THE 30 BEST ALBUMS OF 2011

1. Dawes - Nothing Is Wrong
2. Brett Dennen - Loverboy
3. The Head And The Heat - The Head And The Heart
4. O.A.R. - King
5. G. Love - Fixin' To Die
6. Dispatch - Dispatch EP
7. Bon Iver - Bon Iver
8. Matt Nathanson - Modern Love
9. Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors - Chasing Someday
10. Death Cab For Cutie - Codes And Keys
11. My Morning Jacket - Circuital
12. Sam Roberts Band - Collider
13. Trevor Hall - Everything Everytime Everywhere
14. Bahamas - Pink Strat
15. Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto
16. The Black Keys - El Camino
17. Mat Kearney - Young Love
18. Release The Sunbird - Come Back To Us
19. Bob Schneider - A Perfect Day
20. Needtobreathe - The Reckoning
21. William Fitzsimmons - Gold In The Shadow
22. Amos Lee - Mission Bell
23. Ryan Adams - Ashes & Fire
24. Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
25. Chadwick Stokes - Simmerkane II
26. Barefoot Truth - Carry Us On
27. Mike Doughty - Yes And Also Yes
28. Zee Avi - Ghostbird
29. Jessica Lea Mayfield - Tell Me
30. James Vincent McMorrow - Early In The Morning

If you'd like to view and/or purchase albums on this and previous top 30 lists click here.

CD REVIEW: Chamberlin "Cabin Covers EP"

When bands release cover songs they can be one of two things: karaoke copycat versions or total reinventions. Chamberlin has reinvented a small handful of tunes that have recently graced the airwaves of alternative and indie rock radio. Covering fresh new material is always a challenge, but it's also refreshing to hear a different take on catchy music that is still floating around in your head. The coolest is the interpretation of Kanye West's "Lost In The World" which takes a rock band covering hip hop in a different direction. Now, Kanye sung much of that tracks, but Chamberlin adds a bit of spookiness that is similar to Bon Iver (which coincidentally cowrote and sung on Kanye's track). Foster The People's gigantic hit "Pumped Up Kicks" gets a new spin with Chamerlin's signature style, and sounds nothing like the original, but still maintains it's slick catchy nature. Cults, Vampire Weekend, and Passion Pit songs also get a fresh coat of Chamberlin paint. This EP is a steller, yet short, collection of cover songs that are so well performed that they could easily be mistaken for Chamberlin originals.

CD REVIEW: Graham Colton "Pacific Coast Eyes, Vol. 2"

Graham Colton's rerelease of his latest album is coupled with a short EP of new tunes. The EP (which is actually, the Vol. 2 portion) has three tracks from the original collection which he rerecorded and three tracks that were left off the original mix. The bottom line is that Graham wanted his fans to get the most out of this album, and rereleasing it was the best way. The album features the hit title song single (as well as the EP) which showcases Colton at his pop songwriting best. "Love Comes Back Around" and "1981" are also standouts of the album. The nicest reinvention of a song on the album is "Twenty Something" which gets the full pop rock treatment in this updated version of one of the best tracks from Colton's self released EPs. Graham Colton has proven that he in no way needs a major label behind him to make and release great music. He is a true underappreciated talent that has no where to go but up.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Dispatch - Live At Red Bull Arena (DVD)
• Keller Williams - Bass

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• The Black Keys - El Camino
• Dia Frampton - Red
• Dave Matthews Band - Live In Atlantic City
• The Roots - Undun

BURN THIS / December 2011

1. The Fray "Heartbeat"
2. Jon McLaughlin (featuring Xenia) "Maybe It's Over"
3. Tim Blane "Magnetic"
4. Kina Grannis "In Your Arms"
5. Steve Moakler "Waiting"
6. Mat Kearney "Count On Me"
7. Javier Colon (featuring Adam Levine) "Stand Up"
8. Dia Frampton "The Broken Ones"
9. William Fitzsimmons "The Winter From Her Leaving"
10. Ed Sheeran "Lego House"
11. Joshua Hyslop "Cold Wind"
12. Chris Trapper (featuring Rob Thomas) "Here All Along"
13. Will Dailey & The Rivals "How Good It Feels"
14. Bronze Radio Return "Shake, Shake, Shake"
15. Greg Holden "I Don't Believe You"
16. Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers "Roots And Wings"
17. Matthew Mayfield "Fire Escape"
18. Needtobreathe "Slumber"
19. The White Buffalo "The Pilot"
20. Gary Clark Jr. "Don't Owe You A Thang"

Listen live to the entire playlist in the music player in the right sidebar all month long during December.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Gym Class Heroes - The Papercut Chronicles II
• David Mead - Dudes
• Jason Reeves - Caged Birds Set Free
• Tegan & Sara - Get Along
• Various Artists - This Warm December: A Brushfire Holiday, Vol. 2
  
