Doves

‘Some Cities’

4 out of 5 stars

The Doves gained a lot of ‘cred with their last release, ‘The Last Broadcast,’ which featured the jingly-jangly ‘There Goes The Fear.’ The band returns with its third album, ‘Some Cities,’ feeling darker and more emotional. Their signature soundscapes and quirky British guitar stylings are still there and the result is another solid album from one of Britain’s most overlooked bands. Do check this one out.

Judas Priest

‘Angel of Retribution’

3 out of 5 stars

Judas Priest is back. While some of you might have thought you bought Priest albums during the 1990s with ‘Ripper’ Owens out in front, forget about it. This is the real deal. ‘Angel’ finds a newly recharged Priest with Rob Halford in his right place at the helm. While not as good as Priest in their ’80s heyday, if you need to get your fix for new metal, this is it.

Jennifer Lopez

‘Rebirth’

1 out of 5 stars

‘Rebirth?’ More like ‘Rehash.’ J-Lo continues being the Latin Mariah Carey at a time when it’s not even good to be Mariah Carey, excepting how Carey’s ‘Emancipation of Mimi’ turns out. The results? An album that sounds exactly like all her others. Even if you love J-Lo, you’re better off playing ‘On The 6’ or ‘This is Me . . . Then’ for the umpteenth time than spending your money on this album.

Jack Johnson

‘In Between Dreams’

2 out of 5 stars

You know I once had a math teacher named Mr. Walton who had the equivalent musical talent of Jack Johnson and looked a lot like him. I don’t know what happened to Mr. Walton, as he has since left my high school, but from hearing this album, I think he’s now overtaken Johnson. Mr. Walton, if you’re reading this, I’ve got some hook-ups at Capitol Records. Let’s make it happen.

Published on February 27, 2005 at 12:00 pm