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REVIEW: Rebelution - Peace Of Mind

2012-01-25T10:50:00.002-05:00

Rebelution's latest release is a bit of an undertaking on their part. Essentially they have released 3 full length albums. The first is "Peace Of Mind," a collection of brand new original reggae fueled tracks that is their best yet. The other two are the first album reinvented. "Peace Of Mind Dub" is a remix album by Michael Goldwasser of Easy Star Allstars which takes the already excellent reggae sound of Rebelution's new album and revamps it into a dirty funky dub reggae masterpiece. This is the kind of stuff that you'd excpect to hear coming straight out of Jamaica. The third in the set is an acoustic take on the full length album, showing off the intricacies of the songs, focusing on the lyrics and melody, rather than the funk and reggae. "Peace Of Mind Acoustic" solidifies Rebelution as a force in the reggae world, showing that the band is not just all about being fun and funky, but the whole package of making music is very important to them. As for the songs, there are some really great tunes on here. "Sky Is The Limit," the album's debut single, is by far Rebelution's most energetic song and bridges their signature style with the accessibility of mainstream alternative and reggae rock music. "Route Around" is the gem of the collection, sowing a softer more poignant side of the band. SOJA's Jacob Hemphill and Blues Traveler's John Popper make guest appearances on the disc, and each of their songs is amplified by their contributions. Rebelution is blasting to the forefront of their genre and is now a force to be reckoned with.

New Release Tuesday

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

New music out today worth checking out:

Madi Diaz - Plastic Moon
Craig Finn - Clear Heat Full Eyes
K'naan - More Beautiful Than Silence
moe. - What Happened To The La La's
Grace Woodroofe - Always Want

REVIEW: The White Buffalo - The Lost & Found EP & Once Upon A Time In The West

2012-01-17T09:17:00.000-05:00

The White Buffalo has been around the block a few times, but he finally has landed in a spot when the recognition he deserves will certainly find him. The recent release of "The Lost And Found EP" and the pending release of his album "One Upon A Time In The West" show off a musical talent that is far beyond what is comprehensible in today's musical world. He has been doing the folk rock thing for a while, long before anyone cared about listening to an acoustic guitar or kicking back with some mellow tunes. The difference is that he delivers with an intensity that can be compared to that of a metal band or even Johnny Cash (who he is compared to all the time). The first singles "How The West Was Won" and "The Pilot" are featured on both releases, giving the listener a pure idea of the music that The White Buffalo is capable of. American rock and roll are the cornerstone, with a heavy emphasis on folk and his acoustic guitar. The White Buffalo's deep voice is what make him stand out, but what makes him a valuable piece of the folk rock community are songs like "Wish It Was True" and "Sleepy Little Town." These songs show off his masterful and poetic lyrics and meld them securely with the music to create a package that epitomizes American folk rock music. AAA and alternative rock radio should make space and time in their rotations for this music, as The White Buffalo is a diamond in the rough just waiting to be discovered by the masses.

REVIEW: Michael Kiwanuka's EPs - Tell Me A Tale, I'm Getting Ready, & Home Again

2012-01-17T09:05:00.000-05:00

Michael Kiwanuka is a bright new talent out of the UK doing some throwback music that translates well with the folk rock trends that have recently come out of the indie world. Recently, Kiwanuka has released 3 EPs that showcase his old soul and folk sensibilities. The singles "I'm Getting Ready" and "Home Again" invoke just as much Bob Dylan as they do Al Green, and Kiwanuka's delivery comes from a place that is rooted deeply the music of the 60's and 70's. Fans of current musicians like Ray LaMontagne and even indie rockers such as The Head And The Heart will find Kiwanuka's music inviting and satisfying. His track "Tell Me A Tale" is the song that will make your head turn, as it is a mix of 70's funk and soul and 60's folk, featuring horns that set the mood wonderfully. He is poised to make a huge name for himself once his debut full length isreleased, and after the hugely successful year for old souls (i.e. Adele), it will set him up for equalled success.

New Release Tuesdday

2012-01-17T08:36:00.000-05:00

New music out today worth checking out:

Jessie Baylin - Little Spark

New Release Tuesday

2012-01-10T10:35:00.002-05:00

New music out today worth checking out:

Rebelution - Peace Of Mind
Snow Patrol - Fallen Empires

BURN THIS / January 2012

2012-01-01T21:11:00.000-05:00

Zach Heckendorf "All The Right Places"
Cris Cab "No Hatred"
Rebelution "Sky Is The Limit"
SOJA "Strength To Survive"
The Green "Love & Affection"
Rootdown "All I Wanna Do"
Passafire "Dimming Sky"
Three Legged Fox "Let You Down"
Barefoot Truth "Eagle Front"
Trevor Hall "Good Rain"
Chadwick Stokes (featuring Sierra Leone's Refugee Allstars) "Coffee And Wine"
Piers Faccini "Tribe"
Zee Avi "Milestone Moon"
Release The Sunbird "No Light"
Josh Rouse & The Long Vacations "Movin' On"
Good Old War "Calling Me Names"
Mike Doughty "Strike Motion"
Sam Roberts Band "Without A Map"
Mat Kearney "Ships In The Night"
Parachute "Something To Believe In (Jeremiah)"