  

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Lissie - Covered In Flowers
• Medeski, Scofield, Martin, & Wood - In Case The World
• Ozomatli - Happy Feet Two: The Video Game Soundtrack
  
  

BURN THIS / November 2011

1. Grace Woodroofe (featuring Ben Harper) "I've Handled Myself Wrong"
2. Piers Faccini "My Wilderness"
3. Josh Garrels "White Owl"
4. Chadwick Stokes "Rainsong"
5. The White Buffalo "I Wish It Was True"
6. John Craigie "Boston In November"
7. Joshua Hyslop "If I Was A Better Man"
8. Michael Kiwanuka "I'm Getting Ready"
9. Ed Sheeran "The A Team"
10. Ben Howard "Three Tree Town"
11. Greg Holden "Following Footsteps"
12. The Milk Carton Kids "Michigan"
13. Bobby Long "Dead And Done"
14. Lisa Hannigan (featuring Ray LaMontagne) "O Sleep"
15. Mason Jennings "Clutch"
16. The Head And The Heart "Coeur d'Alene"
17. Caitlin Rose "Shanghai Cigarettes"
18. The Belle Brigade "Losers"
19. Motopony "King Of Diamonds"
20. Dawes "A Little Bit Of Everything"

Listen live to the entire playlist in the music player in the right sidebar all month long during November.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto
• The Green - Ways & Means
• She & Him - A Very She & Him Christmas
• Matt Wertz - Snow Globe
  
  

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Graham Colton - Pacific Coast Eyes, Vol. 2
• Chris Trapper - The Few & The Far Between
  
  
  

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Ryan Adams - Ashes & Fire
• Piers Faccini - My Wilderness
• Ben Folds - The Best Imitation Of Myself: A Retrospective
• Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers - Gift Horse
• James Morrison - The Awakening
• Rachael Yamagata - Chesapeake

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Feist - Metals
• Ari Hest - Ari Hest Live: An Intimate Evening At Rockwood Music Hall
• Mutemath - Odd Soul

BURN THIS / October 2011

1. The White Buffalo "How The West Was Won"
2. Dispatch "Broken American"
3. Mike Doughty "Vegetable"
4. Bronze Radio Return "Down There"
5. Gary Clark Jr. "Bright Lights"
6. Matthew Mayfield "Missed Me"
7. Needtobreathe "Drive All Night"
8. Gabe Dixon "My Favorite"
9. Gavin DeGraw "Not Over You"
10. Rachael Yamagata "Starlight"
11. Joseph Arthur "Over The Sun"
12. James Vincent McMorrow "Sparrow And The Wolf"
13. Lisa Hannigan "Knots"
14. Josh Rouse & The Long Vacations "Oh, Look What The Sun Did!"
15. Kina Grannis "The One You Say Goodnight To"
16. Will Dailey & The Rivals "Counting On Karma"
17. Tyler James "The Only One"
18. Madi Diaz "Let's Go"
19. matt pond PA "Love To Get Used"
20. Halloween, Alaska "Empire Waist"

Listen live to the entire playlist in the music player in the right sidebar all month long during October.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Alberta Cross - The Rolling Thunder EP
• Barenaked Ladies - Hits From Yesterday And The Day Before
• Zach Deputy - Another Day
• Everclear - Return To Santa Monica
• Will Hoge - Number Seven
• Sarah Jaffe - The Way Sound Leaves A Room
• Tony Lucca - Under The Influence
• Tyler Ramsey - The Valley Wind
• Caitlin Rose - Own Side Now
• Josh Rouse & The Long Vacations - Josh Rouse & The Long Vacations
• Switchfoot - Vice Verses

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Will Dailey & The Rivals - Will Dailey & The Rivals
• Gavin DeGraw - Sweeter
• Madi Diaz - Far From Things That We Know EP
• Halloween, Alaska - All Night The Calls Came In
• Lisa Hannigan - Passenger
• Needtobreathe - The Reckoning
• Passafire - Start From Scratch

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• J.J. Grey & Mofro - Brighter Days
• Mason Jennings - Minnesota
• The Kooks - Junk Of The Heart
• Lady Antebellum - Own The Night
• Lotus - Lotus
• Young The Giant - Remix EP
  
  

CD REVIEW: Red Hot Chili Peppers "I'm With You"

