CD REVIEW: Tyler Hilton "Ladies & Gentlemen"

Tyler Hilton's new EP is just a tease. A tease, that is, for his new album which is set to release sometime later this year. For now, he is giving us five tracks to whet our appetites and remind us why we fell in love with his style of pop rock on his debut album. He has been, however, not fully focused on his music as he has been acting on television in addition to writing music and playing shows. This EP is excellent and "Sunset Blvd." is a gem, showing off just where Tyler is and has been since he last graced us with a new album. His style of pop rock is very rootsy and raw, and does not fit into the same cookie cutter format as much of the pop rock we here on the radio these days. This EP leaves his fans salivating for more new tunes, and if this is any indication, his new album will be as good, if not better, than his last.

CD REVIEW: Bag Of Toys "Stripped Alive"

Bag Of Toys is one of the most fun bands on the west coast. They have a serious ability to get a crowd going with their feel good surf songs that transport you right to the beach, around the bonfire, or on the waves. Their latest, intended to treat their fans until the next studio release, is a live album that has them performing their best songs in their most organic, stripped down, acoustic form. These recordings showcase the true nature of each of their best tunes, and not a single great song is left out of the mix. Acoustic versions of "Share," "More Sex Than Me," and "California" all make an appearance, and their versions of "Ooh La La" and "Surf Song" only make the listener appreciate these songs much more than their studio debut. Bag Of Toys truly is an excellent group and have proven with this release that music, at its core, is about having fun, loving what you do, and connecting with your fans.

CD REVIEW: Justin Nozuka "You I Wind Land And Sea"

A lot of people took notice to Justin Nozuka's debut album, which found him right along side superstars on music television and on the radio. However, the album as a whole was just an introduction to Justin Nozuka and was more of a compilation showcasing his many talents. Granted, he had a few great songs on the album, but it's his sophomore effort that will solidify his place along side the greats. You are looking at the next John Mayer here. He is way more soulful than Mayer, but his lyrics and musicality is right there. Nozuka has put together an album of songs that show off his true nature as a musician, much more so than his excellent debut album did. The title track is a definite display of this, with his great guitar skills being show off. The two album singles, "Woman Put Your Weapon Down" and "My Heart Is Yours," were released prior to the album being available, and they did a great job showing off the best features of Nozuka new music. Both songs will surely take a place as two Nozuka's greatest of what is going to be a long and fruitful career, and this album is going to be a tough one to top.

CD REVIEW: Broken Bells "Broken Bells"

This is not really a supergroup, although the two brains behind the band come from two incredibly distinctive musical entities. Broken Bells is James Mercer, lead singer of the indie rock band The Shins, and Brian Burton AKA Danger Mouse, a seriously sick musician, member of Gnarls Barkley, and producer of hit albums by Beck, The Black Keys, and Gorillaz. That being said, the expectations are set pretty high for their debut collaborative album, and they've met and exceeded them. The first single "The High Road" is tearing up radio all over the country and sounds like a mix between The Shins and 80's synth rock. Other excellent tracks are "Vaporize" and "The Ghost Inside." Some of the album is reminiscent of mid-90's Beck, which is strange because Danger Mouse didn't work with Beck until recently. The entire album is inventive and these two have really formed a bond that will last for quite a while. The success of this album and their new band may actually have Broken Bells turning into their new day job, with their original project taking a back seat. Considering they began work on this project several years ago, their ideas, sounds, and lyrics are very current. It's really is nice to hear when a plan comes together.

