A few months ago, the Dispatch website became quite active for the first time in almost 3 years. A mysterious countdown appeared on the website which turned out to be for the announcement of 6, now 12 concert dates scattered around the U.S.

In 2004, Dispatch played their final show in Boston at Hatch Shell. The show was intended to have in the range of 10-30 thousand. It is estimated that over 100 000 people showed up for the event. In 2007, Dispatch came back for a charity concert entitled ‘Zimbabwe’ at Madison Square Garden, selling out its tickets almost immediately after going on sale.

The 2011 concerts are as follows:

June 3- Morrison, Colorado at Red Rocks
June 4- Morrison, Colorado at Red Rocks
June 5- Morrison, Colorado at Red Rocks
June 7- Chicago, Illinois at UIC Pavilion
June 8- Chicago, Illinois at Millenium Park
June 11- Berkeley, California at Greek Theatre
June 12- Los Angeles, California at Greek Theatre
June 18- Harrison, New Jersey at Red Bull Arena
June 21- Atlanta, Georgia at Chastain Park
June 24- Boston, Massachusetts at TD Garden
June 25- Boston, Massachusetts at TD Garden
June 26- Boston, Massachusetts at TD Garden

Since their break-up in 2004, members of Dispatch have done a few separate acts such as State Radio as well as solo careers. With these new shows, Dispatch has also recently said that they will be coming out with a new album sometime during the year. It is going to be a great summer!

**For Tickets click on the Dispatch logo above**

Kooii - In This Life -2010-
(Afro-Beat, Reggae, Jazz)

From: Brisbane
Website: http://www.kooiimusic.com/

Rising out of the fertile soil of Brisbane's West End, Kooii has nurtured a uniquely local sound that weaves musical influences from around the world. Almost five years after their landmark debut album Beads On a String, Brisbane's innovators of Afro-Reggae have released their second LP entitled In This Life. Recorded over the last eight months, the band have once again collaborated with Paulie B (The Beautiful Girls, Tanuki Dub), engineer/producer extraordinaire of Kooii's stunning debut album. Whilst the edgy, driving Afro-rhythms of In This Life steer the group towards uncharted territory, the music is still laden with the stirring harmonies and sublime lyricism, inherent in Kooii's distinctive sound. The music is organic and the vibes flow throughout each fantastic track.


Kooii - What On Earth


Kooii - One Step


Kooii - Preparations

SOJA - Everything Changes (Single) -2010-
(Reggae, Dub, Roots)

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

New 2 song single from one of the best in the business when it comes to reggae. 'Everything Changes' has been a staple of live shows for awhile now and it is good to hear a nice polished studio version, but for that matter it is just good to hear anything from Soldiers Of Jah Army. Born In Babylon was one of the best albums of the year and I for one cannot wait for the next full length LP. But in the meantime check out the regular and remix of 'Everything Changes', it is a really nice track.


SOJA - Everything Changes

Full Service - Roaming Dragons -2010-
(Acoustic, Rock, Reggae)

From: Austin, TX
Website: http://www.fullservicemusic.com/

You don't often see a metal band come out with an album that is a great mixture of acoustics, percussion, harmonies, and folk influences, but that is exactly what Full Service delivers to the listener on Roaming Dragons. Lead singer and writer Hoag explains the reason for this drastically different approach and sound, "This album is defined by harmony. As I grieved for a lost love, I sought the compliment, the harmony, to grief, which to me is music. And as I was losing a love, I sought and found a love, which is Roaming Dragons." Overall the album is a blend of acoustic guitars, harmonized vocals, and just enough percussion. Other instruments, especially a melodica, are seamlessly strewn throughout the album giving each track its own unique sound.


Full Service - Lately


Full Service - Roaming Dragons

The Old Ceremony - Tender Age -2010-
(Indie, Pop, Rock)

From: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Website: http://theoldceremony.com/

The Old Ceremony is led by songwriter Django Haskins, and includes bassist Matt Brandau, drummer Dan Hall, vibes/organist Mark Simonsen, and violinist/keyboardist Gabriel Pelli. TOC plays lush, literate rock and with over six years of touring and four albums under their belt, the band occupies its own darkly lit corner of the musical world. It is a corner filled with ominous rumblings and world-weary but hopeful characters. The sound of Tender Age the latest release from TOC draws a lot of inspiration from 60's folk/pop. Commercially poppy and a little psychedelic, Tender Age has some real nice tracks. The middle of the album lags a bit, but overall a very nice effort.


