Daily Staff Writer

Album: “Infinity on High”

Artist: Fall Out Boy

Label: Island

Released: Feb. 6, 2007

Availability: CD and iTunes

Love them or hate them, Fall Out Boy’s new record pulls out all the stops. “Infinity on High” is less punk-rock and more over-the-top in both production and musicality than F.O.B.’s previous releases. The album’s first track, “Thriller” – named after the Michael Jackson album – features an intro cameo by Jay-Z and kicks into a syncopated riff far heavier than anything a F.O.B. fan would expect. The band remains lyrically cocky, and their song titles maintain the trend of being as cleverly metaphorical – and as long – as possible – for example, “I’m Like A Lawyer With The Way I’m Always Trying To Get You Off (Me & You).” Still, the album flows seamlessly and demonstrates the musical prowess and maturity that comes from non-stop touring. Songs incorporate rhythmic unity and experimental instrumentation, such as hand clapping, piano and a vocal choir, and regardless of preconceptions, their catchiness is unavoidable. “Infinity” is definitely a safe investment, and even if you don’t buy it you’ll probably end up hearing half of its songs on the radio.

By Rusty Anderson

Daily Staff Writer

Album: “Wincing the Night Away”

Artist: The Shins

Label: Sub Pop

Released: Jan. 23, 2007

Availability: CD and iTunes

Rocketed into the mainstream with the help of their songs “New Slang” and “Caring is Creepy” from their first full-length release, “Oh, Inverted World,” The Shins stepped into center stage and greeted the world with their unique indie vibe. The Shins’ songs have been covered by bands such as Iron and Wine and The Postal Service and the band has continued to bring more unforgettable themes and lyrics to the scene. With the addition of third album “Wincing the Night Away,” The Shins manage to shine once again, continuing with their interweaving of alternative and indie at its best. An already popular song with ongoing and newfound fans is “Turn On Me,” a sure single of the album with its lyrics, “You can fake it for a while / Bite your tongue and smile / Like every mother does an ugly child / But the stars are leaking out / Like spittle from a cloud / Amassed resentment counting ounce and pound.” A roller-coaster of never-ending insightful lyrics and soothing indie melodies makes this album a must-have.

By Denise Roberg

Daily Staff Writer

Album: “Waitin’ In The Country”

Artist: Jason Michael Carroll

Label: Arista Nashville

Released: Feb. 6, 2007

Availability: CD and iTunes

Up and coming country music singer/songwriter Jason Michael Carroll released his first album, “Waitin’ In The Country,” on Tuesday. Carroll has already made a name for himself after the release of his first single, “Alyssa Lies,” a tragic song about child abuse. Carroll has a real country voice, complete with that backwoods twang and a Southern drawl. The album has 11 tracks, which range from love songs to upbeat drinking songs. My favorite ballad from his album is “Love Won’t Let Me,” a song in which Carroll sincerely sings, “Love won’t let me say goodbye.” Another highlight is the track “No Good in Goodbye,” in which Carroll teams up with Jewel and delivers a stunning performance. Overall, this album has everything I want from a country album: sad love songs, happy love songs and party-with-your-friends songs.