New Release Tuesday

New releases out today worth checking out:

• Alpha Rev - New Morning
• Dirty Heads - Any Port In A Storm: Special Edition
• Eric Krasno - Reminisce
• Luce - The Year We'll Have
• Something Corporate - Played In Space: The Best Of Something Corporate
• Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights - Pardon Me

CD REVIEW: Latch Key Kid "All Becomes One"

Latch Key Kid made a name for himself during a Super Bowl commercial with his song "Good Times" and now he's back with a new collection of tunes that are equally as good. He blends pure sun soaked California pop with a form of light power pop to create his own blend of signature music. Latch Key Kid, which was only a side project of Gavin Heaney of California indie folk band Slackstring, has turned into a full on musical venture. On this album he showcases his best stuff on songs like "Getaway," "This World Keeps Turning," and "Last Song." The song that most people will recognize, and is certainly a high point of the album, is "Good To Be" which has been heard all over television. After already having wowed music fans all over the world with music featured in several commercials, movies, and TV shows, this album is sure to put Latch Key Kid on the map as more than just a one hit wonder.

CD REVIEW: Crash Kings "Crash Kings"

Alternative rock can be stale, uninventive, and too familiar at times. Many times rock radio is dominated by artists that all sound the same, with songs that sound the same, and there seems to be no variety. Enter Crash Kings into the mix. The band has developed their sound to be nothing like you've ever heard on radio recently. They combine their intelligent lyrics, with a kind of 1970's era rock vibe, and piano driven instrumentation for a sound all their own. The album leads off with the single "Mountain Man," which right away hooks you and leaves you craving more. Other songs on the album show off the band;s ability to not only wow musically, but lyrically as well, such as "Come Away" and "Raincoat." The bottom line on all of this is that Crash Kings are a breath of fresh air in a radio world that has become sort of stagnant. Now that they're on the map, Crash Kings are poised to help take rock radio in a whole new and exciting direction.

CD REVIEW: Jon And Roy "Homes"

The Canadian folk rockers are back with their third album, and most musical album yet. Their previous album focused primarily on the delivery of simple acoustic pop and folk tunes that were full of life. This time the boys bring in some great backup talent to the mix, adding an excellent depth to their new tunes. The violin usage throughout the entire album reminds us that these guys are from the great white north, adding a subtle country style to their music. "Boon 'Elm," which they smartly decided to give away free before the release of the album, is best track on the album, and sums up the mood and sound of the entire album is just one song. "Cuban B" and "Any Day Now" are also excellent songs and show off their fun loving style as well and their great songwriting skills. Jon and Roy are bursting onto the scene in a big way, and this album, their most cohesive yet, is going to solidify them as superstars of the acoustic folk rock scene.

CD REVIEWS: Rob Blackledge "Inside These Walls"

Rob Blackledge is one of those musicians that put in the time but don't get the respect he deserves. He's been around for a while, but it wasn't until the release of this album that he has finally shown that he has what it takes to rub shoulders with the big guys. Blackledge pulls out all the stops on several of the songs, showcasing his musical abilities and lyricism. He mixes ballads with pop songs, all while showing off his mastery of the piano. "Should Have Known Better" and "Granola Girl" are two of his finest compositions. Kyle Riabko makes a guest appearance on the song "Sweet Sweet Lady," laying down some excellent guitar tracks. Blackledge may still have a ways to go before he's a household name, but he has proven that he deserves a shot in the big time with this one.

CD REVIEW: Keller Williams "Odd"

The title of this album is probably the best description of Keller Williams' style of folk jam rock, and on this album he is at it again with his unorthodox ways. Keller is known for his one man show, utilizing his guitar only to transport his fans into the song, outputting an array of musical sounds using looping equipment to create a virtual band. Having a little bit more freedom in the studio, Keller is always able to create excellent music without compromising his live show style. "Doobie In My Pocket" is one of those live show gems that finally makes its way onto one of his studio albums. Another standout track is "Environmental Song." Keller Williams is one of the most creative musicians in the jam rock world, and with over a dozen albums under his belt, there's certainly no end in sight for his music. He is able to appeal to everyone, not just his die hard fans, and his latest album definitely has something for everyone.

Happy Earth Day!

Help THISisMODERN.net celebrate Earth Day by giving back. Check out the websites of the organizations below to find out how you can help, donate, get involved, and learn about conservation, recycling, sustainability, and being a responsible music consumer. You can even become a Twitter follower of these organizations to stay incredibly current on their events and causes.

