Retro Rewind Track: Megadeth - Reckoning Day

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Megadeth - TH1RT3EN

The second best version of the band drops TH1RT3EN and all I can say is what a solid album. The production is stellar keeping all the power and aggression contained within a nice tight package and the attack of Chris Broderick is nothing short of amazing. He has such precise picking that you can tell when Dave's playing a solo and Chris is playing a solo because Dave doesn't come close. Dave's great don't get me wrong but there is a seriously talented guitar player standing beside him now and it shows just like when Marty joined the party on Rust In Pieces. The opening cut is a pretty standard Megadeth song and isn't as invigorating as the last two albums opening cuts.

I like the metal assault of "Whose Life (Is It Anyway)" which is a good bet for single from the album and is one of the bands most accessible to date. That is sure to piss off their fans who only live in the past with the first four albums never expecting the band to grow or change. I really think this album is on par with their complete return to excellence Endgame. The heavy groove of "We The People" has Dave sounding as snarky as ever and the band backing him up puts it all down just right. Even as good as Rust, Endgame or Countdown were they were not perfect as they have been romanticized to be. The same can be said about TH1RT3EN easily too because its not. This is a band that's been around for what 26 years and never completely sucked ever. Sure they had some mis-steps in the 90's but never did those albums lose complete sight of the metal history. This album is like that it is for sure more accessible and that is because of the seriously good and tight production.

This album sounds expensive and once again lays down the heavy metal gauntlet to all the current ear metal bands to catch up. Dave Ellefson's return to the fold also makes this album sound more cohesive. He is the other 50% of Megadeth and with him missing over the last while still made a difference to the sound of Megadeth. The band have a couple of classic tunes here "Never Dead" which harkens back to the sound of Countdown where the band was at its creative best. Listen to Chris's solo too it's awesome and Dave's vocals never sounded better. It is followed by "New World Order" another stellar tune that includes all the Megadeth tricks and stylistic rhythms we've come to love as fans of one of the greatest metal bands of all-time.

Mega-Dave and his gang of thrashers continue to write some pretty slick material that should please most of the bands legions of headbangers. The one thing I hope is that the band do more of this album live I'd like to hear "Fast Lane", "Black Swan" and "Never Dead" live. Considering the album has thirteen tracks which is a long player I don't get bored at all listening to the new music. The back half of the album might even be better than the front overall too. I mean just listen to "Wrecker" and its excellent riffing and drum fills. Yeah he's actually pretty good on this album too but he's still no Nick Menza. Now I must go and start the album over again because two listens is nowhere near enough of a new Megadeth album. Last.FM stats will be full of TH1RT3EN scrobbles for the next while and that's for sure. "Deadly Nightshade" will probably be the most listened to by the end of the week.

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The Kentucky Headhunters - Dixie Lullabies

A band that has seen a lot of turmoil and change in members and style over their long career. It's been a lot longer than most would think considering they were plugging away for years before the rocket ride to the top of the industry back in 1989. The band was known as the Itchy Brothers from 1968 - 1982 never moving past the cover circuit. The band has a large catalog of 8 albums that has seen three lead vocalists none of the changes saw the sort of success of their first leader Ricky Lee Phelps who was their best front man for sure. 2011 sees the band playing their swampy version of southern rock mixed with some country flavor one more time. Nothing has really changed here if you are familiar with their last couple of albums.

I wasn't impressed with the overall production on this platter because the usually snappy drum sound is not anywhere near usual and the vocal production is either too tiny or too up-front in the mix. The otherwise lack of good material is another case for indifference to the Kentucky Headhunters in 2011. This band is much less "Dumas Walker" now than ever before and that's a shame because when they indulge their country side they cook. Now not every track is a stinker "Tumblin' Rose" is a good song but it's got some awful lead vocals layed over top of it. Another shame because its a really good song being obscured by shite singing and production. I've heard bands record in their garage get better quality out of a cheap four track that's how pathetic the sound is now.

