Loren - Community -2005-
(Folk, Reggae, Acoustic)

From: Australia
Website: http://www.loren.com.au/

Here is a very talented musician from Down Under. Very good writer, great voice, humble and down to earth dude. An independent musician who has carved out a nice place in the music world for himself. This was his first studio release and has a couple of really cool tracks. "Good Seed" is an awesome track and "Island Man" will have you singing along as soon as you hear it. He has a full band he tours with - 'The Grow Your Owns' and has a couple of other albums out. Check his website for some more info.
"Loren is one of those artits you see perform and wonder why you haven't heard of him before"
Time Off Magazine


Loren - Island Man


Loren - Good Seed

Wookiefoot - Be Fearless and Play -2009-
(Reggae, Hip-Hop, Funk, Rock, Folk)

From: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Website: http://wookiefoot.com

Wookiefoot is absolutely mind-blowing! This genre hopping ensemble combines insightful lyrics, catchy melodies, and some crazy jams. When I listen to Wookiefoot I hear elements of Michael Franti & Spearhead, Matisyahu, Ben Harper and even some Parliament Funkadelic. But Wookiefoot is so much more than just those sounds alone, they are the sound of the world - encompassing musical sounds from so many parts of the globe. Each song is a new adventure. I absolutely love the slowed down acoustic reggae jams, but I have enjoyed exploring each track of this TRIPPY charity loving band.


Wookiefoot - Be Fearless and Play


Wookiefoot - Blue Sky


Wookiefoot - Home Free

*Here are some tracks from their previous 2006 album "Activate" which are just to good not to share*


Wookiefoot - Dead in the Eyes


Wookiefoot - Welcome Home


Wookiefoot - Further Down

Mason Jennings - Blood of Man -2009-
(Folk, Rock)

The new Mason Jennings album was thought out, written, and recorded over the span of only a couple of weeks. Jennings calls this album "an introspective look at life as we age and tumble through it. I wrote about death, of course. I wrote about life. I wrote about pain and addiction. And I let it flow and left it raw. I worked fast and I let my heart lead." Mason is a fantastic songwriter and the feel of this album is definitely more raw and dark than previous ones, but it comes across as a powerful album. There are no standout singles here, but what we do get is an album we can crank up and feel. For example "The Field" looks at the current conflict in Iraq through the eyes of parents who have lost a child to the war. The song is drenched in grief and it's hard not to feel real emotion when Jennings sings, "I don't want a victory. I just want you back". This dark gem may not rank as his best or catchiest album, but it may be the hardest to get out of your head.


Mason Jennings - City of Ghosts


Mason Jennings - The Field


Mason Jennings - Black Wind Blowing


Mason Jennings - Sing Out

The Movement - Set Sail -2008-
(Reggae, Rock, Hip-Hop)

From: Philly
Website: http://themovementvibe.com/

These boys from Philly have hooked up with producer Chris DiBeneditto (G. Love, Slightly Stoopid, the Expendables) and put out an album full of fun and upbeat tracks. Right off the bat you hear the influences of Slightly Stoopid and G. Love who coincidentally make guest appearances on the record. This album has the ability to please those listeners looking to chill or those dancing and partying the night away. "Another Man's Shoes" is getting plenty of play on my music lists lately, really good track.


The Movement - Mexico


The Movement - Throwdown


The Movement - Another Man's Shoes

The Seed - The Seed -2008-
(Reggae, Rock, Soul)

From: Roanoke, Virginia
Website: http://www.myspace.com/theseedsound

This is an album full of melodically smooth rock reggae with lots of soul. There are hints of Matisyahu & Citizen Cope in their sound The Seed is led by S.G. Lewis ("The Ambassador") whose goal it is not only to incite listener appeal but also to provoke deeper thought on issues of societal development, personal growth and the direction of the youth of today. This self-titled debut album is very promising and is sure to get some playtime in your stereos. "The Ambassador" also has a solo e.p. available. You can check it out HERE.


The Seed - No More


The Seed - A New Season


The Seed - Frontin'


The Seed - All Things Are Possible

The Casual Fiasco - E.P. -2007-
(Rock, Jam Band, Folk Rock)

From: Burlington, VT
Website: http://thecasualfiasco.com/

The Casual Fiasco blend elements of roots rock, folk, blues, reggae and even some bluegrass. It is a mix of mountain and island music. I first heard these guys back in '05 because of their likeness to my all time favorite band - Dispatch. Their album 'Body Over Mind' was produced by Jack Gauthier(Dispatch) and was added to rotation on 150+ college radio stations across the country and extensive east coast touring. Their next album 'Prototype' was a very nice step forward as well as this E.P., which is available for free on their website. However the band went in different directions and we have not heard much out of these boys for awhile. According to their website though they are back and feel like playing music again. Hopefully we will hear more of The Casual Fiasco in the future.


