CD REVIEW: Matt Morris "When Everything Breaks Open"

It's always good to have friends in high places. For Matt Morris, his friend is none other than Justin Timberlake. Yes, that Justin Timberlake. Morris is the first artist signed to Timberlake's Tennman Records, an independent label he started to release some otherwise unknown musicians. That being said, Morris will reap the success of this album for years to come as it is an incredibly fine debut. He mixes his soulful singing with a pop friendly folk style that is not very mass produced in the record industry these days. "Money," the first single off of this album, is a soul filled tune about the dangers of greed, and one of Morris' best. He channels everyone from Coldplay to Stevie Wonder on this album, which features production and guest appearances (including instrumentally) from Timberlake himself. Edie Brickell and Patty Griffin also appear on the album with background vocals, showing off his incredible connection to folk music and the Nashville scene. Other standout tracks include "Bloodline" and "The Un-American" which is a track portraying the so called "die hard Americans" in this country as being not very American at all. Morris is sure to gain tons of praise for this album due to his connections to Timberlake, however, it wouldn't have been long before, without his connections, Matt Morris would have amazed the world with his music.

CD REVIEW: Whitley "Go Forth, Find Mammoth"

Folk artist Whitley has taken his music to a whole new level on his sophomore release. This time he forgoes the use of tons of acoustic guitars for heavier production, which was heard on his first album, but not as widely as on this one. The first single, "Head, First, Down" is full of syncopated rhythm and ear catching melody. He struts his instrumental stuff on the opening track "1945" and "Warm Winter Sky." He is doing things with music that many artists are not even attempting. His use of electronic elements are cutting edge, while still remaining far from creating electronic music. He has a fondness for a complete song, and each and every composition on the album is fully layered with instrumentation, voice, and ambiance. He is truly a unique musician and continues to create incredible and original music. This album proves that you can do anything with your music and still remain true to who you are as an artist.

CD REVIEW: Elizabeth & The Catapult "Taller Children"

Pop music is hard to create while still being able to remain original and unique. It is always difficult to set yourself apart from other musical acts while creating accessible songs that can be consumed by a wide variety of music lovers. Elizabeth & The Catapult are a musical group that have managed to put together an incredible album that strays away from the normal pop music formula yet still manages to showcase simple, refined, and accessible music. "Race You" is the album's runaway standout. The song is fun and catchy, with a singable hook that is exactly what makes a memorable song. Songs like the title track and "Momma's Boy" show off the groups ability to create lyrical gems. "Rainiest Day Of Summer" is definitely a beautiful song and proves that E&TC can connect with the listener on many levels. Elizabeth & The Catapult is a breath of fresh air in the pop music world and are sure to gain a ton of new fans with this album.

CD REVIEW: Rey Fresco "The People"

Debut albums are a way to make an imprint on the listener by creating a unique offering that they may have not heard before. Rey Fresco has an incredibly unique sound that is a different spin on the laid back west coast reggae-rock, light punk that many bands are performing. Sublime is probably the closest comparison of any band to their sound, but Rey Fresco sill has a definite sound all their own. This debut album was produced by friend and surf film musical staple, Todd Hannigan, and features music that is drenched in tropicalia and reggae. "Precious Time" has already began making waves on modern rock and adult alternative radio. Other standout tracks include "All In Awe" and "Chan Chan," which is a cover of the Buena Vista Social Club standard. Latin music and straight up alternative rock also have major influence over this band's sound throughout their debut album. Rey Fresco's "The People" is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise cluttered world of copycat music.

CD REVIEW: Corey Crowder "Lost & Found"

Corey Crowder has put together an amazing new collection of songs that depicts his true self as a musician. This new album leaves behind the heavily produced southern rock sound of his previous disc and showcases the singer/songwriter nature of his music. Sure, the southern rock sound is still alive and well, but this time the songs are stripped down. The acoustic guitar is the star alongside the lyrics of each song as he flirts with actually making a country record. Some songs have a Beatles style poppiness and others are incredibly deep fried with southern flavor. "Bring It On Back" and "The Sailboat Scream" are two of the best on the disc as Corey makes it a priority to connect with the listener and not just sound good. He is a true talent and this album showcases that, without taking away from the nature of his southern rock heritage.

