Music Reviews on EdgeCurve.com

Asleep at Heaven's Gate by Rogue Wave

EdgeCurve Rating:
Asleep at Heaven's Gate
by Rogue Wave

I've been a fan of Rogue Wave since "Out of the shadow". Even though it's a California band, Rogue Wave's sound is the perfect soundtrack for driving around in the rainy and dreary Pacific Northwest cities. Somehow it just fits. This new album is no different. Well, I take that back. According to the description at Amazon.com, this album was plagued with problems both personal and technical. But the band pulled it off anyway. Regardless, check it out. Especially if you're going to be driving through the cozy nieghborhoods of Seattle or Portland. Try it!

More information:
- Asleep at Heaven's Gate on Amazon.com
- Full review at EdgeCurve.com

So Much More by Brett Dennen

EdgeCurve Rating:
So Much More
by Brett Dennen

This is relaxing guitar/folk music that is almost a perfect combination of Bob Dylan and Dave Matthews. Perhaps I like this because I'm not a big fan of either of them (though I have great respect for their talent). Brett Dennen has a great voice and uses it to sing intelligent lyrics. Highly recommended.

More information:
- So Much More on Amazon.com
- Full review at EdgeCurve.com

Into The Wild by Eddie Vedder

EdgeCurve Rating:
Into The Wild
by Eddie Vedder

This album was written specifically for a new film called "Into The Wild". Being a huge Pearl Jam fan, I'm predisposed to liking anything and everything that Eddie Vedder does. This is no exception. It's an album full of mellow, semi-acoustic songs by Eddie Vedder. Like another review said, "It's not a PJ rocker". The only drawback, and unfortunately it's a major one, is that it's short. It's only slightly over the 30 minute mark and you're definitely left wanting more. Regardless, this soundtrack will please a lot of people, Pearl Jam fan or not.

More information:
- Into The Wild on Amazon.com
- Full review at EdgeCurve.com

Zeitgeist by Smashing Pumpkins

EdgeCurve Rating:
Zeitgeist
by Smashing Pumpkins

Is it just me? Or are the Smashing Pumpkins just not as good as they once were? I mean, they put out some songs that are arguably classic rock. I was a big fan! But this new album just feels flat, with one song after another of the same beat and guitar sound. There's less hooks, which isn't always a bad thing, but these songs sound muddled to me. Granted, I'm not a knowledgeable (or even respected?) music critic. But I know others share my tastes so I trust them. I really tried to like this but it just isn't going to happen unfortunately.

More information:
- Zeitgeist on Amazon.com
- Full review at EdgeCurve.com

Rodrigo y Gabriela by Rodrigo y Gabriela

EdgeCurve Rating:
Rodrigo y Gabriela
by Rodrigo y Gabriela

After hearing great reviews from their Bumbershoot performance in Seattle this past weekend, this disc is my new fixation - it's now on constant rotation at my house. Two people, Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero, play guitars in a lively Latin way. This isn't the Mexican music you hear in chair restaurants. A few of these songs are a re-working of rock songs like Stairway to Heaven and Orion. Others are simply bouncing and fast. Vibrant and wonderful, highly recommended.

More information:
- Rodrigo y Gabriela on Amazon.com
- Full review at EdgeCurve.com

Half the Perfect World by Madeleine Peyroux

EdgeCurve Rating:
Half the Perfect World
by Madeleine Peyroux

I can never remember how to spell her name. Luckily Amazon.com's search is good at guessing. Anyway, Madeleine Peyroux's second (or third?) album, Half the Perfect World, is simply excellent. This isn't party music, or exercise music, or dance music. It's chill out at home while you read or have dinner with someone special music. It's French-inspired Jazz-like music. This music is a lot like Norah Jones but without that put-you-to-sleep vibe.

More information:
- Half the Perfect World on Amazon.com
- Full review at EdgeCurve.com

Kala by M.I.A.

EdgeCurve Rating:
Kala
by M.I.A.

Kala is M.I.A.'s second album. Take some native world beats, throw in some children's nursery rhymes, and serve with sides of gangsta rap and pop music and you've got a main course called Kala by M.I.A. This is not dance music and it's not relaxing music. In fact, I don't know what mood it's for. But I'm trying to find one because it's interesting. It's like a lot of other music, but not like anything else. It's such a strange mix of styles and sounds. It was, after all, recorded in several different countries. And M.I.A. is from Sri Lankan but lives in London and sings with a British accent. This makes truly global music.

