I am pretty excited about this release. Since the first single “Blood On My Hands” was released a few weeks ago and I’ve been listening to it daily. References have been made that this album, the first without John Feldmann producing, would go back to the dirtier, harder roots of “The Used” and “In Love and Death”. Although the final result is decidedly less gritty then the original albums, it does in fact explore some of the original song and even album structures. Simply put, if “Lies for Liars” was a exploration into a different direction for The Used then “Artwork” is a progression of what The Used originally was. From Blood On My Hands to the ballad Kissing You Goodbye, The Used have completed an album that although complex in its musical undertones will appeal to the diverse audience built in their earlier releases.
Preorder now at Amazon or get the Single Blood On My Hands on right now!

A relatively quiet week on the new music front is highlighted by alt rockers Arctic Monkeys, pop songstress Colbie Caillat, Jewish rapper Matisyahu and country classic Willie Nelson. We’ll link to these albums and some reviews below.

Arctic Monkeys : Humbug

Arctic Monkeys have captivated the post-Britpop scene since their 2006 debut, but Humbug finds the group justifying the hype by shifting its best qualities into different, equally dazzling shapes. – Billboard

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More reviews at metacritic.com

Willie Nelson : American Classic

Its sound is lustrous, its personnel impeccable. What’s missing is the sense of conviction that Mr. Nelson brings to his strongest work. – The New York Times

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More reviews at metacritic.com

Colbie Caillat : Breakthrough

Caillat has a fine voice — clear and ringing, with a hint of a rasp — and she can write hooks. (She co-composed every song here.) But the simpering puppy love grows wearying over 12 tracks, especially because Caillat fails to convince as a romantic heroine. She sounds too goofy — too bubbly and tingly — to be lovelorn. – Rolling Stone

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Read the full review at rollingstone.com

Matisyahu : Light

On bright pleasures like the New Wave-y “We Will Walk,” Light comes close to becoming an attention-holding pop album. But it’s dragged into earnest tedium by good-natured platitudes (“I must find a road that leads where nobody goes”) and hippie-soul moments like “Thunder,” on which Matisyeezy sounds like a self-serious indie rapper with a major vegan bent.. – Rolling Stone

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Read the full review at rollingstone.com