CD REVIEW: Brooke Waggoner "Go Easy Little Doves"

Brooke Waggoner, with her latest release, is at her creative best. Her previous releases have showcased her ability to write great pop songs, and on this album, she is showing off her ability to be artistic, yet still not alienate her fans. Her sound, and her progression from release to release, actually is very reminiscent of Fiona Apple, and if Brooke plays her cards right that level of success is sure to follow. The album's title track as well as "Femmes" and "Find Her Floods" are wonderfully beautiful compositions. On this piano driven album, Brooke Waggoner has shown that you can still make beautiful music without having to emphasize making hit songs. Artistry is sometimes all you need.

CD REVIEW: Basement Jaxx "Scars"

One of the most prolific electronic artists in the past twenty years, Basement Jaxx have returned to the airwaves with a new, incredibly inventive album. They have always been know for their genre bending club jams, as well as their creative collaborations, and their newest album does not disappoint on either of those. Musicians such as Sam Sparro, Lightspeed Champion, Santigold, and even Yoko Ono have all contributed to the mix, adding their own unique stamp on the tracks they appear on. "Raindrops" is classic Basement Jaxx, while the title track, "Feelings Gone," and "My Turn" display a slightly updated approach as they boldly leap into a new decade. Basement Jaxx are truly an entity that is necessary and welcome in the electronic world, and they continue to amaze with their creative compositions.

CD REVIEW: Kings Of Convenience "Declaration Of Dependence"

It's hard to believe that this is only the third album from Kings Of Convenience, since it feels like they have been making and releasing music forever. But it's true, and this new collection of thirteen originals is just as good as everything they've released previously. This album includes a recording which is actually the title of their last album, "Riot On An Empty Street." Each and every song features Kings Of Convenience's signature Simon & Garfunkel meets Brit pop sound. Adding to their already vast array of incredible compositions, "Mrs. Cold" and "Boat Behind" are classics in the making. The artwork on the album features the boys on a beach somewhere, sitting under a palm tree, making music and that is exactly the mood that the album sets. This is truly a record that you can find yourself getting lost in, and surely one that you'd want to have with you on the beach this summer as you lounge in your hammock as waves crash on the shore. Can't to the coast? Well, fear not, this album will transport you there from the comfort of your own space.

CD REVIEW: Lee Everton "Sing A Song For Me"

It's probably hard to grasp the concept of a reggae singer coming from Switzerland, but there is at least one worth knowing about. Lee Everton recently released his second album and, like the first, it goes from end to end with authentic reggae music that is as good as anything coming out of the Caribbean. His mellow voice is reminiscent of folk singers like Jose Gonzalez and Matt Costa, but his music is more along the lines of Bob Marley and the Police. In fact, the song "I Got To Keep On Moving" sounds like it could have been a hit by the Police, but it is one of Everton's best originals. "A Little Light" showcases his softer side, highlighting his lyrical prowess. This guy truly is an unknown, but surely on the heels of this album it won't be long before the reggae world embraces their brightest new shining star.

BURN THIS / April 2010

1. Barefoot Truth "Spoonful"
2. Justin Ratowsky "Stop"
3. Jay Malinowski "Santa Monica"
4. Angus & Julia Stone "Big Jet Plane"
5. Timmy Curran "Castle"
6. ALO "Big Appetite"
7. Rey Fresco "Precious Time"
8. Iration "Time Bomb"
9. Dirty Heads "Lay Me Down"
10. Ozomatli (featuring Jack Johnson) "It's Only Paper"
11. Citizen Cope "Healing Hands"
12. Matt Morris "Love"
13. Jason Mraz "Kickin' With You"
14. Josh Rouse "I Will Live On Islands"
15. Tom Freund "Ghost In This Town"
16. JBM "Ambitions & War"
17. Jakob Dylan "Nothing But The Whole Wide World"
18. Joe Pug "Messenger"
19. Robert Francis "Darkness"
20. Brandi Carlile "That Year"

