Patrick Park - Come What Will -2010-
(Folk, Indie, Rock)

From: Los Angeles
Website: http://www.patrickpark.net/

LA based Singer-Guitarist Patrick Park's fifth album Come What Will continues his on-going collaboration with producer Dave Trumfio (Wilco, Earlimart). Considered by the LA Times as "one of the great heartbreaking voices working in the acoustic singer-songwriter world today", Park received national attention with "Life Is a Song" from his stellar album Loneliness Knows My Name, which was featured as the last song on the series finale The O.C.. Since the inception of his career, Park has garnered comparisons to Elliott Smith, but Patrick has a very unique sound and he writes beautiful and very thought provoking music that at times has a message of life, love and hope. That was definitely not a focus of Smith's work. At times there seems to be a subtle Irish undertone to a few of his songs, which I find really cool. Awesome musician who is not as well known as he needs to be. Come What Will is a very good album and if you get the chance check out his full discography. Sweet tunes for sure.


Patrick Park - You'll Get Over


Patrick Park - The Lucky Ones

The Bamboos - 4' -2010-
(Soul, Funk, Psychedelic)

From: Melbourne, Australia
Website: http://www.thebamboos.com/

Australias’ premier instrumental deepfunk outfit. Masters of super-heavy, raw and upfront drum-break driven grooves. The Bamboos live shows are veritable history lessons in old-school breaks – schooling audiences on the roots of Hip Hop and modern dance music. They are one of the tightest bands in the world and from what I've read a truly amazing spectacle to watch. Led by Guitarist Lance Ferguson, other members include Kylie Auldist (Vocals), Ben Grayson (Hammond Organ), Danny Farrugia (Drums), Yuri Pavlinov (Bass), Anton Delecca (Sax/Flute) and Ross Irwin (Trumpet). There comes a time in every band when their sound crystallises, and with 4', The Bamboos make a succinct musical statement that distils all their influences, nuances and idiosyncrasies and pushes them into a sonic world all their own. And 4' brings to the table elements of rock, pop, psychedelia and hip hop, heralding another twist in their sonic path. It is soul and funk music for today, not mired in over-the-top adherence to simply copying what has been done many times before.

The Bamboos - On The Sly


The Bamboos - You Ain't No Good


The Bamboos - Kings Cross

B.o.B. Presents: The Adventures Of Bobby Ray - 2010-
(Rap, Hip-Hop)

From: Atlanta
Website: http://www.bobatl.com/

In spite of the plethora of rap artists constantly emerging from Atlanta in the late 2000s, B.o.B, who was only 17 when he signed his first major-label record deal, was still unique. His borderline eccentricity and artistic mind, belied by his music's conventional Dirty South appeal, raised his stock above the many copycat Southern up-and-comers and, of course, welcomed comparisons to OutKast and, specifically, their offbeat half, André 3000. Bobby Ray Simmons now 21, has created an album full of genre-defying hip-hop tracks. The album features a variety of guests including, Bruno Mars, Lupe Fiasco, Hayley Williams, T.I. and Eminem. This is the work of a very talented and creative artist who at a very young age is already stretching the very boundaries of a genre. A couple of really cool tunes here.


B.o.B. - Don't Let Me Fall


B.o.B. - Ghost In The Machine


B.o.B. - Airplanes Part II

Local Natives - Gorilla Manor -2010-
(Indie, Rock)

From: Silver Lake, CA
Website: http://www.thelocalnatives.com/

Local Natives make soaring, sky-scraping harmonies, dreamy orchestral melodies, and throbbing percussion -- which, at its most frenzied, is almost tribal sounding. Theirs are songs you can dance to almost as well as you can swoon to them. Drawing a line from the vocal stylings of Crosby Stills Nash & Young and the Zombies through the more esoteric edges of post-punk and Afro-beat (think Vampire Weekend), this California five piece have communally crafted a brand of indie rock all their own. Very enjoyable debut album with quite a few really good tracks. Listen to the album in full at the bands website. Purchase the album for only $7.58 by clicking the cover art above.


