Grade: C+ | Genre: Hip Hop
Summary: Remix albums typically suck all kinds of ways. If you like the original album, it usually kills the good groove. But when your remixers are DJ Shadow, Chief Xcel, Dan the Automator and the like, you might just end up with something that feels pretty good.

I noticed that I've been going on a kind of Quannum Projects run with my last several reviews (read: two) and decided to keep it going. Same !@#$ Different Day isn't particularly new (April) and the source material is even less new. See, it's a remix album based on Lyrics Born's first album, Later That Day..., which dropped late 2003. It got mixed reviews, and the consensus was that Lyrics Born was strong enough to do a better job. Same !@#$ Different Day (by the way that's the real title I'm not censoring myself) is a better job. His raps are the same, but the production and beats are nice and tight this time around. However, it still feels like the same ol' !@#$. That's not to say that it sounds like that crap on the radio box, but after a couple of listens the album sounds quite a bit less special than it did when you first threw it on. The rhymes are still there though, and the production is tight, they just don't hold up.

Grade: B+ | Genre: Underground Hip-Hop
Summary: Do you love instrumental hip-hop, old soul samples, and Def Jux? If so, check out Deadringer. If not, you probably aren't cool enough anyway.

Rjd2's music seriously sounds like it belongs in Speed Racer. I never thought a comment like that could be used as a compliment, but in this case it is. It's a kind of old-school type (mostly) instrumental hip-hop that still sounds refreshing; however, Rjd2 is certainly a crate-digger and his samples have a lo-fi, aged sound to them. DJs have been sampling like this since the dawn of scratching, and Rjd2 isn't really breaking new ground. But he's definitely more fun to listen to than the typical wrist-breaking wakka-wakka DJs that get all the attention.

Grade: B | Genre: Disco/Dance/Pop
Summary: This album is definitely worth a listen if you're not expecting a musical revolution.

The Space Cowboy is back with his usual blend of infectious disco funk wrapped in synthesized packets of Stevie Wonder and 70's house rhythms. Jay Kay returns to lead his ever-evolving line-up of band mates to back up is manic endeavors. His 6th release of the promised 10 LP's he is indebted to Sony, Dynamite is a return to the days of Traveling Without Moving, when Jamiroquai the Band hit its stride and achieved rock success in all corners of the globe beyond their native UK. Since then, even while keeping busy with sub-par releases like Synkronized and A Funk Odyssey, the cat in the hat has seen his stateside success fade like a disco ball in the early morning dew. While Dynamite is an album Jamiroquai fans will have on constant repeat, it's consistently stagnant sound over the years stunts the growth of what some used to call a musical genius.

Grade: C+ | Genre: Pop
Summary: Maybe he should go back to sitting on the curb, waiting for his rocket to come.

The evening I first heard the name Jason Mraz, I was "chillin' like ice cream fillin'" at the Blue Bar in Decatur, checking out one of my favorite local artists, Daniel Lee. After Daniel wrapped up his usual inspiring set, he settled in with us to sort through the world's problems. The topic of music inevitably came up, and I floated him my perennial favorite question, "so who are you listening to these days?" His eyes lit up like a 4-year-old spotting the tree on Christmas morning. "Mraz" is all he could say. This was back in 2002, a couple month before Waiting for My Rocket to Come would launch off the shelves, making him a verifiable household name, supported by pop anthems like "The Remedy (I Won't Worry)." His synthesis of pop ballads flavored with hip-hop sensibilities and clever wordplay burrowed him a niche in the sensitive singer-songwriter revival John Mayer sparked. Rocket was a daring effort, flush with sharp artistry, a comfort in his craft, and enough green remaining on him to make it interesting. Now he returns with Mr. A-Z. Is this the same sweet elixir that Rocket was or just day old alphabet soup?

Grade: A- | Genre: Electronic Chill
Summary: The Understanding is a very impressive effort that leaves you hesistant to leave this plush cosmic universe Royksopp has created.

