Artist: Foster The People Album: "Torches" Released: May 23rd, 2011 Written By: Jim Weekes Rating: 5 out of 5 Points   For those of you who listen to a top 40 radio station (ahem) then you’re no stranger to the infective hit single, “pumped up kicks” by California indie band, Foster the people. These guys busted onto the scene out of nowhere (like most hit makers do.) Pumped up kicks circulated airwaves for months without an album to accompany it. On Tuesday may 23rd, their debut album “Torches” was finally released to the public featuring 3 of their EP Singles including “pumped up kicks.” Up until the album’s release, a part of me wondered if foster the people was just a one trick horse, an infectious single that would dominate for months and then they’d disappear as quickly as they came. Luckily, I’m here to tell you that Torches is as infectious an addictive as their hit single. The true talent here comes in an album that is not only catchy with songs that can all easily become radio hits, but just excellent songwriting and musicianship. These guys are gifted to say the least and not a song on this CD is dull nor hinders the entire experience. Every single track is as good as the last right up until the final track. This is an album I’ll be listening to over and over and I assure you, never tire of. The greatest downfall of a single is that after being played 50 times a day, you get tired of it. With pumped up kicks, that was never the case. I love it as much now as I did the first time I heard it and that’s how every song on this album is. This album comes highly recommended and is a pretty cheap purchase too, so what are you waiting for!? Key tracks: “pumped up kicks” “Call it what you want” “Houdini” “Color on the walls (Don’t stop)” “Life on the Nickel” “warrant”

Artist: Greenday Album: "Awesome as F**k" Released: March 22nd, 2011 Written By: Mark Di Stefano Rating: 5 out of 5 Points   Green Day is one of the biggest bands right now. Their success with 2004’s American Idiot was thought to be the height of their career. However, with the repeated success of their 2009 Grammy winning album 21st Century Breakdown, they once again proved that they’re not taking it slow any time soon. Along with their Tony Award winning play based on their American Idiot album, it seems as if Green Day is on top of the world. So what could this band do that could still keep their fans coming back for more? Release a new album. Awesome As F**k is the newest album by the band. It’s a live album, with songs played everywhere from Dublin to Japan. This is their second live album, the first being 2005’s Bullet In A Bible. The album opens with “21st Century Breakdown”, the opening anthem to album of the same name (much as “Jesus of Suburbia” was to American Idiot). The live version explodes with electricity and raw attitude as only Billie Joe Armstrong (Vocals/Guitar), Mike Dirnt (Bass), and Tre Cool (Drums) can deliver. The energy throughout the album doesn’t let down one bit. The thing that separates this album from Bullet In A Bible is the fact that album was recorded in Milton Keyes over two days, and this album was recorded in many cities around the world. When looking at Bullet In A Bible, it’s easier to tell how the audience is reacting to the entire show, whereas with their most recent work, the songs are plucked from different venues, so there isn’t a definite answer to how the crowd is reacting throughout. However, this is merely the only issue, because when the band makes you get up from your seat and makes you sing along, not much else seems to matter. The selling point here though is that unlike Bullet In A Bible, which had songs predominantly found on American Idiot, Awesome As F**k features songs from all of their albums, including such songs as “Who Wrote Holden Caulfield?” and “Going To Pasalacqua”. The main reason though one should pick up this album is that it features a rarely played song by the band, “Cigarettes and Valentines”. The story behind this track was that this song was a part of songs that Green Day recorded for their then penned album Cigarettes and Valentines. The master tapes of the recordings were stolen from the studio and they were lost for good. Instead of re-recording the tracks, the band decided to go on a different route, recording new material that would then become the rock-opera epic American Idiot. “Cigarettes and Valentines” offers a glimpse into what route Green Day would have taken if those recordings weren’t stolen. The song sounds like something off of Kerplunk or even Dookie, like a modern day version of “Welcome To Paradise”. Billie Joe sings right at the start, “I don't wanna go back home//I don't wanna kiss goodnight//Let us paralyze this moment til it dies”. The sound and lyrical content proves that even before American Idiot, the band has never really lost their punk spirit, they just redirected it towards a political and social message about the current status of America. However, it seems illogical to focus on what could’ve been instead of what they are now, or a matter of fact, what they still are. They’re still one of the greatest rock bands to come out of the nineties, and no matter what they do next; they will have a loyal following. This live album is a testament of their legacy (so far).