Obviously this album is an indie record and shows just how important it is to have a seriously good producer turning the knobs in a real studio. "In A Perfect World" sounds like the band if hammered while putting this together and all the instruments sound seperate as if they are all playing in different rooms trying to hear what the tempo is and where they bass player is with little success. I'd think the pot smoking has taken its toll on their brains and the beer and whiskey for breakfast and dinner is not working in their favour any longer.

I'd love to hear this album put together in Nashville with a serious budget and someone like Toby Keith or the like working with them to round out the songs. The glorious boogie of "Sugar Daddy" deserves better treatment and another sure fire smoker if only it didn't sound like lame wanna be band at the town fair. The bands need to drop a Blue Cheer meets Mountain style blues number called "Little Miss Blues Breaker" could be a demo it's so distressed in sound quality. The it gives way to another song that drives me crazy "Little Angel" easily a comeback quality song that might have given this band a change to play some big clubs and theatre's again or even get on a major acts tour as opener. But nope again another cheap rushed through rendition of a solid tune that could be hit for Billy Currington or Joe Nichols. "Ain't That A Shame" apes the Rolling Stones in style and another sad moment because of the poor recording. I don't think the performances are as bad as you'd think because if they had sounded big and expensive (Pro Tools and a Mac could do it) the songs would be ok. The albums closing number is '50's doo wop ballad type song that sounds out of place and has some of the worst vocals the album has offered. I'd love to hear this song covered by many other artists George Strait or Willie Nelson come to mind right away.

Don't buy this album or download it for free unless you are a completest and have to have all their stuff no matter what. The album will leave you sad, disappointed and annoyed especially if you are as much of a fan as I am of their previous stuff.

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Top 20 U2 Songs Of All-Time

20. Even Better Than The Real Thing
19. Beautiful Day
18. With Or Without You
17. In God's Country
16. Desire
15. Where The Streets Have No Name
14. Red Hill Mining Town
13. All I Want Is You
12. Numb
11. Get On Your Boots
10. God, Pt. 2
09. Vertigo
08. I Will Follow
07. Two Hearts Beat As One
06. New Year's Day
05. Gloria
04. Sunday Bloody Sunday
03. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
02. Angel Of Harlem
01. Elevation

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Retro Rewind Track: Shotgun Messiah - Don't Care About Nothing

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The Goods

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10 Songs That Should Be On Everybody's I-Pod

Since Josh cleaned up his library and a welcomed 17GB's of free space on his I-Pod I'm inspired to help him and the rest fill up some more space.

10. Coconuts by Reckless Love
09. Rock N' Roll Romance by State Of Shock
08. Radio Surgery by New Found Glory
07. Tupelo by Lauren Alaina
06. She's Not There by The Zombies
05. My Mockingbird by Count Zero
04. I Love You by Yellow
03. Your Love by Marie Digby
02. Mercenary by Panic! At The Disco
01. Hang It Up by The Ting Tings

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Steel Panther - Balls Out

The dirty boys return with a new album and all I can say is I wish they'd just recorded the album with decent lyrics and stop with the degrading juvenile shit. This album isn't smart or funny it's just plane dumb now and kinda sad because there are some seriously good riffs and song ideas in the music.  "Supersonic Sex Machine" is a good slice of hair metal that just has ridiculously bad lyrics. Then the following tune "Just Like Tiger Woods" has a melody of a winner for sure murdered by terrible lyrics once again. The band strike a perfect melodic tune called "If You Really, Really Love Me" that could have been a hit today in this rock market. I think that's what really drives me to dislike the lyrics this time around and find nothing entertaining coming from Michael Starr's mouth.

It's just not funny anymore and I'm totally a fan of the stupidity of "I Want Your Tits", "Fat Girl (Thar She Blows)", "Death To All But Metal" & "I Want Pussy" but nothing on this album compares to the whit or fun of those tracks. This is just stupid trying to out do itself.

