The Soulicitors - What You Need -2009-
(Reggae, Rock, Soul)

From: Edmonton, Alberta Canada
Website: http://www.myspace.com/soulicitors

The Soulicitors are a five-piece Edmonton band, and just one of the fine up and coming Canadian reggae bands to be featured here in the coming weeks. The lineup is Joel Johnson (guitar, vocals) Kelly Callin (guitar, vocals) Maciek Pukowiec (Drums) Jake Feniak (Bass) Corey Burgess (Congas and aux percussion). Their sound is a unique blend of reggae, roots and soul music in the same vein as Bedouin Soundclash, which will appeal to a very wide audience. Pick up the album HERE.


The Soulicitors - No Play


The Soulicitors - Holdin Trees

The Working Title - Bone Island -2009-
(Alternative, Indie, Folk, Rock)

From: Charleston, SC
Website: http://theworkingtitle.ning.com/

Bone Island is The Working Title's first full-length studio album since 2006's About-Face and marks the first album made without any of the original members, save for vocalist, lyricist, founder and songwriter Joel Hamilton. The new album for the most part is a dark, rough-edged roots-inspired indie rock effort. The Working Title and frontman Joel Hamilton aren't afraid to throw in some moody experimental rock as well (e.g. Followed & Wolf). Bone Island is full of haunting and dark tracks but it is not without its college-radio rockers and ambient, quirky laments as well as some really catchy choruses (e.g. Dead Inside).


The Working Title - Physical Love


The Working Title - Dead Inside


The Working Title - Followed

John Butler has new hair, a new band and a new album "April Uprising" on the way. The new band is Melbourne musician Nicky Bomba as the new drummer and percussionist. Nicky has been a prominent member of the Melbourne music scene with his band Bomba and is a prolific songwriter, performer and producer in his own right. Nicky was also the principle drummer on JBT’s five times platinum album ‘Sunrise Over Sea’. Sydney musician Byron Luiters will feature as the new bass player. Byron is a talented dynamic bassist who has been a member of the Sydney outfit Ray Mann Three. John, Nicky and Byron commenced recording of the new studio album earlier this month and are thrilled with progress so far. Had a chance to see some new live material earlier in the year and it was very good. Very pumped for some new material from JBT!


Johnny B jamming the Fender! Sweet!

Wilco - Wilco (The Album) -2009-
(Folk, Indie, Rock, Americana)

From: Chicago
Website: http://wilcoworld.net/

Wilco is not a band to be pigeonholed. They change things up to fit whatever musical path they choose to pursue. Wilco has been on a constant journey of experimentation through the course of their 10 albums and on Wilco (The Album) we find them at their lazy best. A little bit more inviting and jangly than previous work, but Jeff Tweedy and company always put out quality material. Confident songwriting and excellent musicianship flow throughout the album. This is not the music of men trying to be cool, it is the work of some very good musicians unafraid to express mature music, which still manages to come out pretty damn cool. Standout tracks for me have been 'One Wing' and 'I'll Fight'.


Wilco - One Wing


Wilco - You Never Know


Wilco - I'll Fight

The Holdup - Stay Gold -2009-
(Rock, Reggae)

From: San Jose, CA
Website: http://www.myspace.com/theholdupmusic

The Holdup are Tyler Scurti (Lead Guitar), Danny Flores (Drums) , Mike Garmany (Lead Vocals), Kyle Christensen (Bass), Nick Santana (Keyboards). They play a style very similar to Cali-Reggae/Rock veterans Slightly Stoopid and Pepper. The Holdup combines surf reggae/rock melodies with catchy lyrics to create a sound destined to be heard over the airwaves. Stay Gold is simply a fun summer party album that is filled with big beats and free flowing rhymes about all the pleasures in life. Let 'The Chronic Song' take a hold of you and you'll instantly see the appeal of these youngsters.