It has been three years since Royksopp quietly shifted through the silence, presenting the beautiful atmospheric effort Melody A.M. Now the Norweigan duo of Torbjorn Brundtland and Svein Berge venture into those uncertain waters of the sophomore electronic chill effort, which can prove a formidable task. Just ask the French boys of Air. The Understanding shows they are brimming for the challenge, snapping out of the box with enigmatic dance beats, Zip-loc bags of captured quiet and catchy pop melodies that beg to have their energies channeled through radio. Prepare yourselves because I think Royksopp is ready to break themselves all over your world.

Grade: A- | Genre: Hip-hop/Dance
Summary: File this under smart dance music that you can crank obscenely loud while having those few beers, greasing the inhibitions, before going out.

M.I.A's Arular is an album that has aroused a lot of wayward glances among indie rock followers. M.I.A. is Maya Arul, a Sri Lankan-born Londoner whose sound has a unique blend of hip-hop and dance. Now hip-hop is about as compelling to me as a watching fingernails grow. I just don't get the appeal and happily leave those reviews for others to pick through. M.I.A. is stirring up so much talk because of how she is throwing out the rules of these tired genres and starting anew. The experiment is working as the collective acclaim threatens to burst the floodgates. This album is currently topping Amazon's editors list of the best albums of 2005 thus far. Arular has also made the short list for Britain's ultra prestigious Mercury Prize, sharing time with the latest works from such lofty artists like Coldplay, Bloc Party and Kaiser Chiefs. So what is so special about this lone girl?

Grade: B | Genre: Latin Jazz
Summary: Frontera Cero finds its pulse, creating a cultural expression unique and hard to pass up.

Jazz seems to continually mold itself into various shapes, taking on an assortment of faces, when translated by a musician. It's a rich musical heritage that is a bit of a mutt itself, sampling the spectrum from blues, ragtime, gospel and African tribal music to bring us what we now know as jazz. Is it any wonder that modern day musicians would be any different, melding influences from the world around them? The Spanish import, Frontera Cero introduces us to their light jazz-fusion album Nada Que Declarar, or Nothing to Declare for the non-Spanish speakers. It not only seems to mesh musical genres but also playfully shuffles its cultural foundations for a unique listening experience.

Grade: A- | Genre: Rock
Summary: In Your Honor is a great celebration of 10 strong years of consistent music making, and there seems to be no end in site for the Foo Fighters.

The Foo Fighters are one of the best and most consistent American bands still rockin' the big stage. Coming out from behind the drum kit after Nirvana's demise, Dave Grohl surprised us all with a not only his pipes, but also his musical chops. With the addition of Alanis Morisette's former drummer, Taylor Hawkins to take over the sticks, the Foo Fighters have become a band known for taking their music very seriously but humorously not themselves.

After 10 years of solid musical performances they're back with their 5th album, In Your Honor, which continues the streak of refined vocals and polished pop rock anthems. Foo Fighters can bring the noise as well as show an edgy sensitive side. In Your Honor is so much music that they had to split it up into 2 disks; one full of hard rock jamz and the other, slower paced acoustic sessions. It's a celebration of the band's longevity as well as a prelude to the years ahead.

Grade: A+ | Genre: Acid Jazz/Progressive
Summary: This is an album that not only builds on what the debut started, but surpasses it in every way.

Finally, seven years after the phenomenally beautiful Breath From Another, Esthero returns to satisfy a craving for which all who own and love her debut have been patiently waiting. Breath helped forward the Acid Jazz movement when it was at its peak of must have music, but since then, the fire has fickled and we're left wondering if she was just a fling or something worth the wait.

However, Esthero hasn't been completely out of site and out of mind. With sparse appearances on notable tracks with the Black Eyed Peas and on the Go Soundtrack, she has left us with a lasting taste in our mouths while hoping that a second full length effort is in the works. The wait is at last over as Wikked Lil' Grrrls is the result of an overdue sophomore release and a reward for our perseverance.

Grade: B+ | Genre: Quiet
Summary: It's a beautiful work by an evolving songwriter, not afraid to slip into the evening gown of change and show it off to the ball.

