By Natalie Sit
It seems strange for a relatively unknown band to release a “greatest hits” package, but then again so did the Red Hot Chili Peppers before they had a number one single. But unfortunately for Belly I don’t think they’re going to encounter any of the success Red Hot Chili Peppers have.And it’s mainly due to… Continue reading Belly, Sweet Ride: the best of…
By Ken Clarke
Anyone who’s followed the career of Neil Young knows better than to have any preconceived notions about where he’s headed next.This time out, Young has recruited legendary players Booker T. Jones (keyboards) and Donald "Duck" Dunn (bass) from Booker T & The MG’s. Their inclusion helps Young conjure up a soulful ’60s R&B sound for… Continue reading Neil Young, Are You Passionate?
Otep’s Sevas Tra is a heaping plate of rebellion against authority/opression/sheepdom, accompanied by a main course of artassalvation and peppered with pain.Aching, angry, female vocals metamorphose into heavier demonicsounding growls. The album is disturbing in sound as well as mood, with themes of violence and anger. However, the lyrics possess a poetic quality which combine… Continue reading Otep, Sevas tra
By CH Smith
Blackalicious’ highly anticipated second full-length album Blazing Arrow is an instant classic, from the standout single “Make You Feel That Way,” to the highly original and creative “Chemical Calisthenics” featuring Cut Chemist. As was the case on their debut Nia, the duo of Chief Xcel and Gift of Gab flawlessly link innovative beats with brilliant… Continue reading Blackalicious, Blazing Arrow
By CH Smith
O.S.T. is the third album from the duo of ThesONE and Double K and uses the same formula that led them to two critically acclaimed albums. Their formula consists of jazzy soulful loops, and lyrics filled with three things essential to a good summer: beats, blunts and brews. Personal favourites would be the title track… Continue reading People Under the Stairs, Original Sound Track
By Вen Li
“Stereotypical Canadian folk/country adversity music” doesn’t adequately describe this relatively undistinguished album. What differentiates Ode from other recent Eastern-Canadian whiner-artist fare is it’s lack of suckage.Ode is a testament to how a combination of well-tested musical styles and a modicum of skill can equal success. Instead of being completely innovative or unoriginal, Stompin’ Tom just… Continue reading Stompin’ Tom, An Ode for the Road
By CH Smith
If your summer is all about being laid-back and you need some music to go along with that attitude, chances are you won’t find an album more laid-back than “Brushfire Fairytales” by Jack Johnson. The ex-pro surfer from Hawaii has produced an excellent debut album that establishes him as both a whimsical songwriter and intricate… Continue reading Jack Johnson, Brushfire Fairytales
It’s taken me over three months to write this review. Now, you might be thinking “If it’s so old, why are you still reviewing it?” The answer’s simple: this album is a timeless masterpiece.I do have an excuse for my lateness. Every time I sit down to review the disc I draw a total blank.… Continue reading Till Bronner, Blue Eyed Soul
Catchy pop tunes with a light jazz flavour make Parkside Jones’ latest release the amazing catch that it is. Ranging from the instrumental horn track “After X” to the thumping rhythm line of the discs’ first track, Dream of Being Orange takes the cake for new indie albums. Singer Rhyna Thompson guides the band through… Continue reading Parkside Jones, Dream of Being Orange
By Eric Fung
Diana Palmer’s latest Harlequin novel, Circle of Gold, is a charming example of society gone wrong. From the purple-tinged mountain peaks on its cover to the multiple advertisements for eHarlequin.com within its pages, Palmer and her ghost-writing cronies make me want to vomit. Or, to use a word of the day, will me to defenestrate.… Continue reading Diana Palmer, Circle of Gold