Yellowcard - Lights And Sounds

Capitol/EMI

For a pop rock band, Yellowcard really surprised me. Their intro comes off pretty weak, but then they tear into the second and title track, "Lights and Sounds," and the group flies away. The tightly knit group rocks to the beat of their accomplished drummer, Longineu Parsons III, and their guitar styles are fuzzed to perfection. The album mixes it up too; "Two Weeks From Twenty" is an anti-war song focused on the fictitious story of "Jimmy" the working class Jersey boy who dies in Iraq. "Two Weeks From Twenty" is a break from their usual blaring pop rock, and tones it down to what could almost be described as doo wop singing and jazz styled guitar. Yellowcard was a wildcard among thousands of pop rock groups, but they have what it takes to make a great album.

Mary-Jane - What I Came Here For

Timeless Music/Chocolate Fireguard

Mary-Jane is a trashy punk group with the full soulful voice of Teri Flynn. The music is fairly derivative punk music, but the lead singing hails back to the days when screaming could still be powerfully soulful. The duality of the music catches one a little off guard. Teri Flynn's singing is most definitely a winning item. The band itself seems like they would make a kick-ass live performance. The energy in the musicians is painfully obvious; the live recordings at the end of the album overflow with creative energy. This is a band that I hope stays together so that they have time to fine tune themselves into a punk rock phenomenon.

Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band - Hammersmith Odeon, '75

(2 CD Set) Columbia/Sony BMG

In 1975 Springsteen had only released three albums, and this concert captures his eternal sound perfectly. Springsteen started out and has always been a voice for the working class, and a big band rocker for all of his folks in New Jersey. He begins the album with a low key, but extravagantly emotional version of "Thunder Road" and then leads into a hard hitting, sax soloing "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out." Springsteen's voice really comes across best from his live performances. He puts everything he has into every note, even his off cue voice crackles just accentuate his style. The all over hit on the first cd, however, is "Born To Run," which is ironically one of the worst performances on the album; but a bad performance by Springsteen is still top of the fuckin' line.
The second cd is just as powerful as the first, and features the famous and heartbreaking track "4th of July, Asbury Park." If there is one thing that Springsteen must be known, and remembered for, it is his poetry. It is amazing that he was a gifted poet as well as songwriter, because his lyrics are more than what generally passes as lyrics. Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band have been a lasting act; they played together before 1975, and they are still together: it's truly a great thing that he's got going on.
(Editor's Note: Nobody can creat movies with their music like Bruce can. You can see every boardwalk, you can see every factory girl, every car, every angel, every fire, every star, every bar, every fortune teller... I could go on forever. His E Street Band stomps all over the great songs. He can be De Niro, he can be Pacino. Springsteen is all drama, lust and rock n' roll in it's deepest form. And Jungleland is a fabulous epic about a rumble under an Exxon sign, starring the Magic Rat, the Sleek Machine, and the supporting cast of Jersey boys and their automotive enchantresses. And let's not forget Clarence Clemons (saxophone), he will always break your heart.)

Various Artists - 20th Century Bluegrass Masters

CMH

Let the pioneers and innovators of this country's homegrown music take you on a journey into the heart of America with this collection of some of the greatest Bluegrass performances ever put on tape. Drawn mostly from CMH Record's vault of classic recordings, "20th Century Bluegrass Masters" features the talents of the father of Bluegrass himself, Bill Monroe, innovators The Osbourne Brothers, and Tony Rice, real heroes such as Lester Flatt, Ralph Stanley and Merle Travis, not to mention second generation Bluegrass giants Jimmy Martin, Charlie Waller and Peter Rowan, among others. This unique set of the genre's most beloved songs will remind you why Bluegrass is the "people's music" - broadly appealing but intensely personal for performers and listeners alike.

Kulcha Don - It's All About You

RuffNation/TriMedia/Fontana

Kulcha Don doesn't float my boat more than most Reggaeton artists. Occasionally a Reggaeton artist will stand out above the rest; but for the most part, Reggaeton is a very specialized niche of hip hop that tends to have a strict formula from beginning to end. The beat is a latin based beat that has taken steroids, the music utilizes 2-3 notes per song, and the lyrics are, for the most part, unintelligible. "It's All About You" is all about jumping on the bandwagon and dismissing creative integrity.

