Neil Young - Prairie Wind

Reprise/ Warner Bros.

From For What it's Worth to Harvest Moon Neil Young has continued to create sensational albums and is always experimenting with new genres. His latest album, Prairie Wind, is Young taking a step back from his musical journey and striking a slower pace. The style for the album is a silhouette of back country lifestyles and dusty memories.
This Old Guitar is an instant personal hit with lyrics such as, "It's been a messenger in times of trouble, in times of hope and fear, When I get drunk and seein' double, it jumps behind the wheel and steers." Young expresses himself with a quiet passion and an effective simplicity.
If you're looking for a biting political commentary that Young is occasionally known to produce, you will have to pull out your older albums. However, if you are looking for a nostalgic, spiritual (listen to When God Made Me) and humorous (He was the King) Young-ian experience do yourself a favor and pick this one up; Prairie Wind will be a frequent feature in your car or home stereo.

Dwele - Some Kinda...

Virgin/EMI

Some Kinda... is the fourth release from Dwele, a Detroit based hip hop and Jazz influenced R&B poly-instrumental underground success. Dwele produced his latest record after working with some industry professionals such as G-1, who worked with R. Kelly, and Mike City, of Usher and Nappy Roots. Despite Dwele's instrumental talents, his lyrics lack purpose and tack. A Pimp's Dream illustrates his creative fusion of instrumental styles and sophomoric lyrics. He blends a solid R&B/ smooth jazz beat with a melodious horn section to create a unique sound, but his lyrical material could use an inventive jump start. Despite the albums duality, Dwele is an artist to keep your eye on, he is young in the industry and has plenty of drive. His music is a refreshing change from the typical manufactured beats and melodies that saturate the hip hop industry.

Cream - Royal Albert Hall: London May 2-6, 2005

Reprise

Royal Albert Hall is what every Cream fan has been waiting for: a reunion of the three geniuses that brought you White Room, Sunshine of Your Love, Crossroads and so many others. One might be tempted to think that this is only a promotional gimmick, but the truth of the matter is that Baker, Bruce and (yes, of course) Clapton came back after nearly 40 years to blow your minds with the raw talent and energy that is purely Cream. Between the colossal matured sound of Eric's guitar and the drool-worthy drumming of Ginger Baker, you won't know what hit you.
Do not underestimate the significance of this recording, none of the former strife that Cream is known for is evident in this album. All of the members play together as though there was never a problem. The vitality that influenced so many musicians and touched so many fans has not disappeared or faded with time. The Creamy power trio is back and they will never go sour.

The Warren Brothers - Barely Famous Hits

BNA/RCA/Sony BMG

The Warren Brothers have a fresh sound in country, mostly light hearted and goofy, but also extremely soulful. Barely Famous Hits is a joke only because they never had a hit and got dropped by their record company... twice. The duo never got anywhere in the industry, but they seemed to have a lot of fun getting there anyhow.
From their classic lonesome lyrics such as, "I'm starting my life over on a Greyhound Bus" (Greyhound Bus) to their jovial, "I don't sell a lot of records, But I sure sell a lot of beer" (Sell a lot of Beer) the Warren Brothers are a solid and tightly knit country rock sensation. When our Editor, John Shelton Ivany, was in charge of the 50 year old magazine,Country Song Roundup, he thought The Warren Brothers were the perfect combination of Country and Rock and that they will be going places... he still feels that way.

Various Artists - Rent: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Revolution Studios/Columbia Pictures/ Warner Bros.

For those of you who are expecting Rent: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to be a high budget, corporately produced version of the original score from the Broadway play... you would be right. That does not mean that it is no good, quite contrary, the production of RENT this time around adds a new aspect to the depth of the show. This album has a variety of styles and genres to create a collage of images, personalities and situations that is about getting by, or not getting by, in the city. RENT boldly combines Latin, distorted rock guitar, spoken word and slam poetry. Anyone who has lived in New York will empathize with the corky and unlikely characters of this modern, youthful yet ironically mature rock opera.
Light My Candle (track 5 on disc 1) seems to grasp the hilarious wit and morbid curiosity of this production. The track is a chance interaction between two young people in the dark (physically and metaphysically) coyly playing off each others sexual tensions while also faced with their own demons... beautiful. Check it out.

