CD REVIEW: Taylor Carson "Defending The Name"

Taylor Carson is a talented young singer/songwriter, and after having released a few albums, he has finally made the album that is going to take him to the next level. His newest album is full of great songs that showcase Carson's masterful lyrics and his uncanny ability to tell stories through songs. He is able to convey his feelings and emotions through each word and each guitar chord. "Someone To Love" is the anchor of the album, having been released for quite some time. The rest of the album that encompassed this song is a trip inside the life and mind of Taylor Carson. It's not a far stretch to compare Carson's lyricism to the likes of Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Paul Simon, and James Taylor. "Five" and "Freight Train" are instant classics, and the vivid imagery depicted in songs like "Moonshiner" and "Baby Away" transcends just simple storytelling. Taylor Carson's new album is his heart, soul, mind, and life set to genius song.

CD REVIEW: Weezer "Hurley"

Weezer is that band that everyone loves. There is no way that in your lifetime that you have not at some point loved a song that was released by Weezer. Lately they've been pumping out new albums so fast that they are all beginning to be blurred into one giant awesome album. Their latest, which was probably named after the lovable character (pictured on the album cover) from TV show "Lost," is a grown up version of some of the same style of music that they started creating over fifteen years ago. Their song "Memories" has the band looking back at the beginning and reminiscing about what it was like when they were just a young band and how much has actually changed over their careers. "Smart Girls" is a tongue-in-cheek testament to all the girls that lead singer Rivers Cuomo involved himself with during his time earning his degree at Harvard during Weezer's hiatus. The bottom line is that Weezer is probably the best power pop rock band that has ever graced the airwaves. They are fans of everyone and everyone is a fan of them, and on their newest album, their first to be released on an indie label, they continue to prove why they have survived and succeeded for almost 20 years.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Trey Anastasio Band - TAB At The TAB
• Michelle Branch - Everything Comes And Goes
• Taylor Carson - Defending The Name
• Chromeo - Business Casual
• Brandon Flowers - Flamingo
• Cas Haley - Connection
• Junip - Fields
• Linkin Park - A Thousand Suns
• Jake Smith - Everyone Comes From Somewhere
• Underworld - Barking
• Weezer - Hurley
• Matt White - It's The Good Crazy

CD REVIEW: Andrew Ripp "She Remains The Same"

When Andrew Ripp released his first album, it was quite well received, and it defined him as an incredible singer/songwriter. His latest album defines him as an incredible musician. He has graduated from acoustic guitar driven pop to all out hard hitting rock music. It's true that he is still a songwriter at the core, and there are several songs on the album that show off exactly what he is excellent at. But it's the edgier songs that make this album so good. "Star" is on the border between pop and rock music, and is one of the more tamer songs on the album. It's "Rider" and "Savior" that really get your head rocking and heart pumping. The guitar riffs and the bass rhythms are on point and the lyrics are as creative as ever. Andrew Ripp has shown he is the real deal with his latest album and he has also shown that an independent musician can make a great album without the backing of a major label.

CD REVIEW: Follow The Train "Mercury"

Follow The Train's third release continues down the same path as their previous tow. This time released on independent label Removador Records (started by the guys in My Morning Jacket), the album features the band's signature ambient-meets-southern rock style. Imagine if the guys in My Morning Jacket played all the instruments while the guys in Dawes did all the singing and lyric writing and you've got a pretty good idea of where Follow The Train's newest record falls in the indie rock spectrum. They know how to write the long jams as is proven with "Movin'" and they also fit in the catchy radio-friendly rockers like "Coffee." The finest recording in the mix is the updated version of "219" which bridges the old and new music together through the common thread of a familiar song. This is a song that defined the band up until now and continues to help define the band in their current state. Follow The Train is a band for everyone because their music bridges the gaps between so many genres and their newest record does exactly that.

