5 comments about Core.

1. Although it's been said many times, many ways... this album is fantastic. At the height of the grunge movement came a band that followed, created, and stepped away from the trend that was music at that time. The DeLeo brothers brought a gritty edge to the table, while Scott Weiland crooned and crowed his way into all of our hearts.



2. I am always loathe to place the classic label on anything, but I am going to pull it out here. For whatever reason, this is the only album from '90 to about 2003 that is in my play rotation. Most of my listening has evolved into 60's and 70's classics that predate myself. This is the one exception. An album full of great, rocking songs. "Sex Type Thing" is right up there with "Whole Lotta Love", "War Pigs", "Shoot to Thrill" and "Enter Sandman" as far as I am concerned for absolutely ROCKING songs. The rest of the album is filled with great, memorable tunes that have aged very well. Along with Led Zeppelin II, and Back In Black, my favorite hard albums!!!



3. Despite the fall of an era as Stone Temple Pilots split (prior to 2008) a generation of hard rock enthusiasts/ circa grunge sound of the early 90's came to an end. Albeit STP never wanted to or really liked the title of being "a grunge band" they were closely associated with the sound and as a major factor in contributing to its evolving scope. That is, they were boxed into a genre they didn't see as fit, and as the band grew with albums beyond "Core" the sub genre dwindled, to the gratification of many musical intellects and band members... the undercut was the worst haircut of all time.
   
   However, this album review is about their debut collective, named "core" hard, distorted and in general loud, this album provided power chord riff's with melodic vocals reminiscent of past blues rock-come-country singers that broke out into their own sound. Tracks listed in a particular manner that helped compliment each song, one after the other.
   
   Needless to say, this album is what made stone temple pilots who they were destined to become. It provided a niche fan base that would follow the band right through to Shangri-La Dee Da and Thank Youdespite their experimental and evolving sound post- Purple( now listed on amazon.com as self titled???)
   
   Tracks making the honour list are : Wicked garden, Sex type thing, plush, dead and bloated and creep all making my personal list for some of the greatest music to come out of 1992.
   
   Nostalgic, heart warming for a guy who was on the verge of growing up, skateboarding and liking girls for the very first time, this album has a place with me always, a good listen for background tunes, driving, and just having a good time. Raw and uneven, I love that the imperfections that people might see in this album are anything but that to the devote STP community.



4. This is a must have for any fan of rock music. Songs like "Crackerman", "Creep", "Sex Type Thing", "Wicked Garden", "Plush", and "Dead and Bloated" are classics.
   
   Get this album!



5. I know what you're thinking, so I'll say it right now: these guys sound a lot like Pearl Jam. You know "Plush"? One of the two colossal hits on this album? A scorching riff party? I always thought it was by Pearl Jam! Now, I love the song. It's some of the best imitation Pearl Jam I've ever heard. That doesn't stop the fact that it's still just imitation, of course. It's not earth-shattering, but it rocks hard, and it has a brain, and it's catchy, and the guitars are fantastic. But don't worry, this isn't pure stealing from Pearl Jam. "Where the River Goes" is among the best faux-Zeppelin tracks I've ever heard; and "Creep" sounds like a mix of Alice in Chains (the vocals and trancelike atmosphere) and Nirvana (the dynamic shifts near the end). Not one song features the group distinctively striving to carve out their own style. Now, if anyone tries to tell you these songs are bad - and a lot of "hip" critics will - they're being overly judgmental. You see, this is good imitation Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Led Zeppelin and Nirvana. Originality does count for a lot in music, but sometimes some good simple rock and roll can really deliver: outside of the three songs I just mentioned, the totally unpretentious, basic rocker "Sex Type Thing" is my favorite song on the album. I also like "Wicked Garden", too, even though again it's totally unoriginal. Same for "Piece of Pie" and "Dead and Bloated". Solid rock songs, but you've certainly heard both before, just by different titles and different bands. And in no way is this a perfect album. Hence the 3.5. See, I don't like "Sin", overlong and dry. Or "Naked Sunday" - what's up with the echoing drums? Another trick they took from Zeppelin. And "Crackerman" is a dull, trite mess. Let's not talk about the interlude "Wetting My Bed", either. I actually don't see why critics ripped this for being so derivative - sure, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam are awesome, but neither is terribly original, either. It's a fun rock album though.

5 comments about Fire Songs.

