Billy Joel - 12 Gardens Live

Columbia

"12 Gardens Live" is the selected tracks from Billy Joel's 12 night, sold out run at the Madison Square Garden. Joel pulls out two CDs worth of flawless, pop perfection. He includes hits such as "The Ballad of Billy The Kid," "We Didn't Start The Fire," "Piano Man" and, for the New Yorkers, "New York State of Mind."
Billy Joel is the epitome of "pop sensibility." He never allows a single dissonant note, hardly ventures past 4-beat time signatures and has his tried and true methods for songwriting. But, beyond all of that, he's extremely professional and can turn out classic songs like Mazda turns out cars. The quality of the recording is impeccable, and the band keeps together like crazy glue; an excellent find for Joel fans.
(Editor's Note: As someone who has been in the music business for over 30 years, I have listened to over 100,000 albums. I must admit, I never reached the end of many of them. However, this double album, which covers everything from my youth ("Keeping The Faith") to my 47 years in New York City ("New York State of Mind"). Billy, I love you.)

Eddie Daniels Quartet - Mean What You Say

IPO

Eddie Daniels has made a quiet jazz revolution in his day. Praised by many, Eddie Daniels has graduated from Juliard with a masters in Clarinet and a minor in composition, received a Grammy and performed around the world. His latest album has Eddie in the spotlight once again.
While Eddie Daniels is given plenty of freestyle solo space throughout the record, he is no showboat; he lets everybody have their 15 minutes of soloing fame. But, beyond a shadow of a doubt, Daniels is by far the most talented of the group. His clarinet soars seemingly effortlessly as he maneuvers his solos through the steady beat of Kenny Washington's drums. "Mean What You Say" sounds like another award nomination to these ears. Sweet and beautiful.

Ani DiFranco - Reprieve

Righteous Babe

Expecting to hear the hard driving dissonant notes of an angry guitar and an even angrier woman, I was confused and surprised by the introductory, jazzy bass solo. Her partnership with bassist Todd Sickafoose has been a positive experience for her music. She has yet again done something new and unbefore heard.
DiFranco's "Reprieve" is a politically charged album that has deep personal value in the lyrics as well as the composition, which is quieter than usual with a strong focus on her lyrics and her poetry, which is inspirational and challenging. But, DiFranco's music has always been challenging in one way or another; it continues to become more and more so. Likewise, it has become more and more rewarding to listen to.
(Editor's Note: Ani! May you give us your poetry forever.)

Various Artists - The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift

(Soundtrack) Universal/Motown

For anyone not into cars and bad movies, "The Fast and The Furious" series is a big waste of money, time and gas. Needless to say, the music in the movie is practically an afterthought. With a variety of styles from pop, to electronica, to rap, this soundtrack has no particular direction, or drive if you will.
Some recognizable names are DJ Shadow and Mos Def, who have the best cut on the album with "Six Days The Remix." Atari Teenage Riot contribute an album that has an introduction that sounds more like old Metallica than the Riot, but soon turns into an electronic dance party. Slash also makes an appearance at the end of the album as the sideman for Brian Tyler. However, all celebrities aside, as a collection of music, it is hardly worth the time it takes to get it for free.

T Bone Burnett - Twenty Twenty: The Essential T Bone Burnett

(2 CD Set) Columbia/DMZ/Legacy

T Bone Burnett is an all around music guy. He has recorded 7 albums to date, that's if you don't count soundtracks for movies such as the award winning "O' Brother Where Art Thou?" and "Cold Mountain;" and although he did not do the actual music, he produced the soundtracks for "Walk The Line" and "The Big Lebowski." Beyond producing soundtracks, he has done producer work for the likes of Elvis Costello, Roy Orbison, Tony Bennett, Alison Krauss, Counting Crows, The Wallflowers and Gillian Welch.
"Twenty Twenty" no doubt resulted from the phrase, "you always see twenty twenty in hindsight." Fore T Bone's "Twenty Twenty" is a 40 song, 2 disc album spanning the music of his recording career. "Twenty Twenty" has been released side-by-side with Burnett's new studio album. As a stranger to Burnett's work, all i can hear is the mad ramblings and quirky melodies of a musical genius. The songs follow no particular pattern or formula and the lyrics clearly express thoughts that fill up the producer/singer/songwriter's mind. An unusually honest songwriter, T Bone's songs are attached, heart and soul, to their creator.

Secret Machines - Ten Silver Drops

Reprise/Warner Bros

The Secret Machines have used up 3/4 hour of my time, and I want it back! Although I would probably just waste it anyway. These guys are more boring than filing income tax. I cannot think of a good word here, so I suppose I won't say anything...

Bill Lupkin & Friends - Where I Come From

Blue Bella/Burnside

Bill Lupkin is a surprising virtuoso harmonica player who is no stranger to the blues. His crunchy sounding mouth harp can do so many things I have never heard done before in this style of blues. Lupkin has clearly dedicated his time on this Earth to playing the smallest instrument in the blues band.
But, Lupkin's "Friend's" are just as blues savvy as Lupkin himself. His drummer keeps an intricate, yet hard-headed beat, while his guitarist can harmonize on Lupkin's solos with the greatest of ease. Having played with the greats (Howlin' Wolf, Buddy Guy, Jimmy Rogers, Johnny Little John, Muddy Waters) that he tributes in his albums, Lupkin practically channels the legends of blues.

