CD REVIEW: Harper Blynn "Lonliest Generation"

At first glance, it's a brand new band that has come along showcasing some excellent songwriting and pop music. But, this band has actually been around for a little while. Harper Blynn used to be known as Pete & J. Well, they still are known as that, since the principle members and singers of the band are Pete Harper and Jason Blynn. As Pete & J., the guys released several albums and EPs showing off their Simon & Garfunkel style folk pop music. Their newest incarnation, and new album, takes their folk pop style to a whole new level, emphasizing the full band sound without taking away from their core influences and sound. "This Is It," the first single off of the album is pure pop gold, and along with "25 Years," shows off that their sound is incredible Beatlesque. They have also included a few songs that are reminiscent of their duo days, reminding us that their lyrics and guitars are sometimes all you need to hear. Harper Blynn is bringing back a style of music whose popularity may have been left in the 1960's. They have released an album that both plays off their strengths as musicians and takes their music in a new and exciting direction.

CD REVIEW: Chad Perrone "Release"

Chad Perrone is one of those special musicians that has been around the block a few times, but hasn't yet fully cashed in on his worth. Starting his musical career with indie rock band Averi, Perrone showcased his ability to be a killer frontman and he sung his heart out. Upon going solo, Perrone took the frontman role to the next level and now was the only man. He proved himself over the course of two solo albums, and is back for the third time, this time really letting go. The entire album is excellent, with countless songs that could hold their own on any rock radio station in any part of the country. "Motionless" has the potential to be a successful single on rock radio, and in the right hands or the right ears, could be Perrone's breakout song. His ability to write incredible lyrics is apparent on songs like "Quit You" and "Anything Or Anyone." Great things are on the horizon for Chad Perrone, and his newest album is his vessel out of the unknown.

New Release Tuesday

New releases out today worth checking out:

• Harper Blynn - Lonliest Generation
• Keane - Night Train

CD REVIEW: Aqualung "Magnetic North"

"Magnetic North" is another great album from young singer/songwriter Matt Hales, otherwise known as Aqualung. He always seems to hit it out of the park with each of his new albums, and this, his fourth, is another solid performance. There are a handful of really great songs on this album that are both catchy and artistic. The lead single, Fingertip," is already taking the world by storm and reintroducing music lovers to Aqualung's signature style that he amazed with on his debut album. Sara Bareilles lends her vocals talents (as she has been doing for a lot of musicians lately) to the track "Remember Us" which is a lyrically beautiful song. Other standout tracks include the title track and "New Friend." It's good to hear Aqualung back to true form, writing and performing excellent music, and reminding us that he is still the same musician we remember when he broke onto the scene five years ago.

CD REVIEW: Samuel Ventura "Beautiful Tragedy"

Samuel Ventura is a bright up-and-coming singer/songwriter from upstate New York, and his debut album is an excellent display of lyrically rich pop rock. The entire album is filled with catchy hook, radio friendly songs, and a simplicity that is not always appreciated in music. There is always something to be said for a musician who can do straightforward really well, without gimmicks or overproduction. Songs on this album that are sure to hook the listeners are "Strawberry Soda," "Sunshine," and "Coconut Tree." For a first time out, Samuel Ventura has created a debut album that is a huge stepping stone towards a fruitful career. His style of music will be timeless (for the next few years are least) and he is sure to benefit from his talents.

CD REVIEW: Zach Deputy "Sunshine"

After having your tour van, equipment, and most of your worldly possessions stolen from you, the last thing that you can be thinking about is recording a new album. For Zach Deputy, the free spirited fun loving musician, that's exactly what the doctor ordered. The result, an incredible new album that combines both his love for reggae music, his jam band sensibility, his one-man-band approach at music, and his fun personality. The song "Paramus" is about his unfortunate incident involving the theft of his van. "The Way You Make Me Feel" is not a cover of the Michael Jackson song, but rather a feel good reggae tune that shows off Deputy's work with a full band. About half the album includes the full band and the other half has Zach pulling out all the stops and performing all of the instruments. "Stay" shows off Deputy's true musicianship and has a very old school bluesy vibe. The entire album is awesome and Zach Deputy does a wonderful job bringing the fun right to the listeners. It's a rarity to actually hear how much fun a musician has while performing, but Zach Deputy displays that quality to the max.

CD REVIEW: Greg Laswell "Take A Bow"

On this album, Greg Laswell solidifies himself as a pop folk superstar. He has managed to put together another great album full of great songs that showcase his incredible lyricism and distinct voice. This album is a little darker sounding than the previous two and on "Come Clean" there is a bit of spookiness as well. The debut single, "Take Everything," could possibly become Laswell's most memorable song, and move him into the mainstream spotlight. Ingrid Michaelson also lends her vocals to the song, as well as several others on the album. Cary Brothers joins the mix as well, lending his background vocals to a few of the tracks. "Off I Go," a song that first appeared on the television show "Grey's Anatomy," makes its first appearance on a Laswell album, and is one of Laswell's most lyrically perfect songs. "In Front Of Me," "Marquee," and "Around The Bend" are all standout tracks, proving this album is full of incredible songs. Greg Laswell has managed to take folk rock music to a new level and has brought us a new album, which he also self produced, that is one of the best of the year.

NEW TUNES: Pete Francis

Check out the first single from Pete Francis' new album "The Movie We Are In" which will be released on his own Scrapper Records on May 18th. The song is called "Glue" and you can download it for free by clicking here. Enjoy!

CD REVIEW: Alpha Rev "New Morning"

Alpha Rev is a great young band out of Texas who are taking the airwaves by storm with their new single, the title track of the album "New Morning." The album is your typical modern rock album, rivalling albums recently put out by bands such as The Fray, OneRepublic, and Green River Ordinance. Although there's nothing inventive or out of the ordinary about Alpha Rev's music, it's their attention to detail that makes their music great. Not only do they rely on excellent lyrics, but as a band who is seven members strong, their instrumentation is much more than just the simple guitar/bass/keys/drums that many other bands focus on. It makes a simple, familiar style of music sound new and fresh. The best song on the album is "Face Down" which is a bit more funkier than the other songs, and features a killer guitar solo. Alpha Rev are surely the real deal, and with the success of this style of music in the past, there's no doubt that this album will turn these guys into hitmakers.

CD REVIEW: Ozomatli "Fire Away"

At their creative best, Ozomatli have returned with their most cohesive album to date. The entire album both flows well and epitomizes the true nature of the band, who dabbles in countless musically styles. All of their albums have always incorporated all of their influences and their musical talents quite well, but this is the first time that the entire album feels like a full album and not just a collection of individual songs. The album's first single, "It's Only Paper," is incredible catchy and will help Ozomatli gain more of a mainstream following as it is currently blowing up on the radio, possibly from the guest appearance of chorus vocalist Jack Johnson. The song is all about how money is just paper and that you should never let it chance or control you. Their activism is always in full force in their music, but this time they embrace more sensitive issues like gay marriage on "Gay Vatos In Love." Their true fun-loving, partying nature shines on tracks like "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah" and "Elysian Persuasion." Whether its Latin, rock, funk, or even hip hop, Ozomatli is always there to make it happen and mix it up well, and on "Fire Away" they do it at the top of their game.