Beck - Chemtrails (Single Review)

Is it just me or does Beck's latest single sound like a master produced it? Well I'm right because the genius producer Danger Mouse produced the latest track that sounds like something you would hear in the a creepy dungeon. I really like the production but what the hell is he saying? The only word I heard really was "people..". But other than that it seems that it will be a Beck type of summer.

Rating: Lyrics: 31/40 (Once you READ the lyrics it's actually pretty smart)

Tunefulness: 43/50 (Other than the over drowning of drums and some minor glitches it like always is a masterpiece by Danger Mouse)

Originality: 4/10 (I feel like I heard it before)

Overall: 78/100 (It's darker than his previous stuff and I like dark)

Sigur Rós - Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust

Is their anything thing more confusing than listening to a Sigur Rós record? I don't think so. So is it even fair to rate them by lyrics? To tell you the truth I don't know how. But the one thing I know is Sigur Rós has just released a pretty good album. The tunefulness of the album is so pretty and lead singer (Jón Þór Birgisson) voice has never sounded so refreshing. The main attraction of this album for me is 'Gobbledigook'. You know a song is good when you don't know what they are saying. But you sing along anyways. The only complaint about this album is some of the compositions are a little too pretty. Almost delicate.

Rating: Lyrics: ?/40 (Can't rate)

Tunefulness: 42/50 (Does it get any tuneful than a Sigur Rós record?)

Originality: 5/10 (If you are a fan of Sigur Rós than you've heard it all before. Of you haven't where have you been)

Overall: 47/60=78%/100% (A nice little treat)

Miley Cyrus - 7 Things (Single Review)

Ohh! Miley how I haven't missed your Disney pop at all. Yes people she's back and more bratty and annoying than ever. Her newest single '7 Things' is attempting at making Miley a pop-country singer when all she really is, is bad. It's not as bad as her previous singles ('Start All Over') but you won't be seeing this on my Ipod. This song will for sure be topping the charts and I think it's just an example of Disney's power over North America.

Rating: Lyrics: 17/40 (The lyrics are probably the best thing on the track, just shows how bad the song is)

Tunefulness: 20/50 (Her voice is just horrible, other than that the band is mediocre at best)

Originality: 0/10 (We have all heard this type of song before)

Overall: 37/100 (Just bad)

Hercules and Love Affair - Hercules And Love Affair

DJ Andy Butler concept album about Greek Gods and such. Features some of my favorite artists like Antony Hegarty, Nomi and Kim Ann Foxman. So it's only right that I think this album is brilliant. To tell you the truth I think it's one of the best releases of the year. The beats are like something you would hear in the 70's (very disco) and it's seems every vocalist on the album does what the album I think they are suppose to do. One of the highlights of the album 'Iris' Andy Butler states is about "If one day if a goddess descended on earth what would she say...I thought the message she would deliver is that today isn't about you...". If you like any type of Dance/Electronic/Disco check this album out. You won't be disappointed. (Best Tracks: 'Blind', 'Athene' and 'Iris')

Rating: Lyrics: 39/40 (The lyrics are so deep and personal)

Tunefulness: 46/50 (The beats are perfect and what you would expect from disco)

Originality: 10/10 (It's modern disco that isn't like anything else out there)

Overall: 95/100 (Nothing like this has been released this year)

(Check out this video to find out some backround info about the album from the man himself [Andy Butler]) -------->

RZA as Bobby Digital - Digi Snacks

RZA best known for his work with Wu-Tang Clan has just released his alter ego album as Bobby Digital. And the one question I had about this album is 'Is it any good?'. And the answer is yes. It may not be amazing but yeah it's pretty good. The production is mostly old school and RZA's rhymes are still top notch. The only problem I have witht his album is after a while the album just starts to sound the same. So if you are looking for a new CD to blast from your Hummer check this album out. (Best Tracks: You Can't Stop Me Now and Don't Be Afraid)

Rating: Lyrics: 29/40 (Rhymes are still pretty good. But not the best in his career)

Tunefulness: 36/50 (I enjoy most of the beats. But like I said after a while they just start to sound the same)

Originality: 4/10 (It's a Rap record that has everything you would expect but I was expecting a little more than others )

Overall: 69/100 (If you like Wu-Tang stuff you will like this. If not, don't bother)

I Have Fell Behind!

