By Trenton Shaw
The aptly named Doggumentary, Snoop Dogg’s new album, is a shout out to all the styles Snoop has covered in his expansive career. This eclectic album traces the colourful sounds and lyrics of Snoop and his various guests. The album doesn’t replicate the glory of “Gin and Juice” or “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” but… Continue reading Spun: Snoop Dogg
By Trenton Shaw
You’re sitting around the bonfire. The logs are crackling and the flames’ warmth is ever so soothing. Here come the hot dogs! You meticulously peal the plastic off your wiener and press your sharpened stick through the centre of the processed pork product. Your wiener slowly enters the fire, directly towards the glowing amber coals.… Continue reading Spun: Soulfly
By Trenton Shaw
The Blue Carpet Treatment is exactly what Snoop fans expect to hear–a statement that should be taken as both scathing and complimentary. There are no surprises, but there are 21 tracks of crip-walkin’, street-hustlin’, booty-shakin’ G-Funk to remind you that Snoop Dogg is still pimpin’ it in grand fashion. The Blue Carpet Treatment could be… Continue reading Spun: Snoop Dogg
By Trenton Shaw
On the aptly named Me, Myself & I, Fat Joe eschews the R&B duets that have brought him radio success for a gritty, street-oriented album. With 12 songs, no skits and only three guest appearances, Fat Joe gets right down to business, spitting over the usual sample-heavy production supplied by Cool and Dre, Scott Storch… Continue reading Spun: Fat Joe
By Trenton Shaw
Predictable, over-produced and cloyingly poppy, Quarter Life Crisis is sure to find its place among the year’s abominations. The Suits XL employ a misguided amalgamation of musical styles that always end up yielding to show-stealing pop melodies so sugary they may induce vomiting. With synthesizers, keyboards, strings, DJ scratches, beat boxing, extra drum tracks and… Continue reading Spun: The Suits XL
By Trenton Shaw
Rarely does the queen of rock disappoint, and this live DVD is no exception. Sixteen tracks of brazen, ballsy Rock’n’Roll rendered with camera shots just as erratic as the band’s movements will leave long-time fans satisfied and new listeners wondering why they never realized chicks can rock so hard. Her hit “Down by the Water”… Continue reading Spun: P.J. Harvey
By Trenton Shaw
In 1986 they would have been in their element, in 1996 they would have been passe, and in 2006 they’re destined to be one of the hottest retro ’80s bands of the new millennium. Elefant has joined the ranks of several new bands in a revolution bent on reminding the world why ’80s music kicked… Continue reading Spun: Elefant
By Trenton Shaw
The aptly-named Mint Royale creates music that is fresh, innovative and beautifully refined. See you in the Morning has the effect of a warm bath–it leaves you feeling clean, rejuvenated and refreshed. Spanning the palette of dance, electronica and acid jazz, the album is positively uplifting, though overbearing at times. Listeners that aren’t ready for… Continue reading Spun: Mint Royale
By Trenton Shaw
Without Feathers is irresistibly catchy, fun and sweet. Pristine vocals coast over tambourines and handclaps, flowery piano lines and pretty guitar licks. Although the music is mostly sunshine, Tim Fledger’s dark and moody vocals sometimes make for an interesting juxtaposition. In “Destroyer,” the blazing pop melodies of the trumpets and guitars are offset by the… Continue reading Spun: The Stills
By Trenton Shaw
Prodigy, Havoc, 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, Sha Money XL–the dream-team looks good on paper, but the music is a different story. Long-time Mobb Deep fans were wary of Havoc and Prodigy’s merger with the G-Unit camp, and for the most-part their worst fears have been realized. Blood Money takes Mobb Deep’s slow progression towards club-friendly… Continue reading Spun: Mobb Deep