Their best album since BAGIA, possibly longer. [Apr 2014, p.92]

Standards succeeds by making the most of the intellectual side of Tortoise--their stylistic cross-pollinations, their meta-musical analyses--without ever losing sight of the music's ability to do more than engage the mind. [March 2001, p.94]

This Detroit outfit have restrained their post-punk intentions somewhat, playing with more textured compositions rather than blunt assault of their earlier material. This proves to be the perfect swirling yet steady backdrop for frontman Joe Casey to spin his cheap beer-fueled freeform yarns of lost souls and tortured romantics. [Oct 2017, p.83]

Once the chuckle factor (unavoidable with kitsch) wears off, Pizzicato Five are guilt-free--non-rockist, non-tech-head--perfect 2000-01 listening. [Jan. 2001, p.98]

Once you get past the roller-disco-house vibe of the first single, "One More Time," your ears and booty will twitch just fine to the booming beats and taffy-stretching grooves. [#153, p. 63]

Cliff hasn't sounded this loose and giddy in years, and it's a thrill to find that side of him back in the music game.

The Cribs manage to keep enough of their edge while dishing out another pile of consistently great pop songs. [Dec 2009, p.112]

The [concept album] format doesn't overshadow the songwriting. [Jun 2015, p.100]

The sound of growing up has rarely sounded so self-assured. [Aug 2006, p.218]

Though they change direction with almost every track, Doomriders maintain an ominous and almost sleazy air throughout, and by the time it's done you just might feel like you need a shower. [Nov 2013, p.88]

The fifth disc in this succession proves Clinic never skip a beat or miss a step. [June 2008, p.134]

Skeletal Laming furthers the notion that Kevin Barnes is, in fact, the Prince of our generation. [Dec 2008, p.138]

Generals replaces Fire's starched chamber-pop pretentions with airy vibrancy and eclecticism that continually surprises and entices. [Jul 2012, p.100]

This go-around, it reads vulnerable, and while we’ll never know how autobiographical the record may be, its universal appeal is undeniable.

Hi-Fi are catchier this time around, continuing to trip through their songs with the joy of a teenager who just learned the chord change from "Smells Like Teen Spirit." [Apr 2003, p.72]

Dizzying psychedelic bong-fodder that requires neither psychedelics nor bongs. [Aug 2005, p.176]

For both diehards and neophytes alike, Bad As Me works as Waits' "greatest methods" collection. [Nov 2011, p.98]

Fantastic. This is the best new band Sub Pop has worked with in years. [June 2008, p.131]

It all comes together to create a perfect album for those sleepless nights when you need help to combat the loneliness. [Apr 2016, p.100]

Exotic without ever being self-conscious, dreamy without ever missing the beat, and serious without losing the capacity for serious fun, Black Sun is a rare and heavenly event in the crowded universe of EDM.

This disc is heads-and-shoulders above his contemporaries. [Mar 2009, p.116]

Settle is a rare animal: an EDM album that actually flows like an album should. Listening to it, there's a feeling that as much thought went into the track sequencing as went into the sequenced rhythms.

It boasts some of Avary's most concise songwriting to date and a self-confident, unfettered vibe that's invigorating. [Jul 2012, p.89]

Slug and Ant have no aversion to a killer pop hook. [Sep 2002, p.76]

The album demands a lot from our short-attention-span culture, but it's not time you'll feel like you've wasted. [Sep 2015, p.98]

The group still employ the boy-loves-girl lyrical motif--but the way they've expanded their sonic palette to include more than typical Warped Tour fluff is both admirable and a bit risky. [Aug 2011, p.122]

Smart, eclectically but authentically funky, and humane to boot. [Oct 2005, p.168]

That rare double album with enough life in it to deserve that much real estate. [Aug 2006, p.208]