CD REVIEW: Chromeo "Business Casual"

When the 80's began to come back into style Chromeo was there spearheading the movement. With their throwback synth rock mixed with modern electronica, Chromeo has now released a third album of danceable and singable tracks the likes of which haven't been seen since the real 80's ended. This is the type of stuff you can't get of your your head and you don't really want to. The album's signature track is "Night By Night" which has a killer hook and and even better beat. Fans of 80's synth rock and modern bands like Passion Pit, Datarock, and the Chemical Brothers will surely fall in love with this release. The Chromeo guys have continued to set the bar high for 80's throwback tunes with their latest.

CD REVIEW: Guster "Easy Wonderful"

The bottom line is that Guster has created one of the best 5 albums of 2010. That being said, how exactly did they do it? They took the best elements of their band and their music and their experiences from their previous five albums and mashed them all together, mixed them with a bit of surprise, and wrapped them all up in a package that they had full control of producing. Guster is one of the hardest working bands in the music industry and they have managed to gain incredible success while remaining just below the radar. The album's first single, "Do You Love Me?" is a familiar Guster track with a bit more of a traditional pop feel. The entire album features Guster taking some twists and turns and introducing some unfamiliar elements into the mix like the use of new instruments such as the harmonica and ukulele. The banjo makes a prominent reappearance in two songs, "This Is How It Feels To Have A Broken Heart" and "Hercules," and keyboards and pianos are featured throughout the album. The instrumentation throughout the entire disc seems a bit more orchestral than in the past. Many of the songs are sure to become staples in Guster's live setlists, especially "What You Call Love," "Bad, Bad World," and "This Could All Be Yours." The album's lead track, "Architects & Engineers," is a perfect addition to the band's repertoire and sets the tone of the entire album. The disc makes a departure from the band's traditional roots rock and features much less hand percussion (the band's first 3 albums featured it almost exclusively) and much more drum set. Guster has also included two more songs featuring Jesus in the title ("Jesus & Mary," "Stay With Me Jesus"), tripling their total number of Jesus songs as of now. The band plans on releasing a music video for each of the 12 tracks on the album, and there are four bonus tracks featured on several digital and physical editions of the disc. Guster is a band that does not compromise their music to fit any mold or any genre or any trend. They have made yet another awesome album and have proven that they can still make new and exciting music that doesn't sound like everything else they've released before. Guster's music is a magnificent experience that everyone should have in their lives, and despite the band's excellent past musical endeavors, their newest album is definitely going to create enough buzz to create a whole new generation of Guster fans.

MUSIC VIDEO: Matt Costa "Witchcraft"

Happy 10th Birthday, THISisMODERN.net!

So 10 years ago, THISisMODERN.net was born. Out of an idea that started from a radio show, the site grew into a mecca for introducing the world to new music, and informing them in the most positive way. Over the past 10 years THISisMODERN.net has had five makeovers, and the latest is the most successful of the bunch. In 2010, in celebration of 10 years online, THISisMODERN.net set out to bring its readers a review a day from January 1st to December 31st. So far there have been 267 reviews (two of them of films), one posted every day with only 98 more to go, resulting in more reviews being posted in 2010 then from 2000-2009. THISisMODERN.net can also be followed on MySpace and on Twitter. Thanks to all the music industry representatives, record labels, publicists, musicians, and music fans that have been supportive of the site over the past 10 years. From underground indie to major label hit makers, the past ten years have been all about getting the best music into the eyes and ears of music fans from all over the world. Submissions have come from all over the world, including music from Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Here's to the past 10 years and to the future. THISisMODERN.net will continue to be the source for great new music, bringing you more positive reviews, free downloads, and information for as long as the music industry and the Internet allows.

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As a special 10th birthday gift to the readers of the site, THISisMODERN.net has added two link groups to the sidebar to the right of the page. You'll find a new "Quick Links" section which will link you to special categories of blog post as well as other places to check out THISisMODERN.net on the web. Also, the "Links" section has not been split into two sections: "Non Profit Links" and "Other Links" to emphasize the non profit organizations supported by THISisMODERN.net. Check back often as new links are added all the time.