Julie Roberts - Men & Mascara

Mercury/Universal

Roberts is on her second album, and who knows how many tour dates. Her country style is reminiscent and derivative of oh so many country singers who have come before. This pop approach to country has drained the life force out of more than enough genres and artists to fulfill the hungriest blood sucking industry. But, stuff like "Men & Mascara" still continues to scar the face of music.

Frankie J - Una Nuevo Dia

Norte/Columbia

Frankie J's, "Una Nuevo Dia" is Frankie's Spanish debut album. I cannot, in good faith, recommend this album to anyone for a couple of reasons. #1: When compared to other soulful "musica romantica," this just blows: it is overproduced. I don't know what the cat is singing about, and yet I can tell he isn't singing anything but overly emotional crap (that's for sure). #2: Despite his skill for singing, he uses his voice like a slide whistle. He has an incredible range, but strains and pushes so hard that it's all for naught.

Various Artists - Take Action! Volume 5

(2 CD Set) Sub City

"Take Action! Volume 5" is a benefit CD for the Kristin Brooks Hope Center and Youth American Hotline, and is raising awareness about youth suicide. With PSAs from Tim Pagnotta (Sugarcult) and Joey Cape (Lagwagon), both discs start with the message of the album in full view. Bands featured include Rufio, Sugarcult, Lagwagon, Against Me!, The Briefs, Teenage Bottlerocket as well as many other punk, pop punk and alternative bands.
Some of the bands that have not quite hit the spotlight yet, that deserve their due recognition are, A Wilhelm Scream, The Vacancy and above all else THE RIVERBOAT GAMBLERS. The Riverboat Gamblers are featured on this compilation with "Walk Around Me"-- by far the cut with the most emotion and spark on the whole album. With good ol' new fashioned punk-n-roll, The Riverboat Gamblers have the most fun and stir up the most dust at shows, and their recorded stuff packs almost as much punch. "Take Action!" is a great compilation for a well worthy cause.

Michael Bolton - Bolton Swings Sinatra

Concord

The Nerve! The fact that Bolton would think that he has the talent, voice or charisma to do Sinatra... Frank must be turning over in his grave with this pansy imitating the best lounge singer, ever. The problem is, he has a base of fans who will buy anything that the man puts out. These are songs that have achieved sacred status, meaning: there is a single person who has done these songs the way they were meant to be done. Anything else is just cheap imitations. The band and orchestra are great, right on cue. It's just not the same without the big guy himself. That's all.
***Shelton's Single of The Week: "Summer Wind"***

Various Artists - Pickin' On Joss Stone: The Bluegrass Sessions

CMH

In an earlier life, she must have been a Memphis soul singer, workin' the room and shakin' her thing in a tight sequined dress. How else to explain the gritty, gutsy spirit that lives in the heart of this British teenager? Joss Stone brings a brash young 'tude to old school soul... and she means what she sings. Check out the sass of "You Had Me"-- when she talks back to her man, he better listen up. And when she croons the lullaby "Sleep Like a Child" who wouldn't want to fall asleep in her arms? She's only 17 and she's the real deal.
Pickin' on Joss Stone is soul sister sweetness, served up bluegrass style. When fiddle, mandolin and banjo take on Stone's funk n'groove hits, the result is a genre all its' own. Call it urban roots music--down home pickin' mixed with a foxy uptown strut. Like Joss Stone herself, these covers cut to the chase: no studio frills, just pure, musical energy. "Pickin' on Joss Stone"-- part country, part soul and all heart.

Will Kimbrough - Americanitis

Daphne

This album is a breath of fresh air in here. Will Kimbrough has made a biting political stance with his lyrics in the most intelligent album I have heard this year. From the opening track, I knew that Kimbrough had something else to offer than a thrice heard tale.
"I Lie" is a stinging song about those who can afford to be immoral in our country, "I lie, why? because I can/ Its the pleasure and the privilege of the richest people in the land/ Don't you understand/ I don't give a damn for you, I don't give a damn for you/ That's the truth, I lie because I can/ It's not stealing if it's legal, besides it's middle management's' fault." Further down the track list, Kimbrough sings through the eyes of people whose lives have been ruined in "Act Like Nothing's Wrong."
On top of his stellar songwriting skills, he can swing any style of Americana as well as a few other tricks he has up his sleeve. Every song comes across with a different style, from rockabilly to folk, bluegrass and country; Will Kimbrough just might be my new hero.
***Sean's Single of The Week: "I Lie"***

The Kelly Richey Band - Speechless

Sweet Lucy/Select-O-Hits

I have always said that instrumental music is way under-appreciated. This just proves the point that I have been making all along. Kelly Richey is nothing short of an inspirational guitar player, changing guitar styles like I change my socks... at least twice a week. But, with all seriousness, I have never before heard a woman rip it out on a guitar like this before.
"Speechless" is a tribute to Richey's favorite musicians, such as Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Roy Buchanan and Jeff Beck. While all of these songs are Richey's way of tipping her hat to the legends, they are in no way imitations or rip offs. All of the songs on this album are original works focused on Richey's guitar skills. And although I have not heard her voice, she is also supposed to be an amazing singer as well. This is me tippin' my hat to a new, up-and-coming guitar legend.

