Do you ever listen to music that’s completely ridiculous? (Editor’s Note: Does Miley count?) To the point that you start feeling ridiculous and maybe even hide the fact that you listen to other people? (Editor’s Note: Miley definitely counts.) Or just sorta wonder what’s going on in the artist’s head?

OK, so clearly I can’t hide what I’ve been listening to this week – and I’ve already admitted previously to liking Demi Lovato – but that doesn’t mean this week’s new releases didn’t have me scratching my head a bit. And while that’s actually kind of what I’ve come to expect from Weezer and Say Anything, I was a little thrown by my homegirl, Carrie Underwood. Don’t get me wrong, she makes some amusing music, but have you ever stopped to listen to the lyrics?

Why does Carrie Underwood hang out with so many crappy men? Girlfriend needs some help!

Carrie Underwood- Play On

I am a shameless Carrie Underwood fan. Ever since the day she auditioned for American Idol (no lie), I knew she was going to make it big. And I was partially right; Carrie has made it huge. And she’s one of those girls you kind of just have to like. Seriously, do you really know anyone who has any hatred for Carrie Underwood? Her albums are non-stop good and full of hits. I first heard “Cowboy Casanova,” the first single from her new album, Play On, and I thought to myself, “Yes! Carrie Underwood is back again!” Carrie just has this sweet-girl-turned-angry kind of attitude and “Cowboy Casanova” displays that once again: “You better take it from me, that boy is like a disease/You’re running, you’re trying, you’re trying to hide/And you’re wondering why you can’t get free/He’s like a curse, he’s like a drug/You get addicted to his love.” Even though we may not know a whole lot of cowboys in our lives, we certainly know a lot of boys who can be described as “diseases.”

In a similar fashion is “Songs Like This,” with lyrics, “And if it wasn’t for guys like you/There wouldn’t be songs like this/And if you hadn’t gone and done me wrong/I wouldn’t go off like this.” And “Undo It” also reminds us a bit of “Before You Cheat” with another horrible guy: “You stole my happy/You made me cry/You took the lonely and took me for a ride/And I wanna undo it/You had my heart now I want it back/I started to see everything you lack/Boy you blew it/You put me through it/I wanna undo it.” Anyone else noticing a pattern here? Carrie’s got some seriously bad taste in guys. Who are all these jerks who have done Carrie Underwood so wrong?

We love you, Carrie; it’s time to find a man who will treat you right!
…But keep making amazing music while you’re at it.

Weezer- Raditude

From the very start of the album, you know Weezer is back in all their ridiculous glory. The first song, “Get Me Some,” starts off with “Right now everything sucks.” OK, so first of all, we highly doubt everything sucks for Weezer. And second of all, we’re pretty sure they’re getting plenty and don’t have much of a reason to be so unhappy. And after listening to this album, how could anybody be down?

I’m absolutely loving  “The Girl Got Hot,” which is a song about a girl who got hot after being nothing special in junior high. I also really like “The Prettiest Girl in the Whole Wide World” because it sounds a lot like the Weezer of the past… and because I want a guy to sing it to me: “And I got the prettiest girl in the whole wide world/And nobody can take her from me/And in the evening when she goes out walking alone/I wait at home patiently.” But honestly, the best song of the whole album is “Can’t Stop Partying” because, really? How amazing is that title? Oh, and did I mention Lil’ Wayne makes an appearance in the song. YES, LIL’ WAYNE. Holy awesome. And check out the lyrics: “Oh, I can’t stop partying, partying/I can’t stop, partying, partying/I gotta have the cars, I gotta have the jewels/And if you was me, honey, you would do it too/Screw rehab I love my addiction/No sleep no sleep I am always on a mission“

This might have to be our new club anthem. Bravo, Weezer, bravo.

Say Anything- Say Anything

I have never told anyone this, but I’ve been a fan of Say Anything in for awhile now. They definitely don’t sing the kind of music I typically listen to – it’s pretty angry, mean and snippy – but there’s just something about it that I totally dig. Just don’t tell my friends.  A few years ago, I listened to their song “Admit It!” non-stop for weeks and actually spent time analyzing the lyrics. (Don’t judge.) This album, Say Anything, is certainly no different. There may be no “Admit It!” on the album, but I’m certainly loving the lyrics just the same.

