Dave Hayden

Iain ArcherFlood the Tanks (Bright Star)Iain Archer already has plenty of cred to his name as guitarist for the supergroup Reindeer Section and Snow Patrol. But if this album gets its due, he may be poised to become one of indie rock’s newest shining stars along the lines of Sparklehorse’s Mark Linkous. Flood the Tanks […]

Foo FightersSkin and Bones(SonyBMG)This live acoustic-with-strings set by the Foo Fighters will draw comparisons to Nirvana’s classic MTV Unplugged. Perhaps that’s unfair but it is unavoidable and necessary. Beyond the obvious connection—Dave Grohl—it provides a concrete example of what works, and doesn’t, with sessions like this. The MTV set was held in a small room […]

Early ManClosing In (Matador)The heavy-metal primitivism of Columbus, OH’s Early Man may seem like an odd choice for a Matador release. But it just goes to prove that America’s premiere indie-rock label is not too shy to put its stamp on something even if it doesn’t fit neatly within its expected paradigm. Replete with screaming […]

ClinicWinchester Cathedral (Sony)With its 2002 disc, Walking with Thee, Liverpool’s Clinic firmly secured the title of the coolest band you never heard of. So why’s it so hard to get excited about this latest disc? The band hasn’t changed its formula, though the early Joy Division basslines, a pinch of Velvet Underground and more than […]

David ByrneGrown Backwards(Nonesuch)While it is difficult to fault David Byrne for his aspirations—he covers both Bizet and Lambchop on this album—he should be held accountable for not knowing what doesn’t work for him. “Glass Concrete & Stone” or “Tiny Apocalypse” succeed because they explore rhythmic textures that suit his strained vocal style. But smooth crooning […]

The LadiesThey Mean Us (Temporary Residence)Pinback is a band that’s never quite as breathtaking as it should be. But over three albums, especially 2004’s superb Summer in Abandon, the band has surely found its steadfast following. For some reason other bands of similar ilk (Death Cab, for one) have enjoyed much greater attention. Maybe someday […]

Cowboy JunkiesAt the End of Paths Taken(Latent)Just when you thought the Cowboy Junkies had started resting on its laurels, the band put out a stellar album of protest songs and covers in 2005—the political Early 21st Century Blues—that broke free of all expectation. And now it follows up with At the End of Paths Taken, […]

Jimmy Chamberlin ComplexLife Begins Again(Sanctuary)Jimmy Chamberlin was the drummer for the Smashing Pumpkins in their heyday, until he was kicked out for an uncontrollable drug habit. Nearly a decade later, he resurfaces with the somewhat trite Life Begins Again—an odd mix of tunes that combine elements of heavy rock, new age etherialism and jazz fusion […]

The George W. Bush SingersSongs in the Key Of W.(True Believer)Right down to the “Grammatical Advisory” sticker on the cover, Songs in the Key Of W. is meant to be totally kitsch, completely farcical and a laugh riot. What it isn’t, however, is politically poignant or even slightly funny. Hey, we all know Bush-isms are […]