Wow, this week was a bit of a bummer. So much anticipation and a whole lot of disappointment. You’re probably thinking I deserve it. After all, I got my hopes all up about Mariah Carey and Selena Gomez, so what did I really deserve, right? But I’m still a bit let down because, yes, I was expecting a lot from Mariah. She’s had more #1 hits than any other artist in history and while I wouldn’t listen to her every day in my car, I did think I’d at least like it.

Turns out, you all might be best off just listening to Britney Spears’ new single, “Three,” this week. Or Zero 7. You may not know who they are, but they are great and they really restored my faith in music after that Mimi/Selena letdown. So, thanks, Zero 7!

Mariah Carey- Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel

I admit I’m not the hugest Mariah Carey fan in the world, but I’ve been known to get down to her music a time or two. In fact, I think she has so many amazing songs and has true talent. I saw her perform in concert a couple years ago and was amazed by how many hits she has that are all so perfect. But Mariah admits on this album that she’s “imperfect.” And imperfect this album is (right down to the super airbrushed cover photo). I was really anticipating Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel because I wanted some more hits from Mariah. But when I first heard “Obsessed,” I was anything but obsessed. I didn’t like it at all! But I still gave Mariah’s album a chance because, you know, it’s Mariah Carey and obviously there are going to be some hits on there, right?

Honestly? I didn’t hear any.

They all had her beautiful voice, but none stuck out or excited me. I think I was just really looking for a “Hero” or even “Always Be My Baby.”I had some fun with “Ribbon,” but I wouldn’t say it was a huge hit or anything. I know Mariah’s version of Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is” got a lot of criticism, but I actually think this is the shining moment of the album. It shows her true range and is truly beautiful. No, you can’t compare it to Foreigner, but it’s totally different and amazing nonetheless. I honestly do believe that Mariah Carey is totally talented and that she will be back in true fashion eventually. I don’t know if she just has some so-so producers or her marriage to Nick Cannon has been uninspiring, but she just needs a little something. Come back to us Mariah!

Selena Gomez- Kiss and Tell

Really, I don’t even know why I bothered reviewing Selena Gomez’s new ablum. I think I just thought, well, Miley Cyrus is straight from the Disney Channel and her music is awesome. I am basically obsessed with the music of Hilary Duff. Even Demi Lovato’s music makes me dance. Sigh. Not Selena Gomez. Don’t get me wrong, she’s not bad at all. Her music is pop-y and high-energy and pretty fun. But it’s just not quite as catchy as those other Disney girls. One of my favorites from Kiss and Tell is the title track, but even that sounds totally Disney. It feels like it should be in a Lindsay Lohan movie. Am I wrong? The lyrics are fun, though, and fairly innocent: “Kiss and tell everything I say stuck inside your little brain/Everybody wants to know yeah/Lips that lie caught in your track sold me out and you just/Laugh said we’re friends till the end yeah but you/Don’t mean it.”

Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like 17-year-old Gomez should be sounding more mature than Miley Cyrus, not less. Then again, maybe it’s Miley who’s too mature. I have to admit, “As a Blonde” is totally fun, but again, all I can picture is a Disney movie. I, however, was dancing around my room listening: “And come back as a blond, try a different lipstick on/As a blond, will I get whatever I want?/I’d be ever so incising, take a lot of icing, never have to watch my weight/Yeah when I’m gone, I’m gonna come back as a blond.” So, I just think Selena needs to mature a bit and get rid of that Wizards of Waverly Place image and then she’ll be on her way to pop success. And hopefully she doesn’t turn into Lindsay Lohan in the meantime.

Zero 7- Yeah Ghost

I don’t know a whole lot about Zero 7, but I do know I enjoy their song from the Garden State soundtrack. And there might be one or two more that I’ve heard and enjoyed. I also just learned that Sia used to be one of their female vocalists. Hello! I love Sia! So, I obviously had to listen to their new album, Yeah Ghost. It was definitely a lot better than I even thought it would be. Finally! Something good about this week! I seriously think I’ve listened to Medicine Man at least 50 times since I got Yeah Ghost. It’s so eclectic and fun; I just cannot stop! I love the singer’s raspy-ish voice and the way she sings “Outrageous.” This song really doesn’t sound like the rest of the album, but I wish more songs sounded like this! “The Road” is a really lovely mellow song. When I heard it at first, I just closed my eyes; it’s kind of like a lullaby. In a good way, though; not a boring way. This is the song I can most hear a Sia-ish sound in as well. I’m also a fan of “Mr. McGee” which is actually upbeat and fun. Apparently, the lead singer on this is Anglo-Zimbabwean and I can really get a feel for that. I literally started clapping and dancing along to this song. OK, so while I have been super negative about music this week, Zero 7′s Yeah Ghost is actually a gem. A gem I will keep listening to.

None of the artists with new releases are new to me this week. I’ve loved them all in the past and now I’m coming back for more. Actually, they’re coming back to give me more and I’m taking it all with wide open arms. And I’m pretty psyched to hear some new stuff from some of my old favorites. It makes me feel at home and right where I belong. I’m so happy to have my old friends back again!

A Fine Frenzy- Bomb in a Birdcage

I fell in love with A Fine Frenzy the first time I heard “Almost Lover.” Actually, it brought me to tears almost instantly. Now, I’m a pretty emotional person, so I guess that isn’t saying all too much, but really, if you haven’t heard this song yet, listen to it yet. I’ve had a rather emotional weekend as my sister just got married, so I was both excited and nervous to listen to the new album from A Fine Frenzy, Bomb in a Birdcage. But after my first listen-through, I realized that this was a much happier A Fine Frenzy then I remembered.

