in Reviews

It's not often that Christmas albums feature original songs as the majority. Most artists rehash Christmas classics, maybe trying their hand at one or two tracks of their own crafting. But the latest EP from The Maine finds the Tempe-based power pop quintet caroling three-quarters original holiday tunes.

From the moment he performed "Love Lockdown" to close this year's VMAs, Kanye West's "new sound" has drawn mixed reaction. While "Lockdown" -- highlighted by emphatic drums and digitized vocals -- played in heavy rotation on radio stations people continued to wonder if West's forthcoming record would continue in the style set by its lead single.

All the wondering was put to rest on November 24, when 808's & Heartbreak, West's fourth studio album, hit the street. Released just over a year after 2007's multi-platinum Graduation, Heartbreak, proves a substantial departure for West. But if you look past his liberal use of Auto-Tune, you'll find West's most focused, cohesive record yet.

Most music -- especially the best music -- is inspired by life-changing events. This is probably why Jack's Mannequin's latest record, "The Glass Passenger," is one of the best power pop records of the year, if not the decade.

Drawing from his successful battle with leukemia, frontman Andrew McMahon crafts 13 beautiful, energetic and diverse songs.

When I heard that some of the guys from Southcott were forming a new band, I was pumped. When I heard the band's name was "Thieves & Villains," the excitement grew. And when there debut record, "Movement," was finally released I ended up enthusiastically indifferent.

Perhaps I was expecting too much.

I've always had love/hate feelings towards Death Cab for Cutie; I love them when they're playing upbeat, indie-pop gems and I loathe them when they drone on, and on, and on with their slow-tempoed tracks. Luckily for me, Narrow Stairs is more love than hate.

The seventh full-length (and second major-label) release from the indie quartet is a solid follow-up to 2005's Plans, which went Gold in 2006. Lyrically, Stairs is spot on -- full of irony and wit, presented with beautiful brevity.