Artist: Dropkick Murphys Album: "Going Out In Style" Released: March 1st, 2011 Written By: Mark Di Stefano Rating: 4 out of 5 Points   This year, two of Irish Punk’s biggest bands drop their new albums this year. Before Flogging Molly’s Speed Of Darkness drops in May, Dropkick Murphys’ new album, Going Out In Style, came out this week. Going Out In Style, the band’s newest album in nearly 4 years, doesn’t stray far from the sound that fans grew up with long ago. The album is a concept album of sorts, telling folklore stories from the band member’s families, real and fictional, and created a character to represent their views, Cornelius Larkin. The fictional character has died, and this album is a testament to his life. The concept isn’t really complicated, so fans are in tuned with what’s going on. Concept or no concept, the album is filled with great songs. The album opens up with a bang with “Hang ‘Em High”, a no-holds-bar tune. “We’ll hang ‘em high for justice and the whole world will see//Now off with their heads boys and bring ‘em to me”. “Battle Hymns”, one of many ballads, is a somber tune. “But the last car it was silent, they listened close but they couldn't hear//It was laden down with coffins, that didn't speak and couldn't cheer”. “Deeds Not Words” is a track that opens up with bagpipes blowing and guitars blazing away. “Sunday Hardcore Matinee” is a track that explores rebellious youth. “Time to hit mom's pocket book four bucks you're in the door//Minor Threat, the Bad Brains who could ask for more?” One of the biggest surprises on the album is a cameo by someone that invented rebellion and liberation, Bruce Springsteen. The Boss sings with the guys on “Peg O’ My Heart”, a punk love ballad at its very core. The Boss fits in well with these guys, singing about love and screaming in unison. The songs here wage from love, rebellion, and of course, songs about drinking. Dropkick Murphys are a band that’s been around for quite some time. While they have had mainstream successes and gained a popular following, the band doesn’t need to tour big stadiums or make hit after hit. They’re about keeping the shows intimate for their fans, and for making the music they want to make.

Artist: Radiohead Album: "King of Limbs" Released: February 14th, 2011 Written By: Sarah Stubler Rating: 2 out of 5 Points   Alternative rock band Radiohead formed in 1985. They have released 8 studio albums, 4 live, and had 22 singles over the years. Their seventh studio album Rainbow was digitally released and costumers could set their own price. Their latest album King of Limbs was released February 14 2011. The album opened with the track Bloom. This track was mainly instrumental with very few lyrics as were most of their songs. It was very slow paced fading in and out making for a good introduction. It is my opinion that the next song Morning Mr. Magpie did not pick up the pace enough. The introduction set the stage for a great album however Morning Mr. Magpie, fails to continue off of the foundation laid by the introductory track. For the most part the vocals were muffled by the music and very hard to decipher. The one song in which the vocals stood out Give Up the Ghost was extremely depressing. The song begins with off with what sounds like bird begins as though it may be a happy. Soon the happy façade was shattered. Throughout the entire piece the back up vocalist chanted doesn’t hurt me. Overall I would not recommend the album. I would give it 2 out of 5. The instrumentals complex however it was lacking something that helped hold the listeners attention.

Artist: Cake Album: "Showroom of Compassion" Released: January 11th, 2011 Written By: Kristen Randall Rating: 4 out of 5 Points   Who doesn’t love cake? Well after a seven-year break, the band came into 2011 with “Showroom of Compassion”, its newest studio addition to the repertoire. In this album, Cake brings a variety of sounds to the table. They do a consistent job of keeping to their signature sound of a heavy bass-line and a plethora of horns, but the lyrics and overall feeling exhibit an array of character. The album starts out with a few tracks of darker, surprisingly emotional lyrics. It is not until track five, Mustache Man (Wasted), we see them pick up the tempo and bring back their mockery type, happier vocals. Although they found a method of lyrical variation for this round, many of the songs sound very, almost too similar to each other. In their most popular tracks, So Sick of You and Long Time, you definitely hear the old Cake sound- although Long Time does have a taste of a new poppy vibe. Overall, “Showroom of Compassion” is a satisfying fix to our long lasting craving for Cake to come back into the music scene, and is much welcomed by old and new fans.

