Trevor Savory

Jamie FoxxUnpredictable(J)Jamie Foxx was impossible to miss during the Oscar race of 2005. It may have been the critical praise Foxx received for his musical performances as Ray Charles in Ray that led him to the conclusion he should record an album of his own material, and so during the lull between Christmas and New […]

De La SoulThe Grind Date(Sanctuary) De La Soul is one of the rare hip-hop acts that has managed to remain resonant throughout its career. They’ve avoided the lure of the hedonistic gangster rap movement, refused to sell out and always remained firmly planted in their old-school ways. The Grind Date is no different; it’s a […]

Los Lonely BoysSacred(Columbia)Los Lonely Boys broke onto the scene from relative obscurity to score a huge hit single “Heaven”—and people flocked to their local record store to grab a copy of the band’s debut. Now raise your hand if you can name any other Los Lonely Boys songs. While being talented, the music is the […]

Neil YoungLive at Massey Hall: 1971(Reprise)Neil Young is one of the most distinguished artists in Canadian music history, a musician who has been in a constant state of evolution, bridging the gaps between folk, rock and country, and is considered a godfather of grunge. In the 36 years since the recording of this performance at […]

LudacrisThe Red Light District (Def Jam)Braggin’, boastin’ and seducin’ is what Ludacris is all about on his latest album The Red Light District. Luda has a touch of little man’s syndrome—he has to be the biggest, toughest pimp on the block, but on the harder tracks he comes off as a joke. On the more […]

Velvet RevolverContraband(RCA/BMG)There will be countless comparisons to Guns N’ Roses and Stone Temple Pilots based solely on Velvet Revolver’s lineup (Slash, Duff and Matt Sorum, plus Scott Weiland). And on Contraband you can hear echoes of the past, but tied into a new direction. “Slither,” “Head-space” and “Dirty Little Thing” show Velvet Revolver has the […]

MatisyahuYouth(Sony)If you took Matisyahu at face value, you more than likely wouldn’t be reaching for the play button anytime soon. However those who pressed play and gave the album a chance would be quickly rewarded by its infectiously mellow Judaic-infused reggae vibe.Trevor Savorycategories: Best of the year (2006)

JDiggzMemoirs of a PlaybwoyMaxamus EntertainmentCan someone pass JDiggz a dictionary? Glance at the tracks on Memoirs of a Playbwoy and you’ll understand (“Whutchu Like” and “Bad Gyal”). But spelling is the least of his problems. The debut effort sees JDiggz trying to pull double duty as witty emcee and sensual R&B seducer, but the shift […]

OK GoOh No CapitolThere are those albums that need time to grow on you, and the ones that leave you humming their hooks well into the night. There are also those albums you love the moment you hear them and then that love quickly erodes into boredom and disinterest. Chicago’s OK Go means well with […]

Robin BlackInstant Classic (EMI)Instant Classic is the latest, so-so release from the outspoken Robin (Fucking) Black. His androgynous cock-rock evokes a love/hate response from anyone subjected to it. The flamboyant confidence of Black and his band allows them to put their own spin on the influences they so proudly wear on their sleeves. If you […]