Adele - 19

Adele - 19

Soulful and strong.  Adele 19 is one of the best albums of the year.  If all you've heard is 'Chasing Pavement', know that this album has a lot more to offer.  Cover songs are usually good for live concerts but hardly sound as strong on the album, 'Make You Feel My Love' is an exception.  If you like Duffy, Joss Stone, Amy Winehouse, Etta James or even a little Ella Fitzgerald, give Adele a try, you won't be disappointed.  A

N.E.R.D. - Seeing Sounds

N.E.R.D. - Seeing Sounds

Like many, I keep waiting for Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo to put their masterful producing skills towards their own music. Looks like we'll have to keep waiting. This 21st century elevator music is little more than repetitive beats and meaningless lyrics. See, "All the Girls Standing in the Line for the Bathroom" as an example. "Sooner or later it all comes crashing down", in the case of 'Seeing Sounds' the crashing down cannot happen soon enough. Final word; N.E.R.D is incredible live but I feel so sorry for those that not only have to hear these sounds but also see them. D+

Katy Perry - One of the Boys

Katy Perry - One of the Boys

This album took over four years to complete and it shows, but not in the way you'd hope. Tracks such as "Ur So Gay" and "I Kissed a Girl" are reminiscent of Lily Allen, with catchy lyrics and good beats. Other songs, such as "One of the Boys", "Mannequin" and "Thinking of You" are very teenage and not what you'd expect after hearing the Chart Climber "I Kissed". Bottom Line: A few ridiculously catchy songs sung by a 1940s pin-up. Purchase "I Kissed a Girl" and "Ur So Gay" on iTunes and hope the next album and the oncoming "it-girl" status of Ms. Katy Perry come along with a more complete sound. C

Gavin DeGraw - Gavin DeGraw

Gavin DeGraw - Gavin DeGraw

Gavin's sophomore album doesn't quite live up to Chariot, but it's not bad. Check out 'I Have You to Thank' and 'Next to Me' for two hits that haven't quite made it to the radio. If you like Ryan Adams, Jack Johnson, and Jason Mraz, it's a safe bet this album is right up your alley. Similar to how 'Chemical Party' on the first album seemed out of tune with the rest of the playlist, this time 'Cop Stop' and 'Medicate the Kids' are DeGraw's nods to his obvious muse, Mrs. Mary J. The album isn't exactly Drugs, Sex, Rock & Roll, but for teens and older hipsters, DeGraw is a little bit of the Sticky-Icky, heavy petting, and blues inspired pop. C+

The Black Crowes - Warpaint

The Black Crowes - Warpaint
Solid album filled with slow southern rock ballads. While the Crowes have failed to match their success of the early 90s, it should not be forgotten that Chris Robinson and company have sold over 20 million albums. Check out 'Locust Street', 'Walk Believer Walk', and 'Oh Josephine'. This summertime, after touring in Australia and the UK, the Crowes will be back in the US. An outdoor summertime concert would be the best way to hear this album. For those of us not fortunate enough, rolling down the windows will have to do. B-

Goldfrapp - Seventh Tree

Goldfrapp - Seventh Tree
Seventh Tree has grown far above its glam rock and synthpop roots. Don't worry, the synthesizers and ambient sounds are still very present, but this is more of a background sound than a dance album. If you enjoy Coldplay and Keane, Goldfrapp is worth a try. 'A&E' is the most mainstream song on the album and while most radio stations won't know what do with Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory, this particular song is worth a listen. C+

Ashton Shepherd - Sounds So Good

Ashton Shepherd - Sounds So Good

These pure country lyrics sound so good coming from the lips of this Alabama native. This is not pop-country and is better suited for the lovers of Dolly, Reba, and Yearwood. If your old Chevy happens to have two fuel tanks, a cooler in the back, and a lot of dirt on the tires, Ashton Shepherd just might be your new favorite female country western singer. Top to bottom, there are twangy, acoustic, well written back country songs. If there's "nothing like the sound of a cooler slushing, on the bed of your truck", listen to 'Sounds So Good' and if your dial is tuned to the General Cherry Lee, listen for 'Takin' Off This Pain.' B

