Xavier Rudd - Spirit Bird   -2012-
(Folk, Rock, Blues, Indigenous)

Shaped by his history but continuing to break new ground, Xavier Rudd is at his most creative on Spirit Bird once again painting breathtaking pictures with vivid, unmistakable tones. Hypnotic ceremonial rhythms ease effortlessly into tender folk songs. Gritty guitar blues sits perfectly alongside entrancing yidaki passages. Rudd's voice, and the voice of his ancestors, yet again bearing truth and knowledge. Led by the heart-warming "Follow The Sun," Spirit Bird weaves together Rudd's trademark mixture of blues, reggae, indigenous and folk music in new and familiar ways... at times recalling the simplicity of Solace, and at others the electricity of Dark Shades Of Blue. There is the youthfulness of To Let, but the wisdom of Koonyum Sun. It is Xavier Rudd by every measure.

 
Xavier Rudd - Spirit Bird


Xavier Rudd - Bow Down



Xavier Rudd - Follow The Sun   

Angus Stone - Broken Brights  -2012-
(Folk, Rock, Acoustic)

Broken Brights marks a departure for Angus Stone, and not just from recording with his long-term musical co-conspirator Julia. For the past seven years, he’s been travelling the world as one half of brother-sister duo Angus & Julia Stone. Broken Brights, produced by Angus, is also proof that he can deftly shift between genres without compromising his signature sound. While title track "Broken Brights" is a return-to-form for Stone it's a nostalgic, dreamy tribute to our youth "Bird On the Buffalo" is a livelier composition, incorporating distorted guitar riffs. There is a story behind each track, which is pretty cool. Angus Stone is quickly becoming one of contemporary music’s most acclaimed, yet inherently enigmatic, young artists. What Angus Stone has captured in the recording process is this: memories and imaginings from his pilgrimage around the planet. What he says about going solo could easily sum up the experience of listening to Broken Brights: “It’s a whole different trip.”
Click album art above to purchase Broken Brights for $6.99.


Angus Stone - Broken Brights

 
Angus Stone - Bird on the Buffalo


Angus Stone - Only A Woman

Chadwick Stokes - Simmerkane II  -2011-
(Rock, Folk, Reggae)

Chad Urmston aka Chadwick "Chicoree" Stokes of Dispatch and State Radio fame has a released this solo project which is inspired by Chad's train jumping adventures across the United States. The songs on Simmerkane II didn't quite fit musically with his other bands and we are the beneficiaries of that. Chad wrote this album to keep challenging himself creatively. Simmerkane II is a more accessible look at Chad Stokes and features album guests: Carly Simon, Blake Hazard (The Submarines), Matt Embree(The Rx Bandits), The White Buffalo and Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars. Simmerkane II is an awesome album by one of the finest and busiest (thank the lord for that) talents in music.
Click the album art above to purchase Simmerkane II.

 
Chadwick Stokes - Adelaide

 
Chadwick Stokes - Black Bottle


Chadwick Stokes - All My Possessions (Ode to Troy)

Current Swell - Long Time Ago  -2012-
(Rock, Folk, Reggae)

Based in Victoria, B.C., Current Swell has been in the foreground of the "new roots" music front pushing out of Canada's west coast. Thanks in large part to constant touring with artists like Xavier Rudd, John Butler Trio, Dispatch and more, this independent band has developed a solid and ever growing fan base. Their newest effort Long Time Ago is a chill, hit-filled album. There are no filler songs on this one folks. Beautiful harmonies, tight instrumentation and some real nice song writing make Long Time Ago a Folk-Rock winner. The blues and reggae influence of their earlier recordings has really transformed into all the great things associated with folk & rock music. This is growth.Current Swell is a true up and comer and if you get a chance to see them live don't miss it.
Click on the album art above to purchase Long Time Ago.

