#reviewoftheweek / The Revivalists - City Of Sound

Being an album that was originally released almost 2 years ago, the fact that it is gracing the ears of the masses only now, proves that The Revivalists are way ahead of the curve. This new rock album from the New Orleans natives straddles the line between so many genres it's hard to place the sound in just one. The entire album feels like is rooted in Americana, funk, and blues while having a jam rock quality that whets the appetite for experience the music live. Fortunately this reissue of the album features a second disc of live tracks that does just that (without having to actually get to show). "When I'm Able" leads off the disc and immediately draws you in. It's a fine introduction to the band and the sound, but acts almost as a gateway drug for the sounds that follow. Some are going to draw comparisons to bands like DMB and O.A.R., but the Revivalists will stand on their own, showcasing that their sound may cater to the same fans, but is in no way the same sound. Other tracks like "Navigate Below" and "Upright" are sure to entice music lovers to actually become Revivalists fans. Some might think that a reissue of old music an easy way to break down walls, but it really just shows that music professionals and fans alike really just missed the boat on a great thing years ago. It's a good thing this band and this album isn't going unnoticed and unappreciated and finally getting the recognition and exposure that is deserved.

#reviewoftheweek / Karl Denson's Tiny Universe - New Ammo

KDTU are back and delivering potentially their best release to date. Karl Denson has released music with many backing bands, but it's this incarnation of his Tiny Universe that seems to deliver the best yet. Starting off, they have the uncanny ability to present new takes on great songs, and on this album they take on three great alternative songs. Their renditions of the Beastie Boys' "Sure Shot," the White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army," and the Cold War Kids' "Hang Me Up To Dry" showcase how much of a party bad they are, while also solidifying themselves as great musicians at the same time. The album rocks from beginning to end just like a live show and has danceable moments throughout. Styles from funk to reggae are represented throughout the collection and are highlighted on tracks like "Three Trials Of Strength" and the title track. The hands down stand out on the album is the jam rock and blues influenced track "My Baby" which features vocals by Denson and Nicki Bluhm. These songs will surely translate well to the live stage, but if you can't make it out to a show, pumping these jams out of your stereo will surely transport you there in spirit.

#reviewoftheweek / The Fray - Helios

Veterans of the pop rock music scene, Denver natives The Fray keep reinventing and reinvigorating their music with each new release. Their newest endeavor has them venturing into a little bit more of the faced passed electronic rock that seems to be populating the airwaves today. The difference, The Fray have done it with class, still retaining who they were and are at the core. They sound and their lyrical composition remains fully intact on the album but it is the production that highlights this release and sets it apart from their catalogue. Stuart Price is at the helm, best known for his work with the Killers and Keane (with Ryan Tedder helping on the first single). He brings an excitement and a new edgy life to the Fray's sound. The primary example of this is the hard rocking and danceable track "Give It Away." The Fray are at their best when they are doing what comes naturally as well as in tracks like the upbeat single "Love Don't Die," the lead track "Hold My Hand," and the rocker "Hurricane." All in all, on this album The Fray keep themselves relevant in the music world while maintaining what brought them fame and success.

#reviewoftheweek / Dave Barnes - Golden Days

Dave Barnes is one of those underappreciated singer/songwriters. Great at his craft but still flying under the radar. Sure, some of his songs have been covered/recorded by popular artists, but Dave still seems to go unnoticed as an artist in his own right. This album seeks to uncover Barnes' true self as both a singer and a songwriter, showcasing some of his best performed and written lyrics to date. The album is pure pop rock with sing-a-long style hooks and catchy guitar riffs. The songs are identifiable and accessible by any music fan, and a welcome addition to his extensive catalogue. "Twenty Three" and "Loving Los Angeles" are two of his greatest lyrical pop songs. While his stock as a songwriter will most likely maintain its level of interest amongst his peers, it's his stock as a performer that is sure to gain a few points with fans, new and old.

BURN THIS / March 2014

1. William Fitzsimmons "Fortune"
2. James Vincent McMorrow "Gold"
3. Jose Gonzalez "Stay Alive"
4. Lord Huron "The Ends Of The Earth"
5. Roadkill Ghost Choir "Beggars' Guild"
6. Nathaniel Rateliff "Still Trying"
7. Jamestown Revival "California (Cast Iron Soul)"
8. Vance Joy "From Afar"
9. John Butler Trio "Spring To Come"
10. G. Love & Special Sauce (featuring Ben Harper) "Nothing Quite Like Home"
11. Karl Denson's Tiny Universe "Sure Shot"
12. Rustic Overtones "The Show Must Go On"
13. The Revivalists "When I'm Able"
14. Moon Taxi "The New Black"
15. Kongos "Come With Me Now"
16. Sam Roberts Band "Too Far"
17. Graham Colton "Mixed Up"
18. Andrew Ripp "Falling For The Beat"
19. Rosi Golan (featuring Johnny McDaid) "Give Up The Ghost"
20. O.A.R. "Peace"

