Album review: Surf City transports listeners to beach in ‘We Knew It Was Not Going To Be Like This’

To those gripping on to the last sounds of summer, look no further than appropriately named band, Surf City. “We Knew It Was Not Going To Be Like Th…

Album review: Franz Ferdinand’s new album falls short of predecessors

There’s a reason Franz Ferdinand became the known name of dance rock: It’s fun. It actually makes you want to dance in odd and awkward ways. It’…

Album review: The Dodos release ‘Carrier,’ honor former guitarist Christopher Reimer

The Dodos’ fifth full-length album carries the most cumbersome of weights: death. Particularly that of Christopher Reimer, the band’s touring guita…

Album review: ‘Hall of Fame’ not a step forward for Big Sean

At last, G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam recording artist Big Sean, whose real name is Sean Michael Anderson, decided to end his long-lived “Finally Famous” ser…

Album review: Very little growth in Braids’ ‘Flourish//Perish’

The sophomore slump didn’t hit Canadian art rock band Braids this year. “Flourish // Perish,” the band’s second album, released Tuesday. The ele…

Album review: New musical style not for John Mayer in ‘Paradise Valley’

After his retreat to Montana and revival album “Born and Raised” in 2012, John Mayer left audiences anxiously awaiting his next career move. His las…

Album review: No Age stays true to previous sound in ‘An Object’

Apparently, after having put all that energy into its perfectly raucous 2010 record, “Everything In Between,” Los Angeles noise-punk duo No Age needed …

Album review: Alice in Chains creates treat for old listeners

For many dedicated fans, the very fact that Alice in Chains chose to reform the band without founding member and lead singer Layne Staley was as cl…