Tatterdemalion
Tatterdemalion, the most recent release by The Black Watch, is the band's thirteenth release. Yes, 13 releases. Shocked me too, that a band this good…
The Crane Wife
I have just had a good time listening to the major label debut of The Decemberists over and over, squeezing out sparks of joy and…
Plague Songs
Nothing says fun like biblical plagues! I mean, I'm sure the pharaoh was having a blast (or so I'm lead to believe by The Ten…
Magic Potion
One of the greatest struggles of music critiquery (yes, I know I just made up that word) is attempting to evaluate bands as they age.…
The Tragic Treasury: Songs from a Series of Unfortunate Events
It's almost amusing sometimes how many "bands" somehow feature Stephin Merritt. At last count we have Magnetic Fields, the 6ths, Future Bible Heroes, Stephin Merritt…
Shake Shake Shake
There can be the tendency to shy away from music that is so intense its uncomfortable to listen to as if you're stuck in someone's…
Sam's Town
Sam's Town, the sophomore release by Las Vegas' The Killers, is definitely that: the dreaded second album. Where Hot Fuss was a linear throwback to…
Skelliconnection
The Rules to Being a True Artist: Rule #1: You must never quite find yourself. Rule #2: You must always search nevertheless. Chad VanGaalen is…
Young Machetes
It's hard to believe that The Blood Brothers have been at it for nearly ten years. Back in about '98 they were a high school…
And Now That I'm In Your Shadow
You have to be in the right mood for quiet, singer-songwriter music. Honestly, I'm not sure I can quantify what that mood is, in fact,…