Josh Groban - Awake Live

“Josh Groban’s third live DVD chronicles one stop during his 2007 tour in support of 2006 set “Awake,” with a host of creatively retouched arrangements, world music instruments and towering vocals, testifying again that the tenor-tainer is far from your average pop star. “Awake Live” features 20 visual performances, with an accompanying audio CD sampling nine of them. The CD tracks demonstrate Groban’s far-reaching versatility: “Machine” verges on raucous with its driving jazzy template, anti-apartheid anthem “Weeping” makes a dramatic call for global peace, and an extended version of latest hit “Awake” turns lyrical morning dew into a pounding thunderstorm of emotion. The album’s highlight, a five-minute take on 2007’s “February Song,” somersaults with one soaring build after another—as frenzied as a ballad could ever be. A dazzling display. —Chuck Taylor”

No Age - Nouns

“For their first Sub Pop release, Los Angeles minimalists Dean Spunt and Randy Randall distort and drone in their signature style. But unlike the raft of singles they have released sporadically during the past few years, “Nouns” is a cleaner and more all-encompassing effort. As the duo’s name suggests, No Age resists being shuffled into a genre or time; the punk-style vocals are pushed to the back, overshadowed by indie riffs and lush but catatonic instrumental production. It’s possible that they could alienate listeners looking for something harder or more committed from them, but just as likely that they will pick up some fans with their newfound symphonic sensibilities. “Nouns” is a more likable and less abrasive version of No Age, with a little something for everyone and a little nothing for no one as well.—Lavinia Jones Wright”