The role of lead guitarist will be played by Josh Klinghoffer. The lead guitarist spot in RHCP has been a rotating cast of character, and this is the first album with newest edition Klinghoffer. The core of the band (Keidis, Flea, and Smith) are back again and have combine with their new guitarist to create one of their three best albums (the others being "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" and "Californication"). The album is funky and bridges all eras of RHCP music from their early days in the 80's as funk rockers to their 90's era lyrical alternative to their most recent pop-edged releases of the last decade. They showcase how fun and intensity mix well together and how the message of a song sometimes isn't in the lyrics but in the music itself. There is hit after hit on this album from the debut single of "The Adventures Of Raindance Maggie" to "Factory Of Faith" and "Monarchy Of Roses." Songs like "Police Station" and "Meet Me At The Corner" are the lyrical standouts of the bunch and "Ethiopia" is just straight up funky. After having been a band in some form or another for thirty years, it's nice to see that they are essentially the same as they have always been. Despite the losses and turnovers in their musical personnel, Red Hot Chili Pepper have proven that they are rock royalty and can still make some of the best alternative rock music around. This album proves that the new chapter in their existence is going to be exciting.

CD REVIEW: Incubus "If Not Now, When?"

With age and experience come maturity and what Incubus has proven is that maturity is what rock bands need to survive a long career. Their latest album is their most mature to date. While the subject matter and the passion has been top notch through their entire career, having come this far and having the individual experiences that each member bring to the table, lead to an all new idea of what musicality can be. "If Not Now, When?" is a collection of heartfelt and musical tracks that mix Incubus' signature cutting edge alt-rock with a gentler delivery. By no means is this band any different, but songs like "Promises, Promises" and "Friends And Lovers" are a graduation from the high school roots of the band that formed almost 20 years ago to a PhD in lyric driven and musical alternative rock. "Adolescents" and "Isadore" are two more prime examples of how the band has grown over the course of the last decade, showing off the necessity of synergy between music, lyrics, delivery, and content. This album may signal a reinvention of the band and broaden their fanbase much further than once imaginable.

CD REVIEW: 311 "Universal Pulse"

311 continue to put out solid albums and their latest is no exception. The difference here is that the album only consists of eight tracks and leave true fans wanting more. Regardless, it features a couple of killer tracks that should translate well to 311's amazing live show. The song "Sunset In July" is an instant classic with singable lyrics and their signature hard-rock-meets-reggae vibe. The album doesn't feature any real slow or mellow tunes (like "Amber" or "Love Song") but rather shows of a throwback to their earlier independent days and the mid-nineties alternative rock feel of their debut self titled album. Rock bands come and go but 311 have proven that not only do they have staying power but they continue to write, record, release, and perform at the top of their game. The new music is a welcome addition to an incredibly expansive and influential catalogue.

CD REVIEW: Sublime With Rome "Yours Truly"

With the death of Bradley Nowell at the height of success of Sublime, the world was left at a disadvantage. The world would never get new music (not previously recorded) from Sublime. Fortunately, the surviving members of the band felt that they should continue Nowell's legacy and find themselves a new lead singer, not to take Brad's place, but to continue his legacy. Enter, Rome Ramirez. This youngster could have been successful all on his own, but his love for the music of Sublime, and his creative energy was perfect for the reincarnation of Sublime as Sublime With Rome. Their new album is not a copycat rendition of years past, but a new take on what it would be like if Sublime came around about two decades after they formed. If Sublime was a new band these days they would have most likely been influenced by all of their original influences, and with all of the pop and punk and hip hop that has come out since they originally formed. This album is at times mellow and loud, and is incredibly tight. It features stuff you might not have heard with the Nowell fronted version and the highlights include the lead single "Panic," and the acoustic rocker "PCH." Sublime With Rome is both a throwback and a new take on the sunshine and angst of 90's era Sublime, and their new/debut album shows that what is old is new and you really can go home again.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Barefoot Truth - Carry Us On
• MC Lars - Lars Attacks!
• Jon McLaughlin - Forever If Ever
  

CD REVIEW: Barefoot Truth "Carry Us On"

The jam band is slowly becoming a thing of the past. With the onset of the MP3 and festivals attracting acts from hip hop to indie pop to electronic music, the live show is a lost art form. Barefoot Truth keeps the feeling alive on their latest studio release, showcasing exactly what music should sound like on stage and in the studio. Taking from their catalogue, Barefoot Truth reinvents some of their fan favorite tunes, including their best reggae song "Eagle Front" and the single "Roll If You Fall." They also mix in some excellent new songs, including "Worth," which has some of the band's best lyrics and is incredibly catchy. Fans and critics alike took notice with the release of their last album, realizing finally that this indie band had the chops to not only make great music, but grow themselves beyond their grassroots following. Just as bands like Dispatch, Guster, and O.A.R. have done before them, Barefoot Truth is poised to be the next great success story from the indie and jam band circuit. This album is the jumping off point for a career that is sure to see great things. Barefoot Truth has made an album that is creative, complex, and catchy, and everyone should take a listen and enjoy!