How about “Mara and Me,” which starts off with, “There are babies with guns beheading their friends/In shopping malls around the world/Yes somehow the Kings of Leon still find times to write about girls/I don’t suck much less/And if I claim revolutionary or I give to charity/They’ll all know it’s a plea for someone like me/Disgusted with lies and cut down by their own beatnik poetry.” See? Mean, snippy…. yet kinda awesome all at the same time. They’re angry (as proven by the song “Hate Everyone”) but everyone needs a little angry music now and then. If you’re jonesing for something a little rougher around the edges, I think this might be the perfect album for you.

The great thing about new music is that you never really know what you’re gonna get. Sorta like life. And a box of chocolates (thanks, Forrest!). Sometimes albums totally and completely surprise you. And sometimes they don’t at all. Sometimes surprises are good, and sometimes they’re a huge letdown. Sometimes all you want is your favorite band just the same as always, and sometimes a little change makes them all the better.

This week, I was incredibly surprised by one much-anticipated album in a perfectly awesome way. Another album held zero surprises for me, which I was thrilled about. And a third surprised me because, well, I just didn’t see what all the fuss was about.

But, as long as someone isn’t popping out from behind a wall to scare the crap out of me, all of these surprises – good and bad – are a-OK with me.

New Moon Soundtrack

This is the freakiest thing ever to me. Yes, freaky. I mean, isn’t Twilight some huge teen sensation thing? I get that practically everyone loves it, but I think it’s main audience is teens who go giddy over Robert Pattinson. OK then, where did this totally amazing soundtrack come from? The New Moon soundtrack is incredibly hipster-ish and indie. And I absolutely love it! I just think it’s kind of crazy; I expected it to be full of pop songs. You know, maybe a little Miley Cyrus. But, no! It has Thom Yorke! Bon Iver! The Killers! Grizzly Bear! The Editors! I can’t stop!  Anyway, this soundtrack is one of the best soundtracks I’ve ever heard. The first single off the album is Death Cab for Cutie’s “Meet me on the Equinox” and it’s the perfect song to get people excited about the soundtrack. Death Cab is indie, while still being very approachable and the song just sounds so Twilight-y. “Meet me on the Equinox /Meet me half way /When the sun is perched at it’s highest peek /In the middle of the day/Oh darling understand /That everything, everything ends.”

And there’s more! I’m a huge Bon Iver fan and was super excited to hear something new from him. “Roslyn” is a beautiful song and exactly what we’ve come to expect from Bon Iver. Another of my favorites off this album is “No Sound But the Wind” from The Editors. The magical thing about this album is that every song just screams Bella and Edward. I have the sudden urge to read New Moon right along to this album. And I think millions of teenagers are suddenly going to become really into some pretty cool indie music. And I guess that’s not really a bad thing. Even if it is because of Twilight.

Kings of Convenience- Declaration of Dependence

Ah, the Kings of Convenience. I honestly don’t know of a group that makes me more peacefully happy than they do. I can’t even describe why, but I just sit back, close my eyes, and smile every time they come on. In fact, when I just heard they were coming out with a new album, I smiled. I couldn’t help it. Then I immediately listened to Riot on an Empty Street a few times in a row. And now that I’ve been able to listen to Declaration of Dependence, I can easily (and happily) say, I’m even deeper in love. Which I didn’t think was possible. The album starts with “24-25,” and was an immediate favorite of mine due to its quiet and beautiful lyrics: “What we build is bigger/Than the sum of two/But somewhere I lost count on my own/And somehow I must find it alone/24 and blooming like the fields of May/25 and yearning for a ticket out/dreams burn but in ashes are gold.” Le swoon.

But then the next song, “Mrs. Cold” came on and I got seriously nervous that the Kings of Convenience were using me in their song: “Hey baby, Mrs. Cold/Acting so tough/Didn’t know you had it in you to be hurt at all…OK I get it/OK I see/You were fronting because/You knew you’d find yourself vulnerable around me/Hey, baby/What’s going on?/You lost control and you lost your tongue/You lost me.” What girl can’t relate a little bit to this song? Feeling vulnerable around a guy and thus acting all cold around him? But honestly, I love all the songs on this album, from “The Power of Not Knowing” to “My Ship Isn’t Pretty.” I’m a very happy girl.

