Sly and Robbie provide an adequate musical magic carpet for the singer to float on, but it fails to complement her as much as it should. [#11, p.108]

There’s a wealth of experimenting going on in the studio with Puzzles Like You, and it creates a timeless A.M. radio sound. [#14]

[They're unquestionably still the same band, but--just like many of their longtime listeners--they're all grown up now. [Nov/Dec 2014, p.63]

While it's good to have Rodriguez writing her own material again, it's also nice to have talented friends. [Jan-Feb 2013, p.94]

Untamed Beast is more of the same but with a ratcheted-up rock-and-roll attitude.

What it lacks in real energy and excitement is more than made up for with a deep sense of place and atmosphere which truly consumes the listener.

It's familiar territory for fans, and a fun passage in his substantial discography. [Aug/Sep 2012, p.123]

Musically, the 17 songs here are mostly dark and sweeping, Amos hesitatiing to provide the big melodies to latch onto, rather roping the listener in with a feelinga and entrancing with her lyrics. [Summer 2009, p.64]

Though Wildlife is undoubtedly meditative in nature, the most solemn and somber album in the band's catalog thus far, one can also hear Headlights rising above, pulling itself up oyt of the emotional mire. [Fall 2009, p.58]

On its sophomore album, Priestess pulls no punches and delivers all blows in menacing fashion, borrowing heavily from the gods of metal's yesteryear.

As Wild Beasts records tend to go, Smother is par for the course in terms of its opulent eccentricities and its magnificently polished arrangements. This time around, though, the Beasts have been tamed. Frankly, that's a disappointment.

Bumped up to the majors for Tell Me, like its predecessor produced by Auerbach, Mayfield evinces maturity in both her sonic approach and her writing. [Feb. 2011, p. 72]

There is a delight in the frivolity that is unabashed in its goal of primal regression and targeting of the id. But this perpetually "in the red" energy level is both the charm and biggest fault of this album, as by the end you find yourself wishing that the finish was a little way back.

Williams and White seem born to sing together. Their natural vocal chemistry makes Barton Hollow a satisfying listen straight through. That said, the album is heavy on made-for-TV dramatic balladry, the sort of thing that features so well on Grey's Anatomy.

Unfortunately, five tracks have been trimmed from the original release, the most conspicuous being previous standout "Chordaroy," leaving an album that feels a bit slight when taken as a whole.

The main drawback of Lust Lust Lust is that it might be a little too lo-fi and fuzzy. [Winter 2008, p.84]

Wisely, he opts for eqar-popping sounds, great humor, and good times. [Spring 2010, p.70]

FOMO is seldom revelatory, but its concise pop never wears out its welcome.

While those EPs were the energetic documents of a hungry band at a creative peak, [this album] too often seems to fall flat. [#17, p.88]

Lennon and Kemp Muhl could make singing the phone book exquisite, with voices as sweet and perfectly matched as theirs. If there's one downside here, it's that the all-acoustic album is somewhat one-sided. [Fall 2010, p.60]

What we get is a haunting, dreamy album. [Winter 2009, p.81]

Moon is most grounded to Earth when Merrit stays in her comfort zone. [Spring 2010, p.75]

Seefeel are definitely onto something new here, and it's worthy of the brand. [Feb. 2011, p. 73]

It's doubtful Sweatbox Dynasty will make it into anyone's regular rotation, but Fec has no doubt carved himself out a cozy little corner of difficult trash music, and a visit now and then is worth the effort.

Stars Are the Light is a decent album that shows Moon Duo know how to put a new spin on an old formula. And while it may not make a big splash, the ripple effects can be pleasing.

Favourite moves forward not one inch from Whatever, which is safe and reliable, but also repetitive. [#17, p.82]

The Drop Beneath is a little uneven, but it's engaging enough. [Jun/Jul 2014, p.95]

They're like a five-member Polyphonic Spree wearing Urban Outfitters, jacked up on Jolt cola, and rocking out in their garage with a bunch of instruments bought from a pawn shop. [#7]