The Holdup - The Chronic Song


The Holdup - Good Times


The Holdup - One Cruel World


The Holdup - Selfish Man

Langhorne Slim - Be Set Free -2009-
(Folk, Rock, Blues, Soul)

From: NYC
Website: http://www.myspace.com/langhorneslim

It is said that the most endearing and standout qualities of Slim's live shows is the sureness that one is always entering a genuine Gospel-like musical experience. Be Set Free seems to have captured this charisma and spirit. Their are "tug at the heart-strings" moments and "raise a drink" foot stomping/blues vibes throughout with hallelujah choruses, lush string arrangements and the musical talents of drummer Malachi DeLorenzo and new bassist Jeff Ratner. Entertaining lyrics and strong vocals propel the album. For those looking for something not to mellow and and with quite a bit of variety - much better than most of the singer-songwriter stuff coming out these days. The upbeat "Say Yes" and the bluesy rocker "For A Little While" are standout cuts.


Langhorne Slim - Back To The Wild


Langhorne Slim - Say Yes


Langhorne Slim - Be Set Free


Langhorne Slim - For A Little While

MGMT - Oracular Spectacular -2008-
(Indie, Electronic, Pop, Rock)

From: NYC
Website: http://www.whoismgmt.com/

MGMT consists of multi-instrumentalists Andrew VanWyngarden (vocals, guitar, keyboards, drums) and Ben Goldwasser (vocals, keyboards, synths, drums), both alumni of Wesleyan University. The duo play a very unpredictable, psychedelic electro-pop/rock. At times sounding like Bowie, Floyd and The Flaming Lips (e.g. Time To Pretend) with good reason because behind the scenes is Lips producer Dave Fridmann, taking and molding the catchy as hell daydream rock of MGMT into an intergalactic musical odyssey. Not the kind of music that usually grabs me but catchy tunes are catchy tunes man.


MGMT - Time To Pretend


MGMT - Weekend Wars


MGMT - Kids

The Droge & Summers Blend - Volume One -2009-
(Folk, Rock, Indie)

From: Vashon, Washington
Website: http://www.myspace.com/thedrogeandsummersblend

First heard this song in the movie Zombieland and thought it sounded really cool and went so good with the movie. And after many more listens it has grown on me even more. Two of the Lucky Ones is performed by the newly married couple of Pete Droge and Elaine Summers. They are long time collaborators, but this is the first time they are putting out their own BLEND of music. Beautiful harmonies and instrumentation.


The Droge & Summers Blend - Two of the Lucky Ones

The Beautiful Girls - Don't Wait (Single) -2009-
(Rock, Reggae, Indie)

From: Australia
Website: http://www.myspace.com/thebeautifulgirls

The Beautiful Girls are finally back with Don't Wait the first single off of their upcoming May 2010 release. Don't Wait continues to build upon the rock sound which TBG showcased on their last album Ziggurats. Lead man Mat McHugh is ready to step away from touring his acoustic solo act, which was fantastic and is now ready to plug back in the electric with TBG. "We were always going to do another T.B.G. album," says McHugh, "the band now have a definite sense of direction and we are working-on from where we were at." Don't Wait is a sweet track and a great peek at the ever evolving sound of The Beautiful Girls.


The Beautiful Girls - Don't Wait

Jack Johnson - En Concert -2009-
(Acoustic, Rock, Surf)

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

The new live CD/DVD by Jack Johnson has him playing live from Bonnaroo with Eddie Vedder to Paris and all across Europe. There are fan favorite cuts such as Bubble Toes and newer tracks like Sleep Through The Static and all sound pretty damn good. The live vibe translates very well to the disc with great musical interaction within the band and with guest musicians. This is a surprisingly good and very enjoyable live set by Jack and his pals. The best I have heard him sound live.....well EVER. Any JJ material is better than none so I will chillax with this set of tunes and wait with anticipation until the next studio offering.