Andrew Vasquez - Togo

Makoche

Vasquez is surely a refreshing experience from Makoche. Makoche has a wealth of talent in it's artists, but sometimes they release drum circle powwow albums that are unbearable. Vasquez, however, plays the native flute, and is extremely talented. Throughout the album different drum techniques are implemented to fit the personalities of each of the tracks. There is something enchanting and almost hypnotic about the native flute when it is played with soulful intent. The tone of Vasquez's work ranges greatly from his haunting "Spirit Eyes" to his meditative "Morning Sun." Like many Makoche artists, Vasquez integrates his culture's style of music with contemporary "western" styles to produce something entirely his own, that draws you in with familiar sounds and elevates you with his traditional flute work.

Various Artists - Music From The OC Mix 5

Warner Sunset/Warner Bros

The OC is a popular dramady that chronicles the lives and loves of California's affluent Orange County suburb of Newport that has become not only a television series of intriguing plot twists, but also a forum for new music. Prominent and promising features of this album include The Subways, a young garage-rock group from Britain; the Kaiser Chiefs, a chart topping UK band as well; and the innovative Gorillaz with "Kids With Guns." The compilation is a rough edged new rock showcase of some very talented groups (The Subways, Gorillaz), and some not so talented groups (LCD Sound system). It's all new, and even pretty good.

Mojo Stu - Real House Blues

Mudbone

Mojo Stu has a funky, real funky, blues style that is deserving of the title mojo if nothing else. In fact, I would say that Stu has enough mojo for everyone. From his driving house beats to his funk infused bass lines and classic style of blues guitar, Stu doesn't need to stick to conventions, because he creates his own format. "My Mama, She Don't Love Me" is the quintessential song for the album; all aspects of Mojo Stu are present, especially the humor, "My Mama, She Don't Love Me/ But it's all gravy." If Mojo Stu's pictures weren't plastered on the CD and press release, I would assume him to be black; he just sounds like he's got the voice meant for bayou, gutbucket blues. "Real House Blues" may not be classic or traditional, but he's got his own mojo workin'.
***Shelton's Single of The Week: "My Mama She Don't Love Me"***

Agnostic Front - Live At CBGB

(CD/DVD) Nuclear Blast

Agnostic Front has been known for a long time for their NYC brand hardcore metal. "Live At CBGB" does not let you down; the show's energy is infectious and electric. And although they are undoubtedly getting increasingly drunk thoughout the show their sound remains intact and tight. Their drummer deserves some serious praise for being able to drum that fast and precisely for an hour straight without becoming a noodle. Songs such as "New Jack," "All Is Not Forgotten" and "Police State" showcase Agnostic Front for what they are: a heavy hitting, fast as fuck, and brutally... well, brutal. This is what hardcore is all about.

Duke Robillard - Guitar Groove-A-Rama

Stony Plain/ Navarre

Robillard is a generally a generous band leader; he likes to spread the love, let everyone solo, have horn sections, make the music all inclusive and great. But due to persistent requests of fans for more work focused on his guitar playing, Robillard has created "Guitar Groove-A-Rama," almost a way of saying, "There, I did it!"
The album cover and back is stuffed full of guitars, a good way to make one's point absolutely clear. Folks! This is a guitar soloing album, if guitar solos are not your thing, look elsewhere! However, if you enjoy listening to one of the guitar greats of our time having fun and making it sound easy, then this is for you. Robillard's command of the blues style is impressive to say the least; he knows his way around the fretboard like I know my way to the bathroom in the middle of the night. He is one of the most creative guitar artists around today.
(Editor's Note: The Duke makes me hungry. Hungry for love, good food, and some serious pain. What an honor it has been to receive his album. Round and round he goes, where he stops, nobody wants to know.)

