CD REVIEW: Sister Hazel "Heartland Highway"

Sister Hazel are not only road warriors, but they are kick out albums full of hit songs like nobody's business. Their latest has them flirting a bit with country music and making an album that is full of songs that are perfect for a road trip. "Heartland Highway" is as good as anything they've released in the past, if not better. The songs contained within the album they may not be embraced by commercial radio or music television, but they will surely be recognized by countless fans as some of the best written by Sister Hazel. "Great Escape" and "Stay A While" are highlights of the album which will have you fixated on listening from beginning to end, preferably while cruising the open road.

CD REVIEW: Ben Folds/Nick Hornby "Lonely Avenue"

Nick Hornby is a well known and very cutting edge author of such classics as "High Fidelity" and "About A Boy." Both books were turned into movies that featured equally incredible soundtracks. Now, coming full circle, it's time for Nick Hornby the songwriter. Nick coupled with Ben Folds to release this new album featuring the words of Hornby with music written, played, and sung by pop rock superstar Ben Folds. Folds, known for his quirkiness, poignant lyrics, and distinctive piano playing, did Hornby right and turned his lyrics into a musical masterpiece. The entire album sounds like a soundtrack to a Hornby novel, and features some of Folds' best performances since the breakup of Ben Folds Five. "Your Dogs" and "From Above" are the definite album standouts. The bottom line is that Ben and Nick have combined their distinctive and incredible talents to create a musical collection unlike anything released before, and they did it with style.

CD REVIEW: Dexter Freebish "Shine On"

It's been quite a while since Dexter Freebish graced our ears with new music, but the Texas alternative rock band is back with an incredible new album. The album is filled with hard hitting rockers with an updated modern alternative sound. Alternative rock bands don't always pay incredibly close attention to lyrical content, but Dexter Freebish has always been one that does. Their last few albums were a little bit more subdued, but they come at us hard on this one with music that is both familiar and edgy. Dexter Freebish have reignited themselved with their new album and it seems as if they are back to make a statement.

CD REVIEW: Kings Of Leon "Come Around Sundown"

Kings Of Leon just keep getting better. While their last album still stands strong as their best, their new one comes in a close second. Building on the success of singles "Sex On Fire" and "Use Somebody" the band reinvigorates their arena rock sound, while pulling elements of their first two albums back into the mix. "Back Down South" has an updated southern rock sound that is more My Morning Jacket than the Allman Brothers. "The End" and "The Immortals" rely heavily on syncopated rhythms, ambient bass lines, and incredible rock and roll energy. The first single "Radioactive" is not as hard edged as previous singles, however, it's the biggest rocker in the set. "Pickup Truck" is quite possibly the best album closer released this year. "Beach Side," "Pyro," and "The Face" are all highlights of an album that is sure to hover around the top of the charts for weeks to come and surely make its way onto some best of 2010 lists.

CD REVIEW: Hill Country Revue "Zebra Ranch"

Ever since the creation of Hill Country Revue, an offshoot of the North Mississippi Allstars, it seemed as though it was a new band doing the same thing. That notion is squashed with their latest album which maximizes the rock aspect of their down south country blues. The Dickinsons outdo themselves with their newest release, and songs like the first single "Raise Your Right Hand" are proof positive that the rock and roll is alive and well in the hearts and souls of the members of this band. The biggest treat of them all is that the album closes with a cover version of the Rolling Stones' "Wild Horses," which is far and away one of the best Stones covers ever recorded by anyone. Hill Country Revue may just be a secondary incarnation of an idea that started live on stage at Bonnaroo, but the band and the music it cranks out is the real deal and way more than just a side project.

CD REVIEW: Beau Young "One Step At A Time"

Beau Young hails from down under in Australia and is another one of those surfer/musicians that have been taking the world by storm over the past decade. Beau, however, is not the typical cookie cutter surfing musician. He is a unique soul that utilizes his music not only to entertain,m but to send a message. Sure, he's another guy with a guitar, but his voice sets himself apart. You can hear his native tongue in his inflection and pronunciation which makes his familiar style a bit more exotic to typical acoustic folk fans. It's been almost four years since he last released music, making his new album as anticipated as it is excellent. "48 Shades" and "We Got It Made" are the hands down highlights of the album, and the title track leads off the album with a bang. Beau Young may not be known throughout the world, but that doesn't mean that he should go unnoticed. "One Step At A Time" with surely help to alleviate that.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Dexter Freebish - Shine On
• Kings Of Leon - Come Around Sundown
• Steven Page - Page One

CD REVIEW: Joshua Radin "The Rock And The Tide"

Joshua Radin has created his best album yet with his newest release. After having obscure success through having his music placed all over television and gaining several high profile celebrity fans, Joshua Radin has now created an album of songs that is sure to catapult his career to the next level. "Streetlight" is classic Radin, emphasizing the lyrics on a bed of simple pop folk music. Several of the songs on the new album feature a bit more production than in the past thanks to working with Martin Terefe (Jason Mraz, James Morrison). Radin gets soulful on the track "You Got What I Need" which has a bit of a Ray LaMontagne flavor. One of the best tracks on the disc is "The Ones With The Light" which combines his excellent lyricism with an upbeat pop vibe, creating a song that may become the cornerstone of the album. Joshua Radin is a unique pop folk artist, and on his newest album he shows off the broad range of his abilities and the best of his talents.

CD REVIEW: The Alternate Routes "Lately"

The Alternate Routes have come full circle on their latest studio album. They started out as an independent band, released two albums signed to Vanguard Records, now have returned to their roots with a new independent album. The album showcases the same thing that fans have been loving about the band since they started their career. The combination of incredible lyrics and familiar American rock music is a perfect mix. "Stay" is a standout and is reminiscent of the music from their debut album. "Kiss Me" is an upbeat rocker that shows the evolution of the band across their three studio albums. The Alternate Routes do what they do so well because they love it so much. You can feel and hear the love throughout their entire new album and they have proven that great music truly comes from the soul.

CD REVIEW: Tyrone & Elina "Different As Can Be"

Tyrone Wells has been making music as a solo performer for quite sometimes, receiving incredible success both as an independent and as part of a major label. This new recording finds him teaming up with his wife for a duets album that is just as good as everything he has previously released. The two share writing duties on the album which is full of beautiful music and both heartfelt and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. The title track, "Lucky," and "Until The Sun Burns Out" are three of the standout tracks. One of the lyrical standouts of the album is "The Exhausted Spouse" which calls for a break from the realities of being a husband, wife, and parent. Tyrone and Elina Wells' music is magical and relatable and they have proven that as a team they as beautifully as they do apart.