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Saturday, December 25, 2010

The Old Ceremony - Tender Age -2010-
(Indie, Pop, Rock)

From: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Website: http://theoldceremony.com/

The Old Ceremony is led by songwriter Django Haskins, and includes bassist Matt Brandau, drummer Dan Hall, vibes/organist Mark Simonsen, and violinist/keyboardist Gabriel Pelli. TOC plays lush, literate rock and with over six years of touring and four albums under their belt, the band occupies its own darkly lit corner of the musical world. It is a corner filled with ominous rumblings and world-weary but hopeful characters. The sound of Tender Age the latest release from TOC draws a lot of inspiration from 60's folk/pop. Commercially poppy and a little psychedelic, Tender Age has some real nice tracks. The middle of the album lags a bit, but overall a very nice effort.


The Old Ceremony - Tender Age


The Old Ceremony - Ruined My Plans

Friday, December 24, 2010

Bantaba - From The Ground Up -2010-
(Reggae, Dub, Roots)

From: Germany
Website: http://www.bantabamusic.de/

Bantaba is one of many fine German reggae bands making a name for themselves. Their exciting and authentic take on reggae is on display throughout From The Ground Up. Heavy bass lines alongside tight drum grooves, mighty organs, nyahbinghi-rhythms, tickling guitar licks and some sweet horns-arrangements are what are in store for you. Bantaba is an up-and-comer in the reggae world so keep an eye out. Real chill tunes.


Bantaba - Eagle


Bantaba - Gratitude


Bantaba - When I Cry

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Fistful of Mercy - As I Call You Down -2010-
(Acoustic, Rock, Folk)

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

Debut from super-trio featuring Ben Harper, Dhani Harrison (George's son) and Joseph Arthur. The trio formed in early 2010 and wasted little time before laying down tracks for what would become As I Call You Down. Deeply melodic and willfully groovy (thanks, in part, to world-class session drummer Jim Keltner), As I Call You Down shines with acoustic guitars, some killer slide from Harper, and those undeniable harmonies. It’s the sound of three very experienced musicians, each used to running his own show, coming together and having a ball. Written, produced and recorded in Harper's studio, As I Call You Down is comprised of nine songs complete with soulful harmonies and blues-infused folk guitar seamlessly blended with an indie rock backbone. As I Call You Down effortlessly crosses through genre defining borders and is sure to please fans of all three performer's previous work, while welcoming new listeners with open arms. Download album for only $3.99! by clicking album cover above.


Fistful of Mercy - As I Call You Down


Fistful of Mercy - Fistful of Mercy


Fistful of Mercy - Father's Son

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Katchafire - On The Road Again -2010-
(Reggae, Dub)

From: New Zealand
Website: http://www.katchafire.co.nz/

For over a decade, Katchafire have been ambassadors of roots reggae music in New Zealand. Three long years after the release of their last offering Say What You're Thinking, Katchafire present their highly anticipated new album On The Road Again. Katchafire's sound has always thrived off their strong cultural identity and self awareness. Their music embodies the feel good nature of life in rural New Zealand towns. On The Road Again is a testament to life spent on tour since the release of 'Say What You're Thinking'. Over the past three years Katchafire, the hardest working band in New Zealand, have toured religiously across New Zealand, Australia, the greater Pacific (including Hawaii) and USA playing to over 30,000 people at selected events. The album is a melting pot of musical sensibilities including Jamaican dance-hall, r'n'b, roots, reggae and funk. Katchafire never disappoints and always puts out incredible reggae tunes.


Katchafire - On The Road Again


Katchafire - Yr Dreaming


Katchafire - Groove Again

The Radio Dept - Never Follow Suit E.P. -2010-
(Indie, Pop, Dub)

From: Stockholm, Sweden
Website: http://theradiodept.com/

Though Swedish indie pop trio The Radio Dept have only released three LP’s in nearly a decade, they have always put out a string of EP’s in between. Never Follow Suit is one of these EP's following the release of The Radio Dept critically acclaimed new album Clinging On A Scheme. Alongside three new songs, and a lengthy trip hop remix by Pistol Disco, Never Follow Suit EP finds the outfit meddling with the familiar shoegaze and dream pop genres, whilst shifting into the land of dub. Johan Duncanson’s distinct reverberated vocalization helps fabricate the dreamy landscapes and certain inkling of nostalgia The Radio Dept is famous for; backed with the aforementioned dub, Never Follow Suit indicates the trio is definitely broadening their horizons.


