Dave Short

Descendents — 'Merican

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

3/5

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

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

The Queers — Pleasant Screams

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

3/5

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

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

Fall Out Boy — Folie à Deux

Ignore the media whoring, notions of 'punk', and screaming fans. You're left with a great pop record.

4/5

Rise Against — Appeal to Reason

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

3/5