Dave Short

Oppenheimer — s/t

Geeky synthpop ear candy. Wish the melodies and lyrics were consistently, instead of merely frequently, catchy.

3/5

Sage Francis — Human the Death Dance

First it makes you feel, then it makes you think.

4/5

George Harrison — Brainwashed

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

4/5

Westbound Train — Come And Get It

This is tight, modern, ear-pleasing reggae/rock the way it's meant to be played.

4/5

The Lillingtons — The Too Late Show

Enjoyable, but the aliens/zombies/spies motifs feel a little worn out.

2/5

Tracy Chapman — s/t

These songs from a nobody about being a nobody but not liking it made her a somebody. Urgent, tender, real.

5/5

Pulley — Time-Insensitive Material

The 5 melodic hardcore songs on this EP make me want a full album. Standout: "Enemies."

4/5

Anti-Flag — The People or the Gun

They've returned to their hardcore roots; unfortunately it's rushed and not well thought out.

3/5

Rise Against — Appeal to Reason

Lots of high points with intense dreck between them. "Hero of War" weighs the whole record down.

3/5

Blink-182 — Dude Ranch

There's a raggedness here that their later albums lack. Good songs, presented honestly.

4/5