52nd Street by Billy Joel - I think this album is even better than The Stranger. The feeling of this album radiates the atmosphere of New York City. When I listen to this album, I can feel, taste, hear and see everything that is New York City. The city comes alive.
Recovering the Satellites by Counting Crows - Anybody who have listened to August and Everything After know that it isn't the happiest of albums. Neither is Recovering the Satellites, but something about the somber album grabs you and engulfs you in the lonely air, staying with you forever.

Fumbling Towards Ecstasy by Sarah McLachlan - This is an excellent album...period. It takes you on a journey of her emotion. You can sense her angst, whether true or not. Her piano flair is simply exquisite. The fusion of all of the instruments is truly masterful. You'll never tire of this album.

V by Live - The majority of Live fans don't like this album, but I love it. It was released a week after September 11th, and feeling depressed, it brought me up to a better place. This is a daring concoction of songs that are not like any other Live album. It has an Egyptian style to it that is soothing but the rock is still present.

The lyrics explore the life and times of Russian revolutionist Leon Trotsky. The first track of the album, "The Spark", reveals the beginning of Mr. Trotsky's political activism and career. The next seven tracks follow him through revolution, death, and exile, until in the eighth track "Opportunity" a agent of the Soviet Union is sent to Trotsky's Mexican home in Mexico City where he was stabbed with a ice pick. The next track is a tribute to Leon Trotsky and his dedication to his cause. Permanent Revolution does a fine job of telling the story in a modern language and setting.

Permanent Revolution is, I believe the highest point that Catch 22 has come to in the post-Kalnoky era. In my opinion, it perfectly stands up to Keasbey Nights and even towers over it. There's nothing on the album that I really hate, the most I can say about it in a negative sense is that after a while I got tired of it, but that is the issue with most any album, right?

If you aren't fond of third-wave ska then it probably isn't for you, but who knows, you may find interest in a few of the tracks, especially if you are a Trotsky buff. If the album was somehow broken or stolen, I probably wouldn't buy it over again, as pretty much all of my friends have it.

I find that some songs continue to be touchstones for me. Just hearing the music I grew up with and revisiting certain songs again can send me hurtling back in time to my youth, remembering the events, thoughts and feelings of that time.

Here are some songs that have personal significance for me, as the music that helped define my youth.

1. Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds by Elton John

   As a little girl, I remember waking up early on weekend mornings and listening to Elton John on my little blue plastic Panasonic Toot-a-Loop radio (I used plastic ear buds and my big sister's matching donut shaped radio was bright yellow decorated with peace sign stickers!)

   I had no idea what Elton was talking about when he mentioned the girl with kaleidoscope eyes, but I wanted to know more. This song fascinated me, as a kind of gateway to mysterious grown up stuff I then knew nothing about. I was a creative kid, I loved the imaginative lyrics and this song seemed all about play and wild fantasy worlds.

2. Blowin' in the Wind by Bob Dylan

   Whenever I hear this song, I am transported back to my second grade class taught by Ms. Lynk. My teacher was a hippie and I decked myself out in love beads and braids and colorful outfits so I could be just like her. How I adored Ms. Lynk and some of my other teachers at the time! We used to sing this song in class, and perhaps that stimulated my interest in performing (I would later go on to perform in plays and study acting.)

   Memories of Dylan make me recall a time of peace and love and a circle of school kids swaying and singing along to that song. Everything seemed much simpler then, in an era before color coded alert levels, a time when the answer is blowin' in the wind…

3. American Pie by Don McLean

   American Pie was one of those songs that was everywhere as I was growing up, and it became a sort of anthem of my youth. In a time before iPods and music downloads, there was just the local radio station to rely on, along with spinning some vinyl. American Pie was constantly playing in the background when I was a little girl; at about eight and a half minutes long, the song seemed neverending to my young ears!

   The song has additional significance to me, because in 1964, Don McLean won the first ever talent search competition at a local summer fair called The Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck, New York.

4. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin

   Along with American Pie, Stairway to Heaven was another one of those songs that seemed to go on forever. This made it the perfect background music for school dances and for the prom! When someone asked you to dance during Stairway to Heaven, you were assured of spending many minutes out on the dance floor, holding on tight to your crush and swaying to the endless strains of Zeppelin.
   
