Yeah, and while the Pavement comparisons are apt, they really were a unique, great band in their own way. Much more 'angular' (or something) than Pavement. And certainly raucous.

Yeah, Naked Baby Photos doesn't have too many essential tracks, but like the folks above said, there are some great tunes. "Emmaline," the Built to Spill cover ("Twin Falls"), "Eddie Walker." I also really dig "Bad Idea," and always will.

Siamese Dreams consumed my music-addled life for a few years in the mid-'90s, and PI was an awesome way to follow it up. I'll admit unabashed love for "Blew Away," and I'll also admit bugging the DJ at a high school dance so much that he actually popped in "Frail & Bedazzled" … as everyone was leaving, natch. And…

Will Johnson alternates between recording under his own name, Centro-matic, South San Gabriel (which is the same band as Centro-matic, just different type of material), the Undertow Orchestra, uh…I feel like I'm missing a few. I know Molina is hot stuff in these parts (deservedly), but Johnson should get some props…

Very good, I'd say
Incredibly sparse, yes, but very good. I've had the album a few weeks and it took a few listens to sink in, but I love it now.

Oh, those previews….
I agree with the rest: this was a fantastic episode, and the moral quandaries are sticking to me like an old Fruit Roll Up.

I think the whole supporting cast was insanely good this episode, especially during the office meeting.

Pants, I think lots of shows could('ve) benefit(ed) from some of the freedom cable network provide. The Unit probably would've rocked as a cable show.

Different strokes, and all that. I thought the sixth episode and un-aired thirteenth from last season *were* pretty fantastic. If you didn't like such and such episode (or feel that it had any promise), why watch more?

They've had peaks and valleys, for sure. That said, I actually really liked their most recent album. It's not great (I consider War and Achtung Baby great), but it's much, much better than their last two albums.

When the development of World of Warcraft was first announced, I remember thinking, "How could the series's weird sense of humor and cartoony graphics translate into an MMO?" Shows what I know, with the games still-strong popularity.

I just started listening to these, and I think they're pretty hilarious. Her tone is pretty spot-on, too; the middle point between complete deadpan and hyuk-hyuk brings forth the chuckles from me.

I don't know if I can say I loved it, but I certainly liked it. I missed quite a few episodes from the last two seasons, but still watched occasionally. I always felt like the best episodes were the Mamet and Ryan episodes were the best, and — on the flip side — any time Mamet's brother wrote, yikes.

Shotgun Stories
Discovered these guys a few years ago from Shotgun Stories, an indie film directed by Ben's brother Jeff. VERY good film, I thought, but I was also blown away by the Lucero / solo Ben Nichols stuff playing constantly throughout the movie.

The cover of Ultimate Alternative Wavers might be one of my favorite images ever. It's like the bizarro cast of Family Ties.

Brett Nelson plays bass, though (darn well, too). I think Jim Roth, the guitarist BtS absorbed from the Delusions, is a VERY good musician.

They have another album, Roneesh. Their debut LP is called Sing the Greys.

Brad Paisley is probably the least annoying modern country artist, especially compared to, oh, Rascal Flatts, etc.

Teenage Fanclub is often pretty fun. Or at least catchy.

I seriously was ready to dismiss this album a couple of months ago, having read Pitchfork's review and some blog buzz. I got a copy to review and, having not 'got it,' was ready to dismiss it.