Lately I've gotten a number of new cds, but haven't really been in the mood to write a big, long review. So I'm just going to write a few words here about a small number. I'll utilize a 5 star (um, asterisk) rating system, to conserve brain power.

Devendra Banhart: Rejoicing In The Hands
Young God Records (2004)
****

When I first listened to this album, I thought it was just general, generic folk. But several weeks later, on a repeat listen, it clicked with me. The acoustic guitar playing is fantastic, and Banhart's voice fits the mood he weaves.

Dillinger Escape Plan: Miss Machine
Relapse (2004)
***

This record is good. But it didn't blow me away like I thought it would. Technical hardcore with some other twists thrown in. Some of the guitar soloing reminded me of Buckethead.

Lucia Micarelli: Music From A Farther Room
Warner Brothers (2004)
****

Lucia Micarelli plays #1 violin for Josh Groban's live show. I'm not really a Groban fan, but then he isn't as bad as other pop classical artists. I became aware of this cd when I found out Leigh Nash (of Sixpence None The Richer fame) lent guest vocals to a track. And bought it. That track is fantastic. While the rest of the cd would have been out of the world had Nash sang on all tracks, Micarelli's violin playing carries the proper emotion to make it worth me listening to the whole cd. Nay, to make me want to listen to the whole cd.

Mindy Smith: One Moment More
Vanguard Records (2004)
***

This cd is nice. Smith's voice is nice, her songs are nice, the overall feel is nice. But it could be great. Most of the songs have that standard americana/folk/country feel to them without adding anything new to the genre. If her next release shows a spark of personality, she could become the next great thing.

Squad Five-0: Late News Breaking
Capitol (2004)
***

Squad Five-0 has been around for a long, long time. This is their fifth full length record. The first two were released on the independent (and now out of business) label, Bulletproof Records. They were hornless ska with some punk influences. Then they signed to the big indie label Tooth and Nail Records and released two glam rock albums (one with the eerily prophetic title, "Bombs over Broadway," and cover, planes flying around the twin towers, released before September 11, 2001) that met decent success. The new chapter of Squad saps the glam out of their sound, leaving more rock n roll (with a few songs even returning to that ska sounds). Their next release (assuming Capitol doesn't kill them) should show real growth.

Underoath: (They're Only Chasing Safety)
Tooth & Nail/Solid State Records
**

You remember how cool some bands used to be? Then remember how some of the later albums sucked ass? Yeah? Well, add Underoath to that list. Back in the day, Underoath was one of the great metal bands that blended black and death. They released two good albums. Then their label got swallowed by Tooth & Nail and signed with them. And started releasing music that was decidedly not metal. This cd would fit in well with your average screamo fan's collection. No new ground is paved here. It's performed solidly, but how many more bands have to crucify themselves and release mundane material before people say enough!?