Marc B. - The Yellow Jelly (EP) -2008-
(Acoustic, Reggae, Surf)

From: Orange County, CA
Website: http://www.marcbmusic.com/

Marc B's music is made to mellow you out. His "Sublime-on-Marley" style is an honest representation of the laid back environment of the California coast. Marc was recently named as a nominee for Best Surf Artist at the upcoming Orange County Music Awards, standing alongside other nominees as The Offspring, Matt Costa, and The Vandals, all from OC. Now working with Oniric Records, Marc B has played with the likes of The White Buffalo, Matt Costa, The Dirty Heads, and others in such beachside locales like The US Open of SurfingHis single, 'The River' was featured in Pro Surfer Kelly Slater's 9th World Title video on Wetsand.com for millions to see. Nice vibe throughout, very chill tunes.


Marc B. - The River


Marc B. - Democracy


Marc B. - Comin' Up

Neil Young - Le Noise -2010-
(Rock)

From: California
Website: http://neilyoung.com/

Neil Young's newest album Le Noise is a collaboration between the acclaimed rock icon and musician, songwriter, and producer Daniel Lanois, known for his work with U2, Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel, Brian Eno and many others. Recorded in Lanois' home in the Silverlake area of Los Angeles, Le Noise features Young on acoustic and electric guitars with Lanois adding his trademark sonic textures, creating one of the most sonically arresting albums Young has ever recorded. No band, no overdubs, just ‘a man on a stool and me doing a nice job on the recording,’ as Lanois puts it. Le Noise may not be for everyone, but for Neil Young fans this is awsome. A very passionate and personal album where Neil shows the world that it is still possible to create new sounds even after 50 years of performing. Cheers Neil.


Neil Young - Walk With Me


Neil Young - Angry World


Neil Young - Peaceful Valley Boulevard

Matt Costa - Mobile Chateau -2010-
(Folk, Indie, Rock)

From: Huntington Beach, CA
Website: http://mattcosta.com/mcpreorder/

This is not the sound of the Matt Costa you have heard before. Costa is known by most for his similarities to Jack Johnson's surf/folk style, but Mobile Chateau strays far from that and at times sounds like a long lost Beatles album. I don't think many were thinking that Matt Costa would make an album that showcases his 2010 take on 60's pop and psychedelia and while it is an extreme change of sounds for Costa this collection of songs is a real retro blast that pleases from start to finish.


Matt Costa - Johnny's Love Of Majik


Matt Costa - Mobile Chateau


Matt Costa - Can You Tell Me


Matt Costa - Drive

Toubab Krewe - TK2 -2010-
(Afro-Beat, Rock, Folk, Jam)

From: Asheville, North Carolina
Website: http://www.toubabkrewe.com/mainsite.html

Toubab Krewe, the instrumental rock quintet from Asheville, NC with a West African musical education, creates "the national music of a country with no name that appears on no map," so it's appropriate that their latest studio album TK2, will be released by Nat Geo Music. Toubab Krewe are Teal Brown (drums), Drew Heller (guitar), Justin Perkins (kora, kamel ngoni, guitar), David Pransky (bass) and Luke Quaranta (percussion). Swirling together a jam band attitude and rock and folk music with their training and love for West African music, Toubab Krewe make some incredibly unique tunes. TK2 is heavier on the rock side, showing off more of their famous live energy and jam band sensibilities throughout the entire album. Put the headphones on for an unreal listening experience. A truly original band and an awesome album.


Toubab Krewe - Holy Grail


Toubab Krewe - Area Code


Toubab Krewe - Gine Fare

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Let It Sway -2010-
(Indie, Pop)

From: Springfield, Missouri
Website: http://www.morawk.com/boris/

Met at a Super Bowl party in 1999. Broncos vs. Falcons. Got the band name in 2000. Got a real singer in 2001. Can't remember anything in 2002. Parents and friends finally start liking us in 2003 or 2004. Broom 2005. First tour. Tom leaves the band for art school. Polyvinyl 2006. Our song is on The OC. The OC gets canceled. Boris Yeltsin dies 2007 and we play at his funeral in Moscow (66% true). Also in 2007: First Europe tour with Jakub. Mute Math/Cinematics tour. And Phil tries to kill John with a bar stool after a show. Pershing 2008. Jonathan briefly quits then rejoins the band. Maniac tour. 2009. We got 16 and Pregnant. Start recording LP3 with Walla and Beau. New album Let It Sway in August 2010.
I think that about sums it up in the bands own words. Ha Ha. Seriously these are some catchy, bouncy tunes. Quite an escape from previous records, but a very welcome addition to the collection.


