Babyshambles - Shotter's Nation
People are so obsessed with Pete Doherty's social life, drug addictions, and generally strange behavior, I think they forget he is a talented and capable musician. I think they also forget the rest of the guys in Babyshambles are similarly talented and capable. While their first album left a bit to be desired, this album is -- shockingly, even -- more coherent and pulled together. How Pete did this while his life was so chaotic is beyond me, but it's leaps and bounds from their debut. I really like it, but at the same time, I wasn't expecting much. It's nice to have a pleasant surprise. -pixie
Bo Bice - See The Light
If you haven't signed the Bo Bice petition yet, get on it. This album is "the real thing." I'm just kidding. I haven't heard it, so I figured I'd just throw in the only Bo Bice reference I know. -TomZ
Carrie Underwood - Carnival Ride
I've been bumping this CD all day. That's not a joke. Partially because I like it, and partially because she's the "First Wonder of the World" and I love her. If you like pop or country music at all, you should give this a listen. -TomZ
Cobra Starship - Viva La Cobra!
Wait -- the Snakes on a Plane band is actually... serious? I want these motherfucking snakes off my motherfucking stereo. As much as singer Gabe Saporta hates when people ask when/if his old band Midtown is getting back together? I want to know when Midtown is getting back together. Especially after hearing "Smile for the Paparazzi." -pixie
Coheed & Cambria - Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star Volume II: No World For Tomorrow
Uplifting title, no? Despite being "the end" of the Coheed & Cambria saga, and the final installment in the story that has unfolded over the band's career as well as a solo album from singer/guitarist Claudio Sanchez, it's surprisingly upbeat. And it may well be the band's best album to date. I guess the end of the world is something that just works for the guys in this band. -pixie
Dave Gahan - Hourglass
Also listed as "David Gahan," don't expect this album to be a real "pick me up" at the end of a bad day. It's dark electronica, and doesn't really sound liek Depeche Mode at all. I suppose, though, if it did sound like Depeche Mode, there wouldn't have been any reason to make it a side project. It is what it is. -pixie
Rob Zombie - Zombie Live
What a great title. I mean, zombies are undead, and not living, so Zombie Live really makes you think. As for the content of the album, the title really speaks for itself. It's Rob Zombie, live. If you like him, you'll like this. If you don't, why are you even reading this review? You don't even like the guy. -pixie
Say Anything - In Defense of the Genre
A two-disc concept album largely structured around the lead singer's struggle with bipolar disorder really shouldn't be in the running for "best CD of the year." Realistically, it should send people running in the opposite direction. But that's not the case with In Defense of the Genre. Somehow, Max Bemis and the boys not only managed to avoid pointless "filler" that is so common on double discs, but they also managed to make an album covering a struggle with mental illness catchy and almost fun. Of course, this might just be the crazy in me talking. >>read more. -pixie
Seether - Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces
If you're a Seether fan, you're going to be happy with this record. -TomZ
Serj Tankian - Elect the Dead
Much like with the Seether album, if you've liked Serj's work with System of a Down, you're going to be very pleased with this effort. It has the same spirit as a System album, yet at the same time, sounds unique. It rocks from start to finish. -TomZ
Ween - La Cucaracha
Well, this is no God Ween Satan, The Mollusk, The Pod or even Pure Guava... but at the same time, it's also no Quebec, Shinola Vol. 1, or White Pepper. If this review means anything to you, clearly, you are a Ween fan. And if you're not already a Ween fan, I'd say you're arriving to the party a little late. That said, if you are interested in the band? Check out the four albums I listed first before jumping into this one. -pixie