Various Artists - Madea's Family Reunion

(Soundtrack) Motown/Universal

Tyler Perry's Family Reunion Soundtrack is a mixed bag compilation cd with cuts from The O'Jays ("Family Reunion") as well as tracks from LL Cool J, Chaka Khan (former Black Panther), and by far the best thing on this album: Al Green's "Love And Happiness."
The rest of the album has a repetitive mainstream formula featuring Johnny Gill (wedding singer extraordinaire), Will Downing, Rachel Ferrell, and Kem (think Barry White after a bad night with helium). A lot of older timeless artists, a lot of new artists that downright suck. I suggest investment in Al Green albums over mediocre soundtracks any day.

Traffic - The Last Traffic Jam

(2 CD Set/DVD) Epic/Sony BMG

Traffic's Reunion tour features the original members Steve Winwood and Jim Capaldi, with their 1974 addition of Rosko Gee on bass, Mike McEnvoy on keyboards and guitar, and Walfredo Reyes on percussion. The energy is good in these cuts from the 1994 Reunion Tour and guest musician, Jerry Garcia, lends a hand or two on "Dear Mr. Fantasy."
Other well known tracks that they did justice this time around are "John Barleycorn Must Die," "Pearly Queen," and of course the 15 minute rendition of "The Low Sparks Of High Heeled Boys." As always, Traffic plays mean sets in-between the occasional vocal interlude, and their jam sessions are the best thing about them.
(Editor's Note: Stoney Shit!)

Woody Guthrie - Early Masters

Tradition

Woody Guthrie was a well known communist and advocate for the working class people. He has many songs dedicated to fighting injustice such as "Deportee," "Hard Travelin'" and the cut featured on "Early Masters," "John Henry." "John Henry" is his song about the American Folk hero of the railroad builders; he would drive spikes into rock to make holes for explosives. Companies were going to use steam-powered machinery to cut labor costs; upon hearing of this machine, Henry challenged the machine to a drilling contest. John Henry won, but then died of exhaustion. Guthrie sings, "Man ain't nothing but a man/but before I'd let that steam drill beat me down/I'd die with an hammer in my hand hand hand." This collection almost spans Guthrie's whole career, from early recordings such as "Hey Lolly Lolly" to later hits such as "Pretty Boy Floyd."
"Pretty Boy Floyd" is one of Guthrie's masterpieces; a tale of the two types of criminals in this country, the outlaws and the legal criminals (bankers, lawyers, etc). The sentiment of this song is wrapped up very neatly with, "Yes, as through this world I've wandered/I've seen lots of funny men/ Some will rob you with a six-gun/And some with a fountain pen."

The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra - Live At MCG

Master Craftsmen's Guild/Telarc

The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra is an excellent jazz band, with three leaders. The compositions, and bass, is done by John Clayton, who creates lively and rich orchestrations, and the whole group does dynamic and vigorous performances of all cuts. The lead Alto and Soprano Saxophone, alto flute and flute are performed by Jeff Clayton, who does most of the soulful soloing work. And the drums are manned by Jeff Hamilton, who is the model for jazz drumming. He knows exactly when to back off, when to accentuate and his solo work is impeccable. John Clayton is a talented composer, his skill is in making his group a big band and an orchestra. In the blink of an eye they can transform the music you are listening to from an upbeat, almost witty, tune into a mellow brass section outro: excellent musicianship.

Stephen Fretwell - Magpie

Interscope/Universal

Fretwell has a sound that is strived for among many folk musicians: clear, stylized, simple, experienced and substantial. His lyrics are poetic and speak from experience beyond his years. The young musician has a talent that has been experienced by other folk artists like Nick Drake. The song "Run" exposes Fretwell's talent for words, "It's a beautiful tree, It's a beautiful tree, It's a shame that the root of it is me." The song "Emily" combines the best aspects of Fretwell's treasure trove of talent: poetry, beautiful guitar and passionate singing. Stephen Fretwell is a major find, and "Magpie" is priceless.
***So Nice, Gotta Do It Up Twice (Created by the Original NYC DJ, Jocko, 1955)***

Jaheim - Ghetto Classics

Warner Bros

I can't say that I've never heard this before. I really can't tell. "Ghetto Classics" is just one of those albums that just feel like deja vu. All the songs are familiar, but I just can't remember them clearly. Jaheim is the grandson of Victor Hoagland of The Drifters. The songs such as "Everytime I Think About Her" and "Come Over" are overused, clichÚ tracks. One surprise on the album comes in "The Daddy Thing." Jaheim sings about having a baby and wanting it; the song isn't very good lyrically, but the content is interesting.