1. I love this album. I believe it was worth every penny. For those who are fans of the indie?folk genre should defiantly own this album. Even if you are not the biggest Indie fan it is still a great album for car rides or just sitting at home. this album will not disappoint. It has such a good vibe to it that you can't help but feel very happy when listening to this album.



2. This is really an amazing album and I disagree with the review that says this version of "Just Like Heaven" has nothing on the Dinosaur Jr. version. The Watson Twins' version is beautiful. However, the rest of the album is nothing short of amazing. I had the opportunity to see Chandra and Leigh live and they did these songs brilliantly live. The two are also incredibly welcoming and friendly- I got to talk to them for a good half hour. If you listen closely to the album, the music is very intricate and subtle. I can't say there's a single song that I don't like. There's a nice mix of upbeat and mellow songs. The Watson Twins haven't yet gotten the recognition they deserve but I guarantee that they will. What an amazing full-length debut. I can't wait to hear what they come up with in the future.



3. Fire Songs is the full length follow-up to The Watsons Twins' self-released EP. It's a good record. As an avid fan of The Cure, I think they do a great folk version of 'Just Like Heaven.' Standout tracks are opener How Am I To Be? and Only You. If you liked The Watson Twins first EP then you'll certainly enjoy this but if you're looking for a folk record as good as Joni Mitchell's Blue then maybe you'd better set some realistic expectations before giving Fire Songs a spin.



4. ... especially like the cover of the Cure's Just Like Heaven. It's country in the way Neil Young is country (i.e., not really)



5. The Watson Twins are incredibly talented and this album is a solid purchase for any fan of outstanding songwriting. A special treat is a wonderful cover of a classic love song by The Cure. My only concern with this album is that it is very, very mellow. Other than the opening track and perhaps one other, all songs are slow and somewhat sleepy. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but a bit of variety could have raised the value of what is nonetheless a great album.

5 comments about Karma and Effect.

1. I picked up this CD a month ago, and have tried many times to listen to it, but I haven't even finished the CD yet. I find it bland and boring and will probably return it.



2. i adore Seether! listen to this all the time! and timeliness of the shipping was great!



3. I got the brand-new, shrink-wrapped CD within a week and a couple of days of ordering.



4. I must say that I like Disclaimer the best, but seether certainly didn't mess this one up. It is a very strong CD that digs in deep to the soul.



5. Seether is a bad that grows on you over time. The second album seems to have matured the band in that the songs are more interested to listen to and the angst exhibited by the band is more pronounced. It is a good album to listen to when you are exercising or doing something you don't like to do (i.e. shoving snow) it that is gets your energy going and makes what you are doing more enjoyable. Hopefully they will continue to mature and separate themselves from the pack of other post-grunge bands.

5 comments about Dookie.

1. This album is a 90's masterpiece. I'm so tied of "true" punk fans that whine about Green Day not being punk enough. They combined perfect melody with fast punk riffs better than anyone. People will still be listening to this album 20 years from now.



2. Dookie is the best album of Green Day! It still packs the rawness of its "Sweet Children," days but has the new shine from Reprise Records. And even though this album isn't my favorite (that would be Warning, which was released on 2000) it is still better than all their other albums combined, far better than American Idiot.
   If you want to experience Green Day as they used to be, and know and understand what the oldie Green Day fans cherish, this is the album to buy! So besides rushing out to buy American Idiot just because a lot of the fans now are comprised of people who never really knew about this band till its release, advise you to, just buy Dookie and see if you like it. Because mostly Green Day is comprised of that sound and taste, this IS Green Day at its finest!



3. I remember hearing this cd way back when I was in fifth grade and I still listen to it once in awhile. Its far from there best cd but contain the classic tracks Longview, Welcome to Paradise, Basket Case, and When I Come around. The whole cd flows well and I recommend it to anyone who likkes music. Its too bad they started the whole crappy pop punk scene we have now.
   
   By the way, Longview is one of the greatest songs not only of the 90's but of all time.



4. This was another album I loved in middle school. MTV loved it, Rolling Stone loved it, so I bought it. It's catchy pop music. Sorry, but it's not punk music. Not even close. This is fun pop music but nothing particularly insightful or ground breaking and will not stand the test of time.



5. The multi-platinum success of this album brought Green Day into the mainstream of pop/punk bands. Their following consisted of mainly teeny boppers and their copy-cat kool-aid dyed hair, yet the band had songs that you couldn't help but sing along to. The songs are witty, funny and catchy, so you can't help but like them. When this CD came out the band was worried about not being in the "punk rock" category after selling millions of records, but who cares? If the music is good then it's good.
   
