Bite Me! CD Reviews G - R

The Ghost - This is A Hospital  (Some Records) 

(I’d give this more stars if my editor would let me)  [No, dammit!  And that's the last time I tell you!  Now go fetch the whip. -ed]

Thank God for The Ghost!  Mid-western transplants from the Gold Coast of California, The Ghosts rasp and roll on their debut release for Some Records, This is A Hospital.  Passionate, early Replacements inspired pissy rock and roll rips through the opening chords of “Death By The Bay”.  Angry emo-core fills This Is A Hospital.  In good hands with Steve Albini (Nirvana, Big Black, The Pixies) at the helm, The Ghost captures the passion of an arsonist and allows the fire to build and burst out of the speakers.  The Ghost, featuring former members of The Wonder Years, have certainly enjoyed their share of Archers of Loaf and The Get Up Kids records as they wear their delicious influence proudly on their sleeves.  Stand out tracks include “Death By The Bay,” “Groundswell,” “On and On,” and the heartfelt “By The Books”.  Interesting, smart, original, beautifully distorted guitar rock has not been this good in some time.  This is by far the best new band I’ve heard since the millennium!  Stop what you are doing right now and go buy this album.  -Brendan McMahon

Grand Magus  (Rise Above/The Music Cartel)

Attention, you grunge-sludge heathens!  Throw your preconceptions into your personal chop shop and mutilate it 10,000 ways because Grand Magus is about to challenge your beliefs in what a band should be. 

Challenge #1: This band is from Sweden so they all must look beautiful and blond.

WRONG, SICKO!  This band has dark hair and beards so scruffy and long even ZZ Top might refuse the competition.

Challenge #2: The artwork sucks so the band can't be any good.

YOU LOSE, CHUMP!  Pay no attention to the fact that you can't read the lyrics because the font blends in too much or that the packaging looks cheaper than a Master P record.  These songs are solid.

Challenge #3: I heard they sound like Soundgarden, so they must be boring and derivative.

THREE STRIKES YOU'RE OUT, FUCKFACE.  This band takes the best elements of Soundgarden, Queens of the Stone Age, Monster Magnet, and a bunch of other stoner rock to come up with 10 songs that are super heavy but loaded with deep, sick grooves and heavy chords that just churn your face out as you long to thump along for the entire disc.

So, fuck-o, take off your blinders and allow yourselves the opportunity to experience scruffy haired Swedes with shitty artwork and the heavy, heavy monster sound because baby, this is one exciting ride to the dark side!  -Repojay

Greenwheel – Soma Holiday  (Island/Def Jam) 1/4

Rock is relevant in this strong debut from this Missouri based five-piece who utilize melodic song structures in a way that highlights their combined strengths.  By blending the gutsy bravado of hard rock with the heartfelt melodies of modern rock this act packs heat into Soma Holiday with sharply written tunes and emotionally expressive vocals.  What’s most impressive about this young act is the graceful, almost effortless way they execute their catchy alt-pop tunes.  Greenwheel’s striking songcraft and polished musical delivery suggests that bigger things lie ahead.  If you’re a fan of Injected or Default, you’ll love what Greenwheel has to offer.  -NIN

Tommy Guerrero - Junk Collector  (Mo Wax/Beggar’s Banquet)

Multi-talented Tommy Guerrero takes a break from his skateboard and art career to lay down five funky mellow numbers that make up Junk Collectior.  In addition to writing the songs of Junk Collector he plays bass, guitar, keys, percussion and adds noises.  “Rusty Gears, Lonely Years” opens this EP with grace before the extended jam, “Organism” lights up the dance floor with vocals by Gresham Taylor and keys by Greg Galbreath.  “Birds Over Head” utilizes jazzy beats with sampled sounds that remind one of well, birds Overhead.  This would be great music for a car commercial in Germany or to get high to in New Jersey.    -Brendan McMahon

