akdmusic

Margie Baker and Friends, "Live at Rasselas"

2011-07-27T13:17:00.001-07:00

Margie Baker and Friends
Live at Rasselas

Today Margie Baker is 74, but back in 2004 when Live at Rasselas was recorded, she was only 67. Either way, she’s a jazz vocalist so close to perfect that it’s not surprising that she’s been singing for the past forty years or so.

Proghma-C, "Bar-do Travel"

2011-06-26T19:29:00.000-07:00

Proghma-C
Bar-do Travel

I've never been a huge fan of progressive rock, but I have always been impressed by just how far bands in this genre will go to seem more progressive than the last. I guess Proghma-C didn't get the memo, because their latest release Bar-do Travel belongs in the genre sound-wise, but it's the opposite of progressive.

John McNeil and Bill McHenry, "Chill Morn He Climb Jenny"

2011-06-26T19:28:00.001-07:00

John McNeil and Bill McHenry
Chill Morn He Climb Jenny

John McNeil and Bill McHenry team up for a second round of classic jazz covers on Chill Morn He Climb Jenny, a jazz album that will make you dust off your copies of the originals and delight in comparing the two versions.

TyranGem, "Human Beings"

2011-06-26T19:23:00.000-07:00

TyranGem
Human Beings

A few summers ago, I was a nanny for two kids obsessed with the Disney Channel. Rather than playing commercials, Disney plays interviews with their stars, and one they constantly played then was a group of their young actors and actresses singing about how great the world is and giving kids tips on going Green. That's pretty much how Human Beings, TryanGem's newest release, sounds – like a mess of people who don't know how to sing all singing at the same time.

Big Joe & The Dynaflows, "You Can't Keep A Big Man Down"

2011-06-08T20:03:00.001-07:00

Big Joe & The Dynaflows
You Can't Keep A Big Man Down

Not to be confused with Fat Joe, Big Joe Maher heads up the Dynamos, a jazz-y, blues-y band that will keep you swinging and dancing for the duration of their latest release, You Can't Keep a Big Man Down.

Fortune 500, "Flavor Of The Year"

2011-05-31T17:19:00.000-07:00

Fortune 500
Flavor Of The Year

One of my favorite things about Weezer has always been Rivers Cuomo's ability to rhyme, whether the words really fit the song or not (he manages to get “bitch” and “kids” to sound exactly the same on “The Greatest Man That Ever Lived”). The lyricist for Fortune 500 must be a huge Weezer fan, because he manages to spend most of Flavor of the Year rhyming for no reason.

Elisabeth Lohninger, "Songs Of Love And Destruction"

2011-05-15T07:42:00.000-07:00

Elisabeth Lohninger
Songs Of Love And Destruction

Elisabeth Lohninger has a much deserved following in the jazz world, but even if you aren't big on the genre - you'll still enjoy her beautiful, soulful voice and wise words. Songs Of Love And Destruction isn't exactly a pick-me-up, but it is a stunning work of art that showcases Lohninger from start to finish.

Wax, "Melted"

2011-05-15T07:40:00.000-07:00

Wax
Melted

There's something about re-releases and remastered albums that just makes my stomach churn. But even I have to admit that Melted, a release of twelve remastered live tracks played by Wax in 1971 and apparently lost until a few years ago, is a great listen and an important homage.

The Jimmy Bowskill Band, "Live"

2011-04-24T21:28:00.001-07:00

The Jimmy Bowskill Band
Live

Jimmy Bowskill is a talented musician, that's a fact. He's been compared to just about every blues guitarist you can name, and even tackles B.B. King on his band's latest release, Live, and does a pretty impressive job.

Herman Ze German, "Take It As It Comes"

2011-04-24T21:27:00.001-07:00

Herman Ze German
Take It As It Comes

There's a lot to take in about Herman “Ze German” Rarebell's album Take It As It Comes before you even listen to it. There's the artwork for one, but deeper than that, there's the fact that the album was released outside the United States four years ago as I'm Back. I guess Herman is back again.

Howard Wiley & The Angola Project, "12 Gates To The City"

2011-04-24T21:23:00.000-07:00

Howard Wiley & The Angola Project
12 Gates to the City

12 Gates to the City isn't just another jazz CD – it's a jazz CD with an intense message. Howard Wiley, a saxophonist and composer, has gathered together thirteen songs that express the lamentation of prisoners at Louisiana’s penitentiary, Angola.

Jason Ayres, "Chasing Ghosts"

2011-04-24T21:22:00.001-07:00

Jason Ayres
Chasing Ghosts

There's something weird about the Adult Contemporary genre – you can picture your dad jamming out to and really identifying with the lyrics, but you can't help but love it yourself. It's a genre I like to call Dad-Rock, and it's this loveable charm that's made bands like Coldplay, Jimmy Eat World, and Kings of Leon so radio-friendly, and could easily do the same for Jason Ayres.

