One of the best live bands around, O.A.R. has put out an excellent new live album showcasing their two night run in Chicago in June 2009. Having already released a handful of live albums, O.A.R. is now stranger to this format, however this album is the first to span the band's entire studio catalogue. The best part about the album is that, across two nights, the band fit in their hits, many of their fan's favorites, and a few surprises as well. In the first night's set, the guys stuck in an acoustic set of tunes featuring their signature tune "That Was a Crazy Game Of Poker" and their hit song "Shattered." "Risen," "This Town," "Love And Memories," Hey Girl," and "Lay Down." all find their way onto the album. Fan favorities like "Black Rock," "On Top The Cage," and "City On Down" were all included and performed outstandingly. Robert Randolph joined the band on stage during the night one performance to perform a cover of the Led Zeppelin song "Fool In The Rain." The "Rain Or Shine" aspect of the album comes from the weather that the band experienced during their two nights, and they weren't about to let it stop them. Their catalogue is extensive and between the two discs only 2 songs were repeated, and they were performed both acousticly plugged in. This album is certainly awesome and features some of their best released live performances of certain songs to date.
Dave Matthews has really returned to his roots as a musician with his most recent releases. This collaboration with long time friend and touring bandmate Tim Reynolds is also a return of sorts, reinvigorating his duet acoustic perfomances with Reynolds and releasing an outstanding new collection. "Live At Luther College" marked the first time fans got to have a proper recording of a Matthews/Reynolds performance, but it's this album that really shows off the stuff of legends. Matthews breaks out both old and new tunes, breathing new life into some and showing off a new twist in others. The double disc set offers a listen to the organic side of the songs of of DMB's most recent studio release. A cover of Led Zeppelin's"Kashmir" makes it into the mix, and a few unreleased Matthews songs make is in as well. The album features a few tunes from Matthews' solo album as well, making the mix of music very well rounded. Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds are a special treat when they combine their forces together on stage, and they are incredibly intriguing when they are all alone with out their bands.
After self releasing a few album, Stacy Clark has finally got the backing of a label. That being said, she has harnessed her unbelievable ability to write great pop songs and released a new album that is her most accessible yet. The lead single "Touch & Go" is going to make her a huge success, and once music fans get a hold of her album they are going to love songs like "All Time Low" and "Air Force." She mixes her roots in acoustic pop and emo with the best production she has had on any of her albums to create a defining sound that is all her own. Stacy Clark is certainly an artist to watch, with a new album that is going to stand up as one of the year's best.
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.
