Lollipop Magazine

Black Diamond – The Unauthorized Biography of KISS – Review

March 1, 2010

Black Diamond gives an exhaustive, behind-the-scenes account of the band throughout their impressive, sometimes tumultuous, history.

Supersuckers – Get It Together! – Review

March 1, 2009

Some bona fide rockers on here, but there’s also some very adult-contemporary fare, and a further backslide into the country mien of Must’ve Been High.

The Breeders – Mountain Battles – Review

August 1, 2008

It’s been six years and a run at sober living, but alternative titan Kim Deal has finally breathed life into a new Breeders release.

Black Francis – SVN FNGRS – Review

July 1, 2008

Not the concept album of Bluefinger, this album sports at least a leitmotif: Demigods. Features strong, memorable choruses you can picture in movie trailers.

Black Francis – Bluefinger – Review

December 7, 2007

To describe Bluefinger as a return to the Pixies as some are saying would be an insult to just how unique this record really is.

Youth Group – Skeleton Jar – Review

December 9, 2005

As much Death Cab For Cutie as alt rock, Youth Group play emotively lush, atmospheric pop with occasional explosive guitar and plenty of higher-note plucking.

Starflyer 59 – Talking Voice vs Singing Voice – Review

November 18, 2005

For a spiritually-inclined band, Starflyer 59 are more likely to sing about life’s travails than its triumphs, sounding more sincere than that new emo garbage.

Frank Black – Honeycomb – Review

November 11, 2005

His most un-Pixies record yet, Black’s paean to all things retro – Southern R&B, roots and country – will likely be the most hit-or-miss album in his cannon.

Ted Leo/Pharmacists – Shake the Sheets – Review

June 15, 2005

For an ex-hardcore semi-icon, Ted Leo sure has an airy ’70s voice and a funky pop jones that makes any attempt at typecast more than a bit difficult.

Scamper – Leave Your Glasses On – Review

May 30, 2005

This ain’t my cup of tea, this tepid milquetoast-by-the-numbers-teenage-girl-dupin-Goo Goo Dolls shite, but I can’t get that goddamned “Sophie” outta my head.

Tracks and Fields – Review

March 7, 2005

Clocking in at 73:31, we have Tracks. Here we have Fields, bringin’ 74:36 of noise. Let’s get at this like Courtney finding Kathleen Hanna in bed with Kurt.

The Cooper Temple Clause – Kick Up The Fire, and Let the Flames Break Loose – Review

July 26, 2004

A hybrid of Britpop, industrial noise, dance beats, and surprisingly loud, cacophonous choruses, the band can’t seem to figure out what it does best.

Local H – Whatever Happened To P.J. Soles? – Review

June 21, 2004

…P.J. Soles? sees the band at their melodic, rockin’ best one minute, and at their stoner lethargic nadir the next. A disjointed affair.

The Shins- Chutes Too Narrow – Interview

May 23, 2004

An interview with guitarist/vocalist James Mercer

The Shins – Chutes Too Narrow – Review

February 9, 2004

James Mercer whines like a petulant puppy who’s rapidly approaching the un-cute stage, and you’re ready to give’m a smackdown. Then, song two is the goods.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Take Them On, On Your Own – Review

December 10, 2003

While they don’t sound like The Strokes or The White Stripes or just about anybody else out there making noise, they bring the same gritty, dirty rocker ethos.

Frank Black And The Catholics – Show Me Your Tears – Review

December 10, 2003

Two things: 1) he’s plugging on with his live-to-two-track formula, and 2) he can still write kickass songs no matter the style or lyrical content.

Lilys – Precollection – Review

October 22, 2003

On Precollection, Kurt Heasley has changed once again, this time playing overwrought Brit neo-psychedelia: Syd Barrett for the indie set.