“Swan Song” is beautiful, as are many other tracks, but there’s nothing on the album quite like “Almost Lover.” I am totally loving “What I Wouldn’t Do,” which is a bit more upbeat and has the lyrics from Fine Frenzy that I crave. They’re so sweet and cute that they make me want to frolic in a field and have a picnic with my lover. Plus there’s whistling involved, and who doesn’t love whistling? “If I were old, my dearest, you would be older/But I would crawl upon your lap/Wrap a blanket ’round our frail little shoulders/And I’d die happily like that/Oh what I wouldn’t do/If I had you, babe, I had you/Oh what I wouldn’t do/If I had you, babe, if I had you/So lace your hands ’round the small of my back and I will kiss you like a king/I will be your bride, I’ll keep you warm at night/I will sing, I will sing.” So maybe, a Fine Frenzy didn’t get me crying like they did with “Almost Lover,” but I’m still happily singing along to their new album.

Boys Like Girls- Love Drunk

Boys Like Girls isn’t the typical kind of music I listen to, but I have to admit I have a very soft place in my heart for them. It could partially be because I went to high school with the lead singer, but that’s not the only reason. I hadn’t really heard much about them until I met them at Warped Tour a couple years ago and realized they were from my hometown and Martin Johnson was a couple years below me in high school. So then I listened to their big hit single, “Great Escape,” and I totally loved it. And then I discovered there were lots of awesome tracks off their first self-titled album. So, I was dying to hear their sophomore album Love Drunk.

And, I’m going to be honest here, what was I most excited for in their new album? Their duet with Taylor Swift. Not only do I love Taylor, but I was really interested to see how they would pull this off. And “Two Is Better Than One” is a completely beautiful song. I actually walked into the room as it was playing and I thought it was Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova for a second (from the movie Once). It’s that beautiful! If this song hits the spotlight, which I hope it does, I really think it’s going to launch Boys Like Girls into something huge.

On a totally different note, “Real Thing” sounds like an 80s hit, in the best way possible. Even the lyrics are 80s-sounding: “Jamie’s in love/She’s got the summer blowing through her hair/She turns it up/She says tonight you take me anywhere/Bobby’s in luck/He got a fire burning in his eyes/He turns it up/And he says girl you better hold on tight.” And of course, I’m a fan of “Love Drunk,” the album’s title track. And the remix with Mark Hoppus, one of the bonus tracks, is pretty fabulous too. I believe this second album from Boys Like Girls is really going to get them far!

Howie Day- Sound the Alarm

I’ll admit I became a Howie Day fan long ago. I saw him live before he was known at all and he was extremely good looking with a beautiful voice. How could I not fall in love right away? He even agreed to let me snap a picture with him, which I still have to this day. That was about 10 years ago. From then, he started to get bigger, but then got in some trouble. I think he was accused of assaulting a girl on his tour bus and maybe threw a fit in on an airplane too. Whatever. All I know is that I like his music, so I’m excited he just released a new album, Sound the Alarm. And now that he’s a bit older, hopefully he’s become a bit more mature too.

And he is! At least when it comes to his music. His voice even sounds a bit different, maybe a bit more commercial, but still Howie Day-ish. I remember one of the first things I liked about Howie Day’s music was its lyrics, and they’re still there as perfect as ever. I was immediately obsessed with “Longest Night” and its words: “Is it dark where you are?/Can you count the stars where you are?/Do you feel where you are /A thousand miles from home/Maybe there’s a point to this/Could it be something its I have missed/Here we are set into motion/Steal a car, we’ll crash in the ocean/You and I are caught in the fading light/On the longest night…” But “Be There” and “40 Hours” are also pretty amazing. I can’t get enough of the title track’s lyrics: “I don’t know if I could last/When I couldn’t rescue you/And I don’t know if my best/Is enough for me anymore.” But Howie Day makes me feel like everything’s OK by singing, “You know we’ll be alright.” Howie makes me feel at home again.

And it’s good to be home with Howie.

My sister is getting married and I’ve had weddings on the brain, so this week I’m dedicating this review to her and doin’ the something old, something new, and something blue routine. It doesn’t just apply to brides, you know. I didn’t borrow any of my music this week (I’m not good at giving back), so I had to leave that one out.

Anyways, obviously Whitney Houston is the something old. I’m not saying the woman is old (hell, she looks good for her age!), but she has been around the block a few times. These United States are my something new, and I couldn’t be more excited about that. And the Drive-By Truckers are my something blue, since I love them to death, but listening to their album made me feel a little bit blue.

And I guess all of that means I’ll one day be marrying music.
Considering the guys I’ve dated in the past, that is fine by me:

Whitney Houston- I Look to You

Oh hey, Whitney Houston. You’re back. Have I mentioned I’m excited? Like, jump out of my pants and do a little dance around my bedroom, excited? Well, I was. And I have to admit that you let me down just a little bit. I don’t really know why I expected you to be the exact woman you were before, but what happened to those vocal cords? OK, so maybe I’m being a little bit dramatic, but I really do miss hearing Whitney’s true crooning. I always said if I were to audition for American Idol, I would sing “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” to which my friends and family burst out laughing. Because I would definitely make the show…the horrible audition part of the show.