The String Quartet - Tribute to Sonic Youth

Vitamin

Discovering a Sonic Youth song is like searching through radio static, trying to tune in to a faint signal, a distant melody which gradually comes in clear. Sonic Youth's use of feedback and background noise at first seems to challenge the standard conceits of musicality. Take Kool Thing with Kim GordonÕs detached and dark sexy vocals juxtaposed against those of a brooding Chuck D all layered on top of a volatile punk beat. It typifies the duality of Sonic Youth songs; rising from the fuzzy, experimental dissonance, an intense and hypnotic rock song emerges.
Though experimental and jet set they may be, Sonic Youth knows how to take the sound of trash and turn it into punk rock art. Bands like this endure and influence because they have the vision to produce music that is entirely their own. The String Quartet illuminates the genius of their music in a new and refreshing way.

Groove Junkies - House of Om

Om (Double CD)

This album is composed of various Om artists including the Groove Junkies. Om has a special talent for signing artists who can flawlessly intertwine trance and R&B with a myriad of other genres. For some of the most soulful and sexy rhythms and vocals pick up an Om album.
Disc One (10 PM- 1 AM) and Disc Two (1 AM- 4 AM) are starkly contrasted in their messages and approach to house dance music. Disc One is a lighter spirited sound to begin an evening of clubbing and dancing; Disc Two is a funkier harder-hitting collection of quality house music to dance late into the night with. This collection of songs would be perfect for a night to and from the clubs or your own party. Or if you feel that house music is all the same and lacks individuality, you must first check out the Groove Junkies and other Om artists.

Jon Randall - Walking Among the Living

Epic

Jon Randall is already a Grammy Award winning artist who has played with such country and folk stars such as Lyle Lovett, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Lee Ann Womack, and... Kid Rock? Yes, yes, Jon Randall sure has gotten around the country scene, but now that he has established a name for himself he has come out with an album that is written for him, by him, and it sounds great.
All hallmark themes and emotions of great country music are present in Randall's latest with his own words and flare. One of the most powerful songs of loss that I have ever heard makes its original tear jerking appearance in this album: Whiskey Lullaby. I Shouldn't Do This is a softly sung song of temptation that is heavily reminiscent of Pierce Pettis' Very Affectionate Girl. Jon Randall is very deserving of the praise he has received. His songs are authentic and has a heartfelt mix of his own style and country greats.

Agents of the Sun - Monarchs of a Fallen Society

DCide

Monarchs of a Fallen Society is the follow up album to the self titled album of Agents of the Sun. The best thing this band has going for it is how tight the group plays together. I cannot say that these are sloppy musicians... just a little unimaginative. Every song on Monarch of a Fallen Society is strongly reminiscent of quasi-metal/emo music; so, If you are an Incubus fan, you may like Agents of the Sun, otherwise I wouldn't pay for it.

Randy Travis - Glory Train

Word/Curb/Warner Bros.

You may not be a believer, but Randy Travis will have you tapping your foot and nodding your head before you remember that you're a skeptic. His baritone songs will captivate you if you give him half a chance. Glory Train is his second gospel record in a row, and he plays and sings compassionately.
On the other hand, when Travis has a broader scope of lyrical content, his albums are a little more vivid. Recent Randy Travis just doesn't live up to albums such as Always and Forever (1987) or Storms of Life, but Travis' energy and compassion are ever present and high quality. (Editor: I have never had any connection to the so- called Lord and his son, Jesus Christ; but, I must admit that Randy Travis singing about faith almost makes a believer out of me. What I would, however, suggest, is that he should have a personal moment with our war mongering president, and sing Down by the Riverside with the lyric, "I ain't gonna study war no more.")