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Sawyer Brown - Travelin' Band

A blast from the past is to be had with a new Sawyer Brown album which hasn't been a listening option for a long time six years to be exact and well that album wasn't worthy of anyone's attention to be honest. I've been a fan of this band for as long most could be as I watched them tear apart the competition on Star Search back in the 80's. The band sound classy and polished on Travelin' Band and I love the albums opening track "Ain't Goin' Out That Way" as it reminds me of their earlier material which I find intoxicatingly fun. The first single is the island influenced "Smokin' Hot Wife" that is cheesy as hell but such a wonderful guilty pleasure. That's kinda what Sawyer Brown excels at and that's being good cheesy fun.

They follow the single with a wonderful cha cha called "Walk Out Of The Rain" which is instantly enjoyable. It's one of those songs that gets your feet tapping and your head bopping side to side immediately. They hit the gospel, southern gospel feel and really their classic up-tempo sound with "Come Along" that begs you to turn the volume dial up and get your ass off the couch and shake that tail feather for all your worth. This is a serious return to form for a band I didn't have much faith in any longer. They take inspiration from "Get Back" by the Beatles for "New Set Of Tires" which might not be the greatest Sawyer Brown song ever but it's a damn good time to be had for sure.

As with all their albums the band pull a couple of boners and here they go by the names "Cool Night" and "Deliver Me" but redemption is had on the albums last two cuts. Both up beat songs that are worth hearing and the closer "Runaway Heart" is totally another classic era sounding tune. Good verses and a great chorus that all their fans should always expect from this band and hold the feet to the fire when they don't put the proper work in to their songs. This album is for their fans and if you like them at all is a good addition to your Sawyer Brown collection.

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Montgomery Gentry - Rebels On The Run

Here is a perfect example of why Nashville sucks ass, Montgomery Gentry a short couple of years ago were the darlings of the country duo genre. They got some of the best songs for their albums from the resources of the pro's writing songs. Now since they've aged a little and aren't the monster hit achievers it seems the quality of material has been downgraded for them. This album has some really typical bullshit pro America numbers for their biker and military fans a couple of religious christian crap tunes and third rate outlaw country numbers. 

They really don't get a truly good song until "Simple Things" graces our speakers and I used that word because the drivel that's preceded it this song is the albums saving grace for not completely sucking. They do lame Skynrd meets Carrie Underwood on the tune "So Called Life" that sounds as if was lifted from the filler section of Underwoods last album. At this point I don't care if these guys ever release another album because if we get more of the shit material on Rebels On The Run there is no reason to listen let alone care.

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Jane's Addiction - The Great Escape Artist

Hmmm.....

I really like this band but not from a song stand point but from a sonic one. I enjoy the soundscapes they create together much more than individual songs they write. With that being said I do enjoy their singles like "Jane Says" or "Been Caught Stealing" very much. On the bands latest album they seem to be looking for a hit instead of just creating music. I also hear this album as more towards Perry Farrell's baby than a group or duet collaboration with Dave Navarro. I find it sounds more like a Porno For Pyro's than Jane's Addiction.

I do find many strong songs here but as far as an album it doesn't have the grit that Strays did and it is easily a better record than Dave's awful band The Panic Channel's (ONe) or Perry's Satellite Party albums. If you are looking for the first two or three records this will not satisfy your thirst at all. If you want a middle aged Jane who's more introspective, satisfied and serene then this album can fill your needs. Overall it's a solid record but more of a song oriented creation and less of a large sonic sound storm.

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Cold Play - Mylo Xyloto

The inevitable return of Cold Play has arrived with their new album Mylo Xyloto a fourteen track journey for one of the worlds most popular bands. Now I've never been much of a fan of this band outside of their singles now and again. This hasn't changed with their 2011 release as in part the band can't seem to put together enough catchy or engaging material to keep me interested for their entire record. This album does have some really good songs like "Hurts Like Heaven" which I could listen to over and over and over again. It is a brilliant tune and has so much good going on in the 4:02 that one listen just isn't enough.