The Radio Dept - The One


The Radio Dept - Never Follow Suit

James Vincent McMorrow - Early In The Morning -2010-
(Folk, Pop, Acoustic)

From: Dublin
Website: http://www.jamesvmcmorrow.com/

James Vincent McMorrow released his debut record, Early in the Morning, in Ireland to widespread critical acclaim in February 2010. A stunning collection of songs recorded over 5 months in an isolated house by the sea, the album is a completely self recorded and played affair, filled with beguiling and vivid stories, fables that move from a whisper in your ear to a mountainous crescendo in the space of a song, all the while retaining the environment and sentiment in which they were formed. Whatever that near future might hold, you get the strongest sense that there are some truly wondrous things to come for this man. “Music to me is this fluid notion, I’ve captured one element of it with this album, but there are endless others out there to be sung and written about”. If you are a fan of Bon Iver or Iron & Wine you will absolutely love James Vincent McMorrow!


James Vincent McMorrow - If I Had A Boat


James Vincent McMorrow - This Old Dark Machine


James Vincent McMorrow - Down The Burning Ropes

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Lupe Fiasco - The Show Goes On (Single) -2010-
(Hip-Hop)

Website: http://www.lupefiasco.com/

'The Show Goes On' is the first single from Lupe Fiasco's upcoming album Lasers, which drops March 8th. The track is produced by Kane Beatz and features samples from Modest Mouse. Lupe is a very creative hip-hop artist and Lasers has been in limbo for quite some time but it should be a damn good album. Click album art above to purchase track.


Lupe Fiasco - The Show Goes On

Friday, December 3, 2010

Ziggy Marley - Wild and Free Singles -2010-
(Reggae)

From: Kingston, Jamaica
Website: http://www.ziggymarley.com/

Ziggy Marley has decided to record a series of singles called the Wild and Free Singles. He is in between albums and has said that it is very hard for him not to make music so he is recording these singles as they come to him and releasing them for free download for everyone. The first track 'Africa Land' was "for the world cup in Africa as a way of cheering on Africa as one team and celebrating a new day in African history. " The second single 'A Fire Burns For Freedom' is celebratory tribute to marijuana. Any new material from Ziggy is always welcome, but to get these new tracks for free is very cool. Click the cover art above to download your free copies.


Ziggy Marley - Africa Land


Ziggy Marley - A Fire Burns For Freedom

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Custom Kings - Great Escape -2010-
(Rock, Folk, Jam)

From: Melbourne
Website: http://www.myspace.com/customkings

Custom Kings grabbed my attention with their first EP while on vacation in OZ and I haven't been able to stop listening some 6 years later. Nick Vorrath, Luke Gale, Craig Shanahan and Jarrad Brown make some incredibly catchy tunes. They started out being a little more reggae with an almost Aussie hip-hop vibe, but over the last couple of albums have developed more of a folky pop style which also suits them. They are a very versatile band which has also spanned more than a couple side projects including last years awesome Joe Neptune album. Great Escape marked a shift in the way the band approached the recording process. Stepping out of the "bedroom", the band set up camp at Melbourne's legendary Sing Sing for a two-week recording session, working with long-time collaborator and producer Steven Schram. The enjoyment of this style is evident throughout Great Escape, an album that bursts with warm melodies and sunny arrangements. Great Escape is a sublime musical journey that treats listeners to intelligent, whimsical story telling but also some more driving moments that channel Californian surf sounds of the 60s and 70s, as well as early 90s indie pop. Great instrumentation and glorious harmonies await you. Check out this album and their whole discography for a wonderful musical discovery.


