CD REVIEW: The Break Mission "Alpha"

The Break Mission have turned into a very powerful band with their new album. Their previous work was a bit more raw and a bit more pop, but their newest release features some incredibly tight alternative rock that could find itself onto any rock radio station alongside the buzz bands currently blowing up the airwaves. Songs like "Thieves" and "All Of Your Guns" are tracks that could easily help this band become huge. Fans of artists like Snow Patrol, OneRepublic, and even Radiohead will all get something from this album. The Break Mission is truly a band to watch, and this latest album is going to put them on the map.

CD REVIEW: Kina Grannis "Stairwells"

Kina Grannis is one of those unique souls that doesn't come along very often. Her music is beautifully written and performed and shows the signs of a seasoned veteran of the music industry. Although the album was independently produced and released, the music shows no lacking qualities that you might find without the presence of a label or super producer. Songs like "Strong Enough" and "In Your Arms" are ready to make waves on radio right now, and could easily become Grannis' breakout hits, catapulting her to stardom. She is surely the next Sara Bareilles or Colbie Caillat, as her music fits in the same vein and she delivers it with the same subtlety and intensity. Kina Grannis is everything that her music makes her out to be: a great songwriter, and beautiful singer, and an artistic soul. "Stairwells" is the culmination of her journey towards greatness, and she has certainly achieved it.

CD REVIEW: Michael Lowman "In My Own Words"

This EP by talented new singer/songwriter Michael Lowman is a breath of fresh air. He can be compared to musicians such as David Gray, Damien Rice, and other newcomers like Joey Ryan and Alexi Murdoch. The mixture of guitar and piano makes for simple pop music with lyrics as the defining backbone. The instrumentation is not typical for pop rock music, as a bit of blues rock can be heard in songs like "Morning Shine." The album's title track is sure to become Lowman's defining musical moment. Michael Lowman is on his way, on the heels of this EP, to do great musical things in his career.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• JBM - Not Even In July

CD REVIEW: Sheryl Crow "100 Miles From Memphis"

Sheryl Crow is a future Rock & Roll Hall-of-famer, adn the reason is that she has staying power in an industry that chews you up and spits you out. The reason she has been able to have such an incredible career is because she has the ability to create awesome albums, like this one, that bridge the gaps between styles of music while still retaining the essence of their originality. On this album Crow embraces her soulfulness and brings it all the way back to the 50's and 60's with her own twist on some classic styles of music. She includes a few cover songs including Citizen Cope's "Sideways" (which he guest appears on) and Terrence Trent D'Arby's "Sign Your Name" (which includes son background vocals by Justin Timberlake). Her originals are as classic as the styles she mimics and as well written as her extensive catalogue of hits. "Summer Day" is one of her best songs ever, and "Eye To Eye" has her embracing reggae with a little help from Keith Richards. She closes the album with a cover of the Jackson 5 classic "I Want You Back," and her version is a spectacular update to the song. Sheryl Crow is an amazing singer and songwriter and her abilities transcend her music. On album's like this one, it's wonderful for her to let us into her world through her music.

CD REVIEW: Grace Potter & The Nocturnals "Grace Potter & The Nocturnals"

A blues rock queen, Grace Potter has returned with her band for their third album, and this one is self titled for a reason. The band has come into their own on this album, showcasing their rock chops to the fullest extent. Potter's vocals are bluesy as always, and on this album their remind of rock legends like Janis Joplin and Grace Slick. "Tiny Light" is the album's standout track and the band's finest recording. "Paris (Ooh La La)" is an edgy rocker that reminds us that this is a rock band at it's core. While their previous albums may have been more laden with blues and jam rock, this one is filled with 70's style guitar rock that many bands would only dream of being able to perform. This album will prove to be a defining moment in the career of Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, and many of the songs will become some of the band's most classic recordings.

CD REVIEW: Chris Trapper "Into The Bright Lights"

Chris Trapper has always defined his music through his songwriting and storytelling, and this latest digital release is no exception. It is incredibly reminiscent of his debut solo album as well as the music he made in the early days with The Push Stars. "Family Tree" is signature Chris Trapper, as his lyrics are the star and his vocal delivery is as unique as his music. "The Game Is Done" and the title track are also excellent tracks. Trapper will always be one of those musicians that you can count on for great music, and this new EP is no exception.

Check out the EP for yourself by clicking on the cover art and downloading the album by naming your own price.

CD REVIEW: Kid Cudi "Man On The Moon: The End Of Day"

Not enough can be said about Kid Cudi, however, the one thing that stands out is that he's embracing the art of turning the hip hop world upside down. His unique vocal delivery and production quality is currently unmatched, and his ability to tell stories through his music is as good, if not better, than some of hip hop[s greats. The album features guest appearances by everyone from Kanye West and Common to MGMT and Ratatat, making for an eclectic sounding mix of intense music. "Day 'N" Nite" took the world by storm and is one of his best songs, however "Pursuit Oof Happiness" and "Up Up & Away" are the best songs on the album, artisticly. Kid Cudi is the next generation of hip hop and will surely pioneer a whole new era of cutting edge hip hop music.

CD REVIEW: Andrew Belle "Live At Hotel Cafe"

Andrew Belle is a bright young singer/songwriter, and on this digital release he shows off why he is one of the best new talents to come around. His intimate performance at Hotel Cafe in March is one of the best acoustic pop live recordings around, showing off some of his best material all in one short collection. "I'll Be Your Breeze" and "Static Waves" are two of Belle's best songs, and here they are performed beautifully. He also includes a cover of the Death Cab For Cutie song "I Will Follow You Into The Dark, which takes on a whole new personality when sung by Andrew.

Check out this awesome album for yourself by clicking on the album cover and downloading it for FREE!

CD REVIEW: Needtobreathe "The Outsiders"

Back for the third time, Needtobreathe has created their most accessible album to date, with hit after hit song filling the entire disc. It's nothing but straighforward homegrown rock and roll music for these guys, and the proof is in songs like the title track and "Prisoner." Lyrically, Needtobreathe have always been at the top of their game, but some of their greatest lyrical gems show up on this album like the incredibly popular "Something Beautiful" as well as "Hurricane" and "Lay 'Em Down." Finally embraced by the masses, rock radio has helped Needtobreathe and this album get the recognition and airplay that they deserve.