Trevor Savory

John MayerContinuum(Sony)After his massive success with sap singles “Your Body is a Wonderland” and “Daughters,” it would be hard not to see John Mayer as anything more than just another pop artist. But the formation of the John Mayer Trio helped Mayer scratch the creative itch that he felt was being neglected. Upon returning to […]

Shop BoyzRockstar Mentality(Universal)Much like the popcorn films on the screens at your local multiplex, there’s an equal number of brainless filler discs that storm the airwaves during the lull in the summer release schedule. The debut album from the Shop Boyz is every bit a filler disc—it will drop another pair of singles and then […]

Pearl JamRearviewmirror(Epic)Pearl Jam is one of the few bands to emerge from the ’90s unscathed. Even though they haven’t released a new album since ’02 (Riot Act), they’ve delivered a b-sides disc (Lost Dogs), a double live acoustic album (Live at Benroya Hall) and a great single in the form of “Man of the Hour.” […]

NasIllmatic (Sony)Two thousand four marks the 10th anniversary of Nas’s debut album Illmatic. Nas quietly emerged in 1994 alongside Bad Boy records (featuring the debuts of both Notorious BIG and Puff Daddy). While Biggie and Puffy did their thing big, Illmatic became an instant classic, without the same fanfare. Nas is undeniably more talented than […]

Sam RobertsChemical City(Universal)After the monumental success of his debut album We Were Born in a Flame and years of straight touring, Sam Roberts was presented with the daunting task of creating a highly anticipated follow-up. Two years passed. The time off allowed Roberts to recharge in Australia and produce an album that effortlessly transcends the […]

Kanye WestGraduationUniversalReally, what’s left to say that Kayne hasn’t said already? Mr. West has once again proven exactly why he is the future of hip-hop. The much-hyped showdown with 50 Cent left Kanye awaiting the next contender for his throne. Few albums in 2007 were as exciting as this. Trevor Savorycategories: Best of the year […]

WeezerMake Believe (dgc)Make Believe is something of an anomaly in the world of Weezer: it appears that Rivers Cuomo might have actually enjoyed the time spent in the studio this go-round. It’s somewhat of an event when Weezer drops a new record — the highly enigmatic and reclusive Mr. Cuomo, Weezer’s frontman and primary songwriter, […]

Taking Back SundayWhere You Want to Be (Victory)Pop-punk-emo bands are a dime a dozen—take a look at Warped Tour, they practically are a dime a dozen. Luckily, Taking Back Sunday are worth far more than that. It’s not hard to see why their fans are so loyal—TBS can just as easily whip their crowds into […]

KelisTasty (Arista/BMG) Kelis may not be the name on everyone’s lips, like Missy, Christina or Jessica, but that doesn’t mean she shouldn’t be. Her third album Tasty is sweet as can be, a throwback to the ’70s and ’80s. It’s also sultry and provocative (see “In Public” or “Milkshake”). Kelis’s collab with Andre 3000 on […]

DamoneOut Here All Night(Island)Wow, talk about bait and switch! From the cover art, color scheme and the website, you’re led to believe that you’re in for a loud aggressive onslaught of gritty punk rock. Unfortunately, from the moment you press play those notions are tossed directly out the window. Damone is nothing more than the […]