Announcement

I will not be reviewing any albums next week. Because I will be going on vacation (Paris+Barcelona). So when I come back I'll give ratings to the albums that I missed in one post. But I will not be doing a written review.

Thanks

Scars On Broadway - Scars On Broadway

What do you get when you combine 2 SOTD members. You would think SOTD but what you really get is Scars On Broadway. The difference you may ask? It's a little more 'classic' rock influenced than SOTD. Well thats how lead singer Daron Malakian explains it. But you don't really hear it in my opinion. It's typically loud and metal driven like their previous band. So when you purchase this album you basically are buying a SOTD album. So SOTD fans rejoice a SOTD record has been released. For those who are not fans cover your ears...

Rating: 56/100

Rick Springfield - Venus In Overdrive

Why! Why must Rick Springfield reappear! I thought the nail was in the coffin. But I guess he's found his way out. He had a string of media appearances this year (most notably Oprah) and he's released his 'comeback' album "Venus In Overdrive". With this album it seems that Springfield is trying to touch a younger audiences. Like the track "I'll Miss That Someday" and "What's Victoria's Secret?". Which sound like they belong on some sappy MTV 'reality' show like The Hills or Laguna Beach. It's a smart move because whatever he does his older audiences will follow him. So it obvious that he will try to reach a new audience. But as a CD goes it doesn't have much staying power.

Rating: 45/100

This Week On Amplifier Reviews...

I will be reviewing the following albums:

1. Rick Springfield 'Venus In Overdrive'

2. Scars On Broadway 'Scars On Broadway'

3. Johnny Flynn 'A Larum'

I will update if I want to review any other albums...

Who Says Covers Have To Suck

Anyone who pays attention to the indie scene already knows Cat Power. But for those of you who don't you may remember her from the hit movie 'Juno'. Her rendition of Phil Phillips 'Sea Of Love' was a highlight of the soundtracks innocence. Her most recent album 'Jukebox' is a covers record and no one does it quite as good as her these days.

She has also gained notoriety for her performances. If you have seen a Cat Power concert you know it's unpredictable. She will sometimes stop and even get off stage. She states that this was because of her stage fright and her battle with alcoholism. But when she's on her game. It's a beautiful sight. I recently saw her in concert and it was like you were in another world. It know it sounds cheesy but it brought you places... I don't do concert reviews. But I have to give respect where it is deserved.

Sugarland - Love on the Inside

I can't say I am the most qualified to review a country album. To be frank my favorite country singer is Loretta Lynn (who doesn't). But Sugarland caught my attention when I saw listening to the radio when their hit 'All I Want To Do' came on. I thought it was catchy and it could of had something their. It does. But unfortunately the album just does not have it. It's country and thats all fine and dandy but its just missing something. But like I said before I don't really like country that much so if you like country buy the album if you don't BEWARE!

Rating: 54/100 (It's nice...but thats not enough)

Dr. Dog - Fate

It's a beautiful thing when Dr. Dog releases an album. They have quietly recorded 3 great albums and their back again. Their newest release Fate. For me Dr. Dog is a little too pretty at times. But they are at their best when it borders the line of being pretty and sappy. An example of that sort of magic is the track 'The Breeze'. The harmony and everything about the track is beautiful. Yet they do not go over that line of being sappy. Some call this album a throwback to the good days. In a way you could say that is true. But it never feels out of date. It always sounds like the present. The only flaw I could think of about the album is it has no flaws. It sounds weird right. But it's all a little but too much of perfection for my liking. But for what it's worth this is the album of the week.



Rating: 79/100 (It's a good release. It may not be their best but you can't say it's not good.)

Album Of The Week

Soul Food...

No it's not what you think. I am not writing about chicken and jambalaya. I'm talking about an artist that will meet your soul craving. Her name: Sharon Jones. I purchased her album sometime last year. I listened it to it twice. And from then on I left it to collect dust on my music shelf. Until this year. I was cleaning up my CD collection (placing them in order). When I saw her latest release '100 Days, 100 Nights' in my collection I didn't know what to do. I was way over my CD limit (about 100 CD's over!). I was throwing some away. So before bringing it to the curb I listened to it once more just to make sure of my decision. I placed it in my record player and listened to the sweet old soul. Before I could blink it was over. I was lost in her beautiful voice and the instrumental background. I had made my decision. Of course it stayed. When I started to reflect on the album I realized her she made me have feelings I had never felt before all at once. Hurt, guilt, anger and so much more. So do yourself a favor pick up her CD '100 Days, 100 Nights'.