SSLYBY - Back In The Saddle


SSLYBY - Sink/Let It Sway


SSLYBY - Made To Last

Martin Jondo - Sky Rider -2010-
(Reggae, Pop)

From: Berlin, Germany
Website: http://www.myspace.com/martinjondo

German reggae artist Martin Jondo got his start in 2002 when he joined future German reggae star Gentleman on tour, not as a musician but as a merchandiser selling T-shirts to the fans. Eventually, Gentleman took a chance on Jondo and brought him on-stage. When Jondo delivered his original composition "Rainbow Warrior," the crowd responded so positively that Gentleman gave his merchandiser his own spot in the show for the rest of the tour. Jondo has not looked back since. His newest album is a bit more rock and pop than previous LP's but Sky Rider is packed with a slew of upbeat and positive reggae/pop. Could only find the album for purchase in Europe. Sorry for the Euros, but I feel your pain believe me.


Martin Jondo - Mr. Sunshine


Martin Jondo - Golden Sun


Martin Jondo - Fast Forward

Aloe Blacc - Good Things -2010-
(Soul, R&B, Hip-Hop)

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

As a singer, rapper, multi-instrumentalist and producer, Blacc is an inventive experimenter, defying easy categorization. First discovered Blacc's music with the track 'I Need A Dollar' on the HBO show How To Make It In America and have been patiently awaiting his newest full length LP Good Things ever since. It was going to be hard to make an album full of tunes as good as Dollar, but Aloe Blacc has brought it with this effort. There are so many good retro soul sounding tunes throughout the album remniscent of classic soul artists like Curtis Mayfield or Marvin Gaye. Good Things marks a shift in methodology from personal to political for Aloe Blacc, who refers to the project as his report on present conditions the misappropriation of wealth, pillaging of resources, a universal lack of compassion, and the struggle to survive. You can catch Aloe Blacc touring So-Cal in early December.


Aloe Blacc - Miss Fortune


Aloe Blacc - Take Me Back


Aloe Blacc - If I


Aloe Blacc - I Need A Dollar

Peter Wolf Crier - Inter-Be -2010-
(Indie, Folk, Pop)

From: Minneapolis
Website: http://www.peterwolfcrier.com/

Music is a great thing people because you can find it in the most unlikely of places. On my flight home from Europe I heard Peter Wolf Crier on a Delta airlines radio station and it was so relaxing and soothing. Inter-Be is the debut album by Peter Wolf Crier, the Minneapolis-based duo of Peter Pisano and Brian Moen. The album was born on a single summer night when Pisano felt a torrent of creativity after what had felt, to him, like an endless dry spell. He shared the songs with Moen, and over the months that followed, at Moen's home, these rough tunes became what they are now: a confident collection of songs, but deceptive in that they sound like their very guts still reflect the thoughts of a doubtful man in transition. The tunes are melodic with sweet percussion and nice vocals. Nice find here. Thanks Delta.


Peter Wolf Crier - Hard As Nails


Peter Wolf Crier - Down Down Down


Peter Wolf Crier - Untitled 101

Junip - Fields -2010-
(Folk, Indie, Rock)

From: Sweden
Website: http://www.junip.net/

Junip is a project featuring Swedish singer-songwriter Jose Gonzalez and some his closest friends (Elias Araya is on drums, Tobias Winterkorn plays keyboards). The band began 10 years ago, but was sidetracked by the success Gonzalez found with his solo projects, particularly his awesome album Veneer. Veneer slowly built in popularity, ultimately selling more than 700,000 copies worldwide. Some of that hushed sound found on Veneer and again on In Our Nature can be heard in Junip's Fields. But the band has a rougher sound than Gonzalez's solo work with organs, synths, and drums just on the brink of distortion. The songs are often dynamic, melodic and shadowy, with a remarkable sonic approach that is simultaneously intimate and atmospheric. Really cool album and the first 3 tracks are brilliant.


Junip - In Every Direction


Junip - Always


Junip - Rope & Summit

Gogol Bordello - Trans-Continental Hustle -2010-
(Gypsy-Punk)

From: New York
Website: http://www.gogolbordello.com/us/home

Here is the eagerly-awaited fifth studio album from the very intriguing band who has created a genre all their own, Gypsy-Punk, and the first to be released since 2007's awesome Super Taranta!. Produced by Grammy award-winning producer Rick Rubin, Trans-Continental Hustle combines the band's radical invocations of positive primal energy and planetary consciousness with music infused with Ska, Metal, Punk, Rap, Dub and intimations of indigenous Brazilian sounds to produce a party maelstrom of electrifying proportions. Led by revolutionary agent of change and provocateur Eugene Hutz, Gogol Bordello, a nine-piece juggernaut of gypsy rebel soul, has become an international force to be reckoned with. Click the cover art above to download the album for only $3.99.