The Casual Fiasco - Tribe Of Believers


The Casual Fiasco - Bottom of the Sea


The Casual Fiasco - Sweet Anita

Jeff Lang - Half Seas Over -2008-
(Experimental, Folk Rock, Blues)

From: Australia
Website: http://www.jefflang.com.au/

This Australian based musician has earned worldwide acclaim as a virtuosic guitarist, a dynamic songwriter and a startlingly unique live performer. Mr. Lang has a back catalog of 13 studio albums and has been featured at major festivals, pubs, clubs, arts centers and venues internationally for the past decade. Blending rock, roots, folk, blues, ballads, instrumentals, improvisation and a devastatingly high level of musicality, Jeff Lang is a singularly unique performer. John Butler has been quoted as saying that Jeff Lang was his inspiration for where he is today. If you get a chance to listen to some of his earlier works it is very much encouraged. But for now enjoy the ART of this truly gifted musician.


Jeff Lang - Copper Mine


Jeff Lang - The Vaults Of Lattanzio


Jeff Lang - Ghosts On My Mind


Jeff Lang - Southern Highlands Daughter

Mofro - Lochloosa -2007-
(Blues, Rock, Funk)

From: Jacksonville, Florida
Website: http://www.mofro.net/home.shtml

For those of you who have heard Mofro before you know this is not their newest album, but it is my favorite so I thought I would start those who are hearing them for the first time right here. This album contains some of the finest, chillest blues around coming straight to our ears from the swamps of Florida. Lead singer and songwriter JJ Grey brings us along for the ride with his soulful grooves and gritty rock, funk laments. Check out Mofro's 3 other albums if you enjoy this, which I know you will.


Mofro - Lochloosa


Mofro - Fireflies


Mofro - Ten Thousand Islands


Mofro - Pray For Rain

Soldiers Of Jah Army - Born In Babylon -2009-
(Reggae, Dub, Rock)

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

SOJA is one of the best American reggae bands around. They take the core values of Jamaican reggae - uniting people of all countries, all races, and all religions with a sound that is dedicated to searching for the answers to life, conflict, humanity and love. SOJA is telling this same roots story, but from the view of America. Jacob Hemphill is a fantastic songwriter and the lead vocals shared with Bob Jefferson flow so nice with the mellow, but upbeat reggae rhythms. 'Born In Babyon' is a very very good reggae album from beginning to end and continues to get better with each listen. So what are you waiting for - GIVE IT A LISTEN!


SOJA - Losing My Mind


SOJA - Used To Matter


SOJA - You and Me


SOJA - Rest Of My Life



SOJA - I Don't Wanna Wait

Rodrigo y Gabriela - 11:11 -2009-
(Acoustic, Folk, Rock, Instrumental)

From: Mexico City
Website: http://www.rodgab.com/

Rodrigo y Gabriela are two Mexican born guitar virtuosos who met and started playing together as teenagers. They traveled as street musicians finally settling in Dublin, Ireland where their virtuoso duo-guitar instrumentals garnered them a following and eventually found them at the top of the Irish charts. Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero once again bring their explosive mixture of Central and South American folk, with its propulsive rock rhythms and grooves reminiscent of The Gipsy Kings' on '11:11. The album is infectious, precise and full of pulsating rhythms. The album is available Sept. 8th.


Rodrigo y Gabriela - Hanuman


Rodrigo y Gabriela - Buster Voodoo


Rodrigo y Gabriela - 11:11


Rodrigo y Gabriela - Diablo Rojo

Levellers - Letters From The Underground -2008-
(Rock, Folk, Punk)

From: Brighton, England
Website: http://www.levellers.co.uk/

The Levellers have been putting out there brand of politically charged upbeat anarcho-Folk Punk since the early 90's. This is there ninth studio album and there are no signs of letting up of their anarchist, political and green views. Kind of a musical mash of The Clash, Pogues, and Flogging Molly. That electric fiddle is awesome!


Levellers - The Cholera Well


Levellers - Behold The Pale Rider


Levellers - A Life Less Ordinary

Groundation - Here I Am -2009-
(Reggae, Dub, Funk/Jazz)

From: Sonoma, CA
Website: http://www.groundation.com/

One of the best reggae bands in the business. 'Here I Am' is the 6th studio album from Groundation and features reggae legends Pablo Moses and the original Congos. Groundation continues to push reggae music into new territories, now mixing funk and jazz improvisation into their repertoire. I believe that musically this is the most talented reggae band around and lead vocalist Harrison Stafford has one of the most unique and cool voices in any genre. Groundation continues to pump out positve vibes and messages to the masses with this solid release and if you have not listened to any previous albums, well I recommend the entire catalog.


Groundation - Everyone Could Lose


Groundation - By All Means


Groundation - Blues Away


Groundation - Golan to Galilee

Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago -2008-
(Acoustic, Neo-Soul, Rock, Pop)

From: Wisconsin
Website: http://www.boniver.org/

Bon Iver pronounced 'bohn eevair', it is French for "good winter" is the work of one man, Justin Vernon. He moved to a remote cabin in the woods of Northwestern Wisconsin during winter, alone for three months to record this album. The album has so much feeling and soul. A quote I found sums it up quite nicely, "It's the musical equivalent of reading someone else's diary. In code. Through a dirty window." Bon Iver sounds like dual parts of Iron & Wine and Jose Gonzalez, a very good combo in my opinion. I First heard my favorite song 'Skinny Love' on the t.v. show 'Chuck' and have been listening ever since. Enjoy and check out is new EP 'Blood Bank' as well.


