Nickelback
Dark Horse
EMI
Grade: F-
Nickelback’s “Dark Horse,” a most unfortunate excuse for another wretched album, has graced the face of the earth seemingly to torture those who experience its simply horrifying melodies and pathetic lyrics. For those who dare to delve into the disgusting display of an attempt at rock, good luck. “Dark Horse” is above all things, quite possibly the most painfully obnoxious clump of miserably sung songs ever created. Audiences beware, this collection holds many “Rockstar“-like tunes that are bound to make ears bleed around the globe.
C. CORE
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Beyonce
I Am ... Sasha Fierce
Columbia Records
Grade: B
On her third solo album, Beyonce takes a risky move in releasing two discs, giving fans a glimpse of who the singer really is. The first disc, containing the single “If I Were a Boy,” presents an emotionally stable Beyonce revealing her feelings through traditional R&B style. The second disc follows up on her dance-like, radio-friendly songs like “Put a Ring On It,” reflecting her alter-ego stage personality, Sasha Fierce. Although a bold step forward, the album lacks any breakthrough songs to set this album apart from her others, but it will please fans.
J. CHENIER
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Dido
Safe Trip Home
Arista
Grade: D
If one thing can be said of Dido’s new album, it’s same old, same old. Her sleepy voice is the same. Her whiny lyrics are the same. And the sad stories of love and loss, and heartache and heartbreak listeners have heard for the past 10 years are the same. But if one good thing must be said about “Safe Trip Home,” it will surely be a cure for insomnia. So for that Dido, “I want to thank you.”
D. ZERBY
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Quantum of Solace
Columbia Pictures
Grade: B+
Brutal, gritty and intense, “Quantum of Solace” is more like a Bourne film than the stylish Bond films viewers are used to. Daniel Craig’s ruthless performance as a vengeful, heartbroken superspy is as brilliant as his performance in “Casino Royale.” But where Craig thrills, the plot disappoints. It’s generic and laden with inexplicable subplots like Olga Kurylenko’s wedged-in role. While “Quantum of Solace” is enjoyable and exciting, it will leave Bond fans eagerly awaiting the next mission to wash this cold dish of revenge out of their mouths.
A. FELIX
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Sammy Hagar
Cosmic Universal Fashion
Loud and Proud
Grade: D
Even at 61 years old, Sammy Hagar loves to sing about partying, even going so far as to cover the Beastie Boys’ “Fight For Your Right to Party” on his new album “Cosmic Universal Fashion.” The album’s title is about as original as the music, and it is just slightly less stupid than “Van Hagar’s” 1991 album title, “For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge.” (Hint: It’s an acronym.) Proving that he is still living in 1985, Hagar covers his own “Dreams” as the album’s outro.
B. LEJEUNE
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Blake Shelton
Startin’ Fires
20th Century Fox
Grade: B
Thoughtful ballads and honky-tonk redneck anthems make up Blake Shelton’s fifth studio album, “Startin’ Fires.” Songs like “Country Strong” and “Green” stick up for Shelton’s country roots with lyrics like, “People used to call me backwards/Living out here with a tractor... I was green before green was a thing.” And Shelton’s country girlfriend, Miranda Lambert, helps heat things up on their slow and sensual duet, “Bare Skin Rug.” “Startin’ Fires” is proof of why Blake Shelton is considered one of the leaders of country’s next generation of stars.
V. TOUPS
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EDITOR'S PICK: Belle and Sebastian
The BBC Sessions
FOR FANS OF: The Decemberists, Yo La Tengo, The New Pornographers
“The BBC Sessions” packages the best recordings led by Stuart Murdoch and the seven-piece band in BBC studios from 1996 to 2001. The songs capture the delicate, raw nature of Belle and Sebastian’s music. The album contains recordings of many of Belle and Sebastian’s most endearing songs, and it also contains four previously unreleased tracks. The album is filled with songs from the best times in the band’s history, and fans will truly appreciate the musical time capsule.
S. AYCOCK
Reveille Ranks
Published: Thursday, November 20, 2008
Updated: Thursday, November 20, 2008
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