J.T. Gray - It's About Time

Station Inn

Don't be fooled by the healthy, robust looking middle aged man on the cover of this album; he really does sound like he stunted his puberty to achieve a true Bluegrass singing style. His voice is excellently trained for Bluegrass. He sings excellent harmonies with the other people in his band.
His bluegrass style tends to be a slower southern style than much of the bluegrass that has been circulating in recent years: fast flyin' finger pickers' such as Bela Fleck. All the musicians in the band play well together, the banjo and fiddle players dual it out more than a couple time throughout the album. Gray comes up with very bluegrass roots styled lyrics such as, "Hard hearted heart breaker, dream-stealin love faker, how many hearts have you broken today?"

Sam Baker - Mercy

Reckless

Sam Baker has the voice of a drunkard or chain smoker, but he uses that voice to sing his soul out and tell the stories of his songs. Baker's particular style of playing accentuates his stories in the way only folk music can. "Mercy" is an album full of entrancing songs with their own personalities and tones.
"Thursday" is a quiet, and slow paced song that uses pedal steel guitar musically but also to imitate cars on the freeway; just one of the ways he integrates music and story telling. "Mercy" needs no praise; it can stand on it's own. Take a listen. (Editor's Note: As the editor of this website, I listen to at least 100 albums a week, and Sam Baker is as special as anybody I've ever heard.)

Various Artists - Hip Hop Essentials 1979-1991 Vol. 2

Tommy Boy

This 12 disc series (of which we are reviewing one CD per week) is a history of the beginnings of rap and hip hop as we know it today. With the amount of talent in the early years of rap, there is no lack of music to draw on for this series. Volume 2 features hip hop legends Public Enemy, Biz Markie, LL Cool J, De La Soul and Tim Dog.
Biz Markie's "Nobody Beats The Biz" samples the Steve Miller Band's "Fly Like an Eagle" as the backdrop for his unique flow. LL Cool J's "Goin' Back To Cali" is rememberable and funny to listen to again with, "I'm goin' back to Cali (I don't think so/ I'm goin' back to Cali (I don't think so)." Tim Dog's "Fuck Compton" has been highly censored for language (FUCK THAT!), but besides that one drawback to this album, this volume of "Hip Hop Essentials" is everything that I have come to expect from a Tommy Boy album.

Alan Jackson - Precious Memories

ACR/Arista Nashville

I have only listened to this CD three times so far, and already I have found Jesus! Thank you Lord! Lord Have Mercy! Lord Have Mercy! I feel like I am in a full submersion water baptism. But seriously, what sort of silly, religious, medieval, superstitious bullshit is this? "Are You Washed In The Blood"? There is something seriously wrong there. I don't want to be washed in anyone's blood. Jesus can stay the fuck away from me.

Sergio Mendes - Timeless

Concord

Sergio Mendes, a jazz and bossa nova artist who started recording in the '60s, is one of the musicians responsible for bringing Brazilian music to the U.S. For Mendes, this is somewhat of a comeback album. An album to say "Hey, I'm back." He has a myriad of guests on the album including Erykah Badu, Will.I.Am, Jill Scott, Stevie Wonder and... Justin Timberlake.
For the most part, the album is created from a Brazilian standpoint, but also has so much integrated hip hop and American musical styles, that the Brazilian aspect of the album is put together so well that both styles are heavily present and neither one is overshadowed. There are so many guests on the album that Sergio Mendes only has one track all to himself, "E Menina." "Timeless" has proven Sergio Mendes to be a flexible artist, and that has proven to be a good thing because "Timeless" has produced some high quality work that is as diverse as the group of people involved.