Moby - Wait for Me
3 stars

Mr. Moby releases album number 11. It is understated and cohesive, with moments of genuine beauty within the electronic shell. He doesn't sing much, leaving the vocals to a crew of ladies. Good decision. Leela James adds a lotta soul on "Walk With Me."

311 - Uplifter
3 stars

Not too many surprises on the ninth 311 studio release. It's the same rock/funk vibe the band has honed in the last decade. The band employed Bob Rock as producer for Uplifter. If Bob Rock can do anything, it is make guitars sound full. 311 has never sounded as heavy. Several songs will translate well live - the beats and lyrics are primed for jumping and singing at the same time - but the record as a whole is flat. It never hits a peak, but doesn't drag either. Nearly three decades into their career, what can be said? It's 311. They do what they do.

9mm Solution - The Dream is Dead
2 stars

The Dream is Dead by 9mm Solution is a decent metal record, and barely half an hour long. The drums are pounding and the riffs are passable. The overdone growl-voice is only used half the time. I couldn't shake the feeling that I would be better off listening to a Pantera album again, rather than this. The band keeps it short and to the point. But we've heard it all before, and often.

Saving Abel
2 stars

Bland modern rock. Makes the subtle nuances of Nickleback sound classy in comparison.

The Entrance Band
4 stars