The Old Ceremony - Tender Age


The Old Ceremony - Ruined My Plans

Bantaba - From The Ground Up -2010-
(Reggae, Dub, Roots)

From: Germany
Website: http://www.bantabamusic.de/

Bantaba is one of many fine German reggae bands making a name for themselves. Their exciting and authentic take on reggae is on display throughout From The Ground Up. Heavy bass lines alongside tight drum grooves, mighty organs, nyahbinghi-rhythms, tickling guitar licks and some sweet horns-arrangements are what are in store for you. Bantaba is an up-and-comer in the reggae world so keep an eye out. Real chill tunes.


Bantaba - Eagle


Bantaba - Gratitude


Bantaba - When I Cry

Fistful of Mercy - As I Call You Down -2010-
(Acoustic, Rock, Folk)

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

Debut from super-trio featuring Ben Harper, Dhani Harrison (George's son) and Joseph Arthur. The trio formed in early 2010 and wasted little time before laying down tracks for what would become As I Call You Down. Deeply melodic and willfully groovy (thanks, in part, to world-class session drummer Jim Keltner), As I Call You Down shines with acoustic guitars, some killer slide from Harper, and those undeniable harmonies. It’s the sound of three very experienced musicians, each used to running his own show, coming together and having a ball. Written, produced and recorded in Harper's studio, As I Call You Down is comprised of nine songs complete with soulful harmonies and blues-infused folk guitar seamlessly blended with an indie rock backbone. As I Call You Down effortlessly crosses through genre defining borders and is sure to please fans of all three performer's previous work, while welcoming new listeners with open arms. Download album for only $3.99! by clicking album cover above.


Fistful of Mercy - As I Call You Down


Fistful of Mercy - Fistful of Mercy


Fistful of Mercy - Father's Son

Katchafire - On The Road Again -2010-
(Reggae, Dub)

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

For over a decade, Katchafire have been ambassadors of roots reggae music in New Zealand. Three long years after the release of their last offering Say What You're Thinking, Katchafire present their highly anticipated new album On The Road Again. Katchafire's sound has always thrived off their strong cultural identity and self awareness. Their music embodies the feel good nature of life in rural New Zealand towns. On The Road Again is a testament to life spent on tour since the release of 'Say What You're Thinking'. Over the past three years Katchafire, the hardest working band in New Zealand, have toured religiously across New Zealand, Australia, the greater Pacific (including Hawaii) and USA playing to over 30,000 people at selected events. The album is a melting pot of musical sensibilities including Jamaican dance-hall, r'n'b, roots, reggae and funk. Katchafire never disappoints and always puts out incredible reggae tunes.


Katchafire - On The Road Again


Katchafire - Yr Dreaming


Katchafire - Groove Again

The Radio Dept - Never Follow Suit E.P. -2010-
(Indie, Pop, Dub)

From: Stockholm, Sweden
Website: http://theradiodept.com/

Though Swedish indie pop trio The Radio Dept have only released three LP’s in nearly a decade, they have always put out a string of EP’s in between. Never Follow Suit is one of these EP's following the release of The Radio Dept critically acclaimed new album Clinging On A Scheme. Alongside three new songs, and a lengthy trip hop remix by Pistol Disco, Never Follow Suit EP finds the outfit meddling with the familiar shoegaze and dream pop genres, whilst shifting into the land of dub. Johan Duncanson’s distinct reverberated vocalization helps fabricate the dreamy landscapes and certain inkling of nostalgia The Radio Dept is famous for; backed with the aforementioned dub, Never Follow Suit indicates the trio is definitely broadening their horizons.


The Radio Dept - The One


The Radio Dept - Never Follow Suit

James Vincent McMorrow - Early In The Morning -2010-
(Folk, Pop, Acoustic)

From: Dublin
Website: http://www.jamesvmcmorrow.com/

James Vincent McMorrow released his debut record, Early in the Morning, in Ireland to widespread critical acclaim in February 2010. A stunning collection of songs recorded over 5 months in an isolated house by the sea, the album is a completely self recorded and played affair, filled with beguiling and vivid stories, fables that move from a whisper in your ear to a mountainous crescendo in the space of a song, all the while retaining the environment and sentiment in which they were formed. Whatever that near future might hold, you get the strongest sense that there are some truly wondrous things to come for this man. “Music to me is this fluid notion, I’ve captured one element of it with this album, but there are endless others out there to be sung and written about”. If you are a fan of Bon Iver or Iron & Wine you will absolutely love James Vincent McMorrow!

James Vincent McMorrow - If I Had A Boat


James Vincent McMorrow - This Old Dark Machine


James Vincent McMorrow - Down The Burning Ropes

Lupe Fiasco - The Show Goes On (Single) -2010-
(Hip-Hop)

Website: http://www.lupefiasco.com/

'The Show Goes On' is the first single from Lupe Fiasco's upcoming album Lasers, which drops March 8th. The track is produced by Kane Beatz and features samples from Modest Mouse. Lupe is a very creative hip-hop artist and Lasers has been in limbo for quite some time but it should be a damn good album. Click album art above to purchase track.