Artist: Weezer Album: "Death to False Metal" Released: November 2nd, 2010 Written By: Jim Weekes Rating: 3 out of 5 Points   Let it be clear that this is not a studio album but a compilation of b-sides ad rarities from Weezer’s past albums. I was expecting to come on here and say something like, say….I don’t know, “there’s a reason these songs were unreleased..” or something similarly tacky, but this is a fairly impressive album. There are only ten tracks and despite the album’s short length, at least half of it is great stuff. Sure there are some bad seeds in there but there usually is. The best part about the album is the catchy cover of “Unbreak my heart” by Toni Braxton. I like that the album doesn’t seem to take itself seriously. I was a bit concerned that Weezer has been a little too overactive lately with their release schedule….After “Raditude” I wanted them to just stop and take a breather before they did something else they would eventually regret. However, after the release of Hurley, and Death to false metal, it’s safe to say that Weezer seems to be back on track.  We’ll just have to wait until they release another album next week (joking of course.)

Artist: Senses Fail Album: "The Fire" Released: October 19th, 2010 Written By: Carolyn Mcmenemon Rating: 3 out of 5 Points   The Fire is the post-hardcore band Sense Fail 4th studio album released. This album was released on October 25th and features their newest member; guitarist Zach Roach. Senses Fail began working on this album after their original guitarist Heath Saraceno announced he was leaving the band. The album, featuring all of the original band members with the addition of Roach, is "are a reaction and a release of a whirlwind of emotions that came from fighting for what we love and dealing with change and growth both personally and creatively". Senses Fail tends to be one of those over looked cliché emo bands that many assume to be pretty non talent. I’m usually not into the intense pop punk genre but I think with each album released Senses Fail has gotten stronger. With the addition of Roach I think the musical accompaniment to already strong lyrics will greatly improve. The Fire shows how the band is attempting to broaden their spectrum a bit. Fans won’t be disappointed by this. The album and songs hold many similarities to the first 3, but there is enough of a change where t is almost like a 2.0 version of their old stuff. I think this album is their most emotional one. The lyrics for every song are very intense and it’s difficult to not get caught up in them. Personally I liked Coward and Hold On the best. To me these were the most original. Overall all of the tracks were good, but songs like “Nero” where to familiar to older songs to be called “original”. Notable Tracks: -Coward -Landslide

Artist: Keller Williams Album: "Kids" Released: October 2010 Written By: Rating: 5 out of 5 Points   Today there is a large fan base that follows bands like Phish, Umphrey’s Mcgee, and Moe. These “jam-bands” focus on long instrumental songs and have a stigma of bringing in people that enjoy, well not being sober when seeing the show. Gaining fame throughout the 90’s jam-bands, tour the country for the majority of the year and bring in loyal fans wherever they go. Normally consisting of at least five members these bands use a range of instruments to create a mind blowing display of musicianship and showmanship. Keller Williams’s fits into this role, only his band consist of just himself. Often referred to as a one man jam-band, Keller uses all the same instruments that other bands do, but he loops drums and vocals, all while playing a intense guitar solo, or playing on a keyboard. He is truly a musical genius and to see him in concert is an experience that few have come across before. Primarily going across the nation touring, Keller is no stranger to the studio, having made fifteen albums; he is constantly providing fans with new material. Typically you can anticipate instrumental songs, with upbeat lyrics, maybe with a little humor in them as well, (he fits the stoner profile after all). With his October 22nd release titled Kids, Keller breaks away from his niche by incorporating his own children singing, in a album for kids. Now if you are only a fan of Keller to hear the usual mix of his style, this album may let you down, it is after all a album geared towards children. With such titles as Taking A Bath and Mama Tooted, fans can come to their own conclusion as to whether they want to invest in the album. My pitch for the album is that because of Keller’s voice, tempo, and enthusiasm, any parent that enjoys putting on a CD while they drive their kids around, this album would be a great sing along, ride along, family bonding experience. To all others that enjoy jam-bands, any other of his albums or concerts will fit your fancy. This break in character is a fun and anticipated release, Keller rarely disappoints and to parents of youngsters, Kids is a must have.

