New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• Jason Castro - The Love Uncompromised EP
• Charlie Hunter - Gentlemen, I Neglected To Inform You You Will Not Be Getting Paid
• Matt Morris - When Everything Breaks Open
• O.A.R. - Rain Or Shine
• OK Go - Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky
• Vampire Weekend - Contra

CD REVIEW: Ashleigh Mannix "Sparkle"

Australia is a mecca for mellow music. They have yet to churn out, however, a really good mellow singer/songwriter that is a female. Someone to rival the likes of Tristan Prettyman and Colbie Caillat. Well, look no further than Ashleigh Mannix. Her second EP is a short display of exactly that: mellow acoustic rock music. Her songwriting is simple, yet poignant and her songs are sing-along tunes, once you learn the words. The entire vibe of this release sets you into a mellow mood and not matter where in the world, brings you right to the beach sitting at the edge of the crashing waves. The world is currently buzzing on her latest single, "Pieces Of You," which can be found on her first EP, which can only mean that a full album of all the good stuff is on the way. It won't be long before she's a worldwide sensation, but for now we can dig on this.

CD REVIEW: Soulive "Up Here"

Soulive's latest release marks a return to form for the trio, as this album is their most organic and original sounding since "Doin' Something." While they've had some underground hits and serious success between then and now, this album shows off what made Soulive a household name in the acid jazz world. The opening track, "Up Right," showcases the signature guitar/keys/drums sound that the band is known for with an exclamation point added by the guest horns section, musical cohorts Ryan Zoidis and Sam Kininger. Eric Krasno's guitar playing on this album is enough to rival guitar greats like John Mayer and B.B. King. There is much soul and blues throughout all that jazz, and vocals provided by guest Nigel Hall and Soulive's own Alan Evans sound like a throwback to the 60's and 70's era jazz and funk of James Brown and George Clinton. This is probably a huge statement, but this album proves that Soulive is the Jay-Z of acid jazz, and wouldn't that be a collaboration we'd all love to see happen.

CD REVIEW: Jason Reeves "Patience For The Waiting"

Jason Reeves is an excellent songwriter as he has proven on his own releases as well as his collaborations with other artists such as Colbie Caillat and Angel Taylor. This latest EP is a testament to his songwriting, as it is all about the lyrics. There's nothing more compelling than a collection of songs with a solid lyrical foundation. Although the EP is short, with only 6 songs, it is a good "hold-you-over" kind of release for his fans. His last album was released independently and then re-released by Warner Bros. Records, so it's been quite some time since Reeves has put out new music of his own. He is the real deal, and surely can stand to be his own artist, and not just a collaborator, as is proven by this collection of tunes.

CD REVIEW: Ryan Montbleau "Stages: Volume II"

Voice and guitar is all that is needed to create an excellent album. This, the second installment of Ryan Montbleau's live series "Stages," is a stunning collection of gems from Monbleau's catalogue. Several of the best performances on the album come from tracks off of Montbleau's last full band release, showing off that they are not only filled with musical excellence, but lyrical excellence as well. "75 And Sunny," which features guest vocals from Amber Rubarth, really shows off how great a songwriter that Montbleau actually is, as the words he sings are the highlight of the song. The album finishes up with an acoustic studio recording of a new song called "More And More And More" and also features a cover of a Paul Simon song. You can really get an idea of how great he is as a performer as well, as the album is filled with the lovely sounds of the audience from each of the shows that the compilation was pulled from. Montbleau really shows off his core as a performing singer/songwriter, making this album one of the best live releases of 2009.

CD REVIEW: Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad "Live Up!"

It is quite possible that Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad is one of the best live dub reggae bands on the jam scene today. This album, the band's first live release, one ups their debut studio album by delivering a high energy collection of well crafted, superbly performed tunes in the way they were meant to be heard: live and uninhibited. "Seasons Change" sounds like anything you would hear coming straight from the island of Jamaica. The retro feel of each track on the album is reminiscent of reggae greats of the past including Bob Marley and Lee "Scratch" Perry. You will find yourself getting lost within the groove of each song. The shows that these gems were plucked from must have been awesome to be a part of, and it's a shame that the rest of the music created on each of those occasions couldn't be a part of "Live Up!"

CD REVIEW: Mike Doughty "Sad Man Happy Man"

Ever since Mike Doughty decided to do the solo thing he has been reinventing himself. Each album he has released as a solo artist started sounding less and less like Soul Coughing and more and more like a unique unrelated artist (with the same voice, of course). This latest effort is his most individual album yet. Lacking a substantial backing band, Doughty performed most of the songs completely on his own. In fact, many of the tracks are just Mike and a guitar. This mostly acoustic album features some of Mike's best lyrical compositions, including "Pleasure On Credit" and "(He's Got The) Whole World (In His Hands)." The unique song titles, like the first single "(You Should Be) Doubly (Gratified)," are right in line with Doughty's quirky nature as he once again blurs the line between alternative rock and folk music. This time around less is more and Mike Doughty shows off what it is to be a true musician and performer.

CD REVIEW: OneRepublic "Waking Up"

Success came easy for OneRepublic on their first album. With the backing of super-producer Timbaland, it wasn't hard to get the exposure that they needed to break out. Now that they've become a household name, it's time to prove that they're not just a one hit wonder. With their second album, which is heavy on the production side, OneRepublic has reproduced the exact formula that got them where they are today. Well crafted, well executed songs fill the entire album with lyrics that are both poignant and singable. The first single, "All The Right Moves" is surely an album standout, but it's not the best of the bunch. "Secrets" is the song that will skyrocket this band back into the spotlight for sure. However, it's "Everybody Loves Me" and "Good Life" that show off the band at their best and most creative on this album. They've definitely proven they have staying power, and with this album they have defined themselves as a band, not just as the guys who sing that song "Apologize."

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• Trent Dabbs - Your Side Now
• Kanye West - VH1 Storytellers

CD REVIEW: Parker House And Theory "Automatic Stranger"

This young, up-and-coming jam band has released a brilliant new album that is sure to put them on the map as a serious force in the jam rock world. They are somewhere on the jam spectrum midway between Phish and O.A.R., kind of like Dave Matthews Band without the world music influence. Instead, inject a ton of funk and soul and you've got exactly their sound. This album, their best release to date, is all about having fun. Each and every song makes you want to dance, rock out, or just chill. The layers of musicality mixed with the cleverness of the lyrics shows promise that this band has what it takes to become a powerhouse. "Breaking Down" is hands down the best song on the album, however, every other song comes in a close second. Parker House And Theory are the real deal and deliver an outstanding mix of music that leaves you wanting more.