Category Archives: Reviews

Free Energy: Stuck on Nothing

If you believe the hype, Free Energy is the band that will bring power pop back into the mainstream consciousness.  The world could benefit from a dose of jangly guitars and killer harmonies, but I don’t think Free Energy is … Continue reading

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The Hold Steady: Heaven is Whenever

I have a confession to make to The Unified Scene. I thought Franz Nicolay’s departure would mark the end of the Hold Steady. The mustachioed keyboardist was such an integral part of their sound that I didn’t think they would … Continue reading

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Coheed and Cambria: Year of the Black Rainbow

Diehard Coheed and Cambria fans claim that the main appeal of the band lies in the convoluted storylines that run through every record.  There is some truth there, but like most prog rock bands, Coheed and Cambria’s bread and butter … Continue reading

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Ratt: Infestation

In the late ‘90s, Ratt frontman, Stephen Pearcy, appeared as a panelist on a VH1 show called The List.  The List was a precursor to the pop culture countdown shows that later glutted the network.  Panels of celebrities would debate … Continue reading

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Slash: s/t

What a waste.  Take Slash, one of the most instantly recognizable and charismatic guitarists of the last 25 years.  Give him carte blanche to strap on his Les Paul and let loose.  Except wait, that might not sell any records.  … Continue reading

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Iggy & The Stooges: Raw Power (Legacy Edition)

I want every man, woman and child reading this blog to do me a favor.  I want you to get up out of your chair and take off your shirt.  Are we all shirtless? Good.  Now I want you to … Continue reading

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Dillinger Escape Plan: Option Paralysis

I was expecting big things when Option Paralysis came across my desk.  It had received stellar reviews across the board, even from the AV Club. There are guidelines for reviewing hard rock records.  They are judged by heaviness, virtuosity, intensity … Continue reading

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She & Him: Volume Two

Close your eyes for a second.  Can you hear it?  It’s the sound of indie boys pining.  Zooey Deschanel is back, ready to serenade them with more ‘60s style longing.  She and Him’s Volume Two is essentially the same record … Continue reading

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Scorpions: Sting in the Tail

If you believe the hype, Sting in the Tail is the final Scorpions studio album, at least until they get restless.  Instead of putting out another greatest hits record or a box set, they want to go out rocking like … Continue reading

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Drive-By Truckers: The Big To-Do

The Big-To Do is a deceptive.   The title refers to the arena rock world of the late 70s, the circus of frontman Patterson Hood’s generation.   Every couple of months, larger than life giants would pass through town.  Hood has … Continue reading

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