Custom Kings - Great Escape


Custom Kings - Indigo


Custom Kings - Sunday

Offshore - Offshore -2010-
(Reggae, Rock)

From: Netherlands
Website: http://www.myspace.com/musicbyoffshore

Offshore is a multi-cultural reggae band out of the Netherlands with members of Aruban, Dutch, Polish and Indian descent. Lead guitarist/vocalist Vincent Tonk does a great job on vocals and just has a great voice for reggae music. The instrumentation is tight throughout and the variety of sounds is nice on a reggae album. Relaxing but upbeat at the same time. Really nice vibe created by Offshore on their debut. Any fan of the reggae/rock genre will thoroughly enjoy these guys.


Offshore - Steer The Way


Offshore - Dredlove


Offshore - Close My Eyes

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

The White Buffalo - Prepare For Black & Blue -2010-
(Rock, Folk, Acoustic)

From: Los Angeles
Website: http://www.thewhitebuffalo.com/

The White Buffalo a.k.a Jake Smith, is a throwback to the time of hard touring and hard drinking artists who really lived what they sang about. Smith is complex, gifted and compelling. Everything about Smith is larger than life, from his towering stature, to his quaking bravado. At moments, Smith's songs are wrought in tenderness, and in the next, he allows the grit to surface. Educated by Tom Waits, Radiohead, Elliot Smith, Waylon Jennings and his parents collection of country music, these touchstones steep into Smith's harrowing lyrical content. Prepare For Black & Blue is an amazing EP and while the songs are absolutely amazing we are left wanting more only because the music is so fantastic. Hopefully with The White Buffalo joining Ruff Shod Records (State Radio label) we will be blessed with more and more White Buffalo material. Doesn't get better than this. Support this guy and see him live. Classic! Get the EP for $3.99 by clicking the album art above.


The White Buffalo - Love Song #2


The White Buffalo - Oh Darlin What Have I Done


The White Buffalo - Into The Sun

Stick Figure - The Reprise Sessions -2010-
(Reggae, Dub)

From: San Diego
Website: http://www.stickfiguremusic.com/

Stick Figure a.k.a Scott Woodruff has returned once again to bring you a fourth full length studio album, The Reprise Sessions. This new album marks the first official release of the new 4-piece band. Scott relocated from back east to sunny San Diego and is now joined by Brendan Dane (San Diego) on bass, Todd Smith (San Clemente) on drums and Kevin Bong (San Diego) on keys. Maintaining their roots, while expanding their musicianship, Stick Figure has created 12 freshly polished signature tracks, blending roots reggae with heavy hard-hitting dub and bass rhythms. Written, recorded and self-produced, The Reprise Sessions includes several brand new tracks as well as some older material that has been revamped and reworked, producing a more cohesive, lively and high energetic sound than ever before.


Stick Figure - Gone


Stick Figure - Long Lost Way


Stick Figure - Dead End Street

Kings Of Leon - Come Around Sundown -2010-
(Rock, Alternative)

From: Nashville, Tennessee
Website: http://www.kingsofleon.com/

Pretty much everyone who hasn't been living under a rock has heard Kings Of Leon by now. But just in case you haven't had a chance to discover their fantastic new album, here is your chance. Kings of Leon formed in 1999 and consists of brothers Anthony “Caleb” Followill (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Ivan “Nathan” Followill (drums, percussion, backing vocals) and Michael “Jared” Followill (bass guitar, backing vocals), with their cousin Cameron “Matthew” Followill (lead guitar, backing vocals). Come Around Sundown is the follow-up to the hugely successful Only By The Night, which sold over six million copies worldwide and garnered four Grammy Awards. Come Around Sunshine is maxed out in it's diversity, which has songs ranging from Gospel, Post-Punk to Country and 50's style Doo-Wop. While it is a little more commercial than previous albums Come Around Sunshine is a fantastic listen from one of the top bands in the music biz.