Haujobb - Penetration (Metropolis)  1/4

The German duo known collectively as Haujobb have done remixes for the likes of Front Line Assembly & Download, but their musical skills are not just limited to twisting knobs and pushing buttons.  The dynamic pair also has a knack for creating tantalizing industrial-tinged electronic delicacies that will bring back fond memories of Front 242 and Nitzer Ebb.  On Penetration Haujobb take the basic elements of vintage industrial dance and fuse them with electro breakbeats, upbeat tempos, tweaked intricacies, and abrasive textures.  The warm melodies that seep through the synthesized soundscapes prevent the tunes from coming off as sterile.  Unfortunately, seven out of the ten tracks on this disc are remixes of “Penetration,” which are all quite enjoyable.  However, I would have preferred to hear a more expansive collection of the band’s material as the other three tracks on this disc display the duo’s unerring talents and suggest that Haujobb will soon become a favorite among darkwave/industrial enthusiasts.  -NIN

Jucifer – I Name You Destroyer (Velocette Records) 1/4

I Name You Destroyer is Jucifer’s second full-length release.  This boyfriend/girlfriend project, consisting of Amber Valentine (guitar/vocals) and Ed Livengood (drums), posses as much talent as The White Stripes; however, both bands differ in style.  I Name You Destroyer has more potential than its predecessor Calling All Cars On The Vegas Strip.  The album showcases the bands penchant for blending 70’s power rock with walls of alt-noise.  This technique is especially evident in the heavy-duty funky retro stylings of “Amplifier” and “When She Goes Out.”  “Pinned In Glass” highlights the twosome’s experimental nature, as do the last couple of tracks on the album, which teeter between heavy experimentalism and white noise.  Jucifer’s stab at death metal (“Queen b”) is a complete flop.  Equally disappointing is their doom rock piece titled “Torch.”  It’s quite obvious that Jucifer is at their best when rocking out.  An open minded individual will appreciate the uniqueness of I Name You Destroyer.  [And I name you…NIN  -ed.]

The K.G.B. (Dreamworks)

The K.G.B.’s debut album on Dreamworks makes me think of a much lighter Sublime with a cadre of image consultants at their disposal.  They use ska-ish melody lines to emphasize their pop sensibilities.  Sounding at times like a whitebread Rasta version of Boyz II Men, The K.G.B. would appeal to a wide audience of 12-19 year olds who wear Abercrombie and Fitch.   Their lead-off single “Lover Undercover” should be a theme song for A & F!  They have enough talent and write good hooks.  Personally, I find it to be a little too lite-kiddie pop, but hey, if you fit the demo, you’ll probably love it.  -J

Killswitch Engage – Alive Or Just Breathing  (RoadRunner Records)  

These guys are from the northeast and it definitely shows.  Chock up another mediocre hardcore album full of recycled Ride-The-Lightning-era Metallica riffs and growling Cookie monster vocals.  Bands like this are part of the reason why I moved back to L.A. from Boston.  -TMP

Sander Kleinenberg - Essential Mix (ffrr/WMS/Essential) 1/4

The latest addition to the Essential Mix collection features the masterful techniques of DJ Sander Kleinenberg, in which the Dutch born turntablist flaunts his taste for dark & tribal house beats.  This disc kicks off with the progressive styling of Niburu’s “Traveler,” which is followed up by the pulsating beats of Hedi’s “Revolt”.  Filterhendz’s “The One Who Got Caught”, and Redanka’s “Out of The Dark” will set the dancefloor on fire.  The dark and brooding textures of “Burnin’ Up” (Funky Green Dog) in addition to the semi-acoustical d&b grooves of “Gentle Rain” (Blackwatch and Greed) prove that this DJ’s eclectic tastes span far and wide.  Kleinenberg’s ear for distinct sounds has resulted in a killer mix that merges inspiration with exhilaration.   -NIN