 
Current Swell - Too Cold

 
Current Swell - Brad's Song


Current Swell - Honest Man

The White Buffalo - Once Upon A Time In The West  - 2012-
(Rock, Folk, Country)

There are not many artists making music as original as Jake Smith aka The White Buffalo. His style, voice and presence are all unmatched and he has done it once again with this newest effort. The songs on Once Upon A Time In The West are rooted in everyday struggles, on both epic and personal scales, with elements of Blues, Country & Western, Folk, and Classic Rock. The influences of story-tellers like Bob Dylan, Waylon Jennings, Townes Van Zandt, Elliot Smith, Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits and Bad Religion shine through. The album ranges in themes from slices of life in the shadows to coming out of a battlefield to dark heroic fantasies. Do yourself a favor and get this album and discover the greatness that is The White Buffalo. Click album art above to purchase Once Upon A Time In The West.


The White Buffalo - How The West Was Won


The White Buffalo - The Pilot


The White Buffalo - Wish It Was True

The Green - Ways & Means  -2011-
(Reggae, Pop, Dub)

The Green, four boys hailing from Hawaii who burst out in 2010 with their self-titled debut album. Amazingly for a new band, the disc rocketed onto Billboard’s 2010 Year-End Top 10 Reggae Chart, was honored as iTunes’ Reggae Album of the Year. Now the promise of The Green’s youth-infused roots reggae revival is set to be fulfilled with their sophomore disc, Ways & Means, on Easy Star Records, the pioneering indie reggae label. The startling speed with which the band has built up its strong and loyal following can only accelerate from here. The four members of The Green take pride in the pop-burnished roots reggae style they’ve cooked up-edgy enough to make tastemakers sit up and take notice, yet accessible to all ages. Four distinct voices, four sharp songwriting talents, masterful musicianship, and monster grooves add up to one exceptional band with an unforgettable sound and a powerful story. On Ways & Means the band also interjects doses of R&B, Soul, and Pop, making them an accessible listen to fans outside of reggae circles without diluting their roots. Though The Green is an important player in the new wave of homegrown reggae artists, they stand out with their ability to play both classic roots and modern dancehall, their vocal harmonies recalling reggae’s golden age. With their upcoming extensive US tour kicking off around release date, The Green is poised to break out on a national level. Click album art above to purchase Ways & Means.


The Green - Keep On


The Green - Love & Affection

Mat McHugh - Love Come Save Me Now -2012-  
(Surf, Folk, Acoustic) 

A Letter From Mat
Sometime, shortly before the dawn of the new millennium, I visited a fortune teller down a dusty dirt track in the middle of India. He made many predictions, a lot of which have since come to pass. The most interesting though was that I would make my 'most important creative work' in 2012. I've spent many nights since then wondering how to interpret that prophecy. Trying to work out exactly what he meant. The conclusion I reached was that whatever it was that I was to create had to be about love and, secondly, it had to be shared. I've been blessed enough to be able to spend my entire adult life making music and have been awarded an amazing life. I have found a lot of love and have been gifted many things. I feel like the most 'important' thing I could do is to give something back. So, I have made an album of music that means more to me than any before it. I made the best record I possibly could. I am going to release it as a free download from my website with an option to order a physical copy with a portion of the proceeds going to charity. My only goal is to spread love and give something back to the Universe. I would love for anyone that the music reaches to share it and send it out into the World. The power of 'word of mouth' is almighty. Those that purchase it will be supporting independent music and donating money to keep our oceanic environments healthy through the Surfrider Foundation. Copies of the album will also be available at my shows. I want to take this opportunity to deeply thank everybody that has supported me and my music, whether solo or with The Beautiful Girls, throughout the years. You'll never know how much it means. Please accept this music how it was intended, with love. Feels like we're just getting started ... X, m.

To Download and spread the word about Mat's amazing new album Love Come Save Me Now for FREE!!! click HERE

 
Mat McHugh - Strange Days

 
Mat McHugh - A Pocket Full Of Shells


Mat McHugh - Go Don't Stop

Tribal Seeds - SoundWaves EP -2011-
(Roots, Rock, Reggae)

From: San Diego
Website: http://www.tribalseeds.net/

With heavy influence from Bob Marley, Steel Pulse, and Midnite, Tribal Seeds brings a refreshing rock vibe to roots, reggae music. Spiritually driven and musically talented, Tribal Seeds have created an art form for rebel music enthusiasts! They bring an authentic sound that reaches a broad demographic and an energy that gets crowds moving to their infectious rhythms. The SoundWaves EP is the fourth release from the San Diego natives and is full of warm dub effects, bouncing rhythms, meaningful lyrics, tight instrumentation and plenty of energy. This short EP stands as a beacon for some truly great music to come.


