"Both the pen and the sword wound. The truly well-written lyrics, with words carefully measured and weighed one by one, are paired with slaps square in the face from bass-guitar-drums."

 "For me, among the top 10 Italian albums of 2009."

Dondolaluva's 'Arrivano i pollini' is praised as one of Italy's top indie albums of 2009, noted for its thoughtful lyrics and distinctive musical style. The band is highlighted for its originality and the artistic guidance of Giorgio Canali. The reviewer emphasizes the album's powerful bass lines and sharp guitar sounds, recommending it strongly to listeners seeking authentic and well-crafted indie music. Listen to 'Arrivano i pollini' now and explore one of Italy's finest indie albums of 2009!

 Black Tambourine remains a seminal and reference point for much of the indie scene.

 Features impeccable echoing pop melodies in contrast with noise sounds, guitar feedback, and typically shoegaze sound walls.

Black Tambourine, a short-lived but seminal indie shoegaze band, is celebrated for their rare recordings collected in this Complete Recordings album. Featuring echoing pop melodies and characteristic lo-fi guitar feedback, the album captures the band’s influential sound. Despite limited releases, their legacy remains strong within the indie scene. The collection showcases their distinctive blend of noise and melody. Listen to Black Tambourine's Complete Recordings and experience the roots of indie shoegaze today!

 Gillan’s voice is changing, but it still presents that fierce and aggressive thrust from the golden times.

 Ian Gillan has always been capable of writing excellent Hard Rock songs and producing great albums, like this one indeed.

Ian Gillan's 1978 debut album 'Gillan (aka The Japanese Album)' marks his return to hard rock after a jazz-fusion experiment. Featuring skilled musicians and varied themes, the album blends aggressive tracks with melodic ballads. Though it did not achieve mainstream global success, the album showcases Gillan's distinctive voice and songwriting prowess. Its musical diversity and solid performances make it a noteworthy album for fans of classic hard rock. Discover the hard rock evolution of Ian Gillan by listening to this underrated debut album—immerse yourself in its dynamic sound today!

 "The music of Sixth Comm seems to sprout directly from the masterpiece 'Nada!'"

 "An intelligent artist and a fundamental musician of the nascent post-industrial epic...to be exhumed and appreciated in silence and reverent respect."

Sixth Comm's 'Content With Blood' marks Patrick Leagas's distinct path after leaving Death in June, revisiting and reworking past material through a dark-wave, martial synth-pop lens. Influenced by 1980s bands like Bauhaus and Depeche Mode, the album mixes gloomy industrial atmospheres with elegant pop traditions. While not surpassing the innovation of Douglas Pearce's work, it remains a compelling and respectful body of music for devoted followers. Highlights include the underrated opener 'Winter Sadness' showcasing neo-romantic elements and mournful vocals. Discover the haunting elegance of Sixth Comm's 'Content With Blood'—listen now and dive into a dark-wave journey unlike any other.

 It takes only a minute and three-quarters from the start of the first track to be completely stunned.

 Behind unfeasible title-tracks, beyond an embarrassing cover, lies great music.

More Skin With Milk-Mouth by Giraffes? Giraffes! delivers a math-rock experience that combines complexity with immediate appeal. The duo blends precise, gritty rhythms with softer, post-rock inspired pauses. The album captivates from the first track, showcasing daring structural mastery and dynamic contrasts. Despite its challenging style, it's accessible and addictively engaging. Dive into the dazzling math-rock world of Giraffes? Giraffes!—listen to More Skin With Milk-Mouth now!

 If you don’t jump out of your seat from the Stooges-like attack of "I Like Girls", it means you’re dead and haven’t realized it yet.

 This is one of the best and most original albums of that psychedelic season!!!

Plan 9's 'Dealing With The Dead' is a standout 1984 psychedelic garage album fueled by raw '70s musical ideals and acid psych jams. Featuring five guitarists and Farfisa organ, the band delivers energetic, immersive tracks with fuzzy guitar solos. The album pays homage to b-movie culture and Ed Wood's eccentricity while presenting fully original songs. Despite limited exposure, this record remains an original gem of the psychedelic season. Dive into Plan 9's 'Dealing With The Dead' and experience a psychedelic garage masterpiece full of fuzz and fiery guitar solos!

 "The important thing was the question."

 "Nagel does not claim that knowing the thoughts of men from the past isn’t important; on the contrary, it’s fundamental."

