3) Staind- (10/10)

One of the few hard rock artists to get on the mainstream lately has been Staind. Powered by the ranged voice of Aaron Lewis, Staind accomplishes what most hard rock bands attempt to do--kick some ass with most of their songs, and still pull of amazingly touching quiet ballads. The third CD from this quartet, BREAK THE CYCLE featured more hits than a hard rock band can usually pull off. Simply put, this is due to the power of the album. With the pulse pounding hits like IT'S BEEN A WHILE, PRESSURE, CHANGE, FOR YOU, and my personal Stanid favorite, FADE, mixed with the tranquilizing beats of OUTSIDE and EPIPHANY, BREAK THE CYCLE is the pinnacle of any band, hard rock or other. Staind's second CD, DYSFUNCTION, had only one big hit. MUDSHOVEL is a great song, but don't overlook songs such as ME and FLAT. Apparently Staind has a CD entitled TORMENT, which came out in 1996, but I have never seen it. However, keep an eye out for 14 SHADES OF GRAY, Staind's new CD which comes out May 20th. I know I'll be there to pick up a new CD from a truly great band.

2) 3 Doors Down- (8/10)

Another Canadian band whose has been spawning some hits recently is 3 Door Down. They have been in the public eye a lot lately with their public declaration for the supports in the Middle East. Their debut album in 2000, BETTER LIFE, spawned many great hits, such as DUCK AND RUN, KYRPTONITE, BE LIKE THAT, and my favorite track from that album, LOSER. They were all over the radio back in the day, but don't miss out on great non-singles such as 3 Doors Down came roaring back in 2002 with their follow up smash hit, AWAY FROM THE SUN. The opening song, and best overall track is WHEN I'M GONE, but watch out for other songs such as CHANGES, THIS TIME, and the moody title track, AWAY FROM THE SUN. If you are looking for some catchy music that will get you singing, 3 Doors Down is worth a look.

Okay, so now this column is turning non-fictional, which is exactly what I did not want to happen...but such is life. For the next while, I want to review some bands.

1) OLP or Our Lady Peace- (9/10)

These guys fucking rock! A Canadian band who had shown much variety in their music over the years. I was never really a die-hard fan until earlier this school year, but damn. They are good. As for standout albums, check out CLUMSY, HAPPINESS IS NOT A FISH YOU CAN CATCH, and GRAVITY. They have two other CD's which I haven't heard in their entirety, but if you haven't listened to the three above, go now and get them. As far as songs, stick with the big hits such as 4AM, SUPERMANS DEAD, CLUMSY, THIEF, and SOMEWHERE OUT THERE, but also look at sleepers such as INNOCENT, and AUTOMATIC FLOWERS.

Have a band you want me to review? Message me and let me know!