New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Stacy Clark - Connect The Dots

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Can you believe it's already been a year since THISisMODERN.net went live on Blogspot? Only about five weeks until THISisMODERN.net turns 10 years old!

CD REVIEW: Speechwriters LLC "Indifferent Cities"

The duo of Dave Lowensohn and Micha Chellam have been around for quite a while releasing independent music whenever they can. Their latest album is called "Indifferent Cities" and each of the song titles is a place somewhere in the world. It's a clever look at songwriting, and SWLCC is always known for their creativity when it comes to delivering their signature acoustic pop. The album is playful and at times can be compared to something a band like Guster might have released a decade ago. "Hanoi" and "Santa Monica" are the album's standout cities, but each song shows off the true talents of each of its members. The album is an excellent addition to the band's already impressive catalogue of indie music.

CD REVIEW: Musket "Draw Ramrods"

Musket is a new side project from Eric Lyman of the band Slackstring, and featured a completely different sound that we are used to hearing from him. Musket is a band that is more on the indie side of things, stepping away from the usual SoCal acoustic laid back vibe that Lyman's other band is known for. Pro surfer Brad Gerlach is also a member of the band. The music is hard to describe, as it draws its elements from all different styles of rock music. It's got a hard edge at times and at other times is as mellow as it gets, but in each song it's the musical guitars and drums that shine. It's the kind of music you'd hear in action sports videos for things like skateboarding and surfing. Musket may not turn out to be the next great rock sensation, but their music is awesome and it's nice to hear a different side of southern California.

CD REVIEW: Elmwood "Dreaming Little Things"

It's not often a promising young band releases as stellar a debut as Elmwood's. Poised to be part of the next generation of great live rock bands, Elmwood is beginning their journey following in the footsteps of bands like Dave Matthews Band, O.A.R., and Virginia Coalition. They have harnessed the musicality of each of the members of the band, combining their talents and efforts for a debut album that will have them selling out stadiums in the future. A music of shorter pop tunes and longer jams is the perfect combination, and songs like the title track and "Night Caper" are sure to make any listener an instant fan. There's only up from here, and Elmwood have found their springboard to catapult them to the next level.

CD REVIEW: Dawn Mitschele "In The Moonlight"

The world may seem to be saturated by female singer/songwriters who are seemingly doing the same thing. But, the fact remains, that it just so happens that the ladies are finally getting the recognition they deserve. Tristan Prettyman, Sara Bareilles, and Colbie Caillat have all reaped the rewards of this and now Dawn Mitschele is here to claim a piece of the pie for her self. Her latest release is a collection of mellow and heartfelt tunes that are anchored by her incredibly subdued vocals. Her songs "Float Like A Feather" and "Dominoes" are reinterpretations of previously released songs, and on this album they have become some of the highlights. Her lead track "Water" is a lyrical masterpiece and the album's key track. She can be somewhat labeled the feminine answer to Jason Mraz and Jack Johnson, but her music is so unique it's hard to compare or categorize her. Dawn is one to watch as the women of the music world take join the boys at the top.

CD REVIEW: Marc B. "The Yellow Jelly EP"

Marc B. joins the mess of talented young performers coming out of southern California with his debut "The Yellow Jelly EP." He mixes his blend of acoustic folk, hip hop style, and laid back delivery for a refreshing take on this ever expanding sub genre of music. Not quite alternative, but not quite folk, each song fits somewhere between both on the spectrum, and draws comparisons to everyone from Jack Johnson to Sublime. "The River" is the hands down stand out track, and is also featured at the end of the EP as a live on-air radio performance. Marc B. is at the beginnings of his career, with a promising debut.

CD REVIEW: Lotus "Oil On Glass/Feather On Wood"

Lotus is an inventive band performing live electronic music, and on their latest release, a combined double EP, they show off some of their most interesting work. Their previous albums have featured everything from jam band rock to outright danceable electronica and this new EP showcases how both combine for and interesting and unique sound. Featured on the EP are some new recordings that didn't quite make the cut for their most recent studio release as well as some remixes of songs off of that album. Overall it's a great collection of music for the die hard fan, and all listeners will be impressed by the freshness of the sound.

CD REVIEW: Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds "Live In Las Vegas"

Dave Matthews has really returned to his roots as a musician with his most recent releases. This collaboration with long time friend and touring bandmate Tim Reynolds is also a return of sorts, reinvigorating his duet acoustic perfomances with Reynolds and releasing an outstanding new collection. "Live At Luther College" marked the first time fans got to have a proper recording of a Matthews/Reynolds performance, but it's this album that really shows off the stuff of legends. Matthews breaks out both old and new tunes, breathing new life into some and showing off a new twist in others. The double disc set offers a listen to the organic side of the songs of of DMB's most recent studio release. A cover of Led Zeppelin's"Kashmir" makes it into the mix, and a few unreleased Matthews songs make is in as well. The album features a few tunes from Matthews' solo album as well, making the mix of music very well rounded. Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds are a special treat when they combine their forces together on stage, and they are incredibly intriguing when they are all alone with out their bands.

CD REVIEW: O.A.R. "Rain Or Shine"

One of the best live bands around, O.A.R. has put out an excellent new live album showcasing their two night run in Chicago in June 2009. Having already released a handful of live albums, O.A.R. is now stranger to this format, however this album is the first to span the band's entire studio catalogue. The best part about the album is that, across two nights, the band fit in their hits, many of their fan's favorites, and a few surprises as well. In the first night's set, the guys stuck in an acoustic set of tunes featuring their signature tune "That Was a Crazy Game Of Poker" and their hit song "Shattered." "Risen," "This Town," "Love And Memories," Hey Girl," and "Lay Down." all find their way onto the album. Fan favorities like "Black Rock," "On Top The Cage," and "City On Down" were all included and performed outstandingly. Robert Randolph joined the band on stage during the night one performance to perform a cover of the Led Zeppelin song "Fool In The Rain." The "Rain Or Shine" aspect of the album comes from the weather that the band experienced during their two nights, and they weren't about to let it stop them. Their catalogue is extensive and between the two discs only 2 songs were repeated, and they were performed both acousticly plugged in. This album is certainly awesome and features some of their best released live performances of certain songs to date.