Listening to music is like getting involved in a relationship. The first time you meet a new album; you bring with you all the baggage of a lifetime worth of listening. You factor in how it measures up to the artist's previous albums (the ex factor), how they fit in amongst other artists plying their trade in the same genre (other potential hotties) and your particular tastes and affinities (your thing for blondes). It is a lot for any artist to live up to and, depending on when they hit us, we may start thinking marriage and children or just stop calling. Should we stumble across her a couple years later, or even a couple weeks, you may hear a completely different album. Yes, the notes are the identical and the harmony speaks from the same voice, but you aren't the same listener that you were in that moment that you first queued it up. For example, Depeche Mode's Songs of Faith and Devotion was an album that left a bitter taste in my mouth on first listen. Years later, I gave it another try and instantly loved it. Such is the case with Emiliana Torrini's Fisherman's Woman. When I first heard this several weeks ago, I was ready to dismiss it as the best over the counter sleep aid on the market. Today...

Grade: B- | Genre: Alternative Rock
Summary: TheFutureEmbrace marks a decent entry into Corgan's catalog, yet one that will no doubt be overshadowed by stronger works as the years peel away.

Billy Corgan is most recognized as the front man for the 90s grunge outfit, the Smashing Pumpkins. By most reports, he was the Smashing Pumpkins, writing all the songs and playing all the instruments on the studio albums. He just needed a band to back him up on the road and look sporty during the photo sessions. After the Pumpkins were hammered on the heels of the lackluster Machina, he formed Zwan, which proved an interesting fusion of sounds from the heroes of the Chicago indie underground. The album showed plenty of promise though it almost didn't feel like a complete thought. Ultimately, we were left without the remainder of that sentence as Zwan suffered the same fate as the Pumpkins. Now Corgan is treading the waters of electronica as a solo artist on TheFutureEmbrace. Don't kick off your shoes and flip back in the recliner just yet. I've got another chapter to crack open in the Corgan saga before it's all said and done.

Grade: B+ | Genre: Electronica/Acid Jazz
Summary: Nomad Songs is an album worthy of your "Chill" collection and will be there for you when you need to unwind and take things easy. Pour a glass of wine and let go.

Berlin 6-piece jazzy ensemble (vocalist Lisa Bassenge, guitarist Boris Meinhold, keyboardist Sebastian Demmin, double bassist Paul Kleber, drummer Tim Kroker and producer DJ Rogall) aren't new to the industry with earlier releases, Ninesongs and Is You Is. However, on their third and latest album, Nomad Songs, they've decided to forgo their evolving electronica sound in favor of a more live approach with "tracks that work both plugged in and unplugged." Where they once took advantage of studio production time, Nomad has since become an organic mix of Billie Holiday meets Erykah Badu with a touch of The Cardigan's Nina Persson over live instruments and down tempo melodies. Don't blink because you may just miss this gem. Micatone is not a band poised to break the sound barrier or the mainstream, but they are an impressive addition to your eclectic collection that will win you plenty of cool points.

Grade: B- | Genre: Pop
Summary: Courtney Jaye has delivered an infectious collection of pop tunes that prove the guiltiest of pleasures.

It was a quaint Friday night many years ago. A friend and I had settled in at Eddie's Attic with our excited energy ready to chew on a new comer that we'd been groovin' on -- Adrienne. The evening's feature act was none other than Sugarland's Kristen Hall, a modern day classic on the Atlanta scene. Usually you know what you are getting yourself into when you walk through the hallowed doors. Occasionally, an artist will gun past your expectations to cement themselves as a must-see act. While others, an album you'd been sampling like a crack pipe falls to the way side when you see it was just the smoke and mirrors of a savvy producer. On this peculiar night, the audience gave way to a foxy young lady who made her way to the stage in order to help Kristen out by singing a song or two. Instantly, she mesmerized everyone. That night belonged to Courtney Jaye. The veteran was forced to take a backseat as this lovely voice gave us a taste of her talent and potential.