Kings Of Leon - Radioactive


Kings Of Leon - Pyro

Monday, November 15, 2010

The Romany Rye - Highway 1: Looking Back Carefully -2009-
(Folk, Rock, Indie)

From: Los Angeles
Website: http://www.myspace.com/theromanyrye

The Romany Rye is the brainchild of Luke MacMaster, who after playing guitar in more straight ahead rock ‘n’ roll bands now finds himself playing some of the most beautiful, insightful and epic indie folk rock in some time. MacMaster recorded and self-released this his first record, Highway 1: Looking Back Carefully, under the Romany Rye moniker back in late 2009 and is now touring with a full band and opening for the likes of Dawes(right now) and Delta Spirit, which has exposed his music up to a whole new cross-section of music fans. The Romany Rye’s sound recalls everything from the greats like Neil Young to more contemporary acts like Wilco and Band of Horses. MacMaster is a skilled songwriter, weaving contemplative metaphors with relatable stories and situations. Get ready to become an instant fan of this incredibly powerful and moving music. The last track on the album, Untitled (Love Song) is a classic and shows off the amazing potential of MacMaster and his crew. Purchase on iTunes by clicking the album above.


The Romany Rye - Brother


The Romany Rye - Long Way Down


The Romany Rye - Untitled (Love Song)

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Horrorshow - Inside Story -2009-
(Hip-Hop)

From: Sydney
Website: http://www.elefanttraks.com/horrorshow.php

Horrorshow are two 22 year olds from inner west Sydney: Adit produces the music - Solo handles the vocals. Horrorshow bring the energetic optimism and anxiousness of post-school pre-mortgage times to life, with vividly true poetics. The coming to terms with what will ultimately be lifelong memories: from overseas travel and the perspective it provides; to self-realisation and adulthood. The lyrical and musical sophistication defy their youthfulness - but they play it humble and earnest, stripping away any pretension. Inside Story is hip hop to its bones: but Solo holds notes as comfortably as rhyme flows, and Adit's production is deep, with lush strings and evocative samples painting the picture. Inside Story is the album that arguably positions Horrorshow as the cream of the hip-hop crop.


Horrorshow - The Show


Horrorshow - Thoughtcrime

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Bedouin Soundclash - Light The Horizon -2010-
(Reggae, Dub, Soul)

From: Toronto
Website: http://www.bedouinsoundclash.com/

The band that has been bringing Jamaica to Canada for years is at it again on Light The Horizon. A hiatus last year threatened the future of this incredible band but they are back with a new lineup, a renewed vigor and a new label. “It’s just all kind of a new beginning,” bass player Eon Sinclair says. “We made a lot of changes, and there is now just a positive energy to everything we do. I feel like we’re slightly more progressive musically, and our position is improved on everything from the way we release our records to our health.” New drummer Sekou Lumumba adds a new texture and tightness that does not seem like it was there before. Bedouin has always been able to create catchy tunes, but this album finds the boys hitting another gear in their song making. The band's fourth album is their most creative and intelligent effort yet. Channeling the likes of The Clash and The Police, Bedouin Soundclash has put out an almost perfect album. Light The Horizon is a progression of the band's evolution combined with elements of singer Jay Malinowski's adventurous solo album. Bedouin Soundclash are an unmatched talent in the music biz, and with each album they grow and branch out, creating new and exciting tunes.


Bedouin Soundclash - May You Be The Road


Bedouin Soundclash - Brutal Hearts


Bedouin Soundclash - Elongo


Bedouin Soundclash - Mountain Top

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Diafrix - Concrete Jungle -2009-
(Afro-Beat, Hip-Hop, Roots)

From: Melbourne, Victoria, AU
Website: http://www.myspace.com/diafrix

Diafrix is one of Australia’s most explosive and eclectic live acts. Following on from their hugely successful EP in 2006, their debut album Concrete Jungle has taken Diafrix’s iconic concoction of African rhythms, dance hall, funk, Australia hip hop and reggae and developed it into a truly world-class product while still maintaining the same raw energy they’ve carried since they formed in 2001. This trademark style transcends any specific genre to create a totally unique, but entirely harmonious sound. The group is comprised of two frontmen, Momo and Azmarino. Both are African refugees but have lived through struggles which are worlds apart. Throughout their extensive career in the live circuit, the boys have made their stamp at festivals like Big Day Out, Meredith, Good Vibrations and Falls Festival to name but a few, and held down infamous residencies at Melbourne haunts like The Evelyn. In ‘09, Diafrix undertook their first European tour, playing in packed-out intimate venues in cities like Paris, London and Amsterdam. Diafrix dials up some sweet hip-hop and African roots on Concrete Jungle. Can't wait to hear more from these fellas in the future.


