Rock legend Elton John’s new album — his first in two years — revisits his ’70s creative pinnacle. Soundbytes’ David Hyland reviews whether his new effort is worth the return trip. Continue reading
Category Archives: 2006
Preview: 2006 MTV Video Music Awards Welcome Change
Think MTV is all grown up? Think again. While this year marks the channel’s 25th anniversary, its premier event tonight — the MTV Video Music Awards — promises to be the channel’s edgiest yet. Continue reading
Predictions: Chili Peppers Will Be Hot At MTV VMAs
The 2006 marks a year of dramatic change for the MTV Video Music Awards. Who will be the winners? Soundbytes columnist David Hyland gives us his picks. Continue reading
Review: LaMontagne Expands On Second Disc
After a spooky, acoustic-guitar-dominated debut that left many stroking their whiskers with interest, bearded folkie Ray LaMontagne has returned with a new album of augmented songs that refines his songs to broaden their appeal and increase their impact. Continue reading
Rock Stars Join Legions Starting Blogs
When they’re not busy recording masterpieces, playing to adoring crowds or creating fodder for tabloids, it appears a growing number of today’s rock stars are staking a claim in the blogosphere. Continue reading
Review: Thermals Deliver Another, Better Punk-Rock Salvo
A year ago, The Thermals were just another dime-a-dozen pop-punk group sullying the music’s already besmirched name — except that many critics fawned over their albums. However, it’s their new record that finally warrants the glowing press. Continue reading
Review: Jurassic 5 Cultivate Cuddly Vision Of Hip-Hop
Los Angeles rap collective, Jurassic 5, has released yet another album touting positive messages and the joys of old-school hip-hop. Soundbytes answers the question of whether their sound is getting old or just acts that way. Continue reading
Memorial: Late Syd Barrett Shines
News broke Tuesday that Pink Floyd co-founder and longtime musical hermit Syd Barrett had died last week, concluding one of pop music’s great vanishing acts. Although his creative output totals only a few dozen psychedelica-infused songs, Barrett’s influence permeates not only his ex-bandmates’ classic albums but countless artists today. Continue reading
Review: TV On The Radio Broadcast Unique Musical Transmissions
Saddled by more than a century of pop music history, it’s difficult to craft a truly original sound. New York art-rock combo TV On The Radio takes this challenge and their new album, “Return To Cookie Mountain,” is the full-flowering of their unique musical vision. Continue reading
Review: Dashboard Confessional Crafts Shiner Torch Songs
Not quite a case of the song remaining the same, but Dashboard Confessional’s new album demonstrates an increasingly savvy approach to their patented heartsick power ballads. Continue reading
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