CD REVIEW: Jay Malinowski "Bright Lights & Bruises"

It is always difficult for the lead singer of a band to release a solo record and try to make a record that sound completely different than anything made with their band. Many artists just end up bringing in new musicians and creating a sound alike album. The only thing that is similar with Jay Malinowski's solo debut and the music he released with his band, Bedouin Soundclash, is the sound of his voice. In fact, Bedouin Soundclash is primarily a reggae band and this album contains absolutely no reggae at all. The first single is "Santa Monica," and acoustic folk tune that showcases Jay's distinct and familiar vocals and his amazing songwriting. The entire album showcases the strengths of Jay Malinowski as a singer/songwriter, something that is always overlooked as part of Bedouin Soundclash. The album is mellow and heartfelt and each song comes from a place deep inside himself. Bedouin Soundclash is an excellent band and will continue to make excellent music, however, because Jay Malinowski has now proven that he is an excellent solo musician as well, he can bring that back to his band and elevate their game as well. Jay Malinowski has managed to create a separate and different entity in his solo album and should be commended for the amazing tunes. Not many lead singers can do what Malinowksi has done with this release.

CD REVIEW: ALO "Man Of The World"

When ALO first began making music they had a lot of fun and they developed a distinct jam band sound and feel that is very distinct. Not that fun went out the window, but their last few albums were less like their earlier days. They were, however, excellent albums that contained many memorable and incredible songs, some of which brought the band into the public eye. This album, which was co-produced by friend and label mate Jack Johnson, is a return to basic form for ALO. They still keep their same California vibe and add a jam band element (much like Phish, pioneers of this sound) that makes the album and each song a classic. The title track is already tearing up Triple A radio charts, appearing in the top 10 most played on many stations. All four members of the band share lead vocal duties with Zach Gill and Dave Brogan doing the bulk of the singing. Dan Lebowitz and Steve Adams both sing lead on a track each, and even Jack Johnson takes over lead vocal duties on "Gardener's Grave"a tune which he wrote the lyrics for. "Suspended" and "I Love Music" are typical and excellent jam band anthems, both over 6 minutes long. "I Love Music" shows off the truly fun qualities of the band as the song emulates 70's style funk and disco. Songs like "Big Appetite" and "Time And Heat" are sure to become instant fan favorites. Reggae, folk rock, and soul all find their place amongst the songs on this album, which is signature ALO combining the best of their classic sound and their newest influences. All that said, "Man Of The World" is the best album released during the first two months of 2010, and is sure to remain one of the best by year's end.

CD REVIEW: Benjy Davis Project "Lost Souls Like Us"

When a band puts in the time and energy on the road, and grinds it out in the studio, and shamelessly promotes itself by any means necessary, they deserve success. Benjy Davis Project has finally reached the plateau in which this success is finally going to come to fruition. This album is the culmination of a lot of hard work and time spent making it happen, both in the studio and on the road. On this album they have managed to include their best song to date in the first single "Stay With Me," a southern soulful rocker that is ready to rise to the top of the charts. "Get High" and "Check Your Pocket" are sure to become fan favorites and find their way into most of BDP's setlists for years to come. Throughout the album, Benjy Davis Project shows off all their different faces from county to soul to blues to straight up rock and roll. Each song has its own strengths and as a whole, the album is incredibly solid. It is so good it is surely going to find itself on the top of many best of lists by the end of the year.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• Big Light - Animals In Bloom
• Citizen Cope - The Rainwater LP
• Benjy Davis Project - Lost Souls Like Us
• Groove Armada - Black Light
• Lifehouse - Smoke & Mirrors
• Rogue Wave - Permalight
• Tyrone Wells - Metal & Wood

BURN THIS / March 2010

1. Benjy Davis Project "Stay With Me"
2. Mike Dunn & The Kings Of New England "Sunshine State"
3. The Elms "This Is How The World Will End"
4. Pete Kilpatrick Band "Rock And Roll Never Changes"
5. Jones Street Station "Slow Lights"
6. Dawes "When My Time Comes"
7. Joe Pug "Speak Plainly, Diana"
8. The Avett Brothers "Slight Figure Of Speech"
9. Needtobreathe "The Outsiders"
10. Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers "Born In The Spring"
11. Trent Dabbs "Your Side Now"
12. Tyler James "Soapbox Shakedown"
13. Andrew Belle "Don't Blame Yourself"
14. Matt Stansberry "Pull Yourself Together"
15. Parachute "Under Control"
16. The Undeserving "Something To Hope For"
17. Army Of Me "Lost At Sea"
18. matt pond PA "Starting"
19. Rogue Wave "Good Morning"
20. Broken Bells "The High Road"

