None of these tracks are throwaways. [Apr 2015, p.92]

Through it all, Massive Attack are more menacing than midnight in the darklands. Welcome back--you've been missed terribly. [Mar 2010, p.96]

Rachel's create classical music for people who listen to bands like Boards Of Canada. [Nov 2003, p.100]

Deliciously out of touch, Ladybug Transistor are sly, simpering and irresistible. [Nov 2003, p.99]

The beating heart of Newsom's tales, at turns whimsical and melancholic, enchant with a simple calculus: A woman, a harp and a story to tell. [Dec 2006, p.190]

Scottish popsters Belle & Sebastian neatly embrace and critique the politics of dancing on their ninth studio album. [Feb 2015, p.90]

It's one hell of a ride.

Though each song is plainly predictable, the album is never boring as each track packs a few twists that thrill. [Apr 2015, p.91]

In the indie universe, rarely do groups making such live spectacles have albums to back up the show--but this charming, smart, lush pop is a notable exception. [June 2003, p.97]

The band manage to still sound vital and fresh.

While on the surface its 12 tracks might seem less visceral than some of his previous work, they’re actually an incredibly powerful, important and thought-provoking glimpse of both his life and mind—and the state of the world at large.

Wilco continues to reign in their experiemntal fuzz, focusing more on pretty melodies, upbeat toe-tappers and sweet acoustic numbers for their seventh full-length. [Aug 2009, p.115]

Bob Mould is no ordinary musician-in fact, you could say he's a pop genius. Silver Age is just one more confirmation of that fact.

The sound is closer to the Boss' Nebraska--as Will Oldham would have done it--haunting, reflective and drowning in sorrow. [Oct 2006, p.200]

Oddfellows is a multifaceted and consistently fascinating album. [Feb 2013, p.94]

In addition to writing stronger songs, the trio seem much more comfortable and focused in the studio. [#153, p.85]

Better than anyone could have predicted. [Sep 2003, p.112]

Charging rock songs and austere balladry make this album resonate more than the morass of bad music currently plaguing us. [#155, p.80]

The disc is as loose, casual and rollicking as a conversation with an old friend.... across these 65 minutes, his manic energy shines through. [#154, p.87]

Stagnant Pools' combination of overdrive and understated make this a surprisingly alluring album. [Sep 2012, p.94]

Monuments to an Elegy is a stunning return to form, offering concise songs that plumb the vocalist/guitarist's stock in trade while offering new sonic veneers. [Jan 2015, p.93]

The rare moments when Bryant shares the spotlight are Wyoming's best and hopefully hint at Water Liars' future. [Apr 2013, p.94]

The subtle electronic touches give Mogwai's production a suitably enigmatic dimension. [#155, p.78]

Ratatat seem harmless, but these melodies will seep into your brain. [Jun 2004, p.111]

As the title suggests, REAL. is the genuine article.

Intensely bizarre cartoon music. [May 2005, p.178]

The Portland, Oregon, trio trade their micro-fragmented structures for indie-pop opuses drenched in linear tensions on the meticulously crated Mines. [Aug 2010, p150]

Though it unfortunately eschews the dynamic emotive crests and space of past efforts in favor of MO's intensely urgent intent, its results make it a completely worthy addition to an already strong alt-rock catalog. [May 2014, p.89]