The group tries so hard to be clever and cutting-edge that it detracts from the album's strengths.

Between its fizzy lyrics, brittle guitar riffs, cheesy Casio keyboards, and primitive rhythms, the record seems very much out of touch with contemporary pop; its ebullience and innocence hark back to a time that now seems very long ago.

One can sense that she has complete control, lyrically and musically.

Easily the most satisfying Songs: Ohia album since Axxess & Ace.

Underscoring the songwriting skill he's been working at since age eight and over the course of 11 songs, he plays acoustic, folk-rock, alternative, power pop, and straight-ahead rock; his lyrics are consistently heart-sung but they aren't lite (he's got weight and bite too).

Full Moon is perched perfectly between the interesting and the mundane and is in equal parts either.

Clinic is still one of the most intriguing acts around, and while this isn't the masterpiece the band has the potential to deliver, an interesting disappointment from them is still better than a successful but boring album from a less-inspired group.

If this record came out in 1965 they'd be superstars; however, in 2002 they would have to settle for cult favorites.

Not one weak track, not one misplaced syrupy ballad to ruin the groove. The winning streak continues.

Although it peters out in its last 10 minutes, Lucky 7 is a workmanlike and thrilling if unadventurous addition to Heat's fiery catalog, and provides him with more fuel for his explosive gigs.

It’s hard to think of too many contemporary bands that are making such unapologetically sunny, pop-tinged rock and roll.

The music flows, the production doesn't overplay its hand, it's pleasingly melodic, tempering tempers the extremities of Jagged Little Pill while retaining the character and, as such, it's easy to groove on the sound without listening to the words.

As a singer, she remains pleasant and confident, but not so unique or fiery that she burns into the synapses as well as the best storytelling songwriters do.

While the mood of this record stagnates after a few songs, it does give a strong indication of Jones' alluring talents.

Returning with another studio album at the start of 2002, Steve Cobby and David McSherry busied themselves demonstrating their fluency with the wide range of sounds contemporary electronica draws on, but also revealed a few new influences as well.

Surprises are around every turn.

This music is beautiful enough to stand alone.

Under Cold Blue Ground blazes some new trails for John Rouse, but the quality of his songwriting and the emotional impact of his music hasn't changed a bit; it's a solid and satisfying set from a genuinely gifted artist.

From Here on In often meanders around, getting by on its influences, rather than seeking the necessary hooks and melodies.

A poor release.

By focusing less on quotidian (i.e., boring) experiences of the proletariat and more on less-tangible allusions to death, troubled romance, and loneliness, Wagner's music is simply more approachable and meaningful, if still hard to puzzle out in its specific intent.

Wanna Buy a Monkey? shows off Nakamura's ear for a great track as well as his deft turntablist skills.

The downside to a more refined and mature record is that some of their ramshackle charm and energy has been lost. Not enough to make the band bland, but if they take one more step toward professionalism the next record may turn out that way.

Less experimental, less distinctive, and definitely missing the production finesse of Nellee Hooper, Bloodsport suffers musically from a lack of imagination and vocally from Chris Corner's surprisingly post-grunge style of delivery.

The white-girl blues thing very rarely does anybody any good.

Melodic but samey, the songs flow into each other, creating a relaxing, seamless work that never breaks out of its mold. That said, the musicianship is of such consistently high quality that even the most lackluster tunes are redeemed by the band's innate professionalism.

Half dance party, half political rally, Gotham is a rock record for a new era.

A surprisingly assured album.