THE 30 BEST ALBUMS OF 2011

2011-12-31T00:01:00.000-05:00

Dawes - Nothing Is Wrong
Brett Dennen - Loverboy
The Head And The Heat - The Head And The Heart
O.A.R. - King
G. Love - Fixin' To Die
Dispatch - Dispatch EP
Bon Iver - Bon Iver
Matt Nathanson - Modern Love
Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors - Chasing Someday
Death Cab For Cutie - Codes And Keys
My Morning Jacket - Circuital
Sam Roberts Band - Collider
Trevor Hall - Everything Everytime Everywhere
Bahamas - Pink Strat
Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto
The Black Keys - El Camino
Mat Kearney - Young Love
Release The Sunbird - Come Back To Us
Bob Schneider - A Perfect Day
Needtobreathe - The Reckoning
William Fitzsimmons - Gold In The Shadow
Amos Lee - Mission Bell
Ryan Adams - Ashes & Fire
Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
Chadwick Stokes - Simmerkane II
Barefoot Truth - Carry Us On
Mike Doughty - Yes And Also Yes
Zee Avi - Ghostbird
Jessica Lea Mayfield - Tell Me
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"

2011-12-29T22:18:00.001-05:00

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"

2011-12-29T21:36:00.001-05:00

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

2011-12-13T08:13:00.001-05:00

New music out today worth checking out:

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

New Release Tuesday

2011-12-06T11:30:00.000-05:00

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

2011-12-01T00:01:00.013-05:00

The Fray "Heartbeat"
Jon McLaughlin (featuring Xenia) "Maybe It's Over"
Tim Blane "Magnetic"
Kina Grannis "In Your Arms"
Steve Moakler "Waiting"
Mat Kearney "Count On Me"
Javier Colon (featuring Adam Levine) "Stand Up"
Dia Frampton "The Broken Ones"
William Fitzsimmons "The Winter From Her Leaving"
Ed Sheeran "Lego House"
Joshua Hyslop "Cold Wind"
Chris Trapper (featuring Rob Thomas) "Here All Along"
Will Dailey & The Rivals "How Good It Feels"
Bronze Radio Return "Shake, Shake, Shake"
Greg Holden "I Don't Believe You"
Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers "Roots And Wings"
Matthew Mayfield "Fire Escape"
Needtobreathe "Slumber"
The White Buffalo "The Pilot"
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

2011-11-15T13:15:00.003-05:00

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

2011-11-08T12:12:00.006-05:00

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

2011-11-01T00:01:00.021-04:00

Grace Woodroofe (featuring Ben Harper) "I've Handled Myself Wrong"
Piers Faccini "My Wilderness"
Josh Garrels "White Owl"
Chadwick Stokes "Rainsong"
The White Buffalo "I Wish It Was True"
John Craigie "Boston In November"
Joshua Hyslop "If I Was A Better Man"
Michael Kiwanuka "I'm Getting Ready"
Ed Sheeran "The A Team"
Ben Howard "Three Tree Town"
Greg Holden "Following Footsteps"
The Milk Carton Kids "Michigan"
Bobby Long "Dead And Done"
Lisa Hannigan (featuring Ray LaMontagne) "O Sleep"
Mason Jennings "Clutch"
The Head And The Heart "Coeur d'Alene"
Caitlin Rose "Shanghai Cigarettes"
The Belle Brigade "Losers"
Motopony "King Of Diamonds"
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

2011-10-25T13:56:00.003-04:00

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

2011-10-18T12:48:00.000-04:00

New music out today worth checking out:

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

New Release Tuesday

2011-10-11T06:00:00.001-04:00

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

2011-10-04T11:42:00.005-04:00

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

2011-10-01T08:00:00.005-04:00

The White Buffalo "How The West Was Won"
Dispatch "Broken American"
Mike Doughty "Vegetable"
Bronze Radio Return "Down There"
Gary Clark Jr. "Bright Lights"
Matthew Mayfield "Missed Me"
Needtobreathe "Drive All Night"
Gabe Dixon "My Favorite"
Gavin DeGraw "Not Over You"
Rachael Yamagata "Starlight"
Joseph Arthur "Over The Sun"
James Vincent McMorrow "Sparrow And The Wolf"
Lisa Hannigan "Knots"
Josh Rouse & The Long Vacations "Oh, Look What The Sun Did!"
Kina Grannis "The One You Say Goodnight To"
Will Dailey & The Rivals "Counting On Karma"
Tyler James "The Only One"
Madi Diaz "Let's Go"
matt pond PA "Love To Get Used"
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

2011-09-27T07:55:00.000-04:00

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

2011-09-20T07:22:00.000-04:00

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

2011-09-13T09:30:00.000-04:00

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"

2011-09-08T13:00:00.001-04:00

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?"

