AllMusic

The Mattoid

Hello

2003

Alternative/Indie Rock

The debut LP from Nashville-by-way-of-Finland's Ville Kiviniemi (aka the Mattoid), Hello evokes an unholy union of the Velvet Underground, Laibach, Andrew W.K., and Elvis Presley. Utilizing his own signature guitar style called "Sango" -- apparently so subtle and complex that it's inaudible to the human ear -- the Mattoid makes even the smallest rock sound like a mountain.

- James Monger

Britney Spears

Blackout

October 30, 2007

Contemporary Pop/Rock

After a period of self-doubt and tabloid overload, the queen of aughts-pop reemerged with a dancefloor assault that fell somewhere between the perfection of Kylie's Fever and Madonna's Confessions. Celebrating its twelfth birthday, the set is stacked with monster jams that keep the party going, the sweat flowing, and the energy through the roof. A standout example of Britney at her peak.

- Neil Z. Yeung