AltWeeklies Wire
The Hold Steady Do Exactly That on 'Stay Positive'
The Brooklyn rockers do what they do best on their latest album.
Q-Tip Goes Back to (Old) School
Former Tribe Called Quest leader is is classic form on his first solo album in eight years.
Kanye West Flips the Script with a Bold Attempt at a Pop Record
On 808s and Heartbreak, his fourth album in five years, West has made something close to an anti-hip-hop record.
Spring Forwardnew
Critic John Brodeur does some spring cleaning and writes a round-up review of discs that have been collecting dust on his desk.
Tags: Decemberists, Picaresque
All Things Must Passnew
Throughout his new album, John Davis sounds like a man freed from bondage. For the first time in a while, he is really singing -- and playing -- from the heart.
Tags: Davis, John Davis
Shooting Blanksnew
Imagine the rock world’s version of The Real World (or, more appropriately, The Surreal Life). Take one estranged-and- palpably-frustrated backup band; add one charismatic (and often socially troubled) lead singer -- preferably one who hasn’t had a hit in a while; stir in a liberal dose of media hype; and, voila! Instant million-seller.
Tags: Velvet Revolver, Contraband
Hiphop Hooeynew
So we’re told that Eminem is “just another group member” when he’s rapping with D-12. That’s not necessarily incorrect, but every group has an overachiever, and let’s be honest: D-12 wouldn’t be anywhere without their old buddy Marshall.
