THE BEST ALBUMS OF 2015

1. Alabama Shakes - Sound & Color
2. Guster - Evermotion
3. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats - Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
4. Dawes - All Your Favorite Bands
5. Trey Anastasio - Paper Wheels
6. My Morning Jacket - The Waterfall
7. Mumford & Sons - Wilder Mind
8. Leon Bridges - Coming Home
9. Death Cab For Cutie - Kintsugi
10. Chadwick Stokes - The Horse Comanche
11. Matt Nathanson - Show Me Your Fangs
12. Allen Stone - Radius
13. G. Love & Special Sauce - Love Saves The Day
14. The Chemical Brothers - Born In The Echoes
15. Rayland Baxter - Imaginary Man
16. Courtney Barnett - Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit
17. The Revivalists - Men Amongst Mountains
18. James Bay - Chaos And The Calm
19. JJ Grey & Mofro - Ol' Glory
20. Brandi Carlile - The Firewatcher's Daughter
21. Jarryd James - Thirty One
22. Gary Clark Jr. - The Story Of Sonny Boy Slim
23. Trevor Hall - Kala
24. Disclosure - Caracal
25. Anderson East - Delilah
26. ALO - Tangle Of Time
27. Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers - Loved Wild Lost
28. Tame Impala - Currents
29. Galactic - Into The Deep
30. JD McPherson - Let The Good Times Roll

#reviewoftheweek / Chadwick Stokes - The Horse Comanche B-Sides: The Story Of Bobby And Maeve

Chronicling a story of a soldier who died in Afghanistan and his love, this 4 song collection is an extension of Stokes' excellent last album. The roots rock mastery of this music is in the forefront and these songs tell a story like only Chadwick can tell. It leads off with a cover of the classic song "You're The One That I Want" from the movie Grease, a favorite of the couple that the EP showcases. "Indiana Fall" closes out the short collection, and instantly becomes one of the best compositions of Chadwick's solo career. He is one of the best storytellers of his generation, and being a member of 2 roots rock bands (Dispatch and State Radio), separating his delivery as a front man and his ability as a solo singer/songwriter has been challenging. This EP showcases that his solo work is where he shows off his best abilities and his best stories.

#reviewoftheweek / Joshua Hyslop - In Deepest Blue

Folk music has been a prominent force in the music world lately, but Joshua Hyslop is not following a trend. He's the real deal, and has been for some time, now releasing his newest album "In Deepest Blue." The album is defined by it's subtlety mixed with powerful lyrics. Hyslop is an excellent storyteller and does not need flash and innovation to showcase his talents. Songs such as "The Flood," "Living & Dying," and "Gone" are the defining moments on the album. Joshua Hyslop may not be a household name like some other folkies, but he can hold his own, and shows just why all music fans should take notice on his latest album.

#reviewoftheweek / Circles Around The Sun - Interludes For The Dead

When the Grateful Dead decided that they were going to have some 50th anniversary shows, their fans went nuts, and quickly these shows became some of the biggest events in the band's history. But who would have guessed that the music that would play over the loudspeakers in between sets would become such a big deal. This album consists of that such music, a jazzy mix of jam rock created specifically for these events. This is the type of music you listen to in the background, but if you listen closely, it holds up as foreground music as well. Comprised of some jam band all star musicians, Circles Around The Sun is a band that, if desired, could record and tour as an entity on its own. For now, enjoy what the fans enjoyed between jamming out with the Dead during the summer of 2015.

#reviewoftheweek / Marc Broussard - Magnolias & Mistletoe

Marc Broussard's new Christmas collection is a roots rock holiday masterpiece. The thing about the collection is that it's not hard hitting soulful rock like we're used to from Broussard. Rather, it's a poignant collection of mostly traditional Christmas classics, sung by one of the most soulful voices in rock music. It's not about partying and having a good time. The collection is more about reflection and celebration. There are a few originals thrown in for good measure including the excellent "Almost Christmas." Broussard is a true musical talent, and sometimes it's just great to listen to him sing. This is a great way to do that as well as celebrate the season.

#reviewoftheweek / Train - Christmas In Tahoe

Christmas is one of the best times of the year to get into music. Usually it's year end "best of" lists and holiday tunes all over the radio and the internet, and this year Train has thrown their hat into the ring. Previously, they had released the single "Shake Up Christmas" which can be found on this album, but now they have put together a full collection! Featured on the album you will find a mix of originals and classics, both traditional and contemporary. The best of the collection are "This Christmas" and "What Christmas Means To Me." They've also included great renditions of greats like "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "O Holy Night," and "Happy Christmas (War Is Over)." It's the next logical progression in a career that has been fruitful and lengthy, and Train's Christmas collection is a great addition to every holiday playlist.

BURN THIS / December 2015

1. The Cat Empire "Wolves"
2. G. Love & Special Sauce (featuring Ozomatli) "Let's Have A Good Time"
3. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats "Trying So Hard Not To Know"
4. Josh Ritter "Birds Of The Meadow"
5. Alabama Shakes "Shoegaze"
6. Bronze Radio Return "Light Me Up"
7. The Wild Feathers "Overnight"
8. Lissie "Hero"
9. My Morning Jacket "In Its Infancy (The Waterfall)"
10. Moon Taxi "Always"
11. Trey Anastasio "The Song"
12. Koa "What Now"
13. Trevor Hall (featuring Luka Lesson) "Forgive"
14. Newton Faulkner "Get Free"
15. Sawyer Fredricks "Take It All"
16. Andrew Ripp "Animal"
17. Escondido "Heart Is Black"
18. Mike Dunn "Faith Healer"
19. Chris Trapper "Everything Was Possible"
20. Aaron Espe "Beyond The Sun"