SPOTLIGHTS
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Hospitality - Hospitality Review
(7.4)
(02.10.2012)
- C.A. Bell
The professional debut of this jaunty indie pop band on Merge Records puts them to the test. Is Hospitality something special, or just another chewed up Belle & Sebastian cover band? Join C.A. Bell for an in depth look at the new record. |
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Sharon Van Etten - Tramp Review
(9.7)
(02.10.2012)
- C.A. Bell
The indie darling has decided to blow up her sound and take a chance being a serious crossover hit. How does she do? Join C.A. Bell for a full review of the new record. |
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Seal - Soul 2 Review
(7.0)
(01.28.2012)
- Wyatt E.
Released just in time for him to get divorced, Seal tries his hand a second time at old R&B classics. |
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Craig Finn - Clear Heart Full Eyes Review
(7.5)
(01.24.2012)
- C.A. Bell
The first solo record from The Hold Steady's frontman Craig Finn is a trip into the world of singer-songwriters. Any fan of that group can tell you the trip isn't very far. Luckily, it's a good one. |
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The Big Pink - Future This Review
(8.2)
(01.20.2012)
- Nick Krenn
Blending soaring guitar riffs with bouncy synths that meet in harmony for a sing-a-long chorus, The Big Pink may be staking a claim as the next arena rock gods. |
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Cate Le Bon - CYRK Review
(8.0)
(01.17.2012)
- Nick Krenn
This is one of 2012's first albums with true sleeper potential. Listen to it now, and I guarantee it will grow on you throughout the year.
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Evolver - Evolver Review
(7.5)
(12.12.2011)
- Dan Marsicano
Former Snot/Limp Bizkit guitarist Mike Smith has formed his own project, Evolver, which recently put out their self-titled debut album on iTunes. Does Smith prove to be a credible songwriter as well as a guitarist or does his pet project churn out the same-old rock/alt-metal? |
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T-Pain - rEVOLVEr Review
(6.5)
(12.06.2011)
- Bill Wannop
T-Pain is back with his latest album rEVOLVEr! Has he been able to show his evolution as an artist or is this the case of the same old same old? 411's Bill Wannop checks in with his full review! |
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M.O.P. & Snowgoons - Sparta Review
(8.5)
(11.22.2011)
- Bill Wannop
M.O.P. are back with an album that is completely produced by the Snowgoons. Can the Snowgoons utilize their hard hitting beats to put M.O.P. back on top of hip hop, or this case of another hip hop group past their prime? |
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Yelawolf - Radioactive Review
(7.5)
(11.22.2011)
- Bill Wannop
Yelawolf drops his debut Shady Records album today!. Does he live up to the hype and capitalize on his recent buzz, or should his debut album be properly disposed of? |
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Drake - Take Care Review
(6.0)
(11.15.2011)
- Bill Wannop
Drake is back with his second studio album Take Care! But does the more R&B sound make the album more complete or is the album just a bunch of slow filler? 411's Bill Wannop checks in with his full review! |
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Lou Reed & Metallica – Lulu Review
(9.5)
(11.04.2011)
- Chad Nevett
A rock ‘n’ roll legend teams with the biggest heavy metal band of all time to produce an album almost universally hated. But, what did 411’s Chad Nevett think about Lou Reed and Metallica’s Lulu? Read the review and find out! |
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Jedi Mind Tricks - Violence Begets Violence Review
(7.0)
(10.25.2011)
- Bill Wannop
Jedi Mind Tricks are back with their latest album Violence Begets Violence. Will the group be able to continue producing underground classics with the loss of longtime producer Stoupe or is the group on the downside of their careers? |
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Evanescence - Evanescence Review
(5.0)
(10.15.2011)
- Wyatt E.
The self-titled third album from Evanescence ends a six year absence from the band. How does the trademark Evanescence sound fare in 2011? |
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Lights - Siberia Review
(6.5)
(10.08.2011)
- Wyatt E.
The second full-length album from Canadian pop starlet Lights proves to be a ton of richly produced synth-pop. A ton. |
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Switchfoot - Vice Verses Review
(4.5)
(09.30.2011)
- Wyatt E.
