The Tragically Hip - In Between Evolution
7/10

After 20 years and 10 albums, The Tragically Hip put out In Between Evolution, a 13-track lyrical masterpiece, and a whole album just loaded with awesome sounds.

There is no sign that the five Canadian friends ran out of ideas as their career progressed. In fact, In Between Evolution sounds like it's just been carved out of a rock: full of roughness in both instrumental and vocal parts, skillfully brought together like a puzzle.

"Gus: The Polar Bear From Central Park," has wailing guitars and vocals that complement one another, supporting the unmistakably political message, "when it's either them or it's us, anything that moves and everything you see is something to kill and eat."

Anyone who just wants to "listen and jam" should maybe go with less-demanding lyrics.

The Tragically Hip are grown up, they have come a long way. They are probably not exactly what some might consider hip, but they are still pretty cool.

- Djamila Noelle Grossman

The Rosebuds - Makeout
9/10

If Dick Dale and the Beach Boys were to get drunk, get down, and make a baby, it would be a miracle. At the same time, it would be very cool. Their baby would be The Rosebuds.

The Rosebuds' Makeout opens with "Back To Boston," a mellow tune on which Ivan Howard's vocals are reminiscent of the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds. All mellowness is pushed aside for the next two tracks, the super-fun, beach-party-ready, "Kicks In The Schoolyard" and "My Downtown Friends." Even if you hate sand, Makeout makes you want to travel back in time to 1965, learn how to surf and become best friends with Gidget - if only for its sheer kitsch.

Every summer fling must end, but (as anyone who has ever been to summer-camp can tell you) not before the bittersweet end-of-summer party. "What Can I Do?" is that bittersweet party, followed by the afterglow of "Signature Drinks," and the last kiss of "A Makeout Song."

The Rosebuds' Makeout is a gas, a blast, and a tribute to the best beach party you've never been to.

- Laura Wilson

Ben Folds - Super D
3/10

Everyone is allowed one mistake. This EP is Ben Folds'.

Super D, the newest installment of Ben Folds' EP series, is a snoozefest of unmatched proportions.

The opening song, "Get Your Hands Off My Woman," is a Darkness cover. Listening to Ben Folds trying to sing falsetto and curse like Justin Hawkins makes me feel like hurting others and myself.

The next song, "Kalamazoo," sounds more like old Ben Folds. But still left me unsatisfied with dumbed-down lyrics and heinous attempts at shrill falsetto, again. Do people like the falsetto? Think of Folds' classic "Brick," now take that an octave higher. It's very unbecoming.

"Adelaide," the third song, is okay. I think I just like songs with some clapping in it. It's my weakness. Damn you, Mr. Folds!

Finally, the shining light of the album is a cover of Ray Charles' "Them That Got." This song cannot be ruined. Folds doesn't sing for long, and the whole thing clocks in at a minute and change.

This EP is only available online. But it's not even worth looking for.

- Celeste Meiffren