CD REVIEW: Weezer "Raditude"

Since the early 90's these gods of power pop have been tearing it up and reinventing themselves, without straying far from their signature sound. On their latest, which comes quickly on the heels of their critically acclaimed third self titled album, they hit the nail on the head yet again. Their debut single features their longest song title yet, "(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To." And, the song is typical Weezer: it rocks, it has a catchy hook, and by the end of the song you know all the words and are singing right along. The album also features a first for the band. They have reached across genre lines and collaborate with Lil Wayne on the track "Can't Stop Partying" which was co-written by Rivers Cuomo and hip hop producer Jermaine Dupri. "The Girl Got Hot" is another Weezer classic that could have been on any of their other albums and fit right in. Now, the band will probably never repeat the success or the musical caliber of their debut album (the first self titled one known as "the blue album"), but they sure do have a lot of fun trying to! This album is a great addition to the Weezer arsenal and many of its tracks will be stuck inside the heads of music fans for years to come.

CD REVIEW: Silversun Pickups "Swoon"

This band could have been huge in the 1990's. But, since they're here now, they might as well be huge now. Well, this new album is going to take the success of their previous album and amp it up a bit. Silversun Pickups, who are the current generation's incarnation of Smashing Pumpkins, are making inventive alternative rock that is both familiar and original. There are currently no bands making popular music that sound at all like Silversun Pickups. This means that their songs are going to stand out from all the rest when they are played on the radio. And this album is full of radio hits. The first single "Panic Switch" took off, showing the band's harder edge which they previously failed to flaunt with singles from their album "Carnavas." Other incredibly cool songs include "Substitution," "There's No Secrets This Year," "The Royal We," and "Growing Old Is Getting Old." It's probably true that the band will have to stretch their talents to match the sound and success of "Lazy Eye," but they have managed to create an album that is superior as a whole to all their previous albums.

CD REVIEW: Flobots "Survival Story"

Activism and social consciousness have been a part of music for an incredibly long time. In the 60's and 70's you couldn't make a hit record without including your own form of protest in some way. These days those themes are back in our brains and Flobots are delivering some of the best songs that deal with these issues. Making peace is a passion of Flobots, and in their first single off their second album they are looking for that in a big way. "White Flag Warriors" is a call to stop the violence and the fighting and just wage peace. What makes their message so great, however, is the delivery. Rap-rock was a thing of the 90's and it went away, and in no way are Flobots trying to recreate this genre. They are more like The Roots in that they are a live hip hop band, they are just more on the alternative side of things. Their use of unconventional instrumentation (one band member plays viola) and an emphasis on hard hitting guitars makes their sound both familiar and original. Songs like "If I" and "Cracks In The Surface" are surefire hits and portray the bands signature style wonderfully. The bottom line is that Flobots are one of the most interesting bands making music these days, and they follow up their stellar debut album with one that is just as good and inventive.

CD REVIEW: Marie Moreshead "Birdwatchers"

Talented young singer/songwriters are hard to find at the level that Marie Moreshead is currently residing: the unknown. Marie, who just recently released her second EP, had not had nearly the amount of exposure that her music needs to have. This EP is full of excellent lyrical tunes, despite the fact that there are only five. She has a rootsy, coffeehouse vibe, with her guitar strumming and her voice being the highlight of her music. Her song "As The Romans Do" got a little spotlight, becoming part of the regular rotation of a local radio station in her native Portland, ME. Fellow Portland native Pete Kilpatrick also lent his vocals to a duet-like tune on the disc called "Hello There" which is one of the best independent songs to be released in a while. Kilpatrick's support, who also finds himself in the independent music world, should help Moreshead take the next step in making a name for herself. Here music is down-to-earth and her songs connect to the listeners on very basic levels. She is certain to make waves, and this EP is the springboard to help her cause.