   Stairway to Heaven always evokes for me memories of school dances in the old gym of our tiny rural high school in the Hudson Valley. When it wasn't being used for basketball games, our creaky old gym with the ancient wooden stage was dressed up in cheesy disco lights and lots of crepe paper for dances and special events. Led Zepplin makes me think of cotton ball clouds, too much construction paper and the crepe paper streamers that decorated the old gym for our junior prom theme: Stairway to Heaven (the effect was a little tacky, but fun!)

5. Rock Lobster by The B-52's

   School dances in our tiny farming community also featured a ritual called the battle of the “air bands.” I had a crush on a boy named Rick, a family friend. One night Rick dressed up with some classmates as The B-52's, complete with tight pants, punked out hair and sunglasses, and the group did their best Rock Lobster for the crowd.
   
   Punk seemed a little preposterous for our tiny, All-American community in upstate New York that certainly had no edge. But Rick rocked the house. I also remember getting to dance with Rick for endless minutes to Stairway to Heaven, which was divine.
   
   When I was a senior in high school Rick died in a tragic accident, but whenever I hear those songs it always brings me back to those sweet, innocent high school memories of the times we shared together.

6. We Got the Beat by The Go-Gos

   Who can forget the thrill of getting their learner's permit and hitting the open road? (and trying not to hit anything with the car!) We Got the Beat by The Go-Gos was the background music as I was first learning to drive. I loved the infectious pop beat and the girl power of this fun group. I loved every song on The Go-Gos Beauty and the Beat album and I played their songs over and over the summer I learned to drive (a tiny, four on the floor bright yellow compact Chevette with cool red racing stripes!)

7. Call Me by Blondie

   Before I got out of high school, something pivotal happened in my development: I discovered Blondie. Blondie was such a revelation to me and other girls. Here was a strong woman, unafraid to be powerful, individual and sexual. Anyone who undersold Debbie Harry as just another dumb blonde quickly changed their mind. Her lyrics, her sound and her delivery were unlike anything seen before, and she definitely helped change the role of women in the music industry. Every time I heard Call Me, I was impressed by how cool Blondie was, and their downtown New York vibe made me long to leave the Hudson Valley to pursue my own artistic career in New York City.

8. New York State of Mind by Billy Joel

   I'll admit it: I wasn't one of the cool kids in school. I was either a drama geek, or spending time in the library hitting the books, dreaming of my fabulous future that would begin when I left upstate New York.
   
   I recall hours spent in our small school library spinning Billy Joel records. I was in the honor society, which meant that I could wander the school and do what I wished during my study halls. So I chose to sit in the library and hang out in the peaceful courtyard there, or go into the music room and put on some headphones and listen to Billy Joel.
   
   Joel sang about Chinatown, and Riverside…and totally being in a New York state of mind. Whenever I hear that song I think about being young and dreaming of a performing arts career in the Big Apple, and a shiny new life that I felt was waiting for me in Manhattan.

Now that I've been to New York City and returned home to the Hudson Valley, I have a greater appreciation for growing up in a small town. These are some songs that make me fondly remember my youth in upstate New York.

I disagree with these reviewers. “The Horseshoe Curve” is an instrumental album that does showcase Trey's musical talents in guitar playing, composition and arrangement. But it is an album of musicianship. It is an album of not only guitar playing, but of great horn arrangements, strong groovy backbeats, and driving rhythms.

Many of the tracks on this album combine a jazz, rock and trance feel that some listeners will really enjoy. By providing some funky backbeats the listener can sit back and fully take in the artistry of not only the rhythm section, but of the lead instrument. The lead instrument is not manly the guitar. Track 6 “Noodle Rave” contains some interesting African thumb percussion instruments over a diminished sounding horn section. Than is covered by some very good saxophone work.

Track list:

1. Sidewalks of San Francisco - Great Guitar work over groovy beat
2. Olivia - very strong horn work
3. Burlap Sack and Pumps - popular song in concert with very fun rhythms
4. The 5th round - live recording strong improve guitar work
5. The Horseshoe Curve- Good groove over strong backbeat. Almost Trance feel
6. Noodle Rave- odd sounding diminished horn run over African rhythms
7. Tube Top Tony- very easy open sounding jazz
8. Porters Pyramids- slow jazz improve featuring lots of flute work

This is a very good instrumental album. It is very different from Trey's last instrumental album which was orchestra in nature. I think that any fan of jazz would appreciate this album, and any die hard Phish fan can relate the musicianship of this album to old Phish jams.

