Okkervil River broke away from the crowded indie rock pack with 2005's superb Black Sheep Boy, a ragged but ornate barroom romp that drank its way to the top of countless year-end lists by finding that thin vein that separates triumph and desperation and hammering as many nails into it as they could in under 50 minutes. Fans used to Will Sheff's visceral, lo-fi caterwauls may be disappointed in the bruised and elegant Stage Names upon first listen, but further spins reveal BSB as more ...   [ read more ]

CD $12.99

Mychael Danna's debut American release explores the strength and mysteries of the female psyche. Sirens nine compositions express different aspects of femininity through the stories of mythological figures and saints like Celtic heroine Deirdre; Maat, the Egyptian goddess of truth; and Saint Bernadette. Fittingly, these lyrical pieces reflect musical elements of each culture's siren; rich strings and poignant uilleann pipes adorn "Deirdre of the Sorrows," adding to its melancholy Irish grace. {&"S...   [ read more ]

CD $16.13

Although Edd Byrnes was known primarily for his acting rather than singing abilities, that did not stop the teen idol and star of {#77 Sunset Strip} from having a few notable hit singles spawned from this disc. Stylistically the album is literally all over the place. The song arrangements are courtesy of Don Ralke, who not only scored the incidental music for the television show, but also is heralded as one of the primary parties responsible for the Space Age Bachelor Pad movement of the mid- to l...   [ read more ]

CD $15.18