Carly Simon - Moonlight Serenade

Columbia/Sony BMG

8 years ago Carly Simon released her last new disc. Until now. Moonlight Serenade, released this year, is a glorious new disc from jazz legend Simon. She rerecords smash jazz hits onto this new record, ranging from amazing tracks like "Moonglow" to beautiful, soothing tracks like "I've Got You Under My Skin." She's got history, ranging from the failed marriage to James Taylor, to the also failed musical stardom with her sisters under the name The Simon Sisters. She hit her peak in 1972, with her legendary hit "You're So Vain" which hit No. 1.
This new CD is absolutely beautiful. Each song flows from one to the next, leaving the listener with a feeling of resting on clouds, with her angelic voice peaking from behind. The arrangements, as always, sounds spotless, with the help of Richard Perry, her acclaimed producer, which makes the entire experience breathtaking. She can still, after 60 years, hit all the notes that she could when she was 25, and make them all sound spotless.
Moonlight Serenade, with no surprise, debuted at No. 7 on the charts. With any hope she will continue to churn out such spotless albums as this in the future.

XIT - Ten In Texas

Icehouse Music (Release Date: August 30th)

Texas never ceases to amaze. Not counting our currently political situation, Texas brings out the best of country, jazz, and blues. Ten In Texas is a compilation of some of Icehouse's legends (Willie Nelson, for starters) and some new acts, like the up and coming jazz singer, Ruthie Foster. The name came from the 'greatest cattle ranch brands,' which was one of the largest cattle operations in history, stretching almost three million acres. Yet on a positive note, this compilation is honestly an album of instant hits. All are new recordings (some brand new, some rerecorded), and have brilliant production from the legend that is Ray Benson, frontman of Asleep at the Wheel.
Willie Nelson, as always, seems to be the star of this CD. His track is a live version of "Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys", which seems to be able to scream brilliance without even breaking a sweat. Other great tracks include Carolyn Wonderland's "Honky Tonk Heroes," a jazz hit to hit any cowboy or cowgirl's soul, and Terri Hendrix's "Cowboy", a brilliant country hit. Texas never seemed more alive.

Chris Beard - Live Wire!

NorthernBlues/Big'Daddy

In a world where music has lost all talent and originality, it's amazing to find someone to give hope back into music. Son of Joe Beard, Chris Beard plays blues how its supposed to be played: soulful and heartfelt. Beard plays guitar like nothing I've seen today. Fast, right on, and beautiful. He grew up playing in his father band, Cameo, at the age of 15, and has been tearing up live stages ever since. It was late in his career when he began to do recorded material, such as Barwalkin, which, not surprisingly, earned him a nomination as Best New Blues Artist for the W.C. Handy award. From there, his career has skyrocketed. Him and his band tours well over 2/3's of the year, leaving diehard fans in his wake.
Seemingly not-content with his past studio albums, Beard decided that a live album was in store. And it turned out marvelous. It captures the feel of a live show, the crowd participation, the solos, and the energy, which is quickly turning him into a star. "Street Of Broken Dreams" could definitely be one of the strongest points of the album, speaking of the ever-common theme of dealing with the hard life of working long days, with nothing going right, which most can certainly relate to. The composition is superb with his signature solos and perfect fitting horn lines.
This man shines with stardom, and hopefully his name will soon be a household one. When he comes to a town near you, I would definitely suggest going out and seeing him.

Pickin' On Blake Shelton - Bar Light

CMH

Blake Shelton's legend returns with "Bar Light", a tribute to Shelton, which brings his own unique blend of bluegrass and country, living up to the soul of the south. He's created a name for himself, as a Southern boy who can sing his heart out. His past hits included "Austin", which stayed on the Billboard No. 1 Country Single for five weeks.
This new album seems to put less emphasis on his social dilemmas (heartbreak, love, divorce), and pick songs more about another of his dilemmas: alcohol. The songs picked were great choices. "All Over Me" was done incredibly well, as if you were there watching Blake himself. Bar Light even includes an original composition, entitled "Oklahoma Shakedown", which is an instant hit to any Shelton fan, taking his signiture sound and crafting it to the Pickin' On players own feel. Country covered by bluegrass - it's a natural translation that will have you speeding down the highway towards the hopeful horizon.