• www.allatonce.org
• www.greenmusicgroup.org
• www.musicforaction.org
• www.reverbrock.org
• www.rocktheearth.org
• www.surfrider.org
• www.worldwildlife.org

Please also seek out new and exciting opportunities for conservation and smart living other than those listed above. Global warming is a very real thing, and we can all do our part to help make the future of the planet a greener one.

CD REVIEW: Sondre Lerche "Heartbeat Radio"

Sondre Lerche's brand of pop music has always been unparalleled and on his latest album he spares no expense at bring us more of the same. There are a ton of new classics on this album including the title track which is signature Lerche. His singsong style coupled with his love for jazz and big band music make this album fun and catchy. Another standout track on the album is "Like Lazenby," where Sondre likens himself to the onetime James Bond actor George Lazenby. Sondre Lerche is an excellent wordsmith and never ceases to amaze with his unique take on a simple musical art form. On "Heartbeat Radio," Sondre Lerche shows us that it's no surprise that Lerche has continued to release outstanding albums filled with interesting and unique pop music.

CD REVIEW: Robert Francis "Before Nightfall"

Once in a while and artist comes along and wows listeners with their music. Robert Francis' major label debut is a wow kind of a record, and it makes a statement about his presence in the music industry. Robert Francis has embraced the recent rise of folk music and is now finding himself one of the artists at the forefront of this movement. "Nightfall" is a beautiful ballad that starts off quiet and crescendos into a soft folk gospel rocker that is one of the best songs Francis has written. More of an indie rock edge can be heard on "Junebug." Other standouts include "Darkness" and "One By One" which is a reboot of a song from Francis' independent debut. Robert Francis may have been an unknown once but his is now joining the likes of Ray LaMontagne, Josh Ritter, and Jakob Dylan as heroes of the new folk rock.

New Release Tuesday

New releases out today worth checking out:

• Aqualung - Magnetic North
• C-Money - Family Business
• Tyler Hilton - Ladies & Gentlemen EP
• Ozomatli - Fire Away
• Xavier Rudd - Koonyum Sun

CD REVIEW: C-Money "Family Business"

Side projects can come in all shapes and sizes, and this time, horn player from the band Slightly Stoopid takes us on a sonic adventure through jazz, funk, and reggae music. This, his second album, features a number of guest vocalists that really shape this eclectic release. The first single from the album features G. Love on vocals and harmonica is called "Arroz Con Pollo." G. Love brings his signature folk-meets-hip hop vibe, blends it with his own love for reggae and C-Money's urban-meets-coastal vibe for an incredible song. Other guest appearance's are made by Kyle from Slightly Stoopid and Elliot Martin from John Brown's Body. Both vocalists contribute their own signature style to the songs they sing on, but do not create a copy of their own bands' music. C-Money and all of the musicians have a ton of fun on this album, making it an incredibly awesome mix of music that is perfect for anywhere the sun is shining.

CD REVIEW: Angus & Julia Stone "Down The Way"

Folk music has never been this exciting. Well, that's except for the last time these two made an album. Angus & Julia Stone, a brother and sister duo from Australia, have managed to come very close to the quality and vibrancy of their debut. "Down The Way" has everything a great folk rock record needs: great lyrics, interesting and simple instrumentation, and stunning vocals. Sharing the vocal duties, Angus & Julia trade the lead roll practically every other song, throwing in some interesting harmonies and duet vocals here and there. "And The Boys" was the first taste the two let us in on and was just the appetizer for what was to come on the album. "Black Crow" and "Big Jet Plane" are two of the duo's finest recordings, showing off their great storytelling through clever lyrics. The most intriguing song on the album is "Yellow Brick Road" using childhood metaphors to convey their message during a recording that is over seven minutes long, channeling Bob Dylan the entire way. Angus & Julia Stone have a unique style of folk music that sets them apart from the masses, and have definitely avoided the dreaded sophomore slump.

