Raspberry Jam- Oceanic

Countless times I've fallen asleep to the appropriately-titled "Oceanic" by the strangely-named Raspberry Jam. Subconsciously, I have even made myself exhausted by just reviewing the album (classical conditioning). The album appropriately fades in and you're tranquilized by the pulsing beats, droning guitars, and the lush vocals of Destiny and realize why the album was named "Oceanic". The transient beats continue during most of the tracks, but never lose the hypnotic effect. There is definitely warmth found throughout with the help of a soothing voice and lulling reverb.   Continue

 Beastie Boys- Check Your Head

In this grand melting pot of a decade, we've come to value originality more than ever. The artists we love the most are those who uniquely express themselves, rising above the ever-growing masses to do their own thing. And when it comes to being original, the most adept artists in popular music over the last quarter of the century are New York City's Beastie Boys. Continue

 The Prayer Chain- Mercury

By almost any standards, "Mercury" stands as a towering artistic achievement that few bands have accomplished. Recorded during a time of high tension and confusion within the band, they were still able to create a work of fierce beauty that utilized band talents in greater synthesis than any of their previous works. Andrew Prickett's guitars took a decidedly ambient turn, Eric Campuzano's bass became more eloquent, and the vocals and percussion both took on deeper subtleties than on their previous album.   Continue

 MuteMath- S/T

This album is a little different than most that were released this year, because this album was really released twice. It has been a big rollercoaster ride for Mute Math and them putting out their debut full length. They released it earlier this year on tour, selling it at their shows and using their own money to fund that. September 26th was when the record was officially released by Warner Brothers.  Continue

 Gazelle- Sunblown

When great minds converge into a specific sound with broad strokes of dreaminess and the urgency of electronic beats, you end up with otherworldly sounds, like the ones found in the debut album by Gazelle, Sunblown.The past life of the two musicians making up this Gemini monster is an impressive one. Jeff Dimpsey played in the always amazing (and missed) band that pioneered Space Rock, Hum.    Continue

 Duran Duran- Rio

To this day, the mere mention of Duran Duran in the rock press brings with it much disdain, if not outright dismissal. Classic rock purists sometimes believe their word is gospel, so you won t find many who dare to stray from the guitar-based genre they hold in such high regard -- that is, anything with synthesizers is evil. You'd be very hard pressed to find any Duran Duran album in an American list of top rock albums. Continue

 The Police- Zenyatta Mondatta

A&M was keen for a new set of material and a return to touring. Somewhat rushed, Zenyatta Mondatta came out late in 1980. It became the Police's North American first really big album, reaching the Top Ten in the U.S. and Canada. In England, the album spent a month at number one.  Continue

 The Listening- Listening Lp

From the opening moments of The Listening LP, it's clearly the band's name change is not merely cosmetic. Lush keyboards and almost-lazy synth bassline bring the record in as hushed, throaty vocals deliver line after line in a hypnotic cadence. "Glory of the Feared" is one of twelve outstanding tracks that drip, sweat and bleed passion, agony, heartache and hope. Lyrically, Gabriel Wilson is in top form, a romantic wordsmith using potent imagery to convey the depths of despair and the quiet resurrection of hope.   Continue

 New Order- Get Ready

Around 1978 or so, a bunch of guitar-wielding lads decided to start a band on a lark. It just so happened that these four lads were the greatest modern poet, the greatest modern bassist, one of the greatest modern guitarists, and one superb drummer. They created Joy Division (the best band ever), and released four albums' worth of flawless music. Then the poet fellow killed himself over a woman. Ouch. Quite understandably struck by this event, the remaining lads weren't quite sure what to do. But after having thought it over, they decided to keep going.   Continue

Pilgrim- S/T

There's something liberating when you hear a song that moves you.
It's a sort of drug for some like myself. I am constantly on the search
for music that hits me deep down inside. It's always a victory when I
find an album like "Pilgrim." Pilgrim is Josh White formerly of 
Telecast and The Followers. He has moved into the genre of electro
pop, with a product that is sure to be a great success..   Continue