Spiral Stairs- The Real Feel

A friend told me to listen to Spiral Stairs. So, I did. I had never heard of them before but was told I’d probably like them if I liked Atlas Sound, which I do. And then, while listening, I figured out what Spiral Stairs was all about. The group is actually made up of Scott Kannberg of Pavement. I’m a pretty big Pavement fan, so I was thrilled to hear Scott on his own album. But to be honest, it took me a little bit to really get into The Real Feel. The first two songs didn’t do a whole lot for me and didn’t remind me of Pavement much at all (not that they necessarily should have). But by the time I got to “Cold Change,” I was liking them a lot more.  The group describes themselves as a “jam band” and I totally get that vibe from them. Until I listened to “A Mighty Mighty Fall,” which kind of sounded country-western-ish to me. It’s a really nice, easy-going song with a definite twang to it. Then “Stolen Pills” completely jolted me awake and felt a whole lot more like rock-and-roll. And I loved it! One thing is for sure, the Spiral Stairs certainly are a versatile group. So, I haven’t been going totally gaga over this album, but I found it enjoyable and will definitely continue listening to it. I just wish Scott Kannberg still sounded just like Pavement. But I know that’s way too much to ask for.

Does music ever just make you so inexplicably happy? Maybe you can’t even describe why you’re feeling so cheery when you hear a certain band or song, but you just feel like you’re floating on air. Only you didn’t have to inhale/snort anything to get there.

All the artists this week make me happy. Even when the songs are sad, I’m happy. And I think that’s a sign of a truly great artist; they can sing about the saddest things in love and still put a smile on my face. And sometimes you just need music to comfort you and make you feel good. Like during midterms after spending 6 straight hours at the library and you’re only a third of the way through your reading.

Yeah, that’s what this week is all about.

Five for Fighting- Slice

I used to think I was the coolest person in the world because I was the only one who knew about Five for Fighting. Seriously, the only one. I was obsessed with “Easy Tonight” to the point where I included them in my senior bio. What? The line “I don’t know where I’m going yet, but I sure am getting there” was the most perfect line ever. Then the song “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” came out and more people discovered Five for Fighting. And now, I’m finally discovering that Five for Fighting is actually just a one person band made up of John Ondrasik. He (not them, he) just came out with a new album, Slice, and I’m totally enjoying it.

Five for Fighting just comforts me in this “sing to me and everything will be better” kind of way. Sure, some of the lyrics are super cheesy, like in “Note to the Unknown Soldier” (it’s a really sweet, meaningful song but “Well, you’re so tall/Did you play basketball?” are just kind of odd lyrics). And, OK, in some ways, Five for Fighting’s lyrics are just so predictable on this album. But predictable in a good way. Like in “Augie Nieto” when John Ondrasik sings “It’s not the breaths you take/It’s how you breathe,” I found myself singing along the very first time I listened to the song. It was just so logical; predictable but in a kind of unique way. And speaking of sweet, I’m in love with “Love Can’t Change the Weather” because how true is that? It’s just a lovely song that is hard not to like. I’m also a big fan of “Tuesday” because I feel like it’s a bit more creative than the rest. And it sounds like Five for Fighting, but a little bit more mature. Overall, I’m totally into Five for Fighting’s Slice. It’s not going to change your life, but it’s going to comfort you. And sometimes that all that matters. I’m so happy he’s back in my life.

Michael Buble- Crazy Love

I am crazy excited that Michael Buble has a new album out called Crazy Love. It’s about time the boy came out with some new stuff. Don’t get me wrong, I love everything he does including his live albums (and just standing there, smiling), but I’ve been craving new Michael Buble for a while now. When I first heard the first single, “Haven’t Met You Yet,” I was instantly in love. Not my favorite Michael Buble song of all time, but a happy, up-beat one that’s perfect for anyone looking for the one they’ll fall in love with. The lyrics are simple but super sweet: “And I know someday that it’ll all turn out/You’ll make me work so we can work to work it out/And I promise you kid that I’ll give so much more than I get/I just haven’t met you yet.”