CD REVIEW: Train "Save Me, San Francisco"

Sometimes all a band has to do is keep doing the same thing. Train is as solid as ever, even if their lineup has seen some changes over the years. One thing is for sure, the distinct bluesy rock vocals of lead singer Pat Monahan are as good as they ever have been. On their latest the formula is simple, combine great lyrics with great rock and roll music and you've got yourself a hit record. The first single "Hey, Soul Sister," could have been found on any of their previous albums, making their music almost seem timeless. The fact of the matter is that they have always written great songs and have made no excuses for sticking to what works. The band also pays homage to their influences on this album, featuring a song that interpolates a bit of the Doobie Brothers. No one could have ever guessed that these guys would still be making great music this many years after "Meet Virginia" hit the airwaves.

MUSIC VIDEO: Xavier Rudd "Time To Smile"

Here's Xavier Rudd's new video for the song "Time To Smile" off of his upcoming album "Koonyum Sun" out this April.

CD REVIEW: The Disco Biscuits "Planet Anthem"

This is an unusual turn for one of the inventors of the modern jam band movement. The Disco Biscuits have become a full force alternative electronic band. Still, their live elements are what define them. This, their newest studio album, the first since 2002, is a defining moment in the band's career. It is with this album that the Disco Biscuits have finally become accessible to the mass music consuming community. Some of their best, most listener friendly songs appear on this album. "On Time," the album's first single, is a techno rock song that you could hear everywhere from alternative rock radio to your local dance club. Fans of Phish will enjoy this album just as much as fans of Radiohead and Coldplay. Live electronic music seems to be gaining popularity lately with STS9 leading the way, and the Disco Biscuits have decided not to follow. Instead, with this album and songs like "You and I" and "Konkrete" the band has bent many genres into their own unique one, thus leading themselves down their own path. With a truly unique and inventive album, the Disco Biscuits have made themselves one of the this year's newest bands to watch.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• Chase Coy - Where The Road Parts
• The Disco Biscuits - Planet Anthem
• Flobots - Survival Story
• Follow The Train - Mercury
• The White Stripes - Under Great White Northern Lights

CD REVIEW: Switchfoot "Hello Hurricane"

Rock and roll comes in many shapes and sizes. Switchfoot's brand has been around for a while and never manages to disappoint. On Their newest album they stick to what they do well and what they are known for. Making positive rock music that is accessible, lyrically special, and musically awesome is the formula that Switchfoot has used time and time again and it somehow was able to create a whole new batch of songs that are going to add to their timeless catalogue. The album's first single, "Mess Of Me," is a modern and alternative rock gem. It's rare that bands are able to make albums and release singles that stand up for many years, but as is proof with their previous hits, many music fans will be singing along to "Mess Of Me" for many years to come. "Needle And Haystack Life" and "Your Love Is A Song" are also demonstrations of this same magic. Switchfoot are a great band that makes great music and it seems there is not an end in sight for their continued success.

CD REVIEW: Colin Giles "Colin Giles EP"

Colin Giles is a great up-and-coming independent musician that loves to perform reggae music like it was meant to be performed: raw and dirty. He is also one of the smartest independent musicians around, giving his newest EP away completely free, with no strings attached. That is a great marketing tool. What makes it even sweeter is that the music on the EP is actually worth paying for. The 4 songs on this release run the entire range of Giles' abilities, even showcasing one of his classic songs from his debut album. That song, "Go Get It," could easily find its way onto radio, showing off its unique sound, Giles' incredibly cool delivery, and some classic indie instrumentation. His music is raw, but his sound is crisp and solid, with guest appearances on the disc including the great Beastie Boys keyboardist, Money Mark. Even though the EP is only 4 tracks long, it gives us a taste of what Colin Giles is all about as a musician. It's got his funky side, it's got his slow and heartfelt side, and it's got his love for reggae all rolled into one tiny tight little package. Giving away this music for free will virtually guarantee that he will rake it in when the right people get a listen. (Download this EP for free at http://www.colingiles.com)