Brendan Canning - Soemthing For All of Us,,,

You probably know Brendan Canning from Broken Social Scene. A Canadian group of so many members I don't even know half of their names. Trying to make a name for himself as a solo artist (who isn't these days) he releases a Alternative/Rock album for everyone. Some of the tracks are duds like 'Take Up, Look Up'. But their other tracks that may catch peoples attention. Such as 'Hit The Wall' which seems like a track you may hear on Radiohead's 'In Rainbows'. But other than a few tracks this album is kind of lackluster. Fans of Broken Social Scene will probably enjoy this record. But for those who do not know about Broken Social Scene you will be most likely bored and drowsy. It's a good effort but a little undercooked.

Overall: 57/100 (Forgettable. Although their are a few tracks that should be downloaded'

Download: 'Hit The Wall', 'Something for All of Us' and 'All The Best Wood Toys Come from Germany'

CCS - Donkey

It's amazing what an Ipod ad could do for your career. The best example of this is Feist. But another group featured was CSS. They were on the ad for the Ipod Touch. They made a minor splash with their debut 'Cansei de Ser Sexy'. They traditionally had a more unpolished sound. But their new disc 'Donkey' sounds more polished than usual. It's has all up-tempo tracks and is pretty darn catchy and danceable. But beware. This is not an album that will likely be on repeat. Myself personally would not play this record more than once or twice. I don't know why. But this album may just be an attention grab than anything else. Don't get me wrong this album is not horrible. But even worse (in my mind) mediocre.

Rating: 59/100 (It gets you dancing but thats about it)

Miley Cyrus - Breakout

Could it be that a Disney star are actually make a good album? Well, Miley Cyrus is proof that it can be possible in the future. It isn't bad but it's not good. Some good songs include the single '7 Things' and 'Breakout'. But not all is good in Miley world. She absolutely makes a laughable cover of 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun'. But overall it is proof that it is possible to make a good album from the Disney label in the near future. It's not great like I said but it's a start.

Rating: 52/100 (You got to give her props for trying to break the Disney mold but its still bad)

Black Kids - Partie Traumatic

I while back I featured this Jacksonville, Florida buzz band. Ever since then I have been anticipating their debut. And I am disappointed. It just all sounds too familiar and not as fresh as I wanted it to turn out. The two best track are 'I'm Not Gonna...' and 'Hurricane Jane'. Don't get me wrong the album is as catchy as a forest fire and it is not a I was expecting better.

Overall: 58/100 (Meh...)

This Week On Amplifier Reviews...

We will be reviewing the following albums:

1. Black Kids 'Partie Traumatic'

2. CSS 'Donkey'

3. Brendan Canning 'Something For All Of Us...'

4. Dr. Dog 'Fate'

5. Sugarland 'Love On The Inside'

6. Miley Cyrus 'Breakout'

I promise that I will be reviewing all these albums. So check in daily and some surprises are coming your way.

I Don't Know How This One Went Over My Head...

This one was never on my radar. But after going around the net I just found one of my favorite albums this year. It called 'LP3' by Ratatat. It ambient electronic at its best. I never made a rating so here it is.

Rating: Lyrics: ??? (Their are none)

Tunefulness: 48/50 (it just sounds beautiful)

Originality: 6/10 (Electronic isn't anything new but it never sounded so good)

Overall: 54/60 [90%] (Check it out if your a fan of electronic)

John Mellencamp - Life, Death, Love and Freedom

It always seems to help to have T Bone Burnett as a producer. An example of that is Robert Plants & Allison Krauss. And if you want another example of great production from him it is the most recent work of John Mellencamp. Although it may not be as good as 'Raising Sand' it still is good. If you like the more up-beat John Mellencamp stuff. Than you're out of luck. It's dark and pretty darn depressing. Which is not a bad thing.