#reviewoftheweek / Elizabeth & The Catapult - Like It Never Happened

Blurring the lines between pop and indie rock, Elizabeth & The Catapult have returned with a fabulous new album of creative and innovative music. Never ones to be cookie cutter, the band has put together fun music, clever lyrics, and fresh delivery to showcase that the same old thing doesn't necessarily have to be the way to go. "Shoelaces" and the title track are the hands down top songs on the album, but the album as a whole flows with fun and variety. Just as colorful as the album's cover art, the music throughout the album provides an array of sonic colors and flavors. Continuing down a steady path, Elizabeth & The Catapult have proven that being individual and being creative still have their place in the music world, and discovering that is easily done through this album.

#reviewoftheweek / Sam Roberts Band - Lo-Fantasy

Perhaps one of the most underrated rock bands making music these days, Sam Roberts Band are back with their newest album and a welcome addition to the current musical landscape. It bridges the gap between psychedelia and alternative rock better than any other release in recent history. The debut single, "We're All In The Together," is the closest connection to the band's previous releases and the entire album continues down the funky path that their previous release set them on. Syncopated rhythms and arena-rock guitars fill the space on the entire album, while the lyrics showcase storytelling and poetry. Other standout tracks are "Too Far" and "Shapeshifters." Sam Roberts Band needs to be taken seriously south of the (Canadian) border and this just might be the album to do that.

#reviewoftheweek / Rustic Overtones - Let's Start A Cult 2

I think we all kinda knew that Rustic Overtones would be back after they "broke up" in the middle of the last decade. But, since reforming and recording music together again, they have put together some excellent and classic music. In fact, if the music industry embraced them for what they had to offer back in the late 90's, the music that they have put out over the last 5 years would have been delivered about 10 years ago! Regardless, this short and potent addition of the Overtones' catalogue, showcases all eras of their greatness. The absolute standout track is "Martyrs" which features some killer guitar playing by Eric Krasno of Soulive (also a bandmate of RO's own Ryan Zoidis in Lettuce). Their grooviness is highlighted on the song "High On Everything" which is a track that could have easily found it's way onto their major label debut "Viva Nueva!" which was supposed to catapult them into the alternative jam band stratosphere and set them up as the next DMB. Well, the show must go on, and the first track on this album showcases why the band's stock is as valuable today as it was ever predicted to be. Everything happens for a reason, and now, Rustic Overtones' cult of followers are proof enough that this band and album are, at the very least, stellar.

#reviewoftheweek / Graham Colton - Lonely Ones

Starting out as an independent artist, then signing a major record deal, and having returned to his roots as an independent musician, Graham Colton is at the top of his game. When you can keep churning out music as an indie act, despite the changes in the way yours and all music is consumed, you have got something special. Colton keeps his sound fresh and new on his latest album and, once again, adds to his collection of hit songs. While the music may not win awards or find its way onto pop radio, it's refreshing to hear such quality and solidly crafted songs. Songs such as "Hands Untied" and "Born To Raise Hell" showcase Graham's ability to build excellent music with tight lyrics that are accessible across a multitude of generations. This is the type of music that you loved as a teen, continue to love as an adult, and can't wait to share with your kids. Colton sings and writes about universal themes and this album is as good as all of his catalogue. He continues to show that staying power in the music world is as simple as doing what works and doing it well.

BURN THIS / February 2014

1. Eric Hutchinson "Tell The World"
2. Brett Dennen "When We Were Young"
3. Courtney Jaye "Love And Forgiveness"
4. Graham Colton "Hands Untied"
5. Needtobreathe "The Heart"
6. Little Hurricane "Sheep In Wolves Clothes"
7. Swear And Shake "Fire"
8. The Belle Brigade "Ashes"
9. Pete Francis "Nosedive"
10. Karl Denson's Tiny Universe (featuring Nicki Bluhm) "My Baby"
11. The Bamboos "Avenger"
12. Rustic Overtones (featuring Eric Krasno) "Martyrs"
13. Wake Owl "Candy"
14. James Vincent McMorrow "Cavalier"
15. Greg Laswell "Comes And Goes (In Waves)"
16. Gregory Alan Isakov "Saint Valentine"
17. Mason Jennings "Wilderness"
18. Jamestown Revival "Fur Coat Blues"
19. Lee DeWyze "Like I Do"
20. Ben Fuller "Love Song For The People"