Nope, I’m just not a fabulous singer. But I do think I could actually sing some of Whitney’s new stuff from I Look to You, because her voice just isn’t getting up there. So many of the songs on her new album play off of Whitney’s horrible marriage (to the awful Bobby Brown), which I think is a good thing. Pain brings awesome music. And Whitney’s lyrics are as powerful as ever, especially in songs like “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength.” But I want her to start screaming and showing her real power. I am a big fan of the first song on the album, “Million Dollar Bill” because it reminds me a bit of the old Whitney (the song sounds totally 80s-ish) and her voice actually gets up there a bit. And it’s fun. I really do like the title track, but again, it leaves something lacking. Whitney also duets with Akon on an interesting track. It’s cute, but probably won’t become a hit, like most Akon collaborations do. Sadness. I guess love lets you down sometimes.

These United States- Everything Touches Everything

I had heard of These United States before this week, but I knew absolutely nothing about them and had never heard a lick of their music. I had no clue what they would sound like when I was getting ready to listen to Everything Touches Everything. But you know what? I enjoy them immensely. They’re really hard to describe, but it’s basically pretty mellow music with great lyrics and the occasional dance-ability. One of my very favorite songs on the album is “Secret Door.” While it’s a pretty mellow song, the lyrics are absolutely outstanding and definitely prove to me what amazing songwriters These Unite States are. “I am going to start the morning out/Throwing out the day before/I am going to let the morning in/The whole thing pouring in/And what is more…I am the captain of this ship/For what it was/And what it is and what it shackles/Or it leaves behind that shore/I am my executioner/But death is not the final word/And my life is not some secret door…I will push you if you push me.”

Another one of my faves is “Will It Ever” because of its sorta country vibe. And “Conquests and Consequences” is such a different sound, I find myself listening to it over and over. Every once in a while I’m surprised by a band I never really knew existed and this time it’s These United States. Now I have a feeling I’ll have a hard time remembering when they weren’t a part of my life! But then again, maybe I’m just in the honeymoon faze.

Drive-By Truckers- The Fine Print: A Collection of Oddities and Rarities

I consider the Drive-By Truckers to be one of my all time favorite bands. As in, they are majorly awesome. I have about a million of their songs on constant rotation on my iPod, but it never seems to be enough. So, although, I’d absolutely love for them to come out with something really brand new, I take what I can get. And that’s The Fine Print: A Collection of Oddities and Rarities. It’s basically all their previously recorded material that they ended up not using. You might think this wouldn’t be as good as their published music, but when you look at DBT’s albums, you see how much of a storyline they have and why there might be some actually really good stuff that just wasn’t able to be included.

The album starts off  with “George Jones Talkin’ Cell Phone Blues” and just exemplifies what the Drive-By Truckers are to me. It has a little bit of modern behavior mixed with some old school dirty South. Right away I can see why they didn’t want these perfectly amazing songs to go to waste. I have to say I was way overly psyched to hear Jason Isbell on this album (I still haven’t gotten over him leaving the band) and am now pretty obsessed with “When the Well Runs Dry.” And “TVA” too. These are definitely my favorite tracks on the album, because they sound amazing, yes, but also probably because I’m feeling a bit of nostalgia too. But now I think I’ve relapsed into my Jason Isbell pain, which probably isn’t very healthy.

Sometimes I love a band so much, I just sit and wait for them to come out with something new. Well, I don’t literally sit and wait, but I do get really excited when I know a release date is near. And this week, my long and painful wait was over.

Well, for two of the three bands, at least.

Had I actually sat around and waited for Third Eye Blind to release a new album – yes, it took them six years – I would probably be dead by now. And even though it wasn’t an eternity, waiting for Mute Math felt like forever. I was thisclose to completely wearing out their original album. Now, I wasn’t exactly falling off my seat waiting for Cascada to release something new, but they did I listened and enjoyed it nonetheless.

They say distance makes the heart grow fonder and I’m pretty sure that can be said for this week’s new releases:

Third Eye Blind- Ursa Major

Oh, hey Third Eye Blind, you’re back! Yes, you are! How excited is everyone about this? I heard the news about 6 months ago and have been waiting on the edge of my seat since. And I have to say my butt really hurts I’m not disappointed by Third Eye Blind’s new album, Ursa Major. Honestly, from the start of the album, it’s clear that 3eb hasn’t gone anywhere; for a few minutes, I even totally forgot it had been years since they came out with anything new.

So, yes, the first song on the album “Can You Take Me” is the perfect song to start Ursa Major and makes it clear the boys are back. It also really made me want to start shouting back, “Yes! I can take you!” but as I was sitting in a bagel shop the first time I heard it, I had to refrain so I didn’t become the weirdest person in the room of weirdos. “Summer Town” is awesome and should become everyone’s (end of) summer anthem. And winter anthem too. The lyrics are perfect as Third Eye Blind lyrics often are: “All we are are friends who keep on losing time and/Fade away the precious ones we keep in mind and/Realize that I’m the one that you left behind.” “One in Ten” is one of Third Eye Blind’s slower songs and I’m pretty much in love with it. I don’t think it will reach the kind of fame “Deep Inside of You” had, but it’s still pretty fabulous. I’m kind of sad that this album hasn’t been publicized more. Every time I mentioned Third Eye Blind’s new album, people would say in disbelief, “What? They have a new album??”

Everyone should know about this; not just those who follow the music scene closely. So, tell your friends, Third Eye Blind is back!