From the second album Supposed former infatuation junkie, to the release of her last studio album So Called Ciaos, Alanis experimented with many different sounds and structures in her music. Whilst the lyrics of her songs stayed of such an artistic high quality all in all it could still not stand up to the masterpiece that was Jagged Little Pill. I found myself missing that feeling of connection coming from her singing, and the nerve peaking pleasure that her music once delivered.

Though it seemed Alanis had settle in a Art house type of music seen since Jagged Little Pillburst back. Alanis's new studio album release Alanis has now Flavors Of Entanglement is exactly what we all have been waiting for. I will admit having the old harmonica and rock band thrashing in the back would have been nice, but with songs like “straight jacket” and “giggling again for no reason” just make you smile and bop to the beat. Alanis has really left herself out in the street naked and emotionally exposed in songs like “Tapes” and “Madness”.

I have heard and read a lot of different reviews and seen some bad comments, like “ its another dig at her ex”, but I can honestly say that's not what I see from this album. To me it is an exploration of all the feelings we have when we not only come to an ending chapter in our lives, but when we realize all the unnecessary pain we cause ourselves can take over and make you lose who you are.

So Alanis A+ from me though I would love to hear you play some harmonica on future songs.

"...It's like you come out of your cocoon, hiding away, writing some things..." Mraz told the Troubadour crowd in Hollywood, CA. "It's time to reveal your secrets, it's time to tell the others what's been on your mind,"

The new record soon became a full blown studio album with all the bells and whistles. He wanted to sing and dance with his friends, so he invited many to record with him. His long time band mate, Toca Rivera, sang back up and harmonized on the whole thing. James Morrison and Colbie Caillat sang duets with him on "Details in the Fabric" and "Lucky" respectively. His friends, including Bushwalla, provided vocals and horns on numerous songs. He also brought in choirs to sing and celebrate with him. All of this helped set the mood and tell stories.

Mraz did not forget about his fans' desire for an acoustic album. His recording sessions included various arrangements and productions. He created acoustic versions of his songs that were more intimate and emotional.

We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things is about living and loving. Like always, it includes clever wordplay and beautiful melodies. Mraz' lyrics are full of optimism and life experiences. And his vocal abilities are showcased more than ever.

The full length album alongside the three EPs do a good job capturing the essence of Jason Mraz. While it does not match a live concert, it makes a strong effort.

First single: "I'm Yours"

My fav. song: "Details in the Fabric"

Mraz' fav. song: "Butterfly"

Lyfe Change is a welcome regression to the heartfelt music of his debut, Lyfe 268-192.

The album gets off to an interesting start with an intro similar to those provided by Pain in the Ass on Jay-Z's first three albums. "The guy, who stays in the game the longest, is the guy that brings change." Lyfe is trying to make himself a fixture in R&B and stay in the game, this album certainly helps.

Keep On Dreaming - (4/5) - The track is very good. Jennings sings certain words with and island accent, it sounds good. Energetic chorus, very good way to start the album

Warriors - (4/5) - Good guitar solo in the break, inspirational music.

Never Never Land - (5/5) - "30 is not the new 20, it's the same old 30" This is the first song on the album that makes you pause and repeat. The production of the track and melody of the singing intertwine beautifully with a chorus that most everyone will sing along too. It's a great song with mass appeal.

Brand New - (5/5) - A very hip R&B and hip hop collaboration with T.I.

It's Real - (5/5) - A sexy track promoting safe sex. It's difficult to address contraceptives without it seeming corny and forced (see Trey Songz - Store Run), but Lyfe executes it nicely.

Cops Up - (5/5) - Yes! What a vibe. For some reason the chorus reminds me of Phil Collins. The content of the song is a bit typical but you can't deny good music. It's bound to be a hit.

You Think You've Got It Bad - (4/5) - Wyclef contributes his usual unusual sound and gives the song a great island feeling. As with a lot of Wyclef's work, it touches on real issues. The song is a reminder to everyone to count our blessings. The beat is reggae inspired and actually well executed. "No guts, no glory. No pain, no story."