I have to admit I wasn’t absolutely crazy about the album the first time I listened to it; not like I was about his others. But the more I listened, the more I liked. You know what I really love about Crazy Love? It totally showcases Michael’s voice in the best way possible. His talent comes through loud and clear and I remember why I love him so much. Well, besides those brooding, sexy eyes. I especially like “Cry Me a River,” which sadly is not like Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me a River,” but makes me absolutely swoon for Michael Buble. My most avorite song on the album is definitely “Heartache Tonight” because it’s crazy big-band happy and I can’t help dancing around my room pretending Michael Buble is here with me. Then again, “At This Moment,” originally song by Billy Vera and the Beaters, has long been one of my most loved songs and hearing Michael Buble sing it is basically heaven. And wait. One more. His other original song, “Hold On,” made me cry a little. Because I think I want it to be my wedding song. If that song is ever needed. Bottom line: I swoon for Michael Buble non-stop and am seriously in love. I’ll stop embarrassing myself now. But clearly he makes me happy.

Built to Spill- There is No Enemy

Built to Spill is one of those bands I had on my iPod for a long time before I actually started listening to them. But then a song popped up on shuffle and haven’t stopped playing them since. I seriously could not stop listening to “I Would Hurt a Fly,” “Cortez the Killer,” “Car,” and “Singing Sores Make Perfect Swords.” So, I’ve been waiting in extreme anticipation for There is No Enemy, their newest album. More music to feel totally cool with while walking down the street (that’s what I do with it)! And do I love it? Yes. Built to Spill is just an awesome band and in my mind they can do no wrong.

“Life’s a Dream” is basically a lullaby that comforts and calms with its incredible guitar riffs. Seriously though, the song is kind of a take on “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.” And the lyrics are beautiful: “So I/Row on/Life aint nothing/But a dream/Realistic/As it seems.” I’ve also been obsessed with “Things Fall Apart.” It’s kind of an angry song, but an angry song that inspires: “Stay out of my nightmares/Stay out of my dreams/You’re not even welcome in my memories/Things are alright and I want what I’ve got/(It’s only momentarily thought)…Let’s go for a walk. Yeah, let’s go for a drive/Don’t know how to say, thanks for being alive/Let’s go for a lifetime. let’s go for a fling /Don’t know how to say anything.” The whole album follows in similar suit, which makes me a very happy girl. If you haven’t yet listened to Built to Spill, do it. They’re the perfect chill, downtime band. Or for feeling cool walking down the street. Whatever.

I feel like I’m having a major flashback this week. Like Wayne and Garth are running by me in my bedroom waving their hands in the air screaming “Do do do do. Do do do do.” And then everything gets all jumbled and I’m ten years younger and wearing something completely ridiculous.

Only they didn’t and I’m not. Instead, two of my all-time favorite musicians from about 10 years ago are back with some new stuff and I’m obviously over-joyed. I mean, when was the last time you heard about Vertical Horizon or David Gray? It’s been a long time; thankfully I wasn’t holding my breath. Now we just need to see if ten years was enough. I know I changed for the better in that time – what about them?

Vertical Horizon- Burning the Days

I used to love Vertical Horizon. Love as in “omg best music ever!” That was about 10 years ago. Since then, I’d hear them from time to time and have fond memories. Their old songs are still catchy and I can’t help myself from liking them. So, I kind of freaked out when I heard they were coming out with a new album. I had NO idea this was coming and I was excited beyond belief to hear about Burning the Days. First thoughts? It is so, so good to hear their voices again! They sound exactly the same and there’s something really comforting about that.

