CD REVIEW: Bedouin Soundclash "Light The Horizon"

Reggae from north of the border is a different kind of thing altogether. It's a long way from Jamaica to Canada, but for the music of Bedouin Soundclash, the distance isn't all that great at all. The band's fourth album is one of their most creative yet. It's not an album full of straight funky reggae music. In fact there is a lot more worldly influence that just reggae. The album starts off with "Mountain Top," which, along with being the album's hand down standout, is the song that most closely resembles their previous work. Just as in their previous album, The Police can be heard as a pretty heavy influence. There are also similarities to mid-90's Duran Duran and even the song "Elongo" somewhat parallels Toto's "Africa." "Fools Tattoo" is another great track, showing off the band's signature reggae rock. This new disc is a progression of the band's evolution combined with elements of singer Jay Malinowski's adventurous solo album. Bedouin Soundclash are an unmatched talent in the music world, and with each album they grow and branch out, creating new and exciting tunes that sound like they're straight out of the Caribbean.

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CD REVIEW: Fran Healy "Wreckorder"

As the lead singer of the hugely successful British pop band Travis, Fran Healy has become synonymous with Travis' signature sound. Always compared to other British bands like Oasis, Snow Patrol, and Coldplay, Travis still managed to carve out a little niche of their own. That all being said, Fran Healy has decided to give a solo album a shot. You might think it's just another Travis album, as many lead singers tend to continue down the same path they were already on, but this album is nothing like the music Travis put out. Healy has really put together a stellar singer/songwriter disc, with emphasis on the lyrics and the personal connection to the music and the listener. The album is full of great songs, some of which are surely going to become hits, both in the UK and US. "Buttercups" is the first single, and bares the closest resemblance to a Travis song. Paul McCartney (yes, the Beatle) plays bass on "As It Comes" and Healy duets with Neko Case on "Sing Me To Sleep," both of which are album standouts. Other songs like "Anything" and "Holiday" are perfect compositions showing off Healy's solo talents to the max. Fran Healy has proven that he is a major part of Travis' success, and now he's out to prove he can do it all again on his own.

CD REVIEW: James Vincent McMorrow "James Vincent McMorrow EP"

Although it's only four songs long, the debut self titled EP by James Vincent McMorrow is excellent. He already released a full length album overseas, but this EP is his arrival stateside, and he makes quite a name for himself. Landing somewhere between Bon Iver and Damien Rice, the Irish singer/songwriter uses vivid imagery and cunning delivery, showcasing all of his talents in just a brief amount of time. "If I Had A Boat" is sure to turn heads and "We Don't Eat" is McMorrow performing at his best. His mellow indie style and folk energy is purely beautiful. The other two tracks on the EP are just demos, hopefully to get the full studio treatment with the release of a full length album in the not-too-distant future. James Vincent McMorrow is the newest sensation to make the trip across the pond, and despite just the tease we get from his debut, he's going to to be huge. 

CD REVIEW: Nathan Angelo "These Ol' Keys"

Th soulful stylings of Nathan Angelo continue on his newest EP. Angelo enlisted a few friends to assist in producing the album, Andy Davis and David LaBruyere, both of whom lent their musical talents as well. The songs contained within are excellent displays of musicality and lyricism. Highlights of the album include "I Need A Woman" and "Brighter Day." Angelo's piano driven pop is just what the doctor ordered, and this collection of tunes shows off the playfulness and sincerity in his music.

CD REVIEW: Jason Mraz "Life Is Good"

Recorded live at this summer's Life Is Good festival in Massachusetts, Jason Mraz's new digital EP is exactly what you'd expect. It's full of high energy music with Mraz's signature delivery. The horn section is in full effect throughout the entire disc, which featured 4 unreleased songs. The EP leads off with "Freedom Song," which is actually a cover of a song by California indie band Luc & The Lovingtons. It sounds like a song that Mraz would have written himself, so it's no wonder he's decided to add it to his arsenal. "San Disco Reggaefornia" and "Up" are two more of the new tunes, showing off his high energy body moving music as well as his fun-loving lyrics. "What Mama Say" is a song that is reminiscent of his first album, showing off his mastery of wordplay and quick lyrical delivery. It is a tongue-in-cheek ditty about all of the stuff you mother told you to do, not do, and always remember. The EP finishes off with "Coyotes," a song from Mraz's last studio album. Jason Mraz is a true performer, and as has been seen on his previous live releases, he sure knows how to do it up. This continues to be the next best thing to seeing him live, and for true Mraz fans getting a taste of new tunes in the form of live performances without having to be at the show is a treat.

CD REVIEW: The Black Angels "Phosphene Dream"

Once in a while a band comes along that amazes you right off the bat. The Black Angels are that type of band. They combine elements of several different styles and eras of rock music to create a sound that, although it can be compared to others, is as unique as it gets. For starters, if you were to describe your first initial impression you might say that the sound is somewhere between the Doors and early 60's Beatles. Now those two bands have very distinctive sounds, and you can hear influences of both throughout the Black Angels' newest album. It might even sound like these guys are a lost piece of the British Invasion, but they are actually from Austin, Texas. For a modern day comparison, mid-90's Dandy Warhols might be as close as you get. The bottom line is psychedelia is alive and well, and showcased perfectly on the first single, "Telephone." The energy of the album is great, and you get a sense that the band is as artistic as they are musically talented. This album is like taking a rock and roll history lesson and wrapping it up in just ten songs.

CD REVIEW: Donavon Frankenreiter "Glow"

Donavon Frankenreiter is known for his quirkiness, his mellow music, and his surfing. On this, his newest collection of original tunes, he shows off the mellow side of himself once again, as seen on his debut self titled album as well as its Hawaiian reincarnation released earlier this year. Frankenreiter buckles down and simplifies all of his tunes so that his lyrics and the messages he sings about are the highlight of the album, with the acoustic guitar taking a more prominent role and the electric taking a back seat. The title track is the first single and it's already blowing up the airwaves. It's possibly the most well received of his singles since he released "Free." Two songs which surfaced as acoustic demos after the release of his last album ("Home," "Hold On") get the full musical treatment this time and are two of the album's standout tracks. His quirkiness has it's place on this album as well and it comes in the form of "Dance Like Nobody's Watching," which sounds like such a cheesy title, but is actually an incredible love song that is reminiscent of Jack Johnson's "Better Together." Continuing with his unconventional ways, the album's cover actually glows in the dark. Donavon Frankenreiter is a unique soul, and his music is right there each step of the way, and his latest has him placing his feet (almost) firmly on the ground and connecting with his listeners on a very personal and accessible level.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• The Avett Brothers - Live, Vol. 3
• Depression State Troopers - The Reason For The Fall
• Fistful Of Mercy - As I Call You Down
• Donavon Frankenreiter - Glow
• Guster - Easy Wonderful
• Fran Healy - Wreckorder
• James Vincent McMorrow - James Vincent McMorrow EP
• Jason Mraz - Life Is Good

CD REVIEW: Nathan Beaver "Universal You"

Nathan Beaver's blend of folk music and Americana is a simple style, but he executes it like a seasoned veteran on his latest album. The instrumentation on the album is classic Americana, bordering on southern rock and country music. Hailing from Georgia, he is able to combine his roots and his talents to deliver outstanding songs like "Clever," which is radio ready and sure to get Beaver some praise from critics and DJs as well as a whole bunch of new fans. Other songs on the album that show off Nathan's excellent performance are "Mason Jar" and "Piecing The World Together," which sounds like an old Nashville standard. Nathan Beaver is the epitome of the real deal, and his music is fresh and familiar, a combination that will help him go far.