Grade: B | Genre: Power Pop
Summary: The Antidote is like a budding couple in the second month of a relationship, still searching out each other's tastes and starting to see those annoying habits. They're just not fully comfortable being themselves yet.

Morcheeba's The Antidote is a clever ticket prompting us to hop aboard a train charted for long ago. Its songs seem sealed in a pocket of time circling the late 60s, forever caught in a dance with the Mamas and the Papas. It's highly cultivated pop that slides around in your head like jet-powered lounge music. The arrangements are unique experiments in musical fusion, and Daisy Martey's vocals are quietly overpowering as they sharpen the edges to these compelling beats. The Antidote signals a fresh sunrise gleaming on a band eager to rebuild its castle.

Grade: C+ | Genre: Progressive Rock
Summary: Team Sleep's vocal arrangements and musical compositions are very capable of pushing the band further in the industry, but because they don't vary the pace enough from one track to the next, they get lost in the background and are buried deep behind the everyday thoughts running through your head.

When you are part of a genre-defining group like the Deftones, you might think that you have what it takes to parlay your achievements into success of a different form. Vocalist Chino Moreno's new outfit, Team Sleep, is a far cry from his bread and butter and strives to cover new ground that the Deftones would never go near. Miles apart from the edgy riffs of his original band, Moreno, as well as a host of guest musicians, appropriately live up to Team Sleep's brand name by taking a step back in order to turn down the volume.

Grade: A | Genre: Indie Rock
Summary: This album is a genre fusing, manic dancing, crazy kaleidoscope of sounds that are mesmerizing in their strangeness.

It's a cool summer evening like any other in the mountains of West Virginia. Beneath the pine branches rests an old one-room church where residents have gathered to lift snakes to the sky and shake their frenzied tambourines as they sing their ancient gospel melodies. While this sight is about as usual in northern Deliverance country as a Waffle House waitress minus a handful of teeth, what is peculiar is the man sitting in the back row diligently taking notes. He looks so dark and stately with his long hair under the dapper bowler hat that he could pass for the dark lord himself. As you squint closer, the lines pull together as you begin to make out a face. Could it be Jack White? What could rock's eccentric savior be doing keeping company with this lot? Inspiration seems to bloom in strange places as Mr. White delivers his most daring, quirky and satisfying work on Get Behind Me Satan.

Grade: B+ | Genre: Hip Hop
Summary: Common is staking his claim on a niche that everyone else seems to have forgotten about. Be doesn't need to be front and center, but when discovered, is where we all want to Be.

Contrary to his name, Common (formerly known as Common Sense) isn't like the mainstream rappers that currently clutter the airwaves. His style is more about substance than the bling bling flare that blinds us from the more innovative artists poised to progress the genre than to set it back. Emerging from the gangsta rap of the 90's, Common has always been able to keep his lyrical style sophisticated and literate. His latest, Be, continues the Common flow and is yet again a change of pace from the same old bland hip hop mantra being shoved down our throats.

Grade: C | Genre: Alternative Rock
Summary: Audioslave has outstanding potential, but if they keep treading down the path they've set, I'm afraid we'll never see it.

What happened to these guys? I mean Soundgarden were pioneers back in the days of bulky flannel and greasy long hair. They were one of the bands that blasted the grunge revolution into existence for goodness sake. Rage Against the Machine was certainly innovative in their "screw the Man, f@#k the system" approach to music. Yet shuffle Cornell into the deck with the Harvard educated ex-boys of Rage, and we get this bland, pre-packaged rock that is perfect for mass consumption, but it doesn't speak to us. Audioslave seems to be exactly that; a tired slave to a musical past that they drag around with them, unable to unload it to see rock's new vistas.

Grade: A+ | Genre: Brit Rock
Summary: So what's the "Truth" anyway? Is it that Oasis is washed up and beyond their prime as some may have believed? Maybe the real truth is that Don't Believe The Truth may be the album that's remembered in 2005 over the much delayed X&Y from Coldplay.