But I was also a bit disappointed. One of the things I really loved about Vertical Horizon was that on my first listen through that old album, almost all of the songs stuck out to me. I was immediately obsessed. With this new album, there weren’t any songs that really stood out. If I wasn’t to in love with their voices, I might not even give this another listen. But because I have a special place in my heart for VH, I’m giving them a chance. I think “Lucky One” is a sweet song with lovely lyrics: “Time goes fast when you wander/And nothing lasts forever/But I still feel the power/Of you and me together/And light that surrounds you/I know I’m the lucky one/Though I’m always the last to believe/I know I’m the lucky one/’Cause I’m here, and you’re with me.” I can see that being a hit, though it’s not overly catchy. And I do like the album’s first single, “Save Me From Myself” because it sounds a little bit more classic Vertical Horizon than the other songs. But man, do I miss “Best I Ever Had.” Oh well, I’ll keep giving Vertical Horizon a chance. For old time’s sake.

David Gray- Draw the Line

Back in the day, I was totally obsessed with “Sail Away” and  “Babylon”, but I kind of felt like after 10 years I had outgrown David Gray. Until I heard this new album, Draw the Line and I realized I am still very much a fan. Maybe even more so than before. The first song on the album, “Fugitive,” immediately hooked me in with its upbeat, but classic David Gray feeling. Oh how I love his “heyyy”s. And oh how I missed them.

There really aren’t any songs on the album that I hate, but I especially like “Jackdaw.” It has a bit of a different sound than typical David Gray, but still has his classic voice. The real treat of the album is the last track, David Gray’s duet with Annie Lennox. It’s so unique and beautiful; they have the perfect voices for each other. “Full Steam Ahead” is the perfect name for the song too, as the sound and the lyrics almost sound like a train chugging along. “Bullied, suckered, pimped and patronised/Every day your tawdry little lives/So lose your head/And step within/The silence deafening/Now you saw it coming/And I saw it coming/We all saw it coming/But we still bought it.” I don’t think I’ve ever heard David Gray do a duet with anyone and Annie Lennox was just perfect for him! Bottom line: after all these years, I’m still crazy for David Gray.

Islands- Vapours

Ok, so there is one album on here that doesn’t take me back to 6th grade recess and it is the Islands. But I did spend some time being in love with them and I am absolutely thrilled that they just came out with a new album, Vapours. And this one I just happen to be even more obsessed with! After listening through just one time, I could already tell it was going to spending a lot of time at the top of my playlist. In fact, I actually played the first song “Switched On” 3 times before I even continued on to the rest of the album. It’s SO good.  I have some strange obsession with songs about cities and loving cities, so that could partly be why I’m so fond of it, but also because the tune is just so perfect. And listen to the beautiful harmonies in “Disarming the Car Bomb,” another upbeat and happy song.

The band members’ voices complement each other so well. “Heartbeat” is done with a bit of autotune, but in a classy and fun Bon Iver-ish way; not a Kanye West way. For some reason, not many people I know have heard of or listen to Islands and I’m seriously confused as to why. Give this new album a listen and you’ll be confused too! Islands give us another reason to love Canada, besides Bryan Adams. Yes, Bryan Adams. Don’t judge me.

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.

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?

This week was all about men and, what can I say? I love me some men. With guitars. Who make good music. (That last one is key.) I highly enjoyed discovering a new band that’s quickly making its way up my favorites list. I also spent some time listening to an old favorite; a man I fell in love with while he was lead singer of a band and who I now get to adore all by his lonesome.  And I fell even deeper in love, something I didn’t think was possible, with an old musical flame.

Yup, I had a big, beautiful music orgy this week and I just want more. Bring on the boys!

We Were Promised Jetpacks – These Four Walls

The only thing I like more than bands with cool names is Scottish bands with cool names. Seriously. I love Frightened Rabbit. And I highly enjoy The Twilight Sad. So, when I heard about We Were Promised Jetpacks, I thought, “Ooh, I need to listen,” based solely on their cool name. Then I found out they were Scottish and I got even more excited. And you know what? In their album, These Four Walls, they actually sound a whole lot like Frightened Rabbit. And a little bit like The Twilight Sad. So yay for that. They even have a song called “Keep Warm” that I was convinced was going to be just like Frightened Rabbit’s “Keep Yourself Warm.” It wasn’t anything like it, but it’s still pretty amazing and one of my favorite tracks. “The chances of being born/Are so slim/So keep warm, so keep warm/And take some heart at being born/Quite so young/You can learn to talk/And learn to walk/In your own time/You’re so young.” Check out how they say “Learn.” LOVE Scottish accents.