Mute Math- Armistice

I’ve been waiting a long time for Mute Math’s new album. Like a super long time. And my wait is finally over. I can stop listening to their self-titled debut album for a bit (as much as I do love it) and listen to something new. And Mute Math’s new album? You might not believe me, but it’s even better than the first! Armistice really shows how the band has grown and I’m more than impressed by it. I love Paul Meany’s recent quote that, “Our goal is to embarrass the first record, that’s what we’re trying to do here, and I think we’re on point to pull it off.” Awesome goals.

I definitely don’t think they embarrassed the first album (at all), but that doesn’t mean I’m not in love with the new one. Like I said, I listened to their first album like crazy to obsessive levels. It would be nearly impossible to embarrass it. “Plan B” is, and probably always will be, on my top 10 list of best songs ever. And one that I’ll never get sick of. But I think Armistice might have a few songs that are almost just as good! I’m mostly in love with the title track “Armistice” right now. I love how it sounds like typical Mute Math, with a big band sound thrown in for fun. It makes me want to dance, it makes me want to chill out, and it makes me just plain love life. I’m also really loving “Lost Year” because it’s so different than the typical Mute Math you’re used to. When it first started playing, I was convinced it was actually The Fray. I love Mute Math’s versatility; there’s something for everyone, so you should definitely check ‘em out.

Cascada-Evacuate the Dancefloor

Someone else is back. And that someone is Cascada. I can’t say I’ve been the biggest Cascada fan ever, but their “Every Time We Touch” song is always fun for dancing around to and having a good time. Plus, I’ve listened to their Rascal Flatts cover of “What Hurts the Most” only about a million times, so I figured I’d have to check out her new album, Evacuate the Dancefloor.

The album was really a mish-mash of music. Since I’ve never listened to a Cascada album all the way through, this could very well be exactly what they’re always like; who knows? I didn’t mind it, but I wonder if they’re trying to be too many things to too many people? The title track “Evacauate the Dancefloor” reminded me a lot of Lady Gaga; kind of techno-y and obviously about dancing. However, I’m not the biggest Eminem fan and I’m fairly certain I heard him in there, though I think it may have been an imitator. Eek. Surprisingly, I liked the slower Cascada songs the best. I really like “Hold Your Hands Up,” which was more of a sweet ballad. And I’ve been listening to “Draw the Line” a lot, as well. Even the slower songs aren’t going to have lyrics that will blow you away (“tick tock says the clock on the wall,” for instance), but the tunes are nice and they’re perfect for easy listening. As far as the more dance-y songs go, “Ready or Not” definitely got me moving. Overall, I think Cascada is a nice addition to the music library, though I probably won’t be a non-stop listener.

This week’s new releases left me pleasantly surprised. From an album by an artist I had never heard of, to one I thought I knew very well, to one I resisted listening to for oh so long. Sometimes you need to open up a bit and take a few risks in order to find joy, and that goes for music, too.

Not sure where to start? Well, you could just choose a new artist or album based on how cool their name is. I’ve been doing it forever and it hasn’t failed me yet. Or you could listen to your friends when they rave about a band; turns out, they know what they’re talkin’ about.

Patrick Wolf- Bachelor

I’ll admit this week was a rough week when it comes to new releases. I hadn’t heard of many of the bands with new albums, nor was I overly interested in many of them. So I randomly decided that Patrick Wolf sounded like a super cool name and could be an interesting artist. I also liked the name of his album, Bachelor. Plus, I learned that Wolf was once in a Burberry ad. I know, so scientific. But, hey, I ended up liking this little British boy. He sounds a bit crazy, a bit techno, and kind of like David Bowie; I almost wanted to see him running through a labyrinth.

The album: good stuff. I really enjoyed “Damaris,” which is a really great build-up song and the lyrics are lovely: “My goddamned Damaris/Killed with last kiss/Goddamned Damaris/I loved you.” So, I figured I should learn who Damaris is. Interestingly she’s a woman mentioned in the New Testament and nobody’s really certain why her name was recorded, except that she may have been of high social standing. Hmmm. It’s also a lingerie brand, so who knows about that. I love the slow smoothness of “Thickets,” which reminded me a bit of Star. And “Vulture,” which is set to be the album’s second single is also a lot of fun in a super techno, strange way. I love strange men. I love Patrick Wolf.

George Strait- Twang

I generally enjoy me some George Strait. He’s definitely not my most favorite country singer, but I think he’s a lot of fun. So when I heard he had a new album, I obviously needed to listen to Twang. Aaaand…I have sort of mixed feelings about it. I’m definitely not sitting over here going crazy, but there are songs I would absolutely put on repeat. “Living For the Night” is a really beautiful song and George hits every note just right. I couldn’t decide if “The Breath You Take” is extremely cheesy or really sweet. I hate songs about boys playing baseball, but once the song hit the chorus, I almost cried a little. I may also be PMSing, but still, the tears were there.

At the same time, some of the songs did seem very cliche country, like “Hot Grease and Zydeco” and “I Gotta Get to You.” And the title track, which I totally expected to love based on that fact alone, well, it just didn’t really do much for me. Surprisingly, it was George’s slower, less fun songs that I like the best. Sniff, maybe he’s just growing up.

Passion Pit- Manners

Ughh, so you know when you keep hearing about a band so much that you don’t even want to listen to them? That’s how I felt about Passion Pit. Enough was enough. Shut up. At first I thought I was just hearing about them because they’re local. But then people from outside of Boston started talking about them. So, I finally listened. Better late then never right? Seriously. Because I. am. instantly obsessed.