CD REVIEW: Tyrone Wells "Metal & Wood"

Returning to his roots, Tyrone Wells strips down and provides us with an incredible new collection of music driven by his lyrics and his acoustic guitar. Wells, who has seen considerable success, but yet not too mainstream, has released his newest EP without the backing of Universal, who released his two previous albums. Wells teams with some creative partners on this one, most notably Jason Reeves who shares writing and vocal duties on the track "Give Me One Reason." Tyrone has definitely outdone himself on the title track, which is the most organic of the bunch. The song is all about things that we chose that overshadow the things that really mean something, such as going to war or removing the arts and music from our schools. A digital version of the album features two bonus tracks, one being an incredible cover of Kings Of Leon's hit "Use Somebody" which Wells removed all rock and roll from and makes it a slow acoustic ballad type song. Despite his excellent music, Tyrone Wells is certainly an under appreciated musician. However, regardless of where his music comes from or how the world gets to share in it with him, those who do hear it certainly appreciate it.

CD REVIEW: matt pond PA "The Dark Leaves"

These guys have managed to stay just below the radar for some time while other indie rock bands have their day in the sun. Rogue Wave, Death Cab For Cutie, and the Shins all have become household names and have embraced the alternative rock community that has embraced the. Well, for matt pond PA, where they are is just fine. They are as big as those bands, but they are not yet so well know that everyone who listens to radio gets into their hit singles and disregards their history and their entire catalogue. This album, their best since their career defining "Several Arrows Later," is an excellent addition to their extensive catalogue and showcases their signature sound. Each song emphasized their interesting instrumentation and their incredibly creative and clever lyrics. The album is not dark, it is not emo, and it is not a novelty recording that is trying to ride the wave of mainstream indie success. Rather, it is a straightforward collection of some of matt pond PA's finest songs, reminding us that you don't need major label backing or hit radio singles to prove you are a great band.

CD REVIEW: Jason Castro "Jason Castro"

Finally releasing his first album since leaving American Idol season 7 in 2008, Jason Castro has really outshone expectations. It's probably a good idea that Castro didn't actually win during his season, because his music wouldn't have grown and fermented in order to create this album. The entire album is not exactly new, as four of the eight songs on it have been previously released. "Let's Just Fall In Love Again" was Castro's debut single and is the lead track on his album. "Love Uncompromised" and "You Can Always Come Home" which features guest vocals by Serena Ryder were both released digitally earlier this year on the "Love Uncompromised" EP. Finally "Hallelujah," a cover of the Leonard Cohen song made famous by Jeff Buckley which Castro wowed judged on Idol with, closes out the album reminding us at the end exactly why Jason Castro needed to be discovered. The entire album, although short, is excellent and showcased Castro's ability to make excellent mellow pop rock, staying true to himself and his craft. Jason Castro surely is a great talent, and now has proven that he didn't need a television show to tell us that.

CD REVIEW: She & Him "Volume Two"

"Volume One" was awesome. "Volume Two" is equally awesome. She & Him are one of the most intesting musical groups to come around in a while, and they are creating some of the best and most unique indie music around. Zooey Deschanel, who is the "She" in the band, is not only a great actress but also a great singer, with an incredibly crisp and beautiful voice. M. Ward, the "He," is a very musical guitarist and vocalist. This whole thing is just a side project to their day jobs (Deschanel has her superb performances on the big screen while Ward has his solo career and his time with Monsters Of Folk). Regardless of where this project came from, the fact remains that it's amazing. The disc sounds like a throwback to american folk music from the 50's and 60's, with an amazing AM radio vibe throughout. "In The Sun," "Thieves," and "Ridin' In My Car" are all outstanding songs. There is no band out there making this type of music this good, and to think that both Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward are doing all of this on the side is incredible. Hopefully She & Him will continue to make beautiful music, and if their other careers don't work out, this one will always be there. And who knows, someday we might get a "Volume Ten."