Tribal Seeds - Soundwaves


Tribal Seeds - In Your Eyes

Boy & Bear - Moonfire -2011-
(Folk, Rock)

From: Sydney, Australia
Website: http://boyandbear.com/

They've only been together since 2009, but in their short life Boy & Bear have achieved a lot: they've won the Triple J Unearthed J Award and toured with Mumford & Sons and Laura Marling. Now they've dropped their catchy debut album, Moonfire. The band relocated to Nashville, Tennessee to record the album with noted US producer Joe Chicarelli (The Shins, My Morning Jacket). On Moonfire the Sydney folksters serve up the kind of rich melodies and lush vocal harmonies that has seen them collect many fans across the globe.


Boy & Bear - Feeding Line


Boy & Bear - Part Time Believer


Boy & Bear - Golden Jubilee

The Head And The Heart - The Head And The Heart -2010-
(Folk, Rock, Americana)

From: Seattle
Website: http://www.theheadandtheheart.com/

So many decisions in life and in the music we love can come down to a critical tug between the logic in our heads and the hot red blood beating through our hearts. Seattle's The Head and the Heart live authentically in that crux, finding joy and beauty wedged there. Their music pulses effervescently both explosively danceable and intuitively intelligent. With Americana roots and strong vocal harmonics that swell like a river, this band finds its anchor in solid songwriting that has even the jaded humming along by the second listen. This is an album for people who unabashedly sing and drum along on the steering wheel, and also for those who appreciate a well-crafted collection of songs that build into something wholly beautiful. There is in this music a counter-cultural optimism, with roots that grow deep and melodies that lodge themselves far into that place inside you where the head meets the heart.


The Head And The Heart - Couer D'alene


The Head And The Heart - Down In The Valley


The Head And The Heart - Lost In My Mind

The Heavy - The House That Dirt Built -2009-
(Rock, Soul, Hip-Hop)

From: Bath, England
Website: http://theheavy.co.uk/

The Heavy make dirty, guitar-scorched hip hop soul that you just may have heard in some sort of soundtrack over the last couple of years. With a background in the joys of sampling and a foreground in scuzzy guitar, bass and beaten up drums, with schizo music tastes and a West Country pace, they've been building brick by dirty brick. Now, they'd like to welcome you into their beautiful home for a little nose around, a kind of party if you like. And if a little blood gets spilled then that's just how it is. Nobody said it was going to be a spread from "Hello" magazine. It will, though, be the best party you've ever been to. The House That Dirt Built represents a huge step forward from an already fantastic debut in Great Vengeance & Furious Fire. Since then The Heavy have toured the world and, where the first record was sample-based, the new one is much more a product of working as a band. The House That Dirt Built is larger than life, funny, terrifying and occasionally beautiful. It is, in fact, a house you'll want to visit again and again.


The Heavy - How You Like Me Now?


The Heavy - Short Change Hero


The Heavy - Cause For Alarm

Beirut - The Rip Tide -2011-
(Indie, Folk, Rock)

From: New Mexico
Website: http://beirutband.com/

Zach Condon's music often parallels the exotic mysteries of world travel. Since Beirut's last album, 2007's The Flying Club Cup, sang a love-letter to France, many asked where his songs would voyage next, but few predicted the inward journey Condon takes on The Rip Tide, an album with the most introspective and memorable songs of his young career. Recorded in Upstate New York, Brooklyn and, of course, Condon's hometowns of Albuquerque and Santa Fe, The Rip Tide marks a distinct leaping-off point for Beirut. Beginning life as small melodies conceived on piano or ukulele, the songs were built upon by the entire band in the studio before Condon's paring down and retrofitting. The results sound like they were recorded in a single session, with exciting rhythms matching the upbeat horns and contrasting the mournful strings. No direct geographical affiliation was exhumed; rather, the style that emerges belongs uniquely and distinctly to Beirut-one that has been hinted at all along. Purchase album for $6.99 by clicking above album art.