Rating: Lyrics: 28/40 (The lyrics match the production dark)

Tunefulness: 38/50 (Mellencamp still sounds pretty good. And the production is also pretty good)

Originality: 3/10 (It's dark .)

Overall: 69/100 (It's good but I was expecting a little more than that)

Nas - Nas

My most anticipated Rap/Hip-Hop release has come upon us! And it does not disappoint. It's the closest he has come to the masterpiece of his first album 'Illmatic'. The album is stuffed with political commentary and heavy beats. One of the most simple yet best tracks is 'Queens Get the Money'. It has a simple piano background and great lyrics. Another high light is Hero featuring Keri Hilson. It defiantly has one of the hottest beats on the album and some great lyrics. Nas has just stepped it up big time.

Rating: Lyrics: 37/40 (Best since 'Illmatic')

Tunefulness: 43/50 (Great production and guests)

Originality: 7/10 (How could you not give a high mark on an album that was originality titled 'N***er'

Overall: 87/100 (Great in every way)

(Album Of The Week)

Kardinal Offishall - Burnt (Single)

My favorite Canadian rapper has just released a single called 'Burnt'. It features Lindo P. and it is hot. It has a heavy beat and is 100x more than a street single than his first (Dangerous). It's a shame that I cannot hear the lyrics but it's still is one of my favorite songs right now.

Rating: Lyrics: ????

Tunefulness: 41/50 (Great beat)

Originality: 3/10 (It's been done before but I cannot get enough of it)

Overall: 44/60 (73%)

This Week On Amplifier Reviews...

I will be reviewing the following albums:

1. Nas 'Untitiled'

2. John Mellencamp 'Life, Death, Love and Freedom'

I will also be reviewing the followng singles:

1. Jonas Brothers 'Pushin' Me Away'

2. Kardinal Offishall 'Burnt'

I will also feature those specials that were meant for last week.

Check in!

Mariah Carey - I'll Be Lovin' You Long Time

After the sort of dissapointing performance of 'Bye Bye'. Mariah Carey is hungry for a hit. Her answer is a the up-beat jam of 'I'll Be Lovin' You Long Time'.I don't know if it will be a hit but you got to love the take on how (traditionally) Japanese saying of "I'll Be Lovin' You Long Time...'. Another great cut from a good album.

Rating: Lyrics: 32/40 (Clever)

Tunefulness: 42/50 (Tuneful like the rest of the album)

Originality: 4/10 (I like the play on words but other than that it doesn't have much)

Overall: 78/100 (A good cut)


(aren't those annotations on youtube getting annoying?. Also sorry about posting late)

Beck - Modern Guilt

One of the most consistent artists Beck always surprises me. And this album is no different. He enlisted producer Danger Mouse (Gnarls Barkley) which makes for a pretty good album. I actually think they should have put as the artist Beck/Danger Mouse because you can say that this is both of their projects in term I what I'm saying is you can hear both of their influence. One of the things they have in common is they both love 60's Psychedelic music. And you can hear that on this album. I would say that the first few tracks are some of the strongest tracks of his career. The first single 'Chemtrails' is just the tip of the iceberg. Some other good tracks are 'Gamma Ray', 'Walls', 'Orphans' and 'Modern Guilt'. Overall this album is pretty good.

Rating: Lyrics: 35/40 (Alot of spiritual talk and social commentary...very insightful)

Tunefulness: 46/50 (The production is pretty well done...Danger Mouse like always is amazing)

Originality: 8/10 (Even though you can hear that 60's vibe from this album it's not rehashing it to the credit of Danger Mouse)

Overall: 89/100 (A strong effort from a strong duo...lives up to the hype)

Is Katy Perry For Real?

You've probably heard the song a million times in your head "I kissed a girl and I liked it". But this is not the debut for this bi-curious singer. What most people don't know is she recorded a Christian album. Huh? How do you go from singing about Jesus to singing about kissing people of the same gender? I don't know about you but I am confused. So who is the REAL Katy Perry? Is she the sweet Christian girl or is she a that girl who kisses other girls to get attention?

