It falls just a smidge short of the amazingly high bar set by their peers. [Oct 2011, p.107]

Much of Sisterworld has a decidedly seasick feel punctuated only occasionally by angular blasts of carnival-esque speed. All told, it's more than enough to satisfy and just enough to keep you guessing. [Apr 2010, p.126]

Low Teens perfectly captures the history of the band into one solid release. If you’re looking for something new or completely groundbreaking, you won’t find it here. You will find an incredible album that grows with every listen.

Its pattering Jamaican rhythms and Indian drones well matched to lyrics that ruminate on revolutions both political and personal. [Jun 2012, p.84]

Chalk a point in the "win" column for the old school. [Dec 2010, p.116]

In the case of the Used's fifth proper LP, the exact opposite could be said--we hear too many singles. Or would-be singles, that is. [Apr 2012, p.89]

A little too close to the mainstream for comfort. [Jan 2003, p.91]

The songs on The King Is Dead don't collapse under the weight of their lite-FM armor; conversely, they endure in spite of it. One way or another, the Decemberists write good songs, regardless of how they're gift-wrapped.

All Night Radio broadcast more personality than [Beachwood Sparks]--and frame it with a maniacal smile. [Apr 2004, p.88]

Atlas may lack the overall inventiveness of Kinky's self-titled debut, but the album still finds the Mexican electro-funk rockers in fine form. [Feb 2004, p.88]

Fila's prowess on bass and guitar keeps the music feeling more composerly than other, more sample-heavy excursions. [Apr 2002, p.74]

It's clear that Paws can have fun while stopping short of their exterior goofiness. [Nov 2012, p.92]

The Chems have returned to the early-'90s acid-house exuberance that first inspired them. [Feb 2002, p.67]

Beyond the necessity, Birdie is a record that teeters an indie/emo line with ease and a sense of hybridity. Press “play” for a sense of melancholic calm.

Man Man are still digging around in a diverse bag of influences. Fortunately, they keep pulling out winners. [Sep 2013, p.90]

Lateralus could have been released four years ago, for all the sonic progression that's contained (or not contained) within its 79 minutes. [Jul 2001, p.57]

What Challengers lack in immediacy, it makes up for brain-teasing melodies and majestic orchestrations. [Oct 2007, p.162]

Another solid addition to a nearly peerless discography. [May 2017, p.82]

The duo of Mc Eyedea And DJ Abilities have always possessed more potential than they've realized and By The Throat doesn't change that balance. [Aug 2009, p.110]

Mostly, Hug Of Thunder feels like a sign of maturity to complement a more weathered and warm approach to songwriting that includes a lot of electronic pulses and skybound singalongs.

It's as dreamy as Mercury Rev have ever sounded. [Oct 2008, p.161]

It's a solid first salvo from a band who clearly have the chops to make a serious stir. [Sep 2014, p.105]

Almost half of the album is bolstered by huge beats and pulsating bass. Even so, the disc's bet tracks are the ones that don't employ this formula. [Sep 2012, p.92]

Arguably his most solid collection of folk-based tunes. [Apr 2005, p.116]

Portamento is a dramatic, bitchy and playful collection that can channel the aforementioned grief through the Drums' lively fingers, and come out effervescent on the other side.

Even when he's sticking closest to the sound that made him famous, it's a kinder, gentler variation. [May 2007, p.150]

A slick, synthed-up, unabashed party. [May 2014, p.92]

With a renewed, stripped-down focus, Fortune is some of their best stuff yet. [May 2014, p.88]