Really Good Alternative Music
348242
I think I like their first album a little bit better, but this is still a fantastic album that just grows and grows on you.  Really punchy drums and a good recording.
4838388
I really enjoy modern, alternative Christmas music and this one hits the spot.  I highly recommend this to everyone's play list.
2161471
There is a lot of exceptional music on this disc.  Very progressive, lots of layers, intimate, and something I don't tire of.  Thieves Kitchen is not for everyone and this is not music you sing in the shower - it requires attention and patience.  They have a unique sound and the only band I can find similarities with is National Health.  The compositions have melody, purpose, and sound cohesive.  The audio mix is stellar, it sounds natural without any over-processed junk many records today have.

This disc is a mix of heavy and soft.  "A Fool's Journey" is a slamming hard rocking tune with lots of crunch guitar, menacing chords on the keys, while the rhythm section holds down the fort and Amy's vocal shine.  The break in the middle is awesome.  On the soft side "The Weaver" is a folky acoustic guitar/bass/vocal song (not my fave) - but shows their versatility.  In between the heavy and soft are the majority of the tunes on the album.  "Deor" and "Hypatia" currently stand out for me, both amazing tracks filled with gooey thick keyboards, great guitar playing, a tight rhythm section, and intense vocals.  For some, Amy's vocals may be an acquired taste but I think they fit this music to a tea.

The longtime rhythm section of Mark Robotham (drums) and Andy Bonham (bass) were replaced on this release due to a choice Phil had to make (more info is on TK's website if you're interested).  The new rhythm section of Paul Mallyon (d) and Brad Waissman (b) are from the band Sanguine Hum.  They are great musicians but it's sad this choice had to be made, and maybe the title of the disc reflects this.  Also, several members of Anglagard are credited on this release - many were recording their latest release in this studio at the same time and sat in.  Besides, Thomas (who is a TK band mate), Anna played flute and two previous members helped with the engineering.

Overall, this is a great album that any music fan should open their ears to.  For fans of this band or progressive music this is essential.
4030844
I am a big fan of Lacuna Coil, and extra music by a heavensent rock act is a must have. There's other good music up here of course.
2466308
here's a great band that i just discovered. I bought their 1st cd, loved it, and right away bought this, their follow-up, which is even better. if you are an alt-country head, you can't go wrong with this. i very much look forward to more from this outfit.
598842
The Dandy's Warhols' DANDY WARHOLS COME DOWN is a spectacular alternative album.  COME DOWN feels almost like a alternative music history book, covering some of the most important and entertaining alternative-rock moments of the past few decades.  If the Velvet Underground were around and kicking today, the album they created would be similar to this.  It is at times readily accessible (pop hits such as "Every Day Should be a Holiday" and "Not if You Were the Last Junkie on Earth") and at others, atmospheric post-rock ("Be In" and "Pete International Airport").  This collection of 14 songs surely has something for all listeners.

After being humbled by Capitol Records (their original debut was shelved for "not having enough hits,") the Dandy Warhols went back to the studio to work on songs that made their way to this release.  The result is a band that is trying to be both melody-focused/radio-ready and alternative/cool.  The band here comes across as detached and ironic, but it works.  These songs just feel cool and hip, even 15 years after its release.

New listeners are in for a treat -- this album is really great.  These songs mark a great place for any new listener to begin in the band's catalog.  Fans of the Pixies, Stone Temple Pilots' later work, Velvet Underground, or just 90's music in general will find a lot to enjoy with DANDY WARHOLS COME DOWN.  Recommended highlights for sampling: "Not if You Were the Last Junkie on Earth," "Boys Better," and "Good Morning."
4269389
I love this CD. It not only has a great sound, but anyone who listens to the lyrics can appreciate that this is a band with something to say. They sing from their hearts about deep issues, which sets them apart from the groups that focus primarily on girls. Every song on the album is good, but my favorites are "Breathing," "Simon," and "Somewhere In Between." If you like rock, pop, or alternative, you can't go wrong with this album!
2173465
As a frequent alternative DJ here in my town, I get a lot of music passed to me, and was introduced to this trio by a Brit friend a few years back.  A rock band with sensibilities firmly rooted in late 80s/early 90s hard alternative rock, punk, and elements of metal.  DSF have since become one of my favorite bands, and there was a lot of anticipation for this record.  In my opinion, they have easily delivered the album of the year.  There's something on this for everyone, and absolutely not a bad track to be found.  Building on the foundations laid by previous records and projects, they have managed to merge all elements, while moving forward into some very ambitious musical directions.  Songs like Nightmares, Comets, and Anubis are straight ahead rockers, while Black Blizzard channels elements of Symphonic Metal, Crime Scene has an almost old school Megadeth-like chug to it, Carnival and You Suffocate We All Suffer hearken back to the days of 'Sap' era Alice In Chains and some Soundgarden, The last third of the album slows down a bit from some of the more intense rock early on, but is no less compelling, and perhaps has some of the most ambitious and intricate arrangements the group has produced.  Landscapes is a beautiful, melancholic song that emits a strong emotional response, and much has been said about Grog's excellent vocals, but here, they really shine.  Drew Richards' versatility as a guitar player is astounding, and he manages to create soundscapes that a listener can easily get lost in.  To be honest, he might be one of the best I've heard in the last decade.  Of course, Al Fletcher's drums are solid and nuanced throughout.
It's been said that the world needs this band, and I am inclined to agree.  This is some of the most satisfying and unforgettable rock you will hear.  Period.
3626349
This is a great album, a creative blending of several different sounds into one powerful metal whole.  While big, Sabbath-style riffs are central to the band's modus operandi, Philip Cope's vocals most often sound like a hardcore punk singer, and Laura Pleasants's voice adds an alternative rock dimension.  The dual drummers (Carl McGinley and Tyler Newberry) lend a distinctive feel as well, every now and then bringing to mind the early Dead (the Allman Brothers, not so much).  Both singers also play guitar.  The fifth band member, Corey Barhorst, plays both bass and keyboards, and the use of keyboards adds great variety across the 11 tracks.