Lupe Fiasco - The Show Goes On

Ziggy Marley - Wild and Free Singles -2010-
(Reggae)

From: Kingston, Jamaica
Website: http://www.ziggymarley.com/

Ziggy Marley has decided to record a series of singles called the Wild and Free Singles. He is in between albums and has said that it is very hard for him not to make music so he is recording these singles as they come to him and releasing them for free download for everyone. The first track 'Africa Land' was "for the world cup in Africa as a way of cheering on Africa as one team and celebrating a new day in African history. " The second single 'A Fire Burns For Freedom' is celebratory tribute to marijuana. Any new material from Ziggy is always welcome, but to get these new tracks for free is very cool. Click the cover art above to download your free copies.


Ziggy Marley - Africa Land


Ziggy Marley - A Fire Burns For Freedom

Custom Kings - Great Escape -2010-
(Rock, Folk, Jam)

From: Melbourne
Website: http://www.myspace.com/customkings

Custom Kings grabbed my attention with their first EP while on vacation in OZ and I haven't been able to stop listening some 6 years later. Nick Vorrath, Luke Gale, Craig Shanahan and Jarrad Brown make some incredibly catchy tunes. They started out being a little more reggae with an almost Aussie hip-hop vibe, but over the last couple of albums have developed more of a folky pop style which also suits them. They are a very versatile band which has also spanned more than a couple side projects including last years awesome Joe Neptune album. Great Escape marked a shift in the way the band approached the recording process. Stepping out of the "bedroom", the band set up camp at Melbourne's legendary Sing Sing for a two-week recording session, working with long-time collaborator and producer Steven Schram. The enjoyment of this style is evident throughout Great Escape, an album that bursts with warm melodies and sunny arrangements. Great Escape is a sublime musical journey that treats listeners to intelligent, whimsical story telling but also some more driving moments that channel Californian surf sounds of the 60s and 70s, as well as early 90s indie pop. Great instrumentation and glorious harmonies await you. Check out this album and their whole discography for a wonderful musical discovery.


Custom Kings - Great Escape


Custom Kings - Indigo


Custom Kings - Sunday

Offshore - Offshore -2010-
(Reggae, Rock)

From: Netherlands
Website: http://www.myspace.com/musicbyoffshore

Offshore is a multi-cultural reggae band out of the Netherlands with members of Aruban, Dutch, Polish and Indian descent. Lead guitarist/vocalist Vincent Tonk does a great job on vocals and just has a great voice for reggae music. The instrumentation is tight throughout and the variety of sounds is nice on a reggae album. Relaxing but upbeat at the same time. Really nice vibe created by Offshore on their debut. Any fan of the reggae/rock genre will thoroughly enjoy these guys.


Offshore - Steer The Way


Offshore - Dredlove


Offshore - Close My Eyes

The White Buffalo - Prepare For Black & Blue -2010-
(Rock, Folk, Acoustic)

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

The White Buffalo a.k.a Jake Smith, is a throwback to the time of hard touring and hard drinking artists who really lived what they sang about. Smith is complex, gifted and compelling. Everything about Smith is larger than life, from his towering stature, to his quaking bravado. At moments, Smith's songs are wrought in tenderness, and in the next, he allows the grit to surface. Educated by Tom Waits, Radiohead, Elliot Smith, Waylon Jennings and his parents collection of country music, these touchstones steep into Smith's harrowing lyrical content. Prepare For Black & Blue is an amazing EP and while the songs are absolutely amazing we are left wanting more only because the music is so fantastic. Hopefully with The White Buffalo joining Ruff Shod Records (State Radio label) we will be blessed with more and more White Buffalo material. Doesn't get better than this. Support this guy and see him live. Classic! Get the EP for $3.99 by clicking the album art above.


The White Buffalo - Love Song #2


The White Buffalo - Oh Darlin What Have I Done


The White Buffalo - Into The Sun

Stick Figure - The Reprise Sessions -2010-
(Reggae, Dub)

From: San Diego
Website: http://www.stickfiguremusic.com/

Stick Figure a.k.a Scott Woodruff has returned once again to bring you a fourth full length studio album, The Reprise Sessions. This new album marks the first official release of the new 4-piece band. Scott relocated from back east to sunny San Diego and is now joined by Brendan Dane (San Diego) on bass, Todd Smith (San Clemente) on drums and Kevin Bong (San Diego) on keys. Maintaining their roots, while expanding their musicianship, Stick Figure has created 12 freshly polished signature tracks, blending roots reggae with heavy hard-hitting dub and bass rhythms. Written, recorded and self-produced, The Reprise Sessions includes several brand new tracks as well as some older material that has been revamped and reworked, producing a more cohesive, lively and high energetic sound than ever before.


