Angie Aparo - The American
Melisma/Artista
Two words can describe the debut album from Angie Aparo:  Modern Masterpiece! From it's slick production courtesy of Matt Serletic (Matchbox-20, Collective Soul, Aerosmith) to the poetic lyrics,  exceptional vocals and compelling messages in his songs, The American is one of the best releases of the new century. Beyond the exceptional music on this album, the American asks the listener to think with its social commentary. Not since Dylan has an artist crafted lyrics so deeply steeped in metaphor and meaning that they can only be called "poetry". It's is hard to classify the style of Angie Aparo's Melisma/Artista debut. It will fit in well with top 40, AAA, and Modern Rock radio formats as well as the VH1 crowd. If you like the musical styling of Sting, Seal, and Paul Simon, you should love Angie Aparo. Even if you don't like the before mentioned artists, you should give The American a spin because this just might be the first album from a new international superstar --- no bull! 

Listen to samples or purchase this title online

Commodores - Early Gold And New Spins CLEOPATRA  - Review by Freak
The 70's funk/soul outfit that ruled the charts with hit's like Brick House, Easy, Three Times a Women goes back to their roots with this release of their early singles and some new material. Funk and R&B Junkies will dig it man! Be warned if you aren't into the funk scene this might be a bit too much for you. Plus don't expect Lionel Richie's smooth vocals, this disc is for those craving the funky instrumentals. 

Listen to samples or purchase this title online

Deep Purple - Very Best Of Deep Purple
WEA/ATLANTIC/RHINO 
This CD lives up to it's name. All the hits are here and remastered! From the pre Ian Gillan "Hush" to "Smoke on Water", "Woman From Tokyo", "Highway Star", and "Knocking At Your Back Door ". Not a filler in the bunch. If don't own a Deep Purple CD, this is the one to get. Find out why Ritchie Blackmore is such an inspirational guitarist. Top notch collection of kickin hard rock that will never seem dated. 

Listen to samples or purchase this title online

Eminem - Marshall Mathers Lp
UNI/INTERSCOPE Review By the Freak
Well if the intro track which warns the listener that "Slim Shady" Doesn't give a f*ck what you think, and that by purchasing the CD you have just s*cked his d*ck is any indication, Eminem really goes over the top with his second release. I could waste your time and mine by going over the tracks here, but you had better hear them for yourselves. There is no way to give the reader a feel for this CD with words on a page. 

Listen to samples or purchase this title online

Don Henley - Inside Job
WEA/Warner Brothers
Don Henley returns with his first solo album in years. We are happy to report it is well worth the wait.  One of the vocalist of the Eagles spreads his wings with Inside Job, reaching new heights with the powerful ballads "Taking You Home" and "For My Wedding". No Don didn't go soft on us. There are some cool rockers here as well like "Nobody Else In The World But You". 
With the song "Everything Is Different Now" we return to familiar territory for Don, the smash hit! This is a must have for Henley fans. The wait may have been long but he does deliver the goods. 

Listen to samples or purchase this title online

Iron Maiden - Brave New World
SONY/COLUMBIA
The beast really is back! From the cool album cover to the fury of Bruce's vocals, Steve's lead bass lines and the intense three guitar assault this is the best new Iron Maiden release since Powerslave. (In my humble opinion). If you aren't familiar with Iron Maiden and wonder why their fans keep coming back for more, have a listen to Brave New World. You just might get it then. The only thing that can possibly top this CD is the world tour to follow. Up the Irons! 

Listen to samples or purchase this title online

Nashville Pussy - High As Hell 
TVT RECORDS
this is one case where you can judge a book by it's cover or rather a band by their name. Nashville Pussy is just as raunchy as their name implies. Case in point look no further than lyrics like "I'm gonna piss all over your couch"..."she's got the drugs.. she's got me" and songs called "Struttin' Cock", "Shoot First And Run Like Hell", "Piece Of Ass", and "Blowjob From A Rattlesnake". All set to a good time hard rock music. This my not be for everyone, but we sure had fun listening to it.

Listen to samples or purchase this title online

Nickelback - The State
Roadrunner Records
Haven't heard of Nickelback yet? Don't worry you will. Their Road Runner debut delivers some the best post grunge modern rock you will ever hear. Seriously, this band self released this album in Canada and it became a Top 20 hit for good reason, it's filled with great guitar, intriguing vocals, and a rockin rhythm section that come together in some great songs. Fans of hard rockers Creed will feel right at home and there is even some shades of Nirvana here. On a personal note, I'm shamelessly addicted to this CD. I'm uncontrollable compelled to play it over and over and over. If you don't trust my judgment head over to roadrunnerrecords.com and check out the MP3's. 

Listen to samples or purchase this title online

The Step Kings - Lets Get it On
Roadrunner Records
Road Runner is really high on my list at the moment. Everything they have sent to us has been great! The Step Kings are no exception. They mix funk, metal, progressive rock, punk and a wee bit of rapcore to create a hard edged yet melodic CD. From the disc opener "Vibe" you know you are in for something cool. Being a big fan of Suicidal Tendencies, I couldn't help but draw comparisons there. Other people hear the Red Hot Chili Peppers in the mix. Regardless of the comparisons, the sound can be described as pure "Step Kings". If you are looking for something hard, yet strikingly different from the current crop of new metal and pop-punk bands, check out The Step Kings, they don't disappoint! 

Listen to samples or purchase this title online

Previous Quick Hits
Mindless Self Indulgence - Frankenstein Girls Will Seem Strangely Sexy 
3 Doors Down - Better Life
Britney Spears - Oops!...I Did It Again
Bad Religion - New America
Departure Lounge - Out of Here.
Primal Scream: XTRMNTR

tell a friend about this article