I tend to think that she is just a record label play thing. I think under that bad girl image is a good girl who thinks Jesus is the most awesome person in the world. So people don't be fooled when you listen to her music. But who knows maybe this is really who she is. Maybe she's just starting to break out of her shell. Hell! Maybe she will make great music in the future. But for now she seems to branding herself like a sacrificial cow for the masses.

This Week On Amplifier Reviews...

I will be reviewing the following album:

1. Beck 'Modern Guilt'

I will also be reviewing the following singles:

1. Mariah Carey 'I'll Be Lovin' You Long Time'

And I will also be posting others specials so check in daily!

G-Unit - T.O.S. (Terminate On Sight)

G-Unit has always been a 'group' but let's be honest it's mostly 50 Cent. T.O.S. is actually pretty bad. It has hardly no redeeming qualities and is about as generic rap can get. Although G-Unit fans will probably like it as a on and off fan. After this album it's a permanent off.

Rating: Lyrics: 14/40 (Typical...)

Tunefulness: 21/50 (It all sounds the same)

Originality: 0/10 (Like every other rap album)

Overall: 35/100 (Whoever thought that G-Unit could be worse than the Camp Rock soundtrack?)

Sorry...

I haven't been able to post any new 'Catch Of The Day' features recently but the truth is that it's hard to find new ones. So I will replace it with 'Catch Of The Week' instead. Like you guessed it will be posted once a week (Friday) and will be more in-depth than my previous 'Catch Of The Day' feature. Thank you!

A Duet For The Ages

'Islands In The Stream' is a classic Bee Gee/Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers's track but a Canadian group called The Constantines and Feist have done a duet of it. And it is spectacular. It's slower and more melodic than the original. Enjoy it right here!

My Most Anticipated Hip-Hop/Rap Releases Of The Summer

I have made a list of my top five most anticipated Hip-Hop/Rap releases of the summer so here it is----->

1. Nas 'Nas': It was a tough choice for me between Missy Elliot and Nas. But with all the controversy and hype about his upcoming album how can you not be excited. Nas has never been a favorite rapper of mine but for some reason I am just so excited for his upcoming album. Judging from his first single 'Be A Ni**er Too' it deserves all the hype. (RD: July 15 2008)

2. Missy Elliot 'Block Party': Known for her party anthems. Missy Elliot has been one of the most successful female Rap artists and it seems that her upcoming album will be bringing the dancefloor hits like no other this year. (RD: September 9 2008)

3. T.I. 'Paper Trail': It's been quite a year for rapper T.I. . Under house arrest and soon going to jail he will be releasing 'Paper Trail'. The first single 'No Matter What' is as emotional rap has come so far this year. On top of that the album is boasting producers like Will.I.Am, Timbaland, Danja, Kanye West, J.R. Rotem, Swizz Beats and everyone else who is important in Hip-Hop... (RD: September 9 2008)

4. Kardinal Offishall 'Not 4 Sale': His first album with Kon Live is everything you would expect ... alot of input from Akon. The first single 'Dangerous' is his most successful of his career and it's been pushed back so many times it has to be good. (RD: August 5 2008)

5. Ludacris 'Theater of the Mind': Like you I didn't even know Ludacris was releasing an album until recently. He hasn't released a single yet but rumors have been that it will be called 'Stay Together'. I haven't heard anything new but how could you not be excited it's Ludacris. (September 2008)

Catch Of The Day...Thunderheist

This dynamic duo from Canada have established a relationships from the magic of myspace. Both were solo artists (one a DJ and one a rapper) and they weren't having as much sucess as they liked. So they sent back and fourth beats and raps. And that's how their music is made. They never meet to make new music in other words. The result is electro-rap that is remarkably good.



www.myspace.com/thunderheist

This Week On Amplifier Reviews...

We will be reviewing:

1. G-Unit 'T.O.S. (Terminate On Sight)'

I know it's not a big list but I will have other articles (Catch Of The Day [which I whave also fell behind on], My Most Anticipated Hip-Hop Release Of The Summer...)

So check in daily!