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Friday, April 30, 2010

The Sunshine Underground - Nobody's Coming To Save You -2010-
(Rock, Indie, Pop)

From: Leeds, United Kingdom
Website: http://thesunshineunderground.co.uk/

These boys from Leeds are armed with an angular, beat-heavy sound similar to that of Franz Ferdinand or the Kaiser Chiefs. TSU consists of Craig Wellington (vox / guitar), Stuart Jones (guitar), Daley Smith (bass) and Matthew Gwilt (drums). Nobody's Coming To Save You is the bands sophomore studio album and is much bigger and bolder than Raise The Alarm. This is a very good album full of rocking and I mean rocking tunes. Each track seems to build to a sonic crescendo with tumultuous drums, catchy guitar-riffs and even catchier chorus-lines. "The album is the sound of The Sunshine Underground enhanced and asking whether everything is right with our world – a question which is being asked by all of us." Having made their reputation as a live band, this is an album that will lend itself perfectly to a live setting, large or small.


The Sunshine Underground - Coming To Save You


The Sunshine Underground - Spell It Out


The Sunshine Underground - In Your Arms

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

The Beautiful Girls - 10:10 (Single) -2010-
(Rock, Reggae, Indie)

From: Australia
Website: http://www.thebeautifulgirls.com/index.php

The Beautiful Girl's music is a mixing-pot of influences from every corner of the planet. Things they have heard and seen, from their youth to the present. From their own backyard to the many streets of their travels. 10:10 is the second single from the bands fourth studio album Spooks, due in store May 21st 2010. “A song in the tradition of some of those that inspired us most. The Specials. The Beat. The Clash. Punk English Reggae” – TBG. Both singles off the new LP seem to be the perfect combination of everything from the past and everywhere the band is going. May 21st cannot come soon enough. Click album art to order single or click HERE to pre-order Spooks.


The Beautiful Girls - 10:10

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers - The Bear -2009-
(Rock, Roots, Americana)

From: Northampton, MA
Website: http://www.stephenkellogg.com/

“SK6ERS,” as they’re also affectionately known, have carved a determined, inspiring path since forming in Western Massachusetts in 2003. An exceptional live act given to high-energy showmanship, The Sixers are closing in on their 1000th show with a newfound grit and gratitude. Stephen and core Sixers – Kit “Goose” Karlson (keys, bass, tuba, accordion) and Brian “Boots” Factor (drums, mandolin, banjo) -- are friends who act like brothers and switch off on their instruments to keep it fresh; much in the tradition of their collective heroes, The Band. You can hear elements of classic rock/americana like Mellencamp, Petty, Neil Young and I pick up on some similarities with artists like Toad The Wet Sprocket or Matt Costa. The Bear is their rawest and most collaborative album yet. With alternating tracks between producers Tom Schick and Sam Kassirer. The music is good, instrumentation tight and the storytelling is great. Catch The Bear and give it a try.


SK6ERS - The Bear


SK6ERS - Shady Esperanza & The Young Hearts


SK6ERS - DO

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Jack Johnson - You And Your Heart (Single) -2010-
(Folk, Rock, Acoustic, Surf)

From: Haleiwa, Hawaii
Website: http://jackjohnsonmusic.com/home

This is the first single from Jack Johnson's much anticipated 5th studio album To The Sea. This track is upbeat and fun and has definately got me that much more excited about the rest of the new material. The album drops June 1st. You can pre-order To The Sea HERE or you can download/buy 'You And Your Heart' by clicking on the album art above.


