They Might Be Giants have always succeeded at lyrical dissonance. Fun, bright, upbeat melodies lift up darker lyrics about shipwrecks, cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face, and the realization that you’ll never be part of the world of…
Album Review: Haley Reinhart – “What’s That Sound?”
If you recognize the name ‘Haley Reinhart’, then you most likely recognize her from one of two sources: American Idol or Postmodern Jukebox. Everybody knows American Idol, one of the best-known singing competitions that’s launched plenty of careers. Not as…
Album Review: Shelby Lynne & Allison Moorer – “Not Dark Yet”
Not Dark Yet is the first collaborative album between Americana singer-songwriters and sisters Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer. It is a cover album, covering genres from country classics to grunge standards to modern alternative pop, and the song choices are…
Album Review: Paula Cole – “Ballads”
This is a tough album to get through. Not because the songs are harrowing, not because the lyrics are heartfelt and emotional, not because the content is thought-provoking and calls for conversation, but because the album drags on and on.…
Album Review: Alison Moyet – “Other”
Alison Moyet has perhaps the best first track off an album that I’ve heard all year. With Other, her ninth studio album, Moyet gives us a beautifully crafted electropop album. The dark and theatrical synths complement Moyet’s deep contralto, one…
Album Review: Flogging Molly – “Life is Good”
Writer Sarah Dollard aptly described “Galway Girl” by Ed Sheeran as “that fiddly dee Oirish girl song.” Those words can be applied to almost any sort of genre crossover involving Celtic music: artists want the work to draw from the…
Album Review: Rascal Flatts – “Back To Us”
Rascal Flatts have become a country staple simply because they make okay songs and have regularly made okay songs for over fifteen years. Their best known singles such as “What Hurts The Most” and “Bless The Broken Road” aren’t good,…