Dave Short

Even In Blackouts — Myths & Imaginary Magicians

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

4/5

Metallica — Death Magnetic

Sure, some tracks rock like Metallica of yore. But it sounds like shit and bores me to no end.

1/5

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 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

I Against I — Headcleaner

Moments of poppy brilliance leavened with stretches of too-generic punk.

2/5

Nirvana — In Utero

Sonic Nirvana, as if the seraphim had guitars slung over their shoulders. Perfect mix of pop and sludge.

5/5

Kirby Krackle — s/t

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

2/5

The Parasites — Solitary

A fine pop-punk outing. Nothing really sticks in your head, but nevertheless it's a pleasant listen.

3/5

Screeching Weasel — Teen Punks in Heat

Ben Weasel should have found another way to exorcise sexual frustrations. Some good tunes.

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