THE 30 BEST ALBUMS OF 2009

1. Dave Matthews Band - Big Whiskey & The GrooGrux King
2. Mason Jennings - Blood Of Man
3. Trevor Hall - Trevor Hall
4. Angus & Julia Stone - A Book Like This
5. Ben Harper & Relentless7 - White Lies For Dark Times
6. Matt Hires - Take Us To The Start
7. The Avett Brothers - I And Love And You
8. John Mayer - Battle Studies
9. State Radio - Let It Go
10. Monsters Of Folk - Monsters Of Folk
11. Phish - Joy
12. Passion Pit - Manners
13. Paper Route - Absence
14. Mat McHugh - Seperatista!
15. Sean Bones - Rings
16. Will Hoge - The Wreckage
17. Mat Kearney - City Of Black & White
18. Pete Yorn - Back & Forth
19. Crosby Loggins - Time To Move
20. Carbon Leaf - Nothing Rhymes With Woman
21. The Fray - The Fray
22. Zee Avi - Zee Avi
23. Dan Auerbach - Keep It Hid
24. Ben Kweller - Changing Horses
25. Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers - The Bear
26. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
27. Gregory Alan Isakov - This Empty Northern Hemisphere
28. Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band - Outer South
29. Tegan & Sara - Sainthood
30. Norah Jones - The Fall

All of these albums can be purchased by clicking here.
If you are interested in seeing what albums make the top 30 in previous years click here for the archive. To purchase albums on previous top 30 lists click here.

Merry Christmas!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

From all of us to all of you, wishing your the happiest holiday ever!

Stay tuned...

THISisMODERN.net is taking a break for the holidays. Stay tuned for this year's top albums list for 2009 to be posted on the last day of the year, New Year's Eve. Beginning in the new year, THISisMODERN.net is taking on a huge endeavor. A new album review will be posted every day for the entire year, making that 365 albums reviewed in 2010, more albums than have been reviewed on each incarnation of the site since it's beginning in 2000. Next year celebrates 10 years of THISisMODERN.net and it is only fitting that such an undertaking be completed in 2010. So have a great holiday season and rock on!

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• Eric Hutchinson - Sounds Like This Live 2
• Pete Kilpatrick Band - Shapes & Sounds

NEW TUNES: Vanguard Records - Holiday Sampler 2009

Vanguard Records has put together a collection of tunes by a handful of great artists and they are giving it to you for free this Holiday Season. Just click here to download a bunch of great songs by Brett Dennen, Brandi Carlile, Needtobreathe, Josh Ritter, Joshua Radin, Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers, Greg Laswell, Meiko, and more. Happy holidays and enjoy!

BURN THIS / December 2009

1. Mike Doughty "(You Should Be) Doubly (Gratified)
2. Tim Williams "I Hit Another Wall"
3. Elizabeth & The Catapult "Race You"
4. Akiva "I Keep Calling You"
5. Marie Moreshead (featuring Pete Kilpatrick) "Hello There"
6. Bleu "Come 'N Go"
7. Kris Allen "Red Guitar"
8. Mat Kearney "All I Have"
9. Whitley "Head, First, Down"
10. Chris Velan "A Year Can Change A Lot"
11. Newton Faulkner "If This Is It"
12. Kings Of Convenience "Mrs. Cold"
13. Ben Howard "The Wolves"
14. Jon And Roy "Little Bit Of Love"
15. The Avett Brothers "Kick Drum Heart"
16. The Elms "Long Gone"
17. Will Hoge "Favorite Waste Of Time"
18. Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons "Angel Of Mine"
19. Charlie Mars "Meet Me By The Backdoor"
20. Monsters Of Folk "Dear God (Sincerely M.O.F.)"

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• The Bravery - Stir The Blood

Happy Turkey Day

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

FROM ALL OF US TO ALL OF YOU!

NEW TUNES: Sia

Here is a new track from Sia off of her upcoming album, "We Are Born," which was produced by Greg Kurstin (Geggy Tah, The Bird And The Bee) and will be released sometime in 2010. The song is called "You've Changed" and can be downloaded here.

NEW TUNES: The Disco Biscuits

Here's an early taste from the new album by the Disco Biscuits! It's called "Konkrete," and it's featured on their new EP entitled "On Time" and will be featured on their new album, to be realsed in February, called "Planet Anthem." Download it here!

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• Kris Allen - Kris Allen
• Rachael Cantu - Far And Wide
• Norah Jones - The Fall
• John Mayer - Battle Studies
• OneRepublic - Waking Up
• Jason Reeves - Patience For The Waiting

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• Dashboard Confessional - Alter The Ending
• The Killers - Live At Royal Albert Hall
• Jason Mraz - Beautiful Mess - Live On Earth
• Snow Patrol - Up To Now
• Samantha Stollenwerck - Carefree
• Switchfoot - Hello Hurricane

NEW TUNES: Paper Route

Check out this very cool cover of Kid Cudi's hit genre-bending hip hop song "Day 'N Nite" by Paper Route. Click here to download it!

