Reviews

Jacques Brel – Comme Quand On Etait Beau

It's too much to digest in one sitting—three discs, seven hours and almost 100 songs, released in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Jacques Brel's death. But it's fascinating to watch him turn so rapidly from the hesitant, gauche performer of the late-'50s into the charismatic equivalent of a Gallic Sinatra.

Madrugada – Grit

Neat narcotic nihilism from Norway

Squarepusher – Ultravisitor

Electronica doesn't even begin to describe it...

Corker Conboy – Radiant Idiot

Post-rocking, micro-house enthusiasts release second album

Trans Am – Liberation

Sixth album from Washington DC power trio adds politics to the mix

The Len Bright Combo

Elemental, my dear Wreckless. Eric Goulden's 1986 releases on a twofer

Leo

Graceful examination of guilt and grief

Mariachi To The Mob

Sardonic slam-bam action romp with brains

Underworld

Rain? Leather? Uzis? Slow-mo? Plot? Ah...Character? Um...Performance? Ahem...Sexy and inspired concept—werewolves versus vampires, with extra ammo—visibly collapses amid a slew of derivative Matrix shoot-'em-ups, excruciating line deliveries and cack-handed direction from Megadeth music video veteran Len Wiseman. Kate Beckinsale can only high-kick and cringe.

In America

Intensely felt melodrama collides with saccharine world view in this tale of an Irish immigrant family who attempt to begin life anew in an '80s Manhattan filled with friendly junkies and hackneyed racial stereotypes (see Djimon Hounsou's savage-but-wise African artist). Top performances from Paddy Considine and Samantha Morton are undercut by director Jim Sheridan's squishy screenplay.
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