Mmm...music

I haven't played in anything too new. I'm waiting for something to blow my mind. Any suggestions?
More reviews coming at ya:

fun. - "Ignite & Aim"
From what was The Format comes 'fun.' It's a slower, more melodic version of The Format. If I had to choose I would stick with The Format's first CD. All you're really getting out of the fun. cd is the lead singer of The Format and a lot of additional instruments. I hope they have a second album because, though it's good, they could really make some catchy music together.
B-

Jason Mraz - "Jason Mraz's Beautiful Mess - Live On Earth"
It was inevitable. Jason's become a full blown, granola-loving, vegan endorsing hippie. It was only a matter of time. I think the best part of this live CD is that it was taped in Chicago. You can rarely go wrong there. I'm left torn on this effort. Where I want to throw down an A+ and call it a day, I won't. It's not his best effort. Most of the songs are slowed down...way down. I wouldn't put it past Jason that he was stoned out of his mind before this show. Along with the fact that he played in a big venue, which isn't very Jason like. There's something to be said about seeing him live though and maybe that's what this album lacks, which is actually being there. I'm ready for his next studio effort or a live album from his upcoming solo shows. But until then - this album is too rubbed down with patchouli oil for me to fully get my love on for it.
C

John Mayer - "Battle Studies"
Mom rock a la John Mayer. It's John of a different era. I'm not sure if he was tired, lazy or out of ideas but there's nothing new here. Like someone told me, "it's a continuation of Continuum," but, to me, without the enjoyable guitar solos. The lyrics fall short. I feel grumpy when I put this album on because I keep hoping it will be a lot better than it is. But - it could be a new chapter for Mr. Mayer and I may need to learn to love it. I didn't enjoy Continuum at first but can always put it on and enjoy it. I don't want John to fall in the trap of, "well, people know who I am so they'll buy my record." Hopefully, he's using this overly mellow crap to lure himself some more Cougars and then get back to the good stuff.
C

Ke$ha - "Animal"
Half good, half bad. But the good half is really good. "Tik Tok" has been on the radio for awhile and it isn't driving me bananas yet. It's still so damn catchy. For the rest of the album, "Animal" and "Blah, Blah, Blah" I think are catchy and fun to listen to. For her first effort, I think it has some good stuff. When you're midway through the disc and you come across a song called "Party At a Rich Dude's House," you know you're going to have a good time. The CD basically sounds like Disney Channel dance tunes with dirtier lyrics. I'm a sucker for both.
B+

Lady Gaga - "The Fame Monster"
I have to say - I am not a Lady Gaga fan but this EP is good...really good. "Teeth" is awesome. I bought it because Kim is/was/is into "Bad Romance" and I tried to hate it, I really did but she is good at making a catchy song. It's inexpensive, it's good for parties and it's not bad on the ears. I know I'll buy (or find) whatever she comes out with next. For that...
A

Matt & Kim - "Grand"
If you know who Matt & Kim are and you like them, then you'll like this CD. Their music's for a certain type of people. This is like the Ke$ha CD in the sense that 1/2 of it I really, really like and 1/2 of it hurts my ears. I do enjoy how simple it all is and they don't hide behind Auto-tune (ahhem, Vampire Weekend...) If you're a M&K fan, I say get it.
B

Michael Buble - "Crazy Love"
He's good at what he does, which is croon. "Haven't Met You Yet" might be one of the few new songs on this album but it's cool to see his take on some of the classics. It's easy to listen to. He has a flawless voice. It's almost too clean and produced but it's a good formula to sell a lot of records. If you're a Buble fan then this album is worth purchasing.
A-

Vampire Weekend - "Contra"
Let's see here...go buy this album. It's awesome. I don't want to analyze every track because that would take the fun out of this album. They play in auto-tune (and I don't know why) but they pick up and build on where the last album left. It's catchy and fun. We should see a lot more of VW in commercials, movies and around town because it's different and because it's good. Get it.
A