NEW TUNES: The Bravery

Feel free to download the new song by The Bravery called "Spectator" by clicking here. The song is off the band's newest album "Stir The Blood" which is being released on December 1st. You can also find it featured on the soundtrack for the hit television show "Vampire Diaries."

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• Akiva - If I Didn't Work Nights/The Daylight
• Kate Earl - Kate Earl
• Foo Fighters - Greatest Hits
• Brooke Waggoner - Go Easy Little Doves
• Weezer - Raditude

BURN THIS / November 2009

1. Bob Schneider "The Bringdown"
2. Robert Francis "Junebug"
3. Mat Kearney "Here We Go"
4. Tim Williams "Love Hate"
5. Matt Hires "Turn The Page"
6. Jay Farrar & Benjamin Gibbard "These Roads Don't Move"
7. Monsters Of Folk "Say Please"
8. Good Old War "Looking For Shelter"
9. Jones Street Station "Evergreen"
10. Joshua James "In The Middle"
11. Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons "Tennessee"
12. Gregory Alan Isakov (featuring Brandi Carlile) "That Moon Song"
13. The Avett Brothers "Head Full Of Doubt/Road Full Of Promise"
14. Joe Pug "Nation Of Heat"
15. Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers "Satisfied Man"
16. Ryan Montbleau "More And More And More"
17. Mike Doughty "How To Fuck A Republican"
18. Mason Jennings "The Field"
19. Brett Dennen (featuring Natalie Merchant) "Heaven"
20. Jack Johnson "Angel/Better Together (Live)"

CD REVIEW: Jason Damato "Floating Down A River"

This debut EP is an incredibly mellow, yet soulful, collection of tunes by up-and-coming singer/songwriter Jason Damato. Produced by Damato and fellow independent musician Tom Freund, the EP blends soulful soft jazz elements with the acoustic pop sounds of summer for a unique twist on both styles. For fans of Jack Johnson and Jason Mraz, Damato's music is epecially catchy and easy to listen to, yet the simplicity of the music still has depth and character. It's not just another guy with a guitar, strumming away, singing about his girl and the beach. Damato's performance and songwriting, coupled with the musical talents of Freund and Adam Topol, Jack Johnson's drummer, makes this EP just a tease for what is to come in his certainly fruitful musical career. The EP's standout songs are the title track and "Life You Love."

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• Army Of Me - Make Yourself Naked EP
• Jack Johnson - En Concert
• Rey Fresco - The People
• Tegan & Sara - Sainthood
• Train - Save Me, San Francisco

NEW TUNES: Brushfire Records - Fall 2009 Sampler

Check out the Fall 2009 Sampler put out by Brushfire Records at Amazon.com! It features 9 songs by Brushfire Records artists Jack Johnson, G. Love & Special Sauce, Mason Jennings, Matt Costa, Rogue Wave, Zee Avi, Zach Gill, Neil Halstead, and ALO.

Click here to download it now!

CD REVIEW: Brandi Carlile "Give Up The Ghost"

On her third album, Brandi Carlile has shined brighter than ever before. This album brings the songwriting to the forefront of each of her songs, with the entire band and instrumentation adding the punctuation to her incredible compositions. She showcases her ability to rock as always and she also has brought her storytelling through song to the next level. "Dreams," the album's first single, could possibly be her best song to date. More than ever before, she shows that she will, and may already be, the next Sheryl Crow or Melissa Etheridge. The sound of Americana-style rock music is some of the best ever by a female performer. The album also features a guest spot by music legend, Elton John, who lends his musical talents and unparalleled vocal to "Caroline." She even gets a little help from the Indigo Girls' Amy Ray and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith. Carlile even picks up the banjo and sits behind the piano on this album as well, showing us that she's not just another girl with a guitar.

CD REVIEW: Andrew Hoover "Chances, Stances, And Romances"

Andrew Hoover is a breath of fresh air in the music industry. His debut full length album is one of the most refreshing and inventive albums to come out this year. From start to finish the album is full of well crafted songwriting, stellar production, and some of the coolest musical arrangements found in this style of music. Andrew has an incredibly soulful voice and is an outstanding guitar player as well. He brings elements of John Mayer mixed with elements of John Legend to life in his own unique way. His closest musical comparison is possibly Kyle Riabko, but Hoover's music certainly stands alone. The best tracks on the disc are "Lie To Me," "Come On." and "Saturday," but the entire album, from start to finish, is incredible. Andrew Hoover has brought soul back to the world of the singer/songwriter.