Nancy Tyler, "Let Go"

2011-03-26T15:53:00.000-07:00

Nancy Tyler
Let Go

Nancy Tyler is a refreshing delight; her album Let Go is filled with smart lyrics, skillful guitar and mandolin picking, and her beautiful voice. Tyler is in her 50s and has been playing music since she was seven; her skills and wisdom are the lessons of a lifetime, and it shows.

Doug Howell, "Jimmy And Me"

2011-03-26T15:51:00.000-07:00

Doug Howell
Jimmy & Me

Even if you don't know Jimmy Webb by name, you've probably heard some of his beautiful ballads. Webb is a timeless musician, captured on Jimmy & Me in the form of twelve cover songs performed by Doug Howell.

Skeletal Damage, "...A Headshot Is The Only Way"

2011-03-26T15:49:00.000-07:00

Skeletal Damage
...A Headshot Is The Only Way

If you're a fan of the darkest kind of black metal, then you'll enjoy Skeletal Damage. They make pretty standard heavy rock, with vocals that are mostly noises, and drums that are a little too loud, but it fits the genre, and if it's something you seek, you'll like Skeletal Damage just as much as Eyehategod.

Di Evantile, "Transformations"

2011-03-13T16:21:00.000-07:00

Di Evantile
Transformations

Di Evantile has done a brave thing with Transformations – an instrumental album broken down into “episodes”, all of which is done with electronic instruments or classical instruments that have been put through some sort of electronic treatment, and not a spoken word through nine tracks.

A Chance Of Fireballs, "A Chance Of Fireballs"

2011-03-09T16:58:00.000-08:00

A Chance Of Fireballs
A Chance Of Fireballs

There's something about A Chance of Fireballs. Perhaps it's their college-aged vibe and the Hellogoodbye-esque cutesy graphics splashed on their album cover and website, or maybe it's their endearing YouTube videos obviously taped by a friend that still somehow manage to capture their charm. This is a band of young guys who enjoy what they're doing, and you'll enjoy listening to it.

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Bill Bachmann, "Folk 'n' Roller"

2011-02-28T19:54:00.001-08:00

Bill Bachmann
Folk 'n' Roller

Bill Bachmann would be hard-pressed to find a more fitting title for his sophomore release. Folk 'n' Roller perfectly describes the extraordinarily clever way Bachmann tells stories while playing complicated and interesting music at the same time.

Forgotten Door, "Unlocked"

2011-02-18T14:46:00.001-08:00

Forgotten Door
Unlocked

I knew from the first note of Forgotten Door's debut album, Unlocked, exactly what kind of music it was – straight to the point classic rock. The album's opener, “Masquerade” sounds like Zeppelin if the original members of Skynyrd were alive to cover a song or two. I mean that as a compliment, however – classic rock is nothing if it's not technically proficient.

Octoberbabies, "Octoberbabies"

2011-02-18T14:41:00.000-08:00

Octoberbabies
Octoberbabies

There was a glorious time in music history, almost twenty years ago, when bands like Weezer were popular with the underground, college-aged kids – before the terms “emo” and “pop-rock” existed. But then Pavement broke up and Weezer stopped really trying and Fall Out Boy came out with the worst conundrum in radio music – catchy songs that you loathe. Maybe that's why I found Octoberbabies so ridiculously refreshing – it’s a blast from the past made recently.

Matthew Schoening, "Elements"

2011-02-08T20:12:00.000-08:00

Matthew Schoening
Elements

If you grew up in a concert band environment, even in middle or high school, you probably appreciate the talent it takes to participate in classical music, while you might not enjoy listening to it (or, perhaps, playing it yourself). Imagine an album that took that talent to the next level and made listening to music played on a classical instrument interesting and exciting.

George Michael, "Faith"

2011-02-03T17:53:00.000-08:00

George Michael
Faith

There's a reason that John C. Reilly's character bursts into a room in his recent movie, Cyrus, screaming, “This is the greatest song ever recorded!” while George Michael's “Faith” plays in the background. George Michael may have originally released the song in 1987, but some songs just never get old.

Eleanor Fye, "Love Stays On"

2011-01-31T19:08:00.000-08:00

Eleanor Fye

Love Stays On

Music websites across the internet recommend Eleanor Fye for the listener who likes Sara Barellies or Norah Jones, but both singer/songwriters could take a page out of Fye's book and make better albums in the future. Fye has a beautiful voice, a smart, witty way of writing, and has created an album that will lift you up while still giving you something to think about.

Robert Hurst, "Bob Ya Head"

2011-01-22T19:58:00.001-08:00

Robert Hurst
Bob Ya Head

When I saw that Robert Hurst's newest album was called Bob Ya Head, I assumed it would be a hip-hop album that would make me shake my head in a disgruntled way. I was wrong, however, because I spent my time listening to the album bobbing my head, tapping my feet and thoroughly enjoying it.