Bon Iver - Flume


Bon Iver - Lump Sum


Bon Iver - Skinny Love

Matisyahu - Light -2009-
(Reggae, Hip-Hop, Rock)

From: New York
Website: http://www.matisyahuworld.com/

A young Hasidic Jewish musician from New York City singing reggae songs. Really? You wouldn't think it would work, but it does. If you have never heard Matisyahu, you really should. Light builds on the reggae styles of his first two albums, however their are many more elements to this album. There is reggae, but there is also a very strong hip-hop and pop-rock influence at work here. This is the album that Matisyahu wanted to create and he finds himself edging away from what seemed like his comfort zone and into more daring territory. Light is the progressive sound of a unique artist, finding his voice and hitting his stride in this crazy music world. A couple of real standout tracks here.


Matisyahu - So Hi So Low


Matisyahu - I Will Be Light


Matisyahu - Thunder


Matisyahu - One Day

Orange Grove - Fingerprint -2009-
(Reggae, Rock, Alternative, Hip Hop)

From: Netherlands
Website: http://www.orangegrove.nl/

I have been listening to these guys forever. I first heard them on mp3.com many many years ago. They had a few awesome tracks, but my favorite had always been "Live Up" a really good acoustic reggae cut. Since then I have always been on the lookout for anything Orange Grove. This is their 2nd studio album and the sound has changed a bit. They now have a mix of reggae and alternative rock tracks. Even though my favorite songs are definately the reggae oriented ones, they have not lost their ability to write a catchy tune. I know it is great for a band to expand on their sound, but I just find myself hoping that in the future Orange Grove will go back to their roots and wow! me all over again.


Orange Grove - You Decide It


Orange Grove - White Daisy


Orange Grove - Patience

Portugal. The Man - The Satanic Satanist -2009-
(Rock, Pop, Indie)

From: Portland, OR
Website: http://portugaltheman.net/

Portugal. The Man has put out an album of very catchy and sometimes trippy Beatles & Bowie 'esque tracks. Vocalist John Baldwin Gourley uses his voice to catch the feeling of every song. From a whisper up to a high falsetto. I like this album and individual tracks more and more everytime I listen. The Man can play with a real organic earthly roots sound on one track and a jangly pop sound on another. There is an acoustic version of this album as well. Pretty cool band, Have a listen.


Portugal. The Man - People Say


Portugal. The Man - Work All Day


Portugal. The Man - Let You Down


Portugal. The Man - Mornings

Rebelution - Bright Side of Life -2009-
(Reggae, Rock, Dub)

From: Santa Barbara, CA
Website: http://www.rebelutionmusic.com/

Rebelution definitely did not switch things up to much to much on their sophomore release, but that isn't always a bad thing. The formula is mostly the same but that is ok because 'Courage To Grow' was one of the catchiest albums in quite some time. While Bright Side of Life' doesn't quite live up to 'Courage' it is still a good reggae album. Nice album to sit back and chill to.


Rebelution - Bright Side of Life


Rebelution - More Than Ever


Rebelution - Bump


Rebelution - Change The System

Stranger - Shelter From The Storm -2007-
(Reggae)

From: San Diego, CA
Website: http://www.strangerband.com/

Stranger puts out really nice feel good positive reggae vibes. The band is tight and the lyrics are meaningful. "Based out of the South Bay of San Diego, neighboring the highest crossed border in the World, the band draws influence from the diversity of the people around them as well as each other. It is multicultural and musical diversity that gives Stranger a unique, yet true, presence that is turning heads nation-wide and abroad."
Stranger has a new EP 'Some Kinda Sign' out now and available for download.


Stranger - Tomorrow Never Comes


Stranger - Conditions


Stranger - Some Things Never Change

Kid Cudi - The Sky Might Fall -2009-
(Hip-Hop)

Here is another hip-hop track that I recently came upon and it grabbed my attention with it's nice beat and real spacey feel. Cudi is from Cleveland, OH and mixes hip-hop, rock, alternative and some r&b. His music is filled with witty explanations about himself and his life's journeys, with a twist of story telling scenarios e.g. outer space (where he hopes to go someday). This track and his new album "Man on the Moon: The End of Day" is produced by Kanye West. The much anticipated album is out Sept. 15th.


Kid Cudi - The Sky Might Fall

State Radio - Calling All Crows (EP) -2009-
(Rock, Reggae, Alternative)

Here is the final piece to the "Calling All Crows" EP. The title track "Calling All Crows" is Chetro & the boys doing their thing once again. Awesome Rock with a reggae vibe. Great lyrics and some really cool instrumentation. This track is available for free download here. The album drops next month and they are touring so get ready for State Radio to blow you away.


State Radio - Calling All Crows