Will and the People - Knocking (Single) -2009-
(Reggae, Pop, Ska)

From: London
Website: http://www.myspace.com/willandthepeople

Will and the People are led by frontman Will Rendle (vocals, guitar) and the People are Dan Lundholm (bass), Simon Hanson (drums), John Tilley (keyboards), Alison Brown (keyboards, backing vocals). They're being touted as the new Police or Specials with their own blend of bouncing reggae pop rhythms. With this single, and EP that you can purchase HERE and a new album on the way WATP will most likely blow up on the other side of the pond very soon. Nice catchy tunes that will have you singing along on the first listen.


Will and the People - Knocking


Will and the People - Guilty

Johnny Cash - American VI: Ain't No Grave -2010-
(Country, Folk, Rock)

From: Nashville
Website: http://www.johnnycash.com/

American VI: Ain't No Grave, is the sixth and final installment of Johnny Cash's critically-acclaimed American Recordings album series. Covers on the set include Sheryl Crow’s “Redemption Day,” Kris Kristofferson’s “For the Good Times,” Ed McCurdy’s “Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream” and Bob Nolan’s “Cool Water.” American VI will also feature the never-before-heard Cash original “I Corinthians: 15:55,” which he wrote during the last three years of his life. Cash began recording American VI in 2002 and worked up until his September 12th, 2003 death. American VI is deeply elegiac and spiritual, with each song its own piece of the puzzle of life's mysteries and challenges - the pursuit of salvation, the importance of friendships, the dream of peace, the power of faith, and the joys and adversities that entail simple survival. It is an achingly personal and intimate statement, as, from the end of the line, Johnny Cash looks back on a most extraordinary life.


Johnny Cash - Ain't No Grave


Johnny Cash - Redemption Day

Dave Mattews & Tim Reynolds - Live in Las Vegas -2010-
(Acoustic, Rock)

From: Virginia
Website: http://www.davematthewsband.com/

This is the dynamic duo's first set of acoustic shows since the release of the critically acclaimed and platinum certified Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King by The Dave Matthews Band. If you have never heard any of these Dave and Tim sets before you know that Dave Matthews is one of those performers who often reworks his material onstage. Fans have come to expect some radical transformations and this collection, recorded with long-time collaborator Tim Reynolds, does not disappoint. Recorded at Planet Hollywood’s Theater for the Performing Arts, Live In Las Vegas expands on songs from every aspect of his career. Songs that your used to exploding with the sound of a full band come across beautifully in these smaller arrangements. Full of energy and fantastic sound quality make this a must have just as Live at Luther College was 10 years ago.


Dave Matthew & Tim Reynolds - Squirm


Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds - Grey Street


Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds - Bartender

Giraffe Aftermath - Giraffe Aftermath -2008-
(Reggae, Surf, Hip-Hop)

From: Vancouver
Website: http://www.myspace.com/giraffeaftermath

You probably have never heard of Vancouver based Giraffe Aftermath, but believe me you need to and here is your chance. They bring a Sublime surf/reggae style full of slow tempo grooves, smooth heavy bass lines and tight popping snare drums. The Hip-Hop portions of the album weave together with the surf grooves so so good. Awesome guitar work and great vocals make this a must listen. Great laid back tunes working here. Giraffe Aftermath is Steve Hackenbruch, Luke de Villiers, Michael Agranovich, Cameron Stephens, David Ecclestone and Kevin Hickey. Check out their myspace page to listen to a couple really good sample songs off their upcoming album.


Giraffe Aftermath - Home Ain't


Giraffe Aftermath - Cedar Hill

Dominic Balli - Public Announcement -2008-
(Reggae, Rap, Rock)

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

Promoters, venues, and fans alike have caught the fire of this Southern California Rock/Pop/Reggae singer/songwriter. With his soulful melodies, pounding bass lines, and Hip Hop background vocals, experiencing the passion and authenticity of a Dominic Balli live show will leave you sonically and spiritually satisfied in more ways than one. However, the sound of Dominic Balli doesn’t simply boast creative and truly genuine musicality, but hard hitting, and transparently honest, lyrics of freedom, hope, and love. It seems like it is just the beginning for Dominic Balli. Reminds me a lot of Matisyahu. Good stuff.


