Trevor Savory

ChamillionaireUltimate VictoryMotownThere is a fine line between making pop culture references and simply dropping names. Unfortunately, Chamillionaire fails to recognize where that line is drawn. Ultimate Victory is overshadowed by the fact that this talented emcee feels the need to recite a laundry list of names throughout the disc. It would be one thing if […]

The TrewsDen of Thieves(SonyBMG/Bumstead)To follow up their recent opening slot for the “secret” Rolling Stones gig in Toronto, the Trews hit with the follow-up to their hugely successful debut House of Ill Fame. Den of Thieves bears a distinctively different feel, as production duties were shared between Gordie “Big Sugar” Johnson and Jack Douglas (Aerosmith, […]

Jennifer LopezRebirth (Sony)The latest release from Mrs. Marc Anthony is the epitome of why people turn to the internet to download hit singles rather than slapping down the necessary cash to purchase the accompanying filler found on most pop recordings. Previous J.Lo releases have contained a handful of catchy dance tunes (most feature a notable […]

Courtney LoveAmerica’s Sweetheart(Virgin)Media-whore prototype Courtney Love has crawled out of the gutter long enough to unleash her egocentrically titled solo debut America’s Sweetheart on the world. Though not the expected train wreck, it is a schizophrenic album, attempting to be everything to every- one. It attempts to regain the glory of Hole while trying to go […]

Gnarls BarkleySt. Elsewhere(Warner)Since his highly controversial mash-up The Grey Album helped spawn an entire sub-genre of hip-hop, DJ Danger Mouse hasn’t stopped moving. First there was his addition to Gorillaz on Demon Days, followed by The Mouse and the Mask and now Gnarls Barkley. Danger Mouse teams with Cee-Lo on this Moby-meets Outkast-outing. The lead […]

Jay-ZKingdom Come(Roc-a-fella)Back in 2003 Jay-Z announced his retirement prior to dropping his alleged swan song The Black Album. There was no heir to the Roca throne, so Hova opted to head back to the game and resume his reign with Kingdom Come. Kingdom Come is a welcome return. Blasting off with the smokin’ “Show Me […]

HinderExtreme Behaviour (Universal)Is it wrong to consult the back of a CD, see a picture of the band and still not know what kind of music you’re about to listen to? This is the case with Hinder and their debut Extreme Behaviour. From the scantily clad groupie on the cover, poring over photos of the […]

Talib KweliThe Beautiful Struggle(Rawkus)Talib Kweli was one half of hip-hop powerhouse Black Star, and due to the success of partner Mos Def, Kweli faces some lofty expectations. The Beautiful Success is his sophomore release and it exceeds any expectation. “I Try” (with Mary J. Blige), the title track and “Black Girl Pain” are standouts on […]

Christina AguileraBack to Basics(RCA)After the backlash Christina Aguilera experienced over her single “Dirrrty,” she’s been sure not to expose herself as dramatically again. The subsequent years have brought a marriage and a new outlook on life—the cocoon of Xtina gave way to a poised, confident woman ready to return to the spotlight. Aguilera can sing, […]

GypsophiliaMinor Hope(Independent)Local jazz fans have been raving about Gypsophilia since its inception and Minor Hope shows why—packed end-to-end with stellar chops and arrangements whose execution is nothing short of genius. The disc is a cornucopia of jazz blasts, baroque bridges and blues-funk groove that all roam over a foundation in French gypsy jazz. Rounded out […]

The Jimmy Swift BandThe Re- birth of Hooch (Below Me)Rebirth of Hooch was recorded during a two-night Jimmy Swift Band stint at The Attic in the summer of ’04. The majority of this live offering is instrumental, allowing fans to experience the essence and unpredictability of a typical JSB show, which is very much akin […]