College Media Network

FOR YOUR EARS ONLY: Lights

If you like American Apparel deep v-neck T-shirts and just-so headbands, then the up-and-coming artist Lights is for you. Full story

Cold War Kids #1

FOR YOUR EARS ONLY: Cold War Kids 'Loyalty to Loyalty'

In the past few years, I’ve noticed that dressing and living vintage has conquered the title of trendy — old school is the new school. Whether or not Cold War Kid’s is a part of the trend or is authentically “old school,” doesn’t matter: Its a talented, creative foursome that represents it well. Full story

Dark Dark Dark

FOR YOUR EARS ONLY: Dark Dark Dark 'The Snow Magic'

A dark alley corner, lit only by old, handmade candles and a full moon is where one might expect to hear the eerie and nearly creepy sounds of Dark Dark Dark. Full story

Chemical Brothers

FOR YOUR EARS ONLY: The Chemical Brothers 'Brotherhood'

“Ummm … wait – I’ve heard this before.”  This is a thought that will likely run through the mind of a faithful fan while listening to the two time Best Electronic / Dance Album Award-winning British duo Ed Simons and Tom Rowlands of The Chemical Brothers’, newest album, “Brotherhood.” They may feel as though they are hearing a blast from the past instead of a peek into the present, which isn’t a bad thing. Full story

tempo

FOR YOUR EARS ONLY: 10-21-08

With an album cover depicting a smiley face cookie smoking a blunt, hopes are (no pun intended) already initially high. Fortunately, the expectations are met. Highly original, as well as entertaining, local favorite The Bigfellas’ self-produced album, “Chubbed Up,” delivers a whimsical and lighthearted sound, accompanied by often comical lyrics. Full story

FOR YOUR EARS ONLY: Yamagata's latest is soft and rich

The woods of upstate New York are quiet and eerie, lush with foliage and wildlife but distinctive in their serenity. In a haunted recording studio right in the middle of these woods is where Rachel Yamagata crafted her second record, a two-part creation she titled “Elephants...Teeth Sinking Into Heart.” Full story

Senses Fail

FOR YOUR EARS ONLY: 'Senses' overload

Senses Fail's fourth album is loud without saying much

Despite its best efforts, the music genre emo still lives on. Produced by Vagrant and Drive-Thru Records, Senses Fail’s newest album, “Life Is Not A Waiting Room,” stays true to the stereotype of screamo-style music with emotionally charged lyrics. Full story

Jakob Dylan

FOR YOUR EARS ONLY: Jakob Dylan - like father like son

Dylan’s newer album ‘Seeing Things’ is nothing flashy but good enough

Continuing in his father’s footsteps, songwriter and musician Jakob Dylan, son of legendary folk musician Bob Dylan, released his first solo album, “Seeing Things.” Produced by Columbia Records, “Seeing Things” puts Dylan’s talents on display for all to hear. Full story

Tom Morello

FOR YOUR EARS ONLY: 'Guitar Hero' turns songwriter

Tom Morello’s second studio album, 'The Fabled City' is utterly impressive

Melodic guitar strumming accompanied with inspiring songs sung by a smooth, strong voice: those less familiar with the man will be surprised this describes the album of rock legend Tom Morello. Morello’s second studio album “The Fabled City,” produced by Epic, is another display of Morello’s impressive songwriting capabilities. Full story

tempo

FOR YOUR EARS ONLY: What’s a 'Ting' anyways?

The Ting Tings pump up the British and USA pop scene

If you’re skeptical of the name, you probably speak a dialect of Japanese. One variation of their name means “penis” when transliterated, which unfortunately doesn’t have anything to do with their style, unless male genital pop music is making its grand debut. The Ting Tings, comprised of Katie White and Jules De Martino, entered on the indie pop party scene in England in 2006. They released the debut single, “That’s Not My Name,” in the same year. Full story

FOR YOUR EARS ONLY: Metallica returns...

It has been five years (arguably 11), but the lords of metal, otherwise known as Metallica, have finally returned to reclaim their throne with their ninth studio album "Death Magnetic." With lead-heavy guitar riffs and thunderous drumbeats, Metallica's new album pays homage to its classic sound that made the band the musical legend it is today. Full story

FOR YOUR EARS ONLY: Earth to Earthless

Keeping the spirit of artistry in music alive, the power trio Earthless combines the two seemingly incompatible genres of metal and psychedelic rock as it unleashes a psyche-metal jam session at the annual Roadburn Festival in Tilburg, Holland. Full story

FOR YOUR EARS ONLY: Jenny Lewis diversifies

Sometimes you just need to be alone. For Jenny Lewis, this realization came in 2006. After more than five years fronting for the much-adored indie band Rilo Kiley, Lewis took refuge in solitude when she released the album "Rabbit Fur Coat." Her solo debut received much critical acclaim because of its confessional lyrics and gospel-like melodies. Questions arose if, when it came to Rilo Kiley, Lewis was gone for good. Full story