Dominic Balli - Remedy


Dominic Balli - Warrior

Xavier Rudd & Izintaba New Album

Isaac Graham - Empty Vessels -2009-
(Indie, Acoustic, Folk)

From: Sydney, Australia
Website: http://www.myspace.com/isaacgraham

Isaac Graham is impending wildly. The young singer/songwriter from Sydney, Australia has released his debut LP Empty Vessels. Isaac Graham is the perfect example of exactly why you don't need a major record deal or fancy recording studio to make wonderful music. Using only a Tascam 8-Track recorder and a "cheap microphone", Isaac has created a fantastic folk-rock album. The album is a beguiling mix of punk rock rhythms and strong lyrical narratives. Think The Mountain Goats cross Billy Bragg cross The Pogues. Click the cover art to download the full album for free.


Isaac Graham - Photographs and Histories


Isaac Graham - This Old Town

Fortunate Youth - Up-Lifted E.P. -2010-
(Reggae, Dub, Roots)

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

Fortunate Youth is a collaboration of South Bay reggae stand-outs. Coming from various bands, they've created a phenomenal 7 piece bringing more fire to the stage than ever before. Combining rootsy vibes and heavy bass lines united with multiple harmonies and boisterous solos, separating Fortunate Youth from every other mainstream reggae band. With their high energy approach and positive stage presence they provide an unforgettable show to every music fan. The E.P. is full of heavy keys and some sick guitar solos throughout. A very very promising up-and-coming reggae band here. Give them a listen and some support.


Fortunate Youth - Ride


Fortunate Youth - Burn One

The Soft Pack - The Soft Pack -2010-
(Rock, Indie, Garage)

From: San Diego, CA
Website: http://thesoftpackofficial.com/

The Soft Pack are an indie rock band which formed in San Diego, California in 2008. They consist of Matt Lamkin (vocals, guitar), Matty McLoughlin (guitar), David Lantzman (bass) and Brian Hill (drums). Until recently these rockers were known as The Muslims with a single and EP under their belts. Once the music began to garner more attention the name started to gain as much as the tunes, so a change was made. This is The Soft Packs first full length album and it is spilling over with simple, smart, and catchy rock songs that will appeal to fans of The Ramones to Franz Ferdinand and everything in-between. Highlights include the perfect one-two punch of the first singles "C'Mon" and "Answer To Yourself."Go ahead try out these slick, punky slices of fast riffin’ rock.


The Soft Pack - C'mon


The Soft Pack - Answer To Yourself

Jay Malinowski - Bright Lights & Bruises -2010-
(Folk, Soul, Acoustic)

From: Toronto, Canada
Website: http://www.myspace.com/jaymalinowski

It's not the end. But it is a new beginning. That's how Jay Malinowski is viewing the release of Bright Lights and Bruises, his first foray into the solo world outside of the cozy confines of his popular Canadian band Bedouin Soundclash. The self-produced acoustic-based album, which is being released on Bedouin's own Pirate's Blend record label and really shows off a different side of the artist -- quieter, deeply personal and incredibly contemplative, it is a sound befitting the catharsis he so urgently required. The result is a stunning and remarkably stirring collection of material that shows someone who's as much in touch with his feelings as he is with the craft of songwriting, and someone who's willing to take chances and lay it all on the line. While I love the reggae infected tunes of Bedouin it is really nice to hear an artist branch out and show us what he is really all about. It does not matter if Jay Malinowski is writing tunes for Bedouin or solo because the material always turns out good.

Jay Malinowski - Narceritos

Jay Malinowski - Santa Monica

Sea Wolf - White Water, White Bloom
(Indie, Rock, Folk, Alternative)

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

Much like Iron & Wine or many similar indie outfits, Sea Wolf is the project name of a sole singer/songwriter who drafts in other musicians as the occasion warrants. That singer/songwriter is Alex Brown Church, a California native who looks to local authors like John Steinbeck and Jack London (whose 1904 novel -The Sea Wolf provided the band name) for inspiration. White Water, White Bloom is the second full length Sea Wolf album, following 2007's critically acclaimed Leaves in the River. Sea Wolf has put out an album that is artful but accessible rock that rewards repeated listening. What is unique about this cd: strings, organs, and a wide variety of instrumentation (20-some instruments are listed in the liner notes), each expertly chosen as a perfect fit to each song. Lyrics are poetic and obscure enough to bring you into the world of the music that already has an ethereal feel to it.


