AVT-   http://www.audioventmusic.com/

BCR-  

Boxcaracer. Is this Blink 182? I kept listening to this album (although it pained me to do it) waiting for anything that even resembled I Feel So the first hit, and just didnt get anything with an enjoyable feel to it, until I hit a song titled Letters To God which was somewhat enjoyable. Once it ended then it went right back to the pain again with some Blink wannabe My First Punk Song. The album makes a somewhat redeeming blow towards the later half, with songs Sorrow, There Is, and The End With You. I didnt feel this made a BUY ME statement however, and felt consistently like I was listening to a Blink wannabe. I think if you like Blink your going to like these guys, but other than not, I wasnt too impressed with want I heard. Id have to say leave it on the shelves.

DSY-   http://www.deadsy.com/

One of the bands playing the Family Values tour. Listening to these guys you cant help flashing back to the mid 80s and seeing bands like Oingo Boingo. This is quickly changed when you first hear the heavy rock influence and sub tones to the music. The have a somewhat Orgy feel to them as well but still out further in left field. I cant say this was enjoyable music to me at all, but I do applaud them for their inventiveness, and trying to harness a new niche in music, and not following the coattails of others like so many. I did like the remake of the Rush song Tom Sawyer and I somewhat like the Key To Grammery Park, but as for the rest Im just not IN TUNE with this style of  music.

GFR-   http://www.goldfingermusic.com/

Disappointment, disappointment, disappointment. I had grabbed this album, because I loved the first release titled Open Your Eyes. I tugged and pulled at that plastic that engulfs the cd case, and shoved in it the CD player. Whoa! What the hell is this sh!t? I tracked up, tracked down, ejected it, and looked to make sure I had the right cd in the case. Hell I even flipped it over and inserted it to see if there was music on the other side to see if it was a joke! I couldnt believe after such an impressive ballad, there just was no substance to this album. No solid beats or catchy rhymes. I must say only that I was depressed and amazed they didnt have more to offer up. I have to say scrounge up the single, because the rest is worthless.

HTH-   http://www.maverick.com/hometownhero/

Questions. The first hit single from these rockers is a fortified tune. It kind of reminds me of Our Lady Peace vocally and musically. The album is mainly consisted of ballad style rock until you hit Run Right Thru a solid performer that once again will have you thinking of the more popular stuff from OLP. I really enjoyed Say I Do with a sweet beginning launching into a full on melodic assault, got to love that little guitar riff that repeats on the slow passages. The album ends on a strong note with a little help from Saturday Morning. All in all I enjoyed this album, and thought they were strongly influenced with an OLP vibe. If you like OLP there Im sure youll like these guys, but give em a try even if you dont. This is a walk on the rock side.

JCT-    http://www.jerrycantrell.com/

Shortly after the death of singer Lane Staley we get a somewhat boost of energy for the AIC fans with a release from former lead guitar/singer Jerry Cantrell. Cantrell doesnt sway far from the sound that made AIC a legend. Listening to this album brings back memories of the Seattle foursome kicking up their heals with sewn eyes in their first video Man In A Box. Listening to the beginning of song Angel Eyes you cant help be here the subtle infusions of former AIC songs. This album contains a very enjoyable mix of the heavy guitar riffs, and the acoustic guitar styleings of Unplugged. If your like me and missing the good stuff, give this album a try.

PAR-   http://www.paparoach.com/

Wham Bam thank you maam. What an explosive comeback from a hard rocking band. I have always loved this band from the original hit. This album is harder hittin, and much more explosive than the first. Speaking of explosive, the album starts with a tune titled M-80(explosive energy movement) which I believe clearly states the intentions of the band on this album. Chock full of impressive hard rhythms and screaming vocals, I believe this to be a truly no brainer decision. If you had any of the original album repeating through your head, then this is a must buy album.

SMS-   http://www.columbiarecords.com/spider-man/index2.html

While I have been scarfing up the soundtracks that have been showing up lately, this one is a questionable buy. It does include an awesome collaboration by singers from Saliva and Nickelback. It has a host of headliners like Sum 41, Alien Ant Farm, Default, as well as others, but I wasnt as impressed by the original scores as I was with other soundtracks like Queen Of The Damn, and Resident Evil. Most of the tunes on this album border the lighter edge, and is one factor in me not being as enthused with it. I do like the idea of the varied artist and more chances to find something you like. I would have to say give this a listening post try, and see if its your cup of tea.