The song "Don't Look Back" is the catchiest song, perfectly suited to the radio or to an arena, but they are all punchy and strong.  I haven't heard their other albums, but based on SPIRAL SHADOW, it seems that the band could just as easily be considered alternative rock with a metal edge as a metal band with alternative elements.  Unfortunately these categories seem to matter more than they should -- this is great, creative rock that should have lots of listeners!

Now that I've discovered Kylesa, and realizing that I am in their neck of the woods, I'm going to have to catch them live!
2327110
I'm normally not into this style of rock (i listen to much heavier stuff), but right off the bat the first track "Thursday Night" caught my ear. They've got some really thick guitars that can get heavy, but the real emotional pull is from the vocals. The singer has a real control over his emotions portrayed in his voice. Its like a soothing cry for help.
  I've been hearing them on the radio lately with that song Dear Claudia - take it or leave it - i think its one of the weakest songs on the record, but i'm sure other people would love it. it is catchy, thats for sure, but i like the rest of the album so much more. If you get a chance to listen to "Drama Kids" before you buy it, make sure you check out the last 3 tracks - those are my favorites. Theres this one that has this wierd little groove, almost like a waltz or something. its suprising that it works so well as a melodic rock song.
  overall, SouthFM is one of the most promising modern rock bands i've heard in a long time. they have a lot of versatility and depth. and they write great songs - rather than just a great chorus, the whole song is really good.
2449571
I live in Silver Lake where this band hangs out but I don't attend many live music shows.  Someone raved about this album and I bought it and I love it.  It's got the combination of a good strong beat (it got me exercising again!) and words you can actually hear.  Whatever you call it, folk/rock/pop or whatever, it seems to me its appeal should be really wide, and a hoot to see and hear in person.  Great guitar riffs, smooth stylings, gorgeous harmonies.  Cool, to put it more technically.
2956517
I used to have this, but I forgot how it sounded, so I sampled everything here. Gin Blossoms to me are the beginning of the clean sounding alternative music. They're still good, but not for grungeheads. I didn't hear of them till I moved down here to Florida. I still feel it's probably their best material here. Of course there's "Hey Jealousy", "Until I Fall Away" "Allison Road", and "Found Out About You" which were big hits down here, but there's still some other nuggets like "Hold Me Down" without a doubt a song with lovely music that after hearing this I have to turn off the radio, or cd player, and just take it all in it's that beautiful sounding. Others are "Cajun Song", "29", and that's just on disc 1. Disc 2 is good too. With a bunch of rare stuff like a couple of covers of songs like "Soul Deep", "Moving On Up", and Folsom Prison Blues". Also alternate takes of "Hold Me Down", "Hey Jealousy" etc. I wish that they still made this album....well perhaps in a few more years when the 20th anniversary of this release comes around they will re release it again. Perhaps they will go on tour again, but by then will we the Generation X'ers remember who they are, or will we have gone into listening to soft rock, and easy listening music channels.
3478691
This is one of those albums that you can put in your player and listen to the whole way through over and over again and not get sick of it.  The lead singer's voice is similar to that of Raine Maida's voice from Our Lady  Peace as they both have a tremendous range.  Seeing as how both bands are  Canadian, they are very similar, but Finger 11 is a little more mainstream  alternative with more electric guitar in their sound.  Popular radio hits  such as "Quicksand" and "Above" gave this band a name  and some recognition.  The rest of the CD contains songs just as good as  these. "Awake and dreaming" is an excellent tune as it has its  sentimental side yet completely rocks at the right times. "Tip",  "Shudder", "Condenser", and "Thin Spirits"  are also great tracks. Buy this album...If you like alternative, rock,  etc... you won't be disappointed with this album.
4923938
Excellent  music I discovered...what an unusually great band. Not one bad song here.
666294
I bought the Radioactive single and then decided to give the rest of the album a try.  It's really good (and different from the single).  His voice reminds me of Chris Martin, and the album reminds me of Cold Play, but they are FAR from a copycat band.  I really, really like this album!
4691085
When I first listened to the album, it sounded like one of those heavy metal bands where the singer is going crazy and isn't making real music. But after a couple of times listening through, certain songs are starting to grow on me and I enjoy the music on this album more. The standouts on this album include, "Rich" (love the riff that drives the song), "Date with the Night" (catchy beat, my style of music), "Maps" (alternative rock sound that could make this song a hit), and "Y Control" (cool background noise, rhythym makes you want to jump). I would reccommend this album to anyone who likes heavy-metal, punk rock, or garage revival music. The songs can sound very cool.
3640914
Very fun music.  Can't wait for a full album from this group!  They present as "alt/hipster" but the music is very accessible pop without being juvenile or bubble gum