Some CDs I’ve been jamming to or hating on.

So, when I’m not writing in this self-indulgent thing, I actually write for a couple small but legit music magazines. One of them is Austin’s own Soundcheck Magazine, and I solely do reviews for them. Although I prefer to do longer 300-400 word reviews for them, I also usually take a handful of blurb (50-100 word) reviews for them. Here’s a few recent ones to give you a sampling of what’s been in my record player and/or ipod and/or CD player…

The Fashion: The Fashion (self-titled)

The first time I listened to the new self-titled album from Denmark’s The Fashion, I thought, “perfect soundtrack for bored American Apparel clerks.” Take that as you will: if you are an apathetic hipster worshiping at the altar of shiny spandex clothing, you’ll love The Fashion. If you are a rock’n’roll fan who likes–but doesn’t live–hip, you’ll simply like this CD. With a wandering lo-fi-lite feel, the songs are good—but if The Fashion had pushed themselves a little harder and sped it up a bit, they’d be more fun and interesting. There’s nothing wrong here, per se, but nothing remarkable either. The Fashion ends up being fashionable but largely forgettable.

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2*Sweet: Sleep Without Dreams

2*Sweet’s name may suggest some sort of boy band (N*SYNC, anyone?) but don’t let ’em fool ya. A quick listen to their debut full-length, Sleep Without Dreams, proves that they’re anything but. This fast-paced roller coaster ride of punky rock harkens back to the good old days when pop-punk was interesting and actually had an edge. Setting themselves apart by avoiding the monotony that so many bands in the genre fall into, 2*Sweet throws a curveball or two in the way of theatrical vocal effects and trumpet riffs. But this is not to say that Sleep Without Dreams is too odd; the anthemic sing-along choruses and hooks and ensure them a likely spot in many a music fan’s heart and dreams—assuming they still have them.

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Panic At The Disco: Pretty. Odd.

I’m not sure if Panic At The Disco was trying to be funny when they named their new CD Pretty. Odd., but it’s actually quite an accurate name. Filled with rambling songs that are an unfortunate mix of wanna-be indie rock and Beatles rip-offs, Pretty. Odd. is as disappointing as it is self-indulgent. It almost sounds like a companion to an instructional handbook on How to be an Indie Band That Tries Too Hard, Complete with Requisite Folk Songs. Lacking in the creativity and passion that made them the front runners of the popular rock scene, Pretty. Odd. is an unfortunate album that, judging by their previous efforts, could have been so much better.

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The Hush Sound: Goodbye Blues

Currently one of the most underrated bands from Chicago, The Hush Sound are back with their third album, Goodbye Blues. Unabashedly, well, bluesy, and full of soul and funk riffs, the album is smooth, catchy, and (at times) raw. Harnessing the energy and fun of their live shows, Goodbye Blues has an overall early-20th century Jazz and Rock ‘n’ Roll vibe that distinguishes them from their pop-rock peers. No longer just “that band on Fall Out Boy’s label,” The Hush Sound have finally found their sound, and Goodbye Blues is a perfect showcase of how they shine. Let’s just hope this effort gets the recognition it deserves.

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You can check out all of these and much more at Souncheck’s website and blog.