Diafrix - Mama Africa (Djarabi)


Diafrix - Redemption

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Arman Srsa - Underneath The Sun -2010-
(Acoustic, Reggae, Folk)

From: Buenos Aires
Website: http://www.armansrsa.com/

Arman Srsa was born in Croatia, raised in South Africa, but recorded his new album in Argentina, a place he currently calls home. Srsa is constantly in travel mode all over the globe. Srsa expresses "I have seen, found and learned much. The world is such a beautiful place and i can't bear the thought of living without knowing at least a big part of it so it is my intention to live abroad in as many countries as i can. It is a difficult choice to keep moving because you're always leaving friends behind, seeing new faces and sometimes i don't know where "home" is. I like to think i have more than one by now because I have family and friends all over the world. Since my first visit to Buenos Aires, i fell in love with the city and culture and since then i have left but somehow always ended up coming back. So here i am...for now anyway." To me Srsa sounds like a mix between Jack Johnson and Australia's Will Conner. Srsa delivers a nice mellow reggae and summery vibe throughout. Arman Srsa is an awesome unknown talent that is sure to gain unlimited fan support once everyone's ears take in this album.


Arman Srsa - All And One


Arman Srsa - Passer By


Arman Srsa - Today's Eyes

Donavon Frankenreiter - Glow -2010-
(Rock, Soul, Surf)

From: Laguna Beach, CA
Website: http://www.donavonf.com/

When Donavon Frankenreiter was 10 years old, he got his first surfboard. Six years later, he picked up his first guitar. It was the beginning of a wildly creative journey: His improvisational twin obsessions have carried him around the globe and into his fans' hearts. As Frankenreiter prepared to release his fourth album, Glow, this fall, the singer/ songwriter/pro surfer admits he still thrives on simply taking the plunge. The album's 10 tracks are the perfect antidote to trying times: warm, organic, and overwhelmingly hopeful. "The sounds are something I've never had on my records, ever," Frankenreiter says, adding he just played his acoustic guitar on the album and was pleasantly surprised by the addition of echo and delay on the disc's electric guitars. "I don't want to say it's a risk, but I don't know what people are going to think," he admits. But in true Donavon Frankenreiter fashion, there's little room for stress on Glow. And Frankenreiter is ready to bring the new tracks to his international fanbase as he continues to crisscross the globe on more surfing and musical adventures. "If there's anything I learned, it's that you really gotta be yourself," he says, reflecting on his career. "You can't fool people in music if you want to stick around for a long time."


Donavon Frankenreiter - Shadows


Donavon Frankenreiter - Push


Donavon Frankenreiter - The One In Your Dreams


Donavon Frankenreiter - Glow

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Beat The Devil's Tattoo -2010-
(Alternative, Rock, Indie)

From: San Francisco
Website: http://www.blackrebelmotorcycleclub.com/

Eleven years after bassist Robert Levon Been and guitarist Peter Hayes started playing gigs around their hometown of San Francisco, the duo has now started over, with a new vision, a new drummer, and the gift of a future unknown. The sound of Beat The Devil’s Tattoo comes from everywhere and nowhere- it draws a map and embarks on a sonic road trip through American music; from howling front porch stomps on the Chattanooga and beer-sloshing Texas roadhouse rockouts, to swaggering punk in NYC’s basement bars. Like the best balladeers, like Johnny Cash, Tom Waits, and Lou Reed, BRMC, translates feelings into sound, and sound into lyrics that sets off on moody journeys deep into the soul. BRMC’s ceaseless drive to create, to tell stories of redemption and aching desire, keeps them going. It’s an addiction, an unquenchable thirst appeased only by the undying love of rock and roll. From the very first seconds of the classic title track this album is full of rocking and bluesy goodness. BRMC makes some very fine music. Enjoy!