I also really love the album’s first track, “It’s Thunder and Lightning,” with its slow to more upbeat tempo. In fact, that’s why I love the entire album. The sound varies so much, from melancholy to upbeat and back again. If you love Scottish bands with cool names, you need to listen to We Were Promised Jetpacks. And if you didn’t think you loved Scottish bands with cool names, you will still love this album. Side note: After I wrote this, I discovered that We Were Promised Jetpacks will be touring with both The Twilight Sad and Frightened Rabbit in the U.S. this fall. They also share the same label. Am I just really good or are there actually only three bands in Scotland that have totally awesome names and sound a bit the same?

Rob Thomas- Cradlesong

I’ve always been pretty obsessed with Matchbox 20. Like, love them and pray for the day they’ll get back together to make another album. But in the meantime, I’ll be pretty satisfied if Rob Thomas keeps coming out with new solo stuff. It’s not quite the same as hearing tracks from the new band, but at least we can still hear Rob. I loved his last album, Something to Be. Though I’m still learning to love Cradlesong (it’s not as immediately catchy as some of his other stuff), I’m finding myself loving it more and more. I fell for the album’s first single, “Her Diamonds” because it totally demonstrates Rob’s slow but upbeat style. I’m also a fan of they lyrics: “By the light of the moon/She rubs her eyes/Says it’s funny how the night/Can make you blind/I can just imagine/And I don’t know what I’m supposed to do/But if she feels bad then I do too/So I let her be.” Plus, Alicia Silverstone is in the song’s video and who doesn’t love Alicia Silverstone?

I also really love “Someday,” and its amazing lyrics, though I’m not a fan of the totally uncreative song title. “Maybe someday we’ll figure all this out/Try to put an end to all our doubt/Try to find a way to make things better now/And maybe someday/We’ll live our lives out loud/We’ll be better off somehow/Someday.”  I do wish Rob’s new CD had a huge immediate standout hit like “Lonely No More” on it, but I have to say I’m definitely feeling the album as a whole. If you don’t love it upon first listen, definitely keep listening. Now please, Rob, just join up with your Matchbox 20 buddies and give us one more. Please!

Wilco – Wilco (The Album)

I have to review it. Even though it was technically available to listen to months ago, it was officially just released last week. And um, it’s amazing. But that’s coming from a pretty big Wilco fan who’s trying to be as un-biased as possible. First of all, I love the name of the album, Wilco (The Album). Yes, I know it’s totally the opposite of creative, but it’s Wilco! They’re obviously doing it in a completely ironic way. I love that the album’s first track is called Wilco (The Song) and that the lyrics include, “Oh, this is a fact/That you need to know/Oh, oh, oh, oh Wilco, Wilco/Wilco will love you, baby.” How cool is Jeff Tweedy?

So, as a Wilco fan, I’d probably have to describe this album as being a pretty awesome collaboration of all their albums. It kind of pulls together a bunch of their different sounds making for the ultimate Wilco album. A song with a title “Country Disappeared” had me a little concerned. “I’m not going to like it!” I immediately thought. But wait – just one listen and it’s one of my favorites now. I’m also a big fan of “I’ll Fight” and “Everlasting.” And the lyrics from “You Never Know”: “Come on children/You’re acting like children/Every generation thinks it’s the end of the world.” The music! The lyrics! Oh my! Just thinking about Wilco puts a smile on my face. And in my opinion, that’s all I need from a band.

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.

Ooh, the anticipation! Some of my most-liked bands are back with new releases this week.  And considering I’m already a fan of them, they all have a lot to live up to. So, will they make me remember why I love them so much or will they crush my hopes?

Well, a little bit of both actually.

I’m the kind of person who is good at finding the good in everything; and I found a lot of good in each of my selections this week. Each also had a little bit of not so hot, but in case you were wondering, I’m not even close to deleting any of them off my iTunes. None of them were my absolute favorite albums the artists have put out, but I’m loving them nonetheless.