   Yes, there is nothing original about Green Day or the songs on "Dookie", however singer Billy Joe still writes clever, catchy songs. So if you're into bands like The Buzzcocks, The Ramones or the Clash, you'll like Green Day. Most memorable songs on the album are "Long View", "Basket Case", "Welcome To Paradise" and "when I Come Around".

5 comments about Extreme Behavior.

1. LA VERDAD QUE LLEVABA TIEMPO SIN COMPRAR UN CD QUE PUEDIERA ESCUCHAR COMPLETO. PUES HINDER LO HA HECHO POSIBLE. SENCILLAMENTE, ES UN BUEN ALBUM PARA EL OIDO, DE PRINCIPIO A FIN.



2. I have to admit I was a bit turned off by the over playing of Lips from an Angel on the radio. They have so many other great songs that were only played like once or twice. I saw them live and it opened my eyes to their ability to tear it up! A great CD to have! I wish it would have encluded their cover of Take Me Home Tonight!



3. Every song on this CD is good; it's rare to find that these days. I recommend it 100% - totally worth it!



4. Hinder sounds so forced and contrived.......I just don't get these guys, at all....reference the other review on Fozzy...that's a great CD that deserves a million times more attention. All that Remains Reloaded...CD of the year...you heard it here first!All That Remains Reloaded (W/Dvd)



5. Nothing really new here..........I'd skip and just get the new Fozzy CD/DVD if you want something new for Rock.

5 comments about No Deliverance.

1. This is an album where you just put it on as background music, and probably will never find yourself humming one of the songs. It doesn't always feel the albums should all be on the song, and nothing really memorable, but it's just your standard "rock".



2. Remember when bands like Lit and Splender and The Gin Blossoms were big? Around the same time, there was also a little band called Toadies that was getting some big play with their debut album Rubberneck. But even with the massive success of their first album, their label didn't approve of their second album and it was never released... so it wasn't until 2001 when they put out their second album, and by then a lot of their fame had died down and they ended up breaking up.
   
   But now they're back with a new album (and a pretty similar sound). No Deliverance reflects the rock mentality that the band has come to represent to many, but also manages to keep it a little lighter on songs like "Song I Hate" and "Don't Go My Way." What's impressive is that the band sounds equally good with either style (though I prefer the more melodic tracks).
   
   No Deliverance as a whole is a fairly decent album - it just sounds like it was recorded in 1999 rather than 2008. Fans of the band will not be disappointed, but they're unlikely to pull in new listeners.



3. It is not fair for me to review this CD since I was not familiar with this group. I was never a hard rock fan. The recordings are thundering but clear, and transported me back to the late sixties and early seventies.If that is its goal, then it achieved it well.



4. I'd heard a lot of hype about the Toadies, and with them coming to play a show in my town I figured I'd give them a listen. Initially reminiscent of a slightly twisted combination of Weezer and Linkin Park, I wasn't sure I cared for them, but they have sharp lyrics and a consistent, tight sound. I'll probably break this album out for parties more than personal listening, but I'm glad I finally gave them a try.



5. The band seems to be all over the place on this album, as if they are trying to settle on a style. I wish they had made that decision before heading to the studio.
   
   Of the nine songs (I refuse to count "I Want Your Love" as a song), I was mildly amused by two or three of them (So Long Lovely Eyes / Song I Hate). By the second time through I found myself trying to determine what band each song sounded like.
   
   For example, Song I Hate should have been on an Everclear album. Think: "I will buy you a new life".
   
   Anyway, three times through was enough to be certain that I don't need to hear any of them again.

5 comments about Second Gleam (Dig).

1. This album is much quieter than their last, but is just as thoughtful and melodic as ever.



2. Fell in love with this group listening to the Emotionalism. This EP is just as good. Murder In The City and Bella Donna are my personal favorites.



3. The Second Gleam (2008, Ramseur) The Avett Brothers' fourth studio EP. **1/2
   
   The Avett Brothers are a definitive college-esque band. Hippie circles love 'em and they've got enough spunk to attact even offended ears, but on The Second Gleam, the energy is lost. That in itself is not the problem. In fact, if anything, it shows maturity. However, the material is just downright dull from start to finish. In fact, only on "The Greatest Sum" do soulful vocals actually appear, as the rest of the EP is dominated with cliche remembrances of love, family, and death. To say it is bad is one thing; awful, certainly not. But what makes it bad is its own laziness, which is a cumulative would-be effort of simple rhythms and lyrics.



