Dave Short

NOFX — Coaster

No need to use it like its namesake, but it definitely feels like Fat Mike wants too much to be what he describes.

3/5

Panic! At the Disco — A Fever You Can't Sweat Out

Catchy as hell in places, but too filled with the bad kind of teen angst.

2/5

Sage Francis — Human the Death Dance

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

4/5

The Queers — Pleasant Screams

A terrific Ramones-influenced mix of songs about people to hate and people to love.

3/5

The Lillingtons — The Too Late Show

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

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

Ben Folds Presents — University A Capella!

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

3/5

Guns 'N Roses — Chinese Democracy

I wish it hadn't taken 15 years to make, so I could review it context-free. Oh well. It's shit.

0/5

Screeching Weasel — Teen Punks in Heat

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

2/5