NEW TUNES: Tim Williams

Check out these two great new songs by Tim Williams off this latest album entitled "Careful Love," out today!

• "I Hit Another Wall"
• "Murderous Air"

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• Peter Bradley Adams - Traces
• Nathan Angelo - These Ol' Keys
• Jay Farrar & Benjamin Gibbard - One Fast Move Or I'm Gone: Kerouac's Big Sur
• Robert Francis - Before Nightfall
• Inara George - Accidental Experiment
• Kings Of Convenience - Declaration Of Dependence
• Elvis Perkins In Dearland - The Doomsday EP
• Tim Williams - Careful Love

NEW TUNES: Carbon Leaf (for Breast Cancer!)

Vanguard Records and Carbon Leaf partner with The Breast Cancer Site and the National Breast Cancer Foundation to give away a song to help support the fight against breast cancer. Vanguard and Carbon Leaf are offering a free download of the band’s song “Pink” from their new album, Nothing Rhymes With Woman. With every free download of “Pink” throughout the month of October at www.vanguardrecords.com/pink Vanguard will donate one dollar to The Breast Cancer Site, benefiting the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• Five For Fighting - Slice
• Five Times August - Life As A Song
• Jon And Roy - Another Noon
• Josh Rouse - Valencia EP

CD REVIEW: State Radio "Let It Go"

Since the breakup of the prolific independent rock band Dispatch, Chad Urmston and his new band State Radio have been able to keep a piece of the band alive in their own music. This new album is the first album to depart fully from Dispatch and rise up as a true State Radio album, not an extension of the past. It contains heavier rockers than some of the band's previous albums, such as "Doctor Ron The Actor" and "Knights Of Bostonia." The album also feature two of the best reggae tunes that State Radio has ever recorded, "Evolution" and "Calling All Crows." It is truly refreshing to see a band develop a true sound that doesn't mimic the sound of its members' previous musical endeavors. This is a stretch, but it seems as if Chad Urmston and State Radio are going down the same path once ventured on by Dave Grohl and Foo Fighters, when they were trying to break away from the label of being just "the drummer from Nirvana's new band." It's safe to say that this album helps State Radio achieve similar success, and from this point on will no longer be "that guy from Dispatch's new band."

CD REVIEW: Owl City "Ocean Eyes"

While we are all eagerly awaiting Ben Gibbard to his popular success, his new marriage, and his other side project, enter Owl City. This new album is the answer to the long awaited follow up to The Postal Service's excellent debut album. But Ben and The Postal Service had nothing to do with it. Owl City is Adam Young, and Adam Young is one hell of a talented musician. His gentle mix of production and electronic music with his outstanding vocals, instrumentation, and lyricism, make this album one of the most creative to come out this year. On the heels of successful indie rock acts like Passion Pit, Phoenix, and Paper Route, who all mesh together electronic elements into their groundbreaking sounds, Owl City manages to do the same. With songs like "Fireflies" and "Tip Of The Iceberg" it's hard to believe that this album isn't a relic of the 80's. "Cave In" and "On The Wing" are a few of the other standouts, showing off Adam Young's musical genius in the best possible way. Although, this album is not Owl City's first, it's the first that the masses are going to get their hands on. Ben Gibbard better get on with it and get to work on The Postal Service's new tunes, because with this album, Owl City is poised to take over as the go-to-band for indie electronic rock.

NEW TUNES: Elizabeth & The Catapult

Check out Elizabeth & The Catapult's new single "Race You" here, which is off of their album entitled "Taller Children" out now on Verve Forecast.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• Air - Love 2
• Basement Jaxx - Scars
• Brandi Carlile - Give Up The Ghost
• Mike Doughty - Sad Man Happy Man
• Mike Dunn & The Kings Of New England - Sundowner
• Everclear - In A Different Light
• Greg Laswell - Covers
• Blake Lewis - Heartbreak On Vinyl
• Lotus - Oil On Glass EP
• Lotus - Feather On Wood EP

CD REVIEW: The Avett Brothers "I And Love And You"

Some might think that because of the past recordings by the Avett Brothers that they are a bluegrass or country band. In fact, they are, more than anything, a rock band. Just because their instrumentation and harmonies lend them to be compared to certain styles of music doesn't mean that they should be classified as such. This album will once-and-for-all solidify that fact to be true. The boys solicited famed producer Rick Rubin (Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jakob Dylan) to help them realize this new, full, and incredibly individual sound. Incredible songwriting and storytelling by the Avetts make this album one of the year's best. Their musical talents make the album a work of art. Songs like the title track and "Head Full Of Doubt/Road Full Of Promise" are subtle masterpieces, equally showing off the sincerity of the lyrics and the richness of the music. The album, which unlike previous releases, is heavier on the piano and much more darkly themed. The Avett Brothers also shine on "Kick Drum Heart" and "Laundry Room" which draw the closest comparisons to their previous work, showcasing their unique bluegrass-meets-punk style. Each song is a window into the heart and soul of the band and the album as a whole is timeless, defying classification into any specific musical genre.

