Washed Out -- Paracosm

  Man oh man, I really like this synthy-dream-gazer album ... not to trash talk this kinda music, because I feel like it's about time that the Shoegaze trailblazers get the recognition they deserved, but if every new Indie band goes this route it won't sound so original anymore, meanwhile Washed Out nailed it!

Alt J -- An Awesome Wave

  Alt J are a mix of Mogwai meets later period Radiohead with hints of TV On The Radio.  Their Dreampop tunes rule on this album otherwise I find the rest to be pretentious and lame.

Elastica

  Definitely the most Punk Rock of the 1990's Britpop bands, to the point that they even got sued by Wire for stealing the riff to Three Girl Rhumba for their smash hit Connection.  Although I have a soft spot for this album I can't help but file it under 90's British bullshit ... sorry but when it comes to that era of music, I'm pretty pro America!

Ravi Shankar & Ali Akbar Khan -- The Exotic Sitar And Sarod

  I can't say I am able to fully understand this music, all the beats and complex changes have a Jazz like spontaneity.  These men are magical masters at their instruments, where music is their religion and they are the priests.

Wanda Jackson -- Right Or Wrong

  Here we go, the undisputed Queen of Rockabilly, Wanda Jackson.  Right Or Wrong cuts itself down into two camps, side one is "sentimental" Country music, and the flipside is full on Rock 'n' Roll.  This may not be her best album, and there might be the lack of the Jackson growl, but it does showcase her as a serious singer, where her voice matches her beauty.  

Sonny & Cher -- Look At Us

  Drenched in super campy 60's kitch, this piece of crap debut album doesn't have much to write home about, unless you are talking about the Bluesy Garage Bo Diddley romper You Don't Love Me, otherwise stay the hell away from this one.

Sublime -- 40oz. To Freedom

  Yes Yes I'm so sorry he's passed on but this group is up there with Jock Day, Jockspring and Jockvana for killing Punk ... I'm not entirely sure which derogatory jock term I should use for this painfully bad band: Jocklime, Jocklame, or better yet because they mixed Ska with Punk Jockperation Ivy ... oh and thanks guys for sh*tting on my favorite Descendents song ... poseurs!