Various Artists - Hip Hop Roots

Tommy Boy

Hip Hop has taken over the airwaves, and the life of most of the youth of America. While a fan, it still depresses me to see most of the people of America not know the tunes they are singing. This CD hopes to correct this error. It collects some of the most popular samples and puts them on one CD. With legends such as Jimmy Castor Bunch and David Bowie, this is an album you can listen to from beginning to end without even thinking about skipping tracks. Tom Silverman, founder of Tommy Boy records, personally compiled and produced this album.
There is honestly not much to say that hasn't already been said about these amazing tracks. Lyn Collins "Think About It" is a legend, and is so soulful it could bring tears of joy to your eyes. On the opposite side of the spectrum, the Monkees "Mary, Mary" is one of those hits that will not leave your head, even if you wanted it to. And showed to the radio-listening teen, you will be sure to have them intrigued, listening intently to hear the sample from Jay-Z's "99 Problems" or Run DMC's "Peter Piper". A recap of where the phenomenon of Hip Hop has came from, this is one amazing release.
Shelton's Single of the Week: Lyn Collins feat. The JBs "Think (About It)"

I-94 Don't Get Nervous

BootDisk/ADA. (Will be released in September)

While still new to the record industry, with this only being their first full length to date, I-94 has been the background music to television shows all over the spectrum (from MTV's Road Rules to HBO's Six Feet Under). The band has made their songs known, yet are just beginning to get their name out there. It is their marketing strategy: get the hooks in people's heads, then get people to say "Oh, it's this song!" when heard through the airwaves.
Their sound is reminiscent of many of the alternative rock's one hit wonders, such as Three Doors Down and Matchbox Twenty, yet seem to have more hits on one CD than the rest did in their entire careers. With much more electronic hits like "One Thing" and songs more on the ballad-y side, such as "Plasticine", be prepared to see this band soon on MTV and your favorite radio station soon. Let's just hope that their 15 minutes arenÕt gone before they start.

Eric Benet - Hurricane

Friday/Reprise/Warner Bros.

Eric Benet follows in the footsteps of pop soul from chart hits, taking influence seemingly from everyone from Ricky Martin to Michael Jackson. Hurricane is his most polished work to date. With the question on every ones mind about his failed marriage to Halle Berry, this album seems to answer the gossip. The entire album flows from one depressing ballad to the next. Not that that is a bad thing, it's actually far from it: it means this man is soulful.
Benet is definitely writing from experience. He is certainly not joking when he sings lines like "God only knows what a heart can survive/So many tears from all the pain in your life." Not every track is a downer though. There is a few songs about the positives of love, like "India", which is a ballad about his daughter under the same name. The production is incredibly well done, and last, but not least, his voice. His voice is top notch. It feels almost as if he is painting rather than singing; it flows that well. The man sure loves the falsetto, but can definitely hit the notes he needs to.

Fatty Koo - House Of Fatty Koo

Sony Urban/DAS/Columbia

Fatty Koo are interesting. Musically, they are good. Undeniably. They know what they are doing, even though they are all very young (at least one of them is 17). But what makes them interesting is what they are doing. As we speak, their reality show on BET entitled "Blowin' Up!: Fatty Koo", which is jumping on the bandwagon of these sort of things, showing how the band writes their album. While seemingly a corporate sham, it doesn't change the fact that this isn't something that you come by everyday. The group supposedly met on The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, wrote a few songs, and hit it off from there.
The music is an interesting combination of Hip Hop culture. The songs travel from one to the next, a unique mix of R&B and club Hip Hop, along with a bit of latin flavor twisted together. The production is great; the beats flow really well, the harmonies turned out splendid and the overall sound is amazing. And it's not as if they are a crew, or just a solo artist featuring a few others. It's actually a collective of six people, working together to put out music that represents them all individually. They have created a beautiful work of art. But the best part? An insert covered with lyrics and pictures. The last time I saw this I was listening to Aesop Rock.

