album reviews

There are several album reviews we've been meaning to write for some time now, but just haven't found the time (and/or proper discipline) to get the words onscreen. We've slapped ourselves on our collective wrists and, tails between our legs, pledge to improve. This post will kick things off with Cereal's take on The Sour Notes' debut effort, The Meat of the Fruit.

Read the review after the jump

It did not take too long for me to get quite addicted to the percussive, mayhem-based Philadelphia group Man Man. I admit that I have listened to their 2006 album Six Demon Bag seven times this week just to prepare for the musical punch-to-the-face I knew I was about to receive from their new release, Rabbit Habits. After spending all of yesterday with the new album, I have somehow become an even bigger fan.

Read more about Man Man's Rabbit Habits after the jump

Recently the world saw the release of the sophomore efforts from both Gnarls Barkley and The Raconteurs. These super-sized side-projects both have had huge success with their 2006 debuts, and have both been heralded for their live performances. Since these bands have had such similar timelines, I decided to turn their album reviews into a bloody battle for supreme sophomore side-project domination!

See who wins after the jump!

She & Him is a new collaborative musical project between actress Zooey Deschanel and alt-singer/songwriter M. Ward. Before you roll your eyes at the mention of yet another actress attempting to break into the music industry, give She & Him's debut, Volume One, a listen. Chances are you'll be pleasantly surprised by their folk/alt-country/indie-pop concoction.

Full album review after the jump

The Bedlam in Goliath is the fourth full length LP from progressive rockers The Mars Volta hitting an all time high for the group, at #3 on the Billboard charts. Readers familiar with the group's catalog will not be disappointed with their most aggressive album to date. Latin-infused psychedelic textures are the Volta's signature sound. Drawing on past experiences of death and addiction for their previous records, The Bedlam in Goliath echoes a strange run in with a Ouija type game called the Soothsayer. Lead singer Cedric Bixler-Zavala purchased the game while on a trip through Jerusalem.

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Aussie pop singer Sia released her new album, some people have REAL problems, on January 8th.

Get Cereal's take on the album after the jump