AM - AM

Green Galactic

AM is influenced by rock idols of the late 80's and early 90's, as well as country, bluegrass, and pop music. The singer/songwriter AM has enjoyed some limelight in the industry with his songs appearing on MTV and an award from the LA Weekly Music Awards. However, the outcome of his collaboration of country and rock pop is a mediocre album. AM seems like a competent songwriter with poor compositional skills. He has the capacity for great music, if however unrealized.

Todd Fritsch - Todd Fritsch

Diamond Music

Todd Fritsch is a young Texan cowboy who says, "I'm small-town country, and I write about what I know." His songs focus on small town issues, love troubles as well as alcohol abuse as depicted beautifully by Friends Behind Bars, when he sings with a twang,"Well I ain't cryin' or tryin' to drown my sorrows and I ain't tryin to right a love gone wrong I'm just here to tear it up and chase the good times down so break'em out and line 'em up for one more round." Small Town Radio emphasizes that he enjoys his small town life and small town culture. His music features some talented hands especially on the drums and piano on Memory Do Your Thing. Fritsch's debut album is a poignant portrait of a modern day cowboy having fun, but also plagued by life's troubles.

Various Artists - Roots of Folk

Vanguard

Roots of Folk is a fascinating journey into some of the earliest folk artists to really mobilize folk music politically. Some prominent names include Joan Baez, Jerry Jeff Walker, The Kingston Trio and Bob Dylan to name a few. However, there are many lesser known musicians on this 3 disc compilation that have helped form the genre such as Paul Robeson (denied a passport for civil rights activism), Buffy Sainte-Marie (Native American Activist) and Elizabeth Cotton (an early African American activist).
This compilation is arranged in such a manner to emphasize the role the folk music in all aspects of The People's struggles. From Phil Ochs with I Ain't Marchin' Anymore to Country Joe & the Fish with Feel like I'm Fixin' to Die Rag which was met with some of the most violent controversy a song has faced in modern times.
Roots of Folk is a quintessential collection of legends who sang their hearts out to bring power to the people. This album sings to the human condition from peace and justice to freedom and human rights. It speaks to the struggles of the folk.

Prana/Mailboat/Warner Bros.

Handpicked is a compilation of Marylin ScottÕs favorite tracks from previous albums including two tracks never released before in the United States. Scott has a history in certain Jazz musician circles. She has co-written songs with artists such as George Duke, Brenda Russell and the YellowjacketsÕ Bob Mintzer. The selected collection has a smooth pop/jazz sound while always experimenting with different genres.
Track 7, Understanding Love, takes the pop/jazz feeling and mixes it up with a mellow funk guitar to get you're head nodding. Track 9, Loving You, again takes you for a ride with a upbeat yet soft melody that blends well with Scott's hopeful and well-seasoned lyrics.
This selection is a good listen for those moments when you need to relax and escape from a busy day.

Niacin - Organik

Magna Carta

Sit your ass down, 'cuz this band is going to knock you off your feet. Organik is funk, jazz, metal and several other genres mixed into one of the best fusion albums i have heard in years.
So to start from the beginning... Billy Sheehan. Sheehan has played with just a bunch of nobodies: Talas, David Lee Roth, Chick Corea, Steely Dan and even James Brown. He doesn't play with his bass, he works it, always pushing his style to the edge. Now, John Novello, the keyboardist, knows how to play his keyboards with the band without taking the spotlight and overpowering the overall sound of the band. Novello's melodious rhythms are so intricately tied around and in the bass and drums that the music fuses together in such a way it will make your head spin. And when you listen, pay due attention to Dennis Chamber's drums. Chambers launches his style in 13 different directions throughout the entire cd. From one song to next you never have to worry about being bored by the same song presented over and over again.
Organik is an instrumental album in the best sense of the term. When you listen to Niacin you will forget that there are no lyrics, you will sing along anyway. This album is the outcome of when you put three relatively ego-free musical prodigies in a studio with all their favorite toys.
***So Nice, Gotta Do It Up Twice (Created by the Original NYC DJ, Jocko, 1955)***