Artist: Mumford & Sons Album: "Sigh No More" Released: Written By: Mark Di Stefano Rating: 4 out of 5 Points   It’s hard to classify what genre this band can go under.  They’re not just a folk band or a rock band or even a bluegrass band.  The band pulls elements from all these genres to create something special. Hailing from London, Mumford & Sons consists of Marcus Mumford (Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin, Drums), Ben Lovett (Keyboards, Accordion, Vocals), Country Winston (Banjo, Drobo, Vocals), and Ted Dwane (Double Bass, Vocals).  They rose onto the scene in America recently, having just releasing their debut album, Sigh No More, and circulating the late night television scene. Right from the very start, the music keeps rolling away and it keeps the listener intrigued throughout.  The pounding of a Bass kick drum along with the plucking of the Banjo and Drobo helps keep a thunderous and exciting pace.  The piano keeps things interesting with the chord changes, tying everything together.  The fast rhythmic dictation of the guitar helps by giving the rock aspect to the group. What makes the album great is the vocal harmonies.  The lead vocals by Marcus and the harmonies by the other guys help bring the folk sound to life.  Their voices all intertwine with each other to create something special.  The lyrics are very upbeat and positive, which pushes the album forward.  On the title track, Marcus preaches “Love, it will not betray you//Dismay or enslave you, it will set you free//Be more like the man you were born to be”.  There are darker moments, such as on the hit single ‘Little Lion Man’, “But it was not your fault but mine//It was your heart on the line”.  It’s as if the lyrics and music mesh together to create something unique and wonderful. Produced by Markus Dravs (who produced albums by Arcade Fire and Coldplay), Sigh No More is a great album that has to be checked out.  Whether you’re a rock fan, a folk fan, a bluegrass fan, or a music fan in general, it doesn’t matter.  Mumford & Sons is for everyone. Explicit lyrics are found throughout (there is no Parental Advisory warning).     Key Tracks: “Little Lion Man”    &“The Cave”

Artist:The Script Album: "Science & Faith" Released: September 2010 Written By: Amanda Landcastle Rating: 3 out of 5 Points   You may have heard the songs “Breakeven”, “We Cry”, or “The Man Who Can’t Be Moves” before. Well, these very popular pop/rock songs come from the debut, self-titled album from The Script. This Irish band has escalated to fame from this CD that sold more than 2 million copies worldwide. The Script’s recent album release, “Science & Faith”, sent me some mixed signals. The 10 tracks are about love gain and loss, social and economic hardships, and the hope that things will get better. This band has released some amazing songs that have been able to touch the hearts of so many, but the songs from this album I feel won’t leave any kind of lasting impression on the listener. Sure, they are catchy and easy to relate to, but that just isn’t enough to cut it. I’m not saying the album is bad; it is just hard to enjoy it as much as their debut album. Although the lyrics are riddled with heartbreak and struggle as the band portrays stories of break-ups and economic misfortune, the main themes in this new release are love and hope. I know, it’s confusing, but The Script has the ability to remain high spirited and successfully depict these themes not just through lyrics, but through their upbeat melodies and optimistic view on the world and the complicated situations in life. Here is where the mixed feelings come in. The songs drag on, and maybe this wouldn’t be my perspective if I wasn’t comparing to their “real” talent from their first album, but that is something that I’ll never know. There is not a lot of variation between the songs, and it is easy to know every word to every song and still have no idea which lyrics or melody belongs to which song. The first track, “You Won’t Feel A Thing”, tricks you into thinking that Science & Faith is going to be just as good as their last album. It is a good song with a message of chivalry, love, and struggle with a very captivating melody. As the song ends and transitions into “For The First Time”, the CD’s first single, it is easy at first to tell it is a different song, but after a while they blend together. It is the same story through the whole album. For some reason the band switched up their musical style towards the end of the album; incorporating a kind of rap into some of the songs with a whole different tone of voice. “Dead Man Walking” is an incredible song, but I got the feeling they tried to change their style too rapidly, and frankly, I got tired of the song after listening to it a few times due to the constant repeating of the chorus. “This = Love” and “Walk Away” incorporate this new found style and are, yet again, very good songs, but I don’t understand the drastic change. All in all there is no reason not to own this album. All of the songs are enjoyable, just lacking the spark that many expected from The Script’s previous release.

