Daily Staff Writer

Album: DreamCypher

Artist: The Cruxshadows

Label: Dancing Ferret Discs

Released Jan. 16, 2007

My pick is the new album “DreamCypher” by darkwave band The Cruxshadows. This album is the band’s first since 2003 and demonstrates the band’s signature style, combining the themes of ’80s and synth pop with the instrumentation of modern dance music. The driving electronic dance beats are creatively accentuated with electric violin and guitar, and the lyrics are concerned with subjects such as love, despair and struggle. However, the music is ultimately uplifting, befitting a dance record – the gloomy subjects are presented as obstacles to be overcome. Nowhere is this better illustrated than in the track “Defender:” “Strength to endure comes out of despair.” The result sounds much like a fusion between VNV Nation and early Depeche Mode. Expect to find yourself dancing around the room listening to this record.

By Denise Roberg

Daily Correspondent

Album: Right About Now

Artist: Ty Herndon

Label: Pyramid Media

Released Jan. 9, 2007

Ty Herndon’s newly released album “Right About Now” is packed with typical country songs, most of them about a lost love. Herndon has been releasing albums since 1995, but “Right About Now” is his first in five years. Out of the eleven tracks, “Someday Soon” is my favorite. The title track is also one of the better songs on the album. Be prepared, a couple of the songs on the album sound like gospel songs – not something I was expecting or wanting from this particular album. Except for the churchy music, the album was pretty decent. Herndon has a very soothing country voice and the songs fit him well. I would not spend money for the entire CD, but I will definitely purchase some of the songs from iTunes.

By Rusty Anderson

Daily Correspondent

Album: The Last Kiss Soundtrack

Artist: Various Artists

Label: Lakeshore Records

Released Aug. 8, 2006

Another thought-provoking and inspirational movie featuring Zach Braff leaves us with quite possibly the most epic compilation of artists since the “Garden State” Soundtrack in August 2004. Various rising, comeback and still-soaring artists, such as Coldplay, Remy Zero, Joshua Radin, Snow Patrol, Fiona Apple and Imogen Heap overflow this emotional roller coaster with such passion, longing and lucid inspiration that they will have you yearning for more. A standout track is “Hide and Seek” by Imogen Heap. With her use of dissonance and resolution juxtaposed with well-placed vocal distortion, synthesizing and enchantingly poetic hints of love and loss, the track insists on being played over and over again, to feel the sounds and emotions that hold you tightly in their grasp.

By Chelsea DeSousa

Daily Correspondent

Album: Continuum

Artist: John Mayer

Label: Sony

Released Sept. 12, 2006

My pick is John Mayer’s “Continuum,” which was released in the fall. “Continuum” is third-in-line to Mayer’s already multiplatinum “Room for Squares” (2001) and “Heavier Things” (2003). Known for his smooth vocals, pensive lyrics and boy-next-door looks, Mayer doesn’t disappoint in this new CD. He provides us with more songs that tap into the young adult realm, songs encompassing the desires, truths and troubles of that generation. A favorite track of mine is “The Heart of Life.” I loved the simple melody and genuine lyrics, “Pain throws your heart to the ground/ Love turns the whole thing around/ No, it won’t all go the way it should/ But I know the heart of life is good.” Overall, “Continuum” is another John Mayer triumph that no one should pass up.

By Ann Grey

Daily Correspondent

Album: Eat, Sleep, Repeat

Artist: Copeland

Label: Militia

Released Oct. 31, 2006

Upon first listen to Copeland’s third album, I had no idea what to expect from this emo/indie band, but was pleasantly surprised. “Eat, Sleep, Repeat” has a chill sound with relatable lyrics. The singer’s voice is soothing and poetic, appealing to both passive listeners and lyric lovers alike. The album is original in its dark feel and sound with its almost hypnotizing, lingering melodies. Two of the highlights of this album would include “Love Affair,” a haunting ballad with beautiful instrumentals led by piano, and “I’m a Sucker for a Kind Word,” a song with a hook so catchy it cannot be denied. A downfall of this album is that the songs all carry a similar mellow feel and may sound a bit monotonous to some. However, these songs will inevitably grow on those who give it a second listen. But all in all, with its smooth vocals and lush instrumentals, “Eat, Sleep, Repeat” is a strong CD and comes highly recommended for solo evening drives and music for working around the home.