Angela Strehli - Blue Highway

M.C./American Roots Music

Blue Highway is Strehli's first studio recording in 7 years, and she's still doing fierce U.S. blues and americana. The title track featuring Marcia Ball and Maria Muldaur is an instant classic blues track followed up by a duet with Paul Thorn doing Hello My Lover (Ernie K-Doe), doing it well and having fun with it. When listening to Blue Highway you can hear the reason why Strehli has become an Americana legend in her own time. The album also features a Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute with a stellar live recording of Strehli and Vaughan at Carnagie Hall playing C.O.D. Just pop this one in and marinate in the magic emanating from all the fabulous talents brought to you in one album.

Various Artists - Bolero Gypsies New Flamenco Vol. 1

Bolero

Imagine yourself in Spain, in a sidewalk cafe, sipping your wine and relaxing in the Mediterranean sun. Now open your eyes, you haven't left your car... or the highway for that matter, get a grip of yourself! It's just music... right? Well, Flamenco, when done right can be mystically captivating and beautifully rich. That is what you should expect when opening up Bolero Gypsies. Its not your average stylized compilation. I mean, the artists have their own styles; you won't hear a rushed conglomeration of played out songs or familiar themes: its "Nuevo Flamenco."

Naomi - Life Lives

www.cdbaby.com/naomimusic

Naomi, a local of Santa Cruz, Ca, just released her debut album, Life Lives. Naomi has a unique style in regards to her messages and singing style. In track 2, Fuck It, she makes a gutsy move and starts to scat, it caught me offgaurd... but Goddamn! Not only is she one of the only contemporary artists that can pull this off, but she does it well... very well. IÕm always happy to hear new voices, especially in the folk-rock scene and Naomi draws from many genres and life situations that makes this album so well rounded and lively.
"There were times when I felt that without a major label backing me, I had no business making an album. This is the curse of capitalism. If you truly love something then do it no matter what!" -Naomi, keep playing!
*(Our Editor heard Naomi sing her heart out at the Ugly Mug in Capitola, Ca. and promised to review her album. To say the least John Shelton Ivany was knocked out by Naomi's performance.)

Various Artists - The Ultimate Pickin' On Jam Session

CMH

Relive the magic of your favorite live show with this acoustic tribute to the hottest live bands drawn from CMH Records' acclaimed Pickin' On series. The best players in acoustic and bluegrass music today offer their instrumental interpretation of songs that put bands like Phish, The Dave Matthews Band and Widespread Panic on the musical map as well as classics by Neil Young and the Grateful Dead.
Full of intense jams and dynamic improvisations that are true to the spirit of the original songs, The Ultimate Pickin' On Jam Session will put you in the front row as you experience these songs in a whole new light.

Foghorn Stringband - Weiser Sunrise

Nettwerk America

Well, hell, ho and high water the Foghorn Stringband is playing, get yer' git fiddle and play along (if you can). Bluegrass is a dying music, but recently there has been a revival of sorts with great stringbands and blue grass duets popping up all over the place. And its about damn time too! Traditional bluegrass is mesmerizing, and the Foghorn Stringband can play so that you can here the Celtic roots emanating throughout the album, especially in the instrumentals (listen to track 3, Lost Girl). If you love or hate bluegrass or have never really heard it, spare a few minutes with the Foghorn Stringband, and be pleasantly surprised.

Chubby Checker - Cameo Parkway 1959-1963 (The Best of)

ABKCO

From the guy who brought you the The Twist (the only single in history to hit #1 on the charts twice), The Class (featuring the Chipmunks) and the Limbo Rock, comes an excellent compilation of his work. You call him a one hit wonder, but he was a leader in the dance revolution. This collection captures all the songs that kept pushing buttons on the late 50's and early 60's morality of the U.S. (Thank You!). Checker began to fade away when folk music and the British Invasion arrived, but Checker's music was the precursor for what was to come. His songs are dated yet immortal.
"Lets do The Twist AGAIN!"... you know you love it.