CD REVIEW: Rachael Cantu "Far And Wide"

Rachael Cantu is a lot like Tegan and Sara were when they were first starting out. Her music is mellow and features clever arrangements and lyricism, yet still highly organic. She doesn't not rely on heavy production, and is highlighted by the fact that her music is so down to Earth. The sound of the album is typical indie rock, with twists and turns thrown in for good measure. The first track on the album, and possibly the best, is "Devil's Tunder" which has an almost gospel feel to it. The closing track, another standout, "Little Ocean Town" dials the music back all the way to showcasing her vocals and her guitar. Cantu is a gem in the music world, and it's a shame that she is not more widely known. With this album, which features a guest vocal appearance from Tegan Quin, she is sure to begin the climb to indie rock stardom as her friends, the Quin sisters, already have.

CD REVIEW: Barefoot Truth "Threads"

Roots rock music is a special type of genre of music. It's a cross between traditional American rock and roll and sixties folk music, with an emphasis on organic sounds and instrumentation. Barefoot Truth is a prime example of what it is to be a great roots rock band. Barefoot Truth, on the heels of this album, are poised to fill the void left by the breakup of independent roots rock legends Dispatch. The album has a handful of excellent tracks that showcase their live band sound in the studio. "Damage Done" is an updated version of an older track that is one of the harder rockers on the album, preceded by a didgeridoo-filled instrumental track "JaJu Call." The star of the disc is "Spoonful," which is incredibly heavy on acoustic guitar and shows off the band's love for reggae music. "All Good Reasons," a previously released single, appears on the album and has already become a classic Barefoot Truth tune. "From The Earth" and "Roots Of Stone" show off their earthy jam band qualities and are sure to become staples of their live setlists. Horns and harmonica are also found throughout the album, adding yet another layer to the band's already intricate orchestration. So far, this is the best independently released album of 2010, and it's so good it may still be come year's end.

CD REVIEW: Greg Laswell "Covers"

It's incredibly fun when a musician takes on a covers project. When they are able to put their own spin on very unique and classic songs, musicians can reignite a love for the original artist and at the same time increase their own fanbase infinitely. Greg Laswell is always good for a good cover song, and this time he takes on five incredibly unique songs by very different original artists. His take on Maxwell's "This Woman's Work" is beautiful and turns the classic R&B track into an acoustic ballad. He does wonders with Kristen Hersh's "Your Ghost" and Echo & The Bunnymen's "The Killing Moon," turning them into tracks that could fool listeners into thinking they were his own. Laswell is a master musician. What he does, regardless of whether or not they are his original songs, is always surprising and outstanding.

CD REVIEW: Sean Bones "Rings"

It is becoming increasingly hard, in the music industry, to set yourself apart from the pack. As a member of the indie rock band Sam Champion, Sean Bones has been able to be part of some great musical moments. On his own, with this solo project, he has elevated his game to a new level. He has managed to combine his indie sound with authentic dancehall reggae rhythms and beats of Jamaica. Vampire Weekend is probably the nearest comparison that can be made to this album's sound, but it's less worldly and more centered on the sounds of real reggae. It's as if Bob Marley & The Wailers were an indie rock band! "Instigator" and "Dancehall" are the possibly the most authentic on the album, and transport your right to the heart of Jamaica. Another song that is drenched in sunshine is "Sugar In My Spoon." Norah Jones makes a guest vocal appearance on the album's closing track, a slower ballad-like song called "Turn Them." After such and incredibly successful solo debut, Sean Bones may not want to return to his day job. Hands down, this is one of the coolest sounding reggae albums in recent years.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• Barefoot Truth - Threads
• Jay Malinowksi - Bright Lights & Bruises
• Joe Pug - Messenger

CD REVIEW: David Gray "Draw The Line"

