Ghost Stories feels like a more personable return to form, akin to their successful debut album in Parachutes. This time however, the higher level of production is very notable. However, it does have its shortcomings. The lyrics are watered down, almost like a "safer feel" and it doesn't have that personal impact like some of Coldplay's earlier output contained. There's also the elephant in the room to address in the track "A Sky Full Of Stars", while ... read more

A very well-pronounced orchestral ambience fills in your ears with blissful remedies. It's a warm maneuver that pushes boundaries for the newfound expectation of a post-rock album, that becomes an innovative checkmark for the entire genre. It still holds up incredibly well with the clashing motifs of life and death, both of which are orchestrated beautifully in its soundscape. It's the type of music you'd expect in the battle of gods as the earth begins to form. Just truly ... read more

What a blast of fun that utilizes sampling to its fullest potential. It instantly makes me happy upon listening to it over and over, without it ever getting tiring. I'm just in awe over how groovy it gets within its own strange yet inviting craftsmanship. Its production is a little rough around the edges, but that honestly adds to the charm of this album rather than take anything away. More of this please.

Favorite Tracks: A Walk Across The Rooftops, Interstellar Discodrive, Quiet Place, ... read more

Listening to this was very disappointing. Even as an isolated incident when not comparing it to their previous output, it lacks a lot of creative passion and feels like a contractual obligation from their record label to release a new album this year. It's very tacky in its production, lyricism and instrumental hooks. One positive aspect I can give it is at times, NOT CONSISTENTLY, but at times there are some cool ideas layered in selected verses. Particularly in the title track which is ... read more

You Could Have It So Much Better follows Franz Ferdinand's self-titled and critically acclaimed album rather nicely. There is a spoiling of choice with the tracklist that still defines the 2000s British indie rock era for its exemplary catchiness. It falters a little for not being a fully solid set, with the midpoint bearing close similarity at points. Its strengths greatly lies within the starting lineup and even finishes strong too. So while it can feel a little duller than the previous ... read more

This album sets a solid precedent. Bold gestures. No brakes. Full speed on the fun hooks. It shakes up its variety a little so you get a fresh set of enjoyable britpop punk tracks. There's something to enjoy for everyone here who simply request an album they can jam at. It has lots of high energy and is a good product of the mid 2000s. Nothing groundbreaking, just some good and honest tunes you play with a group of friends to set a positive mood.

Favorite Tracks: Jacqueline, Take Me Out, ... read more

With velvet-like vocals and suave instrumentals, Cancionera poises itself as such an elegant framework for modern Latin Jazz. It's really breathtaking after having listened to some of the smoothest and downright gorgeous poetic lyricism of this decade. It's soft, quaint, and fluttery. The tracklist has varying degrees of different tempos and tonal shifts that make any selection someone's personal favorite choice.

Favorite Tracks: Apertura Cancionera, Cancionera, Amor ... read more

There are some really great ideas plastered on this project, really setting a precedent that was ahead of its time. The experimentation can be a double-edged sword at times however, as they end up muddying the project and clip its wings before it soars higher. Its a good record to look back on as a stepping stone for advancements in the new wave and psychedelia genres, but I can't truly press it as one of the all-time greats when there's still some aspects holding it back. While its ... read more

This is a very memorable Weezer album in its own right. Maybe not memorable in the sense of it being particularly great, but memorable because how much of a mixed bag it is. You've got songs like Pork and Beans which has you tapping your pencil onto your desk at the catchy beat. It almost takes you back to a more innocent time that dismisses the surrounding cynicism. But then you get stuff like Cold Dark World which makes you feel all icky inside, because it's truly an unpleasant ... read more

The punk elements of this album really shine through into becoming an unexpectedly energetic and uplifting mood. Every Bad suffers a little from the highest of highs overshadowing the more reserved tracks, but they do play a role in complementing the overall sound and feel for this album. Some are often overlooked more than they should be like *cough* Circling *cough*. It's a completely honest laid-back and fun album that exhibits some powerful messages that can resonate with ... read more

