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.
The world may seem to be saturated by female singer/songwriters who are seemingly doing the same thing. But, the fact remains, that it just so happens that the ladies are finally getting the recognition they deserve. Tristan Prettyman, Sara Bareilles, and Colbie Caillat have all reaped the rewards of this and now Dawn Mitschele is here to claim a piece of the pie for her self. Her latest release is a collection of mellow and heartfelt tunes that are anchored by her incredibly subdued vocals. Her songs "Float Like A Feather" and "Dominoes" are reinterpretations of previously released songs, and on this album they have become some of the highlights. Her lead track "Water" is a lyrical masterpiece and the album's key track. She can be somewhat labeled the feminine answer to Jason Mraz and Jack Johnson, but her music is so unique it's hard to compare or categorize her. Dawn is one to watch as the women of the music world take join the boys at the top.
Marc B. joins the mess of talented young performers coming out of southern California with his debut "The Yellow Jelly EP." He mixes his blend of acoustic folk, hip hop style, and laid back delivery for a refreshing take on this ever expanding sub genre of music. Not quite alternative, but not quite folk, each song fits somewhere between both on the spectrum, and draws comparisons to everyone from Jack Johnson to Sublime. "The River" is the hands down stand out track, and is also featured at the end of the EP as a live on-air radio performance. Marc B. is at the beginnings of his career, with a promising debut.
Lotus is an inventive band performing live electronic music, and on their latest release, a combined double EP, they show off some of their most interesting work. Their previous albums have featured everything from jam band rock to outright danceable electronica and this new EP showcases how both combine for and interesting and unique sound. Featured on the EP are some new recordings that didn't quite make the cut for their most recent studio release as well as some remixes of songs off of that album. Overall it's a great collection of music for the die hard fan, and all listeners will be impressed by the freshness of the sound.
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.