Artist: Linkin Park Album: "A Thousan Suns" Released: September 14th, 2010 Written By: Ian Wheaties Rating: 5 out of 5 Points   Linkin Park’s most previous album, Minutes to Midnight had left many Linkin Park fans in utter bewilderment of what had happened to the progressive band. Many feared that they had done what Green Day had done and went political. Many feared that the band had turned its back on their roots. But there was a glimmer of hope that the Linkin Park of old still remained. This glimmer of hope was their hit single New Divide off of the Transformers II: Revenge of the Fallen soundtrack. The single spent 31 weeks on the Billboard Rock charts peeking at number one and spent some time on the Hot 100 where it peaked at number six. The road was paved and the world eagerly waited for what was to come next. A Thousand Suns was prefaced by a note from the band that opened with “We were not making an album. For months, we’d been destroying and rebuilding our band.” The album preface continues to attempt to elaborate on what you are about to hear, and why the band decided that these 15 tracks were the ones to make it out of the hard drive that they had filled with their “abstract sounds”. The Album, when listened to, may seem as 15 individual tracks thrown onto the standard 90-minute disk mailed to Warner Brothers with a brief note saying, ‘for mass reproduction’. However, the album is a look into the human story, in all of its glory along with its greatest atrocities. The album opens slightly differently than any other Linkin Park album. The album does not open with a track of instrumentals and sound effects; it opens with what could be described as a helicopter rolling through a war stricken area. During the Requiem, the first track off of the album, the theme which becomes the refrain of the Catalyst is introduced, which then moves quickly into the infamous 1965 interview where he declared “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds”. The album later features a part of the “Bodies upon the Gears” speech by Mario Savio, a student activist during the Civil Rights movement. This speech was the frame in which Wretches and Kings is set. For those of you that only hear the radio single, check out the album version because the track loses some of its coherence without the speech. Immediately following Wretches and Kings a soft piano begins to play to the voice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. But this was not a speech about civil rights it was an excerpt from his 1967, “Beyond Vietnam” speech. When the band decided that they wanted their album to reflect the human story they meant exactly that. There were many negatives of the Album. For example in Mike Shinoda’s album debut his masterful lyrical prowess is nowhere to be found. Another short coming of the album is that it is lacking the “hybrid” sound that made them famous. There are portions of the album where Mike and Chester Bennington are singing in harmony, very similar to Minutes to Midnight. My other complaint about the album is that the band has still stood back from their hybrid sound of past albums like Hybrid Theory and Meteora. If the band had moved back to this the album would have gained much more applause from both critics and fans alike.

Artist: Brandon Flowers Album: "Flamingo" Released: September 14th 2010 Written By: Carolyn McMenemon Rating: 4 out of 5 Points   After so much success as the lead singer and keyboardist of the popular alternative rock band The Killers, front man Brandon Flowers has stepped out and released his first solo album titled Flamingo. The album was released on September 14th, but many of the songs had been leaked onto the internet already. The album starts off with the track; “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas”. This is the closest to an “upbeat” song that you’ll find on this album. A majority of his songs are mellow and slow, with a bit of melancholy thrown in. Many might be asking, what makes his solo stuff any different then what The Killers put out? I mean he is their lead singer…right? I found that Flamingo exhibited way more of Flowers vocal range then before. I always felt that a majority of The Killers songs have their lyrics overpowered by the music. Flamingo allows you to get a rawer feel of the vocal range that Flowers has to offer. Yeah the musical accompaniment is similar to The Killers albums, but there is a definite difference with the vocals. For me tracks like “Crossfire” and “Swallow it”, were too familiar to songs that The Killers had produced. Crossfire, the first single release, good have easily appeared on the album Day & Age. But my favorite tracks like Hard Enough (A duet with Jenny Lewis that I have had playing on repeat) and Was It Something I Said were valid attempts at something new for Brandon Flowers. These tracks had a different instrumental tone to them that was more than the typical rock tone of The Killers. All in all, very good attempt for a first solo album, but I’m hoping for the next solo album he’ll branch out a bit more. Do I think it was that different from any of The Killers albums, not so much. It still included the same old sad love songs those Killers are famous for, but with the chance to hear more of just Brandon Flowers it’s well worth the buy.

