CD REVIEW: Kym Campbell "Preview"

Kym Campbell comes to us from Australia, by way of Seattle, with her second release. This new collection is a 5 song EP that features her signature acoustic surf rock style. She has been referred to as the female Jack Johnson, but in actuality is a bit more lively than Jack's acoustic strummy stuff. Tristan Prettyman and Colbie Caillat are more like Campbell, except that Kym is much more mellow than both. Regardless of who she sounds like and who her influences are, Kym Campbell has put together 5 incredible new songs that are feel good acoustic pop music. The title track is a definite shining star and she puts emotion and sincerity in every bit of her lyrics throughout the entire disc. Kym Campbell may not be known stateside but rest assured that if she continues to make music like this, she is sure to join the aforementioned musicians as an accomplished and influential surf folk superstar.

CD REVIEW: Jenny And Johnny "I'm Having Fun Now"

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).

CD REVIEW: Carbon Leaf "How The West Was One"

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.

BURN THIS / September 2010

1. Guster "Do You Love Me?"
2. Matt Costa "Witchcraft"
3. Josh Ritter "Rattling Locks"
4. Lissie "In Sleep""
5. Grace Potter & The Nocturnals "Paris (Ooh La La)"
6. Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs "Repo Man"
7. J.J. Grey & Mofro "The Sweetest Thing"
8. Hayley Sales (featuring Donavon Frankenreiter) "Not In His Garden"
9. Chase McBride "Gloria
10. Ryan Montbleau Band "Songbird"
11. Kina Grannis "Strong Enough"
12. Brendan James "The Fall"
13. Greg Laswell "Marquee"
14. Chris Trapper "The Game Is Done"
15. Pete Francis "Light Years"
16. John Butler Trio "I'd Do Anything"
17. Timmy Curran "Believe"
18. The Cat Empire "Feeling's Gone"
19. Lee Everton "I Got To Keep On Moving"
20. The Beautiful Girls "Home/Family"

Listen live to the entire playlist in the music player in the right sidebar all month long during September.

CD REVIEW: Nathaniel Rateliff "In Memory Of Loss"

Nathaniel Rateliff is the epitome of dark songwriting. His brand of folk music is very bare bones, organic, and deep. His newest album features a handful of songs that are stripped down to the core, with the lyrics and voice of Rateliff acting as the star of each piece. The most stunning of the set is "You Should've Seen The Other Guy" which depicts, in essence, a bar room brawl and the aftermath of it all. His take on relationships is original and delivered like no one else. He has drawn comparisons, and rightfully so, to Johnny Cash, but can also be compared to Bob Dylan or even Neil Young. Nathaniel Rateliff is a new breed of folk performer. Like other acts such as Bon Iver and The White Buffalo, less is more, and on this album Rateliff's minimalism in his music is the shining star.

CD REVIEW: Trombone Shorty "Backatown"

This is not your grandma's jazz music. Trombone Shorty takes jazz and mixes it with a whole lot of funk on his newest album, showing off his brass instrument in ways that it has never been showcased before. It's always fun to hear music that is out of the ordinary. And, even though the style of music that you get from this album is familiar and accessible, it's the fact that Trombone Shorty is the purveyor causes all the excitement. Lenny Kravitz and New Orleans' own Marc Broussard lend their vocal abilities to a few of the tracks, adding a bit of rock and roll into the funky mix. Firing on all cylinders, the entire album hits hard from end to end in a fury of fantastic horn madness and proves that even a trombone can rock as hard as any instrument.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• Carl Broemel - All Birds Say
• Roy Jay - Fairfax Avenue
• Jenny And Johnny - I'm Having Fun Now
  

CD REVIEW: Carl Broemel "All Birds Say"

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.

CD REVIEW: The Romany Rye "Highway 1, Looking Back Carefully"

Not enough can be said about The Romany Rye. The fact that his music is not more widely available, though, is a huge issue since it is some of the best indie folk rock recorded in recent years. While everyone has been digging on Edward Sharpe, Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, and fellow tourmates Dawes, The Romany Rye has been quietly living in the shadows. His debut album, although short, is full of powerful songs that are both lyrically beautiful and sonically powerful. The opening track "Brother" sets the tone for the entire album and shows off how The Romany Rye's delivery of the music can really take your breath away. "Dear Holly" and "Old Soul" follow, further dragging you deeper into his musical world. The Romany Rye is certainly destined for wide critical praise and should rightfully receive it. The music contained within this debut album is hands down awesome and upon first listen everyone will become an instant fan.

CD REVIEW: Arman Srsa "Underneath The Sun"

Arman 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.