2011-09-08T12:48:00.000-04:00

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"

2011-09-08T12:38:00.000-04:00

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"

2011-09-08T12:23:00.000-04:00

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

2011-09-06T08:54:00.000-04:00

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"

2011-09-04T20:54:00.000-04:00

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"

2011-09-04T20:41:00.000-04:00

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

2011-09-01T08:00:00.020-04:00

Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers "Gravity"
O.A.R. "Dangerous Connection"
Barefoot Truth "Worth"
Chadwick Stokes "Adelaide"
Trevor Hall "The Return"
Zee Avi "Swell Window"
Tom Freund "Sweetly Calling My Name"
Will Hoge "When I Get My Wings"
Marc Broussard "Lucky"
Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors "Anywhere But Here"
Graham Colton "1981"
Mat Kearney "Down"
Ari Hest "If I Knew You'd Say Yes"
Mike Doughty "Na Na Nothing"
Mason Jennings "Raindrops On The Kitchen Floor"
Guster "Big White Bed"
Sam Roberts Band "Streets Of Heaven (Promises, Promises)"
Bob Schneider "Penelope Cruz"
Brett Dennen "Song For Leaving"
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

2011-08-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

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"

2011-08-23T23:55:00.000-04:00

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"

2011-08-23T23:17:00.000-04:00

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

2011-08-23T06:00:00.003-04:00

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"

2011-08-16T10:30:00.000-04:00

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"

2011-08-16T09:52:00.000-04:00

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"

2011-08-16T09:46:00.000-04:00

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

2011-08-16T08:00:00.003-04:00

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"

2011-08-11T21:18:00.000-04:00

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"

2011-08-11T21:04:00.000-04:00

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"

2011-08-11T20:54:00.000-04:00

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"

2011-08-11T20:41:00.000-04:00

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

2011-08-09T10:41:00.000-04:00

New music out today worth checking out:

Gary Clark Jr. - Bright Lights

New Release Tuesday

2011-08-02T12:36:00.001-04:00

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

2011-08-01T08:00:00.016-04:00

Zee Avi "The Book Of Morris Johnson"
Release The Sunbird "Come Back To Us"
Tom Freund "Wounded Surfer Boy"
Brett Dennen "Can't Stop Thinking"
Matt Nathanson "Modern Love"
Jesse Harris "The Secret Sun"
Jessica Lea Mayfield "Blue Skies Again"
Lissie "Little Lovin'"
Dawes "Coming Back To A Man"
The Alternate Routes "Kiss Me"
Sam Roberts Band "Let It In"
Dispatch "Con Man"
Bag Of Toys "That's The Girl"
Two Spot Gobi "Light On"
Ed Sheeran "You Need Me, I Don't Need You"
Lex Land "Havana"
Cara Salimando "Dust"
Parachute "You & Me"
Andy Grammer "Keep Your Head Up"
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

2011-07-26T11:34:00.002-04:00

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"

2011-07-19T21:51:00.000-04:00

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"

2011-07-19T21:37:00.000-04:00

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

2011-07-19T21:29:00.000-04:00

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

2011-07-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

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

2011-07-05T08:37:00.000-04:00

New music out today worth checking out:

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

BURN THIS / July 2011

2011-07-01T09:28:00.009-04:00

Chadwick Stokes "Back To The Races"
Trevor Hall "Brand New Day"
O.A.R. "Heaven"
Kate Voegele "Sunshine In My Sky"
Hayley Sales "Just Pretend"
Current Swell "Young And Able"
Mat McHugh "Go Don't Stop"
Bahamas "Sunshine Blues"
The Head And The Heart "Rivers And Roads"
TFDI "When I Stop Runnin'"
Dispatch "Valentine"
Cody Beebe & The Crooks "Waiting On You"
Burlap To Cashmere "Build A Wall"
Still Time "Call It What You Want"
Eliot Morris "Handmade"
Chris Velan "Same Clothes"
Jason Spooner "Crashing Down"
Brett Dennen "Comeback Kid (That's My Dog)"
Dawes "Time Spent In Los Angeles"
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"

2011-06-29T14:04:00.001-04:00

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

2011-06-28T21:31:00.000-04:00

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

2011-06-21T09:30:00.013-04:00

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

2011-06-07T07:51:00.001-04:00

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

2011-06-01T12:54:00.019-04:00

Graham Colton "Pacific Coast Eyes"
Matt Wertz "Everything Will Be Alright"
Brett Dennen "Make You Fall In Love With Me"
Ximena Sariñana "Different"
Mat Kearney "Hey Mama"
William Fitzsimmons (featuring Julia Stone) "Let You Break"
Bob Schneider "Honeypot"
Two Spot Gobi (featuring Jason Mraz) "Tomorrow"
Release The Sunbird "Always Like The Son"
Bahamas "Whole Wide World"
Ernie Halter "Come Home To Me"
Amos Lee "Flower"
Dawes "If I Wanted Someone"
Jessica Lea Mayfield "Grown Man"
Dispatch "Beto"
Trevor Hall "Different Hunger"
Iration "Summer Nights"
Bedouin Soundclash "Fools Tattoo"
The Beautiful Girls "Gratitude"
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"

2011-05-31T09:06:00.000-04:00

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

2011-05-31T08:31:00.000-04:00

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"

2011-05-27T23:11:00.000-04:00

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"

2011-05-27T22:40:00.001-04:00

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.

