"Alligator" is easily the National's best effort and quite possibly one of this year's finest records.

A through-and-through classic.

"Faith And Courage" is head and shoulders above what came before it. In fact, it is brilliant.

A landmark work by one of country's singular artists. [4 Mar 2006]

CYHSY is at the best point in the lifecycle of a band: un-styled, simply produced and deserving of the hype for what is -- quite possibly -- a nearly perfect album.

The kind of record from which careers are made.

To say there isn't one bad track on this album would be a drastic understatement.

"Separation Sunday" is not only these Brooklyn transplants' best work to date (far surpassing the critically mis-hyped debut from last year), it is one of the grittiest, realest New York rock albums to come out since the Trouser Press folded.

A monumental step forward in the progression of the group's sound.

"Solitary Man" may lack the immediate impact of its predecessors but is no less a masterpiece.

A masterwork of insight and delight.

"Light" is considerably harder-edged and less accessible than the poppier tunes of their fellow Canucks, incorporating bits of soul, blues, punk, noise and even avant-jazz, in dizzyingly fresh ways.

It is some of Fagen's finest work to date.

This is some of the most accomplished indie rock you're likely to hear.

The third in a trilogy of introspective masterworks sees no decline in genius but an uptick in rockability. [20 Aug 2005]

Hill lets her vocal gifts soar on an outstanding group of songs. [7 Aug 2005]

"Savane" is without question one of the finest efforts in his legendary discography.

One of his finest hours.

What makes Equilibrium special is the wonderfully atmospheric combination of Shipp's most minimalist playing and Jamal's glowing vibes; the rhythms, too, have a hypnotic sense of groove.

An extraordinarily potent recording, one that will likely be among 2001's best.

A consistently moving, subtly beautiful experience.

One of America's greatest bands has never sounded better. [19 Nov 2005]

A wonderfully offbeat blend of atmospheric folk and lo-fi rock that never fails to charm.... One of the year's most well-rounded and consistently satisfying albums.

"Stars of CCTV" is that rare British import that lives up to the advance billing.

Steve Earle adds yet another masterwork to his disparate collection of classics...

"Kid A" immerses listeners in an ocean of unparalleled musical depth. It is, without question, the first truly groundbreaking album of the 21st century.

Power pop just doesn't get any more powerful or poppy than this, with all three singers in fine form and the band -- all high-strung keyboards and frenetic drums -- blazing away at the speed of sound.

The duo wisely experiments with a wider variety of moods and melodies.