BRMC - Beat The Devil's Tattoo


BRMC - Conscience Killer


BRMC - Sweet Feeling

Monday, November 1, 2010

Hoffmaestro & Chraa - Skank-A-Tronic Punkadelica -2010-
(Reggae, Funk, Hip-Hop, Ska, Rock)

From: Sweden
Website: http://www.hoffmaestro.se/

Hoffmaestro & Chraa is a Swedish band which was formed in Stockholm, where most of the founding 11 members are from. They have been heavily inspired by groups such as Manu Negra, Parliament Funkadelic, Dr. John, Beastie Boys, Bob Marley and Googol Bordello. They call their homemade genre, which is blending of countless styles nothing less than 'Skank-A-tronic Punkadelica'. In Sweden Hoffmaestro's live shows have become a phenomenon. They have been acclaimed to be one of Sweden's best performing live acts ever. Their critically acclaimed debut album The Storm was packed full of awesome tracks. On Skank-A-Tronic, Hoffmaestro once again brings a plethora of genres together to make an album full of non-stop dance tunes(with some new electronic sounds thrown in), skanking reggae and ballads. Hoffmaestro brings fun and pure enjoyment into their music. Check it out. Good stuff.


Hoffmaestro - Round It Goes


Hoffmaestro - Memories In Blue


Hoffmaestro - Ibracadabra

The Walkmen - Lisbon -2010-
(Indie, Rock)

From: New York City
Website: http://www.marcata.net/walkmen/home.html

The Walkmen are one of the last survivors of New York Citys post-punk boon and returns with Lisbon, their fifth full-length of original songs. The Walkmen are Hamilton Leithauser, Paul Maroon, Walter Martin, and Matt Barick. The Walkmen are kings of dejection. They make wounded, anxious songs, but they make them so confidently and with such unearthly assurance. The band's specific style of indie rock is very rooted in a scrappy, scratchy New York tradition that dates back to the Velvet Underground or Bob Dylan, but their take on it is theirs and theirs alone. You know one of their songs right away when those winding, circular guitars and surging drums and rough wailing vocals kick in. Lisbon may not have that one standout classic song, but it keeps giving you solid track after solid track.


The Walkmen - Juveniles


The Walkmen - Angela Surf City


The Walkmen - Stranded

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Marc B. - The Yellow Jelly (EP) -2008-
(Acoustic, Reggae, Surf)

From: Orange County, CA
Website: http://www.marcbmusic.com/

Marc B's music is made to mellow you out. His "Sublime-on-Marley" style is an honest representation of the laid back environment of the California coast. Marc was recently named as a nominee for Best Surf Artist at the upcoming Orange County Music Awards, standing alongside other nominees as The Offspring, Matt Costa, and The Vandals, all from OC. Now working with Oniric Records, Marc B has played with the likes of The White Buffalo, Matt Costa, The Dirty Heads, and others in such beachside locales like The US Open of SurfingHis single, 'The River' was featured in Pro Surfer Kelly Slater's 9th World Title video on Wetsand.com for millions to see. Nice vibe throughout, very chill tunes.


Marc B. - The River


Marc B. - Democracy


Marc B. - Comin' Up

Neil Young - Le Noise -2010-
(Rock)

From: California
Website: http://neilyoung.com/

Neil Young's newest album Le Noise is a collaboration between the acclaimed rock icon and musician, songwriter, and producer Daniel Lanois, known for his work with U2, Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel, Brian Eno and many others. Recorded in Lanois' home in the Silverlake area of Los Angeles, Le Noise features Young on acoustic and electric guitars with Lanois adding his trademark sonic textures, creating one of the most sonically arresting albums Young has ever recorded. No band, no overdubs, just ‘a man on a stool and me doing a nice job on the recording,’ as Lanois puts it. Le Noise may not be for everyone, but for Neil Young fans this is awsome. A very passionate and personal album where Neil shows the world that it is still possible to create new sounds even after 50 years of performing. Cheers Neil.