Dredg - Catch Without Arms

Interscope

I've heard the band described as metal, but honestly, I couldn't see it if my life depended on it. They are art rock from A-Z. Dredg are one of those bands that bring one interesting after the next. The band's new album is a mesmerizing turn and twist of a roller coaster with new and exciting things around each corner. They have been around the Bay Area for some time now, but this album seems to mark the beginning of their growing popularity.
Catch Without Arms is a epic journey from one point to the next. The guitarist loves delay and seems to have the technique down, and really knows how to get catchy riffs to stick into people's head. Not that that is the driving force of the band. No, the vocals drive the band with artistic and original lyrics, and not quite the most average vocal lines. The vocals are vaguely reminiscent of Alkaline Trio, yet with less hooks and more pauses. Electronics clutter this release, seeming to be the focus of what the band is about; trying to do something different and interesting while still keeping the rock intertwined. Almost the highlight of this album is the artwork. Its a masterpiece on its own. The center booklet contains a picture of a devil intertwined with an angel, and the words "let the demons have their place...if so its angels youÕll create". Keep an eye out for them on the road now with Mewithoutyou.
Seth's Single of the Week: Dredg's "The Tanbark Is Hot Lava"

Wendy Williams - Brings The Heat, Vol. 1

Virgin/EMI

Wendy Williams, self proclaimed "Queen of all Media", brings her favorite in Hip-Hop and R&B to a CD put out by Virgin. Williams has been called everything from "Shock-Jock Diva" to "the Queen of Dish" for her notorious radio personality and interviews with stars like Jennifer Lopez. Her collection seems to represent her with all of that urban feel of club Hip Hop and a surprisingly large amount of female artists, which always is a plus.
Known names such as Jermaine Dupri and Black Rob clutter this, with other up and coming artist like Amerie and Deemi on their too. Sexist, as always, yet the beats are all really good and almost every artist on here has great flow. The definite highlight on Bring The Heat is the cameo by the ever-amazing Nas, leaving all other artists left behind. Brooke Valentine, a newer R&B artist, brings a strong feel of groups such as Destiny's Child and the like, yet has a bit of flare that none of the mainstream "Dance Hip Hop" has. Definitely a step ahead of talentless rap ala Lil' John, this is definitely an album to pick up if you are in the mood to discover some interesting new artists.

The Wallflowers - Rebel, Sweetheart

Interscope

It seemed that the Wallflowers 15 minutes were up after "Bringing Down the Horse" hype had fallen. Yet the critics may be wrong. Rebel, Sweetheart brings a sound the band has not experienced much of the past. After 3 years in reclusive writing, leaving behind their guitar driven hits of the past for a much more relaxed, ballad feel, Jacob Dylan seems to find a comfortable place for himself. The band seems to fit together a bit better with the addition of drummer Fred Eltringham, former drummer of teen-angst hitter Ben Kweller, who definitely adds a bit of feel of his previous project.
Jacob Dylan's historical father, Bob Dylan, definitely can be heard in younger Dylan's voice, and vaguely in his guitar playing. The keyboard is definitely the backbone of the music, yet for some reason mixed fairly low. "God Says Nothing Black" seems to be a great song off the album, though probably not hit material. Tymponies seem to accent the song beautifully. The guitar work is much more precise than any of their past works. Jacob seems to be onto something good here. Maybe one day he might actually step out of his fathers shadow.

Various Artists - Songs For Sophie: A Collings Collective

FGM

First and foremost, this CD is out there to raise funds for a young Sophie McCreary, suffering from early onset bipolar disorder. The story is, in all honesty, an incredibly touching one and a cause that is certainly a cause worth helping. All the artists on here are doing this for free to help the medical expenses of Sophie. And, as the title seems to suggest, all artists use Collings guitars and mandolins, which can speak for themselves with the tone they get on this recording.
The songs on this album are truthfully breathtaking. The talent that many of these people have is not something easily discovered. Many of these artists are legends in their own right and have been playing their entire lives. The styles range a bit, but all seem to be a general singer/songwriter folk/country feel to them. One of my favorites on this release is Keith Sewell's "Guardian Angels". While no vocals, the guitar works is superb. It honestly made me gasp in awe of the beauty and skill that must be possessed to work an instrument in that manner. With hope, this will help the family of young Sophie and possibly work towards her rehabilitation, or control of the disorder. For more information, check out the website at http://www.anm.com/sophie.