CD REVIEW: Kate Voegele "Gravity Happens"

2011-05-27T21:40:00.012-04:00

Kate Voegele has been leading a double life as of late, playing herself in real life and her alter ego, Mia, on the television show "One Tree Hill." Mia is basically Kate Voegele in fictional form, but Kate still makes time to be Kate and do what she does. Her latest album is her most mature. She has come a long way since her days as an indie songstress, flirting with major label success, a go-around with backing by MySpace, and now finds herself making her most artistic and musical album at her new home, ATO Records. Songs like the title track showcase her skills as a lyricist, and her pop roots are evident on "Heart In Chains" (which she performed as Mia on TV) and "Sunshine In My Sky." This is the album that Kate Voegele set out to make when she began down her path to a career in music. With this she will solidify herself as the true artist that she has always been and not get lost in an endless sea of pop princesses.

New Release Tuesday

2011-05-24T22:14:00.005-04:00

New music out today worth checking out:

Joseph Arthur - The Graduation Ceremony
Stephen Marley - Revelation, Pt. 1: The Root Of Life

New Release Tuesday

2011-05-17T07:44:00.002-04:00

New music out today worth checking out:

Bahamas - Pink Strat
Andrew Belle - The Ladder (Limited Edition)
Dispatch - Dispatch EP
Ben Harper - Give Till It's Gone
Moby - Destroyed
Parachute - The Way It Was
Rootdown - Tidal Wave
Kate Voegele - Gravity Happens

New Release Tuesday

2011-05-10T07:55:00.001-04:00

New music out today worth checking out:

Sam Roberts Band - Collider

New Release Tuesday

2011-05-03T08:07:00.003-04:00

New music out today worth checking out:

Priscilla Ahn - When I Grow Up
Brandi Carlile - Live At Benaroya Hall
Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues
Galactic - The Other Side Of Midnight: Live In New Orleans

BURN THIS / May 2010

2011-05-01T21:59:00.000-04:00

Dispatch "Melon Bend"
Sam Roberts Band "The Last Crusade"
Bedouin Soundclash "Elongo"
Two Spot Gobi "Guiding Star"
Matt Nathanson "Faster"
Brett Dennen "Surprise, Surprise"
Chris Velan "Any Number Of Ways"
Jason Spooner "Wishing Well"
Jay Nash "Shake It All Off"
William Fitzsimmons "Beautiful Girl"
Bahamas "Already Yours"
Middle Brother "Wilderness"
The Head And The Heart "Down In The Valley"
Schuyler Fisk (featuring Harper Blynn) "Blue Ribbon Winner"
Trent Dabbs "Leave To See"
Matthew Mayfield "Now You're Free"
Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors "Can't Get Enough Of You"
Bob Schneider "Everything Is Cool"
Chamberlin "Paper Crown"
My Morning Jacket "Circuital"

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

New Release Tuesday

2011-04-26T11:11:00.000-04:00

New music out today worth checking out:

Augustana - Augustana
Golden Dogs - Coat Of Arms

New Release Tuesday

2011-04-19T08:00:00.002-04:00

New music out today worth checking out:

Gorillaz - The Fall
The Head And The Heart - The Head And The Heart
Bob Schneider - A Perfect Day

CD REVIEW: Brett Dennen "Loverboy"

2011-04-18T14:44:00.001-04:00

Brett Dennen's fourth album is full of life! Conceptually, it is his most realized and best written complete album to date. The songs on the album are fun, heartfelt, and lyrically robust. He uses his incredible ability to tell stories through song to connect with the listener in ways that only he can manage. "Dancing At A Funeral" is a song that is fun and upbeat about an otherwise depressing subject matter. One of Dennen's best songs ever is "Sydney (I'll Come Running)" which is going to catapult him into a whole new musical bracket. This song is going to do for Brett Dennen what "I'm Yours" did for Jason Mraz. Other highlights are the lead track "Surprise, Surprise," the fun and funky "Make You Fall In Love With Me," and the reggae groove "Can't Stop Thinking." Although Brett Dennen has written and released some incredible songs over the years, he has yet to release an album that is as full and fun as this one. Without changing, he has reinvented himself by giving us a piece of what he loves and bringing us into his world through his music.