KMFDM – Attak (Metropolis Records/EMagine) 1/4

Thank god that KMFDM is back!  After the ultimately disappointing MDFMK and the mass reported demise of the Sascha-led outfit, KMFDM is back with a vengeance.   So En Esch is gone.  We can live with that as long as the rejuvenated KMFDM keeps being angry yet musical at the same time.  Like a pile driver, the Skinny Puppy influenced "Attak/Reload" starts Attak off.  The entire CD switches back and forth between differing musical/industrial styles.  I thoroughly enjoyed the ethereal vocals of Lucia on "Urban Monkey Warfare", and as always, KMFDM gives tongue-in-cheek props to itself throughout songs.  Glad to see you back.  Now where are the funereal flowers I sent???  -J

Kosheen – Resist (Kinetic Records) 1/2

Having enjoyed a great deal of success in England, Kosheen are ready to break into the American market with Resist—a vibrant pop-tronica album that will appeal to dance lovers of all genres.  On this transcending effort Kosheen merges beautiful melodies with agile electronic rhythms and creates a sound that is as poignant as it is fascinating.  Kosheen utilizes the dancefloor-fusion instincts laid forth by such bands as Portishead, Massive Attack, and Everything But The Girl.  Each track is executed with perfection, and Sian Evans endearing vocals add a beautifully human element to these near perfect compositions.  Kosheen’s skill at meshing drum & bass grooves with complex breakbeats and pop sensibilities is what makes Resist so irresistible.  Highlights include the alluring “Hide U” and the sparkling “(Slip & Slide) Suicide”.   -NIN

The Lawrence Arms - Apathy and Exhaustion  (Fat Wreck Chords)

All right, so maybe their song titles reflect the story of a single guy’s life, but don’t hold that against their music.  Quick punk rock sounds with trade off vocals between two Lawrence Arms players.  “Apathy and Exhaustion” is the beer guzzling good time of the year song.  “I’ll Take What’s in the Box Monty” (excuse the long title) has an ending that is destined to become a crowd chant pleaser.  It’s one of those wave your hand in the air and sing along tunes, grab a lighter while you’re at it, even though the chorus is “I’m dragging you down because I’m lonely and I need you around.”  Did I mention these guys are hot?  “Porno and Snuff Films” and “Right as Rain-Part 2” are for sure my favorite rockin’ out tracks.  I’m willing to bet my weeks allowance that these studs are amazing on stage.    -Skye

Gretchen Lieberum - Brand New Morning (Lakeshore Records) 1/2

To get the sound of Gretchen Lieberum, think Morcheeba meets that cool little jazz group down at the coffee shop.  You know, the one that is always there and never gets any more popular - but is solid every time.  Very reliable.  Gretchen's first mass-released CD, Brand New Morning brings a nice vibe to Lakeshore Records, and people really seem to like her stuff.  I enjoyed the laid-back styling, but Gretchen's strong, high voice (she's pretty flat, but so are some of the greats) really got on my nerves after about 6 tracks.  Never changing the groove, minimalist through and through, Brand New Morning could really use an infusion of something to make it more interesting, and get Gretchen out of Ghengis Cohen and into your heart & house.  –J

Limp  (Honest Don’s Records)1/2

Okay, now this is more my style.  Basing my decision on this album by its rather stupid cover (some guy flipping off his ring finger) and with a name like Limp, thoughts of Limp Bizkit came to mind.  Okay, so I was wrong; what else is new?  Light poppy punk with a little rock ‘n’ roll sound Limp presents their album very cleanly.  I’m a fan of the song “Atom Bomb,” which has a Jimmy Eat World type feel.  It’s still good though.  Taking all the elements of Limp’s music into consideration I have to say that the album is well produced and the songs are well written and performed, so I guess I can’t take that away from them.  Good job!   -Skye

Lisa Loeb – Cake and Pie (Interscope) Can’t fairly evaluate.  Sick.  Have Lisa-itis.