Why, oh why did I take so long to listen to Passion Pit? I never like albums upon first listens, especially from bands I’m not familiar with, but this was true love upon listen #1. I guess if I had to compare them to anyone, it would probably have to be MGMT, but they’re also pretty different. They do have that fun techno-y, electronic sound, though. “The Reeling” is the first single from Manners, so I gave it a listen first. It started off kind of strangely, but it wasn’t long before I totally got into the groove. There are what sound like kids singing in the background. A little bit strange, but it just worked so well. I love that “Little Secrets” starts off sounding like a video game. And I love how ridiculously high lead singer, Michael Angelakos’s voice is, especially in “Sleepyhead.” The bottom line is that I love Passion Pit and I will no longer ignore people when they tell me to listen to a band. But it’s better late than never for this one. That is for sure.

This week might be the most random mix of reviews ever. Seriously, ever. I even surprised myself a bit.

I was ready to love who I already loved and hate who I wanted to hate, but that’s not at all what happened. The one album I was most excited for fell flat. And the one I barely even wanted to listen to (and would rather throw out my window) I kinda liked. A little too much. To the point where I had to force myself to turn it off.

I’m going to warn you right now: don’t listen to Ashley Tisdale if you aren’t into Disney pop music. Because you’ll probably end up enjoying it. And then feeling pretty embarrassed. Especially when you can’t get enough and want to blast it from your car and the people who pull up next to you can hear it…and judge you.

Modest Mouse- No One’s First and You’re Next

If there was an award for best album title’s ever (is there??), modest Mouse would win by a long-shot. With album names like Good News for People Who Love Bad News, This is a Long Drive for Someone With Nothing to Think About, and Building Something Out of Nothing, Modest Mouse’s new album certainly fits in with their trend of awesome names. It’s called No One’s First and You’re Next and I’ve already played it about 50 million times. I always refer to Modest Mouse as an acquired taste; a band you might hate the first time you hear them. I know I tried to like them at first, but just couldn’t. And then one day I heard “Float On” and I sort of fell in love. And now, the first time I heard this new album, I loved it, solidifying in my mind that I am now a true Modest Mouse fan.

The album is actually a collection of previously released B-side and A-side tracks, but since I’m not a crazy obsessed Modest Mouse fan (yet), I haven’t heard any of them. It’s kind of a big jumble of music and you can tell it’s an EP, rather than being a full album. But I kind of like that. I can’t even pick a favorite song, but I have to say I absolutely love the build up that “The Whale Song” brings and can’t help but wonder if the lyrics are referencing Modest Mouse’s launch into fame and desire to go back to the way it was. Other definite listen-tos? “Satellite Skin” and “Autumn Beds,” but I really do enjoy the whole album. And I sincerely wish it was much longer than 8 tracks.

Howling Bells- Radio Wars

Howling Bells was completely new to me this week. I thought I would like them more than I actually do, mostly because I heard they’ve played along with bands that I adore, like The Killers, Coldplay, and Snow Patrol. And I’m not saying I don’t like them, – I’m just saying  they were a little too “whiney girls singing” for my tastes.

I do kind of like “It Ain’t You” because it seemed to be pretty happy and upbeat. Maybe the only the only happy and upbeat sound on the whole album. I also enjoyed “Nightingale,” because I love the clapping in the background, making it probably the most interesting song of all. I found “Let’s Be Kids Again” to be a bit blah, but I did kinda, sorta love the lyrics: “Let’s be kids again/Life was so simple then/Let’s be kids again…We don’t wanna know about this currency/We don’t wanna know about this 9-5/Just a simple life/Can you picture this/We don’t wanna hear about your policies/We don’t wanna live up to these expectations/A childlike dreal/Yeah you know what I mean.” Ok, so they totally get what I’m feelin’ right now…but I’m just not sure I want them to sing to me about it.

Ashley Tisdale- Guilty Pleasure

Let me first be clear about one thing: I am not a fan of High School Musical. In fact, I haven’t seen a single one of the movies. I do think Zac Efron is kind of cute, but that’s beside the point. And he’s much too young for me, anyway.

Like most people over the age of 9, I think it’s pretty ridiculous that so many of the High School Musical stars are coming out with their own albums. Really? Because I want to listen to Disney music, right? Then I saw a few interviews with Ashley Tisdale and I started to kind of like her. So, sue me. She’s a cute girl with a nice personality. And much more adult than I thought she was. Then I saw her perform “It’s Alright, It’s OK” and I really kind of enjoyed it. So I gave her a listen. And you know what? Her album is called Guilty Pleasure, and I can totally see why.

I think she’s kind of my new guilty pleasure. And I think the girl can totally move beyond the whole Disney stigma one day. I mean, her music is a bit racey. Maybe I’m totally out of line of here, but doesn’t “Masquerade” totally sound like it’s about role-playing? Yup. I’m in love with the song “Hot Mess,” and its totally PG-13 lyrics: “I’m such a hot mess/With you/I never knew/Never knew it could be so fun/It’s true/I was such a good girl before you came along/But you’re so racy/You’re my new favorite guy/So unruly/So uncivilized.” Doesn’t really sound like lyrics coming from a Disney star does it? And “Delete You” is the perfect song for 2009! We all have guys we need to delete. Not to mention there’s a song called “Hair.” That’s all about a guy running his fingers through her hair so she feels like “a sexy superstar.” It’s the most ridiculous song ever: “I like what you do to my hair. Who knew that looking a mess could feel so good?” OK, honestly, I’m stopping now. I have to stop. I am now Ashley Tisdale’s biggest fan. What happened to me?