4. I am the Avett Brothers most avid disciple, so you're hearing nothing negative from me. The Second Gleam must be listened to repeatedly, it's like reading the Bible, you get something new from each song with each encounter. There's a finish to this CD that's satisfying in a different way than their first Gleam, and I love it too. It is not the rollicking footloose Avetts like in concert, it's the intropective soulful Avetts. Love them. Love the Second Gleam.



5. It seems to be a little more depressing than emotionalism. But these songs come from the heart. A must have for any avett fan.

5 comments about Young Modern.

1. This band never goes away. You figure by now they would have vanished into oblivioun after grunge died. However, they keep re-inventing themselves. This isn't as good as their early work, but it's still good. I give them credit for changing with the times.



2. If you ever have seen the movie Brain Candy by the Kids in The Hall, this is like a mirror image of the transformation of the band in that movie, from hard rock with awesome riffs and chunky, fun to listen to guitars, to singing about Happiness Pie. I saw Silverchair in one of their first concerts in NSW in 1994, and this is not the same band. I know artists have to 'grow' and 'transform', but this sounds more like Drop City circa 1995, also from OZ. Too Bad.



3. I am used to the Silver chair that rocked. This new Silver chair is not at all what I want to listen too. I am so diappointed with the songs on this album. Not one rockin song like on their first album. I am glad I listened to it on here first before spending my money on it.



4. AMAZING!!! Silverchair continues to progress and put out some of the best music in the world. They are soooo very underrated in the States, and that is so sad! Daniel Johns puts out another fantastic set of inspiring and blissful songs that are truely timeless and will be enjoyed by those that are blessed enough to have discovered them for many many years to come. This album and Diorama are must haves for any true music lovers collection!!



5. Silverchair has evolved. Some of their fans should try evolving too. If you can't understand the genius of at LEAST the first 5 songs on this album, then go find a new band to listen to, cause this isn't your band anymore and they've passed you by. Why are people SO INSISTENT that things stay the way they are??? Let's not take this too seriously folks, the band obviously doesn't, and I think that's what makes this album so amazingly brilliant! If you're not afraid of change, BUY THIS ALBUM! If you are, go listen to the same song, by different artists, played over and over again on your local rock station... Ohhh, fun!

5 comments about Brighter Than Creation's Dark.

1. I have a couple of DBT previous efforts, and love them all and rate this up with all I have listened to, for the simple reason that the emotional resonance of the material is far ahead of, and more real than whats gone before. I'm sorry previous reviewers but just because you don't do P (Crystal Meth)and thats a good thing, isn't reason to not try and understand a corner of society and the message being conveyed. I wonder just how some people listen to music. Do you just switch off when you don't like the subject material? (Oh that doesn't suit my small town sensibilities, I will skip this track and give a bummer review)This music is challenging, dark and sometimes scary. Its not better or worse than previous efforts its of a time and a place both in terms of the band and of the environment being talked about. I'm looking forward to listening to Brighter than Creations Dark over the next couple of years and making sense of its many parts and enjoying the dark themes and storys.
   
   A seriously good band. Not commercial but the producer of serious tales of the twisted American south.



2. Let me start off by saying that I love the sh*t out of this band! They have never done a weak album. Sure, some are better than others, but fans tend to get spoiled after the likes of Southern Rock Opera, Decoration Day, the Dirty South and the fantastic Live at the 40 Watt DVD.
   
   I've noticed a bit of rumbling in the ranks since the release of A Blessing and a Curse. Even Patterson Hood has had some misgivings about that album. But it still is quite a fine album when compared to the sad state of rock 'n' roll these days. As far as A Blessing and a Curse is concerned, the longer I owned it and played it, the more it grew on me. DBT albums tend to be that way.
   
   Which brings us to the subject at hand, Brighter Than Creation's Dark, the latest release by DBT. The album is clearly transitional, and not just because Jason Isbell has left the band. The record also showcases the softer, "acoustic" side of the band more than any other previous release. Then there is the emergence of Shonna Tucker as a songwriter and vocalist. John Neff also rises to the occasion with extremely atmospheric pedal steel guitar (Jesus, his work on "The Opening Act" is beyond evocative and atmospheric and really makes that tune the highlight of the album), tasty slide and electric lead("3 Dimes Down") and gorgeous acoustic lead guitar ("Perfect Timing", which sounds like some bastard child of the Grateful Dead's Workingman and American Beauty period with a touch of Reckoning thrown in). It also includes the incredibly wise keyboard playing of veteran sideman Spooner Oldham whose timing is deliciously and perfectly off-kilter for the Jack Daniels meets heroin sound of the DBT.
   