Local Natives - Wide Eyes


Local Natives - Airplanes


Local Natives - Sun Hands

Ozomatli - Fire Away -2010-
(Latin, Rock, Funk, Hip-Hop)

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

In their fourteen years together as a band, celebrated Los Angeles culture-mashers Ozomatli have gone from being hometown heroes to being named U.S. State Department Cultural Ambassadors. Their music— a notorious urban-Latino-and-beyond collision of hip hop and salsa, dancehall and cumbia, samba and funk, merengue and comparsa, East LA R&B and New Orleans second line, Jamaican ragga and Indian raga— has long followed a key mantra: it will take you around the world by taking you around L.A. Fire Away is Ozo's 5th studio album and sees the band moving towards a more pop oriented, commercial sound. The music is still fun energetic however and Ozo can still create some catchy infectious rhythms.


Ozomatli - Are You Ready


Ozomatli - 45


Ozomatli - It's Only Paper (Feat. Jack Johnson)

Barefoot Truth - Threads -2010-
(Folk, Rock, Acoustic)

From: Mystic, Connecticut
Website: http://www.barefoottruth.com/

In the small New England town of Mystic, Connecticut, lives Barefoot Truth, an independent band that is quietly creating history. You have never seen them on MTV, nor heard them on a Top 40 FM radio station, but with 5.5 million spins on Pandora, Barefoot Truth has quickly become a symbol of independent music success, and just may be 'the biggest band you've never heard of'. Mixing the sounds of folk, rock, jazz, and reggae, with lyrics full of unbridled optimism, the band has crafted a sound that is distinctly Barefoot Truth. Since the band's establishment during college, Barefoot Truth has been developing this signature sound that has virally spread through a grassroots following. With their lead singer on drums, and an array of unlikely roots-based instrumentation, the band translates their originality to their ever-evolving live show. The quintet features Will Evans on lead vocals and drums, John Waynelovich on piano, Jay Driscoll on Weissenborn slide guitar, Andy Wrba on upright bass, and Garrett Duffy on harmonica. It is not unlikely for members of the band to switch instruments mid-show, or even begin playing a didjeridoo, adding to the dynamic of the band's sound. Their influences include three of my favorites: John Butler Trio, DMB and Dispatch. Threads is a real nice album with a couple of killer tracks. Give these boys a listen.


Barefoot Truth - Damage Done


Barefoot Truth - Threads

Plants & Animals - La La Land -2010-
(Indie, Rock)

From: Montreal
Website: http://www.plantsandanimals.ca/

It's not easy to label the kind of music Plants and Animals make, but it's easy for it to feel instantly familiar. Maybe that's because they record to tape, and their records sound like they could have been made in 1972. But for all their analog warmth, it's also impossible to deny how raw and recent the songs sound, and harder still to find anything else that sounds quite the same. Plants and Animals are Warren C. Spicer, Matthew `the Woodman' Woodley, and Nicolas Basque. Plants and Animals latest offering, La La Land, is louder, and tougher, but also showcases their smoothest and most cohesive to-date. Inspired by a rediscovery of electric guitars, amplification and fuzz pedals, it takes us up and away from Parc Avenue's Montreal-in-the-summer vibe, and out into the rock n' roll ether. In many ways La La Land is just as eclectic as Parc Avenue, from California coast vibes to Montreal winters. But there's something more mature holding it all together now. As they might say in the movies, La La Land isn't a place--it's a state of mind.


Plants & Animals - Tom Cruz


Plants & Animals - Undone Melody


Plants & Animals - Kon Tiki

Bobby Alu - bobby alu -2010-
(Reggae, Acoustic, World)

From: Gold Coast, Australia
Website: http://www.myspace.com/charleswall

He is usually the drummer & percussionist in oh only about 5 different bands, but Charles Wall a.k.a. Bobby Alu has found the time over the past three years to master the art of studio production and give us an awesome album full of island style tunes with a little reggae and soul thrown in for good measure. Pacific grooves, afro rhythms, smooth harmony & good Vibes are in store for you throughout all 11 tracks. This Self Titled debut release is a reflection of the many influences over 6 years in the Australian ‘Roots music’ scene. Entirely created & executed solo the journey represents an influential period in young Charles Wall's career. Ukulele, Guitars, Bass, loads of percussion drums & vocals dominate the soundscape. Relax & enjoy the birth of bobby Alu.


