At The Drive-In :: In-Casino-Out
This band was so strong. By that I mean they just did anything and it worked. From screaming hardcore intensity to borderline pop melody, hitting everything in between, often in the same song, with some awesome guitar work to boot. "For Now. . We Toast" is the perfect example of what I'm trying to explain. Frickin' Rock. •

Pretty Girls Make Graves :: Good Health
I love the totally bombastic energy of this record. It's cool because on the surface it seems so out of control, but when you sit down with it, it's really super tight and carefully crafted. •

Burning Airlines :: Mission: Control!
I'm a huge fan of just about everything that J. Robbins has been involved with. This record swings easily, in that signature way, between pop harmony and offbeat dissonance with some really original guitar sounds and sticky hooks. Great stuff. •

Sunny Day Real Estate :: Diary
I have a hard time with this record. Don't get me wrong, it's really good, probably their best and certainly sets a standard for the 'emo' genre, but it's just so damn depressing. Depressing to the point that listening causes my very soul to spiral downward in actual physical pain into a darkness blacker than night. But, you know, other than that it rocks. •

Hey Mercedes :: Loses Control
I said this same thing last time I mentioned these guys, but they play the kind of music that is just so goddamn good you have to crank it and set the player on repeat. "Quality Revenge At Last" is a fantastic title and one of my favorite songs of the moment. •