   Hood's nine contributions to the album vary in quality and style, the best being the aforementioned "The Opening Act" (which is just killer), "Two Daughters and a Beautiful Wife", "Daddy Needs a Drink" and the lethargic "Monument Valley". Patterson's, "That Man I Shot", has powerful and ferocious guitar work which lends to the moral dilema of the song's subject. But the tune, as brash and furious as Hood's interesting lyrics are presented, lacks an interesting bridge. "The Righteous Path" is another interesting lyric which is set to a plodding repetitive simple chord progression which seems borrowed from "The Buford Stick", but the latter song was more interesting. The thankfully short, "You and Your Crystal Meth", is about as interesting musically as an anti-drug TV ad - very forgettable on a musical level.
   
   Hood's other midling efforts for this album include "The Home Front" (an Iraqi war veteran's wife's story) and the suicidal and monotonous "Goode's Field Road".
   
   Shonna Tucker's three contributions to the album deserve more credit than most have given them in previous reviews. The rockin' "Home Field Advantage" has the makings of a hit, although perhaps it should fade out during the dissonant "jam" at the end for the single edit. "Purgatory Line," is gorgeous and atypical of DBT, exposing the possibilities still yet unexplored by this band. "I'm Sorry Huston," leaves plenty of mystery in its lyrics' story line and the melody is palpably mournful. I encourage Shonna to continue her pursuit as a songwriter. She's got some interesting stuff to be heard.
   
   Cooley's always accessible contributions to the album are a welcome interval between the stylings of Hood and Tucker. Mike weighs in with seven tunes, the best of which are "Ghost To Most" (this is classic DBT), and the gorgeous, if not somewhat melodically predictable, "Checkout Time In Vegas." "Lisa's Birthday," might be melodically and subjectively tried and true, but dammit I love this tune. "Bob," is also a cool, melodically simple, yet complex character study done with an economy of words ("He might kneel but he doesn't bend over"). "Self Destructive Zones" is a graet tune melodically, with a lyric which puzzles me at times. The aforementioned "Perfect Timing," has really tasty acoustic guitar by John Neff which really dresses the Cooley tune up nicely.
   
   Cooley's earliest effort on the record, "3 Dimes Down," has stellar slide and other guitar work by John Neff. The track begins in a completely promising fashion with great guitar riffs and interplay with a sound reminiscent of the Stones and Faces in their heyday. It's a great song but I wish it had another verse at the end instead of two verses and a long instrumental bridge and ending. Seems like this tune, like this album, falls 25 cents shy of a slice of the Doublemint Twins.
   
   Still, a DBT album that falls short is ninety nine times better than anything else out there. I give it four stars! So rock on and enjoy it. Play this CD frequently until you are able to see this great band when they come to your town. Make sure you're in a Jack Daniels frame of mind. It's the heroin of booze.



3. I wanted badly to like "Brighter Than Creation's Dark." When I first heard the title of the album, I hoped DBT would revert to some of the hard-edged flare of "The Dirty South" or "Southern Rock Opera." Unfortunately, this latest Trucker's release is far too time-consuming and far too short on substance. While there are certainly some jewels on this disc ("The Man I Shot," "Two Daughters and a Beautiful Wife," and "A Ghost to Most"), there are several forgettable tracks. "Brighter Than Creation's Dark" suffers from the Guns N Roses "Use Your Illusion I & II" disease of foregoing a great, compact release for a lengthy average work. The CD is arguably nine songs too long. The Truckers should have released "Brighter Than Creation's Dark" as a solid 10-song disc. Far too often bands release too much filler on discs these days instead of giving listeners a solid, shorter work. As much as Shonna Tucker improves the visual image of the band, her songwriting hurts "Brighter Than Creation's Dark." The three tunes she offers on the release are forgettable at best ("The Purgatory Line") and just plain horrible ("I'm Sorry Huston"). Maybe Jason Isbell should have stayed on with the band and sent Shonna packing. Of course, Shonna isn't the only offender on "Brighter Than Creation's Dark." Mike Cooley also offers up a few duds ("Lisa's Birthday" and "Bob") as does Patterson Hood ("You and Your Crystal Meth" and "Daddy Needs A Drink"). All said "Brighter Than Creation's Dark" could have been a great album if it were trimmed down and cranked up a bit. Too often the album plods along at a SLOW tempo seemingly forgetting the band has its roots in Rock and Roll. If DBT keeps up at this pace, I may throw myself off Lookout Mountain to save the trouble of enduring another such slipshod collection.