Artist: Weezer Album: "Hurley" Released: 09/14/2010 Written By: Jim Weeks Rating: 4 out of 5 Points   Weezer’s album, “Ratitude” had left a bitter taste in the mouths of many disappointed Weezer fans. Had weezer sold themselves out completely? Well I’m here to say Weezer might just be making the return that fans have been waiting for with “Hurley”, the album that is just as loveable as the “Lost” character that the album’s name is inspired by and whose picture is featured on the front cover. The album itself of course has nothing to do with the character, but is a nod to the nerdy nature and personality that not only signifies Hurley as a character but “Weezer” before hitting mainstream success. Also, I could just imagine “Hurley” jamming out to this on the mysterious island….right before his batteries die. This raw/old style Weezer is trying to return to is also furthered by the fact they signed on with independent label, Epitaph Records, removing themselves from the big name producers and what have you. The album starts out strong with “memories”, commonly being referred to as some weird Killersesque song. This is probably the best track on the album in my opinion. The second track, “ruling me” sounds like something straight out of the blue album or pinkerton, with a raw energy that hasn’t been seen from the band in a long time. I found myself a bit disappointed in the main stream sound of track like, “trainwrecks” and “where’s my sex?” because they sound way too similar to the corny mainstream tracks that made the Red album and Raditude so unlikeable. I also found myself quite in love with tracks like, “smart girls”; which will surely be the geek anthem for the ages, and “time flies”, a grungy/mellow outro to the album. I’m not going to tell you this album is flawless because it isn’t, due to some moments of over produced sounding “cheesiness” but it just might be the best thing that Weezer has created since the green album and to some that’s enough to put a smile on the faces of every geek rocker out there.                                                                                                                         Key tracks: Summary:                                                                                    1. “memories” Pros:  -weezer is back…not entirely but almost.                         2. “Ruling me” Best album cover ever                                                     8. “smart girls”  Cons: some tracks still feel a little overproduced or forced

Artist:Billy Boy on Poison Album: "Drama Junkie Queen" Released: Written By: Sophia McKissick Rating: 5 out of 5 Points   Billy Boy on Poison’s debut album, “Drama Junkie Queen,” released only July 7th of this year. As far as debut albums go, it’s a good one; if you’re a rock lover, you will probably find something you like. Davis LeDuke’s voice caresses your ears with velvet or gravel, depending on the song; the guitar chords play hard and heavy, smooth and simple, or slow and intense. Billy Boy on Poison also does not make the mistake of super-long, repetitive songs, a pet peeve of mine. All but one is under 4 minutes, providing the balance of a full-bodied song and staying fresh and interesting. From the upbeat, catchy “On My Way,” to the somber, intense “4 Leaf Clover,” to the almost hypnotic, carnival-like “Higher Power,” Billy Boy on Poison brings a wide array of sounds to their CD.  “Drama Queen Junkie” features ten songs, and I have to say I like them all. My favorites are the three mentioned above, as well as “Saturday’s Child” and “Another Lonely Start.” I know, I know, that’s half the CD right there, but there’s a lot to love. “On My Way” is a fun and funky number that puts me in mind of the White Stripes, most likely for the alternating smooth, punctuated, and screaming voice of LeDuke. (The song, however, like its companions, are all Billy Boy on Poison. Though they claim influences from Dylan, David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Radiohead, Hendrix, and many more, Billy Boy on Poison retains a nicely distinctive sound, even as they switch between styles.) “4 Leaf Clover” is a much more solemn piece, smooth and heartrending, that calls on images of broken people in a broken home. “Higher Power (And Other 12 Step Programs)” literally puts me in mind of a carnival, albeit a cynical, demented one. “Saturday’s Child” is another upbeat song that sings of girls and rebellion; “Another Lonely Start” slows it down again for love and pain and loss. All together, I definitely recommend this album for any fan of the rock genre; there’s something for just about everyone. I can’t wait to see what they produce next.