Jeff Cochell, "Between The Lines"

2011-01-09T16:56:00.001-08:00

Jeff Cochell
Between the Lines

There's something comforting about a musician as talented as Jeff Cochell. It's almost as if his obvious gift at playing the guitar makes listening to his debut album, Between the Lines, all the more pleasurable. The only downfall is that the lyrics and vocals aren't quite up to par with the musicianship found on the album.

Black River, "Black 'n Roll"

2010-12-27T16:21:00.001-08:00

Black River
Black 'n Roll

Polish supergroup Black River might call themselves death metal, but there's a definite punk edge to their music that makes them catchy enough to head-bang along with them, and which ultimately makes their album, Black n' Roll, a great listen.

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IAM Artists, "Its About Christmas, Volume II"

2010-12-12T12:35:00.000-08:00

IAM Artists
It's About Christmas, Volume II

Everyone has their favorite Christmas album and song, which makes putting out a new album of holiday music difficult – you certainly won't please everyone.It's About Christmas, Volume II will come close, however.

Shawna Virago, "Objectified"

2010-12-12T12:34:00.001-08:00

Shawna Virago
Objectified

I guess the reason Shawna Virago wants to be Objectified so badly is because she was born a man and had transgender surgery in the 1990's. She now sees herself as an activist of some sort, and I suppose her album is supposed to be really striking or shocking.

Radio Drive, "Life Today"

2010-12-12T12:28:00.000-08:00

Radio Drive
Life Today

There's no denying that an album is successful when almost every song makes you literally dance ridiculously around your house. Life Today, the newest release by Radio Drive, made me do just that, while clearly reaching me with its message to enjoy life.

Gina Holsopple, "From The Earth"

2010-11-23T21:17:00.000-08:00

Gina Holsopple
From The Earth

Anyone who really listens to Bob Dylan will admit that about half of his albums are absolutely terrible – not because the material is bad, but because it just doesn't fit Dylan, and when he tries too hard, it's disastrous. That's how I feel about From The Earth, the newest release by fellow folk-ster Gina Holsopple; she could be really great, just not with this material.

Joe Cassady And The West End Sound, "The Chymical Vegas Wedding"

2010-11-23T21:14:00.000-08:00

Joe Cassady and the West End Sound
The Chymical Vegas Wedding

There is a quality that folk artists must have to be believable that have made legends of Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead; it's a nameless something somewhere between having enough wisdom to lecture an audience and having just enough cool to not sound full of your own intelligence. Joe Cassady's The Chymical Vegas Wedding is leaking with this poetic quality, as well as a brilliant musical background.

Eight Feet Deep, "Eight Feet Deep"

2010-11-09T18:31:00.000-08:00

Eight Feet Deep
Eight Feet Deep

I'm not a huge Led Zeppelin fan, but I didn't need to read Eight Feet Deep's bio to know that they are, probably because they sound like a cover band that made up their own lyrics.

Darrell Katz & The Jazz Composers Alliance Orchestra, "A Wallflower In The Amazon"

2010-10-29T20:21:00.001-07:00

Darrell Katz & The Jazz Composers Alliance Orchestra
A Wallflower In The Amazon

If you know anything at all about jazz, (enough that the name Duke Ellington means anything to you), and you enjoy what you do know, then you'll enjoy A Wallflower in the Sun, the newest release from Darrell Katz and the Jazz Composers Alliance Orchestra. If you don't, it won't impress you enough to change your mind.

Klezwoods, "Oy Yeah!"

2010-10-27T15:43:00.000-07:00

Klezwoods
Oy Yeah!

There's something about the cover art of Klezwood's Oy Yeah! that speaks volumes about the music. Most jazz albums have a dark image on the front of one person playing a piano or saxophone, and they're almost never inviting. But here we have a circus-like group parading with instruments, and on the inside cover, a ferris wheel.

Peter Jennison, "Longing For Home (Songs From War)"

2010-10-13T14:11:00.000-07:00

Peter Jennison
Longing For Home (Songs From War)

It would be easy for an Iraqi War veteran to be bitter, and it would be expected for a musician trapped in the war to make an angry album full of explosive opinions on politics. But on Longing For Home (Songs From War), Peter Jennison goes the opposite direction; he doesn't state a side or stand on a soap box. Instead, he delivers heart-breaking melodies about his time in the war that make it clear that no matter what his brain was thinking in Iraq, his heart was still feeling.

Abyssal Creatures, "Abyssal Creatures"

2010-10-11T18:28:00.000-07:00

Abyssal Creatures
Abyssal Creatures

After listening to Ian Fellerman's Abyssal Creatures, the newest album by his solo project with the same name, I was literally dumbfounded. It's pretty clear to me that the only abyssal thing here is Fellerman.