Various Artists - Music From The Motion Picture Must Love Dogs

Epic

Like most Soundtracks to mainstream movies, Must Love Dogs collects the up and coming and legends onto one CD, with definite highs and lows. The movie is a rare John Cusack love film, about the new sensation of the present day internet geeks and cyber nerds: online dating communities. The divorcee becomes intrigued with Diane Lane's characters and the romantic comedy erupts from there.
The soundtrack seems to follow this trend, taking the new and the old alike, and trying to throw them in a blender and get something for the young and old. Indie rock stars Rilo Kiley hands a track onto this release, and pulls off the cute, fun feel that they are legendary for. Sheryl Crow, also one of the big names, pulls another pseudo-country pop hit out that continues to swerve in and out of your mind, as her voice knows how to do so well. Our pot-smoking editor predicts (put it on the record!) that Susie Suh, who puts on a surprisingly original electronic folk/singer-songwriter sound, will be the next big hit.

Sepultura - Roots

Roadrunner (Dual Disc)

Masters of metal return with their ten bazillianth release to date. The artwork and pictures suggest a much more tribal feel to them, which Sepultura do splice into their almost nu-metal feel that they are notorious for, and has created them a cult following across the country. Legends in their own right, they are just now finishing up another album, due out soon, and their live DVD. The band has been together forever, having headlined Ozzfest and millions of other metal festivals in the past, and have influenced more metal acts than one could name in five minutes.
Roots, as mentioned above, adds a hint of primitive tribal feel to them. Not enough to lose their angry teenage audience, but enough to make most people sit up in their chair and say "what on Earth??". The lyrics are the same as always ("These scars won't heal/What were you thinking/What a wonderful world/ You're full of shit), except on a few tracks, such as Ratamahatta, singing in a language that fits the theme. The second disc contains unreleased demoed tracks and remixes that are must have for the hardcore fans.

Various Artists - Now Music 19

Zomba/Capitol

The Now collections have been popping up over and over in the past 7 years, with a new one at least every 6 month, churning up the new hot hits playing through the airwaves. Volume 19 is really no exception. Everything hot on the airwaves is truly on here. Gwen Stefani, who is one of the hottest pop stars at the moment, contributes "Hollaback Girl", that hit song that is always on the radio that no one can stop listening to. Everyones most loved and hated white rapper, Eminem, adds a song also. But the real stars of the album is the last group on there, the Gorillaz. After releasing their new album, this group is truly a force to be reckoned with. Talented, catchy, and all around original, this is definitely the highlight of the album.

Fifteen - Extra Medium Kick Ball Star

Sub City

Two years ago I had the religious experience to see Jeff Ott speak. He looked like a typical down-towner: oversized shirt, jeans, glasses, and not too much to put him apart from anyone else in the crowd. On stage, though, the man had more personality than Mick Jagger's lips. He talked for almost two hours, showed a video, sang about everything from the war in Iraq to his past addictions and the present one to caffeine; all and all attempting to make the world a better place. The man is definitely someone to look up to now, though his past is obviously ridden with broken bottles and lives he's torn.
Before doing his solo touring, Fifteen was his band. He wrote the lyrics, the music, and was the general personality of the band. Extra Medium Kick Ball Star is honestly a work of gold. Gritty, mid tempo Punk, with too many syllables in their lyrics, carry with them a serious message to send to the world around. This is no Blink 182 or Green Day mind you; the hooks to Fifteen is in their lyrics rather than the melody ("Emancipation Proclamation/Now the black mans free to join the white mans slavery/Wages and terrorism are one in the same"). And I definitely need to put an emphasis on gritty: the guitar tone is definitely not something Rick Robinson spent hours on, but that's what punk is to them. That's not to say it sounds bad; it's just lo-fi and beautiful. Don't miss the George W. Bush remix at the end!