More information:
- Kala on Amazon.com
- Full review at EdgeCurve.com

Live at the Gorge by Pearl Jam

EdgeCurve Rating:
Live at the Gorge
by Pearl Jam

I was actually at this concert in 2006, the first show. PJ played two shows at the Gorge that year. Both in around 110 degree heat. It was amazing. Such beautiful scenery with vintage Pearl Jam playing. We got the classics, Alive, Black, etc. This set of 7 discs spans 3 live shows, about 100 songs all told. It's all here. This is a must for PJ fans.

More information:
- Live at the Gorge on Amazon.com
- Full review at EdgeCurve.com

CeU by CeU

EdgeCurve Rating:
CeU
by CeU

Ceu's debut is my favorite album of 2007. It's a hip. mellow combination of bossa nova with a bit of an edgy electronic side to it. And yes, it does sound like it's from the speakers of a coffee shop or Pottery Barn...but that doesn't have to be a bad thing. In this case especially. Just put this on while relaxing at home, or driving around some city at night. You'll find yourself coming back again.

More information:
- CeU on Amazon.com
- Full review at EdgeCurve.com

Version by Mark Ronson

EdgeCurve Rating:
Version
by Mark Ronson

This album by Mark Ronson is a lot like Thievery Corporation. He's re-mixed existing songs with lively electronic background music and and beats. Normally I'm not a huge fan of re-mixed versions of cool songs but this is somehow different. I especially like the Lily Allen and Amy Winehouse tracks. Overall, not bad at all.

More information:
- Version on Amazon.com
- Full review at EdgeCurve.com

Carnavas by Silversun Pickups

EdgeCurve Rating:
Carnavas
by Silversun Pickups

The genre "modern rock" doesn't really work as a way to describe something. What was modern in the 90's is not exactly modern today. My point is this: the Silversun Pickups is modern-sounding rock. It sounds ahead of its time. If that makes it "modern rock" so be it. Their sound is aggressively chilled - just plain cool.

More information:
- Carnavas on Amazon.com
- Full review at EdgeCurve.com

Alright, Still by Lily Allen

EdgeCurve Rating:
Alright, Still
by Lily Allen

It's pop music, yes, but it's a fun listen. Lily Allen has a sharp, sharp tongue. The lyrics range from funny to painful and the tunes keep a lively, clean beat. LDN, Alfie are a couple of my favorites. But most of the songs are witty, feisty and fun. One thing to note, there are TWO versions of this album. There is a "clean" version and an "unedited" version. This review and link to the album are for the unedited version.

More information:
- Alright, Still on Amazon.com
- Full review at EdgeCurve.com

Weekend in the city by Bloc Party

EdgeCurve Rating:
Weekend in the city
by Bloc Party

Oh Bloc Party, what happened?! It was very hard for me to admit this, but I don't like the new album. I'm a huge, huge fan of "Silent Alarm" but this follow-up just doesn't work for me. Is it just the sophomore album that many bands have trouble with? Or is "Silent Alarm" not going to be topped? Granted, there are a few good songs...but the boring ones detract from them.

More information:
- Weekend in the city on Amazon.com
- Full review at EdgeCurve.com

Not Too Late by Norah Jones

EdgeCurve Rating:
Not Too Late
by Norah Jones

Maybe she should change her name to Snorah Jones. Zzzzzzzzz. This album is not nearly as good as her other stuff. On her debut album her songs were distinct, mellow, and a little jazzy. This latest album is borderline easy listening. There is no edge whatsoever. Norah still has an amazing voice and that's worth a star...but give me music that has a bit of flavor!

More information:
- Not Too Late on Amazon.com
- Full review at EdgeCurve.com

Ta-Dah by Scissor Sisters

EdgeCurve Rating:
Ta-Dah
by Scissor Sisters

This is almost wussy pop music that I'm ashamed to like. Well, not almost, it is...but I still like it. It's catchy, fun, and clever. It sounds a little bit like Elton John and the band Garbage get together and make music after being influenced by the theme song of Baywatch. As an album it works too. All the songs complement one another as they explore life and death.

More information:
- Ta-Dah on Amazon.com
- Full review at EdgeCurve.com