Reviews

Joss StoneMind Body & Soul (S-Curve/EMI)The UK teen tops 2003’s The Soul Sessions by writing 10 of 14 songs and inspiring a reunion of veteran Miami players. When Timmy Thomas plays organ with Little Beaver on guitar, you’d like Stone to take a breath so you can hear the band. On this point, the producers […]

The F-UpsS/T (Capitol)The F-Ups are one of those pop-punk bands who preach the whole non-conformity thing, yet probably don’t know what conformity means. A listen to their disc and a scan of their website makes it seem as though their stick-it-to-the-man attitude and “bad-ass” moniker are part of a plan to appeal to the kids. […]

The Marble IndexThe Marble Index (Death of Records/Universal)Oh the thrill of the three-piece! Hailing from Hamilton, The Marble Index brings the joy of simplicity, pushing instruments to the limit. This band plays hard, from the big chords of opener “I Believe.” Ryan Tweedle twists and snakes his bass through and around each tune—do his fingers […]

Shelly Campbell Blue Ridge Reveille(Nettwerk)Campbell has crafted a delightful homespun masterpiece! Recorded in her home, the record is a soothing laidback trip through rural Americana. Touches of Victoria Williams, Son Volt, Kathleen Edwards and The Be Good Tanyas make this record a heads and shoulders release for best alt-country so far this year. Campbell is […]

The Tragically HipIn Between Evolution (Universal)`ip fans have been awaiting a true Hip album since Phantom Power; Music @ Work and In Violet Light both lacked the appeal of early material. On In Between Evolution, the Hip have finally found their way back. The depth of the material exposes itself slowly over the course of […]

HaydenElk Lake Serenade(Hardwood/Universal)Elk Lake Serenade is a more difficult listen than Skyscraper National Park, but that doesn’t mean there’s fewer great moments. In fact, once the confusion from the constant mood changes passes, a handful of tracks stand out as surefire classics. “Home By Saturday” features fabulous guitar and vocal interplay. A straight drum beat […]

WeenLive in Chicago (Sanctuary)Ween manages to combine Guided by Voices, Foreigner and half-assed Hendrix impressions into a sound that’s always interesting. Here the band offers up a bizarre cross-section of tracks from their sprawling career. While “Voodoo Lady” and “Spinal Meningitis Got Me Down” are recognizable favourites, “The Grobe,” “Baby Bitch” and “Ocean Man” find […]

Ben KwellerOn My Way(ATO/RCA)He’s the least talented of The Bens (preceded by Lee and Folds), but he’s not any less interesting. Draped over Kweller’s odd voice (sounding naturally strained from nights in large amphitheatres), On My Way is a catchy throwback to ’70s rock, but without any of the pretension and fuzzy vocals of the […]

OrgyPunk Statik Paranoia(D1)Dark, ominous and lurking somewhere between Korn and Marilyn Manson is Orgy, who have returned with the follow-up to 2001’s ill-received Vapor Transmission. Punk Statik Paranoia is sharper, more melodic and more focused on craft. Their brand of glammed-up industrial rock is sharp and biting without being excessive. Hopefully Punk Statik Paranoia will […]

Junior JackTrust It(Noise/PIAS)By the time Junior Jack’s album hits track four, you’re going to be hooked. He’s not a household name, but Trust It is making waves on the electronic dance scene. Junior Jack’s ability to let the beat slowly build (in either volume or clarity) really adds to the pulsating tracks he lays down. […]

Brent Randall and his PineconesQuite Precisely(Just Friends)Best known as Mark Bragg’s bass player, Brent Randall steps out in a major way. An ambitious and skillfully written effort, Quite Precisely is driven by Randall’s knack for melody and tasteful piano-playing. “Television and Treasure” conjures the spirit of Mott the Hoople while “In Horsedrawn Delight” marches and […]

Karminsky Experience Inc.The Power of Suggestion (Caroline)For those still longing to recapture that fateful day you first heard Air’s Moon Safari, introducing Karminsky Experience Inc. Martin Dingle and James Munns are the UK DJ duo behind this project unleashed to North America seven years after their first British release. The Power of Suggestion is their […]