You know those artists that just seem to disappear all of the sudden? One minute they’re in your life (and in your head) and the next, you don’t really know where they are and you spend your days wondering if they took some office job somewhere.

This week’s new releases are all just like that. Once upon a time, I listened to these artists, but it’s been a while. And I was all “Oh my God, you’re still around?” when I heard they had new albums. I can’t even recall the last time I thought about Tori Amos, I happy pushed Eminem from my mind long ago, and it had been a couple years since I really enjoyed Kate Voegele. And this week, they’re all back!

Tori Amos- Abnormally Attracted to Sin

I had forgotten about Tori Amos for a bit. Never really a huge fan, I always thought she had a pretty voice, but I never paid much attention to her. And I’m actually really enjoying Abnormally Attracted to Sin. It’s typical Tori – not the kind of music that’s going to get you all revved up, but it’s great to have playing while you’re working or just need to unwind. “Curtain Call” is one of my favorites from the album and I’m really feeling the oh-so-true lyrics, “By the time you’re 25/They will say ‘you’ve gone and blown it’/By the time you’re 35 I must confide/You will have blown them all/Right on cue just act surprised/When they invite you to take/Your curtain call.”

I’m also loving “Strong Black Vine” and its strings accompaniment, along with Tori’s especially powerful voice here. “Fire to the Plain” is one of the most energetic tracks on the album (though that’s not really saying much) and another good one. The album as a whole sounds a bit like a theater production, but I think that’s what most have come to expect from Tori and we love the fact that she actually makes it sound enjoyable.

Eminem- Relapse

So, he’s back and drug-free (I guess), but I already want him to go away again. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not an Eminem hater and I actual enjoy a lot of stuff from his past, like “Stan.” And I was excited for him to come back with Relapse, especially since I was enjoying “Crack a Bottle” with Dr. Dre and 50 Cent. But this album is a mess. Maybe I’m just getting too old for him, but I found myself continuously thinking, “Oh my God, how are the children going to be influenced??” while listening. Drugs! Abusing women! Homophobia! What are we teaching our kids? And the thing is, I know Eminem is trying to be funny and I can even laugh at lots of it. But I do worry about those with less developed minds. Do people actually use Eminem as a role model?

I do think a lot of the songs are actually good; many of them are danceable and have amazing beats. I want oh so badly to like them, but I just really don’t. I almost feel sorry for him and the fact that he’s becoming one big self-parody. In “Medicine Ball” he continuously says, “I guess it’s time for you to hate me again.” Yup, I guess so. Looks like Eminem knows full well it’s better to be hated than not thought about at all.

Kate Voegele- A Fine Mess

A couple years ago I fell in love with Kate Voegele’s “Only Fooling Myself” and then pretty much forgot about her, except when that song would randomly come up in my iTunes.  So when I heard she was coming out with a new album, A Fine Mess, I was pretty thrilled. My conclusion? I’m really enjoying Kate’s new album, but it’s certainly not groundbreaking and I don’t really see it catapulting her into fame. It’s the kind of album it takes a few listens to to really get into, and even then you’re not all crazy excited about it. I think she has the voice, but that the songs she’s singing just aren’t showcasing it enough. And the song titles are all totally blah and predictable. I’m mostly a fan of “99 Times” and can see it becoming a pop single, but I’m not exactly sure this is who Kate wants to be. “Manhattan From the Sky” does the best job of letting Kate show off her voice and “Who You Are Without Me” almost reminds me of Martinia McBride. I think Kate is still working on finding herself and I really hope she does.

I like music I can sing along to. Even better is music I only have to listen to once before I start singing along. Sometimes I find myself singing along before I even know the lyrics. Other people get annoyed at my mixture of mumbles and hums, but I can’t help myself.

That’s how this week’s new releases were for me; I loved them right from the start and couldn’t help singing along. Plus, the lyrics to many of these songs pretty much rock. Of course, I already knew all the songs on the Ben Folds album, but I was immediately dancing and singing along to the new versions (and that’s not always easy to do with a cappella music).

I’m pretty sure, in fact, that this week’s new releases have caused my roommate to start packing and my neighbors to buy earplugs. What? I never said I had a good voice, but I really just can’t help singing along.

Ben Lee- The Rebirth of Venus

The first thing I thought upon hearing Ben Lee’s new album was, “Where have I been?!?!” I’ve been hearing about Ben Lee for so long and then blatantly ignoring him. I’m not sure why; it could have something to do with my general dislike of super short names. But now I’m angry I never gave him a chance, because this stuff is good. Like really good. Good as in, the first time I listened to the The Rebirth of Venus, I immediately found myself singing along. How could I sing along to songs I had never heard before? I don’t know, but I was.

The album starts with “What’s So Bad (About Feeling Good)?” and it is absolutely the perfect opening. It immediately got me dancing along, “No guilt/All pleasure/Come on/I wanna hear you yell it now.” So from song 1, I was already starting to fall in love with Ben Lee. I could probably talk about every single song on The Rebirth of Venus, but I’ll keep it to just a few. “I Love Pop Music” sounds exactly like you’d think it would. I almost didn’t want to like it, but I legit could not help it. My favorite song on the album is definitely “Families Cheating at Boardgames” and I think it does an excellent job at showcasing Ben’s voice. Plus the lyrics are pretty much to die for:“Break away from what you know/You are not alone/We can build a brand new home/You are not alone.” More amazingness about Ben Lee (as if you needed it)? He’s married to Ione Skye. You know, from my all-time favorite movie, Say Anything. And their child plays the pots and pans in the intro to “What’s So Bad (About Feeling Good)?” God, how sweet. Ben Lee, I think I love you.