They do not reach this level of glory at any point on the rest of the album but they do have some good songs and one of their very best tunes so far in "Us Against The World" which is nearly as captivating as "Hurts Like Heaven". I think its my second favorite song they've written and released so far as a band and is a hair behind the a fore mentioned slice of genius. The album is going to please their fans easily and most who like Cold Play should be very impressed and happy with what this album delivers. I can see "Charlie Brown" doing good business as a single as it's a decent candidate for a radio release. The first single "Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall" is likeable but doesn't hold up after a few listens I find it gets to a point where I don't really pay attention to it but don't turn it off either. That is pretty much how I feel about the entire album outside of the select few songs. So if you are a fan of Cold Play you should buy this album because it is exactly what their legions of fans have come to expect.

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Kelly Clarkson - Stronger

Kelly has too much to live up to with her last record being such a pleasure to listen to as it was for so many. Her new album's title Stronger is a little telling because almost always a female vocalists album that takes on a similar title are full of weak pop ballads and overwrought torch songs. This also is a common trait for many female singers in general that are the same level as Kelly Clarkson has worked up to. The album's first single is also the one that kicks off the album which I find pretty average as it comes and goes.

The album is as I suspected full of dull overblown almost over sung pop ballads of gooey bullshit. She has obviously found a few too many yes men to surround herself with while recording this album. The album does have some really good songs like "What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger)" that is a trademark mid-paced dance pop tune of Ms. Clarkson. The slide begins with "Dark Side" that is boring until the chorus but that isn't all that strong. It continues through the next track "Honestly" which is more drivel and Kelly can do better which she's proved many times before. The quality in the writing improves greatly with "You Love Me" that again is more akin to her pedigree.

After two more pathetic attempts at song writing pass she gives us "I Forgive You" that redeems her one more time. Still a good tune but on the weak side follows called "Hello" followed by two more that should have been left off the album cuts filler material for sure which is pretty much how most of the album plays two bad one decent or good repeat pattern. The album includes that absolutely overrated piece of shit ballad "Don't You Wanna Stay" which I don't understand why it was a hit because his voice is awful and the song is boring as hell. The additional tracks includes "Alone" which is a solid number and should be on the regular release not the expanded or the deluxe version as its nearly better than all the other tracks on the album. "Don't Be A Girl About It" is also another of the bonus tracks that eclipse much of the other stuff on the album.

This isn't a terrible record it just has a lot of filler material which is unnecessary considering how many pro song writers are out there today. She could have found much better material to record than what has appeared on Stronger. Also to get the better songs you will have to shell out extra cash for the deluxe version because that's where her better songs are located.

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Retro Rewind Track: Damn Yankees - Coming Of Age

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Styx - Regeneration

The current line-up of Styx has re-recorded some of their best material which is cool with me as I love when bands do this because sometimes you get a real gem. I have to say that this album is a complete surprise to me as they sound bloody brilliant on nearly every song that's included on the two discs. It's almost like getting a live Styx concert minus the vocal mistakes that happen in a live show. When the Grand Illusion starts you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference until the uber fans hear the slight differences in Gowan's vocals. Don't get me wrong he's damn close but he's got a fuller voice than Dennis has/had and that slight difference can be heard when you are as familiar with their material as I am being one of those uber fans of Styx.

I was a little surprised the Larry didn't have lead vocals on "Lorelei" almost disappointed to be honest. I guess Ricky Phillips is singing it because I don't believe J.Y. can sing that well. But alas it is J.Y. and he's not terrible but it is lesser than the original in every way. With that said Gowan's singing of "Come Sail Away" is a good cover of a great song that can never be done better by any other artist. Dennis's vocal on this track perfect beginning to end and the musicality the band surrounded that absolutely perfect vocal with can't be touch no matter how anyone may try. The original is the best version and will forever be the best version.