Bobby Alu - Reach Inside


Bobby Alu - It's Time


Bobby Alu - Gates Of Paradise

The Sunshine Underground - Nobody's Coming To Save You -2010-
(Rock, Indie, Pop)

From: Leeds, United Kingdom
Website: http://thesunshineunderground.co.uk/

These boys from Leeds are armed with an angular, beat-heavy sound similar to that of Franz Ferdinand or the Kaiser Chiefs. TSU consists of Craig Wellington (vox / guitar), Stuart Jones (guitar), Daley Smith (bass) and Matthew Gwilt (drums). Nobody's Coming To Save You is the bands sophomore studio album and is much bigger and bolder than Raise The Alarm. This is a very good album full of rocking and I mean rocking tunes. Each track seems to build to a sonic crescendo with tumultuous drums, catchy guitar-riffs and even catchier chorus-lines. "The album is the sound of The Sunshine Underground enhanced and asking whether everything is right with our world – a question which is being asked by all of us." Having made their reputation as a live band, this is an album that will lend itself perfectly to a live setting, large or small.


The Sunshine Underground - Coming To Save You


The Sunshine Underground - Spell It Out


The Sunshine Underground - In Your Arms

The Beautiful Girls - 10:10 (Single) -2010-
(Rock, Reggae, Indie)

From: Australia
Website: http://www.thebeautifulgirls.com/index.php

The Beautiful Girl's music is a mixing-pot of influences from every corner of the planet. Things they have heard and seen, from their youth to the present. From their own backyard to the many streets of their travels. 10:10 is the second single from the bands fourth studio album Spooks, due in store May 21^st 2010. “A song in the tradition of some of those that inspired us most. The Specials. The Beat. The Clash. Punk English Reggae” – TBG. Both singles off the new LP seem to be the perfect combination of everything from the past and everywhere the band is going. May 21st cannot come soon enough. Click album art to order single or click HERE to pre-order Spooks.


The Beautiful Girls - 10:10

Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers - The Bear -2009-
(Rock, Roots, Americana)

From: Northampton, MA
Website: http://www.stephenkellogg.com/

“SK6ERS,” as they’re also affectionately known, have carved a determined, inspiring path since forming in Western Massachusetts in 2003. An exceptional live act given to high-energy showmanship, The Sixers are closing in on their 1000th show with a newfound grit and gratitude. Stephen and core Sixers – Kit “Goose” Karlson (keys, bass, tuba, accordion) and Brian “Boots” Factor (drums, mandolin, banjo) -- are friends who act like brothers and switch off on their instruments to keep it fresh; much in the tradition of their collective heroes, The Band. You can hear elements of classic rock/americana like Mellencamp, Petty, Neil Young and I pick up on some similarities with artists like Toad The Wet Sprocket or Matt Costa. The Bear is their rawest and most collaborative album yet. With alternating tracks between producers Tom Schick and Sam Kassirer. The music is good, instrumentation tight and the storytelling is great. Catch The Bear and give it a try.


SK6ERS - The Bear


SK6ERS - Shady Esperanza & The Young Hearts


SK6ERS - DO

Jack Johnson - You And Your Heart (Single) -2010-
(Folk, Rock, Acoustic, Surf)

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

This is the first single from Jack Johnson's much anticipated 5th studio album To The Sea. This track is upbeat and fun and has definately got me that much more excited about the rest of the new material. The album drops June 1st. You can pre-order To The Sea HERE or you can download/buy 'You And Your Heart' by clicking on the album art above.