The Great Northern- Remind Me Where the Light is

I first heard of The Great Northern a couple years ago when I heard their song “Home.” I absolutely loved it, so I listened to a few more of their songs. None of them really did it for me like “Home,” but I was super excited to listen to their new album, Remind me Where the Light is, nevertheless. And I’m happy to report that it’s pretty close to where “Home” is in terms of enjoyability. And in terms of singability. It was pretty obvious to me why “Houses” is the first single off the album; it’s perfectly catchy. But it isn’t my favorite song. I’m a big fan of “Stop,” which is one of the slowest songs on the album and was strangely reminiscent of Bon Iver for me. And that’s obviously a big plus.

I also appreciate the lyrics on the song “Numbers”: “Beware of strength in numbers/They play better than one/A group of those who follow/Can never reach the sound/Be careful who you’re thinking/Will save you in the end/Maybe we’re all just waiting/For one beautiful friend.” Another one of my favorites is “Driveway,” also another of the slower songs. While I might not be able to help singing along, I also think Great Northern is the perfect background music for me. And that’s not an insult at all; it’s a total compliment. It’s quiet, melodic, and has the ability to calm me. And trust me, it takes a lot to calm me.

Ben Folds- Ben Folds Presents: University A Cappella

I am a big lover of Ben Folds and I’ll take him in any fashion I can get him in, be it with the Five or a cappella. I think this album, Ben Folds presents: University A Cappella, is a really cool concept. It’s almost like you don’t realize how perfect Ben Folds’ music is for a cappella until you hear these a cappella groups singing it.  And then you realize these songs were made for it. Well, maybe not made for it, but it works really, really well. This album probably has many of your favorite Ben Folds songs on it, so it should make you quite happy. I think “Still Fighting It” is one of the songs that works the best as a cappella and found myself listening to it over and over. But “You Don’t Know Me” also worked quite well, as you could probably tell from the original version Ben Folds sings with Regina Spector. My sister just told me that “The Luckiest” is going to be her wedding song, so this version had me tearing up a bit. And I absolutely loved “Brick” and almost enjoyed the lead singer more than I enjoy Ben Folds singing it. Almost.

Of course, the a cappella groups overshadow Ben much of the time, but I guess that’s kind of the point. I think it just made me realize that while I’m loving this album, it’s also making me crazy craving some new Ben Folds.

When the Internets talk, I listen. Really. Think about how easy the Internet makes it to discover new music.  Almost as easy as it is to find porn (but not quite as easy. It is way too easy to find porn on the Internet).  Sometimes when I’m bored, I just browse the Internet to discover new bands and I’m constantly shocked by how many artists and bands I’ve never heard of until I see or hear them online. And then fall instantly in love with them.

So, Internets, I thank you. Thank you for bringing us more than porn. Thank you for introducing me to this week’s new releases.

Metric - Fantasies

I had never heard of Metric before, but recently the Internets have been all abuzz about them. Not liking to be left out of things, I obviously had to listen. My first thought upon hearing the opening track of Metric’s new album, Fantasies, was “Wow, how catchy!” but in a sort of unique way. I instantly liked lead singer Emily Haines’ voice as she sung “Help I’m Alive,” and after doing a big of Googling (duh) discovered that she was born in India and has contributed to tracks from Broken Social Scene (so that’s where I know that voice).  Metric reminds me a lot of Tegan and Sara, but I actually think I already like Metric a bit better. The album’s first single, “Gimmie Sympathy,” is one of the most fun tracks on the album with lyrics to prove it: “I can feel it in my bones/Gimmie sympathy/After all of this is gone/Who would you rather be/The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?”

But Metric also does serious, which is quite evident on “Collect Call” with lyrics: “I know it’s a lie I want it to be true/The rest of the ride is riding on you/Over goodbyes we’ll buy some place/For wishing you could/Keep me closer.” Though I think the new wave sound of the music does a lot to make Metric unique, I’m pretty sure it’s Emily’s smooth voice that carries much of the album. And I have a feeling Metric puts on a killer live show. I hope I get to find out.

Silversun Pickups – Swoon

Another band the Internet loves that I had yet to discover.  I was not OK with that, so I gave their new album, Swoon, a listen and I started to enjoy them very quickly. I read that Silversun Pickups are often compared to The Smashing Pumpkins, which I could hear in the intros to songs like “Panic Switch” and also in lead singer Brian Aubert’s voice. But the songs sound a bit happier than The Smashing Pumpkins (in general), so I wouldn’t take the comparison too far. I also heard a sort of Kings of Leon sound, which is a very fabulous thing, in my opinion. I heard this especially in “Substitution” and “Catch and Release.” I really enjoy “Growing Old is Getting Old,” though the lyrics are quite depressing, focusing on our mortality: “So we all/Are growing old/And it’s getting old…Suddenly we decompose/But we’re not alone.” I really love the upbeat sound of “Sort Of” and found myself dancing around my room and accidentally memorizing the lyrics. And it’s always a good album when that happens. I guess there’s not much I didn’t like about Swoon and you have no idea how fast I’m going to be purchasing the Silversun Pickups’ older album. I actually sort of can’t believe I haven’t done it already. I can totally hear Silversun Pickups being played all over MTV and while I really do hope more people discover them and start to get obsessed like I am, I kind of like that not everyone knows them. I’ll try not to be greedy though.