4. When that first song started up, I was immediately transported to "Little Bonnie", which to me in retrospect was one of the few bright spots on the last album. I recently lost my daddy, so DBT's have been on repeat pretty much. "Two Daughters and a Beautiful Wife" is, simply put, my favorite song so far of the last year of new releases. I often find myself sitting out in the cemetery, watching the rain fall onto the windshield of my truck as the lonesome banjo rolls on and the pedal steel wails directly into my heart. The harmony is absolutely breathtaking, and I've shed more than one tear listening to this song.
   
   The rest of the album holds up to the very lofty expectations that the first song creates. As a southern family man, "The Righteous Path" made me think of the 'notice of foreclosure' I got one time right when our economy went to hell.
   
   I have to say that Shonna's introduction on this album as a contributing singer/writer is something new and beautiful as well. I hope she keeps doing her thing for a long time to come. Patterson, Easy-B, Cooley, and Shonna have accompanied me on this hell-trip called life for a good while now. This album will get me a few miles further down the highway. It'll do the same for you too.



5. I have been a faithful follower of this band for a long time and I must say that the last two albums have really been disappointing. The band clearly misses Jason Isbell, if not on the guitar side, but definitely on the songwriting and creativity side. After listening to this album, I've decided that Cooley is the only thing that keeps this CD from being sold to the highest bidder. Also, I know that the band loves Spooner Oldham, but I can't listen to any of the songs that have his awful Wurlitzer playing a half-step behind the rest of the song. It's like fingernails on a blackboard!! Three Dimes Down is a great song until I hear that da%n organ thing in the background, it's AWFUL!!! DBT, please stop experimenting and adding member's and get back to what made you popular, And that is down home, southern fried, gritty rock and roll.
   It's a true disappointment.

5 comments about Into the Sun.

1. I want, no need to see this two great bands tour together. Great cd. Breath Me is a epic.



2. Candelbox is back and they're just as good if not better than their first critically acclaimed self-titled album. I wanted to put this album on the shelf after 1 go around in my cd player but found myself listening over and over again and I am still listening. If you like good ol' honest rock and roll with good guitar licks, banging drums, and solid vocals you will surely appreciate "Into thee Sun". The Cd opens up with the first track "Stand" featuring gritty lyrics and guitar licks reminiscent of "You" from their debut and rolls along to the soft and memorable track "I Miss You". Track 7 (How Does it Feel") will satisfy those looking for something harder and will not disappoint. "Breathe Me in" is a blusey rock ballad alla "changes". "Into the Sun" is a change of pace record in a sea of mediocrity. Buy it listen to it and enjoy it as much as I have.



3. After being a Candlebox fan from the begining I was hesitant to buy their new disk seeing as it's been so long since their last release, however it turns out to be a great cd. It's a little less "heavy" if you can call it that, than past cds, but song writting is great as well as the guitars. Kevin's voice still rocks too. Get it, you won't be disappointed.



4. 10 years flew by and it's like they never left. Yes it may be reminiscent of past music but that is why we love Candlebox in the first place. The bluesy riffs, the ripping guitar, the keyboards, the earth shaking drums and of course the incredible vocals that range from defiance to heart melting. Just saw these guys live at a local bar, how cool is that, and they rocked, studio quality in a live performance. I am glad they are back and really hope they stay.



5. First, I think it's pretty small-minded, and shows a real lack of descriptive language skills to feel it imperative to group artists such as Candlebox into the "grunge" category. Stop it. They were not grunge then and they are not grunge now. Grunge was a label silly record execs slapped on a handful of bands in the early 90's, all of which had very different sounds. Do Pearl Jam and Nirvana sound even remotely similar? Not to me.
   
   Eddie Vedder has long had my heart and attention as the the best, most distinctive voice in rock n' roll.
   Kevin Martin is the runner-up. He can lull you with a soft, brittle breeze and in the next instant jerk you awake with a powerful, staccato sense of urgency delivered like a surprise tornado straight to your bread box.
   
   The writing is mature and anything but shallow (THANK GOD! Don't know about you but I've had enough of the write-easy-catchy-get-money rock that's so in since 99' or so).
   
   Look, it's good. It's really good. If you know anything about them, you already want the record. If you've never heard them, but your heart is more than half an inch deep, check it out. If your favorite band is Maroon 5... you might want to pass on it.
   
   K.