Sea Wolf - Dew In The Grass


Sea Wolf - Spirit Horse


Sea Wolf - Wicked Blood

Cypress Hill - Rise Up (Single) -2010-
(Rap, Hip-Hop, Latin)

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

Rise Up is the first single off of Cypress Hills upcoming album due out April 16th. Good to see Cypress back with some swagger and the addition of Tom Morello really fuels the fire behind the track. Always been a fan of Cypress Hill and everything Tom Morello touches is always worth a listen.


Cypress Hill - Rise Up

EELS - End Times -2010-
(Alternative, Rock, Acoustic)

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

The eighth EELS studio album, End Times, is the sound of an artist growing older in uncertain times. An artist who has lost his great love while struggling with his faith in an increasingly hostile world teetering on self-destruction. Largely self-recorded on an old four track tape machine by EELS leader Mark Oliver Everett aka E in his Los Angeles basement, it's a "divorce album" with a modern twist: the artist equates his personal loss with the world he lives in losing its integrity. When Everett finds comfort "in a dying world," the End Times he speaks of isn't about "Mayan calendar conspiracy theory bullshit," he says, but, "the state of the desperate times we live in. The bottom line-ness of it all. The end of common decency. The loss of caring about doing a good job. These are tough times. If your ready to take on some heavy shit like that while listening to some fine tunes, the EELS are the band for you. All seven of the previous EELS albums have differed greatly in sound and content. "This will be some people's favorite EELS album and some people's least favorite EELS album," Everett says of End Times. "I'm prepared for that."


EELS - Gone Man


EELS - Little Bird

Lee Everton - Sing a Song For Me -2009-
(Reggae, Pop, Roots)

From: Zurich, Switzerland
Website: http://www.myspace.com/leeeverton

Reggae singer-songwrtier Lee Everton is back with another tasty serving of his self penned 'Slingstyle' reggae. This 'Slingstyle' approach is the foundation for the backing of his singer-songwriter reggae, leaving lots of space once more for his beautiful melodies and intense lyrics on this extremely impressive follow up to his debut album Inner Exile. This second LP picks up right where Inner Exile left off with Everton's chill blend of reggae, pop and jazzy soul. Each song is full of organs, an on-point brass section, sweet percussions, various offbeat-rhythms and a nice dose of acoustic and electric guitars. Not quite as good as the debut, but Lee Everton is a wizard of relaxation and you will fall under his spell once again with Sing a Song For Me.


Lee Everton - Don't Make It Too Hard


Lee Everton - Little Light

Vetiver - Tight Knit -2009-
(Folk, Indie, Rock)

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

Tight Knit is the fourth full-length album from Vetiver, singer/songwriter Andy Cabic’s ever-evolving musical home base. Luminous and surprising, Tight Knit unfolds like a road trip. It represents a summation of the different styles and directions heard on past Vetiver releases, while it introduces some unexpected twists. Vetiver’s songs have been described as “dreamy, gentle songs that George Harrison would have written in some sunny country garden.” Tight Knit is layered and rich, with subtleties and nuances that reveal themselves with repeated listening. While there’s also more immediate gratification than on past Vetiver releases, Tight Knit is an album that rewards your attention.


