Music Reviews
By Christina Ruffini

Vertical Horizon – “Go”
It has been three years since Vertical Horizon released their multiplatinum album “Everything You Want.” You may ask yourself, “Well what have they been doing all this time?” The answer is simple: being rock stars. After finishing up a U.S. and World tour, Vertical Horizon headed back into the studio to work on their latest project, the aptly named, “Go.” The CD begins promisingly with the first song, “When You Cry.” Its emotional lyrics and hard-driving instrumentals make it a song perfect for the soundtrack to one of the WB’s teen dramas. The other stand out single on the album is “I’m Still Here,” an intense blend of vocals and guitars. Of all the songs, “I’m Still Here” is probably the group’s only chance to reclaim the glory of their former chart toppers such as, “We Are” and “I’m a God.” As for the rest of the CD, I find it completely uneventful. None of the music stands out as original, and all of the songs blend together into what sounds like a mix between Incubus and Matchbox 20. The bottom line: Listen to the two aforementioned songs on the radio, and unless you are looking for good music to fall asleep to, leave “Go” on the shelf.

Reckless Kelly – “Under the Table and Above the Stars”
I can’t say enough good things about this group and their album. From their name, inspired by a 19th century Australian outlaw, to their butt kickin’, boot stompin’, make you wanna get up and dance ‘til dawn melodies, this album offers everything country and non-country fans could want. The songs on the album are diverse in every sense of the word. Their subjects range from the traditional country genre of broken hearts and busted trailers to two songs about the joys of skiing, and the last song, “May Peace Find You,” is almost religious. The subject matter isn’t the only element that will keep you entertained. Though the album is disappointingly short, each of the twelve songs has a sound that is all its own. Whether you like bluegrass, contemporary country, classic country or just plain rock, you will love “Under the Table and Above the Stars.” As if the album wasn’t great enough, Reckless Kelly will be in concert on Sept. 26 at the Horsemen Club in Fort Worth. To sum it up: If you don’t run to the store and pick this one up the day it’s released, well, I pity your CD player.