CD REVIEW: Matthew Mayfield "Now You're Free"

2011-04-18T14:36:00.000-04:00

Finally, a full length album from Matthew Mayfield graces our ears. Granted Mayfield has bombarded us with killer rock and folk tunes through his EP releases over the past few years, but there's nothing like a fully developed album of great music. Now, the songs contained within the new release are only half new. He has revisited and reinvented some of his past songs, elevating their lyrics and their sound to a whole new level. "Element," a song from his first EP and quite possibly his best lyrics ever, gets the treatment it finally deserves. "Man-Made Machines" and "Fire Escape" shine brighter than ever before, and take great music from Mayfield's catalogue and turn it into what will surely become accessible rock hit songs. The highlight of the album is the title track, which is one of Mayfield's newest. The entire album shows off all of Mayfield's true talents as a performer, songwriter, storyteller and even band leader. Despite the fact that he has relied on his fans and grassroots promotion, Matthew Mayfield's independent album is sure to get a ton of airplay and critical praise.

CD REVIEW: The Low Anthem "Smart Flesh"

2011-04-18T14:28:00.000-04:00

The Low Anthem is one of the most talented and hardest working in the business. That can onl,y lead to one thing: incredible music. Their newest album is their best yet, showcasing their many facets and developing their unique folk sound so that is is not only more accessible to listeners, but deeper and more profound than on prior releases. "Boeing 737" is the biggest surprise on the album, featuring an almost alternative rock feel, but still showcasing Ben Miller's incredible vocals. Their typical and more traditional folk songs are featured at their greatest on the album's first single "Ghost Woman Blues," which is as haunting as the title suggests, and the acoustic driven tracks "Apothecary Love" and "I'll Take Out Your Ashes." The band has the most fun on the song "Hey, All You Hippies!" is reminiscent of late sixties hippie jam band rock. The Low Anthem may not even be extensively on the radio, have songs in heavy rotation, or sell out huge stadiums, but the lack of these things is what makes the band and their music so special. This is the album that will reach out to fans of recent folk music breakouts such as Mumford & Sons and Ray LaMontagne and help to add the Low Anthem to the short list of current great folk artists.

New Release Tuesday

2011-04-12T12:52:00.005-04:00

New music out today worth checking out:

Brett Dennen - Loverboy
Mike Errico - Wander Away
Foo Fighters - Wasting Light
Jamaica - No Problem

New Release Tuesday

2011-04-05T08:14:00.001-04:00

New music out today worth checking out:

Graham Colton - Pacific Coast Eyes
Kina Grannis - Stairwells
Matthew Mayfield - Now You're Free

BURN THIS / April 2011

2011-04-01T13:21:00.000-04:00

William Fitzsimmons "The Tide Pulls From The Moon"
Matt Duke (featuring Cara Salimando) "Love You Anymore"
Ari Hest "Sunset Over Hope Street"
Brooke Fraser "Coachella"
Trey Lockerbie "Moving To Montauk"
Matt Wertz "Running Back To You"
Cary Brothers "Break Off The Bough"
Andrew Belle "The Ladder"
Greg Laswell "You, Now"
Bleu "How Blue"
James Vincent McMorrow "If I Had A Boat"
Ben Ottewell "Lightbulbs"
Nathaniel Rateliff "A Lamb On The Stone"
Middle Brother "Middle Brother"
Good Old War "Get Some"
The Head And The Heart "Lost In My Mind"
Jukebox The Ghost "Schizophrenia"
Walk The Moon "Anna Sun"
The Lonely Forest "Turn Off This Song And Go Outside"
Death Cab For Cutie "You Are A Tourist"

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

New Release Tuesday

2011-03-29T08:00:00.001-04:00

New music out today worth checking out:

Broken Bells - Meyrin Fields
Matt Duke - One Day Die
Peter, Bjorn, & John - Gimme Some
Radiohead - The King Of Limbs

CD REVIEW: William Fitzsimmons "Gold In The Shadow"

2011-03-28T13:01:00.000-04:00

William Fitzsimmons is one of the most talented singer/songwriters ever to release music in the past decade. He has a unique image and an incredibly distinguishable voice, and on his newest album he returns to his roots adding more indie rock, electronic, and upbeat elements to his deep and emotional lyrics. His previous album stemmed from great grief and pain, and his newest deals with similar issues but showcases Fitzsimmons' musical range. He is again joined by some incredible talents and the song "Let You Break" was recorded as two versions featured songstresses Leigh Nash and Julia Stone respectively. The first batch of physical releases feature the Nash version, which will be a limited run. The Julia Stone version is destined to be a successful single for Fitzsimmons. The album's first single is "The Tide Pulls From The Moon" which combines William's vivid imagery with his rootsy folk music, showcasing both in a package that is accessible and relatable. "The Winter From Her Leaving" and "Beautiful Girl" are also standout tracks on an album that will surely turn William Fitzsimmons into a household name. William Fitzsimmons is definitely part of the current cutting edge folk revolution going on in music, and this album fits in beautifully.

