Music and more

Artist: Tori Amos Title: Strange Little Girls Label: Atlantic Rating: 8/10 This strange little girl is back with yet another outstandingly interesting concept album. Strange Little Girls, Tori’s sixth album release, is a compilation of various cover songs. Within this album, and complimenting the sleeve, Tori transforms herself into different representations and ideals of women.…

Artist: Spirtualized Title: Let It Come Down Label: Arista Rating: 9/10 There is anticipation, and then there is Spiritualized. After getting my hands on a sampler album, I couldn’t wait until the full album made its way to me. Let It Come Down is one of those times where I’ve waited years and years for…

Artist: Joy Enriquez Title: Joy Enriquez Label: Arista Rating: 6.5/10 Joy Enriquez seems to have luck on her side. Her career took off after appearing on Star Search and then a chance meeting with Babyface found her signed to LaFace Records. Now a few years later, Joy Enriquez releases her self-titled solo album to the…

Artist: 3rd Faze Title: 3rd Faze Label: Edel Rating: 1.5/10 3rd Faze join us from Orlando. Can we even pretend to be surprised anymore? I think someone is poisoning the world’s mind that anything out of Orlando is good enough to be signed to a record label and instantly will go on to pop stardom.…

Artist: Default Title: The Fallout Label: TVT Rating: 3/10 Vancouver has been slowly pushing out the rock bands and bringing them to the States. Default is the next to voyage into the unknown, trying to bring their asses over and give it their best shot with a rock ‘n’ roll message they’d like to call…

Artist: Elton John Title: Songs From The West Coast Label: Universal Rating: 8/10 Elton John and Bernie Taupin are together again? It can’t be, or can it? It’s true, and the anticipation is high for me and every other fan out there. Opening up the box and tossing the album in the stereo I found…

Artist: Collective Soul Title: Greatest Hits Label: Atlantic Rating: 4/10 There is always a question of why when it comes to greatest hits albums. Collective Soul have modest hits. I’m a fan of there’s, I’ve seen them live, I’ve talked to them, I’ve enjoyed their music for years. The hits: “Shine”. Although I still don’t…

Artist: Chimaira Title: Pass Out of Existence Label: roadrunner Rating: 7/10 The forever-evolving metal genre has gotten a new blast of fire from Roadrunner newcomers Chimaira. The Cleveland-based six-piece’s second full-length album, Pass Out of Existence, leans on everything from organic techno rhythms to layered electro-percussion, all behind the trademark pummelcore grooves that have given…

Artist: Ja Rule Title: Pain Is Love Label: Def Jam Rating: 8.5/10 Ja Rule wants us to know that Pain Is Love, and whether you believe that or not, he makes a good case. “Dial M For Murder” cuts heads while “The Inc.” doesn’t play games or mince words. “So Much Pain” screams Tupac, and…