The second disc continues with the remakes and includes a couple of Damn Yankee covers as well. We all know Tommy was a Damn Yankee along with one of my favorite musicians/song writers Jack Blades and the overrated Ted Nugent on guitar. The band do a great version of "Blue Collar Man" that rivals the original but still lacks the spirit of that first recording. Tommy does himself no favors singing "Renegade" in a different key much lower than what we have been hearing for over 30 years. The bands new version is almost terrible once it kicks in and they sound so devoid of emotion and lack of fire as they run through their cover version of their own song.

Then "Too Much Time On My Hands" is played differently and Tommy sounds old not to mention like a parody of himself trying to sing a tribute to his own band and song. It's like a cover band at the bar who's singer almost sounds like Tommy and when your drunk singing along he's a dead ringer for Tommy Shaw. Now to the Damn Yankees covers, well first things "Coming Of Age" was sung by Jack Blades - JACK FREAKING BLADES! Whomever is attempting to do it here hasn't got a fucking hope in hell of matching the AOR genius. The version is an ok cover but I'd never listen to this when I can hear the real thing there is no reason to listen to some assclown trying to be one of the greatest AOR vocalists on planet earth. Then we get "High Enough" which actually isn't awful it's a pretty good version from Tommy. It's shows the flaws in his aged voice because he doesn't have that Blades harmony to cover them up. Overall I'd say this is a pass just go buy Greatest Hits from 1992 and be happy or really do yourself a favour and buy Equinox, Crystal Ball, The Grand Illusion & Cornerstone to enjoy the brilliance of this most glorious band.

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Mastodon - Hunter

With heavy music floodgates roaring we have another album to enjoy. Mastadon return with Hunter and they don't sell-out to make a dollar here either. The band continue to be just as furiously wonderful as on previous albums but they are a little more polished this time around. I believe that's more so because of experience than attempts of making a commercial impact.

The bands Black Sabbath influence is highly visible all the way though the album that balances their stoner rock elements nicely not allowing them to fall to far into the blatant jamming that often results in stoner rock.  I really like that they embrace some of the psychedelic on their album like the excellent "Octopus Has No Friends" which could be from a very different time. I really did find much to enjoy on this album like "Dry Bone Valley", "Creature Lives" which was most definitely influenced by the Beach Boys pet sounds era or a little later into the 70's. The vicious "Spectrelight" is another pretty raging heavy tune that just begs to be played as loud as you can possibly handle. On the closing song I hear a very Pink Floyd sound the Roger Waters darkness from the wall era and another of the songs I really enjoyed. A good album with its flaws but still worth a listen for sure.

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Scotty McCreery - Clear As Day

The American Idol winners album release is here and it's well, what one would expect from the Idol machine. Albeit the album doesn't 100% suck but c'mon this is completely pedestrian, professionally written modern country. When Scotty sings the songs I'm not convinced he even likes most of them. The cover version of "Walk In The Country" originally done by The Ranch who was Keith Urban's band is decent but it pales in comparison because the guitar and banjo aren't present enough and Scotty's voice is too um gurplely if that makes sense kinda almost muppet-ish.

The over reaching production has taken any personality out of his vocals for sure and that was his best asset on the show. The first song on the album that I really like and want to listen to a second or third time even is "Write My Number On Your Hand" as it sounds like it could have been a hit from Neal McCoy or Kenny Chesney dare I say George Strait even. It has that sort of feel and I'm not going to lie I really like this song so hopefully it will be a single quickly so the kid has a tiny chance to get on the radio. He does have another winner on here called "You Make That Look Good" which should be another single for him but I tell ya if Trace Adkins or Blake Shelton was singing it the song would already be number one and sold a truck load of singles. Here is the trouble with the album overall; too many freaking ballads and bad, weak run-of-the-mill heard it all before done better garbage ballads too.