CD REVIEW: The Verve Pipe "A Family Album"

It's always hard, when you have kids, to find music that you all can enjoy. Of course, there's always that outside chance that your kids will love everything that you listen to and you'll have nothing to worry about. Recently rock bands have taken a different perspective on children's music and it's totally awesome. The latest is by the Verve Pipe and it takes 90's alternative and mixes it with themes and emotions that kids and entire families can relate to together. This is music that adults can enjoy with their kids and no one has to be subjected to the awfulness of Kidz Bop. "Be Part Of The Band" is a rocker that gets kids in the mood to do just that: rock! The Verve Pipe mixes a little bluegrass with clever lyrics on "Suppertime" and gets sentimental on "One Becomes Two." With this being the latest success story of great bands making great kid friendly music, it's a shame that all bands don't dive into this world. The Verve Pipe has always made great music and as the years progress, they continue to do just that, even if this latest collection targets a wider demographic.

CD REVIEW: Tyler James "It Took The Fire"

It's been a long time coming for Tyler James' debut full length album to be released, but it's finally here. Previous to now he's released a few EPs, appeared on a few compilations, and lent his vocal talents to an electronic track by Morgan Page. On this album he spares no expense by bringing back a few pieces of gold from his first few releases. "Sweet Relief" and "Down To The Garden" are two of these gems, and their reworkings on this album take them to the next level. Two of the best songs written in recent years are included as well, "Don't Leave" and "Stay Humble," both of which appeared on James' first EP. "Stay Humble" is better than ever and is sure to be the song that makes Tyler James a star. "Don't Leave" is slowed down just a bit to really focus on the lyrical content. Of his new tunes, two songs stand out immensely. "All I Got" is a slow jazzy tune about love that features some cool horns. The other is "Soapbox Shakedown" which is a lyrical masterpiece and showcases Tyler's ability to tell a story through song while still showcasing his musicality. Tyler James is truly one of the most underrated independent musicians on the scene these days, but once the masses grasp hold of this album he is sure to become the next big thing.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• The Album Leaf - A Chorus Of Storytellers
• Tyler James - It Took The Fire

BURN THIS / February 2010

1. ALO "Man Of The World"
2. Samantha Stollenwerck "Carefree"
3. Lee Everton "A Little Light"
4. Jason Castro "Love Uncompromised"
5. Matt Hartke (featuring Angel Taylor) "This Way"
6. Marie Moreshead "As The Romans Do"
7. Greg Holden "The Chase"
8. Matt Stansberry "You Could Have It All"
9. Pete Kilpatrick Band "Feel It"
10. Taylor Carson "Someone To Love"
11. Matthew Mayfield "Better"
12. Robert Francis "Nightfall"
13. The Avett Brothers "Laundry Room"
14. Dawes "Love Is All I Am"
15. Peter Bradley Adams "For You"
16. Trent Dabbs "Inside These Lines"
17. Andrew Belle (featuring Katie Herzig) "Static Waves"
18. Joey Ryan "Broken Headlights"
19. Tyler James "All I Got"
20. Guy Sebastian (featuring John Mayer) "Fail To Mention"

CD REVIEW: Guy Sebastian "Like It Like That"

When it comes to diverse singers, Guy Sebastian is certainly one that comes to mind. In the US, however, he's not that well known because his debut "Like It Like That" has not been released there yet. Actually, this latest album by Guy is not his debut, it's just his US-debut-to-be; he has many other albums already released in his home country of Australia. Guy, who was the first winner of Australian Idol (the down under version of the US megahit), teams up with David Ryan Harris, guitarist of John Mayer's band and soulful singer/songwriter, for a no-holds-barred assault on the music world. He covers everything from soul to pop to blues on this album. American Idol winner Jordin Sparks lends her vocals to a pop duet that is the only track on the album that seems to be incredibly out of place, but not a bad song at all. John Mayer lends some guitar and background vocals to two excellent songs "Fail To Mention" and "Never Be You." The title track and "All To Myself" really show off Guy's more upbeat soulfulness. He's destined to take the world by storm, but for now only a few tracks from the album can be downloaded in the US. He will, for sure, be huge in the states once the rest of this album can be consumed.