CD REVIEW: Akiva "If I Didn't Work Nights/The Daylight"

Akiva is one of the most underrated independent musicians out there today. His latest effort is a big bold step in the right direction, a double disc dual album featuring a handful of his best songs. Originally released as singles on MySpace, many of the songs on the album took on a life of there own even before the two discs became a reality. "I Keep Calling You," the track that starts the collection off, is quite possible Akiva's best song from any of his releases. "Junk In The Trunk" really shows off his lyrical genius, which is another reason to love this album. He has definitely mastered the fine art of the simple yet catchy pop song, but hasn't yet unleashed his full potential on the world. After hearing songs like "Allison" and "Lips On The Microphone" fans and music industry professionals are sure to stand up and take notice to this incredible talent. Any independent musician that takes a leap like releasing a double album without the backing of a label is daring, but when you have this level of talent, you don't need any extra help.

New Release Tuesday

New releases out today worth checking out:

• Jason Castro - Jason Castro
• matt pond PA - The Dark Leaves
• Justin Nozuka - You I Wind Land And Sea
• Chad Perrone - Release

CD REVIEW: Dave Barnes "What We Want, What We Get"

Writing outstanding pop rock songs is like breathing to Dave Barnes, it just comes naturally. This album is just as good as any of his previous albums and he proves to us yet again, that he should be rocking at the top of the charts. The newest single from the album, "Little Lies," is light and fun with an underlying reggae style that makes the song perfect for summer. "God Gave Me You," which was released as a single prior to the album release, is familiar Dave Barnes territory and an excellent song. The entire album is somewhat of a mashup between the styles of Marc Broussard and John Mayer, which makes for a very accessible and familiar sound. Hopefully with this album, Dave Barnes can finally achieve the level of success he has worked so hard for, and rightfully deserves. Regardless, it's always nice to hear that Dave Barnes is continuing to make excellent songs and excellent albums.

CD REVIEW: Jakob Dylan "Women & Country"

He has always been two things before being a solo artist: the lead singer of the Wallflowers and Bob Dylan's son. This means that everything he has done and will do as a solo artist will forever be compared to those two musical entities. That is, until now. Jakob Dylan has broken out of his own mold on this album, which blends together the style and energy of alt-country, indie rock, and every song you've ever listened to while on a cross country road trip. None of the songs on this album sound like his previous work, whether it's with the Wallflowers or on his own. None of the songs sound like his father's music reincarnated as a sound alike or a copycat. The lead single, "Nothing But The Whole Wide World," is the epitome of the entire album, showing off Dylan's subtle delivery and brilliant lyrics. The production of T-Bone Burnett and the addition of background vocals by Neko Case and Kelly Hogan add endless layers to the beautiful music, and is showcased on songs like "Down On Our Own Shield" and "Smile When You Call Me That." Jakob Dylan has entered a new phase in his musical career and he is going to make a lasting footprint, defining himself as one of this generation's best.

CD REVIEW: Zach Jones "Fading Flowers"

When musicians go it alone and depart on a solo project, it usually means that they've been doing their current thing for quite a while and have garnered a ton of recognition, maybe a handful of hit songs on the radio, and they just want to do something new and different. In Zach Jones' case, he has been part of a successful indie band, As Fast As, that never rocketed to the top of the charts, but maybe should have. So, for his solo project he wanted to showcase his own power pop abilities and managed to do a bang up job. Elements of Weezer and Fountains Of Wayne can be heard throughout the entire album, with Zach adding his own twist and flavor to the traditional power pop sound. "3,000 Miles" and "Round & Round" are two songs that are sure to help Zach break out of the unknown sector and become a force of the independent power pop genre. Zach Jones has proven that he can go it alone and be the frontman and rock just as hard as when he's with his bandmates in As Fast As.