Neil Young - Walk With Me


Neil Young - Angry World


Neil Young - Peaceful Valley Boulevard

Friday, October 22, 2010

Matt Costa - Mobile Chateau -2010-
(Folk, Indie, Rock)

From: Huntington Beach, CA
Website: http://mattcosta.com/mcpreorder/

This is not the sound of the Matt Costa you have heard before. Costa is known by most for his similarities to Jack Johnson's surf/folk style, but Mobile Chateau strays far from that and at times sounds like a long lost Beatles album. I don't think many were thinking that Matt Costa would make an album that showcases his 2010 take on 60's pop and psychedelia and while it is an extreme change of sounds for Costa this collection of songs is a real retro blast that pleases from start to finish.


Matt Costa - Johnny's Love Of Majik


Matt Costa - Mobile Chateau


Matt Costa - Can You Tell Me


Matt Costa - Drive

Monday, October 18, 2010

Toubab Krewe - TK2 -2010-
(Afro-Beat, Rock, Folk, Jam)

From: Asheville, North Carolina
Website: http://www.toubabkrewe.com/mainsite.html

Toubab Krewe, the instrumental rock quintet from Asheville, NC with a West African musical education, creates "the national music of a country with no name that appears on no map," so it's appropriate that their latest studio album TK2, will be released by Nat Geo Music. Toubab Krewe are Teal Brown (drums), Drew Heller (guitar), Justin Perkins (kora, kamel ngoni, guitar), David Pransky (bass) and Luke Quaranta (percussion). Swirling together a jam band attitude and rock and folk music with their training and love for West African music, Toubab Krewe make some incredibly unique tunes. TK2 is heavier on the rock side, showing off more of their famous live energy and jam band sensibilities throughout the entire album. Put the headphones on for an unreal listening experience. A truly original band and an awesome album.


Toubab Krewe - Holy Grail


Toubab Krewe - Area Code


Toubab Krewe - Gine Fare

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Let It Sway -2010-
(Indie, Pop)

From: Springfield, Missouri
Website: http://www.morawk.com/boris/

Met at a Super Bowl party in 1999. Broncos vs. Falcons. Got the band name in 2000. Got a real singer in 2001. Can't remember anything in 2002. Parents and friends finally start liking us in 2003 or 2004. Broom 2005. First tour. Tom leaves the band for art school. Polyvinyl 2006. Our song is on The OC. The OC gets canceled. Boris Yeltsin dies 2007 and we play at his funeral in Moscow (66% true). Also in 2007: First Europe tour with Jakub. Mute Math/Cinematics tour. And Phil tries to kill John with a bar stool after a show. Pershing 2008. Jonathan briefly quits then rejoins the band. Maniac tour. 2009. We got 16 and Pregnant. Start recording LP3 with Walla and Beau. New album Let It Sway in August 2010.
I think that about sums it up in the bands own words. Ha Ha. Seriously these are some catchy, bouncy tunes. Quite an escape from previous records, but a very welcome addition to the collection.


SSLYBY - Back In The Saddle


SSLYBY - Sink/Let It Sway


SSLYBY - Made To Last

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Martin Jondo - Sky Rider -2010-
(Reggae, Pop)

From: Berlin, Germany
Website: http://www.myspace.com/martinjondo

German reggae artist Martin Jondo got his start in 2002 when he joined future German reggae star Gentleman on tour, not as a musician but as a merchandiser selling T-shirts to the fans. Eventually, Gentleman took a chance on Jondo and brought him on-stage. When Jondo delivered his original composition "Rainbow Warrior," the crowd responded so positively that Gentleman gave his merchandiser his own spot in the show for the rest of the tour. Jondo has not looked back since. His newest album is a bit more rock and pop than previous LP's but Sky Rider is packed with a slew of upbeat and positive reggae/pop. Could only find the album for purchase in Europe. Sorry for the Euros, but I feel your pain believe me.


Martin Jondo - Mr. Sunshine


Martin Jondo - Golden Sun


Martin Jondo - Fast Forward