I'm not sure if they're going to last or not- but I have nothing but good things to say about the new Evanesence album "Fallen." If I had to label it, I'd say it was "Melodic Rock" but even that is pushing it. The singer has a beautiful voice...especially showcased on track #9. It's a good album to drive to :) We spent a good portion of yesterday afternoon cruising around town w/ the windows open blasting it...hehehe.

Foo Fighters: One by One

A good CD, just not up to par with their previous work. Usually they seem to have some really killer songs that really stand out, making the other songs (which are usually still strong) seem kind of like filler. To me this CD lacks any of those great songs, and while the songs are strong on this one, they just don't have that memorable quality that other albums had. I also think that lyrically Dave Grohl half-assed it...a lot of the songs consist of the same chorus over and over again (ie Times like these). For me it's been a great album to study to since the words are so often repeated it's not fun to sing along to and so I concentrate on doing my stuff. If youre a big fan of the Foos, then the CD is worth just to have, but if you only have casual interest, I wouldn't bother, pick up their debut CD or 'There is Nothing left to lose' instead of this one.

Red Hot Chili Peppers: By the Way


A very sonically beautiful album. You can tell the Peppers are accepting that they are growing older, and this music while energetic is so polished and tight.
It furthers RHCP's position (in IMHO) as the most talented mainstream band of my lifetime. Flea is without a doubt one of the best bassists ever (only Les Claypool comes to mind as anyone better). John Frusciante continues to amaze and he really stands out as one of the few guitarists of the 90's and 00's to have a distinctive style that can be picked out from other songs (like the RHCP's sample on Crazytown's "Butterfly"). Chad Smith doesn't have the type of "Wow" factor as Blink 182's drummer or the amazing power and metronomic consistency of Dave Grohl, but his drumming is perfect for keeping the music tight. His drum beats are always perfectly placed. Anthony Keidis is everythign you could ever want in a front man, and lyrically he's very interesting, as well as being very talented at singing and rapping.

The album itself is just a great easy listen, the melodies and harmonies are wonderful without feeling forced. It doesn't have the type of power singles that 'Californication' had but song for song this is the stronger album. I would definately reccomend this CD if you liked Californication.

Mainstream jazz
 

I just purchased Ray Brown's Jazz Cello, a reissue of a Verve LP from 1960 (yes, I'm old) :p . Great stuff -- wonderful sound, Brown's cello sounds like a deep-toned guitar, "cool jazz" backing with a French horn and lots of ensemble unison.

LINKIN PARK- Metorea

I am a huge fan of LP and their new album came out yesterday. I got the limited version, which contains a DVD of the creation of the album. I haven't watched it yet, but it's supposed to be pretty good. Anyway, the album is a little heavier than the last first one, but it's still wonderful. I highly reccomend checking it out.


Jadey