Sorry for not posting any album reviews this week. But it just didn't cross my mind. So here is the list that will be completed by next tuesday:

1. RZA as Bobby Digital 'Digi Snacks'

2. Sigur Ros 'Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust'

3. Hercules And Love Affair 'Hercules And Love Affair'


Single Reviews

1. Miley Cyrus '7 Things'

2. Beck 'Chemtrails'


It's a big list but I promise I will complete it by next tuesday.

Catch Of The Day...The Cool Kids

This Hip-Hop/Rap duo hail from Chicago, Illinois and have getting hype from publications like Blender and RollingStone.So far this year in my opinion their album is one of best Hip-Hop/Rap albums of 2008. Their beats are old school and grimmy. And their lyrics are just something Hip-Hop/Rap needs this day in age. Check out the video for their song 'Black Mags' ----->

Catch Of The Day...Black Kids

This catchy rock/pop group have hit it big in the U.K. . And they are just about to get big in the North America. Their lead single 'I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You' is as catchy as anything out right now. Check out their video for their lead single right here -------->

Lily Allen - Guess Who Batman!

(Not Official Album Artwork)

This is one of the Lily's most politically charged track to date. It talks about a political party in the UK called BNP. Which is a far right wing party. It believes that gays are unnatural and that only white immigration should be supported. But getting back to the track. It has a piano melody almost like a child is playing piano. Which I like. It has one of the best chorus' of the year (" Fuck you, fuck you very, very much cause we hate what you do and we hate your whole crew..."). This track and 'I Don't Know' right now are tied for my favorite track so far.

Rating: Lyrics: 34/40 (C'mon who doesn't love that chorus)

Tunefulness: 37/50 (Her voice and piano just mesh together)

Originality: 4/10 (It again is a change for Lily, a more political track)

Overall: 75/100 (Check this one out)

Lily Allen - I Could Say (Review)

(Not Official Album Artwork)

This track basically solidifies that her new path will be more electro oriented. This is actually my favorite track so far of the 3. It's catchy and is bound to be a hit. Give this song a few listens and it will shortly be a favorite.

Rating: Lyrics: 29/40 (I don't like the lyrics as much as the previous review but, still pretty good)

Tunefulness: 43/50 (Love the electro beat, a highlight)

Originality: 6/10 (For Lily this song is a big step and I enjoy her trying something out)

Overall: 78/100 (I think Lily has just achieved a hit with this one)

Lily Allen - I Don't Know (Review)

(Not Official Album Artwork)

Lily Allen often complains about her celebrity status. But this is taking it to a new level. But, I love it. It was the first track I listened to (off her myspace). And I loved it. It has very remorseful theme but it's just so upbeat and catchy. This track she stated 'wants to indicate where the album will go'. So far it seems it's more electro-pop. Interesting...

Rating: Lyrics: 31/40 (Complains yet makes the song light hearted and catchy)

Tunefulness: 38/50 (It's a typical Lily Allen song. In every way except, the new genre)

Originality: 5/10 (You feel like she is enjoying what she doing in this song but, I feel like I've heard it before)

Overall: 74/100 (A good start)

I WILL BE POSTING OTHER REVIEWS VERY SHORTLY (JUST REVIEWING MY DRAFT COPIES)

New Lily Allen Song(s)...