The only good thing I can think of about Lisa Loeb is her boyfriend Dweezil Zappa.  Wow, what a hottie he is.  So, I’m supposed to review this CD and all I can think about listening to it is a) how much I hate Loeb’s voice and b) how much I dislike people who listen to this crap and c) that if you eat too much Cake and Pie you may actually start sounding this bedroom whispery sweet.  I know, I know, I shouldn’t hate, but shit, have you HEARD HER?  She originated the Britney sexual whisper!  But Loeb’s LIBERATED and that would be so very very wrong!  (sigh) I really, really, really tried to give this a real review but GOD, ARE YOU THERE?  Make this go away, like to the Amoeba recycling bin.  –J

Lonely Kings - Crowning Glory  (Fearless Records)

Yeah! I love the heavy guitars fronted by these awesome vocals!  Lonely Kings are actually pretty darn good.  The album starts out strong with “Less Than Zero,” beginning with major emphasis on guitars and ending with the drums and all perfect in between.  Without dropping the ball on the tracks following “Less Than Zero” the pace is kicked up on “Atom Bombs.”  Rounding out the tracks with a freak intro is “Rajas,” a tune that will take you to India in the beginning before it switches to chant like scary vocals and a heavy metal sound.  The last track kinda brings down the energy of the others.  Maybe it’s just poor song placement because this is still a good album.  -Skye

Lucyfire – This Dollar Saved My Life at Whitehorse (SPV GMBH/Mazur PR) 3/4

Well, if you can’t have a decent new release from Tiamat, then Lucyfire’s This Dollar Saved My Life at Whitehorse should quench your thirst just a tad.  Tiamat’s frontman, Johann Edlund, is the genius behind Lucyfire, and many of the things that make Tiamat great are used here.  There is one pretty big difference – instead of Swedish black metal, expect serious goth.  This is so extremely gothic that I thought it was a joke at first, until I saw who was behind it.  I mean, it wasn’t that huge of a ste p to begin with, when you consider the lush sounds on Wildhoney.  Lucyfire also brings some of KMFDM’s industrial sound in, and there are serious overtones of Type O Negative.  Recommended. -J

Millencolin – Home From Home (Burning Heart / Epitaph) 3/4

If you’re a Millencolin fan you better get your hands on this disc fast because the enhanced portion features the “Millencolin Game,” and if you’re lucky you could win a custom Millencolin guitar or a chance to see the band anywhere in the U.S.  Other reasons to by this disc – thirteen blazing fist-pumping tunes that are guaranteed to put the rawk back into punk.  Tracks like the anthemic “Man or Mouse,” the blistering “Kemp,” and the ska-tinged “Punk Rock Rebel” make Millencolin’s Home From Home unstoppable.  -NIN

Modey Lemon (A-F Records)

The Iggy-ish Modey Lemon brings garage, rockabilly, and punk sounds into your living room and melds them together for an effect best described as energetic.  Best: “Coffin Talk” with its great guitar riff and Rev Horton Heat feel.  I could do without the screaming, and with a bio and lyrics in the CD case that are readable – what’s that about anyway?  -J

Monc - M. (Conglomerated Industries) 1/2

There’s no denying the remarkable talents of Monc.  The composer/singer/multi-instrumentalist has a unique musical vision and it’s expressed in every aspect on M.  This double disc set combines the works of the artist’s previous releases (Guilty & Virtual Reality Spacesuit) with a few newer tunes that add further testimony to his sonic versatility.  The first disc is comprised of soulful electronic pieces.  “Drive,” which will take you on an uplifting journey through the world of experimentalism.  Middle-eastern accents and handclaps compliment “Steriot*pes,” and the funk retro styling of “And The Girls Sing” make this song a great contender for the next Austin Powers’ soundtrack.  Disc two is more Organic in nature beginning with the hypnotic soundscapes of “Planet Monc”.  The surreal melodies of the trip-hop inflicted “Guilty” perfectly compliment the ambience of this CD, as do the spoken word musings of “No Place to Go.”  Monc frequently updates his site with new MP3s, so stop by and discover something wonderful at www.monc.net  -NIN