CD REVIEW: Bag Of Toys "Access 10"

Bag Of Toys are one of those bands that grows on you. At first listen it seems like all of their music is on a level plane. Seemingly, there might not be anything that sounds like it's intricate or layered, but in fact, the simplicity of Bag Of Toys' music is as intricate and complex as the most innovative and experimental band. Sometimes it's harder to create something that is as straightforward and friendly as the music of this band than it is to break molds and push envelopes. Their music transports you straight to the beach, "That's The Girl" and "Tear Your Dress" are the highlights of the album, but each song is as good as the next. Fans of everyone from Jack Johnson to Sublime to Fleet Foxes will find something to sink their teeth into on this album. Bands who are daring enough to stick to what they know and make music they love and music their fans dig don't come around often, and Bag Of Toys don't disappoint in any way with their latest collection.

BURN THIS / September 2011

1. Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers "Gravity"
2. O.A.R. "Dangerous Connection"
3. Barefoot Truth "Worth"
4. Chadwick Stokes "Adelaide"
5. Trevor Hall "The Return"
6. Zee Avi "Swell Window"
7. Tom Freund "Sweetly Calling My Name"
8. Will Hoge "When I Get My Wings"
9. Marc Broussard "Lucky"
10. Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors "Anywhere But Here"
11. Graham Colton "1981"
12. Mat Kearney "Down"
13. Ari Hest "If I Knew You'd Say Yes"
14. Mike Doughty "Na Na Nothing"
15. Mason Jennings "Raindrops On The Kitchen Floor"
16. Guster "Big White Bed"
17. Sam Roberts Band "Streets Of Heaven (Promises, Promises)"
18. Bob Schneider "Penelope Cruz"
19. Brett Dennen "Song For Leaving"
20. Dispatch "Turn This Ship Around"

Listen live to the entire playlist in the music player in the right sidebar all month long during September.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Counting Crows - August & Everything After: Live From Town Hall
• Mike Doughty - Yes And Also Yes
• Lenny Kravitz - Black & White America
• Red Hot Chili Peppers - I'm With You
• Luke Temple - Don't Act Like You Don't Care
  

CD REVIEW: Trevor Hall "Everything Everytime Everywhere"

For such a young musician, Trevor Hall has quite the catalogue under his belt. On his latest, he brings together his spiritual outlook and world views under one umbrella for a collection of music that shows off his growth over his career. Trevor makes fun music and is able to connect with listeners on so many different levels. His music is full of spirituality without the burden of being religious. This time around he presents a full disc of new music featuring his signature reggae influenced folk rock while adding in a few left turns for good measure. The reggae is prominent and on songs like "Good Rain" and "The Return" it is what you'd expect. He dabbles in a few deeper cuts of reggae on the rootsy "Different Hunger" and the dancehall-inspired "Fire" which features guest vocalist Cherine Anderson. The first single "Brand New Day" is radio gold and features positive lyrics mixed into the familiar delivery of a folk-pop song. Hall gets deep on "Te Amo" and "The Mountain" as well as including interesting interludes that transport the listener into his musical and spiritual journey. Trevor Hall is one of the most unique musicians out there today, and this new album showcases his uniqueness in a very familiar and accessible way.

CD REVIEW: Zee Avi "Ghostbird"

For Zee Avi's second album she stays in the same vein as her first, with a slight twist. The maturity of this album is much more elevated than on her debut, which in itself, was excellent. Her lyrics and her music show how much she has grown as a musician, and the prime example of that is the song "Milestone Moon." Her pop rock elements show up at the forefront of the first single "The Book Of Morris Johnson" and the lead track "Swell Window." She is a master of the ukulele and the acoustic guitar, and the simplicity of her music adds to the complexity of her message. Sometimes, doing not much actually does more than you might think. Heavy production, drum machines, and full orchestras are not what you need to make beautiful music. All you need is thought, care, intensity, and heart, and for Zee Avi all of those come together better than ever on her newest release.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Zee Avi - Ghostbird
• Gabe Dixon - One Spark
• Trevor Hall - Everything Everytime Everywhere

CD REVIEW: Tom Freund "The Edge Of Venice"

Between collaborating with Ben Harper in the early 90's on a folk album and coming full circle with his last release seeing Harper as a collaborator again, that time as a producer, Tom Freund has released a ton of music. His latest release is somewhat of a retrospective look at his career as a musician through a collection of new tunes. You can find every bit of Freund on this album from his early days as an unknown folkie to his more recent life as a new father. Fruend's music tells stories, and that has never been more evident than in this collection of music. He speaks like the local know-it-all, telling about the people he's met, the places he's been, and his local surroundings along with connecting to the listener on familiar relatable topics. "Wounded Surfer Boy" is west coast beach music at it's best, however, it's without the palm trees and sunshine and bonfires that define that style. It's straight up 70's era California folk music. He rocks on tracks like "Cruel Cruel World" and brings vivid imagery into his lyrics on "Daddy's Song" and "Lakeshore Drive (LSD)." Meiko also lends some beautiful backing vocals on the mellow tune "Sweetly Calling My Name." His signature jazz influence is evident throughout while still keeping this very much a folk recording. Tom Fruend is a magical soul, and you truly get let inside his mind and soul throughout this entire new release.