Gomez- A New Tide

Gomez’s albums never fail to excite me. Sometimes they take a listen or two for me to get into, but once I’m in, I’m fully in. And A New Tide is no different. Though the album is a bit less experimental and a bit more mainstream sounding than I usually expect to hear from Gomez, I still found myself hitting repeat constantly. One of my favorite things about Gomez is that all of their songs sound so incredibly different from one another, while still sounding exactly how you’d expect Gomez to sound. This is due partly in part to the fact that they share vocal duties and partly just due to their amazing versatility. I’m still trying to figure out why more people aren’t Gomez fans, but I think it might have something to do with their struggle to remain unique, but also gain mainstream appeal. And I could definitely hear the struggle in this album. But it wasn’t apparent enough to stop me from really enjoying it.

I’m especially a fan of “Natural Reaction” probably because it reminds me a lot of the Gomez of the past and because the lyrics really pull me in. “I get so nervous waiting for a natural reaction/I can’t stop thinking you’ll explode/Leave me a nervous wreck.” If you didn’t know Gomez and you were to listen to that and then to “Win Park Slope,” another of my favorites, you might not even realize it’s the same band. “Win Park Slope” is filled with a Deep South blues-y, but exotic sound. I’m pretty sure this album won’t launch Gomez into mainstream popularity and it might make long-time fans a little empty, but I’m pretty happy with it. Give them a chance and maybe you will be too.

Gavin DeGraw- Free

First of all, I am a lover of Gavin DeGraw and everything he does. I’ve always enjoyed his smooth, versatile voice and I’m thrilled to hear it again on Free. While I really enjoyed a portion of the album, I wasn’t overly-excited by the rest. I absolutely love that he starts the album off with a cover of Chris Whitley’s “Indian Summer.” But then I was expecting the rest of the album to have a country-pop, twangy feel; and it didn’t. But I was a fan of the single “Stay” from the second I heard it. Once again, Gavin’s lyrics are pure poetry that anyone can relate to and he sings them with his powerful voice: “You don’t have to be part of the problem/I just need a second chance….I need your love/But it never hurt this much.” I thought “Why Do the Men Stray” was going to be really touching, but with lyrics like “Why do the birds sing” it felt cheesy more than anything. And yes, “We Belong Together” was cheesy too; but in a completely beautiful way.

I was probably mostly disappointed because Gavin’s album was only 9 songs. Really? He didn’t have 3 more that were worthy of making it on there? I can imagine it’s hard when you come out with such a hit like “I Don’t Want to Be,” but this album definitely doesn’t reach the level of Chariot, which also had amazing songs like “Follow Through” and “(Nice to Meet You) Anyway.” However, I’m still listening to Free, because Gavin’s voice really does something to me.

Peter Bjorn and John- Living Thing

The first time I learned of Peter Bjorn and John was when I saw them on The Tonight Show performing “Young Folks” with Victoria Bergsman. Honestly, at first I thought there was something wrong with them. It would be hard to find two more awkward people than John and Victoria, standing there with blank stares whistling along to the music. But after I realized they were actual legit singers, the song got stuck in my head for weeks.  So I was psyched to hear about their new album Living Thing. And yes, some of it is incredibly weird and some of it I’m not quite sure if I like or not; but I think Peter Bjorn and John could do anything and I’d just attribute it to their quirkiness and end up enjoying it.  The first single on the album,“Nothing to Worry About” ties nicely into “Amsterdam” from Writer’s Block. Kind of. But then I kept thinking, “Why does ‘Amsterdam’ keep playing in my head??” and whistling where the whistling was absent. It’s almost like the children’s tranced out version of “Amsterdam.” Listen and you’ll see what I mean. But like “Amsterdam” and “Young Folks,” it’s addictive.

I was a little skeptical at the start of the album’s title track and its deep-voiced creepy, “living thing it’s a living thing,” but by the end, I found myself dancing along. Another song perfect for Peter Bjorn and John is “I Want You!” though the exclamation point made me think it was going to be a lot more fun than it was. The bottom line is that Peter Bjorn and John do more of their thing on Living Thing, but there’s nothing quite as awesome as “Young Folks,” which means this album just can’t be as good as their first.