Mushroomhead – XX (Universal) 3/4

Much like Slipknot, the members of Mushroomhead disguise their faces beneath unsightly masks, but the similarity stops there.  (For the record, Mushroomhead have been going at it since 1993 - Slipknot manifested in 1995).  With five releases under their belt (four on their own label and one on an indie.) this Cleveland based band have cultivated a sound that is uniquely their own.  Mushroomhead’s latest, XX, brings together the worlds of metal, punk, techno, industrial, prog-rock, and hip-hop.  As a result, each song varies in substance and style but the band’s sheer aggression gives XX a coherent atmosphere.  Some tracks are a little clumsy and come across as overly dramatic, while others like “Before I Die” are so brutal they’ll pound your brain into a bloody mass of goo.  “These Filthy Hands” would fit comfortably on any Rammstein album.  The rapid-fire double bass kick and guttural vocals of “Xeroxed” will delight Death Metal fans, and the cover of Pink Floyd’s “Empty Spaces” further emphasizes the group’s cross-section of influences.  Mushroomhead’s venturesome sound definitely won’t appeal to the masses, but “XX” is an adventurous effort nonetheless.  This album will squash all rumors of that these boys are trying to jump on Slipknot’s wagon.  -NIN

Nekromantix - Return Of The Loving Dead  (Hellcat Records)

I suspect there's a reason that Denmark's least desirable musical export, Nekromantix, had none of their previous five albums released in the last decade.  Is it because the niche market for rockabilly ghoul music is pretty much locked up by The Cramps? That's part of it.  So, what is Nekromantix?  Well, if you took the Cramps, ditched the female and traded in your latex and leather for blue jeans and crew cuts, then you're getting close.  So, yes, this band takes out many of the things that make The Cramps the leader in this sub-genre and ditch them.  This makes it a little bit harder to enjoy obvious songs like "Generation 666" or "Who Killed The Cheerleader".  They do get an extra star for leader Kim Nekroman, who plays a "Coffinbass" that lives up to it's name and at least gives the band a little bit of style.  -Repojay

N*E*R*D – In Search Of… (Virgin)  

Rock fans know of The Neptunes by the production work they’ve done with No Doubt, Limp Bizkit, and Garbage.  However, The Neptunes are much more well known in the hip hop/R&B world.  N*E*R*D is The Neptunes side project, and the first album they’ve done purely for themselves.  With that kind of production background, I had no idea what to expect from In Search Of…, and whatever it was, I was dead wrong.  This is an extremely diverse album.  From the dancehall sounds of “Lapdance” to the Jamiroquai feel of “Am I High”, In Search Of…will keep you guessing.  It’s not hip hop, it’s not R&B, it’s not rock (although it has a Body Count feel at times, like in “Rock Star”).  Keep an open mind, and enjoy.  -J

Nine Inch Nails – Live And All That Could Have Been / Still (Halo 17) (Nothing)

Nine Inch Nail’s Fragility V2.0 tour was one of the most memorable live shows I’ve seen.  It was everything a live performance should be – stimulating, exciting, and emotionally stirring.  Recapturing those magic moments is not an easy feat, but somehow Trent and his posse manage to do it.  Live and All That Could Have Been contains all the intensity, power, and passion of NIN’s Fragility V2.0 tour.  Bootlegs aside, this is the first official NIN live CD and it is flawless. Every track is mixed to perfection.  The vocals aren’t drowned out by the instruments, and the crowd doesn’t drown out the music. Live And All That Could Have Been is an exhilarating piece of work.  And, if you’re lucky you just might score yourself a copy of the deluxe version that comes with the bonus disc, Still – a nine song treat of NIN unplugged sessions which prove that even with minimal instrumentation Trent can still construct incredible songs. If you can’t find the deluxe version of Live and All That Could Have Been you can order a copy of Still at www.nin.com.   -NIN

