Ok, it is official. The new sound of alternative rock is to sound like punk/modern rock bands from the late 70's to the early/mid eighties. The Stills sound like Joy Division, and now Franz Ferdinand sounds like the Talking Heads. Even the video for "Take Me Out" screams Talking Heads. This is not bad because I grew up listening to this type of music, and I would rather listen to it even if it is recycled. These top 40 pop songs and boy bands of today are so annoying that to me listening to Ferdinand is a pure blessing.

I just bought my copy of the Stills album. I can understand now why they have been compared to Joy Division and the Cure. Lyrically they have the Joy Division attitude (especially with the song Love and Death), but melodically they have The Cures' sound. If you grew up listening to Siouxsiee and the Banshees, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Beat (not the English Beat),Joy Division, and The Cure, then you will love Stills.

Three years ago a friend of mines father had insisted that I read Nelson DeMillies Gold Coast because it was amazing. He let me borrow his copy. This was the first time reading DeMille,and I did not know what to expect. This is purely a updated version of F Scott Fitgeralds Great Gatsby. The comparison between the Mafia Boss and Gatbsy is remarkable. This book is not a copycat but a revamped version of Gatsby set in the 1990's and it has a lot more power. Developing characters and showing their emotion is DeMilles gift as a writer. This book does not dissapoint.

Three years ago, one of my closests friends who is Norwegian American invited me to see APB in concert. I told him that I could not go. However he kept on telling me that I have to listen to this group because they were amazing. Being a Depeche Mode fan I took his advice. He gave me three songs for my listening pleasure. Once I heard Suffer in Silence I was hooked. Stephan Groth (pronounced "Growth") is Norways Jewel of techno synthpop and industrial-goth. He also has a great sense of humor. He realeased a rare two-CD album of his European tour of 1998. During a German music festival, Groth had to stop APBs' performance because the police had raided the area. Groth kept on taping and mocked the raid. This is on the disc. All of his works are great, especially this one which has Kathy's Song. Kathy's Song is his best work, and has been made into a lot of remixes. Go Berzerk!

I went to what was one of the last concerts performed by Squeeze before they officially broke up. By the expression on Glenn Tilbrooks face, he did not seem to care about Chris. Infact he announced to the audience, "I know, I know, where the f*** is Chris?" Everyone in the audience chimed in with him. Difford and tillbrook were the Lennon and McCartney of the 1980's, but somewhere along the line, their friendship turned sour. There were rumors about Chris and alcohol abuse, but no one knows what really happened. This album might not be Diffords best work, but it is a decent start. It might not have the power that Glenn Tilbrook posseses but I think that Chris Difford will do fine as a solo artist. However if you are expecting Squeeze, then buy their greatest hits.

A few weeks ago a co-worker and I had a debate on who was singing "Feel brand new". She was convinced that it was the Stylistics. I Grew up listening to Simply Red, so I instantly recognized Mick Hucknalls' voice. I told her that it was a cover, but it had the passion of the original. I mean Hucknall must have studied the original singers voice, because the song is in some respects identical. Since the death of Robert Palmer, to me there are only four people in the category of white British soul that have truly hit the target: Paul Carrack, Van Morrison, Mick Hucknall, and Annie Lennox. Put those people together, and you will have one hell of an album!

I once chated on an e-mail witb Steve. Blues Clues gave him his start, but he did not want to be known as a Captain Kangaroo type character forever. He is was and always will be a musician. This album proves it. The music is original but pure indie rock. If you like The New Pornographers, Flaming Lips with the heart of Nick Drake, then you have to get this album. Trust me, it is worth the money.

When Rooney first released their album, critics compared them to The Cars. Ok, maybe because of the keyboard, but that is not much of a comparison. Rooney is walking in the shoes of such artists like Supergrass, and The Strokes. These groups have been bringing back the California beach punk of late 60's (eventhough Supergrass is a Brit band). My dad grew up listening to this music, and he STILL likes it. Rooney is what happened when Brian Wilson got his butt kicked by Iggy Pop. If you think that sounds cool, then you will like them. This album is not that great but the group shows promise. Trust me, they will be bringing out the big guns soon.