Mini Reviews: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Sometimes we get a little wordy here at the Daily Snooze. As a result, we're gonna try and get a little more efficient verbally, if not more judgmental, with our music reviews until further notice. Disagree with our sentiments? Give us some feedback by commenting below.

Daft Punk – Alive 2007 (Virgin)

Never mind that the robotic beats and bass lines from this Daft Punk performance are more European than cigarette smoke and street performers. Never mind that they remind you of that sleazy club you went to during Spring Break. Alive 2007 will make you want to dance, dance, dance.

Neil Young – Chrome Dreams II (Reprise)

Have the seasons changed once recently without coinciding with the release of a half-baked Neil Young album? Finally, autumn has brought us the best recent release from a legend in the winter of his career. Dusted off 30 years after its original abandonment, Chrome Dreams II screams, snarls, and purrs, like only a ‘70s vehicle can.

Zs – Arms (Planaria)

What do Ornette Coleman, Yes, Van Dyke Parks, and Metallica have in common? Not much, unless you’re in the band Zs. With Arms, these intelligent, avant-garde New Yorkers stretch all musical boundaries. The only problem? Arms is harder to digest than convincing Allen Iverson that practice is mandatory.

Racoon – Another Day (Another Label)

Combine melodic acoustic guitars with the stellar vocals of Racoon frontman Bart Van Der Weide, and a good album should follow, right? Wrong. Another Day tries for Steve Earle, but settles for an Easy Listening vibe that more closely echoes Dan Fogelberg (remember him?) and Matchbox 20.

Café Tacuba – Sino (Universal Music Latino)

Known to many as Radiohead Latino, Café Tacuba have done wonders for the Rock en Espanol movement. But such a simple classification disserves Mexico City’s finest and most ambitious export, whose latest inspirations jump between Brian Wilson, ‘70s progressive rock, and their own back catalog. Muy bueno. And no Spanish required.