No Use For a Name – Live in a Dive (Fat Wreck Chords) ¾

Ahh, I remember the No Use show at the Palace in Hollywood that this was recorded and videotaped at.  I couldn’t get to the venue because there was no parking to be had, it was kinda raining, and I was pissed.  It totally sucked, because I had heard that No Use for a Name’s live show rocked.  Well, now I and other fans get to see it and hear it.  No Use plays all of their best songs in this 20 track live CD, and you get to see three of them along with a lame interview with the band on their interactive CD Live in a Dive.  The sound quality is excellent, but the video is slow and jerky (this was viewed on a state of the art computer).  If you are a fan of No Use’s live shows, you’ll really enjoy Live in a Dive.  As an added bonus, they throw in a cool comic book written by the band.  -J

Ophelia Rising - Step 1: Acknowledge You are Part of the System  (Capitol Records)

Eh, this sounds like Kittie on some kind of depressant.  The mix of punk, rock, Goth-metal means nothing once fronted by the bland vocals of this all girl group.  I can’t see this going anywhere and if it does I will be VERY surprised.  This entire four song EP makes me want to put myself out of my own misery as I realize that the title should be changed to “Step 1: This Band is Part of the Problem.”  They even ruin a cover of Lesley Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me.”  You know that sweet innocent ‘60s ballad?  Well these girls added a Goth twist, kind of like Marilyn Manson did to “Sweet Dreams,” and made it all scary.  I won’t waste any more thought on this.   -Skye

Pandemic - Angry Sky  (dbAggressive/Dreamscape Music Group)1/2

If you had to ask me if a band that cherry picks elements of Judas Priest, Creed, and Dream Theatre [Theater  -ed] into one group was worth listening to, I would ask you where I could proceed to vomit profusely.  Yet, for some unknown reason, I feel that Pandemic manages to do an admirable job at that very bit of cherry picking.  Does it sound hopelessly dated in the process?  Well, sure, that's the point.  At least it's not meandering and worthlessly dated like the double Dream Theatre [I give, he just wants to spell it that way  -ed] record that just came out. Instead, it's twelve songs, of which 75% are actually well written, that change styles throughout the record just to make sure you stay interested.  It doesn't all work, but at least they keep trying something new, which is more than I can say for most of the shiny discs that pass for music that come across my desk.  Angry Sky is certainly suitable for prog-rock and nu-metal fans alike who understand that groups like Godsmack really don't cut the mustard as being considered "good".  -Repojay

Iggy Pop – Beat Em Up (Virgin) 1/2

So, I know that the biggest sitcom star right now is Ozzy.  And there have to be other examples of big time old school rock stars who have “come back” (Aerosmith comes to  mind…)  But Iggy coming back – it’s just too improbable.  On Iggy’s latest release Beat Em Up, he seems to be doing an impression of himself in the early 1970’s without the anger and palpable attitude.  Sure, it’s got the same underproduced garage rock “sound” as Stooges material, but don’t be fooled by the minor resemblance.  There are a couple of very rough gems that would be better served performed by another artist, like “Football”, and “Talking Snake”.  The rest is mostly metal for some reason.  Not as disappointing as past releases, but a letdown nonetheless.  -J

The Promise Ring - Wood/Water (Anti-Epitaph)  

For years I’ve critiqued bands that were influenced by The Promise Ring and now I finally have the opportunity to review the inspiring indie-emo-pop outfit themselves.  Wood/Water, the groups fourth to date, compiles all their strengths into one meticulously crafted work of art in which melody speaks louder than rhythm.  There’s a certain sense of style and creative flair exhibited in these tunes that combine the right amount of emotion and intellect.  Thoughtful lyrics and tense guitars fit well within the context of these semi-electric/semi-acoustical pieces that resonate with a vintage warmth and bristles with a raw authenticity.  Wood/Water is a beautiful construed album of superb songwriting.  The Promise Ring has produced an instant classic.  -NIN