Gogol Bordello - My Companjera


Gogol Bordello - Sun on My Side


Gogol Bordello - Pala Tute

Michael Franti & Spearhead - The Sound Of Sunshine -2010-
(Rock, Reggae, Soul, Pop)

From: San Francisco
Website: http://michaelfranti.com/

The Sound Of Sunshine, the inspired and inspiring new album by Michael Franti & Spearhead is a kind of musical sun shower, a bright, beautiful and often buoyant song cycle created to bring all kinds of listeners a sense of hope during rough and rainy times for so many in our world. “Music is sunshine,” says Michael Franti, one of the most positive and conscious artists in music today. “Like sunshine, music is a powerful force that can instantly and almost chemically change your entire mood. Music gives us new energy and a stronger sense of purpose.” The Sound Of Sunshine is full of feel good and uplifting tracks which happen to be the perfect soundtrack to summer. Michael Franti has the ability to bring peace to your heart and joy into your soul. Enjoy!


Michael Franti & Spearhead - Hey Hey Hey


Michael Franti & Spearhead - The Only Thing Missing Was You


Michael Franti & Spearhead - The Sound Of Sunshine

I Am Oak - On Claws -2010-
(Acoustic, Folk)

From: Utrecht, Netherlands
Website: http://www.myspace.com/iamoak

I am Oak is the creative output of Dutch singer-songwriter Thijs Kuijken. Warm and soothing songs with an acoustic guitar and vocal backbone, complimented with strategically placed layers of colorful vocal harmonies, banjo, bass, organ and minimalistic beats and samples, all carefully constructed in his room. Debut album On Claws is dark but melancholy resembling the sound that Bon Iver and Sufjan Stevens have made huge over the past couple years. Favorite tracks so far are 'On Trees and Birds and Fire' and 'Don't I Know Enough'. You can check out all these beautiful tunes once again courtesy of the awesome BandCamp site. Click album art to purchase.

Mason Jennings - Live At First Ave. -2010-
(Singer-Songwriter, Folk, Rock)

From: Minneapolis, MN
Website: http://www.masonjennings.com/

Mason Jennings has finally released his first live album, Live At First Avenue. The live album was recorded during the last night of his fall 2009 Blood Of Man tour from the prestigious First Avenue venue in his hometown of Minneapolis, MN. The album features three unreleased songs: “Born”, “Grow Old With Me,” and “Lonely Computer Screen” as well as many other favorites. Have never gotten the chance to see him live so Live At First Ave. is an awesome experience and it does not disappoint. Mason Jennings is a fantastic singer-songwriter and this collection is a must for any fan. In addition to the live record, Jennings will release a new album this month. The Flood is a 15-song record featuring once lost and unrecorded songs that he has written over the past 18 years. Listen to Live At First Ave. in it's entirety courtesy of Mason's BandCamp page.

JJ Grey & Mofro - Georgia Warhorse -2010-
(Rock, Blues, Soul)

From: Jacksonville, Florida
Website: http://www.jjgrey.com/home

JJ Grey & Mofro concocts a vivid blend of blues, Southern rock and funk, complete with richly evocative lyrics and an easygoing sense of blue-collar storytelling…lucid, plainspoken American music. On Georgia Warhorse main man JJ Grey brings his intoxicating "swamp soul" back to the amazing form found on earlier records e.g. Lochloosa. Plain and simple JJ Grey & Mofro make some inspired, funky front porch soul delivered by a passionate and soulful singer. Some really nice cuts delivered here with a few guest appearances including Toots Hibbert and Derek Trucks. These boys are on tour now so buy some tix and the album and support this fantastic band. Listen to the whole album on the bands website and then when you become addicted go buy the album for $7.99 by clicking the album art above.


JJ Grey & Mofro - King Hummingbird


JJ Grey & Mofro - Hide and Seek


JJ Grey & Mofro - Lullaby

Kiwi - Mischief Reigns -2010-
(Reggae, Dub, Soul)

From: New Jersey
Website: http://www.myspace.com/kiwirootsmusic

Kiwi is the ongoing musical endeavor of Vera Sousa and Alex Tea, conceived in 1998. Grounded in roots rhythm, Kiwi invokes a variety of influences including the classics of Jamaican reggae, American folk, soul and R&B, traditional Brazilian music, jazz, and classical music. Praised for their intense vocal harmonies and stylings, Vera and Alex, at times accompanied by a diversity of musicians, bring a distinct and original experience to listeners worldwide. The long awaited Mischief Reigns is a warm, summery, skanking and hypnotic roots reggae album.


