CD REVIEW: J.J. Grey & Mofro "Georgia Warhorse"

Florida swamp funk is not the kind of music you hear a whole lot of these days. That's why J.J. Grey & Mofro are an essential part of the music world. Grey combine funk and soul with country and blues for a distinctive sound that no other band is playing. Their fourth album, possible their most accessible yet, is a testament to this style of music, showing off all facets of Grey's musical talents and influences, and even a few new ones. Jam band guitar virtuoso Derek Trucks lends his talents on slide guitar to the album's closer. Toots Hibbert (of Toots & The Maytals) shares vocal duties on the album's first single "The Sweetest Thing," which is one of Mofro's best songs. You'd think that with Toots singing that the song would have a reggae vibe, but it actually doesn't. It's a very soulful, horn-driven tune that is perfect for a sunny day. J.J. Grey shows off his acoustic guitar skills in a big way on the song "King Hummingbird" and rocks pretty heavily on the blues and funk filled "The Hottest Spot In Hell." J.J. Grey & Mofro are one of those anomalies in the music industry today. They are a band who does their own thing, conforms for no one, and puts out great records that fans love and this album displays all of that and then some

CD REVIEW: The Dandy Warhols "The Capitol Years (1995-2007)"

The Dandy Warhols are one of those underappreciated rock band that make hit records but fade away in between. That doesn't mean that they aren't an excellent band, it just means they get in, get it done, and get out. With each of their album they have reinvented themselves while expanding their very distinctive sound. They mix the charm of an indie rock band with the psychedelia of 70's synth rockers, and the angst of grunge era alternative rock music. This collection features most of their best songs released as early as 15 years ago. You'll fine their hits like "Bohemian Like You," "We Used To Be Friends," and the song that helped them break out, "Not If You Were The Last Junkie On Earth." The album also features some of the music that their fans came to love but didn't receive as much commercial appeal such as "Godless," "Get Off," and "Boys Better." They've also included an unreleased track "This Is The Tide," which fits right into the collection as it could have been included on any of their albums. Greatest hits collections can often define the end of a career for a band, but for The Dandy Warhols, it's more of a "here's what we've been doing, wait here while we do some more" kind of vibe and it it's a must have for any fan if the band and modern alternative rock music.

CD REVIEW: Jesse Harris "Through The Night"

Jess Harris became well known as the Grammy award winning songwriter of the Norah Jones hit single "Don't Know Why." But, what many people don't know is that Jesse Harris is an incredible musician on his own, and he has released eight excellent albums of his own music. This latest album, the first in a double album release, shows off his jazz roots with light pop music that is full of soul. "Tough As Water" and "Put It Out Of Your Mind" are the album's standout tracks. The entire collection of music is so incredibly natural and organic and is the true mark of a superior songwriter. Not only are the lyrics magical and poetic, but they are sung over a backdrop of music that is beautifully written and performed. With this album, coupled with the pending release of a fully instrumental album, Jesse Harris is showing the world why his Grammy award is the real deal, and with or without Norah, he would have won one eventually.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:

• The Dandy Warhols - The Capitol Years 1995-2007
• J.J. Grey & Mofro - Georgia Warhorse
• Jesse Harris - Through The Night
• Mason Jennings - Live At First Ave.
• Ra Ra Riot - The Orchard

CD REVIEW: David Gray "Foundling"

"Foundling" is not a b-sides album. What "Foundling" has become is a collection of reinterpreted tracks from David Gray's extensive songwriting history that he felt the world finally needed to hear. He recently decided to get back into the studio and give many of these songs new life, some songs having been born right out of soundcheck jams. Other songs he felt just needed a little love via some vocals and piano. The blues of the title track and the jazz elements of "We Could Fall In Love Again Tonight" show off the album's twist from Gray's signature folk style. Although, the album is heavy on Gray standards, it features a lot less commercial friendly tracks than usual, making for an interesting mix that is straight from his soul. The oldest song of the album is a reworking of "A New Day At Midnight" which is actually where the name of David's critically acclaimed 2002 album came from. The song didn't make it to that album but finds itself right at home here. The first single from this album is "A Moment Changes Everything" actually strangely comes from the bonus disc. The fact that the last track on the bonus disc is the first single shows the lack of commercialism of the entire album, with is one of the more appealing qualities of this collection of music. David Gray has come a long way since "White Ladder" but one this has remained true: his unmatched songwriting and delivery is as perfect now as it was then.

