Album # 24 Is this It? - The Strokes

Two line review: The Strokes could possible be the coolest band on the planet, though The Hives may give them some competition. This is their debut release and in my opinion should have created a category of music called something like "COOL MUSIC," or "Music to teach kids what cool is."

Recommended Downloads: "Soma," "Last Night," "Is This It?"

What I was doing while listening: Laying on the couch

Missed Out Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Missed Outs

Album # 23 Beyond The Valley Of The Murderdolls - The Murderdolls

With song titles like "Slit My Wrist," "People Hate Me," "Dead In Hollywood," "Dawn Of The Dead," and "Dressed To Depress," you get the idea that this band is pretty dark. You're right, they are, both dark and very heavy. This band is definately not for your mother. Most of the songs deal with zombies, death and other b-movie horror flick subjects and I can't get enough of it. Unfortunately the Murderdolls only put out one album and this is it. However if you like the singer, his name is Wednesday 13, just look him up on the internet and you'll find his other releases.

Recommended downloads: All of the above mentioned songs.

What I was doing while listening: Driving around and laying around the house.

Missed Out Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Missed Outs

Album # 14 10,000 Days - Tool

So I asked my girl for a recommendation, "just name any band and I'll listen to a whole album from them," I said. Without hesitation she said "Tool." She went on to recommend "10,000 Days" specifically. So personally, I've never been much of a Tool fan and after listening to the whole album, I can't say I am anymore of a fan than i was before. There are two songs on this album that are so powerful though, that it's a definate must own. Track 1 is "Vicarious" and has such a slow grinding low end sounding groove it will make you want to turn it up to 11. My other favorite song on the album is "The Pot." I honestly believe this entire album is worth buying for those two songs alone. In addition, I think some music deserves to be listened to in certain environments. This album is definately a mood album, or a headphone album. I listened to it in the car and I think that took away from the album a little bit.

Recommended downloads: "The Pot," "Vicarious."

What I was doing while listening: Driving to and from work.

Missed Out Rating: 3 out of 5 Missed Outs