This kid was handed some really lame material to sing and if I was in his camp I would have refused at minimum six of the twelve tracks here. Scotty has some talent and he deserves a much better set of songs to sing than piss poor wanna be pop ballads with a twang installed for country status. The alternate Idol single "Out Of Summertime" is a far better song than that awkward sounding "I Love You This Big" kinda proving the American Idol powers didn't want him to be the winner. I will admit he didn't deserve to be crowned the winner over Lauren and anybody with ears and eyes know that but somehow stupid American's got it wrong again for the third straight year. Again this album is pretty cookie cutter fluff that lacks spirit and emotion from Scotty who obviously doesn't like a good portion of the junk they forced him to sing. Maybe his next album will be a little better.

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Five Finger Death Punch - American Capitalist

This is a kick ass, face melting, ear bleeding slice of metal happiness. FFDP deliver the goods on American Capitalist in a big way. The title track which opens the album with the lyrics 'I'm a red blooded Rough neck, Son of a bitch, I'm a goddamned American capitalist" that are instantly engrained into your brain and tells you with authority what this album has in-store for you the listener.  Another excellent metal record release in the second half of 2011 continuing the current streak which is awesome for us fans heavy metal. The band's first single "Under & Over It" is a crushing elephant stampede with a lyrical kick in the face that just puts a huge smile on my face. As the album blazes across it's eleven tracks some of the music is a little off the pace of greatness the first two songs for sure. The bands attempt at a crossover type tune "Coming Down" is actually a really good tune and doesn't sound like a selling of their soul at all. See this band has the ability to be themselves even when trying to grow or be dynamic. That is not easy for a lot nu-metal acts but FFDP do it easily and honestly as its just another part of their own sound so it transitions smoothly. I have to admit I do not care for the very weak "I'll Fall" it is just a bad song but the closing song "100 Ways To Hate" makes up for it ten times over. If you like nu-metal or power metal than this album is a wicked choice. The album art is also brilliant as you can see in the picture here. Listen to the playlist and enjoy the metal, HORNS UP!

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Hollowick - Beautiful People

Upon first listen to this band I had no expectations of who or what they were which turned out a good thing considering most bands never live up to the anticipation or hype. As aggressive musically as Hollowick are lyrically, they tread the line neatly between the Alt. Rock/pop punk of the likes of Green Day and Foo Fighters, and the vintage arena rock of guitar driven bands from the '70's and ‘80’s, but with a style and sound that’s all their own. The albums opening cut is an aggressive rocker that has a solid chorus and excellent groove from note one "Just Another Day" delivers in spades. The album progresses along quite nicely weaving some straight ahead hard rock into pop rock tunes almost hitting power pop status. The first three songs are the best the band have to offer and don't return to quite as solid ground until you're far into the record where the power ballad "There Goes Another One" presents itself. Another really good tune called "Gimme Gimme" closes the album on the full song front which is again stands high a-top the middle of the albums more filler material. Overall this album is uneven but it plays good enough on a full listen and when the band hit they do so hard and heavy.

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Jessie J Acoustic Domino

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The Goods This Week

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10 Songs That Should Be On Everybody's I-Pod

Music has been slowly improving over the past couple months with some really good pop stuff and some excellent metal that's been released. Here is a ten pack of stuff I'm currently familiarizing my neighbors with.