Beirut - A Candle's Fire


Beirut - Santa Fe


Beirut - East Harlem

Dispatch - E.P. -2011-
(Indie, Folk, Reggae, Rock)

From: Boston
Website: http://dispatchmusic.com/

It’s been more than a decade now since we last heard new music from Dispatch. For fans, 10 years without new music from these indie reggae/rockers probably felt like 20 years. Well, the wait is over – Dispatch has released a six song E.P. and it features all of the group’s familiar trademarks. The six songs on the E.P. vary in tempo and feel as Chetro, Braddigan and Re-Pete trade off lead vocals and instruments. The boys don't miss a beat on these new recordings. They sound as good as they ever have on 'Con Man', 'Beto' and 'Broken American' and I can personally guarantee that they are still one of the best live bands in the world. So if you are one the many Dispatch fans who have been withering away since their last album, this E.P. will be a cool, refreshing collection of songs to tide you over until they release their full-length in 2012. Stay tuned for more from this amazing band. Click the cover art to purchase for only $4.99.


Dispatch - Con Man


Dispatch - Beto


Dispatch - Broken American

Other Lives - Tamer Animals -2011-
(Folk, Progressive, Rock)

From: Stillwater, Oklahoma
Website: http://otherlives.com/

There’s no point in trying to unearth an obvious “single” in Other Lives’ second album, Tamer Animals. Here’s a better idea instead: succumb. Let every last song wash over you like proper long players once did, from the swift strings and pulsating horns. Other Lives are: Jesse Tabish (lead vocals, piano, guitar), Josh Onstott (bass, organ, backing vocals), Jonathon Mooney (piano, violin, guitar), Jenny Hsu (cello, piano, backing vocals) and Colby Owens (drums). Tamer Animals is a fantastic piece of art that has been sculpted by some very talented musicians. Other Lives has given us a beautiful album that only gets better with each listen. Click album art above to purchase for only $7.99. Enjoy!


Other Lives - For 12


Other Lives - Tamer Animals


Other Lives - Dust Bowl III

Stephen Marley - Revelation Pt. 1: The Root Of Life -2011-
(Reggae, Roots)

From: Jamaica
Website: http://www.stephenmarleymusic.com/

If you think you don't know the music of Stephen Marley, you do-you just don't realize it. A member of the celebrated Marley sibling group The Melody Makers since the age of seven, the Grammy winning producer, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist has also been the driving creative force behind the music of his brothers. Stephen Marley acts as the roots anchor for the clan on Revelation Part 1: The Root of Life. While Part 2 is planned as a more electric and future-minded affair, this first Revelation is a roots reggae-oriented effort. Think Father Bob's Uprising and you're close to the feel here, which goes from cool and woozy to stately and militant. Stephen has truly found his own voice plus his songwriting has grown with subtle imagery and rich storytelling. These are the reasons to return to the album, but familiarity is an equally strong point, and also its initial pull. Stone-cold grooves and socially conscious lyrics run rich in the Marley bloodline. Fans of the Marley family can rejoice with yet another album that keeps the legacy alive. Click album art above to purchase album.


Stephen Marley - Break Us Apart (Ft. Capleton)


Stephen Marley - Can't Keep I Down


Stephen Marley - She Knows No

Peter Goetz - Indian Summer -2011-
(Folk, Surf, Reggae, Rock)

From: Venice Beach
Website: http://goetzmedia.com/

Goetz had the honor of collaborating with some of the most talented musicians across the globe while recording his first full-length album, "Indian Summer". Sessions in both Brazil and California have yielded a cross-cultural fusion of California soul, reggae and world beats. Goetz teamed up with an all-star cast of players: Jason Yates (Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, Citizen Cope), Dave Ralicke (Jack Johnson, Beck), Grecco Burratto (Sergio Mendes, Shakira) to name a few. While in Brazil, Goetz recorded two tracks with Arthur Maia and Sergio Chiavazzoli, both 15 year veterans of Gilberto Gil's band, Brazil's current minister of culture. The multi-talented Goetz has created a very chill album full of good vibes and catchy hooks. Click the album art to listen to the rest of the album or purchase.