Jack Johnson - You And Your Heart

Friday, April 23, 2010

Xavier Rudd & Izintaba - Koonyum Sun -2010-
(Folk, Rock, World)

From: Australia
Website: http://www.xavierrudd.com/

Xavier Rudd's new 2010 release Koonyum Sun is another stellar collection of tunes from the Australian multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter. The album was recorded in 301 Studio’s in Byron Bay Australia (one of my favorite places on earth), under bright sunny skies, surrounded by white sand beaches and rolling turquoise waves – a setting that couldn’t be better for this album because that is where the music Xavier has created transports you. Moving away from the heavier edged sound that he pursued on Dark Shades Of Blue, Xavier is back to his upbeat, hip-swaying sound that has been his mainstay on previous recordings. The album marks a fresh, new musical and spiritual awakening for Rudd, perhaps most notably as it’s his first with bassist Tio Moloantoa and percussionist Andile Nqubezelo (of the late Lucky Dube’s band) 
 under the unified banner of Xavier Rudd & Izintaba. Though the trio has been performing together for many months, Koonyum Sun is their first collaborative collection of songs – a triangle of influence that carries a piece of each individual member, yet keeps them all connected. Thanks to the input of Inzintaba, there’s a staggering amount of vigor to this release that Xavier Rudd fans haven’t seen to date. There’s also more vocal variation, with colourful harmonies in several different languages soaring atop the music. “It’s been the most inspirational musical experience of my life,” shares Rudd about his writing with Tio and Andile. “We have an undeniable connection – musically, spiritually, and emotionally. I feel like they were sent to me.” After listening to this amazing album you will feel like IT was sent to you as well. Xavier creates life changing music. Click HERE to purchase Koonyum Sun for only $7.99.


Xavier Rudd & Izintaba - Sky to Ground


Xavier Rudd & Izintaba - Fresh Green Freedom


Xavier Rudd & Izintaba - Soften The Blow

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

SINIZEN - Grass Roots Culture - 2010-
(Reggae, Rock, Dub)

From: Huntington Beach, CA
Website: http://www.sinizen.com/

While the reggae rock scene continues to grow by the second, SINIZEN (pronounced Sin-Is-Zen) stands out with their own mix of reggae-dub-rock-hiphop and latin jams, allowing anyone to recognize their sound as the SINIZEN sound, with the ever-so-smooth sax tone from Jorge Guzman, the thumping reggae bass from Ryan Harvey, the eclectic jazz drumming of Mike Manning and the six string slinger/singer K9. These boys have just put out this awesome reggae album and amazingly it is FREE. Yep I said FREE. Go to their website above and you can download your copy of Grass Roots Culture. Really digging this album. Every track is solid. So get your copy now and spread the word.


SINIZEN - Jamaican Queen


SINIZEN - Shoot Em Down


SINIZEN - Vibes

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Tairo - Choeurs Et Ame -2009-
(Reggae, Soul)

From: France
Website: http://www.myspace.com/officieltairo

After making his name on the French ragga and dancehall scenes, Tairo is hoping for the same success in soul circles. Ismaël Jolé-Ménébhi was born in Paris to a Moroccan father and a French mother from Alsace. Choeurs Et Ame means Choir and Soul and that is exactly what this album has, Soul. Tairo makes some very melodic and simply very good reggae about life, love, hope, struggle and hope. If you speak French this album is probably even more amazing, but Tairo makes music that goes beyond spoken language. The whole album is full of some very very good reggae tunes. The beats and melodies are so good you instantly forget the lyrics are in French and start trying to sing along even though you don't speak a lick of French. A great mix of energy and soul. Enjoy!


Tairo - L'Animal Geint


Tairo - Jamais Eu

Monday, April 19, 2010

Dr. Dog - Shame, Shame -2010-
(Indie, Rock, Psychedelic)

From: Philadelphia
Website: http://www.drdogmusic.com/

Dr. Dog is a psychedelic rock group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which formed in 1999. The current lineup consists of Scott "Taxi" McMicken (vocals, guitar), Toby "Tables" Leaman (vocals, bass), Zach "Text" Miller (keyboards, guitar), Frank "Thanks" McElroy (guitar) and Eric "Teach" Slick (drums). There's a little folk, blues, indie rock, soul, bluegrass--and a whole lot of down-home harmonizing. It conjures images of old friends sitting on a porch swapping instruments and just letting the tape recorder run. Dr. Dog having evolved from a band whose primary creative outlet was the album-making process into one that favored the energy of their live performances, they knew they wanted to document the new dynamic they had developed on the road. Producer Rob Schnapf (Beck, Elliott Smith) was brought in to help peel back the intricate arrangements of last album Fate to reveal the raw immediacy of a tight five-man unit honing their craft. Shame, Shame is a very good album and is already a candidate for album of the year on many lists. Kick back and give these boys a listen.