CD REVIEW: Linkin Park "A Thousand Suns"

Some might say that for a band as established as Linkin Park, taking a left turn and doing something uncharacteristic and different is not the best way to go. In a music industry where the young guns are taking the world by storm, it's hard for the vets to keep up. So keep doing the same thing or do something different? In Linkin Park's case they decided that the right thing to do is whatever came from their voices and instruments. The end result is can be characterized as a piece of performance art just as much as an outstanding alternative rock album. Abandoning the rap-rock blueprint that was evident on their first two albums and flirting with the new wave alternative that their third album featured prominently, the band decided that they'd experiment with some new sounds, and with super producer Rick Rubin and co-lead vocalist Mike Shinoda working the board, they've created a work of art. The songs are catchy without being overly cookie cutter. "The Catalyst" is the first single off of the album, but because the flow of the album and the feel of the collection as a cohesive performance the song is buried at the end of the album. Songs like "Iridescent" and "When They Come For Me" are familiar Linkin Park experiences with a updated twist. The album also features several instrumental pieces and samples 3 speeches including one from Martin Luther King, Jr. and a very famous snippet by Robert Oppenheimer. Linkin Park have raised the bar for alternative rockers and longevity in the rock industry with this new album and have proven that as long as you do it well, the music that you create will be excellent as long as it comes from a place of honesty, sincerity, and creativity.

CD REVIEW: Matt White "It's The Good Crazy"

Although Matt White has already released an album which was met with great praise, his new album is actually the album that shows his talents off the best. After Geffen Records dropped White, despite a critically acclaimed record, White shopped around and landed on Ryko to continue his music career. His newest album shows off his first love, his piano, and a ton of the album features White performing his heart out on the 88 keys. The album's first single, "Falling In Love (With My Best Friend)" is the epitome of pop greatness, and the subject matter regarding the ins and outs of a close friendship is one that any listener can identify with. "She's On Fire" and "And the Beat Goes On" are album standouts . Matt White's greatest strength on this album is his incorporation of outstanding lyricism with his pop frenzy. He has really hit his stride with this collection of songs, and the freedom that he has achieved through his new record contract has reinvigorated his love for the music and the ones who benefit the most are his fans.

CD REVIEW: Junip "Fields"

Led by indie folkster Jose Gonzalez, Junip finally got around to releasing new music after being on a pretty long hiatus. Since Gonzalez was busy with his solo career, and the critical praise that went along with it, Junip sat on the shelf. The new release is a familiar sound, now that Gonzalez has had a few recognizable hit songs and developed a following. Jose Gonzalez's signature vocals are layered on top of an amped up version of his familiar folk which is a lot like psychedelic 70's prog rock. "Always" and "Rope & Summit" are awesome songs that will surely become the recognizable cornerstones of this album. Junip are not going to be the next big alternative rock sensation, however, this album is certainly one of the most interesting of the year. Junip should definitely continue to write, record, and release music because there is no one out there that is doing quite what they are with their updated throwback sounds.

CD REVIEW: The Pines "Tremolo"

A little bit of country twang, a little bit of blues, and a whole lot of folk make up the parts of The Pines' latest release. This new album has the band graduating to a new level of indie folk excellence. The song "Lonesome Tremolo Blues" is both beautiful and haunting and is lyrically awesome. "Pray Tell" starts off the album and gets the listener in the mood to take a journey through Americana that is well worth the trip. The traditional instrumentation of Americana music is in full effect here, yet the Pines are far from traditional. The Pines are an underesitmated force of indie folk music and their new album has proven that huge radio hits and flashy production are not the way to impress.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Zac Brown Band - You Get What You Give
• Matt Costa - Mobile Chateau
• Michael Franti & Spearhead - The Sound Of Sunshine
• Maroon 5 - Hands All Over
• Ryan Montbleau Band - Heavy On The Vine
• Andrew Ripp - She Remains The Same

MUSIC VIDEO: Jack Johnson "At Or With Me"

Check out the new video for Jack Johnson's latest single "At Or With Me." The video features a hilarious guest appearance by Andy Samberg of Saturday Night Live. The premise of the video plays off of Andy's skit "The Mellow Show" in which he portrays Jack Johnson in a comedic way. Jack of couse seeks his revenge and hilarity insues. In the end we are all better for having participated, even Jack and Andy. Oh yeah, check out G. Love making an appearance on stage with the band!