CD REVIEW: John Brown's Body "Amplify"

This reggae collective has been around the block a few times and have recently created their best recording ever. Their newest album, "Amplify," has the seamless combination of authentic reggae band and modern day jam band mixed with their finest studio production to date. Elliot Martin's vocals are perfect. The horns, the keys, the and strings all combine for an incredible interpretation of a very familiar style of music. The title track as well as "Give Yourself Over" encapsulate the band's past and current styles all rolled into one. It is fun to hear the band performing at their very best, listening to the familiarity of their live sound mixed with the inventiveness of their studio production. It is a sure thing that JBB will continue to make awesome reggae music, and now that they have their best album to date in their arsenal, they are sure to become a force in the reggae world.

CD REVIEW: Ry Cuming "Ry Cuming EP"

Finally getting his break as a musician, surfer Ry Cuming has released his debut EP online and is beginning to make different waves on the radio as well. His first single, a beautiul acoustic love songs, features backing vocals by hit singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles. Although the EP is brief with only 4 songs, it is a perfect prelude to the full length album that he is cooking up. Each song is perfectly crafted and mixes simple musicianship with excellent lyricism. It won't be long before this Australian is a household name in the states and everyone is digging on his excellent tunes.

CD REVIEW: Kai Brown "Share"

Kai Brown's newest release is a slight departure from his first album. The first, which was produced by Cary Pierce (Graham Colton, Jackopierce), has a more pop rock meets southern rock feel. This time, the Australian native, has more of a southern California pop feel to his music, which suits his style and his voice quite well. This outstanding collection of songs fits somewhere in between Graham Colton and Jack Johnson, with elements of both pop rock and sunshine soaked surf music mixed into each song. "Moments Like This" is an incredible love song set on the California coast, with lyrics that could entice many to use it as their wedding songs. In fact, most of the songs on the album are love songs, and "Sunday Morning" is another standout. Kai Brown is an excellent singer/songwriter and may have found just the musical style to catch his big break.

CD REVIEW: George Stanford "Roll Away"

George Stanford is an artist unlike many making music right now. He's the guy that takes a chance and does things his own way, without compromising who he is as a musician. He mixes soul with pop and rock in such a way that none of the three genres take control of any of the others. Although the EP is short with only five tracks, it's a graduation from his debut, sounding much more organic. The title track is funky and full of great rock energy. His duet with Lissie, "Don't Be The One," is lyrically incredible and showcases the two singers' magical voices. "Meet Me In L.A." sums up what it is to take a chance on being a professional musician, moving to L.A. and trying to make it. George Stanford is a true talent, and his new tunes are surely some of his finest yet.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• Dave Barnes - What We Want, What We Get
• Cary Brothers - Under Control
• John Butler Trio - April Uprising
• Ry Cuming - Ry Cuming EP
• Doves - The Places Between: The Best Of Doves
• Jakob Dylan - Women & Country

CD REVIEW: Jay Farrar & Benjamin Gibbard "One Fast Move Or I'm Gone: Music From Kerouac's Big Sur"

Movie soundtracks are usually full of music that is "from or inspired by" that movie. Rarely is music created that is inspired by the original piece of literature that is the subject of the movie. And further than that, it's even rarer that such great music is created solely for a documentary. That is the case for the new works by Jay Farrar (lead singer of Son Volt) and Benjamin Gibbard (lead singer of Death Cab For Cutie). "One Fast Move Or I'm Gone" is a documentary film about the book titled "Big Sur" written by Jack Kerouac. Jay and Ben created an entire album of original songs that depict the essence of the novel and are an incredible companion to the film. "These Roads Don't Move" is an excellent alt-country song that is currently spinning on AAA radio. "California Zephyr" and "Sea Engines" as well as the title track are musical and incredibly poetic. Farar is usually used to creating this style of music, but it's a big departure from the stuff that Gibbard creates with Death Cab. Jay and Ben both sing throughout the album, as well as share with the writing duties. It's always nice to hear musicians doing something different than they are used to, but the star of this album is the songwriting of Farrar and Gibbard, which is something that both artists doing quite well on a regular basis.