Jack Johnson - Sleep Through The Static


Jack Johnson - Country Road w/ Paula Fuga


Jack Johnson - Constellations w/ Eddie Vedder


Jack Johnson - The Horizon Has Been Defeated / Mother & Child Reunion


Jack Johnson - En Concert Trailer

Manna - Flamma -2009-
(Reggae, Roots, Dub)

From: Bodø, Nordland Norway
Website: http://www.mannafari.com/

Manna is a roots reggae band from Bodø in the north of Norway. They started out as Irie Darlings in the early 90s. The band is full of reggae veterans and has put out some of the best reggae I have ever heard on Flamma. While I cannot understand the lyrics, the music is so good you don't need to. You just FEEL the music. Seriously some of the most melodic, tight reggae rythmns and vocals you will find in the entire world. Put this record on from start to finish and enjoy!


Manna - Flyg Ut Av Babylon


Manna - Kikerter Og Ris


Manna - Ikke Stopp Musikken


Manna - Tross Alt

Among Criminals - Happy History -2008-
(Rock, Reggae)

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

Among Criminals are a politically-charged Reggae, Latin-Rock band and are as much about the message as they are about the music. They blend Clash style Reggae, 90's and progressive rock with an Afro-Cuban feel. Songs on Happy History range from catchy, pop-like grooves, laidback rhythms to driving/demanding political rock. Among Criminals constantly changes their sound from track to track, they are Sublime or State Radio one minute and Incubus the next. Very intriguing band who will only get better as the albums keep on coming.


Among Criminals - Don't Tell Us


Among Criminals - Bare Handed Hit Man


Among Criminals - Memories


Among Criminals - Fears Perpetual Disguise (This Will Never Burn)

Stephen & Damian Marley - The Mission -2008-
(Reggae)

From: Jamaica
Website: http://www.myspace.com/damianmarley

I featured this song on Stephen Marley's "Mind Control" but it was an acoustic version. I thought I would post the powerful real version as well. I absolutely love this video by The Marleys. Not only is this an awesome track but it really carries a message with it in hopes of some real change.


Stephen & Damian Marley - The Mission

The Kooks - Konk -2008-
(Rock, Indie, Britpop)

From: Brighton, UK
Website: http://www.thekooks.com/

Singer/guitarist Luke Pritchard, lead guitarist Hugh Harris, bassist Max Rafferty and drummer Paul Garred have quickly come to be regarded as a classic British song-writing outfit, able to stand alongside The Kinks, Oasis, Coldplay or any number of others you care to mention, simply because they understand what makes pop music great. The Kooks make some of the most catchy and accessible indie-pop available. Konk, their second album will appeal to those who enjoyed the catchier, hookier elements of their best-selling debut Inside In/Inside Out. The Kooks are a little more pop than indie this time out and some of the tracks may sound contrived, but the simple truth is that these are some damn infectious tunes.


The Kooks - See The Sun


The Kooks - Always Where I Need To Be


The Kooks - Mr. Maker


The Kooks - Shine On

Katchafire - Say What You're Thinking -2007-
(Reggae, Dub)

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

Here is a fantastic 8 piece reggae band from Hamilton, New Zealand who is definetly not as well known as they should be. Deep roots, soulful horns, jazzy fills and some real lover's reggae which would make Gregory Isaacs smile. Katchafire pumps out a sound that is full of pop choruses, softly stinging rock guitars, surging basslines and crisp clear vocals. Their sound is a mix somewhere between Steel Pulse, UB40 and and fellow countryman Fat Freddy's Drop. The production is top notch and the album flows nicely with song after song that seem to be engineered to lift your mood.


Katchafire - Say What You're Thinking


Katchafire - Mr. Flava


Katchafire - I Dubb


Katchafire - Meant To Be

The Lonely Island - Incredibad -2009-
(Comedy, Hip-Hop)

From: New York
Website: http://thelonelyisland.blogspot.com/

The Lonely Island is comedic collaborative of Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, and Akiva Schaffer who all work for Saturday Night Live. "The Dudes" as they call themselves are freaking HILARIOUS! Take a listen.