CD REVIEW: Gary Clark Jr. "The Bright Lights EP"

Gary Clark Jr. is an impressive guitarist and on his debut release he showcases this incredible talent. Featuring two studio and two acoustic live tracks, the EP is a taste of what's to come from Clark in the future. His bluesy electric guitar and deep vocals are reminiscent of blues and rock greats such as Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Guy, and even John Lee Hooker. His talents as a acoustic guitar player echo the same talent but also showcase a modern approach on musicianship, similar to acoustic offerings from artists like John Mayer and Dave Matthews. Blues and rock have been making a statement in music scene today and with his tunes, Gary Clark Jr. is going to make blues rock important and influential again.

CD REVIEW: John Butler Trio "Live At Red Rocks"

For bands like John Butler Trio, the live show is the essence of their entire existence. The band was born from performing live, and their music grows wings and comes alive at each and every show. The studio albums are just stepping stones between live performances. In their latest live album release John Butler Trio bring us into their performance at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, a place that saw their largest crowd at a JBT show in the U.S. The setlist that the band put together for this show, and subsequent live album, is like a greatest hits of the John Butler Trio catalogue. Almost every great song that they've recorded together on their last handful of albums gets the live and uninhibited treatment here, including "Zebra," "Funky Tonight," "Better Than," and recent singles "One Way Road" and "Close To You." Fan favorite songs, both new and old, grace he album as well, as John Butler Trio proves they are one of the most exciting, explosive, and talented band touring today. This album, and DVD companion, helps fans get a real sense of the true power of JBT, just in case they can't be there for themselves.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Eli Young Band - Life At Best
• Tom Freund - The Edge Of Venice
• Lex Land - Where My Sweetheart To Go...
• Jason Reeves - The Lovesick
• Fionn Regan - 100 Acres Of Sycamore
• Shwayze & Cisco - Island In The Sun
• Three Legged Fox - Always Anyway

CD REVIEW: O.A.R. "King"

O.A.R. takes making music more seriously than any other band in the business and that is never more evident than on their newest album. The defining piece is that the album sounds like an O.A.R. live show. It hasn't been this evident that O.A.R. was having fun in the studio since the release of "In Between Now And Then." The album is full of hit songs, although they may not be radio ready hits. "Heaven" is a song that could potentially have the band getting award recognition, but it's not a song that is truly the essence of the album. Songs like "Are You Low?," "Taking On The World Today," and "Dangerous Connection" are performed like they have been part of the O.A.R. arsenal since their earliest days. These songs are instant sing-a-longs and feature some instrumental parts that are destined to become insane live solos. The sweet spots on the album are the three interlude tracks thrown in to showcase their spontaneous nature and jam quality, and "We Made It" is one of the funkiest ditties that O.A.R. has ever recorded. The fun never stops and "The Last Time," "Not For Me," and "Gotta Live" prove that point. After two or three plays the songs on this album are as familiar as "Hey Girl" and "That Was a Crazy Game Of Poker." O.A.R. have outdone all expectations for this album and has set the bar pretty high. Once these guys take these songs out on the road, this album is going to reach a whole new level of awesomeness.

CD REVIEW: Guster "On The Ocean EP"

Way back in the day, Guster would release their b-sides to their die hard fans (called reps) by way of a series of EPs known as "The Pasty Tapes." Recently, with the onset of the digital music revolution, Guster has found it in their hearts to grace all fans with the music that didn't quite make the cut on their full length albums. Bonus tracks and other EPs brought us the missing links from Guster's studio sessions. This EP is the latest to feature some Guster rarities, and showcases the radio edit of one of their best new songs from last year's "Easy Wonderful." The gems on the EP are the b-sides, the horn filled "Big White Bed" and Joe Pisapia led "Every Moment." They are both classic Guster and a welcome treat for both die hard and fair weather fans. The disc also features two live tracks from a show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC and an indie-electronic remix of the song "This Is How It Feels To Have A Broken Heart." Guster can never release enough music, and it is wonderful that they are sharing their craft with the world, even if it comes in little doses.

