Tool - 10,000 Days

Their new album is definitely just like every other tool album, which apart from meaning that it's an ass-kicking tour de force, means that:

- its got a KILLER opening song

- its got the usual experimental schtick snuck in there, but this time it's at the end of the album where I can safely click the stop button.

- their continued obsession with bongos

- its just good music

Best Song - Vicarious

8.5/10

Secret Machines - Ten Silver Drops

A band from Texas that actually makes music that isn't for gay cowboys and drunk rednecks?! Their sophomore album takes a big change in musical direction, going from the spacial sonic stoner music of their debut album into the much more melodic and poppy sound on their new album. Thankfully, these youngsters know how to craft a good song, and not the usual pop drivel that oozes out of my car stereo these days. Good stuff.

Best Song - Lightning Blue Eyes

8/10

Pearl Jam - Pearl Jam

I thought these fuckers just released a greatest hits album a while back?! Well apparently since they've moved to a new record label, they've been set free and have called this new album "the best work they've done in a long time". Too bad the same can't be said for that hideous album cover. Did they hire a multi-million design firm to put a papaya on a blue screen? The music though is OK at best, not bad but not anything spectacular either, which can probably be said for every other Pearl Jam album since "Vs.". But Eddie Vedder is still one of the best vocalists out there.

Best Song - Couldn't tell, nothing stood out

6.5/10