CD REVIEW: Alexi Murdoch "Towards The Sun"

2011-03-28T12:48:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since Alexi Murdoch has released new music, but the wait is finally over. He tempted us with a mix of old and new songs on the soundtrack for the movie "Away We Go" and now has included some of those songs, along with new tunes, on his latest album. The album is short, and flirts with being an EP, but it packs a punch. Alexi Murdoch's mellow voice and poignant lyrics are in full effect within each song in this collection. The album is bookended by it's standout tracks, the title track and "Crinan Wood" which clocks in at around 8 minutes in length. Alexi Murdoch is a poet who sings, and with his unique Scottish voice, he delivers his most artistic collection to date.

New Release Tuesday

2011-03-22T23:15:00.000-04:00

New music out today worth checking out:

Williams Fitzsimmons - Gold In The Shadow
Zach Jones - Broken Record
Josh Kelley - Georgia Clay
The Lonely Forest - Arrows
The Strokes - Angles

CD REVIEW: Matt Wertz "Weights & Wings"

2011-03-15T21:51:00.000-04:00

Matt Wertz has been around for awhile creating some infectious pop rock music with positive messages about love and life. Why should this time be any different? Wertz continues down the same path, this time reaching a level of maturity that shows how his music has grown over the years. While many of the songs he has released prior to now have become sing-a-long staples for countless music fans, several songs on this album have the potential to be huge hits. The first two singles from the collection, "Feels So Right" and "Running Back To You," showcase Wertz's brand of accessible pop as good as any of his previous albums. "Everything Will Be Alright" has a bit of reggae flair and songs like "Family" and "Nobody's You" emphasize Matt's lyrics and hs music's sincerity. Matt Wertz may not be a huge superstar, but that doesn't mean that his music is any less great or important. On "Weights & Wings" Matt Wertz proves that his story and songs are the epitome of true music.

CD REVIEW: Soulive "Rubber Soulive"

2011-03-15T13:13:00.000-04:00

Lots of bands record Beatles cover albums. They are usually full of overindulgent versions of the most popular Beatles songs that end up sounding like they were butchered beyond recognition or just a karaoke session. For Soulive, making a Beatles cover album turned out to become one of the band's best recordings ever. They decided to cover recognizable Beatles songs like "Help!," "Come Together," and "Taxman," but with a twist: all songs are purely instrumental and the vocal elements had to be translated into their musical instrumentation. The Beatles' guitar/bass/drums/vocals may not seem like it would translate easily into Soulive's guitar/keys/drums style, but Soulive mastered the arrangements and the results are outstanding. The standout highlight of the album is "Eleanor Rigby" which has you singing along to the music, despite the vocals are left out. Some may think this kind of thing is elevator music, but it is way above that. It's artistic and impressive and only shows the incredibly elevated musicianship of the three members of Soulive. This album is amongst the top Beatles cover albums ever.

CD REVIEW: Middle Brother "Middle Brother"

2011-03-15T13:04:00.000-04:00

In between working with their own bands, the lead singers of Deer Tick, Dawes, and Delta Spirit got together and decided to form a band. What started as an impromptu performance at SXSW last year turned into a full blown mission to write and record music together. The result is one of the best indie-folk-Americana records released in the past few years. Taking influence from all their own bands, mixing their love for their collaborative styles, and throwing in a bit of CSN style harmonizing, the album showcases each member of the band as an incredibly talented musician and the three together as a masterful trio. The songs "Middle Brother" and "Me, Me, Me" are rocking Americana romps that combine hard plucked guitars with bar room lyrics and delivery. The sleeper highlight is the acoustic driven folk tune "Wilderness." Middle Brother may only be a side project, but it seems that the album has kept these guys on their toes and what they've learned from each other is sure to bleed into each of their bands' music.

New Release Tuesday

2011-03-15T11:00:00.000-04:00

New music out today worth checking out:

The Chemical Brothers - Hanna Soundtrack
Kenneth Pattengale & Joey Ryan - Retrospect
Matt Wertz - Weights & Wings

CD REVIEW: Ari Hest "Sunset Over Hope Street"

2011-03-09T10:21:00.000-05:00

It's been quite a long career for Ari Hest who has seen ups and downs on his way to make a name for himself. Ari has always had quite a following and his grassroots efforts in the early stages of his career led to national recognition. Now, he's going indie once again with his latest album, which sees him sitting more behind a piano than slinging his signature acoustic guitar. The lead single, "How Would I Know" is classic Hest, showcasing his storytelling lyrics and his incredible ability to transform the subeject of love and relationships into poetry set to song. The title track is another classic that is sure to drive the albums recongition. Other songs like "One Track Mind" and "Down The Mountain" show off Hest's adventurous side, with songs don't sound like his typical repertoire. Ari Hest's music has always been compared to mega stars like Dave Matthews and John Mayer, but his newest album shows off his artistry, songwriting, and musicianship like never before.