Kiwi - Lemon


Kiwi - Against The Wall


Kiwi - Return

Five Alarm Funk - Anything is Possible -2010-
(Funk, Rock, Afro-Beat)

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

This genre-spanning, groove-straddling third album from the heavy-set funk machine reveals 14 tunes of unbridled energy. Five Alarm Funk is a horn powered, percussion fueled sonic and visual assault. For more than six years the band has brought their relentless and unforgettable live show to clubs and major festivals across Canada and the United States. Anything is Possible is full of that relentless energy and will have you moving along to the sweet tunes before you know it. Really cool mixture of Funk, Prog-Rock and Afro-Beat. Gotta love some good Funk!


Five Alarm Funk - Demons Be Gone


Five Alarm Funk - Brother Egypt


Five Alarm Funk - Soft Six

Chief - Modern Rituals -2010-
(Rock, Folk)

From: Santa Monica, CA
Website: http://www.myspace.com/chieftheband

This shaggy quartet have fashioned an old fashioned classic debut album full of soaring melodies, shimmering guitars, lovelorn lyrics and idyllic four-part harmonies. Modern Rituals, is as rich and expansive as it is personal and intricate. This is a record so teeming with with the sounds of countless 70's musicians (especially Neil Young) you can start to feel transported to another time. Modern Rituals is a cohesive and effortlessly captivating introduction to a formidable new band. 'Night & Day' is a fantastic song! Fans of Fleet Foxes, Dawes or any good folk will really dig these guys.


Chief - Breaking Walls


Chief - In The Valley


Chief - Night & Day

Blue King Brown - Worldwize: Part 1 North & South -2010-
(Reggae, Dub, Afro-Beat)

From: Melbourne
Website: http://www.bluekingbrown.com/

Hailed by Santana as “The voice of the street and the band of the future!” The 8 to 11 piece powerhouse band that is Blue King Brown bring their cross generational grooves and socially conscious sound on Worldwize Part 1. The infectious energy and passion from lead singer, guitarist and percussionist Natalie Pa’apa’a is a driving musical force that has led BKB through an impressive touring history playing major festivals and venues in Australia through to USA, Canada, Japan and Europe. BKB deliver their now world renowned power packed live show featuring their home-grown, universally spoken language, delivered as hard hitting Urban Roots music. Worldwize Part 1 is split into 2 discs with the North disc being the bulk of the album with all the original material and the South disc is full of sweet dub-remixes. Some real catchy, high energy, funky and socially conscious/political tunes throughout. Blue King Brown rocks!


Blue King Brown - Say Peace


Blue King Brown - Resist

Pacific Dub - To The Sky EP -2010-
(Reggae, Dub, Rock)

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

Pacific Dub is one of the youngest and newest bands to solidify themselves in the California Reggae Rock scene. With over 100 performances in California and 2 albums released on iTunes within their first year of live shows… Pacific Dub shows no signs of losing momentum. Now 13 months after their introduction into the music industry, Pacific Dub yet again has surprised their fans with another 4 song album,To The Sky EP. Combining catchy alternative lyrics, heavy rock n’ roll melodies, and smooth reggae rhythms. To The Sky EP is an up-to-date representation of who and what Pacific Dub is all about, Reggae-Dub-Rock!


Pacific Dub - Lost In You


Pacific Dub - Waiting

Ray LaMontagne - God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise -2010-
(Folk, Soul, Acoustic)

From: Maine
Website: http://www.raylamontagne.com/

The master of mellow folk/soul is back and this time he brought some friends in the form of real tight backing band, The Pariah Dogs consisting of Jay Bellarose (drums), Jennifer Condos (bass), Patrick Warren (keyboard), Eric Heywood (guitar) and Greg Leisz (pedal steel guitar). Individually these musicians have contributed to the live work of such heralded musicians including Beck, Joe Henry, Tom Waits, Lucinda Wlliams, Ryan Adams and Joe Cocker to name a few of their career highlights. Together with Ray they shared a sense that the sessions for this record were rare and extraordinary. God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise finds LaMontagne in top form following the successful formula from his debut with a little bit more rock and country thrown into the mix. The tracks here are spilling over with soul (Van Morrison anyone), carried by Ray's signature emotional and rough voice floating over a perfect arsenal of strings and skins. Some instant LaMontagne classics to be found throughout. On tour NOW with David Gray.


Ray LaMontagne - Repo Man


Ray LaMontagne - God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise


Ray LaMontagne - Beg Steal Or Borrow