Dr. Dog - Stranger


Dr. Dog - Shadow People


Dr. Dog - Station

Friday, April 16, 2010

Regan Perry - Wiser -2009-
(Reggae, Roots, Acoustic)

From: New Zealand
Website: http://reganlive.com/

Regan Perry is a roots reggae singer-songwriter from the King Country town of Te Kuiti. He has toured both as a solo artist and also as part of the roots reggae group Cornerstone Roots, throughout NZ, Australia & Japan. Regan Perry's debut solo album, Wiser, showcases his down-to-earth and easy-going nature and as a solo musician these qualities are brought to the forefront. Wiser was self-produced with the help of London-based Mike Neilson who has worked with the likes of U2, Bjork and Jamiroquai. Make no mistake though, this is the sound of 100% authentic NZ soul, roots and reggae! There is not a lot of info out there about Regan Perry, but what I did find and all anyone really needs to find is this amazing collection of extremely chill tunes that Mr. Perry has given us. Kind of a Jack Johnson and Donavon Frankenreiter vibe, but different in his own way with a little more reggae. Awesome tunes, the whole album is a fantastic listen from start to finish. Great musician, great tunes and a really cool backstory. Check this guy out! Watch the rest of the Regan: In His Own Words Documentary on YouTube.


Regan Perry - Wiser (Mike Nielson Mix)


Regan Perry - I Got A Girl


Regan Perry - Chill

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Mike Zito - Pearl River -2009-
(Blues, Funk, Americana, Rock)

From: Nederland, Texas
Website: http://www.mikezito.com/

Mike Zito's newest album Pearl River is a a rollicking slice of Americana served up with heaping slabs of greasy New Orleans funk, gritty blues and good old fashioned rock 'n' roll. Zito has a road-hardened soulful voice and is a bad ass guitarist, which he shows off in fine fashion on just about every track. Pearl River stands as another solid achievement by Mike Zito who is joined this time out by a handful of special guests including Cyril Neville, Anders Osborne, Reese Wynans (Double Trouble), Susan Cowsill, Lynwood Slim and Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone.


Mike Zito - Pearl River


Mike Zito - One Step At A Time

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More -2010-
(Folk, Bluegrass, Rock)

From: London
Website: http://www.mumfordandsons.com/

Inspired by folk, rock, country, and bluegrass, London-based quartet Mumford & Sons features singer/guitarist/drummer Marcus Mumford, vocalist and banjo/dobro player Winston Marshall, vocalist/keyboardist Ben Lovett and vocalist/bassist Ted Dwane. They create a gutsy, old-time sound that marries the magic of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young with the might of Kings Of Leon, and their incredible energy draws us in quickly to their circle of songs and to the warmth of their stories. Mumford & Sons’ take on British folk is far from traditional. There seems to be a big influence of 21st century Americana that runs through the album in the same vein as Fleet Foxes or Blitzen Trapper. Sigh No More is an impressive and spirited debut album from a band that holds a lot of promise for the future.


Mumford & Sons - The Cave


Mumford & Sons - Winter Winds


Mumford & Sons - Little Lion Man

Friday, April 9, 2010

Iration - Time Bomb -2010-
(Reggae, Rock, Dub)

From: Hawaii
Website: http://irationtheband.mp/

Iration recorded Time Bomb with the intention of making an album that appeals to everyone - it combines pop structures and melodies similar to those on their previous EP, Sample This, with a more rock/pop and electronic feel. Analog synthesizers and sweet guitar tones on each track help modernize their reggae rhythm base. Focusing on making each song a stand alone "hit," Iration approached each song differently in order to maximize the potential of each individual track. "We wanted to make an album that people can listen to over and over again without getting bored or tired of it." Time Bomb is Iration's best effort yet and these Hawaiian boys have made some really catchy tunes. Kind of sounds like a mix of UB40 and 311, to my ears anyway. Click HERE to listen to the full album.