Jack Johnson - You And Your Heart

Xavier Rudd & Izintaba - Koonyum Sun -2010-
(Folk, Rock, World)

From: Australia
Website: http://www.xavierrudd.com/

Xavier Rudd's new 2010 release Koonyum Sun is another stellar collection of tunes from the Australian multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter. The album was recorded in 301 Studio’s in Byron Bay Australia (one of my favorite places on earth), under bright sunny skies, surrounded by white sand beaches and rolling turquoise waves – a setting that couldn’t be better for this album because that is where the music Xavier has created transports you. Moving away from the heavier edged sound that he pursued on Dark Shades Of Blue, Xavier is back to his upbeat, hip-swaying sound that has been his mainstay on previous recordings. The album marks a fresh, new musical and spiritual awakening for Rudd, perhaps most notably as it’s his first with bassist Tio Moloantoa and percussionist Andile Nqubezelo (of the late Lucky Dube’s band) 
 under the unified banner of Xavier Rudd & Izintaba. Though the trio has been performing together for many months, Koonyum Sun is their first collaborative collection of songs – a triangle of influence that carries a piece of each individual member, yet keeps them all connected. Thanks to the input of Inzintaba, there’s a staggering amount of vigor to this release that Xavier Rudd fans haven’t seen to date. There’s also more vocal variation, with colourful harmonies in several different languages soaring atop the music. “It’s been the most inspirational musical experience of my life,” shares Rudd about his writing with Tio and Andile. “We have an undeniable connection – musically, spiritually, and emotionally. I feel like they were sent to me.” After listening to this amazing album you will feel like IT was sent to you as well. Xavier creates life changing music. Click HERE to purchase Koonyum Sun for only $7.99.


Xavier Rudd & Izintaba - Sky to Ground


Xavier Rudd & Izintaba - Fresh Green Freedom


Xavier Rudd & Izintaba - Soften The Blow

SINIZEN - Grass Roots Culture - 2010-
(Reggae, Rock, Dub)

From: Huntington Beach, CA
Website: http://www.sinizen.com/

While the reggae rock scene continues to grow by the second, SINIZEN (pronounced Sin-Is-Zen) stands out with their own mix of reggae-dub-rock-hiphop and latin jams, allowing anyone to recognize their sound as the SINIZEN sound, with the ever-so-smooth sax tone from Jorge Guzman, the thumping reggae bass from Ryan Harvey, the eclectic jazz drumming of Mike Manning and the six string slinger/singer K9. These boys have just put out this awesome reggae album and amazingly it is FREE. Yep I said FREE. Go to their website above and you can download your copy of Grass Roots Culture. Really digging this album. Every track is solid. So get your copy now and spread the word.


SINIZEN - Jamaican Queen


SINIZEN - Shoot Em Down


SINIZEN - Vibes

Tairo - Choeurs Et Ame -2009-
(Reggae, Soul)

From: France
Website: http://www.myspace.com/officieltairo

After making his name on the French ragga and dancehall scenes, Tairo is hoping for the same success in soul circles. Ismaël Jolé-Ménébhi was born in Paris to a Moroccan father and a French mother from Alsace. Choeurs Et Ame means Choir and Soul and that is exactly what this album has, Soul. Tairo makes some very melodic and simply very good reggae about life, love, hope, struggle and hope. If you speak French this album is probably even more amazing, but Tairo makes music that goes beyond spoken language. The whole album is full of some very very good reggae tunes. The beats and melodies are so good you instantly forget the lyrics are in French and start trying to sing along even though you don't speak a lick of French. A great mix of energy and soul. Enjoy!


Tairo - L'Animal Geint


Tairo - Jamais Eu

Dr. Dog - Shame, Shame -2010-
(Indie, Rock, Psychedelic)

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

Dr. Dog is a psychedelic rock group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which formed in 1999. The current lineup consists of Scott "Taxi" McMicken (vocals, guitar), Toby "Tables" Leaman (vocals, bass), Zach "Text" Miller (keyboards, guitar), Frank "Thanks" McElroy (guitar) and Eric "Teach" Slick (drums). There's a little folk, blues, indie rock, soul, bluegrass--and a whole lot of down-home harmonizing. It conjures images of old friends sitting on a porch swapping instruments and just letting the tape recorder run. Dr. Dog having evolved from a band whose primary creative outlet was the album-making process into one that favored the energy of their live performances, they knew they wanted to document the new dynamic they had developed on the road. Producer Rob Schnapf (Beck, Elliott Smith) was brought in to help peel back the intricate arrangements of last album Fate to reveal the raw immediacy of a tight five-man unit honing their craft. Shame, Shame is a very good album and is already a candidate for album of the year on many lists. Kick back and give these boys a listen.


