They are at their best when bandleader Torquil Campbell and muse Amy Millan share the mic. [Nov 2007, p.147]

It lacks the spark of greatness, although 'Cycling Trivialities' and 'Killing For Love' trundle along merrily. [Oct 2007, p.98]

While the limitations of their two-man line-up means that the music never takes flight in quite the same way, the austere likes of 'Fly Low Carrion Crow' still leaves an indelible mark. [Oct 2007, p.106]

It might not add up to vintage Joni, but her artistic integrity and sheer class are never in doubt. [Nov 2007, p.140]

The music is terribly dull, like a watered-down Weezer. [Dec 2007, p.125]

Invitation Songs treads a well-worn path through dusty Americana, but with aplomb. [Mar 2008, p.100]

It's a bedroom album, albeit an intelligent, challenging one. [Jan 2008, p.110]

The less devout should keep a pinch of salt on stand-by. [Oct 2007, p.100]

There's an Everyman appeal to Once Upon A Time... that suggests a band on the verge. [Oct 2007, p.88]

While there's nothing on Drastic Fantastic to spook the horses, neither is it an obvious rerun of its predecessor. [October 2007, p.90]

A fearsomely efficient follow-up to Back To Bedlam. [Oct 2007, p.92]

It takes 18 songs before the real Chamillionaire shows up. [Nov 2007, p.126]

The overall feel is Sonic Youth Unplugged. [Oct 2007, p.106]

Drew's little-boy-lost whine on the likes of 'Gangbang Suicide' occasionally grates, but the supreme soft-rock anthemics on 'Lucky Ones' more than compensates. [Oct 2007, p.94]

Asleep at Heaven’s Gate is still as polite and polished as the "edgy" mainstream dramas it will no doubt continue to soundtrack. [June 2008, p.146]

Their chart-friendly clothes fit them well. [Oct 2007, p.98]

Especially on the Thin Lizzy-esque 'What Do I Have To Do?' and the irresistible 'Wasted,' they sparkle. At other times, though--the unloveable 'Here For The Party' and childish 'Girl Talk'--these four 28-year-olds still think they're in high school. [Nov 2007, p.137]

'Society' suggests therr's always been a hippy survivialist under the grunge plaid. [Dec 2007, p.124]

At times it meanders, but their weirdness is quite wonderful. [Nov 2007, p.134]

It marks a huge leap forward, with much of their previous discordant awkwardness replaced with a more focused approach. [Nov 2007, p.141]

The primitive beauty of Matt Pike's dense riffs and Des Kensel's tribal rhythms should ensure that the Foo Fighters' frontman usn't the only one falling in love with the Oakland trio.

Slower tracks such as 'Just Say Yes' and 'Blush' veer too close to blandness, though the power chords of 'Sex Without Love' and humorous idolatry of 'What Would Jay-Z Do?' revitalise. [Nov 2007, p.141]

The Western Lands is a little like My Bloody Valentine with the sound down low. [Oct 2007, p.109]

The State Of Things confirms RATM will be following the Arctic Monkeys down the MI and onto the nation's radios for sometime yet. [Nov 2007, p.145]

There's a harder edge throughout their fourth album, making them sound a little like Starsailor at times, with electric guitars getting more of a look-in this time. [Oct 2007, p.106]

Strawberry Jam sounds as if it was a blast to make; happily, the fun doesn't stop there. [October 2007, p.94]

Graduation is mercifully skit-free, but it still feels insubstantial to West. [Oct 2007, p.95]

Even at just over 30 minutes, there's a feeling they're running short on new ideas. [Oct 2007, p.98]