CD REVIEW: Andrew Belle "Live At Hotel Cafe"

Andrew Belle is a bright young singer/songwriter, and on this digital release he shows off why he is one of the best new talents to come around. His intimate performance at Hotel Cafe in March is one of the best acoustic pop live recordings around, showing off some of his best material all in one short collection. "I'll Be Your Breeze" and "Static Waves" are two of Belle's best songs, and here they are performed beautifully. He also includes a cover of the Death Cab For Cutie song "I Will Follow You Into The Dark, which takes on a whole new personality when sung by Andrew.

Check out this awesome album for yourself by clicking on the album cover and downloading it for FREE!

CD REVIEW: Needtobreathe "The Outsiders"

Back for the third time, Needtobreathe has created their most accessible album to date, with hit after hit song filling the entire disc. It's nothing but straighforward homegrown rock and roll music for these guys, and the proof is in songs like the title track and "Prisoner." Lyrically, Needtobreathe have always been at the top of their game, but some of their greatest lyrical gems show up on this album like the incredibly popular "Something Beautiful" as well as "Hurricane" and "Lay 'Em Down." Finally embraced by the masses, rock radio has helped Needtobreathe and this album get the recognition and airplay that they deserve.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Zee Avi - One More Time With Colors
• Sheryl Crow - 100 Miles From Memphis

CD REVIEW: Shwayze "Let It Beat"

This album is a brilliant second effort for the duo that is Shwayze. Cisco Adler's production is excellent again, and the duo has created some new summertime jams that will hold up for years to come. Snoop Dogg and rap group The Knux lend their assistance to a few tracks, brightening up the already sunsoaked album. "Sally Is A.." and "Crazy For You" are the standouts of the collection. Shwayze sure know how to make party music, and this album is no exception.

CD REVIEW: Stripes And Lines "Mutiny On The Coast Of Excess"

Stripes And Lines are and incredibly interesting and talented band out of San Diego, CA. They have managed to most indie rock that is reminiscent of bands like Death Cab For Cutie and Rogue Wave with their So Cal energy for an awesome album of new music that embraces a sound that is all their own. The music is mellow yet upbeat. "Dillinger" and "Slow Motion" are the surefire favorites of the eight tracks on the album, but all the songs have a quality that makes you want to listen again and again. Having shared the stage with acts such as Fiction Family, Switchfoot, and Company Of Thieves, it's easy to see how their music bridges many different genres and is for all fans of any style of music. Indie rock is alive and well in southern California, and Stripes And Lines are delivering it beautifully.

CD REVIEW: Everest "On Approach"

Certainly a more ambitious collection of songs, Everest's newest album takes their indie rock to the next level. The album hits hard right away with "Let Go," which is one of the best songs on the album. The attention to detail in their music is still evident on songs like "Unfortunate Sea" and "Tall Buildings," both of which are lyrical standouts on the album. "I've Had This Feeling Before," shows off the band's current sound and will surely have you hooked after the first listen. Fans of bands like Delta Spirit and Band Of Horses will certainly be able to get into this album, and Everest, although they aren't mainstream, sure know how to put together accessible indie rock.

CD REVIEW: Zee Avi "One More Time With Colors"

The first lady of Brushfire Records has quietly released an EP containing a new song and it's as beautiful as he self titled debut. The EP also featured 3 remixed versions of songs from her debut, including one of "Is This The End" which adds a new face to an already breathtaking song. The new tune, "I Wish I Never," is excellent and could have easily found itself amongst the songs on her first album. Zee Avi is one of the most underappreciated female singer/songwriters on the scene and this new EP is a reminder of just how great her beautiful music is.

CD REVIEW: Dashboard Confessional "Alter The Ending"

Dashboard Confessional returns to their roots with their most acoustic filled album since "The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most." The boys, led by Chris Carraba, have put together a solid collection of new tunes that will have any fan of emo alternative rock pleased. "Belle Of The Boulevard" is the album's debut single and biggest highlight of the disc. During this album the band stays true to the music that hey have become known for and deliver a collection that is as good as anything they have released in the past.

CD REVIEW: Zero 7 "Record"

Just a little greatest hits collection from one of the best ambient electronic acts to come around since Moby. Zero 7 broke onto the scene almost 10 years ago with their hit debut album which blew up the charts, the airwaves, and everywhere summery, mellow electronic music was played. Collaborating with (and helping to launch the careers of) Sia, Jose Gonzalez, and Sophie Barker, Zero 7 brought us the hits "Destiny," "Home," "Somersault," "In The Waiting Line," and "Futures" all of which were included in this compilation. This disc is truly the best of their best, featuring not only singles, but album standouts that define the group. For anyone looking for all of Zero 7's best in one place, this is it.

CD REVIEW: Caleb Hawley "Steps"

As a bright young talent, Caleb Hawley has created an excellent new album with incredible songs that range through a variety of genres. He does not pin himself down at all on this album, showing off his incredible vocal abilities with a soulful delivery. The highlights of the album are reggae song "Real Vacation" and the folk rocker "My Own Two Feet." The biggest surprise is a cover of the song "The Way It Is," which Hawley interprets in such a way that it keeps its classic appeal while still feeling new and fresh. Caleb Hawley is one of those special unknowns that you love discovering, and his latest album is definitely worth discovering.