One thing this week’s new music releases have in common is that they’re engaging. Seriously engaging. I laughed. I cried. I nodded my head in agreement. OK, so maybe I didn’t cry – except when I heard the cheesiest song ever – but I laughed a lot.

And considering this week is Valentine’s week, The Lonely Island’s Incredibad may be just the music you need to get you out of your gloom and get ROFLing. Lily Allen’s new album will help you realize you aren’t alone in that crazy dating world. And Ryan Leslie will make you want to groove with your honey, if you do in fact have one. Just, whatever you do, don’t listen to his “Valentine.” Trust me.

Lily Allen- It’s Not Me, It’s You

England’s Lily Allen is back at it after a somewhat drama-filled year with her new body and new album, It’s Not Me, It’s You. Aside from the return of Lily’s beautifully gentle voice, the album is truly entertaining. Each song tells a story, and one that most of us can relate to. In “Not Fair,” she talks about the unfairness of dating a great guy who just happens to be bad in bed. You’ve been there, right? Seriously, almost every song on the album made me say, “Umm yes, ME TOO!” Have a guy who doesn’t get the point that you’re not interested and won’t stop calling you? In “Never Gonna Happen,” Lily sings: “How on Earth could I be any more obvious?/It never really did and now it’s never gonna happen with the two of us.” On the other hand, “Him” made me feel like Lily was trying too hard as she questions what God thinks of us and the world we live in. “Do you think he’d drive in his car without insurance?/Now is he interesting or do you think he’d bore us?” It reminded me of Joan Osbourne’s “If God Was One of Us,” but cheesier. Overall, though, Lily’s album is sure to entertain and yes, I like it a lot better than Katy Perry’s. But I’ll let you choose for yourself.

The Lonely Island- Incredibad

The Lonely Island? Who’s that? Unless you’re living under a rock somewhere, you most definitely know The Lonely Island, even if not by name. Come on. “Dick in a Box”? “Jizz in My Pants”? And the most recent, “I’m on a Boat,” featuring T-Pain? Yes, you probably know most of these songs from Saturday Night Live. More specifically they come from SNL writers Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, and Jorma Taccone, who form the group The Lonely Island. You have to admit, in a time where SNL is becoming less and less funny, it’s these little musical skits that keep the show alive. Basically, if you love those SNL digital shorts, you will be obsessed with The Lonely Island’s new album, Incredibad. Although, I have to warn you: it can be frustrating to listen to the album alone, because you will me laughing your butt off and wishing someone was there to laugh with you. My personal favorite track is “Like a Boss,” in which Andy Samberg relays a day in the life of a boss (in an office): “Talk to corporate (like a boss)/Approve memos (like a boss)/Lead a workshop (like a boss).” You get the point. I’m also a big fan of “We Like Sportz” and “Natalie’s Rap,” in which actress Natalie Portman raps about her life, which is very different than you might expect. So, Incredibad might not be the kind of music you’re used to in the traditional sense, but if you have a sense of humor at all, you won’t be able to get enough of it.

Ryan Leslie- Ryan Leslie

You might know Ryan Leslie as the music producer who discovered singer Cassie. Well now he’s singing along with her on his debut album, Ryan Leslie. Yes, he had another debut attempt in 2005, but let’s just say the album never hit shelves in the U.S.. His new album promises to be much catchier, especially with the track “Addicted,” his duet with Cassie and Fabolous, which is my favorite track on the album. “You’re Fly” is another song that I’d classify as low-key dancing music or getting ready for a night on the town music. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the album also includes a song called “Valentine,” but in my opinion, it’s the cheesiest song on Earth right from the start: “Valentine. Be mine” Ryan speaks. It doesn’t get any better with, “I know you’re not my girlfriend, but I swear that I love you.” Sure, the song is perfect for singing along with, but I have a huge aversion to cheesy lyrics, and these ones are on the same level as New Kids on the Block and Ne-Yo’s “Single.” Overall, Ryan Leslie strikes me as perfect for anyone who enjoys the tempo and beat of Cassie’s music, but prefers being crooned to in the falsetto by a hot man.

[Album Images are from Amazon.com]