The Put-Ons  (My Ruin Records)

Oozing a raw, hard-edged basement charm and displaying an obvious similarity for mid-to-late 70's new wave pop, The Put-Ons are a rough and rocking alternative to the ultra-wussy indie sap that usually passes for "power pop" these days.  This Southern Californian four-piece strikes a pleasing balance between muscle (lots of kick-ass guitar and powerhouse drum action dominate the mix) and melody, which results in a pretty damn cool record.  I dig this!  If someone would have told me that this was a long-lost demo from 1978, I wouldn’t have been shocked.  Granted, I wasn't born yet...but, I still wouldn't have been shocked! (Yeah, rub it in. – NIN)  -R-Lo

Reverend Horton Heat - Lucky 7 (Artemis Records) 3/4

The good Reverend & crew returns to his early, revelatory punkabilly form in Lucky 7.  From the initial strains of surf/party song "Loco Gringos Like a Party" to the "Sermon on the Jimbo", this seminal group is baaaa-ck.  Lucky 7 is by far, the best CD the Rev has put out since Full Custom Gospel Sounds, without a clunker song on it.  If you used to like 'em, get it.  Truly unholy cowboy surf punk. If you don't believe me, let these boys give you a sermon.  –J

Rialto – Night On Earth (Eagle Records/Koch)  

After listening to Rialto’s Night On Earth you’ll find it hard to believe that the band was formed in 1997 as opposed to 1987.  The album musters up fond memories of 80’s new romantic bands such as Depeche Mode and New Order.  And much like the bands of that era, Rialto’s lyrics, delivered by Jon Bull’s warm baritone vocals, recount tales of dysfunctional and obsessional love.  Highlights include “Anyone Out There,” “Idiot Twin,” and “Shatterproof.”  -NIN

Riddlin’ Kids – Hurry Up And Wait (Aware/Columbia)

The Riddlin’ Kids put the fun back in punk with this bouncy collection of high-energy tunes that are fueled by a carefree attitude and enthusiastic nature.  Hurry Up And Wait is ripe with pop-infused punk tunes that are melodic and catchy.  If you’re not singing along, you’re bopping your head to each infectious beat.  If you dig bands like The Vandals and Less Than Jake you’ll soon be adding the Riddlin’ Kids to your list of favorites.  Standouts include: “I Feel Fine,” “Here We Go Again,” and the lively cover of R.E.M.’s “It’s The End Of The World As We Know It“.  -NIN

Roadsaw - Rawk N’ Roll (Lunasound Recordings)

In the age of ahhhhhhh! Rap Crap and ‘God help us all’ Teen Pop, comes a very bold experiment in Classic Stoner Rock, which deserves the attention of anyone who has ever attended an outdoor keg party in the middle of nowhere.  Influenced by some of the great 70’s masters such as Black Sabbath & Blue Oyster Cult, Roadsaw poses the question of whether this type of music is actually making a come back, or if they’re just stuck in a fucking time warp.  Or maybe an even better question is: “How the hell did a long hair band from Boston end up on a Swedish label?” Inquiring stoners want to know!  -Colin Bowel

Roundabout - Hindsight is 20/20  (AVD Records)

After a while doesn’t it seem that all punk bands sound the same?  They’re all adding a little pop to their sound, and you can’t tell one from another unless you’re a dedicated fan.  Such is the case with Roundabout.  There’s just nothing exciting about this album at all.  It’s good and I can’t point out anything wrong with it, but it’s just very boring—like a show you go to and just bob your head and shuffle your feet.  Then again I understand the difficulty in trying to capture that “live show” feeling on an album, so perhaps their stage show will be their saving grace.  Let’s all hope so.   -Skye