CD REVIEW: The Ruse "Love Sex Confusion"

After releasing three excellent albums independently, The Ruse is back doing it all over again, and still without any major backing. It's amazing that these guys still remain unsigned and don't have countless hit songs playing all over rock and top 40 radio, even if they've been played all over MTV's reality programming. Regardless of that, the fact still remains that these guys can put together some great rock tunes that aren't over the top and fell just as mainstream as everything being played on air these days. Any fan of bands such as Lifehouse, Snow Patrol, or Our Lady Peace can get into songs on this album. It all starts off with a rock jam called "I Can't Stop" which is one of their best songs to date. "Apache" is probably the hardest edged song on the album, while "Glitter Not Gold" could compete at the top of the rock charts with the big guns. They turn on their slower side in a few songs as well, showing off their range as musicians. Their catalogue up until now should have been enough to turn a few heads and open a few ears, but this time the band has pulled out the stops and it should garner some huge success and recognition, more than they have seen up until now.

CD REVIEW: Mason Reed "You Can't Come Back From Heaven"

You can really feel the grit and emotion in Mason Reed's vocals and lyrics on his latest EP. His songs are very powerful and delivered very organically with a sound that is unparalleled. His voice is reminiscent of independent musicians the White Buffalo and Graham Isaacson, with his music somehow channelling the likes of Johnny Cash, with the lyrical compliment of Bob Dylan. Only five songs long, Reed is able to tell short stories in each of the compositions, leaving the listener longing for more at the end of the short EP. "Not Perfect" is the hands down standout on the disc. The story told in "Poor Old Man" hits at the very core of your soul, and through his voice, you can feel all the pain, frustration, confusion, anger and every other emotion that is pulsing through Reed as he sings. As familiar as he is unique, Mason Reed is one to watch, as he delivers a thoroughly stunning EP.

CD REVIEW: Ted Lennon "The Calm"

Mellow acoustic folk rock is one of the simplest forms of music that can be created. But, to do it right and do it well, it takes a special type of musician with the ability to craft incredible lyrics that mold well with this basic instrumental style. Ted Lennon has been doing that for quite some time now, and like his friend Jack Johnson, has managed to perfect his craft. On his latest, he adds to his repertoire of songs with some excellent compositions, with "I'm Not The One" possibly being the best on the album. "Crazy Sweet" and "She's Gonna Make It" are also perfect compositions showcasing Lennon's seamless marriage of music and lyrics. He's even included his rendition of Bob Dylan's "Don't ThinkTwice It's All Right," which features duet vocals by Brett Dennen, a mellow folk rock master himself. Lennon's style and sound is familiar and ripped right out of the 60's folk scene, updated for the ears of today's listeners. "The Calm" is a great album, and the title is a perfect description for both the music and the mood of the songs.

CD REVIEW: Galactic "Ya-Ka-May"

There aren't many bands who have more fun making music than Galactic. Their last album was a road trip into the world of hip hop which won over fans and critics alike. This latest album combines their New Orleans funk and jazz sounds with some classic style and a new approach at delivering the signature music of a scorned city. They are seeing significant radio success with their single "Heart Of Steel" featuring vocals by the soulful Irma Thomas. The song has even managed to help them get some television exposure, appearing on a few late night talk shows. Hip hop finds its place on this album as well, but not as abundant as on their previous album. One of the most fun sounding songs is "Boe Money" which finds Galactic teaming up with the Rebirth Brass Band. The band brings in an array of eclectic guest musicians including Allen Toussaint and Trombone Shorty. All in all, Galactic have developed a familiar and ever changing funk sound that is unmatched in music today. On their newest album, they show us how to musically pay homage to the Crescent City while still making inventive music that is new and exciting.

CD REVIEW: Iration "Time Bomb"

Reggae bands are a dime a dozen, so it takes being great to really make a name for yourselves in the world of domestic reggae. Iration have created an album that will solidify them as a force in the genre of alternative rock reggae music and now find themselves reaching for the same level as bands like Sublime, Slightly Stoopid, and O.A.R. The album's title track, if it gets a chance on radio, will skyrocket these guys to stardom because it's mellow reggae vibe and clever lyrics will have fans of any style of music bouncing, dancing, and singing along. Fans of everyone from Jack Johnson to Matisyahu to Vampire Weekend will all find some song on this album that they can get into. The band's energy, combined with their intense inherent love for the music, make each and every song on this album a standout. Iration are ready to join the likes of Rey Fresco and Dirty Heads as part of a new breed of alternative reggae rockers taking the airwaves by storm.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• The Bird And The Bee - Interpreting The Masters, Vol. 1: A Tribute To Daryl Hall And John Oates
• The Ruse - Love Sex Companion
• She & Him -Volume Two
• Matt Wertz - While We're Becoming

CD REVIEW: Foo Fighters "Greatest Hits"

Greatest hits albums are a tricky thing. You have to have great songs to be able to put together a greatest hits album, which Foo Fighters have. Now, this album certainly would not be considered a "best of" because there are many Foo Fighters greats that don't make the cut because they never ended up on the radio. This album is a collection of the best songs that they sent to radio and ended up blowing up. They've included two new songs, one of which is currently blowing up at radio right now. "Wheels" is a culmination of the entire career of the Foo Fighters thusfar. The song sound like it could have been included on any their albums because it's sound is so familiar. The band also decided to include an acoustic version of the song "Everlong" which showcases the sheer excellence of the songwriting aspect of the band. Many times rock bands don't become known for their excellent lyrics, and Foo Fighters have some great ones, many of which can be heart in this collection. Fortunately, this is just a stop along the way on what was just supposed to be a Dave Grohl side project, and we surely can expect at least another decade full of new greatest hits to come.

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.