Dave Short

Descendents — 'Merican

The B-Sides are what make this EP special. Drags on the last song, though.

3/5

R.E.M — Up

Evokes a dream world, buried in drum machines and synths. Some may find the soporific quality off-putting. Not me.

5/5

Dragonforce — Ultra Beatdown

Definitely rocks, but the songs run together. Is one 45-min. song or eight 6-min. songs better?

3/5

George Harrison — Brainwashed

A fine going-away present, my favorite post-Beatles solo project.

4/5

Even In Blackouts — Myths & Imaginary Magicians

Everything about this record is a contradiction. It shouldn't work, but it does.

4/5

Joey Ramone — Don't Worry About Me

Too many cover songs, but he does them so well. I can't help but feel sad listening to this.

3/5

Zolof The Rock and Roll Destroyer — Schematics

The best kind of power pop, which happens to be fronted by a woman. Catchy as hell.

3/5

The Queers — Beyond the Valley...

There's a right way and a wrong way to do snotty punk; the wrong way dominates this record.

1/5

Kirby Krackle — s/t

Self-proclaimed music for geeks, but entirely too obvious song topics, and the music struggles in places.

2/5

Ben Folds Presents — University A Capella!

Good idea, OK execution. Many groups try to recreate piano via voice. Some standouts.

3/5