CD REVIEW: Angel Taylor "Love Travels"

Angel Taylor doesn't fit the mold of any one type of female singer/songwriter. She is her own unique personality with a very familiar sound. He debut album features collaborations by Brendan James and Jason Reeves and as a result her album takes on a quality heard in both collaborators' individual albums. She will, and should, be compared to Colbie Caillat, mostly because of the feel and the production quality of her album. She is in no way and this album certainly isn't a carbon copy of any of Caillat's releases. In fact, Taylor's sound features much more soul and much less of an at-the-beach feel than Colbie's music. The album is full of wonderful compositions with "Like You Do" and "Make Me Believe" surely becoming the popular favorites. There are subtleties to the album that showcase the realness of Angel Taylor and she will definitely become a star if she keeps up singing and performing like this album.

NEW TUNES: Andrew Hoover

Check out Andrew Hoover's new song "Lie To Me" here, which is off of his new album entitled "Chances, Stances, & Romances" out now on Rock Ridge Music.

Also, head over to www.rockridgefree.com to download another free track by Andrew Hoover called "Saturday," as well as other free tunes by Matt Duke, Sister Hazel, Ernie Halter, Ken Block, Keaton Simons, Curtis Peoples, Pat McGee, Tony Lucca, Josh Hoge, Jay Nash, and Benjy Davis Project.

BURN THIS / October 2009

1. Mason Jennings "Ain't No Friend Of Mine"
2. State Radio "Knights Of Bostonia"
3. Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers "Shady Esperanto And The Young Hearts"
4. Lowell Thompson & Crown Pilot "The Love You Had"
5. Will Hoge "Hard To Love"
6. Mike Dunn & The Kings Of New England "Princeton"
7. Matt Hires "State Lines"
8. Will Dailey "Love Is On The Way"
9. Benjy Davis Project "I Love You"
10. Andrew Hoover "Lie To Me"
11. Rob Blackledge "Sweet Sweet Lady"
12. Matt York "Lucky Man"
13. Landon Pigg "A Ghost"
14. Paolo Nutini "Coming Up Easy"
15. Kate Earl "Melody"
16. Jason Castro "Let's Just Fall In Love Again"
17. Angel Taylor "Like You Do"
18. Colbie Caillat (featuring Jason Reeves) "Droplets"
19. Jer Coons "Legs"
20. Chris Velan "Oldest Trick"

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• The Avett Brothers - I And Love And You
• Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons - Death Won't Send A Letter
• Jer Coons - Speak
• Will Hoge - The Wreckage
• Landon Pigg - The Boy Who Never
• Bob Schneider - Lovely Creatures
• State Radio - Let It Go
• The Voyces - Let Me Die In Southern California
• Zero 7 - Yeah Ghost

CD REVIEW: Mason Jennings "Blood Of Man"

Mason Jennings' latest album is by far his most interesting and unique to date. With six discs already under his belt, it comes as no surprise that Jennings would want to show off a different side, to keep the freshness in his music. He is known for his unique voice and vocal delivery, his outstanding songwriting, and his mellow folk sound, so it's certainly a departure to lay down the acoustic for an electric guitar and write some heavy rockers. "Ain't No Friend Of Mine," the debut single, is the hardest of the whole entire disc with crunchy guitars and a heavy vocal thump. The hardness in the sound doesn't always come from Mason's electric guitar. Sometimes the hard edge in the music is found within the lyrics. Many of the tracks have much less of a happy-go-lucky feel to them than in Jennings' previous work. Not since his second album has the lyrical content flirted this closely with darker, more negative topics, particularly the childhood memories in "Pittsburgh." "The Field" is an anti-war protest song, and possibly one of the best ever written. The theme of blood is all over the album, particularly in "Ain't No Friend Of Mine," "Black Wind Blowing," and "Sing Out." The true Mason Jennings comes through on tracks like "Sunlight" (a song that was released as a charity single over the summer) which follow along his standard formula and his acoustic sees the light of day on the title track which closes out the disc. There is a rawness and an organic feel to the collection. Mason played all the instruments as well as produced and recorded the album himself. He even left in all the feedback and little nuances that make the recording special, so the listener can hear is as it was meant to be. By far a true gem in the Mason Jennings arsenal, this album is one of his best. It will be interesting to see how the songs hold up and translate into his live arrangements. One thing is for sure, Mason Jennings can definitely rock! Who knew!?