CD REVIEW: Release The Sunbird "Come Back To Us"

Lots of musicians like to participate in side projects. Many start new bands. Supergroups are a popular thing to try. Others go solo, trying out new music on their own. Release The Sunbird is a bit of all of those. The brainchild of Zach Rogue (lead singer of indie rockers Rouge Wave), this band is every bit of folk and indie that each member brings. The collection is essentially a solo album for Zach Rogue, as it is his music through a different venue. This is music that most likely could not have been executed with as much grace and gentleness by Rogue Wave. "Always Like The Sun" and "No Light" are indie folk gems, and cornerstones of the album. The brightest spot, however, is the album's title track, which updates a 60's California folk sound better than any other indie folk act around these days. Zach's unique voice coupled with female backing vocals is a thing of beauty. While this may be a one off and Zach might not venture down this path with this music again, it's a welcome detour from his day job that his fans benefit from.

CD REVIEW: Matt Nathanson "Modern Love"

Matt Nathanson is one of those veteran musicians that doesn't always get the recognition that he deserves. Grammy awards are not something ever to grace him and his music, and excessive radio airplay is sparse at best. His latest album is about to change all of that. On the heels of his most successful single, Matt Nathanson harnessed the best parts of himself and his music from his entire career and jam packed that energy and creativity into his best and most complete album yet. Matt, as a storyteller, comes across as a true genius. His words aren't incredible poetic, but his messages and his imagery is honest and comes from a place that is actual and real, allowing the listeners to feel and live his music. "Faster" is a hit, and with the radio play it has and will continue to receive it is the song that is the foundation of the album. His recent friendship and collaborations with the country band Sugarland has spawned a new song that is worthy of a Grammy nomination and is sure to become the biggest hit on the album, across several radio formats. "Run" is a beautiful duet sung with Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles and it is just plain amazing. The title track along with the songs "Kept" and "Drop To Hold You" are both classic Nathanson and updated to showcase his age, growth, and maturity. Matt Nathanson is as underrated as he is magnificent, and finally an album will breath extra life into an already incredible career.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Gary Clark Jr. - Bright Lights

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Fountains Of Wayne - Sky Full Of Holes
• Guster - On The Ocean EP
• Mat Kearney - Young Love
• O.A.R. - King
• Ximena Sariñana - Ximena Sariñana

BURN THIS / August 2011

1. Zee Avi "The Book Of Morris Johnson"
2. Release The Sunbird "Come Back To Us"
3. Tom Freund "Wounded Surfer Boy"
4. Brett Dennen "Can't Stop Thinking"
5. Matt Nathanson "Modern Love"
6. Jesse Harris "The Secret Sun"
7. Jessica Lea Mayfield "Blue Skies Again"
8. Lissie "Little Lovin'"
9. Dawes "Coming Back To A Man"
10. The Alternate Routes "Kiss Me"
11. Sam Roberts Band "Let It In"
12. Dispatch "Con Man"
13. Bag Of Toys "That's The Girl"
14. Two Spot Gobi "Light On"
15. Ed Sheeran "You Need Me, I Don't Need You"
16. Lex Land "Havana"
17. Cara Salimando "Dust"
18. Parachute "You & Me"
19. Andy Grammer "Keep Your Head Up"
20. Gym Class Heroes (featuring Adam Levine) "Stereo Hearts"

Listen live to the entire playlist in the music player in the right sidebar all month long during August.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Vanessa Carlton - Rabbits On The Run
• Release The Sunbird - Come Back To Us

CD REVIEW: Chadwick Stokes "Simmerkane II"

Being in two bands is a full time job. But, for singer/songwriter of Dispatch and State Radio, Chadwick Stokes still has a lot up his sleeves. Built off of stories of his time spent train hopping and politically charged activism, Stokes has music that doesn't fit the mold of either his bands. The logical progression is to put out a solo album, and this one, his first, is a stab at folk music that is far beyond what you might expect. Dispatch and State Radio are full of high energy, and while both are rooted in folk music, Chad's music rarely touches such a personal level. Now, with this platform, Chad can showcase where he comes from and where he is rooted in his music, while still maintaining the same quality and delivery his fans are used to. The album is personal and well written, and features a handful of songs that are instantly classic. The lead single, "Back To The Races," is the closest bridge to Dispatch and State Radio, while still remaining stripped and bare, showcasing the lyrics. "Adelaide" is a song that Chad debuted with State Radio but given that it is a folk song, the right avenue and sound is portrayed beautifully here. The biggest surprise track is "Rainsong" which is Stokes' folksiest song ever and doesn't sound like either of his previous bands' work. You even get a bit of reggae on the bonus tracks which he recorded with Sierra Leone's Refugee Allstars. He enlisted a bunch of musical friends to help complete his vision, included folk legend Carly Simon. In all, Stokes has proven that some rockers do have a heart, soul, and centered core that drive them within their music. Chadwick Stokes is proof that as musicians dicover they have more to offer than they have been delivering, it's time to branch out and spread their wings, letting loose all the creative juices and setting free the all beauty of their talents.

