Johnny Cash / American III: Solitary Man / American As its title suggests, American III: Solitary Man is Cash’s third release for Rick Rubin’s American Recordings imprint, and it follows closely in the footsteps of his two previous American releases -- the critically acclaimed (not to mention Grammy award-winning) American Recordings and Unchained. True to form, American III is pure Cash through and through, from the unorthodox cover material and collaborators down to the grainy black and white photographs used in the album artwork...more» FEATURED ON THE BOOMBOX!
		Mascott / Follow the Sound / Le Grand Magistery Follow the Sound seems to delight in confounding and exceeding expectations. Yes, on the surface it's another "girl with a guitar" album, but one that rarely follows predictable paths. If you're gritting your teeth and expecting to hear Kendall whine joylessly about messed-up relationships, you're in for a pleasant surprise. Her lyrics approach the world with a sense of wide-eyed fascination, lingering over words and images and leaving the emotional reactions to the listener...more» FEATURED ON THE BOOMBOX!
		The Nation of Ulysses / The Embassy Tapes / Dischord With a determined look and a sense of calculated panic, these young Washington D.C. lads recorded The Embassy Tapes back in 1992. And just as the music of Ulysses helped to spark the revolution against the dreaded George Bush regime back in its time, the band has once again been called upon to help fight off the terrible possibility that George's son could take the throne and blank this country's youth. Focus those eyes and perk up your ears -- we're talking a national emergency here...more» FEATURED ON THE BOOMBOX!
		Congratulations on Your Decision to Become a Pilot / Self-Titled / Aisle 2 Leave it to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, one of the coolest-monikered towns, to birth one of the best-named bands since Oh My God Look at the Size of that Beetle I Wonder if It's Poisonous. Dollops of Nico-inspired vocals and Steve Albini-style punch-and-scream pepper somewhat old-hat college guitar rock, resulting in a refreshing and catchy collection. Strung throughout these spirited guitar tunes are solid harmonies that separate Congratulations... from your standard bar band fare...more»
		Joan of Arc / The Gap / Jade Tree Before you listen to The Gap, I must issue a warning: it's not recommended for use while driving. Why? Because Joan of Arc's third release includes the potentially alarming "Knife Fights Every Night". The song lives up to the promise of its title -- it's a recording of night sounds, including a cop's patrol car running its siren. If you listen to CDs in the car, as I do, you're going to think -- for one breathtaking moment -- that you're getting pulled over...as I did...more»
		The Softies / Holiday in Rhode Island / K Rose Mehlberg and Jen Sbragia have great success doing with one line what Robert Frost did with two; where Frost had to repeat "And miles to go before I sleep" to convey both the immediate and the eventual, the soft and fragile vocals of Rose and Jen make each line of their quiet pop already brim with multiple meanings. As they sing, "I hope you have sweet dreams/And I hope you never leave me", the sincerity comes through, but their harmonies are so mighty that melodies are permeated with loss and despair each time their voices rest...more»
		Spring Heel Jack / Disappeared / Thirsty Ear I guess it shouldn't come as a surprise from this brilliantly innovative band, but Spring Heel Jack's seventh CD is one of the best instrumental albums you are likely to hear this year. It continues the band's routine of making great dance music that delights in urgent, throbbing complexities of sound. They occasionally blend jazz and electronica in ways similar to the work of the Chicago Underground Duo, but hybrids like "Disappeared 1" appear more successful when bookended by pounding, drum-heavy tracks...more»
		Sunna / One Minute Science / Astralwerks One Minute Science is incredibly melodic, and Jon Harris' voice is a cross between Weiland and Cobain: a high-pitched tenor, raw and raspy. He either whispers through gritted teeth or screams with unadulterated angst. The guitar riffs recall more popular metal bands that enjoyed heavy radio rotation, such as Alice in Chains or GNR. Several of the songs, including "Preoccupation", "I Miss" and "7%", are quiet, fragile acoustic pieces, with the latter being somewhat bluesy...more»
		W.O.O. Revelator + Diaz-Infante & Harman Duo / The First Time / PAX The music is mellower than I thought it would be, and is much closer to new music pointillism than it is to jazz wailing. That's good from a detailed listening perspective, as there's no lack of strange little riffs and sudden chords and lovely quiet moments and momentary funky beats. It does, however, mean that the music here tends to drift into the background if you're not paying close attention, as all of those little details have to work hard to hold on to your ears ...more»
		Various Artists / Xen Cuts / Ninja Tune Budget priced and packed with killer tunes, Xen Cuts is money well spent. The first two discs concentrate on the current sound of Ninja Tune -- a mixture of edgy hip-hop, moody electronica and a few unclassifiable midpoints -- while disc three dishes up a platter of fan-pleasing oddities and rarities. The quality and consistency here is jaw-dropping. Disc one is packed with chubby beats, cutting raps and urgent turntable antics, offering goodies like T Love's "QMS", Coldcut's sample-rific "Give It Up" and DJ Vadim's amazing "Your Revolution"...more»