Filthy Thieving Bastards -- Melody of Retards & Broken Quills
BYO
     FTB is basically a Swingin' Utters side project, but don't expect The Streets of San Francisco.  This CD picks up where the Utters' left off with Swingin' Utters and never looks back.  Mixing folk with country and roots rock 'n' roll, FTB fordge a unique sound that is not for everbody.  If you are too punk rock to like country or folk music, than avoid this CD.  It seems to me that these guys just get better with age.  (db)

Fugazi - The Argument
Dischord
     No one can deny the importance of Fugazi to the world of music.  Through the thick, thin, and major label buying frenzy, Fugazi stood their ground.  Sticking to their guns, playing cheap shows and keeping record prices as low as possible, Fugazi has proven time and time again that you can do it on your own and become a success on your own terms.  They have truly lived the American dream.  Now, all that having been said, let's move on to their latest CD The Argument.  There really is no easy way to say this, other than to just say it…this CD sucks.  Okay, before you Fugazi purists out there flog me, let me explain why I believe this CD is not good.  1) I do get or like emo.  2) This CD has experimental written all over it.  3) Where are the hooks?  Diehard fans of emo and/or Fugazi will probably love this CD, but I just don't get it.  If you go into The Argument expecting Reapeater or In on the Kill Taker, prepare to be disappointed.  The bottom line is, these are four extremely talented guys trying to push the boundaries of what they do, and if that was the real goal of this CD they succeeded.  (db)

Flogging Molly -- Drunken Lullabies
Side One Dummy
     Flogging Molly return with their brand of Irish punk rock in the vein of The Pogues and Dropkick Murphys.  This CD is so good it hurts.  After hearing FM's debut Swagger, I didn't think this band could get any better...I was wrong.  Drunken Lullabies is beautifully written music and lyrics, played like the band was on fire.  Songs like "Rebels of the Sacred Heart, "If I Ever leave this World Alive", and the title track will make you want to cry and dance a hearty jig at the same time.  This is probably the best CD to come out this year.  (db)