NEW TUNES: Best Of Bonnaroo - Free Music For Climate Change

The Best Of Bonnaroo compilation is being offered at the website http://www.musicforaction.org/ completely free! There's only one catch: they are asking you to e-mail your senator, President Obama, or write to your local newspaper in regards to making climate change a priority. Not too bad a request for a free compilation of live tunes by bands like Dave Matthews Band, Phish, moe., Jack Johnson, Guster, Death Cab For Cutie, My Morning Jacket, The Disco Biscuits, O.A.R., and more. Head over there now to get you free tunes!

CD REVIEW: Big Light "Animals In Bloom"

Big Light have always amazed with their mix of mellow indie rock and jam band performance style, and they do not let down on their latest release. The album is full of this style of music, and each song is so different from the next, yet the album flows smoothly from beginning to end. Songs like "Triceratops" and "Monster" showcase the bands feel good attitude with their gritty intensity for musicality and live performance. This live band's sound is captured well in the studio, displaying how well the members work as a cohesive unit. This west coast band has managed to stumble upon a sound that is incredibly under appreciated in the music industry these days, yet it is fun and refreshing. As the music that they play will most likely not end up on MTV or top 40 radio, this album is sure to find them continuing to amaze crowds on the road all over the country.

CD REVIEW: Mishka "Talk About"

Chilled out reggae music is something that Mishka is familiar with, does well, and is known for. This time around, all that holds true, but with the addition of one more element: pop music. Mishka, who's recent successes can be partially attributed to Matthew McConaughey (he owns the record label), has written a batch of new songs for this album that contain some of his best to date. The album's first single is "Bittersweet" and depicts the addition of pop music to Mishka's repertoire more than every other on the album. This album's updated sound, can be partially attributed to Butch Walker, an incredibly talented musician and producer who has mastered the art of mixing alternative rock and pop music seamlessly. Walker lent his collaborative skills to Mishka after an introduction of the two to each other by McConaughey. Other excellent tracks on this album include the title track, "Dead End Streets," and the pot-smoker-friendly tune "Homegrown" which featured a guest appearance by Willie Nelson. After already receiving major critical praise for his previous albums, especially his last which debut at the top of the reggae charts, he manages to again wow the music world with his unique take on traditional reggae mixed with modern alternative music.

CD REVIEW: Jones Street Station "In Verses"

One of the finest indie rock albums to come out in recent years, this sleeper by Jones Street Station is not to be passed up. Just as bands like Dawes, Bon Iver, The Avett Brothers, and Fleet Foxes have been able to do in recent months, this band's down to Earth simple approach to song crafting is what defines them and makes their debut album excellent. There is no question that songs like "Evergreen" and "Slow Lights" can hold their own against anything that is making critical waves in the indie world these days. Their harmonies are awesome. The instrumentation is first class. And, the delivery of the album is seamless. This is surely the beginning of a fruitful career for Jones Street Station, as long as they keep cranking out gems like this.

CD REVIEW: Courtney Jaye "The Exotic Sounds Of Courtney Jaye"

Going it on her own on her second album, Courtney Jaye has managed to create one of the best and most creative albums in years, and an effort that is better than her incredible debut. Jaye has managed to mix a tropical vibe with a Nashville country sound that is in a league all its own, which she released completely independently. Her songwriting is out of control and she is proving to be one of the brightest female singer/songwriters in recent years. "I Need Love," the album's first track, starts things of right showcasing this new and unique style. The album is heavy on the acoustic guitar, with hints of ukulele, slack key, and slide guitar throughout. The album's standout track is "Sweet Ride," Jaye's own take on the traditional love song. She truly has a talent that is all her own, and shines on tracks like "Tiger's Eye," which prior to the album release was already receiving critical praise, and "Sometimes Always," which features a guest vocal appearance by Band Of Horses lead singer Ben Bridwell. The album is bright, feel good, and full of sunshine and happy energy. Courtney Jaye may have managed to find a place in the music world that she will be able to fill with her own style of positive energy for many years to come.