By pulling from alt rock's elite past to concoct its own primitive magic, Ikara Colt has come up with a rock solid first album.

Under intense pressure to "prove itself," Sparta has done perfectly fine.

Dovetailing with her choice of sound and arrangements that straddle convention and invention, Lopez mines new emotional depths. [31 Mar 2007]

Even without original drummer Derrick Bostrom, the Meat Puppets' magic is evident. The focused, yet relaxed, music throughout this album is among the best the band has ever made.

Ben Harper is that rare talent able to not only vacation in the worlds of gospel, soul, folk and even reggae, but meld them gracefully together on both album and stage. But sometimes you just want him to rock, like he did on 1995's "Ground on Down." And at long last, he's assembled a new band that seems dedicated to just that, and it's a beautiful thing.

A frisky set that rocks with more excitement than Ferry has exhibited in years.

Different from the touching--but too sleepy--"America Town," "Battle" impressively tackles new territory.

Easily the most adventurous work in the Fog catalog yet.

Feels sweeter and breezier than the Girls' previous few releases, and the record is stronger for it.

Their strongest set in years.

Every song is laced with harmonies that will weave their way deep under your skin.

Ulrich Schnauss returns with more lush, ambient music fitting for any chill-out session or long summer drive with the windows down.

Ween fans have come to expect the unexpected from this act, but even diehards will be thrilled by the sheer musical schizophrenia of La Cucaracha.

Has less twang but more bang than any of his previous work. [4 Mar 2006]

Though answers don't come easily, the process of getting to know them is fascinating nonetheless.

"Supper" is superior to the particularly subdued sound of its immediately predecessor, "Rain on Lens," landing closer to the Velvet Underground-inspired stomp of 1999's "Knock Knock."

A fine return to form.

Its third and most ambitious release. 'Asleep' is notable for its beefed-up instrumentation and an overall darker tone than its predecessors.

Morcheeba returns with Dive Deep, a gorgeous collection of folk- and blues-inflected electro-pop ballads.

Comfortable and confident all the way through, and a highly welcomed return.

A wonderfully ambient collection of 10 songs

A more focused effort that never sacrifices the band's manic intensity.

Overflows with a confidence not always present on past sets.

Bombast occasionally gets the better of the songwriting, but that's a small complaint on an album that gets nearly everything just right. [10 Mar 2007]

A shamelessly melodic, wild and powerful pop record. [10 Feb 2007]

It's all a testament to the durable Eagles footprint on the pop landscape.

Lanois' sixth studio album is an eclectic mix of richly textured rock songs, mellow vibes and hypnotic instrumentals, interspersed with snippets from philosophical conversations with mentor Brian Eno.

On his sophomore album--the follow-up to 2003's slow-building platinum smash "Chariot"--Gavin DeGraw deftly weaves together rock, pop and soul influences without letting the seams show.