Songs of losers and loss tempered by only a taste of wry humor.

It's hard to take the band too seriously, but the songs are debaucherous fun. [14 Jan 2006]

Despite undeniable similarities to other bands that arrived at this party earlier, this album lacks pretension and self-importance. [21 Jan 2006]

Sia's songs are quiet, intimate and melodic. [21 Jan 2006]

Too frequently on the band's third album, the fun gets lost in difficult song structures and chord changes that deliver less than we have come to expect. [14 Jan 2006]

"Guerolito" proves that remixes do not have to work solely for dance crossover: They can give a well-received album new legs among its original fans, too. [17 Dec 2005]

For the most part, the producers simply add audio garnishing to Korn's signature sound via loops and Pro Tools trickery. [10 Dec 2005]

A wonderful disc. [3 Dec 2005]

The utilization of American hip-hop scenarios in the context of the English slang is exactly what makes "Coming On Strong" such a unique listen.

Not that the band's blend of metal; world music; jagged, breakneck rhythms; and non sequitur lyrics don't still connect, but it is nowhere near as dazzling as it was on its first two go-arounds. [26 Nov 2005]

This album is calm and relaxing almost to a fault. [26 Nov 2005]

Leans more toward conscious than commercial. [26 Nov 2005]

Like instrumental masters Tortoise, the new Tristeza is much like the old, offering subtle variations on a pleasant theme.

This is a live album the way it ought to be produced: sincere and surprising, a true alternative to your well-worn copies of the studio recordings.

Swirling, throbbing and altogether great. [19 Nov 2005]

One of America's greatest bands has never sounded better. [19 Nov 2005]

Despite her prolonged absence, Bush sounds as vital as ever.

While the all-original material is not strong enough to qualify this as the instant classic some have suggested, heartfelt tracks like the jubilant "Delirious Love," the rousing "Hell Yeah" and the string-tinged love song "Evermore" are outstanding. [12 Nov 2005]

7 This is Chesney doing what he does so very well, and his legions of fans will eat it up. [12 Nov 2005]

Easily the radio-friendliest set ever from the Phish camp.

Stronger than not and off-kilter enough to remain engaging even when the skits come on, "Theloneliest" might not have been worth a five-year layover, but it's weird and wide open.

Too often Santana sounds like a guest on his own show.

Flecked at every turn with Kozelek's unique interpretive bent, "Tiny Cities" is a triumph.

Think of a visit to Nana's house reimagined as alt-Broadway musical theater. [29 Oct 2005]

One of the year's best. [29 Oct 2005]

"Feels" is by far the most agreeable Animal Collective yet, but whether or not that's a good thing is for you to decide.

It is a testament to Mike Sandison and Marcus Eoin's production acumen that the songs here sound so organic despite their computerized origin. [22 Oct 2005]

Revels in dirty guitars and fuzzy distortion while maintaining Depeche Mode's familiar electronic sound. [22 Oct 2005]