them a dedicated group of fans, challenging them with softer moments, ethereal overtones and singing over screaming vocals. For the most part they' ve been creatively successful, if not always commercially. After an Alt-Country Solo set from singer Dustin Kensrue and an adventurous if slightly underwhelming four cd set, each attributed to an element, Thrice return with Beggars. The problem is Beggars loses sight of their strengths, often blurring into generic rock without ever leaving an impression. And while im determined to give this a few more listens, i can only hope this album translates better live, and wait for the next album, when Thrice will most likely dare me not to like them once again.

My Rating: **