Trevor Savory

Armand Van HeldenNew York: A Mix Odyssey (Southern Fried)On his latest release New York: A Mix Odyssey, native DJ Armand Van Helden guides us through an aural road map of late night NYC. With a soundtrack like this, it’s no wonder the city never sleeps. Highlighted by groups such as Blondie (“Call Me”), Ram Jam […]

My Chemical RomanceThe Black Parade(Reprise)Considering Gerard Way’s background as a comic book artist, it is easy to see how the follow-up to the breakthrough Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge came to be a concept album. The Black Parade overcomes all expectations, sure to become an emo classic.Trevor Savorycategories: Best of the year (2006)

Puddle of MuddFamousGeffenAfter witnessing the resurgence enjoyed by Buckcherry and their massive single “Crazy Bitch,” Puddle of Mudd went straight into the studio with hopes of returning to the spotlight they enjoyed while Blurry was riding high on rock radio. At first listen it would be easy to write the band off, but the big […]

The Black Eyed PeasMonkey Business(A & M)When Elephunk broke through huge into the mainstream, it was a breath of fresh air. Fast-forward two years, and Monkey Business is the awaited follow-up. The lead single “Don’t Phunk With My Heart” (“phunk” (funk) is on par with Chingy’s “hurr” (here) for annoyance) has become the musical equivalent […]

Joel PlaskettLa De Da(Maple)All we knew going into Joel Plaskett’s La De Da was that it was an acoustic album, sans Emergency. We didn’t know it would be as jaw-dropping as it is. Truthfully, Truthfully put Plaskett on the national map with his brand of witty retro-rock; that keen wit, multi- instrumentation and a stripped […]

Idle SonsSixteen Seasons(Virgin)For every Our Lady Peace or Nickelback, there are 10 bands like Idle Sons waiting in the wings to strike it big. Unfortun- ately for those Sixteen Seasons in which their debut album was being prepped, it was not time well wasted—it was just wasted. There is no imprint left once the album […]

GhettosocksGet Some Friends(Independent)Ghettosocks is the real deal, an MC with an ear for old school tearing up anyone or anything that gets in front of him. He takes hip-hop back to the streets and makes it fun again. Get Some Friends is pure ear candy, throwing the calendar back to the days of hip-hop’s infancy, […]

Robert Plant and the Strange SensationsMighty Rearranger(Sanctuary)Robert Plant will long be remembered as the charismatic front man of the legendary rock outfit Led Zepplin, but in that mighty shadow Robert Plant, the solo artist, resides. Mighty Rearranger (his second outing with The Strange Sensation, comprised of members of Portishead and Massive Attack) Plant has taken […]

Sum 41Chuck(Aquarius)Sum 41 has finally dislodged that tongue from their cheek. No longer mired in the juvenile mall-punk antics that made them stars, on Chuck—the follow up to Does This Look Infected?—a matured Sum 41 emerges. They’ve seriously incorporated metal, previously spoofed on “Pain for Pleasure,” into the mix. Their violent visit to the Congo […]