When David Gray fist made waves on American soil with is album "White Ladder" he was compared to everyone under the sun in the singer/songwriter world, when in fact he was a quite unique musician. So many years later, David Gray has returned to that same form with his latest release "Draw The Line," quite possibly his best album since "White Ladder." Although this latest doesn't have the same ambiance as songs like "Babylon" and doesn't feature subdued syncopated percussion, it does have the same lyrical mastery. The lead single "Fugitive" is definitely his best since "Babylon" and "Please Forgive Me" graced the airwaves. It's got the same feel and energy of both songs, with a updated style that can compete with even the brightest new young talent. "Stella The Artist" and the title track are also phenomenal, and the entire album as a whole is an excellent listen from start to finish. David Gray has proven that you don't have to make outstanding album every time, but if you make a few great ones at strategic times, you will have staying power in such a tough industry.

CD REVIEW: Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons "Death Won't Send A Letter"

Somewhere on the border between country music and the blues sits Cory Chisel and his brand of American rock. Their new full length album, produced by Chisel and Brendan Benson, is full of outstanding compositions. Some songs were also co-written by Benson and feature members of Benson's band the Raconteurs. The album starts off with "Born Again" which is easily the best song on the album. It is a edgy blues rocker that shows off Chisel's great lyricism. The lyrics take center stage on songs like "Tennessee" which is a slow acoustic track displaying the essence of who Chisel is as a musician. Other standouts are "Angel Of Mine" and "Love Is Gone" but every song on this album are good enough to hear on the radio. Cory Chisel is at the front of the newest generation of musical geniuses and this awesome album is sure to keep him at the top for some time.

CD REVIEW: Landon Pigg "The Boy Who Never"

Landon Pigg has always be an under-the-radar kind of performer. He didn't make too many waves with his debut album, but managed to gain a huge fanbase and a springboard with which he launched into the next faze of his career. Thanks to clever placement to his digital single "Falling In Love At A Coffee Shop" in a television commercial, Landon was able to make a pretty big name for himself. The single gets a reworking on his second full length album, further increasing its excellence. Both versions of the song are excellent on their own as well. This album features more of Pigg's incredible lyricism, as heard on songs like "Made For Glory" and "A Ghost." "A Ghost" also showcases the soulfulness of Landon's voice combined with an old school sound that is right out of the 1950s. Landon Pigg is a quiet force in the music world, and with his ability to write a heartfelt pop song that connects to the heartstrings of his listeners, he will remain at the top.

CD REVIEW: Tegan & Sara "Sainthood"

Not their most ambitious recording, Tegan and& Sara's newest album "Sainthood" is certainly one of their best. Again produced by Death Cab For Cutie member Chris Walla, the girls up the ante with a more electronic album than in previous efforts. Just as their last was heavy on cutting edge production, Walla pulls not stops in helping to create a sonic masterpiece that is very similar to their critically acclaimed album "The Con." On the first single "Hell," Tegan and Sara recreate the signature sound that has made them popular in the indie scene and now to a wider audience. Their interesting style of harmonization is very unique and only heightened by the fact that they have incredibly similar voices due to the fact they are twin sisters. "Alligator" is probably their best song since "Walking With The Ghost" and is destined to become a signature identifier of their current sound. Other standout songs are "Don't Rush" and "Paperback Head." The girls from the great white north are certainly still at the top of their and continue to make incredibly unique alternative rock, incorporating as much inventive styling as possible.

CD REVIEW: Colbie Caillat "Breakthrough"

It's kind of hard to believe that Colbie Caillat decided to name her second album "Breakthrough" when in fact it was her first that was a breakthrough creation. This album is just as good as her debut album and is sure to produce just as many hit songs as the first. But, nothing on this album is a 'breakthrough'! Her signature sound is wallpapered all over every single track, with some of her best compositions included. The single "Fallin' For You" and "I Never Told You" are full of sun drenched acoustic pop and are easy to sing along with on the radio. By far, the best song on the track is a classic fan favorite that finally got to see the light of day. The duet with Jason Reeves, "Droplets," is that song and was also co-written with Reeves, along with many of the other tracks. Caillat puts together another outstanding record and it will keep her relevant in the music industry for quite some time.