Dr. Dog - Stranger


Dr. Dog - Shadow People


Dr. Dog - Station

Regan Perry - Wiser -2009-
(Reggae, Roots, Acoustic)

From: New Zealand
Website: http://reganlive.com/

Regan Perry is a roots reggae singer-songwriter from the King Country town of Te Kuiti. He has toured both as a solo artist and also as part of the roots reggae group Cornerstone Roots, throughout NZ, Australia & Japan. Regan Perry's debut solo album, Wiser, showcases his down-to-earth and easy-going nature and as a solo musician these qualities are brought to the forefront. Wiser was self-produced with the help of London-based Mike Neilson who has worked with the likes of U2, Bjork and Jamiroquai. Make no mistake though, this is the sound of 100% authentic NZ soul, roots and reggae! There is not a lot of info out there about Regan Perry, but what I did find and all anyone really needs to find is this amazing collection of extremely chill tunes that Mr. Perry has given us. Kind of a Jack Johnson and Donavon Frankenreiter vibe, but different in his own way with a little more reggae. Awesome tunes, the whole album is a fantastic listen from start to finish. Great musician, great tunes and a really cool backstory. Check this guy out! Watch the rest of the Regan: In His Own Words Documentary on YouTube.

Regan Perry - Wiser (Mike Nielson Mix)


Regan Perry - I Got A Girl


Regan Perry - Chill

Mike Zito - Pearl River -2009-
(Blues, Funk, Americana, Rock)

From: Nederland, Texas
Website: http://www.mikezito.com/

Mike Zito's newest album Pearl River is a a rollicking slice of Americana served up with heaping slabs of greasy New Orleans funk, gritty blues and good old fashioned rock 'n' roll. Zito has a road-hardened soulful voice and is a bad ass guitarist, which he shows off in fine fashion on just about every track. Pearl River stands as another solid achievement by Mike Zito who is joined this time out by a handful of special guests including Cyril Neville, Anders Osborne, Reese Wynans (Double Trouble), Susan Cowsill, Lynwood Slim and Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone.


Mike Zito - Pearl River


Mike Zito - One Step At A Time

Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More -2010-
(Folk, Bluegrass, Rock)

From: London
Website: http://www.mumfordandsons.com/

Inspired by folk, rock, country, and bluegrass, London-based quartet Mumford & Sons features singer/guitarist/drummer Marcus Mumford, vocalist and banjo/dobro player Winston Marshall, vocalist/keyboardist Ben Lovett and vocalist/bassist Ted Dwane. They create a gutsy, old-time sound that marries the magic of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young with the might of Kings Of Leon, and their incredible energy draws us in quickly to their circle of songs and to the warmth of their stories. Mumford & Sons’ take on British folk is far from traditional. There seems to be a big influence of 21st century Americana that runs through the album in the same vein as Fleet Foxes or Blitzen Trapper. Sigh No More is an impressive and spirited debut album from a band that holds a lot of promise for the future.


Mumford & Sons - The Cave


Mumford & Sons - Winter Winds


Mumford & Sons - Little Lion Man

Iration - Time Bomb -2010-
(Reggae, Rock, Dub)

From: Hawaii
Website: http://irationtheband.mp/

Iration recorded Time Bomb with the intention of making an album that appeals to everyone - it combines pop structures and melodies similar to those on their previous EP, Sample This, with a more rock/pop and electronic feel. Analog synthesizers and sweet guitar tones on each track help modernize their reggae rhythm base. Focusing on making each song a stand alone "hit," Iration approached each song differently in order to maximize the potential of each individual track. "We wanted to make an album that people can listen to over and over again without getting bored or tired of it." Time Bomb is Iration's best effort yet and these Hawaiian boys have made some really catchy tunes. Kind of sounds like a mix of UB40 and 311, to my ears anyway. Click HERE to listen to the full album.


Iration - Time Bomb


Iration - Coming Your Way


Iration - Falling