CD REVIEW: Mat McHugh "Go Don't Stop"

The lead singer of Australian roots reggae rockers The Beautiful Girls, Mat McHugh is back with his second solo offering. Reminding us just how TBG got their start, McHugh has assembled an EP of acoustic tracks that dive deep into his songwriting while touching the core roots and reggae sounds of his band. McHugh is one of the most talented in conveying this music style to the world, and his unique and easily identifiable voice brings and added credibility to his music. The title track is acoustic reggae at its finest and the song "Love Come Save Me" is simple, beautiful, and everything acoustic roots music should be. With the EP being only 4 songs long it's just a taste of what McHugh is cooking up for future solo and TBG releases, but the most special treat is an acoustic version of "My Mind Is An Echo Chamber," a song from The Beautiful Girls' most recent release. The song is a truly different take from the original and it, along with the other three tracks, reminds listeners that, at the core, McHugh's lyrics are what drive his music.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• 311 - Universal Pulse
• Burlap To Cashmere - Burlap To Cashmere
• John Butler Trio - Live At Red Rocks
• Joshua Hyslop - Cold Wind
• TFDI - When I Stop Running

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Colbie Caillat - All Of You
• Incubus - If Not Now, When?
• Sublime With Rome - Yours Truly

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Old 97's - The Grand Theatre, Vol. 2

BURN THIS / July 2011

1. Chadwick Stokes "Back To The Races"
2. Trevor Hall "Brand New Day"
3. O.A.R. "Heaven"
4. Kate Voegele "Sunshine In My Sky"
5. Hayley Sales "Just Pretend"
6. Current Swell "Young And Able"
7. Mat McHugh "Go Don't Stop"
8. Bahamas "Sunshine Blues"
9. The Head And The Heart "Rivers And Roads"
10. TFDI "When I Stop Runnin'"
11. Dispatch "Valentine"
12. Cody Beebe & The Crooks "Waiting On You"
13. Burlap To Cashmere "Build A Wall"
14. Still Time "Call It What You Want"
15. Eliot Morris "Handmade"
16. Chris Velan "Same Clothes"
17. Jason Spooner "Crashing Down"
18. Brett Dennen "Comeback Kid (That's My Dog)"
19. Dawes "Time Spent In Los Angeles"
20. The Low Anthem "Hey, All You Hippies!"

Listen live to the entire playlist in the music player in the right sidebar all month long during July.

CD REVIEW: Dispatch "Dispatch EP"

After officially calling it quits in 2004 with a free show in Boston to 110,000 of their truest fans, Dispatch has returned for a reunion like no other. Announcing that they'd be reuniting and heading out on tour was just the beginning and fans began salivating for what was to come next. With all members of the band having incredible success in their solo ventures, it was a long shot that the trio would collaborate on new material, but this self titled EP is proof positive that nothing is impossible. Only six tracks long, the EP packs a major punch showcasing an entire array of new songs that sound like they could each have been plucked from one of the bands previous studio releases. Each member gets his turn as lead vocalist on the album. Chad Stokes shows off his chops on "Con Man," the most heavily reggae infused song in the set, "Melon Bend," the album's lead single and hardest rocker, and "Broken American," which showcases a bit of the bands political and activist side. Braddigan sings on "Beto" one of the highlights that draws major comparison to the "Who Are We Living For?" era. "Valentine" and "Turn This Ship Around" are Pete Francis' vocal contributions and at their core show off the songwriter style that Dispatch was known for in their earlier days. The production quality of the EP is outstanding and reminds us that indie bands can do it just as good as the big names. Although, now that Dispatch is a worldwide independent rock phenomenon, I would say that they are just as big as many of the bands that get major radio airplay. The bottom line is nothing is forever, and while it seemed like Dispatch was going to be a thing of the past about 7 years ago, it seems that is not the case. While we would all love the boys to continue to tour and make music together, this EP reminds us that whenever we need them they are there for us. Dispatch is quite possibly the best indie rock band ever, and no matter what, they will always be at the top of their game.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Bag Of Toys - Access 10
• David Cook - This Loud Morning
• Chadwick Stokes - Simmerkane II

Also released today: Josh Ritter's debut novel "Bright's Passage."