Peter Goetz - Crystal Ball


Peter Goetz - Two To Tango


Peter Goetz - Freeflowing

A few months ago, the Dispatch website became quite active for the first time in almost 3 years. A mysterious countdown appeared on the website which turned out to be for the announcement of 6, now 12 concert dates scattered around the U.S.

In 2004, Dispatch played their final show in Boston at Hatch Shell. The show was intended to have in the range of 10-30 thousand. It is estimated that over 100 000 people showed up for the event. In 2007, Dispatch came back for a charity concert entitled ‘Zimbabwe’ at Madison Square Garden, selling out its tickets almost immediately after going on sale.

The 2011 concerts are as follows:

June 3- Morrison, Colorado at Red Rocks
June 4- Morrison, Colorado at Red Rocks
June 5- Morrison, Colorado at Red Rocks
June 7- Chicago, Illinois at UIC Pavilion
June 8- Chicago, Illinois at Millenium Park
June 11- Berkeley, California at Greek Theatre
June 12- Los Angeles, California at Greek Theatre
June 18- Harrison, New Jersey at Red Bull Arena
June 21- Atlanta, Georgia at Chastain Park
June 24- Boston, Massachusetts at TD Garden
June 25- Boston, Massachusetts at TD Garden
June 26- Boston, Massachusetts at TD Garden

Since their break-up in 2004, members of Dispatch have done a few separate acts such as State Radio as well as solo careers. With these new shows, Dispatch has also recently said that they will be coming out with a new album sometime during the year. It is going to be a great summer!

**For Tickets click on the Dispatch logo above**

Kooii - In This Life -2010-
(Afro-Beat, Reggae, Jazz)

From: Brisbane
Website: http://www.kooiimusic.com/

Rising out of the fertile soil of Brisbane's West End, Kooii has nurtured a uniquely local sound that weaves musical influences from around the world. Almost five years after their landmark debut album Beads On a String, Brisbane's innovators of Afro-Reggae have released their second LP entitled In This Life. Recorded over the last eight months, the band have once again collaborated with Paulie B (The Beautiful Girls, Tanuki Dub), engineer/producer extraordinaire of Kooii's stunning debut album. Whilst the edgy, driving Afro-rhythms of In This Life steer the group towards uncharted territory, the music is still laden with the stirring harmonies and sublime lyricism, inherent in Kooii's distinctive sound. The music is organic and the vibes flow throughout each fantastic track.


Kooii - What On Earth


Kooii - One Step


Kooii - Preparations

SOJA - Everything Changes (Single) -2010-
(Reggae, Dub, Roots)

From: Washington D.C.
Website: http://sojamusic.com/

New 2 song single from one of the best in the business when it comes to reggae. 'Everything Changes' has been a staple of live shows for awhile now and it is good to hear a nice polished studio version, but for that matter it is just good to hear anything from Soldiers Of Jah Army. Born In Babylon was one of the best albums of the year and I for one cannot wait for the next full length LP. But in the meantime check out the regular and remix of 'Everything Changes', it is a really nice track.


SOJA - Everything Changes

Full Service - Roaming Dragons -2010-
(Acoustic, Rock, Reggae)

From: Austin, TX
Website: http://www.fullservicemusic.com/

You don't often see a metal band come out with an album that is a great mixture of acoustics, percussion, harmonies, and folk influences, but that is exactly what Full Service delivers to the listener on Roaming Dragons. Lead singer and writer Hoag explains the reason for this drastically different approach and sound, "This album is defined by harmony. As I grieved for a lost love, I sought the compliment, the harmony, to grief, which to me is music. And as I was losing a love, I sought and found a love, which is Roaming Dragons." Overall the album is a blend of acoustic guitars, harmonized vocals, and just enough percussion. Other instruments, especially a melodica, are seamlessly strewn throughout the album giving each track its own unique sound.


Full Service - Lately


Full Service - Roaming Dragons