The Big Brit Rock Monster (try saying that 10 times) has reared it's progressive head and has its sights set on the musically dry US soil. This is turning out to be its year to shine with recent hit releases from Doves and Bloc Party. However, as great as Some Cities and Silent Alarm were/are, they are mere warm-ups to eminent blockbusters coming from the likes of Coldplay and today's top focus, Oasis. The time is ripe for music lovers as these big bands are rewarding loyal fans with their even bigger albums.

It's been three years since the moderately successful, Heathen Chemistry (did it even chart stateside?), and the Gallagher brothers are back and quick to tell anyone who get in their faces that they haven't lost a f*cking step. The egocentric and self-loving wankers still have the fire to knock us on our arse with their high swagger and pompous egos. They don't do much to win us over, nor do they care, but damn if they don't make great music. Don't Believe the Truth is a wake up call for all those critics who accused them of "losing it" and aims to splash water on Coldplay's over hyped pre-release campaign.

Grade: B+ | Genre: Alternative Pop
Summary: It doesn't have the stellar breakthrough songs that shifted Magnolia into everyone's line of sight, but it really doesn't need them. It offers us a winding story without a single track that can be overlooked.

Here is an interesting mental picture to doodle into your brain. Take the rather waifish, sensitive songwriter, Aimee Mann, strap on a pair of the boxing gloves, then let her loose to beat the crap out of someone. No, this isn't just another metaphor to support her heavyweight concept album The Forgotten Arm, this is Mann's new passion -- boxing. I say all the more power to you sister. Her workout routine that has transformed into her burning obsession is the fuel for the ideas of this new stellar work. Look out Hillary Swank. We've got a new feisty contender stepping through the ropes.

Grade: B | Genre: Alternative Rock
Summary: While this doesn't rise to the vision and artistry of Version 2.0, Bleed Like Me is definitely a prime disk to throw in to jack you up. It's pretty challenging to fight off a good mood and not enjoy life while listening to it.

Spring is stepping out of the way as we charge head long into summer. It's that special time of year when you can't wait to escape the chains of work each afternoon to partake in your daily run. When the male libido comes out of hibernation at the sight of super short shorts and low cut blouses as well as the perfect time to put the top down and chart your course for the mountains in an afternoon peeling around some mind-bending turns. Granted gas prices are going to put a bit of a damper on the seasonal road trip, but work with me here people. So we have the 'Vette all fueled up, we just need a little driving music to set the tone. Great driving music should have slick beats, stamped by a strong vocal presence and more than anything, be fun to listen to. Well that album is Garbage's latest effort Bleed Like Me.

Grade: C+ | Genre: R&B
Summary: Unfortunately, the album doesn't do much to break the mold of the R&B Mack Daddy. The beats are there (initially), but the lyrics are a bit trite and get old very quickly.

Since R. Kelly is busy dealing with the kids (in the Michael Jackson sort of way), the R&B world has been without a dominant soulful crooner who's all about the ladies. Copycats and wannabes have come and gone, but there still has yet to be a successor fit to handle Kelly's backstage perks.

Next in line for the job is newcomer, Bobby Valentino, who is the first act signed to Ludacris' Disturbing Tha Peace label. After endless reviews of alt rock albums, Valentino's Self-titled debut is a refreshing change of pace that unfortunately gets old very quickly.

Grade: A- | Genre: Folk
Summary: This is an album of peculiar grace and unsheathed emotion. Wainwright takes the sum of her musical heritage and collected influences to create this highly compelling work. It is brimming with a taut intensity displaying candid portrayals of a life lived without strings.

Every now and again you run across something so unexpected that it just knocks you out of the driver's seat and just takes over. I mean who could have seen a revival of 70's folk that anyone would actually want to listen to? This is a savvy second coming that sliced away the Velvetta aspects of that musically adventurous age, to retain the soft elegance packaged with the passionate charge. Welcome to the world as seen through the eyes of Martha Wainwright.