Wild, Wild, Wild - (4/5) - Lyfe Jennings is the type of artist you want your daughter to listen to. His music doesn't just encourage kids to have relations without mention of consequences. Although the song is not entirely about that, the mere fact that it's mentioned is something different from other R&B artists.

Midnight Train - (4/5) - The showcase track. Beautifully produced track that allows Lyfe to show off his vocals

Hmmm - (3/5) - A song about his grandmother who recently passed away. It's alright, he's not mourning in this song, he's coping.

Old School - (3/5) - If you want a hit, get Snoop? It sure does seem that way; Snoop probably has more crossover appeal than any hip hop artist at the moment. The song is homage to Lyfe's car, and since old cars are all the rage in the west coast, Snoop makes an appearance.

Will I Ever - (5/5) - Must Be Nice II? Maybe, he says "Will I ever" before almost every line. It's a good track with commercial potential.

Overall, the album is very good. It was difficult to find things I didn't like about the album. Much improved from the last album, Lyfe Change is made for house cleaning and car riding, not necessarily love making. The production and songwriting are very well organized together, and Lyfe's voice is great as usual. This is one of the best albums to come out this year, alongside Mariah Carey, and Estelle.

In the tabloid culture we live in it seems like many actors and musicians spend more time worrying about being seen at the right parties or playing damage control and not enough time doing what really matters. Like working on their music or whatever it is they do. I thought this was going to be the case with Winehouse. Ooooh boy was I wrong! I am mad at myself for not getting it sooner. How could I have allowed myself to be so distracted by all the crap and not seen the legitimate talent she is? She isn't just some singer copying a more classic throw-back sound. Cover to cover this album is her. She really is a soul singer of the old guard that would make Aretha, Diana, and Tina proud.

Her music is the next step in the evolution of soul music adding a basic hip-hop drum track in the background giving it a level of modernity while it makes sure to never lose that classic feel. There were also several tracks on the album that managed to catch me off guard, which only made me appreciate her all the more. Her unusual choice to cover the classic ska tune “Monkey Man” was completely unexpected.

At first listen I couldn't believe she was doing it. To switch from to a completely different sound without making it feel like a piece of filler is a hard thing to accomplish. Not only does she manage to do it quite effortlessly, but she goes a step further by doing a completely stripped song of just her voice and guitar. Let me just say this girl can sing. It makes me hope that some day she will do an entire album of bare bones music to really show off what she can do. Sadly, with all the demons she is facing right now we do not know what will happen to her career. Or, for that matter, whether she will be able to be seen as more than a tabloid princess. Please Ms. Winehouse, get your demons under control! It'd be a shame to lose your talent too soon.

Something I felt lacking in the first half of the album. The second half of the album is much more fun and enjoyable than the first. I appreciate their attempt to work with moog and synthesizers which only made the first half sound much too textured and cluttered to the point all the dreaminess becomes cramped. The second half goes back to their guitar driven past, but not over powering. The layers are more subtle which makes the music more palatable. The ultimate effort leads one to believe they were trying to put their indi-rock past behind them to create an album where they are trying too hard to impress and try something different. The second half felt more natural and genuine. Even when they played around with synths. I am disapointed. Loose the first half of the album and release the second half as a respectable EP. Still, it's better than a lot of the crap out there.

However, this is quite a strong album overall. Slower paced than previous In Flames albums, it still manages to keeps you entertained for the majority of the time and only has a few duds towards the end with "Sober and Irrelevant" and particularly "March to the Shore" that fail to grab your attention. Highlights of the album include "Alias" and "Drenched in Fear," both having such ridiculously addictive choruses that I couldn't keep them out of my head for the first few days of listening.

There are some uninspired moments such as "Delight and Angers" sounding like a similar but weaker version of "The Mirror's Truth," and the intro to "The Chosen Pessimist" being practically identical to the latter half of "Touch of Red" from "Soundtrack to Your Escape". But this track continues with a very new approach, creating one of the slowest and longest In Flames songs ever made, with a melancholic and angst-ridden feel. As it progresses it becomes quite powerful and Anders Friden the vocalist has certainly put a lot of passion into it.

The sound of "A Sense of Purpose" is very similar to that of the past two albums, particularly "Soundtrack to your Escape." Generally speaking, this is an enjoyable and memorable album, although it's really just more of the same and hardly ground-breaking.

7.5/10 Overall