Shota Osabe and Margie Barker, "A Bit of Jazz and More...:

2010-09-23T19:00:00.000-07:00

Shota Osabe and Margie Barker
A Bit Of Jazz And More...

An unlikely jazz duo, Margie Barker and Shota Osabe, have been making music together live for years, and they bring their chemistry and fluidity to life on their first studio release together, A Bit of Jazz And More...

Christopher Boscole, "Inner Voyages"

2010-09-14T19:41:00.001-07:00

Christopher Boscole
Inner Voyages

I recently finished reading all of the Harry Potter books in order, and afterward, I picked up the next book in my pile of things to read, which happened to be a silly chick book my mom sent me. And while there's nothing wrong with it, and it's not poorly written, I'm having a hard time making myself stick with it because I'm so used to the excitement of the well-written books I've been reading.

That's how I feel about Christopher Boscole's Inner Voyages. There's not really anything particularly wrong with the album of piano solos, but there's not really anything right with it, either. It's just kind of there – an ode to mediocrity, and after years of searching for good music, it was hard to make myself listen to the entire album.

Kle, K-L-E

2010-09-09T19:42:00.001-07:00

Kle
K-L-E

About half-way through the first song on K-L-E, I had to stop and think about what makes a good R&B album. Because while some of the lyrics on K-L-E are absolutely ridiculous, no one ever said they were supposed to be anything else. R&B is entertainment in its most instantly gratifying way – there's nothing serious about it, and a good beat can make a good song great.

Aoeria, "Waterwheel"

2010-08-28T18:35:00.000-07:00

Aoeria
Waterwheel

There are a lot of genres of music that rose to popularity in the 1990s; nearly everyone can reminisce, whether they were fans of boy bands, alternative Train-esque bands, nerd rock, or “hard rock”, which is what Aoeria calls itself. If you spent the '90s in Tool t-shirts and combat boots, you'll probably likeWaterwheel.

Lisa Brigantino, "Wonder Wheel"

2010-08-22T11:52:00.000-07:00

Lisa Brigantino
Wonder Wheel

It's hard to place Lisa Brigantino in a genre. Maybe it's her rock background (she used to play in an all female Zeppelin cover band), or her phenomenal talent to play an array of instruments ranging from guitar to accordion, or her full, twangy voice, but something about this mixture is too unique to stuff in one genre.

Tribal Machine, "The Orwellian Night"

2010-07-31T06:11:00.000-07:00

Tribal Machine
The Orwellian Night

Chances are, if you were born past 1980 and you hear the words “concept album”, your mind automatically jumps to Green Day and their most recent two albums. However, they're not the only band making such albums today (and they were hardly the first), and other than a political theme, Tribal Machine shares nothing in common with the California pop-punk-sters, so before you listen to The Orwellian Night, get that thought out of your head.

Willie Nelson, "Setlist: Best Of Willie Nelson Live"

2010-07-11T16:48:00.000-07:00

Willie Nelson
Setlist: Best of Willie Nelson Live

What can you really say about an American legend who still makes worthwhile music? Plenty of Willie Nelson's musical brothers are churning out poor albums and starring in Victoria's Secret commercials, but Nelson continues to make good music, and even a greatest hits CD is worth your money.

Percy Howard's Meridiem, "A Pleasant Fiction"

2010-07-04T13:41:00.001-07:00

Percy Howard's Meridiem
A Pleasant Fiction

Before I look at any information about an artist or the album I'm reviewing, I listen to the entire thing first. I did this with A Pleasant Fiction, the 2004 release from Percy Howard, and then I looked him up on his website and on Google expecting to find people like me who didn't quite understand or particularly enjoy the album. Instead, I was greeted by rave review after rave review.

Heathen, "The Evolution of Chaos"

2010-07-04T13:39:00.000-07:00

Heathen
The Evolution of Chaos

If you're not a metal fan, then you probably haven't heard of Heathen, but you probably have heard music just like their newest album The Evolution of Chaos.

Downchild, "I Need A Hat"

2010-06-24T18:59:00.001-07:00

Downchild
I Need A Hat

Downchild's current lineup has been together for over 15 years, and I Need A Hat shows their experience and talent. Don Walsh leads the group, followed by Chuck Jackson, Pat Carey, Michael Fonfara, Gary Kendall, and Mike Fitzpatrick, with others scattered in on random instruments.

Bill Price, "With The Eye Of A Skeptic And A Few Other Likely Stories"

2010-06-24T18:57:00.000-07:00

Bill Price
With the Eye of a Skeptic and a Few Other Likely Stories

You might be skeptical about Bill Price before you hear his music, but With the Eye of a Skeptic and a Few Other Likely Stories will leave you sure about his talent, not only with music but with songwriting, timing, and vocals.