Grade: B | Genre: Rock
Summary: Songs For Silverman doesn't necessarily pick up where he left off on Rockin' the Suburbs unlike many critics have stated. Does it really need to though? After all, four years have passed where so much change has occurred. From the way we listen to music to the state of our great country, picking up where he left off wouldn't be Ben Folds.

When Ben Folds Five lost the "Five" and his two long time band mates, Darren Jessee and Robert Sledge, it really wasn't as big of a heartbreak as fans initially felt. After all, "Ben Folds" was in the band name for a reason. We knew the music wasn't over and that soon Ben Folds would leap from the ashes and give us more of the upbeat piano sound that made the original trio so successful. Unfortunately, his last release Rockin' the Suburbs jumped from one disaster and into another that was 911. Obviously, timing wasn't the best for Ben, not to mention all of America, and Suburbs was understandably ignored, critically and commercially. Now, Ben Folds is back with Songs For Silverman and aims to pick up where he left off.

Grade: A- | Genre: Alternative Country
Summary: This album takes its time in allowing you to warm to it. Each listen brings a new set of revelations and levels of appreciation.

Say hello to the hardest working man in music. This dual disk set, Cold Roses, marks Ryan Adams' sixth release since parting ways with Whiskeytown to embark on his solo career in 2000. Six albums in as many years, not to mention he has two more albums outside of Cold Roses set for release deeper this year. Truthfully, I don't know when this guy finds time to eat much less shower. Well come to think of it, he did smell a bit gamy at the last show. The prolific genius has returned to the comfort of his alt-country roots in the sprawling effort, Cold Roses. It's a sweet homecoming that is akin to sitting on the porch as the burnt sun quietly tucks itself under the swaying fields of wheat.

Grade: B+ | Genre: New Wave Rock
Summary: Listening to The Bravery's self-titled debut, it's difficult to ignore all the other similar bands currently rising up the charts. However, as long as this New York club band continues to update their sound, they will surely have what it takes to carve out their own niche.

If you have yet to get into current "It" band, The Killers, but are into 80's synthesized pop, then The Bravery's self-titled debut might be the album for you. This five-piece outfit from New York City rivals similar bands caught up in the New Wave resurgence that is currently receiving quite a bit of airplay. The Bravery (singer/guitarist Sam Endicott, guitarist Michael Zakarin, bassist Mike H, keyboardist John Conway and drummer Anthony Burulcich) takes an old sound and are able make it fresh and new. Unfortunately, they are all dressed up but a little late for their own prom because bands like the Strokes, Franz Ferdinand, and the aforementioned, The Killers have crowded the dance floor leaving marginal room for these late bloomers.

Grade: A | Genre: Pop
Summary: While they fall painfully short of their defining work, Long Distance, that shouldn't keep you from soaking up every inch of this sound. In the Clear is a heady masterpiece.

How can you not love Dominique Durand? This siren's voice is softer than the finest silk. She is a seductress among women, feeding you a bottle of select French Bordeaux as her quiet purr brushes it's way against your ear. The pulse quickens, the heart shutters as you completely surrender yourself to her sweet hum. That voice is the thing that inspires a bunch of stray thoughts to band together to form epic Shakespearean sonnets. The grand mistress pulls back the blinds, which shield us from her lacerating charm, as Ivy opens us up to their latest work, In the Clear.

Grade: C- | Genre: Pop
Summary: This is a very disappointing disk. It's not that it's bad, it's just not very good. It doesn't live up to the standard that Alana has set for herself in her previous albums.

I often wonder about artists that stick critic signal flares in the title to their albums. Like Alana here. All I can think of when I read that title is, "I surrender, I surrender. Please don't make me listen to anymore of this." Yeah it's a tad bit mellow dramatic and taken to the extreme with concerns to the album in question, but why would you set yourself up for that inevitable punishment? This release is a sticky one. If you stumbled upon it, never having heard Alana before, you may fall in love with her voice, her unique rhythms and her undeniable charm, but don't give away your heart that easily. That yellow brick road is tarnished with disappointment.