BURN THIS / May 2015

1. Ryan Montbleau Band "Pacing Like Prince"
2. Bhi Bhiman "Moving To Brussels"
3. Allen Stone "Upside"
4. Leon Bridges "Coming Home"
5. Tom Freund (featuring Ben Harper) "Angel Eyes"
6. Jose Gonzalez "Open Book"
7. The Lone Bellow "Watch Over Us"
8. Good Old War "Tell Me What You Want From Me"
9. Rhett Miller "Kiss Me On The Fire Escape"
10. Bob Schneider "Han Solo"
11. Hollis Brown "3 Shots"
12. Elenowen "Desert Days"
13. JD McPherson "Head Over Heels"
14. Grace Potter "Alive Tonight"
15. Keller Williams "Mantra"
16. Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers "Waiting On Love"
17. Dawes "Things Happen"
18. Alabama Shakes "Future People"
19. My Morning Jacket "Spring (Among The Living)"
20. Sam Roberts Band "Counting The Days"

#reviewoftheweek / Tom Freund - Two Moons

Tom Freund is one of those musicians that, every time you hear his music, you are amazed that he not more famous or popular. But, the music suits the type of musician he is. Freund is a true west coast folk singer/songwriter and transports you on his journey through every lyric. On the first track, "Angel Eyes," he reteams with friend and collaborator Ben Harper, for one of the album's best songs. The album also features appearances by Serena Ryder on "Lemme Be Who I Wanna Be" and Brett Dennen on "Weekend Guy." The album is like listening to an old soul or a friend you've know for years. His music is personal, yet allows the listener to be inside each story, and essentially a part of Freund's life. "Happy Days Lunch Box" is a clever lyrically, and "Same Old Shit Different Day" is both comedic and poignant. Tom Freund is a diamond in the rough, but that's one of the reasons all his music, especially this album, is so awesome.

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.

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.

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

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.

CD REVIEW: Tom Freund "X-mas In Texas"

A short little collection of Christmas tunes, Tom Freund's foray into the holiday spirit is wonderful. He brings his vibe to a few originals an a Christmas classic, connecting his holiday warmth and experience with the listener. He's a remarkable songwriter and shows that no matter the subject or arena, he is able to deliver.

CD REVIEW: Tom Freund "Fit To Screen"

Tom Freund is one of those musicians that doesn't get the recognition he deserves. Sure he's been around for a while and made a ton of great records. His last was produced by and featured Ben Harper, and although he did get some more exposure, coupling with Ben Harper again didn't give him the boost he needed to become as recognized as acts like Jack Johnson and Ray LaMontagne. Needless to say, Freund continues to make music and he continues to get better. His music is perfect California folk rock and is rooted by his lyrics and his love for the influence of jazz. Upright bass has always been a staple for Fruend, and the subtleties of the music showcase both his unique voice and his outstanding skills as a musician and songwriter. Songs like "Ghost In This Town" and "Little Room Of Mine" are welcome additions to his repertoire and consequently two performances that are among his best. "Truly Mellow" shows off his truly mellow side, and although this EP is just a quick five songs, Freund shows off more than just his mellowness. He's shows off how spectacular a musician he is, and despite the fact he isn't selling out stadiums and amphitheaters, he still is making music just as good, if not better, than those who are making it big.