Death Cab for Cutie- The Open Door

So this one I already knew, but it does seem like the Internet has always been obsessed with Death Cab for Cutie. Though it seems like Death Cab recently came out with a new album (they did! Less than a year ago!), there is no way I’m going to complain about yet another one from them. Yes, it’s only a 5-song EP, but it’s one to get excited about. The songs on The Open Door are a lot more upbeat than the Death Cab I’ve come to love, but they still have the same amazing lyrics and it was nice to hear something less mellow/make-me-wanna-cry-alone-in-my-room from them for a change. The album starts with “Little Bribes,” which is the perfect opening track. The tempo of the song is a lot more upbeat than the lyrics, but I kind of liked the contrast: “You said this city has a beating heart/That pushes people down the boulevard/And they’re all hoping for a wish fulfilled/In a desert for a dollar bill. “A Diamond and a Tether” is a bit more mellow and like the old Death Cab for Cutie, with the same deep lyrics: “I know you can’t hold out forever/Waiting on a diamond and a tether/From a boy who won’t flie/Who won’t take to the skies/If he thinks you’re about to say goodbye.” Lots of times EPs frustrate me because they’re filled with the leftovers from a previous album; songs that didn’t make the cut. But The Open Door isn’t like that at all. The songs are all so different from Narrow Stairs that they probably wouldn’t have fit in if they were on the album. My only complaint about The Open Door is that Death Cab didn’t record a few more songs and release it as a full-length album. But I really can’t complain at the delicious little taste they gave me with this EP.

All the musicians featured in this week’s Let it Rock have been on the music scene for quite a while. They’re not newcomers in the least bit, which means their fans are sure to have some strong opinions about their newest albums. (Duh, don’t music lovers always have strong opinions about their favorites?) It’s also the chance for the artists to get some new fans that might have never heard them. You know, those youngsters.

But the most important thing is….Kelly Clarkson is back!! OMFG! Wahooo!

And also her American Idol co-star Taylor Hicks. But I didn’t review his new album this week because, this week, Kelly is the only American Idol who matters.

Kelly Clarkson- All I Ever Wanted

I was a pretty big fan of Kelly Clarkson from the start. I loved her on American Idol and was thrilled that she separated herself from the show and became a complete star in her own right. I was pretty disappointed when I heard how awful her album was last year and didn’t really fall in love with the first single “My Life Would Suck Without You” from her new album, All I Ever Wanted. I just wasn’t feeling it and wasn’t too psyched for the album as a whole. But then I listened to the rest of it and realized I couldn’t stop listening. It is amazingly awesome! The album is the perfect mix of slow “Because of You” type ballads and fun “Since U Been Gone” pop songs. While she’s still distinctly Kelly, I heard traces of Leona Lewis in “Already Gone” and even Carrie Underwood in “Ready” and “All I Ever Wanted,” showing that Americans truly know what they want in an idol: a huge vocal range and lots of fun. Katy Perry and American Idol judge Kara Dioguardi teamed up to write “I Do Not Hook Up,” which isn’t my favorite song on the album, but I can definitely see the younger kids singing along. “I Want You” brings a bit of a Duffy’s bouncy touch to the album and shows Kelly’s wide range of versatility. Kelly is most definitely back on her game and I’m pretty sure this album is going to be huge.

Chris Cornell- Scream

I’ve heard the name Chris Cornell being thrown around quite a bit over the years, but have never taken the time to listen to him. So while I can’t compare his new album, Scream, to his previous works, I can say I’m completely in love with it. But in looking at other reviews, I see that his older fans aren’t thrilled with this new album, which made me wonder how I would feel about the old Chris. When I learned he used to be the frontman for Soundgarden (seriously, I don’t know where I’ve been that I didn’t know this), I saw how different Scream sounds from Chris’s Soundgarden days. I enjoy the album because each song blends into the next perfectly and Cornell’s voice is still the same as it’s always been. Scream is the ideal album to listen to while you’re doing absolutely anything. The lyrics aren’t anything to write home about and I probably wouldn’t just sit and listen to the album, but I think having it on in the background while I worked, actually made me more productive. The album was also produced by Timbaland, which makes it exponentially cooler in my book. My favorite tracks on the new album are “Never Far Away” and the title track “Scream.” So I think the album is a go, but check back with me in a few weeks after I start listening to Chris Cornell’s other stuff and find I prefer that. In any event, Scream helped Cornell get at least one new fan: me.

New Found Glory- Not Without a Fight

While I used to be a punk fan back in my junior high and high school days, I think those times have mostly passed. So it took me a lot to get into New Found Glory’s new album, Not Without a Fight. They definitely sound more grown up than many of the other punk groups, which makes sense since they are in fact older. I think my problem with New Found Glory is that I find myself having to listen to their albums over and over before I can tell one song from another. On the same token, I like that they never succumb to the pop-like, cheesy lyrics some punk bands are into. In a way, you could say New Found Glory absolutely refuses to “sell out,” which I truly respect. I enjoy “I’ll Never Love Again” because it sets itself apart from the other songs with a bit of “yelling” that really fits in. “Don’t Let Her Pull You Down” is another standout for me with its lyrics, “It’s time that I rain on your parade/Watch as all your hopes explode/To landmines/You ask for help but people turn away.” You’re sure to like “Tangled Up,” once you hear that it features vocals from Paramore’s Haley Williams, but the problem is her part is so subtle, you can barely hear her. While I’ll probably never be a huge New Found Glory fan, I definitely understand why their fans are so loyal and why with their sixth studio album, they’re still going strong.