CD REVIEW: The Bamboos "4"

Funk has never been better than it is when it comes from the Bamboos. Their special blend of their Australian flavor, traditional 70's style funk, and acid jazz makes them one of the most unique instrumental bands releasing music these days. Elements of hip hop and world music styles also find their way into the bands fourth album, aptly titled "4." Kylie Auldist makes a very huge presence on this album, appearing as the vocalist on seven tracks. She had previously only appeared as a guest, but now she is a full time member of the band. Rap vocals appear on this album on only one track, less prominent than in previous releases. Lyrics Born lends his vocal styling to the album's standout track "Turn It Up," which is just as funky as anything he has released on his own. "On The Sly" is an incredible song mixing funk and soul seamlessly, breaking down genre barriers on what is sure to be the album's cornerstone song. The Bamboos are basically the most exciting instrumental funk band in the world right now, and their latest album just proves exactly why that statement is true.

CD REVIEW: John Butler Trio "April Uprising"

First they took their homeland of Australia by storm, creating some of the most inventive, forward thinking, and charged up rock music created in recent years. Now, they are poised to bring their most cohesive record yet to the shores of the USA, unleashing a new array of rock songs which will amaze both die hard and new fans alike. Granted this is their fourth album to be released stateside, but it is their first that feels more like a complete thought than just a collection of incredible songs. The first single, "One Way Road," is taking the airwaves by storm with it's political firestorm and a simple message about how going the wrong way is just a plain old bad idea. "Close To You," the second single in Australia is certain to become a huge hit in on US airwaves, both on alternative rock and AAA radio. The album has it all: rock, punk, reggae, country, and good old fashioned folk music. Other albums standouts include "Ragged Mile," "I'd Do Anything," and "Don't Wanna See Your Face." It culminates with an incredibly heartfelt song about his son called "A Star Is Born." John Butler Trio is both an incredible force in the music industry and as social activists. Their music has meaning much more than many other bands and songs on the radio these days, and they should be commended for not being afraid to unleash it on the world.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• The Bamboos - 4
• Barenaked Ladies - All In Good Time
• Mae - (a)fternoon
• Jon McLaughlin - The Early Recordings
• Mishka - Talk About
• Angus & Julia Stone - Down The Way
• Turin Brakes - Outbursts

CD REVIEW: Snow Patrol "Up To Now"

It's hard to believe that Snow Patrol have been around long enough to have a "Best Of" collection, but it is always forgotten that these Brits had released three albums before making a splash stateside. This collection of songs, spanning two discs, includes all their greatest songs from all their albums, including the independent records released before "Final Straw." Highlights of this two disc set include the hit singles "Chasing Cars," "Crack The Shutters," "Run," "Take Back The City," and "Hands Open." Also included are new songs such as the single "Just Say Yes" and a new version of "An Olive Grove Facing The Sea." The band's collaboration with Martha Wainwright, "Set Fire To The Third Bar," also makes an appearance as well as their incredible cover of Beyonce's "Crazy In Love." Each disc culminates with a live version of two of the bands most popular singles: "Run" and "Chasing Cars." This album is truly for the die hard fan of Snow Patrol, however, anyone just in it for the hit songs will be pleasantly surprised to hear how good the lesser known Snow Patrol music is as well.

CD REVIEW: The Bravery "Stir The Blood"

The boys from across the pond are back with their latest effort, and it's just as good as the rest. Their debut album put them on the map and their second scored some major points with rock fans, however, this album hasn't had the mass media promotion of the past. That doesn't mean it's not as good, it jsut means that, sadly, not as many will get to know it. "I Have Seen The Future" and the first single "Slow Poison" are as good as ever, showcasing the rock-meets-electronic sound that The Bravery have been known for. The Bravery are one of today's premiere alternative rock bands, and the fact that they are able to continue to turn out great rock records means that they are sure to continue on this path for some time.