This review praises Thomas Nagel's book for offering a clear and straightforward introduction to philosophy. Unlike many traditional texts, Nagel avoids heavy historical references, focusing instead on nine key philosophical dilemmas to stimulate personal thought. The book is recommended for beginners and anyone curious about philosophical inquiry. Nagel’s approach highlights philosophy as an exercise in wondering and questioning rather than providing definitive answers. Dive into Nagel's engaging introduction to philosophy and start exploring big questions today!

 "The 4 elves seem 'slowed down,' and the atmosphere they immerse themselves in changes."

 "Pixies' early records are often exclusively cited: nothing could be more wrong, because 'Bossanova' and 'Trompe le monde' are equally (if not more) valid."

The review describes Pixies' 'Bossanova' as a more refined and dreamlike album compared to their earlier, more chaotic works. It highlights the varied atmosphere of the album, blending relaxed pop-rock with neurotic and distorted sounds. The reviewer urges recognition of 'Bossanova' as equally significant alongside Pixies' early classics. Overall, the album is praised for its innovative approach and unique mood. Listen to Pixies' Bossanova and experience their unique blend of dreamlike and neurotic alternative rock today!

 "'Conception' is an extraordinary work, which at times is not a mistake to define as a masterpiece due to the beauty of the melodies, the high compositional quality, and the band’s distinct originality."

 "The Chyld became complete nobodies, poorly distributed, poorly promoted, and eventually swept away by the label’s failure."

Chyld's 1988 album 'Conception' is praised as a lost rock masterpiece blending 80s metal with progressive and early grunge influences. Despite its originality and quality, poor promotion led to its obscurity. The album's tracks showcase great compositional skill and eclectic inspiration, making it a hidden gem worth rediscovering. The review laments the band's lack of success due to label failure and hopes modern platforms may bring it new recognition. Explore Chyld's 'Conception' and rediscover an overlooked 80s rock masterpiece—listen now!

 "Chalice Of Blood must be rightfully included among the best Thrash songs of all time."

 "Forbidden Evil is a Thrash gem too often forgotten; if you like Bay Area Thrash of the '80s, you cannot miss it."

Forbidden Evil is a standout thrash metal album from the Bay Area's second wave in the late 80s. The album features intense, technical riffs and powerful vocals by Russ Anderson. Paul Bostaph's drumming is a highlight, showcasing precision and aggression. Each track carries its own unique personality, making the album an essential listen for thrash fans. Despite being somewhat overlooked, it remains a thrash classic. Dive into Forbidden Evil and experience a thrash metal masterpiece from the Bay Area’s golden era!

 The album was released in 1987 and marked a kind of turning point in terms of arrangements, feeling and, why not, approach to the hard rock that had been played by the British band until then.

 After a period of rehabilitation and training for the drummer on a drum kit specially built for him by Simmons, they ventured into composing the album that is still considered their greatest success.

This review delves into Def Leppard's landmark 1987 album Hysteria, highlighting the band's resilience after a tragic accident and their musical evolution toward more sophisticated melodies. It provides detailed track analyses, praising the arrangements and performances. The album marks a turning point from heavier rock to a refined melodic hard rock style, showcasing the band's talent and class. Discover the timeless melodies and hard rock energy of Def Leppard's Hysteria—listen now and experience a rock classic!

 It moved me like the first time and I wanted to share it!!

 A very special album, for an absolutely unique artist.

The review celebrates Joe Jackson's 'Big World' as a unique live album featuring unreleased tracks recorded with minimal post-production. It's praised for its raw authenticity and musical diversity, reflecting a pivotal point in Jackson's evolving style. The reviewer highlights standout songs and the intimate atmosphere created without audience applause. Overall, it expresses deep admiration for Jackson's artistry and this special album. Listen to Joe Jackson's Big World to experience a raw, emotional, and unique live performance unlike any other.

 Our Temperance Movement deals with pop, in the most effective sense of the word, but also in the most joyful and radiant sense, retaining that pronounced ardor for melancholy.

 The album is a succession of tracks with a sweet and light taste but with a desolate and aching background.

Cats on Fire's second album, Our Temperance Movement, builds on their distinctive indie pop style inspired by 80s English bands and 60s influences. The album balances joyful, infectious melodies with a subtle, underlying melancholy reflected in its themes of youthful love and disappointment. Key tracks like 'Horoscope' and 'Tears In Your Cup' highlight the band's playful yet reflective songwriting. Though simple and spontaneous, the album grows on listeners with repeated plays, showcasing solid pop craftsmanship. Listen to Cats on Fire's Our Temperance Movement and experience the blend of joyful pop and heartfelt melancholy.

 For many, this “lost album” is a true masterpiece even though it was recorded in just one day.