CD REVIEW: Joshua James "Build Me This"

This is the album that will put Joshua James on everyone's map. He gained critical acclaim with his last album, however, on this one he really shows off the kind of musician he really is. On the heels of the success of artists like My Morning Jacket, Conor Oberst, and M. Ward (and now their supergroup, Monsters Of Folk), Joshua James proves that he can rub shoulders with any established Midwest folkie. Some of the better songs on the album are "Coal War" and "Magazine" where he combines his ability to write a pop song with his rootsy flavor. This album is rooted in gospel and good old small town folk music. Probably the best song on the disc is "In The Middle" where James shows off his songwriting skills as a storyteller, with a song spoken to a lost love who has passed on. Its got energy in all the right places, yet remains quaint and grounded as well. Joshua James surely is one of this generation's greatest folk singers and his latest effort is proof of that.

Happy Birthday THISisMODERN.net!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

THISisMODERN.net turns 9 years old today!

Here's to another 9 great years of bringing you the best new, underground, and innovative music.

CD REVIEW: Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers "The Bear"

At first listen it is hard to grasp the songs on this album. Each song in itself does not stand out on its own. So, one might say, this album is not a success. Well, that would be a false statement if uttered, and the truth is that this album is sonically beautiful and a incredibly cohesive album. It truly is a collection of songs that as a whole completely outdoes each of its individual parts. Don't get me wrong, there are standouts on the album including the title track and the lead single, "Shady Esperanto And The Young Hearts." But, it's the intimate moments that are spread throughout where Kellogg shines as a storyteller and really connects with the listener. He is the same type of artist that a painter or an author is, putting his heart and soul out there for the world. He showcases his true talents as a lyricist and musician on songs like "Satisfied Man," "A (With Love)," and "Lonely In Columbus." Friends join in as well with Josh Ritter, Serena Ryder, and the Alternate Routes making appearances and the Sixers are on their game like never before. This album is a masterpiece and may prove to be a defining moment in the Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers' career, showing that being musicians is not just about writing really good singles, its about making really great albums.

CD REVIEW: Ben Howard "These Waters"

A guy and a guitar seems to be everywhere these days. So, why not another one, right? Well, in Ben Howard's case, this guy with a guitar has something that not many others have: uniqueness. He's not a copycat version of every other pop songsmith out there. He's truly got a sound all to himself. He combines his British descent with simplistic tunes and clever production to unleash a subtle, mellow, and yet complex debut EP. Sure you can draw comparisons to Chris Martin, David Gray, and even Newton Faulkner, but that is only to say that his sound and his music can be put in the same league and fans of those will surely be fans of Howard. Ben, on this EP, delivers an outstanding performance of intimate and lyrically beautiful songs that transcend the stereotype that he is surely going to be pushed into. Standout songs include "Cloud Nine," which is by far one of the best songs this year, and the lead off track "The Wolves."

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• Alberta Cross - Broke Side Of Time
• David Gray - Draw The Line
• Andrew Hoover - Chances, Stances, & Romances
• Joshua James - Build Me This
• Latch Key Kid - All Becomes One
• Mae - (m)orning
• Monsters Of Folk - Monsters Of Folk
• Angel Taylor - Love Travels
• Vertical Horizon - Burning The Days

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• Rob Blackledge - Inside These Walls
• John Butler Trio - Live At Lollapalooza
• Karl Denson's Tiny Universe - Brother's Keeper
• The Elms - The Great American Midrange
• Kyle Hollingsworth - Then There's Now
• Mason Jennings - Blood Of Man
• Kid Cudi - Man On The Moon: The End Of Day
• Passafire - Everyone On Everynight
• Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson - Break Up

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• Howie Day - Sound The Alarm
• Ernie Halter - Ernie Halter: LIVE
• Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers - The Bear
• Sondre Lerche - Heartbeat Radio
• Phish - Joy

BURN THIS / September 2009

1. Matt Hires "Honey Let Me Sing You A Song"
2. Crosby Loggins "Seriously"
3. Green River Ordinance "On Your Own"
4. The Fray "Where The Story Ends"
5. Mat Kearney "Fire & Rain"
6. Graham Colton "Twenty Something"
7. O.A.R. "Love Is Worth The Fall"
8. Will Hoge "Even If It Breaks Your Heart"
9. Needtobreathe "Something Beautiful"
10. Brandi Carlile "Dreams"
11. Gregory Alan Isakov "Evelyn"
12. Jay Nash "Everything"
13. The Avett Brothers "I And Love And You"
14. Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons "Born Again"
15. Schuyler Fisk "From Where I'm Standing"
16. Joshua Radin "One Of Those Days"
17. Brett Dennen "Ain't Gonna Lose You"
18. Trevor Hall "Origami Crane"
19. Chase McBride "When The Wicked Go To Sleep"
20. The White Buffalo "Wrong"

What is the BURN THIS compilation?