The Goodbye Radio, "The Year We Didn't Have"

2010-06-08T20:16:00.000-07:00

The Goodbye Radio
The Year We Didn't Have

Every now and then, in a pile of indie albums full of irony and sarcasm, you find one band that screams sincerity. That's exactly what The Goodbye Radio's newest release, The Year We Didn't Have, does, and the summery, almost dreamy songs do the opposite of what most indie music does these days – they leave you smiling.

Sandro Dominelli, "The Alvo Sessions"

2010-06-03T21:31:00.000-07:00

Sandro Dominelli
The Alvo Sessions

I watched a PBS special once about child musicians and one of the kids involved was a ten year old from the Bronx who played drums. He was talking to the camera about why he loved the drums so much, and he mentioned the noise of the city and how easily it turned into a beat. I remember thinking that though this thought is a teeny bit cliché, it was refreshing to hear someone that young talk about it.

Evan Spade, "Evan Spade"

2010-05-26T18:27:00.001-07:00

Evan Spade
Evan Spade

“I'm hypersensitive, a wallflower,” Evan Spade sings on “Joyride”, the second track on his eponymous first album. Unfortunately, while being a wallflower is about the hip-est thing to be these days, Spade should have just stayed in the background.

The Julien Kasper Band, "Trance Groove"

2010-05-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

The Julien Kasper Band
Trance Groove

When I was a college freshman, I was introduced to a friend of a friend's band and told that the guitarist was one of the best in the city. I watched the band play, confused, as I had, at the time, only heard my brother, a classic rock enthusiast, talk about guitar playing extensively, and this was not my brother's scene. The band was playing music far from the rock solos I'd heard my brother rave about for the previous five years. The guitarist that day was playing what I like to call groove rock, and that's exactly what The Julien Kasper Band makes.

Devon Sproule, "Don't Hurry For Heaven!"

2010-05-05T19:45:00.000-07:00

Devon Sproule
Don't Hurry For Heaven!

Even Jenny Lewis isn't this Jenny Lewis. You'll turn on Don't Hurry For Heaven!, the newest release from Devon Sproule, and you'll swear it's an old Rilo Kiley demo, re-released in a flowery new package.

The Reasoning, "Dark Angel"

2010-04-27T12:22:00.001-07:00

The Reasoning

Dark Angel

The problem with The Reasoning is that there's no real reason for them to be as unremarkable as they are. Everyone in the band is obviously talented, but they just don't leave an impression.

Luther Allison, "Songs From The Road"

2010-04-26T10:15:00.000-07:00

Luther Allison
Songs From The Road

Luther Allison died four days after playing the concert that is Songs From The Road. I guess he's gone a little Tupac since then, since this is his fifth or sixth release since his death in 1997, but it could easily be called the most appreciated posthumous album release in music history.

White Apple Tree, "Velvet Mustache"

2010-04-20T16:12:00.000-07:00

White Apple Tree
Velvet Mustache

White Apple Tree is the kind of music that you know has a gimmick (it's about as realistically unique as Juno), but it's so catchy; you can't help liking it anyway.

Mitch Burger, "Reactive"

2010-04-20T16:10:00.000-07:00

Mitch Burger
Reactive

I was sitting on my porch when I turned on Reactive, the debut album from Mitch Burger. And from the first note of the first song, I continuously looked around me, hoping none of my neighbors could see (or hear, I guess), me listening to what might be the only embarrassing album I've ever listened to in public. I'd rather be caught singing along to Mika.

Steve Palmer Band, "Apparition"

2010-04-15T16:46:00.000-07:00

Steve Palmer Band
Apparition

At some point while listening to the Steve Palmer's Band's debut album, Apparition, you'll think you're listening to all the classics – Skynyrd, Springsteen, Dylan, and Tom Petty will all come to mind, if not more.

Brian Lindsay, "Esperanza"

2010-04-12T10:16:00.001-07:00

Brian Lindsay
Esperanza

I 'm not entirely sure why Brian Lindsay's sophomore album is supposed to be the epitome of Americana but has the Spanish name Esperanza. Lindsay isn't the first artist to name an album this, but most of the others who have had at least a touch of Spanish in their heritage and music.

Chris Cagle, "Best of Chris Cagle"

2010-04-12T10:14:00.000-07:00

Chris Cagle
Best Of Chris Cagle

I always feel kind of squirmy when a label announces that they're going to release a greatest hits album. I can't help but imagine the artist standing behind a business man at a press conference, rolling their eyes and sighing. It always feels like a shove out the door (Hilary Duff?) or a quick way to make money for an artist that's not as successful as the label hoped (Hilary Duff's second greatest hits album?).

Bill Wren, "One Day In A Life"

2010-04-06T16:04:00.001-07:00

Bill Wren
One Day In A Life

Bill Wren calls himself a songbird from Texas – and that's exactly what he is. It's not clear if his name is just that ironic, or if he changed it somewhere down the line, but for novelty's sake, let's assume it's the irony.