Roy Acuff - Great Train Songs

Hickory/VarŽse Sarabande

Roy Acuff is one of the true granddaddies of country music. "Great Train Songs" is just that: great train songs. Acuff has a fair collection, along with many of the early country singers, about trains; his collection includes such hits and classics like "Wabash Cannonball," "Sunshine Special," "Freight Train Blues" and "The Midnight Train." And while no one quite knows where "Wabash Cannonball" came from, Roy Acuff deserves the credit for making it a classic.
While, Acuff also sings about a great many things besides trains, trains have a special place in country music and American history. These songs are reminders about the place that trains have in our society, or used to at any rate. Roy Acuff is a entertaining country genius, whom all country musicians afterward have aspired to.
***So Nice, Gotta Do It Up Twice (Created by the Original NYC DJ, Jocko, 1955)***

Jeff Lang - Prepare Me Well

Telarc

Jeff Lang is an Australian folk singer and songwriter. He is making his American debut with "Prepare Me Well." Taking strong cues from the like of Tom Waits, Richard Thomas and even some Jimi Hendrix, Lang delivers folk songs with ambiguous lyrics and androgynous (in a good way) singing. Implementing under-appreciated instruments such as the accordion, and unusual percussion ("The Save"), Jeff Lang creates a haunting and mesmerizing collection of original songs that defy convention and expectations. A true winner.

Blood Meridian - Kick Up The Dust

V2/Artemis

Blood Meridian is a band that purposely defies categorization. Their music is drawn from all walks of Americana music. Their songs are harsh and speak of the brutal realities most of us face in our lifetimes. My favorite is "Work Hard, For What?," a story of kicking all the bullshit in your life out the door, and turning the other way with your friends, your girl, your pets and the rest of your life. The title track, "Kick Up The Dust," is a tribute to hell raisers and people enjoying life wherever they may be, "Let's kick up the dust, let's kick up the dust/ After all it's just the bones of our friends." With poetic brashness, Blood Meridian say what needs to be said, when it needs to be said.
(Editor's Note: This label releases nothing but creative and unique music. And if I were you, and I was looking for special sounds, I would go straight to V2.)

Jonah Smith - Jonah Smith

Relix/Image Entertainment

Jonah Smith used to be "New York's Best Kept Secret." Well, no more. The world has been exposed to this New York transplant prodigy. Jonah Smith and his group are a tight and focused band that plays contemporary roots music, melding jazz, rock, folk, blues and many other styles that make music wonderful.
The five piece band includes piano (Smith--also on vocals), guitar (David Soler), bass (Ben Rubin), drums (Marko Djordjevic) and saxophone (Bob Reynolds). The saxophone in Smith's music is some of the most tasteful and best integrated in this style of music. Amazing singing and all around arrangements are just the norm on this album. Jonah Smith has the voice of a chain-smoking angel, and music that was meant for the soul.
(Editor's Note: Jonah Smith's voice is so damn beautifully deep. Let's hope that it stays that way forever. What a joy.)

Dian Diaz - Dian Diaz

Strip City/BDG/RED/Sony

Las Vegas star, Dian Diaz, has signed with a new record label. Strip City helped out by the distributing deal with Sony. Diaz has an eight member group trying to fuse U.S. pop and latin styles. Moving on from headlining at the Bellagio (a fancy Vegas hotel), her new career has been helped along the way by the likes of R. Kelly, Whitney Houston and Bono.
Her music is very pop oriented, with lyrics focused on love, lust and... love and... lust... With her well rounded lyrical style her music is just as diverse. Diaz has plenty of help and friends in the music business, no doubt she will go far.
(Editor's Note: These days, when anti-latin sentiment is at it's height, with the term "illegal aliens" being used, I hope radio, MTV, record chains, etc. can get over that and play Dian Diaz every chance they get.)

Cheap Trick - Rockford

Cheap Trick Unlimited/Big3

Cheap Trick hit it big in 1977, and today the same four guys are still together and rockin' it their own way. They haven't changed much over the years, but, at least, they are consistent. "Rockford," their hometown, as well as album title, has the same upbeat, Beatlesesque music that we have come to expect from them (with perhaps less harmony and creativity). Especially when "O Claire" begins, one can't help but hear John Lennon from beyond the grave. Cheap Trick has maybe just a few Cheap Tricks to pull out of a hat; but, how they created 17 separate albums is a complete mystery to me.

Nelly Furtado - Loose

Geffen/Universal

I don't understand the top 40 pop phenomenon. But, I can't wait until it's a relic of the past. Nelly Furtado should never have been let into the recording studio, when the mainstream is flooded with sound-alikes already. This album is practically indistinguishable from o' so many others that have been eating away at any respectability that is left in the record industry.