THISisMODERN.net created the BURN THIS compilation in the beginning of 2006. Basically, it's just a guide. BURN THIS is a 20 song compilation tracklist that is posted to the site on the 1st day of each month. This monthly compilation tracklist is for you to utilize to recreate an incredibly great mix CD (never longer than 80 minutes) consisting of some of the best songs by the best artists you may or may not have heard of. Unfortunately, the tracks and the compilation are not downloadable directly from THISisMODERN.net. Instead, you'll have to support these musicians by purchasing the tracks physically or digitally from the artists themselves, or from great online sites such as iTunes, Amazon.com, and/or eMusic. THISisMODERN.net does not distribute copies of the BURN THIS compilation. Also, if you really dig the BURN THIS graphic or any of the THISisMODERN.net graphics you see on the site, or have seen on previous incarnations of the site, that's all thanks to Michael Hollis and his incredibly artistic creativity. Feel free to use our graphics in designing packaging for your copies of each BURN THIS compilation. Enjoy creating your own copy of BURN THIS each month!

Previous BURN THIS tracklists (from January 2006 through August 2009) can be found here.

CD REVIEW: "The Present" Soundtrack

Surf film sountracks have become a staple in the Brushfire Records catalogue. Jack Johnson's label started by putting out the soundtracks for his films, and began to compile soundtrack albums for many of the films released by Woodshed Films, also owned by Johnson. This latest for Thomas Campbell's film "The Present" is very different from all the other soundtracks on the label so far. Many of the other compilations were heavily weighted in jazz and acoustic rock. This time around there is a comfortable mix between jazz and indie rock music, with a little prog rock thrown in as well. Galaxia Platform (Thomas Campbell's label) artists The Mattson 2 and Tommy Guerrero grace the soundtrack adding their west coast jazz style to the mix, while indie rockers Vetiver, Japanese Motors, and Cass McCombs are also featured with some of their best recordings. Bonnie "Prince" Billy also lends a previously unreleased track to the album and African music gets into the mix with two songs by the Ndabva Kure Band. The album goes from instrumental track to lyrical track and back again, taking you on a journey of sound that is a mirror image of the film it is derived from. The film is a unique and new look at surfing, yet still shot in the old school style that Thomas Campbell is known for. Much like the film, the album is also unique, well constructed, and intriguing and a welcome addition to the Woodshed/Brushfire mix.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• Colbie Caillat - Breakthrough
• Collective Soul - Collective Soul
• Matt Hires - Take Us To The Start
• Jet - Shaka Rock
• Matisyahu - Light
• Needtobreathe - The Outsiders

NEW TUNES: John Butler Trio

Check out a live recording of "Used To Get High" by John Butler Trio here. It's off the band's new digital release "Live From Lollapalooza" out on Jarrah Records on 09.15.2009.

CD REVIEW: Matt Hires "Take Us To The Start"

Sometimes a singer/songwriter comes along and takes the music world by storm right out of the gate. Matt Hires is poised to do just that. Like some before him (John Mayer, Jason Mraz), his debut album is so fully awesome that you will be hard pressed to find a track that you don't enjoy. The lead off track and first single is "Honey, Let Me Sing You A Song," which Hires gave us a little taste of in the form of an acoustic demo on his "Live From The Hotel Cafe" EP. This is the song that will make him a household name, and should be all over the radio and at the top of the charts in no time at all. Each song is well written and sung beautifully by Matt, who has a voice that truly unique, not a carbon copy of every other singer on the radio. Songs like "State Lines," "You In The End," and "A Perfect Day" are sure to be future singles on the radio, as this album and Matt Hires becomes one of today's best new talents. Hires has put together one of the best debut albums by any singer/songwriter and will be rewarded by well deserved recognition and success.