The Mannish Boys, "Shake For Me"

2010-03-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

The Mannish Boys
Shake For Me

The Mannish Boys are less of a band and more of a royal jam session. Every big name around today in blues is (or has been) involved with the band, and their latest release, Shake For Me, shows their combined talents off even more impressively than their previous four albums together.

Kirk Fletcher, "My Turn"

2010-03-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

Kirk Fletcher
My Turn

It certainly is Kirk Fletcher's turn. On his third solo album, the guitarist is stepping into the spotlight after touring and guest starring for years. And he handles the spotlight with technical and vocal skill that makes you sure he's ready for it.

Stephen Soul, "Wingless Not Hopeless"

2010-03-25T12:10:00.001-07:00

Stephen Soul
Wingless Not Hopeless

At some point in your college or high school career, you probably went to a house party where an artist like Stephen Soul was set up in the corner, playing music and selling CDs. You probably didn't like it then, and you probably won't like it now.

Kirsten DeHaan, "Thorns On A Crown"

2010-03-22T22:07:00.001-07:00

Kirsten DeHaan
Thorns On A Crown

I wasn't impressed with Kirsten DeHaan's Thorns on a Crown after the first few songs, but the more I listened to it, the more I liked it. The problem with that is that the five song album is hailed as containing five different genres of music. But you can't please everyone, and DeHaan should stick to the genres she plays well.

Poostosh, "Herbarium"

2010-03-22T22:04:00.000-07:00

Poostosh
Herbarium

Poostosh's Herbarium is the kind of album you need to listen to while watching the visualizer available on whatever media player you're using. (What our parents did with records and cassettes, without visualizers to stare at, I have no idea.)

Elliott Murphy, "Notes From The Underground"

2010-03-22T22:02:00.000-07:00

Elliott Murphy
Notes From The Underground

Elliott Murphy's first album came out in 1973, and he's released 29 more since then. His most recent is Notes From The Underground, a classic Americana/Folk album that recalls every folk star you can think of, from Dylan to Guthrie.

Light In August, "Places"

2010-03-22T21:58:00.000-07:00

Light In August
Places

It's unclear if Light In August's name has anything to do with the Faulkner novel of the same name, but since it's a band consisting of three guys with beards, one of which plays the flute, it probably does.

The Black Noodle Project, "Eleonore"

2010-03-09T11:59:00.001-08:00

The Black Noodle Project
Eleonore

A concept album by a French progressive rock band that sings in English: is it ambitious or are they writing their own death certificates? The Black Noodle Project really hasn't done either on Eleonore; mostly, they've just recorded some prog rock songs and put it to a story you can't really understand.

Pete Lockett's Network Of Sparks, "One"

2010-03-04T04:36:00.001-08:00

Pete Lockett's Network of Sparks
One

Pete Lockett's name might not be familiar to you, but at least half of the impressive list of people he's played with will be. Lockett is a percussionist who has played with the likes of Robert Plant, Damien Rice, Bjork, and Peter Gabriel. On One, he teams up with Bill Bruford for an all instrumental, all percussion album.

Subcon, "Antitoxin"

2010-03-01T10:19:00.000-08:00

Subcon

Antitoxin

I've always been impressed with the confidence of rappers. Something about the hip-hop genre demands an ultra, almost absurd arrogance, and when the artist is as good as he or she says, it works, and it somehow makes the music more sincere. But when the artist isn't as good as they think they are, it's just kind of sad.

The Burned, "The Burned"

2010-02-25T21:30:00.000-08:00

The Burned
The Burned

The great thing about The Burned (which is really just Kurt Baumann's name for his solo project) is that it sounds like music Zach Braff might pick for a movie soundtrack, but darker. It's got an original edge to it that makes it far more interesting than the dainty indie rock most of us are used to.

Scattergun, "Life at Fantasy Lounge"

2010-02-25T21:29:00.001-08:00

Scattergun
Life at Fantasy Lounge

Americana is a weird genre – you can basically call any band from the United States with at least a little bit of twang involved “Americana”, from Elvis to Johnny Cash to Wilco.

The Town Pants, "Shore Leave"

2010-02-25T21:27:00.000-08:00

The Town Pants
Shore Leave

The Town Pants aren't Irish – actually, they're Canadian – but they make great Celtic music and most of it's about drinking. Shore Leave is basically a collection of raucous drinking songs, but they're so catchy that even if you're a Teetotaler, you'll like it.

Nick Curran & The Lowlifes, "Reform School Girl"

2010-02-23T18:01:00.000-08:00

Nick Curran & The Lowlifes
Reform School Girl

If you do an online search for Nick Curran, you'll find hundreds of blogs, articles, and comments, all of which say, in one way or another, that he's a bad ass musician – and all of them are right. If Curran had been born in the '50s, he would still be a household name today.