I have been a fan of Lily's for a while now and I was psyched to see that she released 3 songs. So now I will post 3 reviews very soon. (go to her myspace [www.myspace.com/lilymusic] to check out the new tracks)

Catch Of The Day...Lights

You may know this canadian songstress from the recent Old Navy commercials. Her pop has been stuck in my head for months now. If you don't think you know her trust me you do. I hadn't heard of her to at first. But once I heard her songs I realized her right away! Check out a video of her song 'The Last Thing On Your Mind' ------->

Jonas Brothers - Burnin' Up (Review)

If you read my review of Camp Rock you would know that I don't like the Jonas Brothers. But for some reason I like their first single 'Burnin' Up'. It pretty darn catchy and I'm a sucker for catchy songs. Although it may not be the most meaningful track its fun and catchy. This track seems like the perfect summer anthem. The one question is can they continue this with a good album? Check out the video right here ---------->

Rating: Lyrics: 29/40 (Its catchy and pretty well written)

Tunefulness: 35/50 (The production is well done and it has some heavy guitar in it)

Originality: 5/10 (Although it's The Jonas Brothers it has something you probably won't hear all summer long)

Overall: 69/100 (A summer anthem for the tweens and teens alike)

Catch Of The Day...Kardinal Offishall

You may know Kardinal Offishall from his current hit single 'Dangerous'. But what most people don't know is he has released 4 studio albums and multiple mixtapes. Watch out for his upcoming album Not 4 Sale. But for now check out the video for 'Dangerous' right here ---------->

Catch Of The Day...Sam Sparro

You may not have heard of Sam Sparro yet but you should. He is a hit in Britain and is on the cusp of making it big here. His sound is mostly dance/electronic related. But the oddest thing is his voice is very R&B-ish. Check out his first hit single 'Black And Gold"---->

Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer

Wolf Parade have traditionally been labeled as a buzz band. Because their sound was too complex for the average human listener to understand. Upon first glance this album almost seems like they are fooling around (ex. Call It a Ritual) almost like their trying to get a more mainstream audience. But it far more complex than child's play. They have accomplished something that some try all their careers to do. Which is bring together critics and mainstream fans alike with their most recent release.

Rating: Lyrics: 34/40 (Lot's of "Ohh, Ohh"'s for my liking but pretty good)

Tunefulness: 43/50 (Their simpleness is what is so astounding)

Originality: 7/10 (Their voices sound low-fi but their production is so top of the line, this hasn't been done in a while)

Overall: 84/100 (Give it a chance and you will enjoy it more and more...)

Catch Of The Day ...The Ting Tings

You may know this British rock/pop from the most recent Ipod commercial but, they are so much more. Their debut album 'We Started Nothing' has some killer tracks like Great DJ, That's Not My Name and Keep Your Head. So check out their video for their song 'Great DJ' ----->

New Feature (Catch Of The Day)

We have added a new feature called 'Catch Of The Day'. It will feature new and old artists that I happen to come across. It will be a daily feature. Although some days will be better than others, because if I'm stuck I will put up artists that I've raved about before. So I hope you enjoy the new feature. (Below us is the first artist featured Shad)

Catch Of The Day

I was watching T.V. recently and I happen to fall upon a Canadian rapper named Shad. They were playing his video 'Brother (Watching)'. I was instantly hooked. Well to be honest the thing that probably most hooked me was the background of the song. Ever since then I have been checking out his stuff and it's pretty good (his current album is 'The Old Prince'). Here is his myspace link www.myspace.com/shad . Check out the video that got me hooked right here----->

Katy Perry - One of the Boys

It's been the summer anthem so far this year. A cover song about girls kissing girls. I never thought this day would come. Is it the apocalypse? Well I guess not yet. Katy Perry once a nice Christian girl who even recorded Christian record comes back full rebellion. Or so she thinks. The album is trying to bring off 'rebellion' but it just brings off 'trying too hard'. Although I can't deny that I like my guilty pleasures 'Ur So Gay' and 'One of the Boys'. The rest of the album doesn't cut it. Although teenage girls will be drooling over this. I can't recommend it totally.