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Bon Iver - Bon Iver
• Gomez - Whatever's On Your Mind
• Ingram Hill - Blue Room Afternoon
• Matt Nathanson - Modern Love
• OK Go - 180/360
• Natalie Walker - Spark

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Arctic Monkeys - Suck It And See
• Bedouin Soundclash - Light The Horizon
• Dawes - Nothing Is Wrong
• Sondre Lerche - Sondre Lerche
• The Soul Of John Black - Good Thang
• Chris Velan - Fables For Fighters

BURN THIS / June 2011

1. Graham Colton "Pacific Coast Eyes"
2. Matt Wertz "Everything Will Be Alright"
3. Brett Dennen "Make You Fall In Love With Me"
4. Ximena Sariñana "Different"
5. Mat Kearney "Hey Mama"
6. William Fitzsimmons (featuring Julia Stone) "Let You Break"
7. Bob Schneider "Honeypot"
8. Two Spot Gobi (featuring Jason Mraz) "Tomorrow"
9. Release The Sunbird "Always Like The Son"
10. Bahamas "Whole Wide World"
11. Ernie Halter "Come Home To Me"
12. Amos Lee "Flower"
13. Dawes "If I Wanted Someone"
14. Jessica Lea Mayfield "Grown Man"
15. Dispatch "Beto"
16. Trevor Hall "Different Hunger"
17. Iration "Summer Nights"
18. Bedouin Soundclash "Fools Tattoo"
19. The Beautiful Girls "Gratitude"
20. Plutonic & G. Love "Fuck It"

Listen live to the entire playlist in the music player in the right sidebar all month long during June.

CD REVIEW: Ben Harper "Give Till It's Gone"

Ben Harper has been making music for two decades, and with each new release he brings something new and exciting to the table while still remaining true to his roots and his sound. This latest album, although filled with a ton of rock, finds him lyrically and conceptually returning to his roots as a folk artist. The content of his music is heartfelt and real, with both straightforward descriptions of loss and heartache as well as symbolic representations of the world in which he lives. It's not surprising that the rock music sounds a lot like his recent work with his 'other' band Relentless7, and the lead single "Rock N' Roll Is Free" is an incredible depiction of that. The song also channels folk rock legend Neil Young, and the album itself features guest appearances by Jackson Browne and Ringo Starr. "Feel Love" is sure to see some heavy radio airplay and "I Will Not Be Broken" is destined to become a quiet fan favorite. Ben Harper always wears his heart on his sleeve in all of his music, but it has never been so evident as it is here.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Death Cab For Cutie - Codes And Keys
• Greg Holden - I Don't Believe You
• Dave Matthews Band - Live At Wrigley Field
• My Morning Jacket - Circuital
• Eddie Vedder - Ukulele Songs

CD REVIEW: Bahamas "Pink Strat"

Reissued by Brushfire Records, Bahamas' debut album is a simple display of what it means to make outstanding stripped down music. Guitar, drums, and vocals are all it takes to make great music. In fact, you don't even need to have songs that are any longer than 3 minutes. Most of the tracks on this album clock in at less that 3 minutes, with one of the best coming in under 2. That song is "Sunshine Blues" and the title itself sums up the entire feel of the album. It's quietly upbeat and subdued throughout, yet you still get a sense of the complexity that goes into creating simplicity. "Already Yours" is by far the album's cornerstone track, with it's accessible lyrics and radio friendly vibe. The album closes with an obscure cover song, "Whole Wide World," which is also where the name Bahamas came from. You can try to draw comparisons to all kinds of indie and acoustic folk artists from all corners of the globe, but the bottom line is there is no other like Bahamas, and this is just a taste of what is immensely possible in with such a simple musical idea.

CD REVIEW: Sam Roberts Band "Collider"

Sam Roberts Band has come full circle in their career with the release of their latest album. This album is the band's best since their major label debut "We Were Born In A Flame" and contains the band's best song since "Brother Down." That song is "The Last Crusade" and it leads off an album that, from front to back, is a study in sonic artistry and lyrical mastery. Enlisting the assistance of an established saxaphone player (Antibalas' Stuart Bogie) and percussionist (Califone's Ben Massarrella), Sam and company deliver songs that are as rockin' as ever. The addition of the additional musicians brings sounds into the mix that are unfamiliar to SRB fans, but elevates their already unique sound and adds an incredible element of funkiness. Quite possibly their most funk filled song ever, "Let It In" just plain makes you want to dance. "I Feel You" is the song on the album that bridges their entire career, showcasing their rock core, and the aside from the lead track, "Streets Of Heaven (Promises, Promises)" is possibly the best on the album from a lyrical standpoint. They did things differently while making this album, and the end result is an elevated version of a familiar sound. Sam Roberts Band has returned their music to a youthful yet mature form, and it shows just why these Canadians continue to blow fans away.