Kanye West has had an exciting past couple of weeks. He was on the cover of Time magazine, topped the Billboard album charts, and succeeded in stealing the show with his performance at MTV’s Video Music Awards. Oh, and he slammed President George W. Bush on live TV during a Hurricane Katrina charity-athon. Controversy aside, David weighs in on whether his new album merits the headlines. Continue reading
Once easily pigeonholed as diehard New Wave rawkers, Black Rebel Motorcycle have changed their tune on their record, “Howl,” wholeheartedly embracing folk-blues influences. In the process, the group dumped their drummer and had a high-profile falling out with their label. Soundbytes weighs in whether the drama makes for great listening. Continue reading
Soundbytes gives the rundown on new releases by the White Stripes and Nine Inch Nails, and comments on the two group’s differing strategies for repeating musical success. Continue reading
While U2’s latest record had them showing their age, young upstarts Coldplay’s new record, “X&Y,” demonstrates that this is a band in its creative ascendancy and ready to challenge rock’s stadium kings. Soundbytes gives you the lowdown. Continue reading
Almost 10 years after their breakthrough hit and their subsequent fade from the spotlight, roots-rockers the Wallflowers have returned with yet another new album designed to recapture the limelight. Soundbytes lets you know whether they’ve learned any new lessons. Continue reading
Going solo is the escape hatch for every frontman frustrated by the confines of band life. But what do you do when your solo debut flops? Soundbytes weighs in whether the second solo albums by Ben Folds and former Toad The Wet Sprocket singer Glen Phillips are worth a second chance. Continue reading
How does a long-struggling heavy rock band follow their breakthrough success? If you’re Queens Of The Stone Age, you chuck their trademark sound out the window before recording your new album. Soundbytes gives an estimate of the damage. Continue reading
The Game is hip-hop’s hottest property. Sponsored by Dr. Dre and 50 Cent, the West Coast rapper has a debut album that soared to the top of the charts and he’s compiled an impressive list of headlines on MTV.com for the verbal scuffles that he’s had with some of rap’s biggest names. Soundbytes clues you on whether his record is worth the accompanying hype. Continue reading
Persevering through years of power plays, name-calling, and assorted legal threats, the long-gestating Nirvana box set has finally hit store shelves. “With The Lights Out” is a big Christmas gift for Nirvana fans that has arrived just in time to stuff the stocking of the Gen-X-ers on your list. Continue reading
Their every album sells millions of copies. Their songs dominate the radio airwaves and their videos are unmovable from MTV heavy rotation. Their every public statement and appearance is news around the world. Can anything stop the multi-million dollar machine that is U2? David tells why their new album might trip up their global reign. Continue reading
Soundbytes Music Column 