the playlist: APR 2018

1. Pearl Jam - "Can't Deny Me"

2. Snow Patrol - "Don't Give In"

3. Lord Huron - "Wait By The River"

4. Leon Bridges - "Bad Bad News"

5. Kacey Musgraves - "High Horse"

6. Lee DeWyze - "Got It Right"

7. Lake Street Dive - "Good Kisser"

8. Galactic (featuring Erica Falls) - " Hold On To Let Go"

9. Rebelution - "Celebrate"

10. Bag Of Toys - "Soulshine"

#reviewoftheweek / Bag Of Toys - Eating Monsters

Bag Of Toys are severely underrated. Sure, their blend of acoustic pop is the kind of music that seemingly only a certain type of music fan can love. You hear elements of Jack Johnson and Bob Marley and Sublime all throughout, however, these guys are blending acoustic pop and lyricism with the same ease and intensity as was going on in the 60's. They've, of course, put an updated modern twist on that style, and on this album, they'd surprised us with a large collection of new tracks that are fun and bouncy without seeming like a continuation of previous releases. Their west coast vibe is evident, and on songs like "Hold On Me" and "Callin' All Friends" you are reminded as to why this band puts you in a good mood all the time. Their light hearted and subtle comedic side is always present, and this time is no different on songs like "Stinky Gorilla" and "Boner In My Baggies." "Love" is another standout track, showing off a bit of simple reggae influence, which is absolutely present on several other tracks. Bag Of Toys can be an unfamiliar band, but they have a familiar sound that makes their newest album excellent.

CD REVIEW: Bag Of Toys "Access 10"

Bag Of Toys are one of those bands that grows on you. At first listen it seems like all of their music is on a level plane. Seemingly, there might not be anything that sounds like it's intricate or layered, but in fact, the simplicity of Bag Of Toys' music is as intricate and complex as the most innovative and experimental band. Sometimes it's harder to create something that is as straightforward and friendly as the music of this band than it is to break molds and push envelopes. Their music transports you straight to the beach, "That's The Girl" and "Tear Your Dress" are the highlights of the album, but each song is as good as the next. Fans of everyone from Jack Johnson to Sublime to Fleet Foxes will find something to sink their teeth into on this album. Bands who are daring enough to stick to what they know and make music they love and music their fans dig don't come around often, and Bag Of Toys don't disappoint in any way with their latest collection.

BURN THIS / August 2011

1. Zee Avi "The Book Of Morris Johnson"
2. Release The Sunbird "Come Back To Us"
3. Tom Freund "Wounded Surfer Boy"
4. Brett Dennen "Can't Stop Thinking"
5. Matt Nathanson "Modern Love"
6. Jesse Harris "The Secret Sun"
7. Jessica Lea Mayfield "Blue Skies Again"
8. Lissie "Little Lovin'"
9. Dawes "Coming Back To A Man"
10. The Alternate Routes "Kiss Me"
11. Sam Roberts Band "Let It In"
12. Dispatch "Con Man"
13. Bag Of Toys "That's The Girl"
14. Two Spot Gobi "Light On"
15. Ed Sheeran "You Need Me, I Don't Need You"
16. Lex Land "Havana"
17. Cara Salimando "Dust"
18. Parachute "You & Me"
19. Andy Grammer "Keep Your Head Up"
20. Gym Class Heroes (featuring Adam Levine) "Stereo Hearts"

Listen live to the entire playlist in the music player in the right sidebar all month long during August.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Bag Of Toys - Access 10
• David Cook - This Loud Morning
• Chadwick Stokes - Simmerkane II

Also released today: Josh Ritter's debut novel "Bright's Passage."

CD REVIEW: Bag Of Toys "Stripped Alive"

Bag Of Toys is one of the most fun bands on the west coast. They have a serious ability to get a crowd going with their feel good surf songs that transport you right to the beach, around the bonfire, or on the waves. Their latest, intended to treat their fans until the next studio release, is a live album that has them performing their best songs in their most organic, stripped down, acoustic form. These recordings showcase the true nature of each of their best tunes, and not a single great song is left out of the mix. Acoustic versions of "Share," "More Sex Than Me," and "California" all make an appearance, and their versions of "Ooh La La" and "Surf Song" only make the listener appreciate these songs much more than their studio debut. Bag Of Toys truly is an excellent group and have proven with this release that music, at its core, is about having fun, loving what you do, and connecting with your fans.