Jeff's Picks - Reviewed by Jeff Niesel

Jeff Niesel started writing about rock ’n’ roll some 20 years ago when he stood in the pouring rain to hitch hike his way to see R.E.M. on their Life’s Rich Pageant tour. Since that time, he's written for various daily newspapers, alt-weeklies, magazines and websites and now writes for the Cleveland Scene, one of the country's oldest alt-weeklies, and is also the editor of HearSay Now.

Mastodon, Live at the Aragon

Recorded in 2009 at Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom this live album captures Mastodon in all its ragged glory. The CD/DVD features a performance of “Crack the Skye” in its entirety.

The Fighter

One of last year’s best movies, this biopic about boxer Irish Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg) and his volatile brother (Christian Bale) is a compelling drama.

Rise Against, Endgame

Though they sound derivative of Bad Religion, this political punk band performs with conviction on its sixth studio album.

Withered Hand, Good News

A bit dreary, this Scottish indie rock group draws from folk traditions but offers a singularly unique perspective thanks to talented front man Dan Willson. 

R.E.M.,Collapse Into Now

R.E.M., Collapse Into Now (Warner Bros.) Michael Stipe and co. sound inspired once again on this album, a reunion with producer Jacknife Lee, who produced their last effort, “Accelerate.”

Grails, Deep Politics

Admittedly esoteric, this instrumental album sounds like the soundtrack to a foreign art film as the Grails play a little bit of everything.

Bright Eyes, Peoples Key

Led by Conor Oberst, Bright Eyes leaves its indie folk impulses behind to embrace giddy pop harmonies on this fine new collection of tunes, its first in four years.

Due Date

Zach Galifianakis and Robert Downey Jr. play a couple of mismatched guys who wind up having to travel across the country in this funny movie from “The Hangover” director Todd Phillips.

Twilight Singers, Dynamite Steps

The first studio release in five years from the Greg Dulli-fronted Twilight Singers is an atmospheric, moody affair that’s driven by its rich sonic textures and falsetto vocals.

Lemmy: 49% Motherf**ker, 51% Son of a Bitch

This three-years-in-the-making documentary about Motorhead singer-bassist Lemme Kilmister includes testimonials from the likes of Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne and Slash and follows Lemmy as he guests on Loveline and goes record shopping.

Drive By Truckers, Go-Go Boots

These Southern rockers return with another terrific album of lyrical ballads and bar band rock.

Jessica Lea Mayfield, Tell Me

Produced by the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, this album captures the sultry side of Jessica Lea Mayfield’s alt-country music. The young 21-year-old singer-songwriter sounds way too smart and sophisticated for her age.

Deltron 3030, Deltron 3030

A reissue of the terrific hip-hop act's 2000 album that helped pave the way for the more successful Gorillaz project.

Bob Marley & the Wailers, Live Forever, The Stanley Theatre

The reggae icon sounds particularly inspired on this terrific live disc that features tunes from a 1980 performance at Pittsburgh’s Stanley Theatre.

Gang of Four, Content

The politically motivated veteran British post-punk act sounds newly invigorated on this, its first studio release in over 15 years.