Rock & Pop > Tribute Albums Rock & Pop

Advantages: Songs never grow old, surprisingly good versions by interesting artists
Disadvantages: You may not like all the artists on the album, but that shouldn't stop you

Little can be added to the praise that has always been heaped on Carole King's album "Tapestry". But a group of artists have found a better way than words to show their admiration and love for this practically perfect collection of songs. With a plethora of artists from Celine Dion to Manhattan Transfer to Rod Stewart, this Tribute will appeal to practically everyone. Granted, not all the artists' will suit the taste of true lovers of the original ...
...there is a lot to recommend this album. My personal favorite track on this album is Manhattan Transfer's version of "Smackwater Jack". This ballad like song, with its slightly country overtones, seems to fit the voices of this group like a glove. They've done nothing particularly special with the song, but still, it seems like they have revitalized it. You might not blame me if my least favorite track was Celine Dion's version of "(You Make Me ... Read review

Advantages: Daniel Blumberg's voice
Disadvantages: none really

The Colourful Life by Cajun Dance Party hit the shelves on the 28th April 2008 in most stores through out the UK, and by the 29th April there was a copy in my CD rack. I had longly awaited the release of Cajun Dance Parties debut album and i have to say, it was worth it. The fact that this band have just left school but can still create a smooth, astonishing sound that sends shivers down my spin is amazing and is in need of a worthy applause. When ...
...'Colourful Life' which although i had heard before still left me dazzled by the talent of these young musicians. Daniel Blumberg's voice at the start of the song fits perfectly with the floaty sound of keyboard and drums, and also glides so softly along in the whole album. Another thing that surprised me about this album is Vicky Freund's ability to sing. When the album ended with 'the hill, the view and the lights' and Vicky's voice started it ... Read review

Advantages: Amazing range of songs, boasts originality.
Disadvantages: Can become droning if played entirely.

Idiot Pilot - Strange We Should Meet Here (2005) Electronic Rock duo, Idiot Pilot, released their debut Strange We Should Meet Here on Reprise Records in 2005, and quickly found an emerging fan base in the alternative scene. The album was recorded prior to them signing to Reprise, but was remastered and repackaged for a more widespread release. The album runs for 14 tracks and little under an hour, featuring a diverse range of sounds from ...
...songs leave you with a strange feeling and, possibly stranger, leaving you wanting more and more. Any person who enjoys more thought-provoking compositions and likes to be kept guessing will love this work; it truly is one of a kind and a promising debut. The album is no longer a new release and can be picked up at a more than reasonable price. Highly recommended! ... Read review

Advantages: Strong Overall album with many great feel-good songs
Disadvantages: Probably not the most original album in the world

I brought Boys Like Girls self titled debut album to see what they sounded like knowing that I was going to see them at 'Give It A Name Festival' in 2007. Their album, and their performance live, did not disappoint. The American four-piece rock band from Massachusetts, fronted by Martin Johnson, formed in late 2005. The bands simplistic and childish name reflects their cheerful lyrics are filled with naive charm but certainly not lacking depth and ...
...good youthfulness which is clearly still fresh in the young band member's minds. Songs like "Dance Hall Drug", "Heels Over Head" and "Up Against The Wall" are typical of the band's teenage love songs subject matter. I struggle to find a weak song in a strong album which all feels up to a high standard of song writing. Personal favourites on this album are probably "Up Against The Wall", "The Great Escape" and "Thunder" are though the majority of ... Read review

Advantages: A few good songs
Disadvantages: Bad production and "Everything We Had"

I am a very big fan of the first effort from The Academy Is titled 'Almost Here.' The Chicago based pop punk band, fronted by william Beckett, delivered a highly original and enjoyable debut album in 2004, released through the record label Fueled by Ramen. Fueled by Ramen have already brought us such bands as Panic! at the disco, Fall Out Boy, Cute Is What We Aim For and pretty much any of the other bands consisting of American twenty-somthings with ...
...of pop punk emoish US bands which have been flooding our radios and stereo's in the past few years. I brought The Academy Is second album "Santi" in its first week of release back in April 2007 keen to hear more from a band which contained much promise. The album's bizarre name; "santi" is short for "Santiago" and dates back to an inside joke amongst the band members during their school days, a dull story and probably a fitting title for a very ... Read review