Stick Figure - Gone


Stick Figure - Long Lost Way


Stick Figure - Dead End Street

Kings Of Leon - Come Around Sundown -2010-
(Rock, Alternative)

From: Nashville, Tennessee
Website: http://www.kingsofleon.com/

Pretty much everyone who hasn't been living under a rock has heard Kings Of Leon by now. But just in case you haven't had a chance to discover their fantastic new album, here is your chance. Kings of Leon formed in 1999 and consists of brothers Anthony “Caleb” Followill (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Ivan “Nathan” Followill (drums, percussion, backing vocals) and Michael “Jared” Followill (bass guitar, backing vocals), with their cousin Cameron “Matthew” Followill (lead guitar, backing vocals). Come Around Sundown is the follow-up to the hugely successful Only By The Night, which sold over six million copies worldwide and garnered four Grammy Awards. Come Around Sunshine is maxed out in it's diversity, which has songs ranging from Gospel, Post-Punk to Country and 50's style Doo-Wop. While it is a little more commercial than previous albums Come Around Sunshine is a fantastic listen from one of the top bands in the music biz.


Kings Of Leon - Radioactive


Kings Of Leon - Pyro

The Romany Rye - Highway 1: Looking Back Carefully -2009-
(Folk, Rock, Indie)

From: Los Angeles
Website: http://www.myspace.com/theromanyrye

The Romany Rye is the brainchild of Luke MacMaster, who after playing guitar in more straight ahead rock ‘n’ roll bands now finds himself playing some of the most beautiful, insightful and epic indie folk rock in some time. MacMaster recorded and self-released this his first record, Highway 1: Looking Back Carefully, under the Romany Rye moniker back in late 2009 and is now touring with a full band and opening for the likes of Dawes(right now) and Delta Spirit, which has exposed his music up to a whole new cross-section of music fans. The Romany Rye’s sound recalls everything from the greats like Neil Young to more contemporary acts like Wilco and Band of Horses. MacMaster is a skilled songwriter, weaving contemplative metaphors with relatable stories and situations. Get ready to become an instant fan of this incredibly powerful and moving music. The last track on the album, Untitled (Love Song) is a classic and shows off the amazing potential of MacMaster and his crew. Purchase on iTunes by clicking the album above.


The Romany Rye - Brother


The Romany Rye - Long Way Down


The Romany Rye - Untitled (Love Song)

Horrorshow - Inside Story -2009-
(Hip-Hop)

From: Sydney
Website: http://www.elefanttraks.com/horrorshow.php

Horrorshow are two 22 year olds from inner west Sydney: Adit produces the music - Solo handles the vocals. Horrorshow bring the energetic optimism and anxiousness of post-school pre-mortgage times to life, with vividly true poetics. The coming to terms with what will ultimately be lifelong memories: from overseas travel and the perspective it provides; to self-realisation and adulthood. The lyrical and musical sophistication defy their youthfulness - but they play it humble and earnest, stripping away any pretension. Inside Story is hip hop to its bones: but Solo holds notes as comfortably as rhyme flows, and Adit's production is deep, with lush strings and evocative samples painting the picture. Inside Story is the album that arguably positions Horrorshow as the cream of the hip-hop crop.


Horrorshow - The Show


Horrorshow - Thoughtcrime

Bedouin Soundclash - Light The Horizon -2010-
(Reggae, Dub, Soul)

From: Toronto
Website: http://www.bedouinsoundclash.com/

The band that has been bringing Jamaica to Canada for years is at it again on Light The Horizon. A hiatus last year threatened the future of this incredible band but they are back with a new lineup, a renewed vigor and a new label. “It’s just all kind of a new beginning,” bass player Eon Sinclair says. “We made a lot of changes, and there is now just a positive energy to everything we do. I feel like we’re slightly more progressive musically, and our position is improved on everything from the way we release our records to our health.” New drummer Sekou Lumumba adds a new texture and tightness that does not seem like it was there before. Bedouin has always been able to create catchy tunes, but this album finds the boys hitting another gear in their song making. The band's fourth album is their most creative and intelligent effort yet. Channeling the likes of The Clash and The Police, Bedouin Soundclash has put out an almost perfect album. Light The Horizon is a progression of the band's evolution combined with elements of singer Jay Malinowski's adventurous solo album. Bedouin Soundclash are an unmatched talent in the music biz, and with each album they grow and branch out, creating new and exciting tunes.


Bedouin Soundclash - May You Be The Road


Bedouin Soundclash - Brutal Hearts


Bedouin Soundclash - Elongo


Bedouin Soundclash - Mountain Top