Southern natives strike a dull chord

3 Doors Down
"Away From The Sun"
(Universal Records)
3/5

The boys from Mississippi are back with their follow-up to the immensely popular "The Better Life."

Continuing where it left off, the album fuses southern rock with some subtle post-grunge melodies and even more atmospheric tunes that made its debut successful.

The problem is, no one cares anymore. Even though the string arrangements and soothing vocals of "Here Without You" makes me swoon like a 13-year old girl at a "whoever's the craze of the moment" concert, the album adds nothing new and exciting to music.

And the rocking anthems of "When I'm Gone," "Away from the Sun," "I Feel You" and "Changes" quenches the aggressively melodic hunger of most rock fans, but they've already stopped reading this, so why even bother continuing?

Another unoriginal group struggles to keep status

Crazy Town
"Darkhorse"
(Columbia Records)
1/5

These guys copied the tune of a Red Hot Chili Peppers song and blew up the airwaves with "Butterfly."

The rest of the album ceased to give another glimpse of any kind of hit.

So out it comes with "Darkhorse," a collection of 13 drowned-out attempts at capturing what it never had - some talent.

The songs are unimaginative, dreary, whiny and far too bare to capture anyone's attention - further proof that this band is a one-hit wonder, and it was never even with its own tune.

The titles of the songs "Hurt You So Bad," "Drowning," "Waste of My Time," and "Sorry" are pre-warnings that this album sucks. So they get a "1" for being honest.

And the guitar ain't bad. But, yeah, it still doesn't save this album from being the suckiest thing to ever suck.

Nirvana repeats quality in new compilation

Nirvana
"Nirvana"
(Geffen Records)
4/5

Eight years have passed, two-thirds of Nirvana have gone off to pursue different musical outlets, and Courtney Love prolonged the release of this album to make sure she reaped all the benefits when it was finally released.

And was it worth it?

You do get the last recorded Nirvana song "You Know You're Right" and the previously unreleased version of "Pennyroyal Tea," but that still doesn't change the fact that Kurt Cobain's dead, and this record isn't worth its price tag for one new song and a different version of another.

Oh, you already bought this album? Well, it does have great songs, four pages of text and some pretty photos. Real Nirvana fans bought all the albums years ago, but you can pretend you're special if you want.

Foreign chick rocker should keep tunes overseas

Sinéad O'Connor
"Sean-Nos Nua"
(Hummingbird Records)
1.5/5

The reigning Irish queen of controversy and Irish ditties has returned with a surprising album of, well, traditional Irish ditties. Who'd a thunk it?

Basically, if Irish music upsets you beyond belief, then this album might not be for you. But if you can actually stand this crap, then by all means, pick it up.

It's not as bad as "Nothing Compares 2 U," however. It's actually much, much worse.

It's not even sung in English half the time, but we'll give her some points for the effort. She's already shaved her head and ripped up the Pope's picture, so why anger her even more when she's doing what she loves to do? Even if only Ireland appreciates it - but it doesn't.

Best of U2 plays same ol' tune to different beat

U2
"The Best of 1990-2000"
(Interscope/Island Records)
3/5

Know what I'd like to hear? Some new music for a change. This year has seen numerous "Best of" and "Live recordings" from popular bands, and it really makes you wonder how stupid they think consumers are.

Quit taking our money and write some new stuff instead.

But Bono really is a nice guy who's terrified of last names and sunlight - even when indoors - so we'll forgive him this time.

And U2 still is a great band after all, but people already bought the better half of this album four years ago.

But if you need this album to make you feel more complete, then go buy it. And I did lie, it does have two new songs, "Electrical Storm" and "The Hands that Built America," as well as three new mixes and some decent songs from this decade, but that's still not worth your hard-earned cash.

It's especially not worth your money when you probably already own all the albums, and the fact that you can get this stuff online for "free." But you'd never steal music, would you?

I didn't think so. Now pat yourself on the back and go have a beer.