CD REVIEW: Brooke Waggoner "Go Easy Little Doves"

Brooke Waggoner, with her latest release, is at her creative best. Her previous releases have showcased her ability to write great pop songs, and on this album, she is showing off her ability to be artistic, yet still not alienate her fans. Her sound, and her progression from release to release, actually is very reminiscent of Fiona Apple, and if Brooke plays her cards right that level of success is sure to follow. The album's title track as well as "Femmes" and "Find Her Floods" are wonderfully beautiful compositions. On this piano driven album, Brooke Waggoner has shown that you can still make beautiful music without having to emphasize making hit songs. Artistry is sometimes all you need.

CD REVIEW: Basement Jaxx "Scars"

One of the most prolific electronic artists in the past twenty years, Basement Jaxx have returned to the airwaves with a new, incredibly inventive album. They have always been know for their genre bending club jams, as well as their creative collaborations, and their newest album does not disappoint on either of those. Musicians such as Sam Sparro, Lightspeed Champion, Santigold, and even Yoko Ono have all contributed to the mix, adding their own unique stamp on the tracks they appear on. "Raindrops" is classic Basement Jaxx, while the title track, "Feelings Gone," and "My Turn" display a slightly updated approach as they boldly leap into a new decade. Basement Jaxx are truly an entity that is necessary and welcome in the electronic world, and they continue to amaze with their creative compositions.

CD REVIEW: Kings Of Convenience "Declaration Of Dependence"

It's hard to believe that this is only the third album from Kings Of Convenience, since it feels like they have been making and releasing music forever. But it's true, and this new collection of thirteen originals is just as good as everything they've released previously. This album includes a recording which is actually the title of their last album, "Riot On An Empty Street." Each and every song features Kings Of Convenience's signature Simon & Garfunkel meets Brit pop sound. Adding to their already vast array of incredible compositions, "Mrs. Cold" and "Boat Behind" are classics in the making. The artwork on the album features the boys on a beach somewhere, sitting under a palm tree, making music and that is exactly the mood that the album sets. This is truly a record that you can find yourself getting lost in, and surely one that you'd want to have with you on the beach this summer as you lounge in your hammock as waves crash on the shore. Can't to the coast? Well, fear not, this album will transport you there from the comfort of your own space.

CD REVIEW: Lee Everton "Sing A Song For Me"

It's probably hard to grasp the concept of a reggae singer coming from Switzerland, but there is at least one worth knowing about. Lee Everton recently released his second album and, like the first, it goes from end to end with authentic reggae music that is as good as anything coming out of the Caribbean. His mellow voice is reminiscent of folk singers like Jose Gonzalez and Matt Costa, but his music is more along the lines of Bob Marley and the Police. In fact, the song "I Got To Keep On Moving" sounds like it could have been a hit by the Police, but it is one of Everton's best originals. "A Little Light" showcases his softer side, highlighting his lyrical prowess. This guy truly is an unknown, but surely on the heels of this album it won't be long before the reggae world embraces their brightest new shining star.

BURN THIS / April 2010

1. Barefoot Truth "Spoonful"
2. Justin Ratowsky "Stop"
3. Jay Malinowski "Santa Monica"
4. Angus & Julia Stone "Big Jet Plane"
5. Timmy Curran "Castle"
6. ALO "Big Appetite"
7. Rey Fresco "Precious Time"
8. Iration "Time Bomb"
9. Dirty Heads "Lay Me Down"
10. Ozomatli (featuring Jack Johnson) "It's Only Paper"
11. Citizen Cope "Healing Hands"
12. Matt Morris "Love"
13. Jason Mraz "Kickin' With You"
14. Josh Rouse "I Will Live On Islands"
15. Tom Freund "Ghost In This Town"
16. JBM "Ambitions & War"
17. Jakob Dylan "Nothing But The Whole Wide World"
18. Joe Pug "Messenger"
19. Robert Francis "Darkness"
20. Brandi Carlile "That Year"