Last Tuesday was the beginning of the end for “Lost,” whose Season 6 two-hour premiere stunned audiences around the globe. So much happened in the two-hour premiere. I had to catch my breath before I could even wrap my mind around the happenings of the episode titled LA X. The last thing that we saw from “Lost” was Juliet smacking the jughead, followed by a glowing white light. The bomb was supposed to send all of the losties back on the plane so that they never crashed on the island. Well, in one dimension, Jack, Kate, Sawyer and company all…

Vampire Weekend has released one of the last decade’s finest debut albums. It had 11 songs of witty wordplay, Paul Simon-African influences and irresistible hooks. The band, composed of Columbia University graduates, has been critically acclaimed and deserves every bit of the praise. The band was making music that is every bit as smart as it is fun, in a climate that is overpopulated with artists who are trying too hard. The band’s appeal spreads across the indie crowd just as much as it does the mainstream, proved when its second album, “Contra,” went straight to No. 1 within a…

In the current music community, people have become fond of seeing the biggest names in music working together. However, big musical collaborations raise the eyebrows of even the casual music listener. Collaborations between big-name artists have almost become expected on most popular music releases. It is almost expected to see tons of featured guests on a rapper’s album. However, it isn’t just the rap genre that has become fond of collaborations. Weezer was able to get Lil Wayne to rap on “Can’t Stop Partying,” a song on their new album “Raditude.” This was a jaw-dropping shocker for Weezer’s fan base.…

The Strokes may just be the most acclaimed New York garage rockers of this decade, and during the band’s hiatus, each member, except for guitarist Nick Valensi, has participated in other musical projects. Julian Casablancas, the lead singer of beloved indie-rock band The Strokes, has just released a solo album called “Phrazes For The Young,” which came out in late October. Although it may be Casablacas’ first solo album, it isn’t the first solo project that has emerged from the members of The Strokes. Rhythm guitarist Albert Hammond, Jr. has released two solo albums, drummer Fabrizio Moretti released an album…

In the year 2009, music moves faster than the speed of sound. Every day albums leak, and new bands have their day in the spotlight on a blog or a YouTube video. There is always a new “buzz band” that rises to fame because of good press on indie music websites. A good review on the very critical sites can make or break a band; in other words, music moves at the speed of sound now. It is pretty common for the bands to see some moderate success and die out after a new band takes their spotlight. The problem…

“The Resistence” is the record that Muse has been striving to make its whole career. As bombastic as ever, the members of Muse prides themselves on their over-the-top, dramatic, apocalyptic progressive rock. They have not changed much since their last album, “Black Holes & Revelations.” They continue to rock hard in a dramatic style, not taking themselves too seriously, and they are so over-the-top and cheesy that you can’t help but want to rock out. The difference in this record from their past records — aside from the amazing production — is their aim to finally conquer the American market.…

At a time when many bands are struggling to stay relevant after media hype leads them to be prematurely called “the next big thing,” the British alt-rock band Arctic Monkeys is defying the trend. They stunned the world in 2006 with their debut album, “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not,” and now, only three years since it came out, it’s already considered a classic British album. Its witty observational lyrics, fiery guitar hooks and pure energy caused them to stand out in the cluster of new bands. Arctic Monkeys’ third album “Humbug,” released on Aug. 19, may…

A Grizzly Bear To Follow There are tons of albums coming out this year, but there is one album in particular that every music fan needs to hear. It comes from the wonderful indie band, Grizzly Bear. The Brooklyn experimental rock/folk band have built up tons of buzz for their highly anticipated new album “Veckatimest”. The album is due on May 26, but has already been leaked online. The album has gotten tons of online praise already due in large part to the leak, as well as stellar live performances of their stunning pop gems “Two Weeks” and “While You…

Animal Collective’s music probably deserves to be titled with the overused term “acquired taste.” They are a band that has made some of the most creative but unique music seen this decade. They have never been the most accessible band but once you can understand what they are doing, you will begin to get the rewards of their music. Their music is easier listened to than described, but the easiest way to describe the band is to say that they use their voices in unique ways to create melodies over looping beats. Although Avey Tare, Panda Bear and Geologist’s music…

Finals are approaching. Chances are you’ve got your favorite CD on repeat to get you through this rough time, but that old played-out album is probably getting, well, played out. Luckily, new music is here. Three major albums came out just in the nick of time. During the final week of November, music fans got three major releases at once: Guns N’ Roses with “Chinese Democracy,” Kanye West with “808s & Heartbreak” and The Killers with “Day and Age.” With the music industry in turmoil, all three albums had their releases dates moved forward from the traditional Tuesday release day…

With closing just around the corner, Magic City Music Hall found time for one more major act: Matisyahu. This past Sunday, Flobots and Matisyahu rocked the Johnson City venue not only with instruments, but also with the powerful ideas that came from their hearts. Chester French, the other scheduled supporting act, was nowhere to be found. The only answer from the venue regarding the band’s absence was that they were no longer a part of the tour anymore. The attendance was only a modest 500 people, disappointing considering Magic City is closing Oct. 31. The smaller, more intimate crowd didn’t…