Vetiver - Rolling Sea


Vetiver - Another Reason To Go

Céu - Vagarosa -2009-
(Jazz, Soul, Reggae)

From: São Paulo, Brazil
Website: http://www.ceumusic.com/

Ever since Brazilian phenomenon Céu captivated the world with her self-titled debut album in 2007, her follow up release has been widely anticipated. After being chosen as the first international artist featured in Starbucks’ Hear Music Debut series, Céu earned both Grammy and Latin Grammy nominations, countless press accolades, and chart topping numbers. CéU presents a modern, innovative and internationally appealing take on samba, at the meeting point between global urban sounds and the afro-brazilian tradition. Céu's second album, Vagarosa finds her sticking to the style that brought her to the attention of the world music and hipster-lounge communities. She's still mixing the relaxed grooves of her native Brazil with those of downtempo/trip-hop acts like Thievery Corporation; still throwing in surprisingly capable reggae grooves "("Cangote," boasts a deep dub bassline and some extremely haunting organ); and still multi-tracking to create a sophisticated, multi-layered sound. CéU is about innocence, beauty, putting a little rhythm and happiness into life, taking it easy, sunshine and, above all, malemolência.


Céu - Cangote


Céu - Nascente

Citizen Cope - The Rainwater LP -2010-
(Alternative, Folk, Blues)

From: Brooklyn
Website: http://www.citizencope.com/topspin/topspin2.htm

Citizen Cope is both a person (singer/songwriter Clarence Greenwood) and an acoustic-driven band. Born in Memphis and raised in Washington, D.C., Greenwood is the leader of the group, and he steers the band's soulful sound by serving as keyboardist, guitarst, lead singer, DJ, songwriter, and producer. Cope's newest creation, The Rainwater LP gives us 8 tracks that are cut from the same cloth as previous albums with a great fusion of blues, folk-pop, and laidback hip-hop and reggae. The new material is as good as ever, but I am definitely left wanting more (8 new tracks after an almost four year studio absence) only because I enjoy Cope's sound so much. Very passionate and unique tunes here and you can grab a digital copy for only $5.99 by clicking the cover art above.


Citizen Cope - Healing Hands


Citizen Cope - Off The Ground

Natural Incense - Freedom -2010-
(Reggae, Rock, Dub)

From: Santa Barbara
Website: http://www.myspace.com/naturalincense

Natural Incense is an up and coming reggae/rock band out of Isla Vista, CA. Freedom is the bands self-proclaimed best work yet and captures the true life of a band on the road, living on the edge of modern life, and having the best time imaginable. The 10 songs on Freedom are definitely in the Cali reggae/rock style of Sublime, Rebelution and countless others, but Natural Incense also quotes influences such as Pink Floyd and Tool, whose sound is always appreciated. Eric Singer, Evan Davies and Brent Wetli have created a groovy, deep, honest and powerful recording. This LP will bump your stereo with wicked bass lines, tight perfect drumming, tasty melodies and lyrics that will ease your mind.


Natural Incense - Full Circle


Natural Incense - Nobody Knows

Johnny Flynn - A Larum -2008-
(Folk, Roots)

From: London
Website: http://www.johnny-flynn.com/home.php

You only need to listen to a minute of Johnny Flynn's songwriting to hear the influence of literate, melodic folk innovators like Richard Thomson and John Fahey, but the depth of his detailed lyrics and intuitive melodies is also evidence of a compelling back story. Flynn was born in South Africa, first performed in the boys choir of a Brit boarding school and was a professional Shakespearian actor in his early 20s. With his first, and now backing band Sussix Wit, he released a number of singles before issuing his debut as frontman in 2008, A Larum (Old English for "Alarm"). This collection of roguish neo-traditional Brit folk pleasantly reminds me of Mescaleros period Joe Strummer at multiple times throughout this stunning debut. A Larum presents a powerful new singer/songwriter's voice to the world.


Johnny Flynn - The Wrote and Wit


Johnny Flynn - Cold Bread

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Up From Below -2009-
(Rock, Folk, Psychedelic)

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

This musical collective led by Alex Ebert make big, open-hearted anthems that evoke a different era. The band’s aesthetic, no matter how contemporary and organic its evolution, screams ’60s psychedelia and ’70s rock right down to touring in a converted school bus with the band’s name in script on the side and a driver named Cornfed. These feel good sing alongs are epic. The vocal harmonies are performed with joyful abandon whilst the instrumentation brings together an original collection of instruments that are passionately played and infectiously layered resulting in the kind of sound that can leave you on a musical high for days. This band’s energy has the potential to eventually make even the most cynical amongst us go barefoot.


Edward Sharpe - 40 Day Dream


Edward Sharpe - Home