Wyatt E. checks in with his full review of the new release from Switchfoot. Has an indie label been kind to the Christian rockers, or..... has it not been? |
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J. Cole - Cole World: Sideline Story Review
(7.0)
(09.27.2011)
- Bill Wannop
J. Cole has finally released his highly-anticipated debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story! But does the album live up to the hype or does he need to be put back on the sidelines? 411's Bill Wannop checks in with his full review! |
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Bush - The Sea of Memories Review
(6.0)
(09.14.2011)
- Ben Czajkowski
Bush returns after ten years to release The Sea of Memories. Will this be a post-grunge masterpiece or a monotonous, mainstream rock album? Ben Czajkowski delivers the full review. |
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Staind - Staind Review
(8.0)
(09.13.2011)
- Ben Czajkowski
Staind returns with their eight studio album that promises to be a heavy return to their roots! But how does it stack up with the rest of their catalog? 411's Ben Czajkowski checks in with his full review! |
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Glasses Malone - Beach Cruiser Review
(6.5)
(09.08.2011)
- Bill Wannop
After 4 years of delays, Glasses Malone has finally released his debut album Beach Cruiser. Is the album worth the wait or does it fail to live up to Malone's early hype? |
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Vanilla Ice - WTF Review
(3.5)
(09.06.2011)
- Wyatt E.
Apparently, this came out a week or two ago, but if you think Wyatt E. is going to pass up a chance to review this one, no way, Jose. The world should know about this. (Mainly so I have someone to laugh with.) |
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Backburner - Heatwave Review
(9.9)
(09.05.2011)
- Michael Ornelas
The Backburner crew brings new meaning to "spitting fire" with their first collaborative release. Boasting contributions from all nineteen rappers and/or beatmakers on the Backburner label, this masterfully crafted rap album is for those appreciative of lyricism and verbal rhythmic skill. Click and discover what Heatwave is all about---you'll thank me! |
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Red Hot Chili Peppers – I’m with You Review
(7.0)
(09.02.2011)
- Chad Nevett
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are back with a new guitarist and their first album in five years. Does it match up to the band we last knew or is the new direction a mistake? Read 411’s Chad Nevett’s review to find out! |
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Puddle of Mudd - Re:(disc)overed Review
(3.5)
(08.30.2011)
- Jeremy Thomas
Puddle of Mudd returns with a collection of covers of classic rock songs. But does the band do the originals justice or come off as a cheap karaoke version of the all-time greats? 411's Jeremy Thomas checks in with his full review! |
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Lil Wayne - Tha Carter IV Review
(7.5)
(08.29.2011)
- Tony Acero
Lil Wayne has returned with his much anticipated and long-delayed album, Tha Carter IV! But does it exceed the expectations set forth from Tha Carter III or fall flat? 411's Tony Acero checks in with his full review! |
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The Game - RED Album Review
(9.0)
(08.23.2011)
- Bill Wannop
The Game is back with his first album in almost three years, joining forces again with Dr. Dre for his highly-anticipated RED Album! But was it worth the wait or does it fall flat? 411's Bill Wannop checks in with his full review! |
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Apathy - Honkey Kong Review
(9.5)
(08.23.2011)
- Bill Wannop
Apathy returns to drop his biggest album to date, featuring production by DJ Premier, Evidence, DJ muggs and guest appearances from Xzibit, Ill Bill Slaine, and Celph Titled. Does Apathy prove that he is one of hip hop’s most slept on artists, or did this Honky Kong just another damn dirty ape? |
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Slaine - World With No Skies 2.0 Review
(8.0)
(08.18.2011)
- Bill Wannop
Fresh off his role in The Town, Slaine has released his debut album, A World With No Skies 2.0. Would sample clearance issues and label delays hurt Slaine's buzz or is the sky the limit for his music career? |
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Maria Taylor - Overlook Review
(7.3)
(08.16.2011)
- Nick Krenn
Azure Ray member Maria Taylor moves home to Birmingham, Alabama to record her latest solo outing. Does the change in scenery help the album stand out as one of the year's best? |
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Royce Da 5'9 - Success Is Certain Review
(7.5)
(08.09.2011)
- Bill Wannop
Royce Da 5'9 is back and trying to capitalize on the success of Bad Meets Evil with Success is Certain! But can he step outside of Eminem shadow or is he just riding Shady’s coattails? 411's Bill Wannop checks in with his full review! |
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