CD REVIEW: Chamberlin "Bitter Blood"

2011-03-09T10:11:00.000-05:00

Where indie rock and southern rock meet, you will usually find My Morning Jacket. Well, Chamberlin and their debut album have joined MMJ on that streetcorner and are staking their claim at this underapprecaited and unique genre. MMJ has always been known as the Radiohead of southern rock and Chamberlain takes its cures from both bands while also adding their unique blues driven rock element to the mix. The song "Dust" is classic indie rock, with sweeping vocals, big blues guitar, and an ambient quality that makes the song magical. The most intriguing and funkiest of the mix is "Paper Crown" which highlights the excellent production of the album, the best of the band's indie rock, and funky vocals that rival both Prince and Jim James. Chamberlin are one of the most talented new bands to hit the scene, and have the chops to create huge success by reaching out to fans of a variety of styles of music.

CD REVIEW: Bright Eyes "The People's Key"

2011-03-09T10:06:00.000-05:00

Conor Oberst's original ego has returned after a hiatus, bringing back the classic indie rock that Bright Eyes in known for, with a bit of a twist. Having departed towards an Americana sound (and two of the best albums of the last few years), Oberst left behind the Bright Eyes sound, shelving it for future use. Amping up the traditional acoustic driven sound, Bright Eyes' newest album reminds us that indie rock is alive and well. Partnering again with Mike Mogis, the new album features, for the first time in a while, radio ready hit songs. "Shell Games:" has the makings of a chart topper, and "Haile Selassie" is poised to be a sleeper success on the charts. The core of Bright Eyes music is evident throughout, with the maturity of Oberst gained through extensive travel, solo albums, and just plain growing up shining at every turn of the album. This may be Bright Eyes' most accessible album to date, while still remaining osbcure enough to stay true to the musical roots that have been previously planted. The musical climate has changed in the past few years, and "The People's Key" has come at a time when the band and the music that it creates will be truly appreciated.

New Release Tuesday

2011-03-08T08:00:00.007-05:00

New music out today worth checking out:

Assembly Of Dust - Found Sound
Hotels & Highways - Lost River
Sarah Jaffe - Even Born Again
Matthew Perryman Jones - Until The Dawn Appears
Lupe Fiasco - Lasers
Alexi Murdoch - Towards The Sun
Jay Nash - Diamonds And Blood

BURN THIS / March 2011

2011-03-01T23:59:00.039-05:00

Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors "Fire & Dynamite"
Augustana "Steal Your Heart"
Bob Schneider "Let The Light In"
Chamberlin "Dust"
James Vincent McMorrow "This Old Dark Machine"
Fistful Of Mercy "Fistful Of Mercy"
Jones Street Station "The Understanding"
Middle Brother "Me, Me, Me"
North Mississippi Allstars "This A'Way"
Will Conner (featuring J.J. Grey) "That's All Right Mama"
John Craigie "Mama Nashville"
Bobby Long "Penance Fire Blues"
Amos Lee "Out Of The Cold"
Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs "God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise"
The Low Anthem "Ghost Woman Blues"
Nathaniel Rateliff "Early Spring Till"
Gregory Alan Isakov "Big Black Car"
The Pines "Lonesome Tremolo Blues"
Haroula Rose "Duluth"
Mason Jennings "So Many Ways To Die"

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

New Release Tuesday

2011-03-01T23:50:00.001-05:00

New music out today worth checking out:

Chamberlin - Bitter Blood
Ari Hest - Sunset Over Hope Street
Pat McGee - No Wrong Way To Make It Right
Middle Brother - Middle Brother
John Popper & The Duskray Troubadours - John Popper & The Duskray Troubadours

CD REVIEW: G. Love "Fixin' To Die"

2011-02-22T11:29:00.001-05:00

When a musician has been making music during a career that spans two decades, it's a challenge to keep the music new, exciting, inventive, and cutting edge. For G. Love, whether with or without his band Special Sauce, he has managed to do it incredibly well, with each subsequent release. He has mastered the art of his own hip hop soul and freestyle blues, dabbling in everything from funk to reggae to folk to blues to jazz to rock. He is truly a jack of all trades when it comes to making music. On his latest, and one of his most complete ideas to date, G. Love goes back to his roots with some dirty, funky acoustic blues. Enlisting the help of new friends, and folk music extraordinaries, the Avett Brothers, G. Love set out to make an album of music that showcased where his love for music comes from, where his musical roots lie, and the fun that can be had with stripped down music and instrumentation. The album's title track is among the album's best, and being that it is a cover of an obscure blues classic, it's only fitting that G. makes it great. He also take the Paul Simon classic "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover" and smothers it with some funky blues as well, breathing new life into an already awesome song. His originals, both old and new, are some of his lyrical best at their simplest and most complex. "Just Fine" is a G. Love classic and "Milk & Sugar" is sure to become a funky live staple for G. Love & Special Sauce on the road. He resurrects his own "Ma Mere," a song about his grandmother, giving it the treatment and audience it deserves. G. lets the Avett boys have a little lead vocal time as well on the track "You've Got To Die" which not only shows off how fun this album is, but also how much fun was had while G. Love and the Avett Brothers made the album. To have two powerhouse performers, both in the studio and live on stage, collaborate on an album together is always one for the ages, and while this is very much a G. Love album, the sound, the energy, and the performance is accentuated by the Avett Brothers. Now all that's left is for the two bands to share the stage as a supergroup and together, bring this album (which sure to be one of the year's best) as well as their own previous recordings to the masses.