The Lonely Island - Jizz In My Pants


The Lonely Island - Dick In A Box (ft. Justin Timberlake)

The Lonely Island - I'm On A Boat - Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

Zox - Line In The Sand -2008-
(Alternative, Rock, Indie)

From: Rhode Island
Website: www.zoxband.com

Zox is Eli Miller - (guitar/lead vocals) Spencer Swain - (violin/vocals) Dan Edinberg - (bass/vocals) and John Zox - (drums). Produced by John Goodmanson (Death Cab for Cutie) the 11 songs on "Line in the Sand" are equal parts 80s college radio, modern indie rock, and timeless folk. The band’s legendary live show has long been a dynamic mix of playful mayhem and emotional contemplation; this album is the first to capture both extremes. Previous albums hinted at more of a reggae/folk influence, but this new album definitely has the band heading in a more pop oriented direction. It was really a new and cool sound to hear a reggae rhythm with a classically-trained electric violinist in the place where most bands have a lead guitarist. However "Line In The Sand" is a very approachable album with many good cuts. Really like all four tracks featured here. If you like what you hear, check out their previous LP's as well.


Zox - Line In The Sand


Zox - When The Rain Comes Down Again


Zox - The Wait (Part II)


Zox - Goodnight

Sandpeople - Long Story Short E.P. -2009-
(Hip-Hop)

From: Portland, Oregon
Website: http://www.sandpeoplemusic.com/

Sandpeople is a 10 member hip-hop crew from the Northwest. "The Dapper Mob" is another one of those hip-hop tracks that has caught my ear. Great beat and flow to the song and Sapient handles the vocals. Musically this is one sweet track. Wish more hip-hop/rap would sound like this.


Sandpeople - The Dapper Mob

The Black Seeds - Solid Ground -2008-
(Dub, Reggae)

From: Wellington, New Zealand
Website: http://www.theblackseeds.com/

Solid Ground is the follow-up to The Black Seeds stellar third album Into The Dojo. These New Zealanders effortlessly blend reggae, dub, funk and soul into one of the most cohesive, danceable and singalong sounds you've ever heard. Led by guitarist/vocalist Barnaby Weir, The Black Seeds are an eight-piece band who know how to layer guitar, keys and horns atop a foundation of bass and percussion while keeping things sounding raw and live at the same time. The Black Seeds manage to play beyond the normal boundaries of reggae and make a sound all their own. Plus Bret McKenzie of Flight of the Conchords fame used to be part of the family. How cool is that. Just really good music here folks!


The Black Seeds - Come To Me


The Black Seeds - Slingshot


The Black Seeds - Take Your Chances


The Black Seeds - One Step at a Time

State Radio - Let It Go -2009-
(Rock, Reggae, Folk, Punk)

From: Boston, Mass
Website: http://www.stateradio.com/

"For generations of great American songwriters, the music and the message have been inextricably linked. Word and deed are one in the same, and the only thing more moving than the rousing call to action is the evocative melody that transports the words like a shell casing. These are fire-breathing poets of justice who sing about ordinary people in extraordinary ways, and can turn the world inside out with three chords and the truth. These are the tenets by which STATE RADIO’s Chad Stokes Urmston, Chuck Fay, and Mike “Mad Dog” Najarian are driven, and they once again flex that strength and sense of purpose on their third album, LET IT GO. But this is no soapbox symposium."
I have been featuring tracks from this album for months and it is finally here. The album of the year without a doubt! State Radio fuses Bob Marley style grooves with Rage Against the Machine intensity along with a splash of punk rock and folk to create a fresh and unique sound. The album is full of stand out tracks from start to finish and kicks off with “Mansin Humanity,” which is about the Armenian genocide which is catchy as hell. "Doctor Ron The Actor" invokes the spirit of The Clash. "Bohemian Grove" is pure reggae goodness. Let It Go continues the evolution of SR's sound but the bridge between all the records has always been Stokes’ transcendental storytelling, which continues to mature and evolve on Let It Go. This is a FANTASTIC album by a Great Band! Get This One NOW!!!


State Radio - Mansin Humanity


State Radio - Doctor Ron The Actor


State Radio - Bohemian Grove


State Radio - Still & Silent