John Stevens - Red

Maverick

With the voice of Sinatra and the looks of a high school prom king, John Stevens releases his debut album "Red" for all of the world to hear. Everyone's favorite American Idol finalist releases 11 covers that seem to all support his voice perfectly. Stevens grew up listening to his grandparent's record collection (namely, the Rat Pack crew) and forming his love for jazz and swing. Remember when I said the look of a high school prom king? I wasn't joking: this kid is 17. With such a developed voice, it's no wonder he became one of the finalists on American Idol.
The music will make you want to get up and dance like one of those old retro Old Navy commercials, or break out your old Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. movies and relive the past. Big band's, while slowly a dying breed in the mainstream, accent all of what he does astonishingly. And as if I haven't mentioned his voice a thousand times in this review already, he really knows how to sing. Sinatra, himself, would give a standing ovation to a performance this good. Be on the lookout for this man in the future!

Ray Mason - Old School

Captivating

This was certainly a pleasant surprise. Mason's new solo album runs somewhere in-between Presidents of the United States of America, Johnny Cash, and They Might Be Giants. Yet even that does not seem to come close to what the man is doing. His voice is shy, almost joking sounding, yet his lyrics seem completely serious. Each track is different from the next. He jumps from big band swing to ambient keyboards+vocals to something almost country. Mason certainly knows how to do it all.
But then you look at his catalogue. He's released 5 cds with his band The Lonesome Brothers, played on everything to Cheri Knight to Lloyd Cole's records, and been with projects released on John Zorn's label Tzadik. The man is certainly versatile in everything he does. The album is dedicated to his father, Raymond Mason. Also co-writing on this is Jim Weeks, his trusted keyboard player, which seems to drive the band. The production flows every song together, and definitely turns this into a golden album.

Red Sovine - Greatest Hits

King/Varese Sarabande/UMG

Country trucker pop-star Red Sovine's Greatest Hits finally has been released over 20 years after his death. Sovine was known for his own style of storytelling country pop that made him famous. The man knew his trucks and cowgirls, living the life he sang about. His two top hits, "Giddyup Go" and "Teddy Bear", both hit charts for several weeks. The latter of the two was a tale between a disabled child and truckers through a CB radio. He died a tragic death, at the heart of his love, in a truck accident in 1980.
The truck-man's best songs are all on here, including his top two hits with classics like "Little Joe", "Dream House For Sale", and "Phantom 309". The cover dictates exactly what his music sounds like: a man, his guitar, and his ranch. His songwriting is superb, putting together full stories with catchy melodies, all with his leather cowboy boots and cowboy hat. This is certainly the best tribute to the man to date.

Scott Lavender - Piano Tribute to Iron Maiden

Vitamin

Seems like a perfect match: the lightning speed hammer-on guitar riffs of Iron Maiden, put through the mind of Scott Lavender and onto the keys of his piano. This epic journey embodies Iron Maiden's greatest songs, including "Hallowed Be Thy Name" (my personal favorite) and "Brave New World". Maiden, having lost their edge before the 90's even started, have been reincarnated through this perfectly. The epic journey's that one might have through Number of the Beast can be revisited with this Tribute.
Scott Lavender is honestly a marvelous pianist. Pulling the solo off of "Wasted Years", Lavender makes it sound as fast and furious as the original recording, which I have still yet to hear in any cover predating this. You can feel the galloping of horses in the background of "Hollowed Be Thy Name" through the pounding tones Lavender is pushing through his instrument. It's awe-inspiring to think the man did this on his own. As our editor says, "Like going down the elevator of Batman the Ride at Six Flags."

Dwight Yoakam - Blame the Vain

New West

Alternative-Country legend Yoakam returns with a brand new record singing of love and heartbreak. The man is hurting, and hopefully his wailing eases his pain. Yoakam has been going at it for almost 20 years now; writing and recording almost an album a year since he began releasing albums. After his split with the Warner Brothers in the mid 90's, people questioned whether he'd continue as he has. Well, the answer is yes, but better: his sound has grown and matured since the beginning, adding more influences from rock and roll yet still keeping his southern love going.
Slow ballads like "Does it Show" will tear your heart apart and cry along with him. With an almost random yet perfectly placed piano solo in the middle of the song, it will surly take any country lover's breath away.
But don't believe that everything is slow; the very next song is a faster, blues-scale country hit entitled "Three Good Reasons", giving the recipient of his desire the list of, well, why he is the better lover. His vocals carry the songs on, making each one flow like a river running down the cattle ranch. And put together in a nice little digi-pack with a picture story of him stalking his love. This will surely be a classic to all lovers of country and pop alike.