CD REVIEW: Isaac Russell "Isaac Russell EP"

Every now and then a musician comes along that just makes a great impression upon first listen. Isaac Russell is the latest singer/songwriter to showcase his skills and wow listeners with his blend of subtle pop rock. His vocals are a bit familiar, similar to artists like Matt Hires and Howie Day, and his lyrics are beautiful and show off his ability to tell a story through song. "Lighthouse" is the song that leads off the album and just draws you in. It's not your typical pop song, but it still has catchy lyrics and you'll find yourself wanting to replay the song once it has ended. His song "Elizabeth" is his most beautiful, and despite its somber tone and subject matter, listeners will be able to grasp his heavy emotion within the first verse. "Golden" is another of the five tracks that has a catchy feel, and although it seems as though "Lighthouse" will begin to define Isaac's career, it's songs like "Golden" that will have Russell hooking and keeping fans for a long time. It's quite a tease just to hear a few tracks from Isaac Russell, but surely he will definitely be back with a full length album as this EP definitely warrants a follow up.

CD REVIEW: Jesse Dee "Bittersweet Batch"

Old souls seem to be few and far between these days, but Jesse Dee has found a way to mix the new with the old on his newest album. The entire album sounds like it was made in the 50's with the smooth sounds of jazz, funk, and big band permeating through the speakers. Jesse's vocal delivery makes the album current and accessible to listeners, combining the modern take on rock music with the classic sounds of old school pop and jazz. Martin Sexton and members of Ryan Montbleau's band appear as a few of the extensive array of backing musicians. "Slow Down," "Alright," and "Around Here" are some of the album's best tracks. Jesse Dee's music has bits a pieces of the sounds of Maroon 5 and Rustic Overtones and his vocals are reminiscent of Amos Lee, but it is still all original. It's nice to hear musicians doing something all their own these days in a world where doing the same thing is the way to gain success. Jesse Dee is a true original and by the sound of his new album, he also seems uncompromising.

CD REVIEW: Matt Wertz "If It Ain't Broke: Live From Seattle"

Matt Wertz has been on the indie scene for a while, and for a brief time flirted with the big time with a major record deal, so he's got a lot of songs under his belt. Being one of the most talented songwriters around, it's only fitting that he should show off his craft in the best light possible, and with this live album he does just that. The album features Wertz performing 16 of his best songs, spanning his entire career, in the purest of forms: just his voice and his guitar. On the album are some incredible variations of the songs "The Day Forever Died," "Everything's Right," and "The Way I Feel," all of which have been fan favorites for quite some time. The stellar performances of songs like "5:19" and "Marianne" show off his songwriting to the max. Also contained in the set are awesome performances of "Summer Sun" and "Carolina" and the show is closed with on of Wertz's best fan favorites "Red Meets Blue." It's true, if it ain't broke don't fix it. So, Matt Wertz keep doing what you are doing!

CD REVIEW: Halloween, Alaska "Champagne Downtown"

Halloween, Alaska make the most organic sounding version of live electronic music of any artist in this relatively new genre. Their music is not at all in the same vein as traditional electronic music, but it has a feel and a quality of ambient electronic music that has only been mastered by true electronic artists. Their combination of voice, lyrics, and ambient sound along with a straightforward indie rock style delivery make their music more than unique. The title track is outstanding and other songs such as "The Ends" define the band from the very first note. Ever since these guys were featured during an episode of the first season of the television show "The O.C." they have proven that their music is head and heels above anyone that remotely tries to compete. Halloween, Alaska are a true pillar in their genre and they have proven it with all three of their albums, and this latest is a huge exclamation point.

CD REVIEW: Jukebox The Ghost "Everything Under The Sun"

Indie pop bands are everywhere, so it can be hard to decipher which ones are the best. Jukebox The Ghost is making a stellar case for themselves with their newest album release out on Yep Roc Records. Their energy is amped up and their mix of pop rock gold and lyrical cleverness puts them at the top of their game, and one of the best at this craft in recent months. Songs like "Schizophrenia" and "Empire" prove that the pop song is alive and well and that stuff that claims to be pop on top 40 radio doesn't hold a candle to the real thing. Fans of everyone from Jimmy Eat World all the way to Josh Ritter will find something they love about this band and this album. It's no wonder these guys will be sharing the stage this fall with the likes of Guster and Elizabeth & The Catapult. Jukebox The Ghost have released one of the year's best indie albums and now they will show the world what they are made of.