The City Skyscape, "The City Skyscape"

2010-02-23T17:59:00.000-08:00

The City Skyscape
The City Skyscape

With The Postal Service on an apparent indefinite hiatus, someone's got to fill Ben Gibbard's sweet little shoes – enter The City Skyscape, a band so similar to Gibbard's side project that they might actually be him in disguise.

2010-02-15T11:14:00.000-08:00

Ahmond
Monster & Minstrel

Ahmond is an indie kid's dream – a Sufjan Stevens/Andrew Bird-esque singer-songwriter that self produces his albums and isn't too famous to pretend you don't like. If he garners the critical acclaim that artists similar to him have recently, he'll soon be the guy everyone liked before he “made it big”.

Jackie Ryan, "Best of Love Songs"

2010-02-15T11:12:00.000-08:00

Jackie Ryan

Best of Love Songs

I didn't glance at the album title of Jackie Ryan's newest album before I started listening to it, and after the third or fourth song, I was convinced that it was either a greatest hits album or one of the fullest, most thoughtful albums I had ever heard. Even though Best of Love Songs is a collection of previously released songs, it's still completely full of absolutely beautiful songs – not one of the fifteen tracks is bad.

Lily Holbrook, "Wicked Ways"

2010-02-11T09:21:00.000-08:00

Lily Holbrook
Wicked Ways

Lily Holbrook's press release announces that she is the Real Deal – and while that may be a terribly cheesy thing to say about an artist, it's true. From her image and the art on her newest album, Wicked Ways, I was expecting a completely different sound and style, but Holbrook is a folk singer with a beautiful voice.

Suzi Ragsdale, "Best Regards/Less Of The Same"

2010-02-11T09:19:00.001-08:00

Suzi Ragsdale
Best Regards/Less of the Same

Suzi Ragsdale has been in the recording studio her entire life, and considering that most of this time has been spent in Nashville, it's no wonder that her newest release (the double album) Best Regards and Less of the Same is an adorable country and folk album that makes the listener feel right at home.

Audra Connolly, "Dear Friend"

2010-02-03T10:20:00.000-08:00

Audra Connolly
Dear Friend

There is a quote from once-indie band Rilo Kiley about folk singers that I continuously thought about while I listened to Audra Connolly's newest album, Dear Friend: “Folk singers sing songs for the working, baby. We're just inspiration for all those doctors and lawyers.” Connolly is pure folk, at its best; she's entertainment in the form of soft sounds and friendly words.

Tiny Little Blackouts, "Idea Of Alice"

2010-02-01T10:12:00.000-08:00

Tiny Little Blackouts
Idea Of Alice

Tiny Little Blackouts is what indie musicians often strive for and fail at, which has turned the genre into a cliché: delightful music with just the right amount of irony.

Soul Doctor, "Way Back To The Bone"

2010-02-01T10:09:00.000-08:00

Soul Doctor
Way Back To The Bone

Soul Doctor was not what I was expecting – at all. With “soul” in the band name and an album called Way Back to the Bone, I was expecting the blues or folk, and when I put the album on, I was instead greeted by heavy rock, but I'm not complaining.

Martigan, "Vision"

2010-02-01T10:06:00.000-08:00

Martigan
Vision

Martigan both is and isn't your typical prog band. Upon first listen, it's hard to distinguish what sets them apart, but after pouring time into each track on their newest album, Vision, you begin to see what they do, and you can see that while they fit within their genre, they are stepping out of it, as well.

Trizonna McClendon, "NewFamiliar"

2010-01-26T12:16:00.000-08:00

Trizonna McClendon
NewFamiliar

I seriously don't know what to make of Trizonna McClendon. No matter how many times I listen to her latest album, NewFamiliar, I'm still thoroughly confused. Some of the songs are fantastic, well written, lyrically clever, and groove in a completely original and addictive way. And then the song that comes after that will be so annoying and clammy that I have no problem saying it's flat out terrible.

Tim Pepper, "Beautiful Frustration"

2010-01-23T15:39:00.001-08:00

Tim Pepper

Beautiful Frustration

Tim Pepper knows how to write. His intelligence and way with words shows not only on his latest album, Beautiful Frustration, but on his website and his personal blog. He calls himself quiet, saying he does more listening than talking. Maybe he should speak up more often; he clearly has a lot to say, and a smart, quirky way of doing so.

Astral Travellers, "The Truth Beyond"

2010-01-23T03:39:00.000-08:00

Astral Travellers
The Truth Beyond

If the best music comes from outside the United States, and the classics influence the best musicians, then Astral Travellers are two for two. Their name, which they plucked from a Yes album, isn't the only evidence on their newest album The Truth Beyond of their wide range of influences. A mix tape made by one of the members must be baffling. Their list of bands they like ranges from Muse to Zeppelin and back around to Metallica.

Laurie Morvan Band, "Fire It Up!"

2010-01-17T20:53:00.000-08:00

Laurie Morvan Band
Fire It Up!