CD REVIEW: Matisyahu "Light"

When a Hasidic Jewish reggae singer from Brooklyn came onto the scene a few years ago, everyone was in awe of the gimmick. Except, it was no gimmick. Matisyahu is the real deal and performs reggae music just as good as anyone from Jamaica. He's like the Jewish Bob Marley. On the heels of his successful live album and critically acclaimed major label debut, he's back with a new collection of songs that don't just fit in the reggae mold. Some of his best stuff is featured on this disc, which is like a mosaic of musical styles. Rock is fully represented on "So Hi So Lo" and "Motivate," while a softer folksier side is showcased on "I Will Be Light," a track co-written by Trevor Hall that could be one of Matisyahu's best recordings to date. "Smash Lies" and "Struggla" show off his new school reggae chops, blending elements of hip hop and dancehall into his rootsy style. The highlight of the album is "One Day" which is destined to become Matisyahu's "One Love." Unlike his reggae smash hit "King Without A Crown," this first single is less heavy on the reggae, and incredibly heavy on the message. It connects with any and all listeners, and will surely be the song that drives the widespread success of this album. Matisyahu is one of today's prolific musicians, and this album proves that he's no one hit wonder.

CD REVIEW: Still Time "See America"

Reviews don't usually start out with a critique of the album art, however, this album art is excellent and intriguing and some of the best the has recently come around. That being said, the album should be expected to live up to the same expectations. Well, it does! On this album, Still Time, a young, regionally popular, roots rock band from northern California, delivers some of the best blues and soul infused rock of any independent act today. The album and band's sound can draw comparisons to Blues Traveler (especially the harmonica player) and DMB, and on this album they showcase the same type of energy that helped those bands achieve the success they currently enjoy. On songs like "Come Alive" and "Old Soul" you can feel the vibe and energy that is present in the early independent recordings or O.A.R. and Virginia Coalition, both having received national fame as a result. The lead singer sounds a lot like Will Hoge, and at times even a little like John Popper, while still remaining himself. Other standout tracks include the title track and "The Great Sea." With this album, the national stage is set for this up-and-coming band, and they could be one of the leaders of the next generation of great roots rock and jam bands.

CD REVIEW: Lowell Thompson & Crown Pilot "Lowell Thompson & Crown Pilot"

This bright young talent from Vermont is the real deal. On his second self titled album (this one features the name of his backing band) he delivers an incredible collection of tunes that depict the heart and soul ov American rock music. The disc has a bit of an alt-country feel, reminiscent of Ryan Adams and Wilco. Fellow Vermonter, Page McConnell of Phish lends his keyboard prowess to a few tracks, including the standout "The Love You Had." Another VT musician, the lovely Grace Potter, also lends vocals to a few of Lowell's beautifully crafted songs. Thompson is poised to make quite a name for himself in the music world, with this album acting as his springboard.

CD REVIEW: Trevor Hall "Trevor Hall"

Spirituality is something that may popular musicians try to stay away from in order to not alienate the mass public. Many times, music that has a spiritual tinge will be mashed up in the "Christian Rock" genre and won't get the recognition it deserves as accessible music. Trevor Hall doesn't have a problem putting his spirituality out there in his music and delivering a new, full length album of heartfelt and personal songs. It is self titled for a reason, because Hall wears his heart, his spirituality, and his world view right there on his sleeve and depicts his outlook through each and every song on the album. Veteran producer Marshall Altman worked the knobs on this release which included guest appearance by Matisyahu, who co-wrote a version the lead single "Unity," and Colbie Caillat who appears on a revamped, chilled out version of the Trevor's classic "The Lime Tree." Other highlights include "Who You Gonna Turn To," "Origami Crane," and "Where's The Love." To date, it's Hall's best, but it's surely not his last.

CD REVIEW: Rebelution "Bright Side Of Life"

Rebelution gained so much success on the heels of their previous album that it is hard to wonder if they could follow up with an equally good effort. Well, the wait is over, and surely Rebelution has delivered. This album has more of what the last broguht in terms of the reggae rock sound, however it is more polished and seems to be more musical. Their roots rock vibe is still evident and you can tell by the way they play their instruments that their sound is born of live music and their studio recordings showcase their live feel well. It's fair to say that there are more radio friendly tracks on this album, and could help the band gain more widespread success in the alternative community. They are not quite as alternative as 311, harder edged and less punk than Sublime, and certainly a lot more high energy than Bob Marley. But, the mix of some of the best elements of all three of those artists will help this album gain the steam it needs and recognition it deserves to make Rebelution as popular.