CD REVIEW: Robert Randolph & The Family Band "We Walk This Road"

The master of the pedal steel, Robert Randolph, has release his third album and has returned, slightly, to his roots as a musician. The album is incredibly heavy on the influence of gospel and soul music, and for this rocker, it's a bit of a departure from the sound of his first to studio albums. Also, this album is heavy on cover songs, with Randolph & band taking on songs by Bob Dylan, Prince, and John Lennon. In fact, Lennon's "I Don't Want To Be A Soldier Mama" is one of the standout songs from this album. Randolph only co-wrote four of the tracks on this album, and one in particular is one of Randolph's best released songs. Featuring Ben Harper on guitar and vocals, "If I Had My Way," is an excellent combination of heavy guitar rock and gospel influenced blues which is the closest bridge to Robert Randolph's previous work. On this album the Family Band also plays a much larger role as many of the tracks feature Lanesha Randolph and Danyel Morgan on vocals. This T-Bone Burnett produced album is certainly a great one and really showcases Randolph's pedal steel mastery and unique mix of rock, gospel, soul and blues.

CD REVIEW: Lissie "Catching A Tiger"

Every now and again a musician comes along and surprises listeners with their incredible songs and music. That such musician is Lissie, and her debut full length album is full of excellent tracks. Produced by a handful of big names including Jaquire King (Kings Of Leon) and Bill Reynolds (Band Of Horses), each song takes on a bit of the producers signature style and a whole life of their own. The album's first single "In Sleep" is easily one of the ten best songs of 2010 and the guitar solo at the end of the song is unlike anything heard on an indie rock recording. "Cuckoo" and "When I'm Alone" are a couple of the other standouts, however, each song on the album can stand alone as a great song. Lissie is truly the next big thing, and her blend of indie, classic, southern, and alternative rock styles is both interesting and outstanding.

CD REVIEW: Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs "God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise"

The mellow soul master is back, and this time he's brought his friends along for the ride. Self producing this latest album, Ray LaMontange formed an essential backing band called The Pariah Dogs which features some of the best in the business. The album pretty much stays along the standard format that Ray is used to, with a bit more classic rock and country music influence throughout. The most exciting track on the album is the lead off song "Repo Man," which features a bit of funkiness not heard in LaMontagne's music on any of his previous three albums. Of the ten tracks, seven feature Ray's signature deep soul vocals over a bed of mellow acoustic driven soundtrack. The first single "Beg, Steal, Or Borrow" is an instant LaMontagne classic, and will most likely go down as one of his best written. "For The Summer" and "Like Rock & Roll And Radio" are also incredible songs that are sure to become instant fan favorites. This new DIY approach to music that LaMontagne & Co. have taken on this album makes the music much more organic, proving that LaMontagne is one of this generations best songwriters and performers.

CD REVIEW: Matt Hires "A To B"

Although he just recently released his debut album, Matt Hires has decided to grace us with a few new tunes to keep our cravings at a minimum until his next full length release. This EP features a reinterpreted version of his hit single (and downright awesome song) "Honey, Let Me Sing You A Song," which falls somewhere between the studio version from his debut album and an acoustic performance of the song. The original version also appears on the EP. This digital only release also features two brand new songs, the title track "A To B" and "Rock N' Roll Heart," both of which could have easily found themselves on the debut. These songs are the epitome of pop rock music and are exactly the style you'd expect from Hires. Nothing outrageously inventive, but nothing incredibly run-of-the-mill either, Matt's new tunes could play on the radio, but could very well become just a few fan favorites that only the die hards fall in love with. Either way, Matt Hires has proven that his debut album and the beauty of it was not a fluke and he can match its excellence with subsequent releases, even if they are only a few songs long.

CD REVIEW: Roy Jay "Fairfax Avenue"

Florida musician Roy Jay has returned with his second album, this time featuring more of a classic rock and blues influence array of songs. His debut album had him pegged as a Bob Dylan-meets-Jimmy Buffet style singer/songwriter because of his excellent combination of folk and island styles of music. On his latest, Roy has continued his fun loving attitude and added a bit more substance to the music in the way of some excellent funky horns and killer bluesy guitar riffs. He gets a little help from some of his indie friends and both Tony Lucca and Joey Ryan collaborate by co-writing and singing on some tracks. His backing band also features some well known musicians such as the Rob Wasserman, the Counting Crows' David Immergluck, and Chris Seefried, who also produced this album. "Love Seed Mama Jump" and "Movin' On" are two awesomely funky tracks. On "Fatal Mistake" you are truly introduced to Roy Jay's bridge from his first album to this one as the sound is familiarly folksy but still retains some elements of roots and blues rock. The lyrically best song on the album is "John Brown" and shows off Roy's inner Dylan. Roy Jay's latest is a definite musical masterpiece of fun, sun, and roots rock.