#reviewoftheweek / Silversun Pickups - Better Nature

It seems like every generation has the artists, bands, musicians, etc. that play a specific role and fit into a specific spot in the musical spectrum. Silversun Pickups are one of those bands that occupy the space once held prominently by the Smashing Pumpkins. Fuzzy and ethereal at the same time, Silversun Pickups' music defines alternative rock. The coolest part about their music, and especially this album, is that it doesn't pigeonhole the band in one era of alternative music. There are songs in this collection that could stand up during each of the last 3 decades of rock music, but also sound as fresh and new as they need to be. The lead single "Nightlight" may be the catchiest, but not since their debut album has the band put out compositions like "Latchkey Kid" and "Friendly Fires," both of which are destined to become fan favorites. On their fourth album, it's awesome that Silversun Pickups can still be inventive and relevant in a time when the one-hit-wonder is making a comeback.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• ALO - Sounds Lik This
• Sean Bones - Buzzards Boy
• Keane - Strangeland
• Greg Laswell - Landline
• Silversun Pickups - Neck Of The Woods

CD REVIEW: Silversun Pickups "Swoon"

This band could have been huge in the 1990's. But, since they're here now, they might as well be huge now. Well, this new album is going to take the success of their previous album and amp it up a bit. Silversun Pickups, who are the current generation's incarnation of Smashing Pumpkins, are making inventive alternative rock that is both familiar and original. There are currently no bands making popular music that sound at all like Silversun Pickups. This means that their songs are going to stand out from all the rest when they are played on the radio. And this album is full of radio hits. The first single "Panic Switch" took off, showing the band's harder edge which they previously failed to flaunt with singles from their album "Carnavas." Other incredibly cool songs include "Substitution," "There's No Secrets This Year," "The Royal We," and "Growing Old Is Getting Old." It's probably true that the band will have to stretch their talents to match the sound and success of "Lazy Eye," but they have managed to create an album that is superior as a whole to all their previous albums.