Trevor Savory

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 […]

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 […]