CD REVIEW: Chase McBride "From The Mountains To The Sea"

The world can become suffocated with the sameness of the singer/songwriter, but Chase McBride won't allow himself to fall into that trap. His music is fresh and organic. His voice is not indistinguishable and he doesn't try to emulate any other musicians. Sure you can draw comparisons to many laid back artists that are out there but there's just something about McBride that is one step ahead of the norm. With only 5 tracks on his debut EP, he certainly whets the whistle for more. Fans of Dispatch and State Radio will surely see the comparison to Chad Urmston's vocal prowess and fans of acoustic surf music ala Jack & Donavon will certainly be instant fans. Key tracks include "1937" and "When The Wicked Go To Sleep"

CD REVIEW: Gregory Alan Isakov "This Empty Northern Hemisphere"

This album will put Gregory Alan Isakov on the indie folk map. He has always been kind of under the radar, but with this new album, which features a guest appearance by Brandi Carlile (who appears on a cover of "One Of Us Cannot Be Wrong"), he has elevated his game. Musically it is much more full than his previous releases, without alienating the core of his sound which is acoustic folk. The mellowness and slowness of the songs are still there. He has not turned into a pop star by any means, but several of the songs on this album can be considered to be much more accessible to a mass audience than his previous releases. Isakov poured his heart and soul into this work, once again, and has delivered a solid collection from beginning to end. Some tracks to take note of are "Evelyn" and "That Moon Song."

CD REVIEW: Trey Lockerbie "Hummingbird EP"

Perhaps this EP is just a tease for bigger, better things. Trey Lockerbie's debut solo effort is truly a masterpiece and definitely deserves a listen. It's a shame that it's only 3 songs long. Trey has spent many years helping out his friends by playing in their live bands and on their albums and it's about time that he shows what he's really made of. Hopefully with more to come, Lockerbie's debut EP is just a prelude to a wonderful career as a front man. Standout tracks include the title track and "Criminal."

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• Mutemath - Armistice
• Sister Hazel - Release
• Third Eye Blind - Ursa Major

Welcome to the new THISisMODERN.net

It's almost been 9 years since THISisMODERN.net first went live on the web. In that time the site has gone through several changes and upgrades, most of the time for the better. Welcome to the newest and best version yet: THISisMODERN.net is now a fully functional blog. This new format allows for the site to be more easily updated, and will allow for more content to be added much more frequently. Expect the same great features from past versions of the site, as well as new features like links to free downloads and first listens of new music and information on the best newly released albums and EPs. Also be sure to check out the essential artist links on the right side of the blog, as well as additional links to other great blogs and sites listed below. Here's to another 9 years of exciting, groundbreaking, and the best underground new music.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• Keller Williams - Odd

NEW TUNES: Greg Laswell

Check out Greg Laswell's recording of Kate Bush's "Your Ghost" here, which is off of his forthcoming EP entitled "Covers" out on Vanguard Records on October 6th.

The history of THISisMODERN.net

The site was formed on September 25, 2000 by Tony Gisondi, a Mass Media Communications student at Plattsburgh State University. Tony thought it would be a great idea to use his college radio show "THIS is MODERN" to promote his favorite unsigned and unknown bands. Many of the bands he first contacted about the show jumped on board enthusiastically and began supporting the show the fullest extent. With the support of the musicians he was promoting, the show was a hit and the website grew around it. Soon the site featured artist profiles, CD reviews, and top 30 charts, and fans were able to help program the show. During the time the show was running, Tony was able to meet several musicians including Guster, John Mayer, and Jason Mraz. By the end of Tony's college career, countless musicians, record labels, publicity firms, music industry reps, and fans had grown to love the site. When Tony graduated from PSU in December 2001, rather than let the site fall by the wayside, he kept it alive, with the effortless and selfless help of the musicians and record labels it supports. The site became a point for fans and the music industry to collide in such a way that has only brought upon a wider interest in unsigned musicians and the unknown side of the music world. In fact, THISisMODERN.net was the first place that many fans were turned onto musicians like Mason Jennings, Matt Nathanson, Howie Day, Gavin DeGraw, and Norah Jones.

The mission of the site is simple: to help music fans of all types find out about the new and exciting music that is out there, that they may not have otherwise heard about. The site promotes both well known and underground, independent, and unsigned artists. By connecting the site's visitors to this wide array of artists, it allows them to make their own choices and assumptions based on the information set forth before them. You will never find a negative review on the site, nor will an artist be listed here if they hadn't sparked the interest of the site's creator.

The site has gone through 4 redesigns over the course of its existence, the most recent being this blog format. Each time the site was revamped, it became more streamlined, filled with new and exciting features, and sparked much more interest in the music world. THISisMODERN.net is ever-changing and always moving forward towards the common goal of getting great music into the ears of eager listeners. Now, as a blog, all of the information is contained in one spot, organized chronologically, based on when the information was added. The main feature is the blog, which contains CD and live show reviews, compilation tracklists, and other information pertaining to the music the site supports.

The site does not gain any profit at all. It is run completely free on the ambition of its creator in his spare time. It continues to let countless fans, musicians, and industry representatives in on the best kept secrets in the music world. Many musicians, record labels, and publicity firms already use THISisMODERN.net as a great, free promotional tool for all of their artists. The feedback is always great, and continues to flood the email inboxes at THISisMODERN.net. Enjoy!