Of the "big three" Grizzly Bear albums, this one is the definitely the most stripped-back yet authentic record. It hones in that more rustic and warm feeling and throws away many contentions of trying to experiment with their sound. It might feel a little barebones at times, but akin to having a sit down experience on the most comfortable chair you've ever sat on, you're welcomed to their tried and true methods. It's relaxing in the way that you're in a peaceful ... read more

Veckatimest is a very well-thought project that excels in its precision and refined ability to capture the listeners attention with catchy hooks, substantial lyricism and strong production value. With that said, I can't help but feel that while it has gorgeous production, there are moments that fall flat on its face before it picks itself up again. These blips, while they don't hold back the albums success and triumph, they are noticeably there and it does mess with my ability to ... read more

Something about this record that immediately stands out is the production value. It's amazing how extensive the production goes to accommodate the floaty acoustic guitar chords and the soft piano keys. Bon Iver's vocals are also still as melodic as they always have been. However, with the high production of this album seemingly came with a cost. This isn't as strong as Bon Iver's previous output mainly because it lacks that hard-cutting personable influence. It doesn't ... read more

Taking on a dark and dreary undertone, The Auteurs have various degrees of strong catchy songs plastered on this album. The vocals may be a hard sell to some, but I do think they add a substantial amount and pair well with the instrumentals and mixing. Overall, a solid output for a 90s Britpop album that undercuts a lot of expectations for that point in time.

Favorite Tracks: Brainchild, New French Girlfriend, The Upper Classes [❤️], Chinese Bakery, Life Classes / Life Model, Daughter of a ... read more

There is a lot of emotional weight that's cradled with a lot of the tracks on this album. It hits you unexpectedly because you're blindsided by the masterful production and the profound range of the vocals. I can't get over how polished the production on this album is, it still blows me away how well-thought everything was. It's one of those projects where you really think about it immediately after finishing it. You get so invested with the tactical maneuvers and lyricism ... read more

This EP, while short, is jam packed with high energy and softly-flowing lyricism. It delivers on all fronts in a miniscule amount of time. A very upbeat and peppy listen for those who have fifteen minutes to spare and really and to get into a happier mood. Perfect for listening on strolls by a body of water while under the intense heat of the sun. Because fittingly, this album is heat.

Favorite Tracks: Atta Girl [❤️], P.U.N.K. Girl, Hearts and Crosses

There something sweet brewing from this project, and yes, it's the music being baked. It's a delightful listen, some of the tracks are a little underwhelming at times, but others soar high. And boy, do they soar, especially in the latter half of the album. It's fairly simple conceptually, but that's all it needs to be in order to voice out its lightheartedness.

Favorite Tracks: Starshy, C is the Heavenly Option [❤️], Smile, Sort of Mine

There are some really catchy song mixing and ideas plastered onto this record. It's like a diamond in the rough scenario where if given more polish, it can really be elevated to a new level. But with some standouts, also comes tracks that are left on the wayside and don't really come into fruition. It has more potential than it lets on.

Favorite Tracks: Can't Say No, The Captive Mind, Keep Your Eyes Ahead [❤️], Hallelujah, Broken Afternoon

This album oozes with ambitious ideas and pushes boundaries from the crowded indie rock genres. Their music gets you into the right mood, with prospects of crafty hooks and heart wrenching lyrics. There's a lot of personality in these tracks that make it feel so rustic, so natural. It has that cozy personable feeling towards it, in a similar fashion to hearing your local favorite band playing at a small gig in your neighborhood pub. The acoustics are what glue their creativity together and ... read more

"Just 'cause you needed a hand!"

There's not anything too groundbreaking or genre-defying about this project, but it is an honest-to-good synthpop output. There are some tracks that are very catchy thanks to the raspy vocal performance of Samuel T. Herring. It pairs well with the synth keyboard and it will make you bop your head in enjoyment. It does feel more like a set of singles rather than a cohesive unit so it lacks the natural flow of one track to the next. It's ... read more