Pitchfork

What happened to Faith No More? Sure, over the band's twelve-year history, they've released their fair share of crap, including half of their 1985 debut We Care a Lot-- not to mention 90% of 1987's Introduce Yourself. Then, for two albums, they could do no wrong. The Real Thing and Angel Dust rank among the best albums released in their respective years.

But going through four guitarists in as many years is tough, and neither Trey Spruance nor Jon Hudson could hope to match Jim Martin. Vocalist Mike Patton and bassist Billy Gould try to keep it together, but with Roddy Bottum busy with his side project, Imperial Teen, and Mike Bordin on tour drumming for Black Sabbath, they aren't able to add anything to the creative mix.

Album of the Year leaves one feeling like waking up and finding last night's used condom-- sure, the ride was fun while it lasted, but what remains is just plain nasty. And you definitely don't want it in your CD player.