CD REVIEW: The Alternate Routes "Lately"

The Alternate Routes have come full circle on their latest studio album. They started out as an independent band, released two albums signed to Vanguard Records, now have returned to their roots with a new independent album. The album showcases the same thing that fans have been loving about the band since they started their career. The combination of incredible lyrics and familiar American rock music is a perfect mix. "Stay" is a standout and is reminiscent of the music from their debut album. "Kiss Me" is an upbeat rocker that shows the evolution of the band across their three studio albums. The Alternate Routes do what they do so well because they love it so much. You can feel and hear the love throughout their entire new album and they have proven that great music truly comes from the soul.

CD REVIEW: Tyrone & Elina "Different As Can Be"

Tyrone Wells has been making music as a solo performer for quite sometimes, receiving incredible success both as an independent and as part of a major label. This new recording finds him teaming up with his wife for a duets album that is just as good as everything he has previously released. The two share writing duties on the album which is full of beautiful music and both heartfelt and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. The title track, "Lucky," and "Until The Sun Burns Out" are three of the standout tracks. One of the lyrical standouts of the album is "The Exhausted Spouse" which calls for a break from the realities of being a husband, wife, and parent. Tyrone and Elina Wells' music is magical and relatable and they have proven that as a team they as beautifully as they do apart.

CD REVIEW: Matt Costa "Mobile Chateau"

Matt Costa is one of the most talented musicians creating music these days. His latest proves that point more than either of his first two full length albums. Each album has been different, showcasing everything from pop to folk. The latest, seems like an adventure in time travel. The album is a collection that sounds like much of the pop music that was being released in the early to mid 60's. Influences from everyone from the Beatles to the Beach Boys and everything in between can be heard throughout the entire disc. "Witchcraft," the first single, shows off Matt's new take on pop rock music incredibly well, as well as his lyrical prowess depicting a woman's control over him as if she was casting spells. The most incredible song lyrically is "Painted Face" which tells the story of a clown and how there is always a different side to the performer that we never get to know. "Johnny's Love Of Majik" and "The Season" are also standouts in an album that is full of inventiveness and creativity. No one will ever know what Matt Costa has up his sleeve, and this album definitely sets itself apart from his other music as well as anything else other musicians have recently released.

CD REVIEW: Sara Bareilles "Kaleidoscope Heart"

It's been quite a while since Sara Bareilles broke onto the scene with her incredible debut album. This is the follow up to that album, and although it doesn't match intricacy and intensity of the debut, it's got a whole mess of incredible qualities not seen on that album. On the title track which opens the album Bareilles does her bet Imogen Heap impression, singing the song a capella with the assistance of well produced but not overplayed autotune. The first single "King Of Anything" reminds us that Sara Bareilles and her lyrics are supercharged and full of angst, as well showcasing her incredible hooks. He piano playing is magical on this album, but it's "Basket Case" that shows a different side of Bareilles. On the entire track, Bareilles puts away the piano in order to showcase the vocals and guitar. In the four years since her debut Bareilles has made plenty of guest appearances on her friends' recordings (Joey Ryan, Jay Nash, Tony Lucca), but it's wonderful to her her back behind the mic and piano creating new music. She is currently one of the best young female singer/songwriters making music.

CD REVIEW: Will Hoge "The Living Room Sessions"

Will Hoge is a master of musical creativity, and with his latest EP he finds himself revisiting some of the tracks that were contained within his most recent studio album. This endeavour, however, doesn't take place in a studio. Instead, it takes place in Hoge's living room. An unlikely place to record music, the living room adds a bit of intrigue to the music in the form of rawness. It's as if you are sitting there with Hoge as he performs for you. The most exciting of the revisited tracks is of the song "Even If It Breaks Your Heart" which takes an almost Storytellers or Unplugged take on a rocking classic. This acoustic version really sets itsels apart from the original and the rest of the EP, as it is the only song that finds itself this far from the original recording. Also included in the disc is a version of the Hoge classic "All Night Long," which is the only track not featured on Hoge's last album. Will Hoge makes music for music lovers and the EP is Hoge at his best, reinventing himself and his music, while remaining true to his core.

CD REVIEW: Brooke Fraser "Flags"

This new album is a huge step up from her debut album. Brooke Fraser has hit it out of the park with her new album, combining simple pop music with clever lyrics, relatable content, and outstanding instrumentation. The album starts off with "Something In The Water," and upbeat poppy love song that could be her defining moment. The two songs, however, that define the album are right in the middle of the mix. "Coachella" and "Jack Kerouac" are unconventional, catchy, and make the album fun and exciting. Aqualung makes a guest appearance on "Who Are We Fooling" adding yet another layer. Brooke Fraser is a talented young artist that comes into her own on her new disc, making an incredible name for herself in the process.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• The Alternate Routes - Lately
• Badly Drawn Boy - It's What I'm Thinking: Photographing Snowflakes
• Brooke Fraser - Flags
• Hill Country Revue - Zebra Ranch
• Will Hoge - The Living Room Sessions
• Mutemath - Armistice Live
• Old 97's - The Grand Theatre, Volume 1
• Pepper - Stitches
• Joshua Radin - The Rock & The Tide
• Sister Hazel - Heartland Highway

CD REVIEW: Bedouin Soundclash "Light The Horizon"

Reggae from north of the border is a different kind of thing altogether. It's a long way from Jamaica to Canada, but for the music of Bedouin Soundclash, the distance isn't all that great at all. The band's fourth album is one of their most creative yet. It's not an album full of straight funky reggae music. In fact there is a lot more worldly influence that just reggae. The album starts off with "Mountain Top," which, along with being the album's hand down standout, is the song that most closely resembles their previous work. Just as in their previous album, The Police can be heard as a pretty heavy influence. There are also similarities to mid-90's Duran Duran and even the song "Elongo" somewhat parallels Toto's "Africa." "Fools Tattoo" is another great track, showing off the band's signature reggae rock. This new disc is a progression of the band's evolution combined with elements of singer Jay Malinowski's adventurous solo album. Bedouin Soundclash are an unmatched talent in the music world, and with each album they grow and branch out, creating new and exciting tunes that sound like they're straight out of the Caribbean.

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CD REVIEW: Fran Healy "Wreckorder"

As the lead singer of the hugely successful British pop band Travis, Fran Healy has become synonymous with Travis' signature sound. Always compared to other British bands like Oasis, Snow Patrol, and Coldplay, Travis still managed to carve out a little niche of their own. That all being said, Fran Healy has decided to give a solo album a shot. You might think it's just another Travis album, as many lead singers tend to continue down the same path they were already on, but this album is nothing like the music Travis put out. Healy has really put together a stellar singer/songwriter disc, with emphasis on the lyrics and the personal connection to the music and the listener. The album is full of great songs, some of which are surely going to become hits, both in the UK and US. "Buttercups" is the first single, and bares the closest resemblance to a Travis song. Paul McCartney (yes, the Beatle) plays bass on "As It Comes" and Healy duets with Neko Case on "Sing Me To Sleep," both of which are album standouts. Other songs like "Anything" and "Holiday" are perfect compositions showing off Healy's solo talents to the max. Fran Healy has proven that he is a major part of Travis' success, and now he's out to prove he can do it all again on his own.