Weezer - self-titled, Interscope
If you have been waiting for this one, then you’re in luck, amigo. This album proves Weezer still cranks out the funk. Only this time, the funk is a witty collection of kick-ass ditties. They have a steady grasp on their classic style and manage to keep their sound fresh and interesting. Lyrics that put a shit-eating grin on your face remain true as their trademark-think “Buddy Holly.” Some of the best tracks include “Troublemaker” and “The Greatest Man That Ever Lived.” But each track rocks in its respected way. If you’ve ever huffed whipp-its while watching The Breakfast Club-this album is for you.
(Shane Epting)

The Old 97’s - Blame It On Gravity, New West Records
The Old 97’s claim is you can “blame it on gravity.” More likely, the return to their Dallas roots can take the credit. The 13 new studio songs were recorded right here in Big D, and are the best tracks from the band in a long time.
Walking a fine line between the pop of lead singer Rhett Miller’s solo albums and the country sounds of Old 97’s earliest discs, this new set of tunes is a dream come true. It also blends the naïve, simple mindset of Rhett’s early songwriting with the mature wisdom gained from years of touring. This kind of complexity makes the album grow with each new listen.
Early standouts are the catchy “The Fool” and the campy, fun “She Loves the Sunset.” However, each successive spin provides new nuggets of gold. “Dance With Me” sounds like a classic 97’s tune from a decade ago, and “Ride” is a true showcase of the band’s firecracker energy.
Thank goodness this quartet of Texas boys came back home to record their new disc. It obviously had a positive impact on them and is clearly reflected in this fantastic batch of alt-country songs. (Jason Janik)

Mindless Self Indulgence - If, Metropolis Records
If you are a hardcore fan of MSI, then you might be disappointed with this release, as it doesn’t have the “balls” of their previous albums. It doesn’t suck, but it does lack. One particular problem is the uber-repetitive choruses found throughout. It resembles an attempt at brainwashing. Considering lead singer Jimmy Urine’s mindset-it makes sense, somehow. MSI adheres to their original electro-industrial-shock-rock sound, which is great. This isn’t their best work, but it’s still better than most of the music you’ll find at the mall this summer. Rock? Kinda.
(Shane Epting)

Gavin Rossdale - Wanderlust, Interscope
If you enjoy listening to elevator music-then you’ll love this album. It appears Gavin has left the days and the sound of Bush far behind. The album lacks energy, creativity and gusto. The lyrics fall incredibly short in the substance department - on every imaginable level - and the music doesn’t make it any better. If this album were an ice cream flavor-it would be suck. Each songs screams “skip to the next song.” Before you know it, the album is over.
(Shane Epting)

The Messenger - Let’s Get Dangerous
Drummer Crazy Lucky Kevin Jordan is the best aspect of this band. Drummers are rarely mentioned in the first line of an album review, but he’s in this one for several reasons. He plays with furious on-point passion, which makes him the best member of this band. Without his skills, The Messenger would sound like every other band that’s either on the shelves of Hot Topic or playing the Warped Tour. By far the best song on Let’s Get Dangerous is “Latina Heat.” The majority of songs sound pretty much the same. It isn’t that this album totally sucks - it just needs more passion. Screaming no longer counts as passion.
(Shane Epting)

Candlebox - Into the Sun, Silent Majority Group
Candlebox’s new flame, Into the Sun, is just as luminous as previous records. The first part of new single, “Stand,” resembles the (Whaa, aahh, aa, ah!) vocals of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song.” But it later proves Candlebox still stands by a nineties alternative rock style, and may even have you dusting off your plaid flannel shirts, eccentric beanies and assortment of necklaces. “Breathe Me In” and “Consider Us” are relaxing soulful ecstasies reminiscent of youthful carefree moments - like lying back by a swimming pool while absorbing the warm sunshine with your eyes closed and headphones affixed. Even after Candlebox’s ten-year absence, loyal fans will want to add this album to their collection.
(Misty Johnson)

The Birthday Massacre - The Looking Glass, Metropolis
This CD is an eight-song EP, but it rocks like a twelve-song, full-length recording. Many of the tracks are over four minutes long, and these lengthy numbers increase the overall quality of the album. From the first track to the last, the sound is consistently excellent. TBM has an electronic and industrial sound, and they keep it on a laid-back level. Chibi’s supple, soft and sexy vocals flow flawlessly with the keyboards and rhythm. These distinct qualities make The Looking Glass the perfect soundtrack for pretending you’re a vampire. If you can smile while wearing all black, this disc is for you.
(Shane Epting)

Frisbee - Rediscovery, Frisbee Music
This CD dances like John Tesh, which surprisingly, isn’t a bad aspect, at first. But it gets old, quickly - way too quickly. The vocals and music aren’t played badly, but it all sounds the same, more or less. The only meaningful exception is “It Must Be Good,” which is easily the best track. Rediscovery is chalked full of sappy love songs and, if you are into that sort of thing, get this CD. If you are not, get yourself some James Brown, a bottle of apricot brandy and “keep it real.”
(Shane Epting)

Red Blood Club - Closing Night, 6/21/08
The best punk venue in Deep Ellum was tragically forced to close its doors forever on this Saturday night. The crowd was more packed than it’s been in a long time, with Dallas punk rockers showing up in full force. The seven bands on the bill included local favorites Akkolyte and The Wayward Boys. The feeling in the club could clearly be sensed and seen on many faces - a mixture of sadness, loss, anger and that “in your face we’ll live on” punk rock attitude - all rolled up into one last PUNK GRIMACE! Red Blood Club hosted some of the best punk rock acts in the world today. The club may be closed, but its punk rock legacy will live on forever. (Scotty Mankoff)

The Fleshtones - Double Wide, 6/20/08
The Fleshtones formed in 1975 and appeared on the New York scene in 1976. Sixteen albums later, Peter Zaremba’s commanding vocals and harmonica playing are honed to greatness. Keith Streng (guitar) is impressive, while Ken Fox (bass) and Bill Milhizer (drums) provide a powerful backbone. At the end, every member left the stage and joined the crowd, still jamming’ wirelessly all the while. Even their drummer came down from the stage to perform the final encore at crowd level! Peter carried the floor tom, and Bill kept playing as they leapt from the stage. The floor tom was quickly mic’ed up, and the entire band finished the show jamming among the fans! Their current CD, Take A Good Look, shows that, after three decades, The Fleshtones are still truly dedicated to music. Their incredibly powerful live show proved that they’re living legends, who are still going strong. (Scotty Mankoff)