I never understood all the derogatory remarks about the “The” bands (i.e. The Stroke, The White Stripes, The Hives, etc.). The Strokes put out a third good album. I have yet to find any songs that ring in my head quite like “Reptilia” on the previous album and “Hard to Explain” off the one before that, so I think I owe this another listen. The Strokes brought something fresh to rock music in 2000 (2002?) and they are have really honed their signature sound. Expect more grungey, jangley, danceable pop rock from First Impressions of Earth. If you’re already a fan, you will not be disappointed. If you’re not, you should reconsider.

The Sounds try to pull off an 80s new wave revival on this album and I do not mean that in a good way. There’s nothing campy or fun about this album. They seem to be taking themselves seriously. I understand they’re European and everything, but lots of great bands come out of Europe. Take Rammstein. The title track on the album, Living in America, was already written by Rammstein. The song does not pretend to be a cover song or a new take on the Rammstein song. Maybe The Sounds thought Americans would have never heard of Rammstein’s “We’re all Living in America” and they could pass it off. I do not know. I will give this album credit for a few things. First, the singer has a great voice. The guitars sometimes have a gritty/punk rock-esque quality to them and, combined with lofi vocal tracks, give the band a more edgy sound (RE: more Le Tigre, less Frankie Goes to Hollywood). But overall, I cannot recommend this album. Go listen to Le Tigre. Or Rammstein.

The Moon and Antarctica is the indie rock album countless bands have been trying to imitate over the past seven years. The tone of the album is mellow and sad but spacey and important. The songs focus on the truths about life and the universe while avoiding the more whiny personal melodramas one might find in the genre. Modest Mouse is a serious band, but they remain silly most of the time. These songs are instant classics and will make you sing and dance or cry and brood depending on your mood.

Gruesome. I am not into the whole slasher film thing. I generally have no interest in watching people have their finger cut off, but this movie surprised me. I did not expect much. It starts out with lots of naked girls and devolves into tons of dead bodies and torture. The concept is brilliant and I do not want to spoil it. In the end, there are no morals. No lesson. The victim becomes the victor and leaves you walking away gratified. I was thoroughly entertained. I have to repeat, though, I expected this movie to be terrible.

I would go so far as to say Modest Mouse are underrated. These songs are life changing. When I listen to Modest Mouse, time stops and I wind up daydreaming. These guys are a fantastic rock band that bends genres and makes indie rock accessible to the masses, yet still cool enough to make you feel elitist for knowing all the words.

I did not expect much when I ripped this album from a friend. Kanye West cranks out some serious social commentary mixed with some thug-charged rapper posturing that makes you rewind as you think, “Did he just say what I think I said?”

What sets him apart from the chart-topping rappers out right now is his candidness. He weaves a story of a bright, college-bound kid who gave it all up to be a rap superstar and pulled it off. The skits from the Flat Broke Rappers really pull the album together and make you laugh. This is the best rap album to come out since Outkast put out Speakerbox/The Love Below. Kanye throws out all of the standard conventions and makes an interesting listen. The beats and the production value are top notch and carry his rhymes.

“Diamonds of Sierre Leone,” “Hey Mama,” “Touch the Sky,” and “Crack Music” are instant classics. I’m tired of the “Gold Digger” song, but, admittedly, its brilliant.

This one was recommended to me and I was quite impressed. This album kind of tapped me on the shoulder when I was hoping for a punch in the face, but I think it will grow on me with more listens. Emily Haine sings and plays piano in the key of bad ass. My buddy compared her to Fiona Apple. I did not see much of a connection. Emily Haine is more relaxed with less drums, string sections, etc.

After cigarettes, Sparks is the most dangerous, addictive and delicious product legally available in the United States. It has more caffeine than a double espresso, more sugar than a duffel bag of cotton candy and more alcohol per volume than most malt liquors. One out of five liquor stores in Montclair carry it. I asked why the others don’t, and I was told they believe it brings out undesirable customers. My advice to Sparks addicts: Wear your nicest suits and dresses and head to the liquor store as if you’re searching for fine wine, ask for Sparks and request they start carrying it or you’ll take your business elsewhere. When they refuse, drive your ass down to the ghetto and get yourself a Sparks!

I live off this stuff. Gross, I know.

Singers and songwriters have been mimicking Dylan’s style for the last 40 years and with good reason. He’s clever and bohemian, but never pretentious. This doesn’t quite belong on my heavy rotation list, but I’m glad its in my library.