Being that this is Mason's first widely available live album, it's pretty awesome. The album features a live performance from the tour Jennings went in support of the release of his last studio release "Blood Of Man." The set is heavy on tracks from that
album, but also features a few classic Mason Jennings songs from older albums. Some of the highlights of the album include the heavy rockers "Ain't No Friend Of Mine" and "Be Here Now," as well as the stirring and emotional tracks "Black Wind Blowing" and "The Field." Mason also shines during performances of the subtle classics "Ballad For My One True Love" and "Rebecca DeVille." His interaction with the crowd showcases just what an excellent and down-to-Earth performer he is and the fact that the performance was in his home state of Minnesota makes the performance extra special for Mason and the crowd. The album features thee unreleased songs as well, "Born," "Lonely Computer Screen," and "Grow Old With Me." "Born" could have easily found its way onto any of Mason's albums and the other two tracks are beautifully performed by Mason solo with just his acoustic guitar. "Godless," a gem from his first album closes out the set and bridges the entire performance from then until now. Many of his fan favorites and radio singles are missing from the performance, but if he found time to include them all, he'd need about a 4 hour show and probably have to release it as a box set. Mason's live versions of his songs are very similar to his studio recordings, so the fun is in experiencing them live on stage. This is the closest most will get and it's a great representation of what it's like to be there,
Real life couple Jenny Lewis and Johnathan Rice have been making music together for years. Rice has released a few solo albums and Lewis has released a ton of music as a solo artist and as singer for indie rock band Rilo Kiley. They have been collaboration together as well, on many of their individual releases, but, until now, they have not made music together in this form. The album is truly theirs, as they play more than 90% of the musical parts, as well as do all of the singing, lyric writing, and production. It is an album full of music that is reminiscent of 90's era college rock, west coast surf rock from the 50's, and a little bit of their individual styles from their recent work. "Scissor Runner" is a poppy tune that may lead the way as a breakout single and "Big Wave" musically depicts the demise of the California financial sector. Jenny and Johnny are two of the most outstanding musicians on the indie circuit and as collaborators their excellence is magnified. These two are certain to have a potential new musical career to focus on, especially following the success of other collaborative acts, particularly She & Him (M. Ward & Zooey Deschanel).
Carbon Leaf's newest musical endeavor is their first independently released collection of studio recordings since 2001's "Echo Echo." Following up their stint as soundtrackers for the "Curious George" animated sequel, the new EP features music that is a bit of a sidestep for Carbon Leaf. Most of the music is down tempo and several of the songs clock in at over five minutes. "If I Were A Cowboy" is the EP standout performance taking on a bit of a country vibe, while "Native America" and "Midwestern Girl" are the two tracks that are more along the signature Carbon Leaf sound. Being that they've labeled this set Volume One, there is bound to be a second collection released, and possibly more, but for now, these 7 songs are just what fans need to satisfy their need or new Carbon Leaf music.
My Morning Jacket's guitarist Carl Broemel has branched out on his own for the second time, this time releasing an incredibly mellow folk album on ATO Records. Broemel, known for his classic rock style guitar riffs with MMJ has taken a huge left turn with this album showing off his inner Bob Dylan. Broemel, a master of many instruments, almost performs every single musical part in each song. "Carried Away" and "Life Leftover" are lyrically poetic. Elements of jazz and classic 50's era pop are sprinkled throughout the midwest folk compositions making for a collection of music that is unlike any other recently released folk recording. "Enough" is probably the most interesting recording on the disc, combining modern synth beats with old school folk. The album sounds both new and classic at the same time and Carl Broemel definitely can have a solo career if something horrible happens and MMJ calls it quits.
Srsa is a bit of an international mutt. He was born in Croatia, raised in South Africa, and recorded his new album in Argentina, a place he currently calls home. That all being said, it's hard, from his music, to really decipher where he is from, being that it sounds a whole lot like much of the mellow indie and folk rock being released by bands from the US, UK, and Australia. Regardless of where the music comes from, or sounds like it comes from, it's still pretty darn good. It mixed typical mellow folk similar to Jack Johnson with acoustic reggae for a unique twist on a familiar sound. Fans of Jack Johnson will love the similarities of Srsa's music, particularly on "Shine On Me" and "Trouble All Around," which are two of the album's best tracks. The Bob Marley fan will fall deeply in love with "Passer By" with is mellow reggae vibe and summery feel. Arman Srsa is a great unknown talent that is sure to gain tons of fans once their ears take in this album.