Andrew Whipple

The year is coming to a close and, like all procrastinators, I am late on my "Best of" duties. Nevertheless, 2007 was a jam-packed year full of great music. With some very welcome returns, some flops, and some breakout contenders, 2007 was a testament to the ever-changing, ever-exciting musical atmosphere. Anyway, here it is... The Best of 2007: 1. Feist - The Reminder There is a reason that Feist has become as popular as...

On Monday evening, the winner of the 2nd annual Polaris Music Prize will be announced. This is not earth shattering news because many don't even know what it is. The Polaris Music Prize is Canada's equivalent to the U.K.'s Mercury Prize. It is an award given to the best Canadian album of the year, regardless of genre, sales, or record label. The winner receives $20,000 cash and a bevy of publicity. The initial jury...

The Fiona Apple comparisons are inevitable. As soon as Sara Bareilles opens her mouth, she reveals the vocal depth of Apple with the pop sensibility of Rachael Yamagata and Regina Spektor and the soulful sultriness of Norah Jones and Feist. In fact, on her website, she says: "I write mostly on piano and I'm a girl, so lots of people say it's Norah Jones, or Fiona Apple. That's fine. I love Norah's subtlety and...

Summer has passed and acts such as Suzanne Vega, Tegan and Sara, M.I.A., Spoon, and Rilo Kiley have reclaimed the spotlight after significant hiatuses, but the year is far from over. It's now time to look forward to albums on the horizon that look like winners already: 21. In Our Bedroom After the War - Stars: The popular Canadian indie outfit is poised to take America by storm. (Release date: September 25) 20. As...

It seems to be a recurring event; it happened last week with Rilo Kiley and now this week with The Honorary Title. Abandoning your signature sound for a more radio-friendly one can either be a disaster (Liz Phair) or a step forward in creative development. Luckily, The Honorary Title finds firm footing in Scream and Light Up the Sky, an album that embraces the band's pop sensibilities. The album opens humbly with lyrically driven...

There was some really good music released over the summer and it's always nice to return to school with some "indie cred" so here are the Top 5 Albums to bring back to school with you: 5. The Stage Names - Okkervil River The next hot band on the indie stage. 4. Marry Me - St. Vincent After departing from the mega collective Polyphonic Spree, Annie Clark blazes her own glorious trail on her...

From the first beat of "Silver Lining", Rilo Kiley announces a truly more adventurous sound - one that departs from country-tinged acoustics and embraces slick beats with a retro flair. Under the Blacklight, the first effort from the band since 2004, is Rilo Kiley's unapologetic brush with the dance floor. On the first track, the deliriously catchy "Silver Lining", Rilo Kiley boasts a sound somewhere between techno and soul. Over handclaps and an R&B...