CD REVIEW: Samantha Stollenwerck "Carefree"

It's not often a talents female singer/songwriter comes around that has it so put together as Samantha Stollenwerck. This, her newest album, sounds as polished as any seasoned musician who has been at it for dozens of years. Her combination or soulful pop, acoustic playfulness, and even a bit of blues makes this album as timeless as it is inventive. Her high energy vibe and ability to connect to the listener through the lyrics is the make of an excellent musician. The album's title track as well as "Oblivious" showcase her fun and funkiness, while other tracks depict her down-to-earth sensibility. The album is as sunshine-filled as the cover photo, with just the right amount of sincerity mixed with her carefree nature, which is particularly why the album title is so fitting. Other standout songs include "Japanese Single," "One Of Your Tattoos," and "Trouble" all of which could be hits on the radio right now. Samantha is as golden as the sun, and the songs on "Carefree" are her bright rays of light shining down on all of us.

CD REVIEW: the NEW DEAL "live: TORONTO 7.16.2009"

When the NEW DEAL went on hiatus a bunch of years back the whole jam band and electronic scene was dealt a low blow. But we all knew that they'd be back, we just didn't know when. This, their first release since the end of that hiatus, reminds us exactly why we love them. They are the live version of Daft Punk. Well, they play their own instruments and they don't use overdubs or samples, so they are quite different than Daft Punk, they just make us move in the same way. Two of their best compositions are featured on this live release (Deep Sun and Gone, Gone, Gone) and are performed beautifully. You can really get a sense of the high energy vibe at the show from the crowd cheers and the band interaction as the boys intermingle free form jams with their original musical. This is the next best thing to actually being there, and it sure does get you pretty close.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today that is worth checking out:

• Motion City Soundtrack - My Dinosaur Life
• Joey Ryan - Kenter Canyon

CD REVIEW: Charlie Hunter "Gentlemen, I Neglected To Inform You You Will Not Be Getting Paid"

The king of jazz guitar is back with another ambition collection of songs. This time it's got another catchy title and is filled with many more elements to funk than ever before. Still, Charlie Hunter's signature 8-string sound is the centerpiece of the album, showcasing the brilliance and intricacy of his talent. The New Orleans style horns throughout the release bring another level of cool to the already awesome sound of the album. This disc, one of Charlie's coolest sounding collections ever, is sure to be one of the best jazz and funk albums of the year.

CD REVIEW: Pete Kilpatrick Band "Shapes And Sounds"

The last two albums released by Pete Kilpatrick Band we awesome. So it would only be fitting that they follow up those two with an equally awesome release. Well, the only thing that is not awesome about "Shapes And Sounds" is that it's only five songs long! Pete Kilpatrick and his musical buddies sure know how to put together quality collections of music. "Feel It" is classic PKB, full of catchy hooks, clever instrumentation, and their signature sound. It clocks in over five minutes, which is a change from the typical pop rock songs that Kilpatrick is used to releasing. Each song on the EP takes the band to another level musically, while still remaining true to their roots and their sound. The band will surely be adding "Dear July" and "Rock And Roll Never Changes" to heavy rotation in their live performances because they are destined to become fan favorites. Fellow Maine musician Marie Moreshead also lends her beautiful vocals as a guest on "City's Beating Heart." Hopefully this is just a prelude of the next chapter in the PKB story, because it's surely a tease to just have five new incredible songs, but it's better than having to wait!

CD REVIEW: Jason Castro "The Love Uncompromised EP"

When Jason Castro was kicked off of American Idol, it was just the career move that he needed. His debut EP, which includes an acoustic version of his debut single "Let's Just Fall In Love Again," is a testament to why he wasn't right for that competition. Don't get it wrong though, it was just the springboard he needed to make sure people knew who he was and what he could do. His must is so light and happy and sends a message of love all the time. Although he seems to fit many specific labels, his music doesn't really fit the mold of any one style. He just makes sincere and performs from the soul. His mellow voice is going to take the world by storm just as Jack Johnson and Jason Mraz have done recently, but for Jason Castro, it's not just all about the beach and the sunshine. The title track from the EP is a simple love song with a great message and the EP also features a guest appearance by bluesy singer Serena Ryder. Throughout the short EP he delivers a kind of pop rock that attracts fans of all styles of music. This EP is just a taste of what's to come and is sure to gain him more success than the title of "the next American Idol" ever could.

