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.