CD REVIEW: Trent Dabbs "Southerner"

2011-02-22T10:48:00.000-05:00

Trent Dabbs has been making a music for a long time. He's done it with label backing and on his own, and on his latest independent album, he's finally made his most complete and breathtaking album yet. Rather than just a collection of songs, the entire disc sounds like a complete idea. His quiet folk music takes a back seat for a fuller sound on many songs, including the album's two standouts: "Neil Young" and "Follow Suit." Another great song in the album's lead track "Leave To See" which shows off Dabbs' talents as a songwriter. Trent Dabbs is a warrior when it comes to making music, and although he has has had subtle success throughout his career, it may be this album that finally turns a lot of heads and makes everyone take notice.

CD REVIEW: Jessica Lea Mayfield "Tell Me"

2011-02-22T10:38:00.000-05:00

On her first album she showcased her folk side and her skills with vocal delivery, and her lyricism was well beyond its years. On her newest album she takes all of that to the next level, adding a jazz and blues element to her repertoire that not only elevates her as a musician but shows off her commitment to making great music. Hooking up once again with the Black Keys' Dan Auerbach as producer, she channels the same energy that he brings to his own music and to her first album, blowing away each and every track. "Our Hearts Are Wrong" will become her signature songs, one for which she will be known for during her entire career. But it's not the song on the album that shows off the vibe and energy that is contained within. The lead off track "I'll Be The One You Want Someday" sets the tone for the whole album with it's bluesy feel, and whets the appetite for inventive indie folk and blues rock music. The most surprising track on the album is "Grown Man" which finds itself a little bit in left field with a subtle but evident reggae influence. Jessica Lea Mayfield is a true artist and she takes the singer/songwriter label and crushes it with her ability to think and perform outside of that box.

CD REVIEW: Iration "Fresh Grounds"

2011-02-22T10:30:00.000-05:00

Ever since the popularity of Sublime peaked in the mid-nineties, tons of bands from all over the country tried to master the art of the So-Cal reggae-punk that Sublime performed so well. Iration is one of those bands, and they are at the forefront of the movement. Not a Sublime cookie cutter band, Iration blends their own blend and influences from other bands and genres to pop-punk-reggae music like few others. Their previous album put them on the map with several great songs, but it's this new EP that solidifies their spot and showcases the group as artists. This time around it's not just about a great pop song, a good beat, or a catchy hook. They pour their heart and soul into creating intricate, yet familiar music, with emphasis on lyrics like never before. "Summer Nights" keeps the band on the same path, but it's songs like "No Letter" and "Work It Out" that show off the growth and maturity of a small band doing big things. Iration can easily rise to the same heights as Sublime.

New Release Tuesday

2011-02-22T09:12:00.000-05:00

New music out today worth checking out:

Trent Dabbs - Southerner
G. Love - Fixin' To Die
Joshua James - Sing Songs
The Low Anthem - Smart Flesh

MUSIC VIDEO: The Low Anthem "Ghost Woman Blues"

2011-02-15T13:21:00.004-05:00

Check out the new video by The Low Anthem for the song "Ghost Woman Blues" from their new album "Smart Flesh" out 2/22/11 on Nonesuch Records.

New Release Tuesday

2011-02-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

New music out today worth checking out:

Bright Eyes - The People's Key
Churchill - Happy/Sad
Josh Ritter - To The Yet Unknowing World

CD REVIEW: Churchill "Happy/Sad"

2011-02-14T10:40:00.000-05:00

Indie rock music can be boring, stale, and unrefreshing. Fortunately, indie rockers Churchill have not fallen into that trap. They blend the essence of indie rock music with their own take on folk and pop, making for a collection of music that is as interesting as it is entertaining. The highlight of the album is the first single "Miles," a unique take on a new relationship that belongs in heavy rotation on radio all over the country. The dual male/female vocal combination is a rarity, and is one of the features of the band that makes them special, and it shines on the track "Burn It Down." Coming from the budding Colorado music scene, Churchill's music is a thing of beauty and fans, critics, and industry reps should take notice of a talent that needs to not go unrecognized.

CD REVIEW: Bobby Long "A Winter Tale"

2011-02-14T10:31:00.000-05:00

The blues are alive and well in the young musicians releasing music these days, but they have never been as beautifully sung as when Bobby Long approaches them. His British roots, coupled with his incredible lyrics and guitar chops make his ATO Records debut album one of the best of the year. He matches the subtlety of the instrumentation with the magic of his heartfelt and emotional lyrics, proving that his experience is well beyond his years. "Who Have You Been Loving" is a masterpiece and songs like "A Passing Tale" and "Penance Fire Blues" show off his rough voice, musical passion, and poignant lyrics. Long is an artist following his own path, not attempting to copy anyone or mimic musical trends, making this album something refreshing and great.