Japanther - Skuffed Up My Huffy

Japanther - Skuffed Up My Huffy

Great band name, even better album title, terrible cd. Each song is around 2 minutes long, which makes the whole album a whopping 20 minutes. New York noise rock is not for everyone, this type of album makes it clear why. There's a lot more noise than rock. Japanther are touring fiends, no venue too small. Crazy shows, NY noise rock, cool names, second hand torn clothing, modulated voices and as much skill on the guitar as the 30 year old guy down the street that lives in his mom's basement = Japanther. F

Michael Jackson - Thriller (25th Anniversary)

Michael Jackson - Thriller (25th Anniversary)

One of the greatest albums of all time. From top to bottom the original Thriller album is hit after hit, and has been the inspiration for almost every major modern pop artist. Go all out and pick up the extra Thriller package which includes the music videos. With that being said, for those not willing to pick up the DVD package, simply purchase a scratch free used earlier version. The 4 re-mix songs added on the Anniversary edition are truly unworthy. Kanye West's version of 'Billie Jean' is the only re-mix worth listening to. Will.i.Am, Fergie and Akon, while respectable artists, are more suited for 'Slap That' and 'My Humps'. A+

Kate Voegele - Don't Look Away

Kate Voegele - Don't Look Away

Not a terribly impressive showing by a promising young artist. Kate is a 21 year old singer, songwriter, guitarist, and pianist from Ohio. While a few of her songs have gained prominence on teen dramas, her sound is hardly distinct. A mix cd full of Vanessa Carlton, Sarah Bareilles, Michelle Branch and a myriad of other 20 something mediocrity is all that 'Don't Look Away' can be compared to. 'Kindly Unspoken' is the only song worth downloading and even that is a stretch. D+

Mavis Staples - We'll Never Turn Back

Mavis Staples - We'll Never Turn Back

Soulful, beautiful, emotional album. You can feel the pages of history and the continued troubles of society in Mavis's deep storytelling voice. If your foot doesn't find the floor then you don't have a beat inside. There are a few songs that don't resonate as strongly as the others, top to bottom it's not an essential purchase but songs like "This Little Light of Mine", "Turn Me Around" and "I'll Be Rested" are a tribute to an artist and civil rights activist that has been speaking out for over 1/2 a century. C+

A Fine Frenzy - One Cell in the Sea

A Fine Frenzy - One Cell in the Sea

22 year old Alison Sudol aka A Fine Frenzy, lays a hypnotic web of simple songs on her freshman album. If you're tired of the air play that 'Almost Lover' has gotten, allow Sudol to 'Whisper' in your ear with 'Near to You'. A Fine Frenzy is a mixture of Natalie Imbruglia and Keane. Soft, smooth, piano melodies that are best listened to on a rainy day. Strong showing overall, look forward to A Fine Frenzy becoming a Better Frenzy with time. B

Gavin DeGraw - Chariot Stripped

Gavin DeGraw - Chariot Stripped
This is one of the best acoustic albums in recent memory. If you've ever been to a DeGraw show, you'll know that his success is not based off a studio producer. Stay away from 'Chemical Party' but push repeat for 'Follow Through', 'More than Anyone' and a version of 'Change is Gonna Come' that would do Sam Cooke proud. If Acoustic isn't your style, this Stripped album comes with the full radio version attached. A-

Soundtrack - Across the Universe

Across the Universe - Motion Picture Soundtrack

With 29 classic Beatles songs on this 2 disc soundtrack, there's plenty to listen to and plenty to enjoy. Criticize the vocal stylings all you want, Jim Sturgess, Evan Rachel Wood, T.V. Carpio and Bono make this CD a must purchase even for those that didn't get a chance to see the movie. 'All My Loving', 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' and 'Hey Jude' are so well composed and formated to the actor/singers voice that the storyline is visual even through audio. This is a must buy for Beatles lovers and music lovers alike. A

Foo Fighters - Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace

Foo Fighters - Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace

After picking up 2 Grammy's, the Foo Fighters most recent album has moved Dave Grohl and company into rarified rock company. Proclaimed as a 12 track milestone that showcases and reconciles the band's every strength and sensibility in the most complex and confident Foo Fighters album to date. Although Rolling Stone only gave 'Echoes' 3 1/2 stars out of 5, there is no question that the album sales and air play have voiced the only opinion that counts. Take notice of 'Long Road to Ruin', 'Come Alive', and 'Home'. 'Come Alive' and 'Home' are classic Foo Fighters, reminicient of their underapreciated classic 'Next Year'. Plus, a little slow rock, strategically placed around pure alt. anthems, makes this album stand out from the pack. B+