Laurie Morvan has been through a lot of heartache in her life – I guess that's why she loves the blues so much. Her biography reads like a tragedy, but her accomplishments (from a college volleyball scholarship to earning her degree in electrical engineering to becoming a teacher), prove what her songs do: you can't keep this woman down.

Nathaniel Sutton, "Starlite"

2010-01-17T20:51:00.000-08:00

Nathaniel Sutton
Starlite

Nathaniel Sutton takes DIY to a new level on his latest release, Starlite. He plays all of the instruments (guitar, piano, drums, harmonica, and synth), as well as writing the lyrics, and mixing and producing the album. And it sounds good, for something recorded at home, except for the biggest problem: the vocals.

Dark Hallow Band, "Real Monsters Look Like Men"

2010-01-17T20:48:00.000-08:00

Dark Hollow Band
Real Monsters Look Like Men

I'm not sure if it's pure coincidence that the Dark Hollow Band claims their name originated from the street they lived on and that it's also the name of a Grateful Dead song. In “Silent Prayer”, the chorus talks about listening to the Dead. Coincidence or not, the Dark Hollow Band manages to be influenced by bands like the Dead, Bob Dylan, and Woodie Guthrie while still sounding original.

The Aviation Orange, "The Aviation Orange"

2009-12-31T14:33:00.000-08:00

The Aviation Orange

The Aviation Orange

Brooklyn's The Aviation Orange refers to themselves as “New York's hottest new band”. They may be jumping the gun a little, but they're on their way to becoming just that.

Bill James, "The Love Doctor"

2009-12-31T14:28:00.000-08:00

Bill James
The Love Doctor

Bill James is at least 56 by now, considering that he sings “somebody told me you can't rock and roll at 52“ on “You Never Get Too Old To Rock And Roll” andThe Love Doctor came out in 2005. While his age makes him an experienced guitarist and lyricist, his music isn't too aged for today's generation.

David Pinsky and his Rhythm Kings, "Live at the Bella"

2009-12-31T14:25:00.000-08:00

David Pinsky and his Rhythm Kings
Live at the Bella

David Pinsky has spent over 30 years playing the blues, and on his latest release, Live at the Bella, he shows off what he's learned: how to have fun while talking about misery.

Zac Mac Band, "Don't Look Down"

2009-12-31T14:22:00.000-08:00

Zac Mac Band
Don't Look Down

I don't really know what to make of the Zac Mac Band. I tried to like it, and I tried to get past the overwhelmingly cheesy lyrics, but I just can't manage it.

Michaela Rae, "Blues With A Backbone"

2009-12-16T06:33:00.000-08:00

Michaela Rae
Blues With A Backbone

You won't believe Michaela Rae's first CD, Blues With a Backbone, when you hear it. Rae is fourteen years old, but plays guitar like any legend you can name. She's been playing basically her entire life, and Blues is full of one super charged song after another, none of which sound like something that came from someone under the age of thirty.

Shannon Corey, "Unsaid"

2009-12-03T10:49:00.001-08:00

Shannon Corey
Unsaid

The music industry is littered with female singer-songwriters, but Shannon Corey is far more talented than her more well-known coworkers such as Sara Barellies and Vanessa Carlton.

Jack O' The Clock, "Rare Weather"

2009-12-01T16:14:00.000-08:00

Jack O' The Clock
Rare Weather

I really wanted to love Jack O' The Clock' s newest release, Rare Weather. From the artwork to the band's description (majestic junk folk) to the list of over a dozen “extra” instruments used to make the songs, I was expecting something refreshing, exciting, and new. But exciting elements in a band played in the same old way aren't that remarkable.

Roger Salloom, "Last Call"

2009-12-01T16:11:00.000-08:00

Roger Salloom
Last Call

Roger Salloom was not what I was expecting. His opening song on his latest CD, Last Call, instantly brought Bob Dylan to my mind, but the more I listened, the more he started sounding like just Roger Salloom.

Bobby Washington - "Nude"

2009-11-17T08:24:00.001-08:00

Bobby Washington
Nude

I knew before I even listened to Bobby Washington's Nude what it would sound like. With song titles like “Sixty 9”, “Remix That Body”, and “Ain't No Stoppin Me”, it was a little obvious that Washington is fixated on what most cliché R&B albums are – women and the fact that he's the best.

Zweng - "Silent Scream of Gulls"

2009-11-17T08:22:00.000-08:00

Zweng
Silent Scream of Gulls

Zweng is what indie music used to sound like, when it was still a term that referred to the independence of the label and not the sound. In other words, it's fantastic.

Marizane - "Cosmosis"

2009-11-12T10:46:00.000-08:00

Marizane
Cosmosis

Either Marizane doesn't want you to know anything about them, or they're just so indie the information isn't available. They're from California, and that's all the information you get, other than their fun, rock-pop music.