CD REVIEW: John Brown's Body "Amplify"

This reggae collective has been around the block a few times and have recently created their best recording ever. Their newest album, "Amplify," has the seamless combination of authentic reggae band and modern day jam band mixed with their finest studio production to date. Elliot Martin's vocals are perfect. The horns, the keys, the and strings all combine for an incredible interpretation of a very familiar style of music. The title track as well as "Give Yourself Over" encapsulate the band's past and current styles all rolled into one. It is fun to hear the band performing at their very best, listening to the familiarity of their live sound mixed with the inventiveness of their studio production. It is a sure thing that JBB will continue to make awesome reggae music, and now that they have their best album to date in their arsenal, they are sure to become a force in the reggae world.

CD REVIEW: Ry Cuming "Ry Cuming EP"

Finally getting his break as a musician, surfer Ry Cuming has released his debut EP online and is beginning to make different waves on the radio as well. His first single, a beautiul acoustic love songs, features backing vocals by hit singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles. Although the EP is brief with only 4 songs, it is a perfect prelude to the full length album that he is cooking up. Each song is perfectly crafted and mixes simple musicianship with excellent lyricism. It won't be long before this Australian is a household name in the states and everyone is digging on his excellent tunes.

CD REVIEW: Kai Brown "Share"

Kai Brown's newest release is a slight departure from his first album. The first, which was produced by Cary Pierce (Graham Colton, Jackopierce), has a more pop rock meets southern rock feel. This time, the Australian native, has more of a southern California pop feel to his music, which suits his style and his voice quite well. This outstanding collection of songs fits somewhere in between Graham Colton and Jack Johnson, with elements of both pop rock and sunshine soaked surf music mixed into each song. "Moments Like This" is an incredible love song set on the California coast, with lyrics that could entice many to use it as their wedding songs. In fact, most of the songs on the album are love songs, and "Sunday Morning" is another standout. Kai Brown is an excellent singer/songwriter and may have found just the musical style to catch his big break.

CD REVIEW: George Stanford "Roll Away"

George Stanford is an artist unlike many making music right now. He's the guy that takes a chance and does things his own way, without compromising who he is as a musician. He mixes soul with pop and rock in such a way that none of the three genres take control of any of the others. Although the EP is short with only five tracks, it's a graduation from his debut, sounding much more organic. The title track is funky and full of great rock energy. His duet with Lissie, "Don't Be The One," is lyrically incredible and showcases the two singers' magical voices. "Meet Me In L.A." sums up what it is to take a chance on being a professional musician, moving to L.A. and trying to make it. George Stanford is a true talent, and his new tunes are surely some of his finest yet.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• Dave Barnes - What We Want, What We Get
• Cary Brothers - Under Control
• John Butler Trio - April Uprising
• Ry Cuming - Ry Cuming EP
• Doves - The Places Between: The Best Of Doves
• Jakob Dylan - Women & Country

CD REVIEW: Jay Farrar & Benjamin Gibbard "One Fast Move Or I'm Gone: Music From Kerouac's Big Sur"

Movie soundtracks are usually full of music that is "from or inspired by" that movie. Rarely is music created that is inspired by the original piece of literature that is the subject of the movie. And further than that, it's even rarer that such great music is created solely for a documentary. That is the case for the new works by Jay Farrar (lead singer of Son Volt) and Benjamin Gibbard (lead singer of Death Cab For Cutie). "One Fast Move Or I'm Gone" is a documentary film about the book titled "Big Sur" written by Jack Kerouac. Jay and Ben created an entire album of original songs that depict the essence of the novel and are an incredible companion to the film. "These Roads Don't Move" is an excellent alt-country song that is currently spinning on AAA radio. "California Zephyr" and "Sea Engines" as well as the title track are musical and incredibly poetic. Farar is usually used to creating this style of music, but it's a big departure from the stuff that Gibbard creates with Death Cab. Jay and Ben both sing throughout the album, as well as share with the writing duties. It's always nice to hear musicians doing something different than they are used to, but the star of this album is the songwriting of Farrar and Gibbard, which is something that both artists doing quite well on a regular basis.

CD REVIEW: Brooke Waggoner "Go Easy Little Doves"

Brooke Waggoner, with her latest release, is at her creative best. Her previous releases have showcased her ability to write great pop songs, and on this album, she is showing off her ability to be artistic, yet still not alienate her fans. Her sound, and her progression from release to release, actually is very reminiscent of Fiona Apple, and if Brooke plays her cards right that level of success is sure to follow. The album's title track as well as "Femmes" and "Find Her Floods" are wonderfully beautiful compositions. On this piano driven album, Brooke Waggoner has shown that you can still make beautiful music without having to emphasize making hit songs. Artistry is sometimes all you need.

CD REVIEW: Basement Jaxx "Scars"

One of the most prolific electronic artists in the past twenty years, Basement Jaxx have returned to the airwaves with a new, incredibly inventive album. They have always been know for their genre bending club jams, as well as their creative collaborations, and their newest album does not disappoint on either of those. Musicians such as Sam Sparro, Lightspeed Champion, Santigold, and even Yoko Ono have all contributed to the mix, adding their own unique stamp on the tracks they appear on. "Raindrops" is classic Basement Jaxx, while the title track, "Feelings Gone," and "My Turn" display a slightly updated approach as they boldly leap into a new decade. Basement Jaxx are truly an entity that is necessary and welcome in the electronic world, and they continue to amaze with their creative compositions.

CD REVIEW: Kings Of Convenience "Declaration Of Dependence"

It's hard to believe that this is only the third album from Kings Of Convenience, since it feels like they have been making and releasing music forever. But it's true, and this new collection of thirteen originals is just as good as everything they've released previously. This album includes a recording which is actually the title of their last album, "Riot On An Empty Street." Each and every song features Kings Of Convenience's signature Simon & Garfunkel meets Brit pop sound. Adding to their already vast array of incredible compositions, "Mrs. Cold" and "Boat Behind" are classics in the making. The artwork on the album features the boys on a beach somewhere, sitting under a palm tree, making music and that is exactly the mood that the album sets. This is truly a record that you can find yourself getting lost in, and surely one that you'd want to have with you on the beach this summer as you lounge in your hammock as waves crash on the shore. Can't to the coast? Well, fear not, this album will transport you there from the comfort of your own space.

CD REVIEW: Lee Everton "Sing A Song For Me"

It's probably hard to grasp the concept of a reggae singer coming from Switzerland, but there is at least one worth knowing about. Lee Everton recently released his second album and, like the first, it goes from end to end with authentic reggae music that is as good as anything coming out of the Caribbean. His mellow voice is reminiscent of folk singers like Jose Gonzalez and Matt Costa, but his music is more along the lines of Bob Marley and the Police. In fact, the song "I Got To Keep On Moving" sounds like it could have been a hit by the Police, but it is one of Everton's best originals. "A Little Light" showcases his softer side, highlighting his lyrical prowess. This guy truly is an unknown, but surely on the heels of this album it won't be long before the reggae world embraces their brightest new shining star.