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Just like ‘Back to the Future Part III’

By Cory Barker · Wednesday, Nov. 11,2009 12:41 p.m.

Say Anything’s third major-label album is the completion of a “Back to the Future”-like trilogy. First album “... Is a Real Boy” is a classic for its wit and heart (like the 1985 time travel-heavy film); the massive, 27-song follow up “In Defense of the Genre” is better but more confusing (like the smart “Back to the Future Part II”), and this one is a return to the original’s form, just not as well executed (exactly like “Part III”).

Straight-up cheer

By Alex Rast · Wednesday, Nov. 11,2009 12:37 p.m.

Straight No Chaser definitely has a unique sound in its new Christmas album. Even with classics like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Jingle Bells,” the songs show off the a cappella group’s style.

En garde

By Mickey Woods · Wednesday, Nov. 11,2009 12:33 p.m.

B-sides sometimes mean “bad sides,” but in the case of British singer-songwriter and former Smiths frontman Morrissey, the latest B-side compilation album, “Swords,” should get a “K” for kick-ass.

No longer reigning

By Brad Sanders · Wednesday, Nov. 11,2009 12:30 p.m.

Metalheads, perhaps more than fans of any other modern genre, have a reverence for history and tradition, and Slayer’s first five albums, a streak running from 1983 to 1990, are all undisputed classics. With this in mind, it’s easy to see how the devolution of their career that has since occurred comes as a slap in the face to aficionados.

Different stroke

By Kevin Kearney · Wednesday, Nov. 11,2009 12:27 p.m.

On his first solo outing, “Phrazes for the Young,” Julian Casablancas – lead vocalist for the tragically hip Strokes – stares critics skeptical of his individual musical ambitions square in the eyes and curls his upper lip into a victorious snarl.

Too much twang

By Tyler Wildman · Wednesday, Nov. 11,2009 12:24 p.m.

The Almost started as a solo project for Underoath drummer Aaron Gillespie, but now has morphed into a full-time band on its second album, which comes with a lot to live up to.

‘Glee’ cast hits a high note

By Brett Eppley · Wednesday, Nov. 11,2009 12:20 p.m.

An album released from a group of relatively unknown actors doesn’t sound like one you may want to drop the cash for during a recession, but “Glee: The Music, Volume 1” is worth it.

Big voice, little variety

By Danielle Rindler · Wednesday, Nov. 11,2009 12:16 p.m.

Carrie Underwood has come a long way from Checotah, Okla.Four years after her “American Idol” win catapulted her onto both the country and pop charts, Underwood’s third album “Play On” reinforces her transformation from country sensation to pop superstar.

A box full of suspense

By Megan Clayton · Wednesday, Nov. 11,2009 12:12 p.m.

Norma (Cameron Diaz) and Arthur (James Marsden) Lewis are not faring well in 1976’s troubled economy, but a shadowy stranger with a missing face (Frank Langella) has a nice deal for them: Press a button on a box, kill a stranger and get 1 million dollars. Although at just under two hours it doesn’t break any records for length, “The Box” all at once felt too long and too short for the story contained within it.

Creepy – kind of

By Danielle Duzenman · Wednesday, Nov. 11,2009 12:10 p.m.

Scientist J. Allen Hynek identified four kinds of UFO encounters. The first is a UFO sighting, the second is physical evidence of a UFO, the third is contact with a UFO occupant and the fourth is abduction.

Lots of holiday, but little spirit

By Brent Williamson · Wednesday, Nov. 11,2009 12:06 p.m.

“A Christmas Carol” is another in the long line of Robert Zemeckis’ creepy CGI films, coming on the heels of “Polar Express” and “Beowulf.” It is also an unnecessary retelling of the Charles Dickens classic, and Disney’s third remake of the story in 25 years. Yeah, so what’s the point?