The Roots are unconventional and brilliant in “And Then You Shoot Your Cousin”
The Roots have been a model for longevity and continual growth within hip-hop as well as the music scene for almost as many years as they’ve been active in it. Over 20 years in...
The Black Keys dole out another masterpiece with “Turn Blue”
As a band with Grammy-winning fame, the Black Keys have produced music that has become familiar to audiences of all different genres, ranging from ‘60s blues to modern alternative. Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney...
Coldplay’s “Ghost Stories” tells a familiar story with an unfamiliar tune
Ever since their release of “Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends,” Coldplay has steered away from their more traditional alternative and indie rock sounds of acoustic guitars, piano riffs and anthemic...
Lykke Li’s “I Never Learn” is heart-wrenching, if redundant
Lykke Li is no stranger to heartache. Her debut album, “Youth Novels,” and its successor, “Wounded Rhymes,” have each had their share of the blues, and Li proceeds to sing the same tune with...
“Nikki Nack’s” catchy beats suit many different moods of listeners
Before listening to “Nikki Nack,” Merrill Garbus’ third full-length album under tUnE-yArDs, I had listened very little to the music project before. I had them recommended to me, but for whatever reason neglected to...
“Breathing Statues” does little to distuinguish Young Magic from other EDM artists
Young Magic has always been a hybrid group, able to mix electronic and pop with global elements. The group is comprised of Isaac Emmanuel and Michael Italia, who both come from diverse backgrounds. Emmanuel,...
Damon Albarn’s “Everyday Robots” brings intense emotion and hypnotizing lyrics
Damon Albarn may just be the hardest-working man in show biz. He was the frontman of popular '90s alternative rock band Blur, the vocalist and main songwriter of experimental-electro band Gorillaz and collaborated with...
“Transitions” bores audiences with repetitive guitar riffs
Initially, I expected that a two-man band originating from Stockholm would not fail to provide a unique and interesting sound that differed from normal alternative and indie rock bands. Unfortunately, with the release of...
“The New Classic” fails to define Iggy Azalea as a standout star
If you have listened to the radio anytime in the past month, then Iggy Azalea should be a familiar name to you. The 23-year-old Australian rapper and rising pop sensation has become a staple...
“Illmatic” takes listeners to Queens, 1994
Within a rough timespan of a year, beginning mid-1993 and ending mid-1994, hip-hop presented some of the greatest and most influential albums within the genre. Wu-Tang Clan had “Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers,” A...