CD REVIEW: Ruarri Joseph "Shoulder To The Wheel"

Ruarri Joseph has embraced the style of light folksy Brit pop to the fullest extent. This, his third album, is full of mellow folk rock tunes that are reminiscent of musicians such as Neil Halstead and David Gray. The music is kind of a hybrid of mellow 60's style acoustic folk and modern lyrical pop. "Nervous Grin" and "Rich Folks Hoax" are reminiscent of his debut album, while "An Orchard For An Apple" sees Joseph embracing his songwriting skills and highlighting his lyrics. Ruarri Joseph is riding a wave of mellow soulful Brits that are making excellent music, Along with Paolo Nutini and Newton Faulkner, Ruarri and the boys from across the pond are poised to give all the American folksters a run for them money. The bottom line is that Joseph's new album is an musical and artistic masterpiece.

CD REVIEW: The Hold Steady "Heaven Is Whenever"

After their fourth album took the world by storm, containing some of The Hold Steady's best songs, they are back with a new album that is almost as good as their last. It's a great album, containing tracks that, for the avid Hold Steady fan, are a welcome addition to the catalogue. The album doesn't contain that hit single, the song that will define the album. However, the album is defined by the ups and downs, the lyrical content, and the delivery of the songs. It is, by far, The Hold Steady's most creative album yet. "Rock Problems" is a classic. Songs such as "The Weekenders" and "Hurricane J" remind us that the essence of their music is truly in the lyrical storytelling. They continue to sound like the indie rock version of Bruce Springsteen, and have an incredible connection to the lives and times that have turned into their music. The beautiful album comes to a subtle close with the sounds of crickets chirping, recorded accidentally as some of the music was recorded outside. You can always expect greatness from The Hold Steady. Lately they do not disappoint, and their fifth album is a testament to their hard work, excellent lyricism, and incredible musical talents.

CD REVIEW: Harper Blynn "Lonliest Generation"

At first glance, it's a brand new band that has come along showcasing some excellent songwriting and pop music. But, this band has actually been around for a little while. Harper Blynn used to be known as Pete & J. Well, they still are known as that, since the principle members and singers of the band are Pete Harper and Jason Blynn. As Pete & J., the guys released several albums and EPs showing off their Simon & Garfunkel style folk pop music. Their newest incarnation, and new album, takes their folk pop style to a whole new level, emphasizing the full band sound without taking away from their core influences and sound. "This Is It," the first single off of the album is pure pop gold, and along with "25 Years," shows off that their sound is incredible Beatlesque. They have also included a few songs that are reminiscent of their duo days, reminding us that their lyrics and guitars are sometimes all you need to hear. Harper Blynn is bringing back a style of music whose popularity may have been left in the 1960's. They have released an album that both plays off their strengths as musicians and takes their music in a new and exciting direction.

CD REVIEW: Chad Perrone "Release"

Chad Perrone is one of those special musicians that has been around the block a few times, but hasn't yet fully cashed in on his worth. Starting his musical career with indie rock band Averi, Perrone showcased his ability to be a killer frontman and he sung his heart out. Upon going solo, Perrone took the frontman role to the next level and now was the only man. He proved himself over the course of two solo albums, and is back for the third time, this time really letting go. The entire album is excellent, with countless songs that could hold their own on any rock radio station in any part of the country. "Motionless" has the potential to be a successful single on rock radio, and in the right hands or the right ears, could be Perrone's breakout song. His ability to write incredible lyrics is apparent on songs like "Quit You" and "Anything Or Anyone." Great things are on the horizon for Chad Perrone, and his newest album is his vessel out of the unknown.

New Release Tuesday

New releases out today worth checking out:

• Harper Blynn - Lonliest Generation
• Keane - Night Train

CD REVIEW: Aqualung "Magnetic North"

"Magnetic North" is another great album from young singer/songwriter Matt Hales, otherwise known as Aqualung. He always seems to hit it out of the park with each of his new albums, and this, his fourth, is another solid performance. There are a handful of really great songs on this album that are both catchy and artistic. The lead single, Fingertip," is already taking the world by storm and reintroducing music lovers to Aqualung's signature style that he amazed with on his debut album. Sara Bareilles lends her vocals talents (as she has been doing for a lot of musicians lately) to the track "Remember Us" which is a lyrically beautiful song. Other standout tracks include the title track and "New Friend." It's good to hear Aqualung back to true form, writing and performing excellent music, and reminding us that he is still the same musician we remember when he broke onto the scene five years ago.

CD REVIEW: Samuel Ventura "Beautiful Tragedy"

Samuel Ventura is a bright up-and-coming singer/songwriter from upstate New York, and his debut album is an excellent display of lyrically rich pop rock. The entire album is filled with catchy hook, radio friendly songs, and a simplicity that is not always appreciated in music. There is always something to be said for a musician who can do straightforward really well, without gimmicks or overproduction. Songs on this album that are sure to hook the listeners are "Strawberry Soda," "Sunshine," and "Coconut Tree." For a first time out, Samuel Ventura has created a debut album that is a huge stepping stone towards a fruitful career. His style of music will be timeless (for the next few years are least) and he is sure to benefit from his talents.

CD REVIEW: Zach Deputy "Sunshine"

After having your tour van, equipment, and most of your worldly possessions stolen from you, the last thing that you can be thinking about is recording a new album. For Zach Deputy, the free spirited fun loving musician, that's exactly what the doctor ordered. The result, an incredible new album that combines both his love for reggae music, his jam band sensibility, his one-man-band approach at music, and his fun personality. The song "Paramus" is about his unfortunate incident involving the theft of his van. "The Way You Make Me Feel" is not a cover of the Michael Jackson song, but rather a feel good reggae tune that shows off Deputy's work with a full band. About half the album includes the full band and the other half has Zach pulling out all the stops and performing all of the instruments. "Stay" shows off Deputy's true musicianship and has a very old school bluesy vibe. The entire album is awesome and Zach Deputy does a wonderful job bringing the fun right to the listeners. It's a rarity to actually hear how much fun a musician has while performing, but Zach Deputy displays that quality to the max.

CD REVIEW: Greg Laswell "Take A Bow"

On this album, Greg Laswell solidifies himself as a pop folk superstar. He has managed to put together another great album full of great songs that showcase his incredible lyricism and distinct voice. This album is a little darker sounding than the previous two and on "Come Clean" there is a bit of spookiness as well. The debut single, "Take Everything," could possibly become Laswell's most memorable song, and move him into the mainstream spotlight. Ingrid Michaelson also lends her vocals to the song, as well as several others on the album. Cary Brothers joins the mix as well, lending his background vocals to a few of the tracks. "Off I Go," a song that first appeared on the television show "Grey's Anatomy," makes its first appearance on a Laswell album, and is one of Laswell's most lyrically perfect songs. "In Front Of Me," "Marquee," and "Around The Bend" are all standout tracks, proving this album is full of incredible songs. Greg Laswell has managed to take folk rock music to a new level and has brought us a new album, which he also self produced, that is one of the best of the year.

NEW TUNES: Pete Francis

Check out the first single from Pete Francis' new album "The Movie We Are In" which will be released on his own Scrapper Records on May 18th. The song is called "Glue" and you can download it for free by clicking here. Enjoy!