#reviewoftheweek / Meiko - Dear You

Meiko is pure pop. This new album embraces that to its fullest extent, branching out and away from her folky roots. Diving deeper into the pop realm, her newest album embraces heavier production and electronic elements, while still remaining true to her beginnings as a singer/songwriter. Think of the album as a new medium for the same message, an artist graduating from pencils and sketches to paints and canvas and larger, more impactful displays. At the core the album is a group of simply thought out songs, which unfold and develop into grand displays of musicianship. Highlights include the title track, the lead track "Bad Things," and "Be Mine." One of her finest moments on the album is the song that connects her sounds of the past to her sound of the present, "If He Doesn't Love You." This is the song on the album that reminds you of her roots, yet still manages to harness her current musical self. The album hovers somewhere between pop and indie rock, and will have old and new fans equally impressed and satisfied.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Best Coast - The Only Place
• Meiko - The Bright Side
• Ryan Montbleau - For Higher
• Tenacious D - Rize Of The Fenix

BURN THIS / May 2012

1. ALO "Speed Of Dreams"
2. Ben Kweller "Free"
3. Grace Potter & The Nocturnals "Never Go Back"
4. Pete Kilpatrick Band (featuring Stefan Lessard) "Burning Star"
5. Dave Barnes "White Flag"
6. Meiko "Leave The Lights On"
7. The Fray "Run For Your Life"
8. Justin Levinson & The Valcours "Love You Goodbye"
9. Eric Hutchinson "Breakdown More"
10. Good Old War "Amazing Eyes"
11. Matt Corby "Souls A'Fire"
12. The Romany Rye "Untitled (Love Song)"
13. Lindsay Fuller "Everything I Ever Had"
14. The Lumineers "Ho Hey"
15. Joe Pug "Hymn #76"
16. Angus Stone "Broken Brights"
17. Robert Francis "Some Things Never Change"
18. Bahamas "OK Alright I'm Alive"
19. Jessie Baylin "Love Is Wasted On Lovers"
20. Michael Kiwanuka "Tell Me A Tale"

NEW TUNES: Vanguard Records - Holiday Sampler 2009

Vanguard Records has put together a collection of tunes by a handful of great artists and they are giving it to you for free this Holiday Season. Just click here to download a bunch of great songs by Brett Dennen, Brandi Carlile, Needtobreathe, Josh Ritter, Joshua Radin, Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers, Greg Laswell, Meiko, and more. Happy holidays and enjoy!