Rating: Lyrics: 22/40 (Some are cheeky and some are about love - next)

Tunefulness: 26/40 (It's hard not to create a tuneful record with Dr. Luke but she almost accomplished it here. I like her voice though)

Originality: 1/10 (It's the Avril Lavigne for this year)

Overall: 49/100 (At least it's not as bad as the Jonas Brothers)

Various Artists - Camp Rock

I hate the Jonas Brothers just as much as any other music critic. Why? Because I think they are posers (I only use that word for TJB). So in term that means that I hate this CD. Once again The Jonas Brothers (which is what this cd is really) have delivered a sugary pop album which I can't stand. Although one singer on the album Demi Lavato seems to have potential. The album is just another money sucker provided by the Disney Corp. .

Rating: Lyrics: 16/40 (It's been done before cough* High School Musical cough*

Tunefulness: 23/50 (I'm sorry I just can't stand The Jonas Brothers)

Originality: 0/10 (It's generic)

Overall: 39/100 (Worst CD of the year SO far, because we have to wait for The Jonas Brothers CD out this summer)

THIS Week On Amplifier Reviews...

Sorry I did not post this earlier but I have been studying for university exams. But this is what I will be reviewing this week:

1. Katy Perry 'One of the Boys'

2. Wolf Parade 'At Mount Zoomer'

3. Various Artists 'Camp Rock'

Check in regularly. Thanks

I am skipping a review I promised...

The CD that I will not be reviewing is The Fratellis 'Here We Stand'. The reason being I have nothing to say about it. It's a mediocre CD. I don't want you guys to read a boring review.

T.I. - No Matter What (Review)

As most of us know Atlanta rapper T.I. has had quite the year. From arrests, a friend dieing and his baby being stillborn. This is probably the most emotional rap single of the year. He proclaims over a church organ and blues guitar beat "I ain't dead/I ain't done/ I ain't scared /I ain't run /But still I stand/ No matter what people here I am". The production is also very good like always from Danja. This big coming from me because I have never really been a fan of T.I.'s. But this single is pretty good.



Rating: Lyrics: 37/40 (Emotional and truthful)

Tunefulness: 42/50 (Amazing production by Danja)

Originality: 7/10 (On paper it seems like a typical rap single, but it's more)

Overall: 86/100 (This is what rap is suppose to sound like [take notes Soulja Boy])

Coldplay - Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends

The brit group Coldplay are back to take control of the music industry again but the question is are they? The answer is "Meh...". The album is not as catchy as their previous efforts. But don't get me wrong they have their strong moments ('Viva La Vida'). But for some reason this album doesn't blow me away like 'A Rush Of Blood To The Head' or 'X&Y'. It may actually be their weakest effort yet as a whole. But their are some gems like 'Strawberry Swing', 'Viva La Vida and 'Violet Hill'.

Rating: Lyrics: 30/40 (Their lyrics have always been their strong point, but this album is merely okay)

Tunefulness: 34/50 (The production is pretty good although I think it has potential)

Originality: 4/10 (Their is just something not their in terms of originality)

Overall: 68/100 (Coldplay fans will enjoy it but it won't bring in new fans)

N.E.R.D. - Seeing Sounds

It's been a while since we've heard from the dynamic trio of N.E.R.D. . Some might say their sound is passe, but for some reason it hasn't sounded so good since their debut 'In Search Of...'. This album doesn't really have any rock-rap tracks (except 'Happy'), but it still sounds like N.E.R.D. . Their beats have really improved just hear the tracks 'Anti-Matter' and 'Spaz'. Although their lyrics aren't the best the chorus' are damn catchy and overall a pretty strong effort.

Rating: Lyrics: 24/40 (Catchy but has room for improvement)

Tunefulness: 43/50 (Crazy beats)

Originality: 6/10 (It sounds like nothing you've heard from a Hip-Hop album this year)

Overall: 73/100 (If you are already a fan pick it up, if not sample a few tracks and decide)

One! Of! My! Favorite! Remixers!...