10. The Fight's About To Begin by Hinder

09. Domino by Jessie J.

08. Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen

07. Different by Ximena Sarinana

06. Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5 Feat. Christina Aguilera

05. World Wide Rebel Songs by Tom Morello

04. Public Enemy No. 1 by Megadeth

03. Bottom's Up by Nickelback

02. Stand Up by James Durbin

01. I Like How It Feels by Enrique Iglesias Feat. Pitbull

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Warbringer - Worlds Torn Asunder

Not the biggest fan of Warbringer because until now I had no idea who they were. This band is inspired by the mighty thrash-tastic goodness of early Testament, Anthrax, Metallica, Overkill and Exodus for sure. Not bad bands to draw from if I do say so myself. These guys know how to keep it simple enough to appeal to the casual thrasher and then pull out a crusher for the more die hard fan. This music is tailor made for the mosh pit and will give you a soar neck from headbanging into oblivion as it roars from your speakers

Song Highlights: Treacherous Tongue, Living Weapon, Savagery, Behind The Veils Of Night & Enemies Of The State

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Wayne Static - Pighammer

So a supposed clean and healthy Wayne Static releases a solo album which sounds like Static-X. Now I've been a fan of this guy for a long time now and I'm glad he's personally working on being able to continue writing and releasing albums by not killing himself with drugs and alcohol. Pighammer is a pretty kicking nu-metal album that starts to take off on track three "Assassins Of Youth". One of those songs that makes you want to bang your head instantly. I do find the album a little thin on the production side but I enjoy the hell out of the new wave inspiration of "Static Killer" I had to look up the lyrics so I could shout along to his rapid fire vocals.

As the album progresses it is much more listenable than the last Static-X album because he's turned down the noise which allows the metal to breath. It sounds like Wayne's been listening to some classic Gary Numan for inspiration or maybe even Kraftwork. I hear both of those excellent artists in the core of the songs and I love it. I nearly went deaf when listening to "Chrome Nation" because I couldn't stop myself from turning the volume up as loud as my speakers would let me before melting. I freaking love this song and this track alone would keep me coming back for repeated listens. The song made it to my I-pood already and will be enjoyed many times while driving in my car alone chipping away at my hearing ability.

The last four cuts are all interesting with the new wave/industrial "Behind The Sky" stealing the show and really putting a nice closing touch on an album that is a surprisingly different from what his fans have come to know. Definitely worth a listen if you enjoy nu-metal music.

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New Found Glory - Radiosurgery

Now here is a band that has been in the shit house for what 2002? They caught fire with "My Friends Over You" and then never followed the song up with a good track until now with the title track of their 2011 album Radiosurgery. I would consider this the bands last opportunity to prove they have more in the creative department. I believe that they have achieved success because I actually can remember more about the album than it sucked ass completely.

"Drill It In My Brain" is a good pop punk tune that has a snappy beat and a sing-a-long chorus the main ingredient of this music genre. But with that said you get the poorly arranged "I'm Not The One" that totally misses the boat and leaves you drowning in soupy mess of ideas. The guys do straighten up and drop the much better and fully relized songs "Summer Fling, Don't Mean A Thing", "Caught In The Act" & the closing number "Map Of Your Body". This album is far from perfect but for a band that I'd lost all faith in, they regained some of the lost ground and I will play the track one and track 11 lots.

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Matthew Sweet - Modern Art

The power pop of Matthew Sweet has always been a hit & miss affair on each album he's released. This one is really no different because sometimes he sounds like he knows what he's doing and other times he sounds like he's lost in a mess of ideas that are all mixed up and overlapping themselves.  The song "Ivory Tower" harkens back to the late 60's psychedelic era and does a fairly good job of emulating the period but it lacks the cohesiveness needed in today's world to gain much attention in the mainstream.

The you get more sickly sweet pop goodness from him that works well enough for background music at a wedding or something. When he finally knocks in an RBI the album is nearly half way through and the song called "Lady Fingers" re-ignites my interest in listening further. Another song I found entertaining was "Late Nights With The Power Pop" but I'm not sure it would bring me back for repeated listens. For the most part this album is a failure on every power pop level because it lacks the hooky chorus and the catchy melodies. I'd consider this album his worst effort ever because not even one song compares to his best stuff. Modern Art is non-memorable and will never get listened to again by me.

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