CD REVIEW: Trent Dabbs "Your Side Now"

Trent Dabbs has been around the block a few times so he knows a thing or two about constructing albums, songwriting, and connecting with the listener. On his latest, he has managed to do all of those things with such grace and has created one of his most heartfelt recordings to date. There isn't that huge radio hit or even that cult fan favorite that everyone is going to want to hear played live at every show. Instead, he has filled the album with eight songs that have meaning and a message for both himself and the listener. The title track and "Inside These Lines" are two of Dabbs' best compositions ever. He also shared songwriting duties on this album with the freinds and musical collaborators Katie Herzig, Matthew Perryman Jones, and Ashley Monroe. All in all, Dabbs has proven yet again that a guy and a guitar and that Nashville music scene are one excellent recipe for great albums and great songs.

CD REVIEW: Passafire "Everyone On Everynight"

Passafire is an up-and-coming reggae influenced rock band that is destined to be huge. Their sound is similar to 311, Pepper, and State Radio and their songs are so radio friendly, it's hard to believe they are not all over the airwaves right now. This, their third album, is their best to date, with every song on the album showing off a different strong suit of the band. Their musicality is equal to a band who has dozens of years of experience and touring under their belt. The lyricism on the album is catchy and singable, two incredible qualities that make the music marketable. "Here In Front Of Me" is one of the best reggae rock songs that has been written in recent years, particularly from a band that isn't on a major label. Songs like "Queen Of Spades" and "49th" could also easily be heard on modern and alternative rock radio right now. Great things are abound for Passafire, and this album will help them to lead the way for the new generation of awesome alternative rock bands.

CD REVIEW: STS9 "Ad Explorata"

STS9 keep on reinventing themselves while still remaining true to their core character as an old school jam band. Boldly diving into the 21st century, STS9 is amongst the very few jam bands able to harness the power of electronic music and perform it as a live band. On their latest album, and frankly their most future-forward, the band channels the energy usually displayed during their live sets. The album has both the feel of a live show and a DJ set, with each song being displayed as a sonic work of art. Nothing holds this band back as the syncopated drumming, haunting keyboards, and rhythmic guitars in each and every song tell a story without the use of lyrics. The most precious masterpieces contained within this album are "Looking Back On Earth," "EHM," and "Oil & Water," all of which, and at different moments, could have been performed by the Grateful Dead or the Chemical Brothers. With the new indie movement leaning towards electronic rock, and bands like Animal Collective and Passion Pit spearheading the way, STS9 is bound to garner some widespread critical success on the heels of "Ad Explorata."

CD REVIEW: Vampire Weekend "Contra"

Vampire Weekend is definitely one of the most fun bands making waves these days. Their meshing of sensible pop with world music, reggae, and electronic music makes them a unique band, unlike anything out today. This album takes over right where their critically acclaimed debut left off and doesn't skip a beat. They up the ante on this one, adding synthesizers where necessary and even spice it up with some Auto-Tune. "Horchata," which they gave away for free when they announced the album to the world, is most like anything that you'd have heard on their debut. The coolest song on the album is "White Sky" with it's 80's vibe and clever lyrics. The lead single, "Cousins," is reminiscent of A-Punk but with more of an in-your-face delivery. You can definitely sense the influence of world music throughout the album stemming from lead singer Ezra Koenig's work with The Vest Best last year. In particular "Diplomat's Son" and "California English" showcase that electronic/world sound. Vampire Weekend are a breath of fresh air in a seemingly copycat music industry and this album proves that sticking with what works only gets better with time.