As most of you know I mentioned before that another remixer that I enjoy is Justice but I have to give props to a Canadian DJ My!Gay!Husband!. He does mash-ups and just regular remixes each equally good. Check them out and oh yeah I have a youtube account were I will be putting remixes and such on so check it out and subscribe at www.youtube.com/user/CanadianKid3699 (I know I made it thinking it would sound good but it just sounds like I am an actual kid)

Spoon - The Way We Get By (My!Gay!Husband! Remix)



Justin Timberlake Vs. Yusek (My!Gay!Husband!)



also check out his myspace at http://www.myspace.com/mygayhusband !

Lil Wayne - Tha Carter III

The most anticipated hip-hop/rap release of the year has finally come upon us. Tha Carter III was hugely hyped by several media outlets such as Rolling Stone and XXL. And let me tell you it has lived up to the expectations. The albums rhymes are absolutely unbelievable Lil Wayne has the ability to rhyme like it come natural to him, like it probably is. This and The Cool Kids albums are in the run for Hip-Hop album of the year and maybe even album of the year.

Rating: Lyrics: 37/40 (The rhymes again are some of the best all year)

Tunefulness: 46/50 (The production has an all-star line-up like Kanye, Swizz Beats just to name a few)

Originality: 8/10 (The rhymes are crazy fresh)

Overall: 91/100 (The creativity of the album just explodes in your face like any other hip-hop album of the year, even though on paper you would think it is your typical hip-hop album)

Album of the Week

My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges

Known for their interesting mix of different sounds My Morning Jacket has come out with a great album of sounds that explore everything from a rock n' roll take on R&B to a classic rock. Hell they even do some falsettos! The album is also great because they let other members of the take the reins. Overall the sound is exciting even though for some they feel rock cannot capture the same magic as it did in the early days. But My Morning Jacket are the closest you will come to seeing that happen this year.

Rating: Lyrics: 35/40 (The lyrics are poetic and overall very well done)

Tunefulness: 43/50 (Their is alot of loud guitar and great production)

Originality: 8/10 (Even though it's rock it features falsettos and some other unexpected genres incorporated)

Overall: 86/100 (A great cut of classic rock)

Next Week On Amplifier Reviews...

We will be reviewing the following albums:

1. N.E.R.D. - Seeing Sounds

2. Lil' Wayne - Tha Carter III

3. My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges

4. The Fratellis - Here We Stand

And an EXCLUSIVE review of Coldplays new album 'Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends'!!!

So check in daily to check out this and much more...

One of the My Favorite R&B Singers...

For those of you who have not heard of her. My favorite current Canadian R&B singer is Divine Brown. Her name may ring a bell because you may have heard her break-out hit 'Old Skool Love' on the radio. Her voice is without a doubt the best voice in Canada at the moment. She just released a new single called 'Lay It On The Line'. So take a listen and watch out for her upcoming album 'The Love Chronicles'. But for now just to refresh your memory have a listen to her break-out 'Old Skool Love':

Weezer - Weezer

Back with long time producer Rick Rubin Weezer tries to capture the magic that was previously captured on their best albums (Pinkerton, The Green Album etc.). But they fall short. They have their moments when they truly sound good (ex. Pork And Beans) but their are other times when it just sounds like one big car crash (ex. Automatic). One big problem for me is that the drums seem to over power the vocalist. Which in my opinion is never a good thing.

Rating: Lyrics: 27/40 (Wish I could hear more of the lyrics rather than reading them)

Tunefulness: 24/50 (Rick Rubin has never been a favorite. I have enjoyed some of his albums like Maroon 5. But this album just seems bad)

Originality: 2/10 (You will not be in aw. Same old, same old)

Overall: 53/100 (It's a mixed bag. Their worst album)

Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes

After plating major festivals like SXSW its about time the indie pop/rock group Fleet Foxes released their debut album. The album sounds like it was recorded in the grand canyon and because of that it makes it that much more interesting. The lyrics are heart felt and at some points haunting. It will go down as one of the best debut album of the year.

Rating: Lyrics: 37/40 (You can tell every lyrics is genuine)

Tunefulness: 46/50 (The production is really great)

Originality: 8/10 (It different from what I've heard this year)

Overall: 91/100 (Spectacular)