CD REVIEW: Lifehouse "Smoke & Mirrors"

You can always count on Lifehouse to make good music, and this album does not disappoint. Ever since they broke onto the scene with "Hanging By A Moment" they have striven to write a song like that and release an album like their debut. "Smoke & Mirrors" is a return to form for Lifehouse. In a sea of sameness, it seems that the way to succeed is to just keep doing the same thing. Lifehouse have grown with the music industry and the alternative and modern rock genres making themselves accessible to their die hard fans and gain new ones as well. "All In" leads off this album and is one of their best songs not released as a single (not saying that it won't make it's way onto radio, it just hasn't yet). The lead single, "Halfway Gone," off of this album bring the band full circle and reminds us why Lifehouse made it big in the first place. Rest assured Lifehouse will continue to make music, and as long as they stick to their usual game plan, the results will always be pleasing.

CD REVIEW: Groove Armada "Black Light"

It's been quite a long time since and electronic artist has put together this type of album. In the mid-90's when electronic music went mainstream, spearheaded by The Chemical Brothers, it brought the music off of the dancefloor and onto the radio and television. It was then that the full album format became a crucial element in the delivery of electronic music. While this album is not their best (Goodbye Nightclub (Hello Country) is definitely awesome), Groove Armada's latest is a return to the creation of a cohesive electronic album. There are definitely a few standout tracks on the album. "Shameless" is one of the better songs, featuring vocals by Bryan Ferry. Two other outstanding tracks are "Paper Romance" and "History." Nick Littlemore (of Empire Of The Sun) takes on a huge chunk of the vocal performance throughout the album. A valiant effort on their latest in a long line of excellent compositions, "Black Light" shows us that Groove Armada are one of the classic electronic artists and still have what it takes to make great music.

CD REVIEW: Citizen Cope "The Rainwater LP"

Citizen Cope has always been a unique and unparalleled artists. His first three albums all received countless critical praises, and rightfully so, as he was creating music that was cutting edge each time. On his latest, self released album he is reinventing his delivery yet again. Cope has always been known for his blend of modern elements of hip hop and rock and the classic elements of folk music and he doesn't disappoint on this album. The debut single for the album is a subtle folk rocker that incorporates elements of reggae called "Healing Hands." Other songs that show off his rootsy folk vibe are "Keep Askin'" and "Lifeline" which both appear two times each on the album (both have a stripped down, unplugged version as well as the original recording). The coolest part of the album is that Cope has decided to add a bit of a hiss, pop, and click in the background of the whole thing, to simulate the sound of vinyl. It adds a dimension to the recording that makes it sound 40 years old, while the music still sounds brand new and edgy. Citizen Cope will remain at the top of his game if he continues to make powerful and interesting music, just as he has yet again on his fourth album.

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.