CD Review: The Book of Knots — Garden of Fainting Stars

The Book of Knots Garden of Fainting Stars Ipecac Recordings By Ellen Eldridge The Book of Knots begins with the birth of “7-pounds 11 ounces of sin” in “Microgravity” and, after posing the question, “Will they survive this microgravity?,” the band embarks on its third concept album; this one dedicated to the absence of expected […]

CD Review: Black Lips — Arabia Mountain

Black Lips Arabia Mountain Vice Music By Al Kaufman Every artist has that moment when they wish to be taken seriously. They make that attempt to branch out and not get pigeon-holed. The Jim Carreys and Will Ferrells of the world perform dramatic roles. The U2s release messes like Zooropa. In 2009, Atlanta’s Black Lips […]

CD Review: Elbow — Build a Rocket Boys!

Elbow Build a Rocket Boys! Polydor By Eileen Tilson In the fourth land discovered in the famous Gulliver’s Travels, the Houyhnhnms (horses) are the rulers of the land, and are also the keepers of the savage Yahoos (humans). In their language “Houyhnhnms” means “the perfection of nature.” Houyhnhnms value reason beyond all else. They are […]

CD Review: Death Cab for Cutie — Codes and Keys; Playing Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, August 11

Death Cab for Cutie Codes and Keys Atlantic By Al Kaufman Thanks to iTunes and other sites, the concept of the album is all but gone. Bands still release CDs, but they are just afterthoughts. They put their “reach out and grab you” song first, usually something a bit different as the third or fourth […]

CD Review: The Melvins — Sugar Daddy Live

The Melvins Sugar Daddy Live Ipecac Records By Ellen Eldridge The pleasingly sharp flavor of an old favorite arouses the taste buds during The Melvins’ latest release Sugar Daddy Live. This biting collection of songs reminds punk fans of the reasons to get rowdy on a Saturday night. The Melvins take listeners into the sweet, […]