Trevor Savory

GZA/The GeniusPro Tools(Babygrand)Gary “GZA/The Genius” Grice cemented his place in the annals of hip-hop history with his sophomore album, Liquid Swords, which he’ll perform in its entirety at the Halifax Pop Explosion on October 24. Its success was both a blessing and a curse—GZA’s success set a high expectation that would not fully be met […]

MetallicaDeath Magnetic (Warner) Metallica has always been an aggressive force, however they’ve never been accused of being good songwriters. On Death Magnetic, the metal band still fails to write a solid lyric. The upside is that, while the band is a derivative of its former self, they’re still extremely tight. This is a throwback to […]

G-UnitTOS (Terminate on Sight) (Interscope) T.O.S. is the sophomore effort from 50 Cent’s entourage G-Unit, and while they’ve influenced the next wave of lil’ gangsters, their focus has been more on their beefs and other endeavours than releasing an album worthy of their status. On their debut album Beg For Mercy, the beats were massive […]

FlobotsFight With ToolsUniversal/RepublicFans of hip-hop realize that long before the musical genre became mired in bullets, bling and bitches, it was a socially conscious, thought-provoking medium. Many of these same fans also realize that the message has gotten lost with the current crop of disposable emcees. However, on Fight With Tools, the Flobots are striving […]

Lil WayneTha Carter III(Universal) Tha Carter III is the most anticipated album of 2008 (unless Dre finally decides to drop Detox). While it may appear that Lil Wayne came out of nowhere to take the hip-hop scene by storm, he’s appeared on countless singles and seems to have taken up residence in the studio, while […]

ColdplayViva La Vida(EMI)Viva La Vida is one of only two discs that have managed to wedge themselves into my stereo for weeks at a time recently (the other being Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III). This is not to say it was love at first listen—Violet Hill didn’t elicit a response until it was presented with […]

[image-4]Published June 19, 2008.The KooksKonkEMI North American audiences criminally neglected Inside In/Inside Out, the debut offering from UK band The Kooks (check out “Ooh La” and “Seaside”). Undeterred, these Brighton boys have released their sophomore effort, Konk, that should fair better than their debut. Not much has changed between the two records: The band is […]

Gary LourisVagabonds(Rykodisc)If the music industry devoted its time to promoting albums like Gary Louris’ Vagabonds instead of attempting to cram the latest celebutante single down our throats, it would find itself in a very different place. Fans of The Jayhawks will feel right at home with the solo debut of the band’s former frontman, as […]

Mike Trask & MudhillBoots for Flying(indie)Boots for Flying is the sophomore effort from Musquodoboit Harbour’s own Mike Trask & Mudhill. With their debut The Show still ringing in the ears of Haligonian audiences, thanks to awards showcases and festivals, loyal fans have built a strong following based on word-of-mouth promotion. Boots for Flying faithfully captures […]

Panic At The DiscoPretty. Odd(Fueled By Ramen)Having emerged from the shadow of Fall Out Boy, after the release of their breakthrough A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, Panic At The Disco’s flair for the dramatic quickly began to wear thin. The band’s latest release wipes away the eyeliner and excessive makeup to take on the […]

[image-4]Published May 08, 2008.Leona LewisSpiritJ-RecordsLeona Lewis’ influences include Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and Whitney Houston, which instantly makes her a dream come true for Simon Cowell and Clive Davis, executive producers of Lewis’ debut Spirit. Lead single “Bleeding Love” is an infectious tune that channels equal parts Annie Lennox and Celine Dion; while interesting, it […]