Welcome to the edge of the envelope. This is where new ideas are being pushed forward and explored. This is where the future of art and music is being born. This is where most musicians and artists are made or broken. This is where you'll find everything that you've been waiting for, but never expected.
Mars Volta
"De-Loused in the Comatorium"
HHH 1/2
Former members of At The Drive-In, best known for their hit "One Armed Scissor," Cedric Bixler and Omar Rodriguez have come together as Mars Volta and juiced up the college alternative world with their progressive and psychedelic blend of emo and hardcore. More symphonic and sprawling than their past work, the duo have created an album of so many layers and mixing styles it's hard not to find something that you'll like. Fans from such various backgrounds as Radiohead, Ill Nino, John Lennon and Sigur Ros will all see elements of their favorites in De-Loused's melting pot of modern music.
Madlib
"Shades of Blue: Madlib Invades Blue Note"
HHH
West Coast Underground Hip-Hop genius Madlib has raided the archives of the legendary Blue Note jazz label and remixed jazz classics like "Stepping into Tomorrow" and "Dolphin Dance" with his own distinct brand of beat. Madlib has been known as a producer since the early 90's and produced an LP of jazz with his group Yesterday's New Quintet, but this is his first major label solo release. If you like other jazz influenced rap like Jurassic 5 and Tribe Called Quest, other West Coast rappers like Aceyalone and Del The Funky Homosapian, or even progressive jazz. Madlib just provides the beat - don't expect any rapping. The album makes for great party music, driving music, relaxing music or just for your listening pleasure.
Eels
"Shootenanny!"
HHH
Alternative singer-songwriter Mark Oliver Everett has taken all the directionless potential of Pete Yorn, and the whole adult-alternative sound, and coupled it with the weirdness and striking humanity of Beck's "Sea Change" to make "Shootenanny!" Eels also incorporates aspects of blues and bluegrass along the lines of Crooked Fingers to mix into his pop-sensitive, but smart, new album. This is Eels' fifth album, and while he's received critical success, the general public hasn't been paying much attention.