Iration - Time Bomb


Iration - Coming Your Way


Iration - Falling

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

John Butler Trio - April Uprising -2010-
(Rock, Folk, Roots)

From: Fremantle, Western Australia
Website: http://jbtserver.com/blog/

April Uprising, the new album from John Butler Trio, is John’s most focused, diverse and accessible album to date. It combines the personal, the political and the musically memorable with skill and passion. April Uprising however is definitely an escape from the sound of the John Butler Trio two albums ago, but like I have said before change is not always bad. There may be a new modern rock/pop edge to some of John's music, but an artist can't constantly put out the same kind of material. He has to experiment and expand on his influences and that is what JBT has done here. The foundations of John Butler's music (groove of the Trio, the soul of the guitar and the honesty and integrity of John's lyrics) can still be heard, but it is remodeled here in a way that will most likely introduce him and his new rhythm section (Nicky Bomba - drums and Byron Luiters - bass) to the masses. If you are already a fan of JBT then this album may take a few listens, but if your going to check em out for the first time, buy it, listen to it and then take a journey through his catalog and experience the mastery that is John Butler.


John Butler Trio - Revolution


John Butler Trio - Ragged Mile


John Butler Trio - Gonna Be A Long Time

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Rey Fresco - The People -2009-
(Rock, Reggae, Latin)

From: Ventura, CA
Website: http://www.reyfresco.com/

In the music industry, words like “original” and “eclectic” are seemingly thrown around aimlessly when a new artist is being described. In the case of Ventura, California’s, Rey Fresco, however, “eclectic” doesn’t even begin to describe the band’s diverse musical sound. This 4 piece band comprised of soulful lead singer and Fiji native, Roger Keiaho, drummer, Andrew Jones, who builds his own drums with techniques borrowed from surfboard making, bassist, Shawn Echevarria and harpist, Xocoyotzin “Xoco” Moraza, who plays a 36 string Veracruz harp. Rey Fresco's debut album The People is a mingling of musical styles that is full of fun, refreshing and original tunes. Good vibes working here.


Rey Fresco - All In Awe


Rey Fresco - Precious Time

Monday, April 5, 2010

Aloe Blacc - I Need a Dollar/Take Me Back -2010-
(Soul, R&B, Hip-Hop)

From: Los Angeles
Website: http://aloeblacc.com/

'I Need A Dollar' is the lead off single to Aloe Blacc's forthcoming album Good Things. First heard this track watching HBO's How To Make It In America. It is the theme song to that show and I was instantly hooked. Was very surprised to see that this track was from an up and coming musician in 2010 and not from a 70's soul singer. Awesome track, definately looking forward to more material from Aloe Blacc. You can buy the single buy clicking the album art above or get a free download from the Stones Throw Records website HERE.


Aloe Blacc - I Need A Dollar

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Timmy Curran - VerseS -2010-
(Folk, Surf, Rock)

From: Silver Strand, CA
Website: http://modlife.com/timmycurran

Following in the the footsteps of fellow surfers Jack Johnson & Donavon Frankenreiter turned musicians Timmy Curran has released his second full length album VerseS and yes it is damn good. Word Of Mouth was a very solid album with some real standout tracks, but on VerseS Mr. Curran has really hit his stride. Each song flows from one to the other much like the waves that Curran rides, smooth and refreshing. His music is not that similar to the aforementioned musicians; it's got more of an indie rock surf vibe. Timmy Curran may be a world class surfer, but with this release I think it is safe to say that he is also a world class musician/songwriter who happens to be quite good at surfing.


Timmy Curran - Believe


Timmy Curran - Swim


Timmy Curran - Maker