Artist:Owl City Album: "Ocean Eyes" Released: Written By: Rating: 5 out of 5 Points   With YouTube, Myspace, Facebook, and other sites being used to release music, rather than through the traditional route of music labels and contracts, releases like Ocean Eyes may become more and more popular.  Owl City, a musical act consisting solely of Adam Young, a 23-year old who creates music in his parents’ basement, sings of love, Seattle, and fireflies in a synth-pop style on Owl City’s 3rd release (first on a major label, Universal Republic Records). Highlights of Ocean Eyes include “Cave In,” “Fireflies,” “The Bird and the Worm,” and “Umbrella Beach.”  All of the aforementioned songs are upbeat, with synth/electronia qualities and tongue-in-cheek lyrics like “If the bombs go off/ The sun will still be shining/ Because we've heard it said that every mushroom cloud/ Has a silver lining.” (“Cave In”) While the songs are mainly all of similar style and tempo, the topics are all different enough to garner attention from the listener.  Where else could someone find a song about going to the dentist (“Dental Care”)?  Lyrics like “’Open up nice and wide,’ he says peering in/And with a smirk he says ‘don't have a fit,/this'll just pinch a bit,’ as he tries not to grin,” may seem simplistic and childish at first, but are delivered in a way that force the listener to question if the lyrics are symbolic of something else. Two notable exceptions to the standard style on this album are  “The Tip of the Iceberg” and “Vanilla Twilight”.  “Iceberg” is different in the fact that it’s a full-blown “club” song, with a heavier and faster beat, while “Vanilla Twilight,” a song of lost love, is slower, reflexive, and sadder sounding compared to the rest of the album. Overall, Adam Young, as “Owl City”, has proved his musical genius in writing, producing, and arranging the music on Ocean Eyes and creating a spectacular album.  The synth-pop nature of the album is refreshing compared to the boring pop music of late, but not too over-the-top to turn listeners off.

Artist:The Decemberists Album: The Hazards of Love Released: March 24 , 2009 Written By: Rating: 3 out of 5 Points   In many ways, the Decemberists’ career path mirrors that of an aspiring actor in the way that they have worked their way up from doing amateur hour to the bar scene all the way to an experienced, well-tuned machine of emotions. Their involved story lines and themes are very refreshing in today’s “bubble gum, lip-synching” pop music world. The Hazards of Love, their major-label debut, mixed the chamber-pop sound of piano and various stringed instruments with dense progressive-rock passages that evoked nothing so much as the 1970’s music of Jethro Tull mixed with a splash of Yes and a pinch of Pink Floyd. Not too bad of company to be in, if you ask me. The Portland, Ore., band's latest is another album-length fable, this time about a woman named Margaret, her shape-shifting forest-dwelling lover William and various obstacles such as an evil queen, a murderous rake and the chilling suspense of “happily ever after”. Not only are there different characters, there are different vocalists to portray them. Decemberist’s front man Colin Meloy voices William in his reedy tenor, and Becky Stark from the group Lavender Diamond sings Margaret's parts in a high, pretty voice. Shara Worden of the band My Brightest Diamond plays the queen with phenomenal passion. The story unfolds over 17 tracks that draw from a broad sonic palette, with acoustic guitar and accordion on the tender "Isn't It a Lovely Night," uneasy, but pleasant friction from violins on "The Queen Approaches" and fast plucking guitars and foreboding organ on "The Abduction of Margaret." It's a far-reaching and ambitious album, stronger than its predecessor and full of wondrous wordplay and vivid imagery -- so vivid, in fact, that a whole entire play could be made from the album.

Artist: Armor for Sleep Album: Smile for Them Released: October 30, 2007 Written By: Sydney Astafan Rating: 3 out of 5 Points   Armor for Sleep’s newest album “Smile for Them” reveals the sense of people not being truthful to themselves. The lyrics show the constant idea of people being fake in a high school setting. The single, “Williamsburg” seems to show the band’s resentment towards their home town along with deep detachment from the more popular peers. The single “Somebody Else’s Arms” tells the story of the typical teenage drama that comes with relationships. Their lyrics sound like a winy tale of heartache that everyone has gone through. The first track of this album “Smile for the Camera,” stirs up the notion of what is truth. Fame and cameras can often set up a world that is not real and becomes a front to hide the truth. The lyric “Love what you got ‘cause you love what you got,” shows that people should enjoy living, without getting caught up in false images that cameras can bring. While most songs on the album have fast rhythms and guitar distortion, there is one track that stands out on this album. The song “Snow Globe” is a slower track catering to more of a meaning outside of high school. It gives a more mature outlook through the lyrics. The last track on this new album “Stand in the Spotlight” seems to sum up the entire album. This album creates a combination of ideas that bring the album into a complete circle when listened to. I predict the next single to be the track “Lullaby,” because of the similar lyrical content. This track expresses what motivates people to keep going, while staying distant from the truth. Armor for Sleep is a band that seems to be directed towards the junior high – high school audience. This band, with there instruments along with their vocals sounds similar to My Chemical Romance and Fallout Boy.