 Wings here, already in the five-member formation, create a little gem.

This review explores the fascinating story behind Wings' unreleased 1978 Rupert The Bear soundtrack, composed and recorded by Paul McCartney. Despite being incomplete and recorded in one day, the album is praised as a musical gem showcasing McCartney's creativity and the band's talents. The soundtrack merges narration and melodic pieces, beautifully capturing the essence of the Rupert character. Although the full film was never made, this lost album remains a treasured piece of McCartney's career. Explore the lost Wings Rupert The Bear soundtrack and uncover a hidden classic from Paul McCartney’s vault.

 That’s how they felt deep down devastated by drugs and alcohol and by the dream of this morning called youth.

 An album that seals the Mats’ parabola, even if there is very little, nothing left of them.

This review reflects on The Replacements' final album, All Shook Down, conveying the band's internal struggles with addiction and lost youth. It highlights the album as a closing chapter in the Mats' career and an early step in Westerberg's solo path. While emotionally poignant, the reviewer hesitates to purchase due to modern record prices. Discover the emotional depth of The Replacements’ final album and explore their lasting impact on rock music today.

 Musically, they are still themselves, with thrashy and alienating riffs as we can ascertain in the first two tracks.

 The highlight of the album is represented by the title-track. Perhaps a somewhat atypical track in some respects, but definitely worthwhile.

After a four-year hiatus, Hypocrisy returns with 'A Taste Of Extreme Divinity', showcasing a mix of classic death metal elements and thrashy riffs. The album features strong drumming, a nod to their earlier style, and solid performances despite some stylistic shifts. Fans may miss the traditional closing ballads but will appreciate the title track and overall execution. Discover Hypocrisy's powerful return to death metal—listen to 'A Taste Of Extreme Divinity' now and experience their classic sound refreshed.

 Verdena are the practical demonstration that in Italy it is still possible to make great rock music.

 With 'sotto prescrizione del dottor huxley,' Verdena take us by the hand and accompany us in the depths of their madness.

Verdena's album Requiem showcases the band's continuous growth and daring musical experimentation. Drawing influences from Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and the Beatles, the album balances powerful, epic, and sweet tracks. The lyrics, described as visionary rather than literal, add depth to the listening experience. This compelling Italian rock album deserves careful attention from new and existing fans alike. Listen to Verdena's Requiem and experience the bold evolution of Italian rock firsthand.

 The Tiësto we remembered no longer exists, and those who loved his refined way of making trance will be deeply disappointed.

 Kaleidoscope is a nice, yes, but cloying baroque palace in the long run and with weak foundations.

Tiësto's Kaleidoscope marks a departure from his progressive trance roots to a polished techno house style. Although featuring notable guest artists and catchy melodies, the album suffers from a lack of coherence and feels exhausting when listened to in full. Some tracks stand out, especially the opener with Jónsi, but the overall passion of earlier works is missing. This album may appeal in small doses to dance music fans but might disappoint longtime trance lovers. Discover Tiësto's new sound on Kaleidoscope—listen now and decide if the shift to techno house works for you!

 "...I kill myself every time again, but I am immortal, and I rise again; in a vision of Doom.."

 An album born from the inspiration Varney had during all those years of solitude and isolation.

This review delves into Sopor Aeternus' debut album ...Ich Tӧte Mich..., highlighting its dark baroque and medieval soundscapes paired with deeply personal and haunting lyrics. Anna-Varney Cantodea's struggles with solitude and depression inspired the album's themes of death, suicide, and spiritual redemption. The artwork ties closely to these motifs, enhancing the album's eerie allure. Overall, it's praised as an enigmatic and powerful introduction to the artist's evolving musical journey. Discover the haunting melodies and dark beauty of Sopor Aeternus' debut album ...Ich Tӧte Mich... and explore its profound themes of death and isolation.

 Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word is one of EJ’s saddest and most poignant ballads, going straight to the heart.

 If it had been a single album meticulously cleaned of all fillers and unnecessary experimentation, my rating would surely have been four, maybe even five stars.

Blue Moves was intended as Elton John’s farewell album before a break, embodying a crucial career milestone with rich orchestration and a double album format. While it features standout tracks like "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word" and "Tonight," the album suffers from excessive length and uneven quality. Filler tracks disrupt listening flow, making the album feel overambitious and less inspired than earlier works. Despite its flaws, moments of brilliance confirm Elton John’s enduring talent. Dive into Blue Moves to discover Elton John’s complex farewell to his golden era—listen now and experience both its brilliance and flaws.