Alan Jackson - Like Red On A Rose

Arista Nashville

This project, as it turns out, was Alan Jackson's second choice to making a bluegrass album. Instead Alison Krauss convinced him to take a different approach involving some more traditional country styles. The songs do a good job of framing the lyrics and stories behind the music. Jackson does a good job of making an undeniably country album while not falling prey to worn out and cliche musical and pitfalls. His song choices also reflect a personality that knows good country music.
His takes on classics like "Good Imitation of the Blues" and "Bluebird" prove to listeners and critics that Jackson has what it takes to make a albums with ingenuity and fresh sounds. "Like Red On A Rose" is an album that is a good pick-me-up and all around feel-good-album.

Buju Banton - Too Bad

Gargamel/Tommy Boy

16 years ago Buju Banton released an album calling for homosexual people to be shot in the head. In 2004, when he became popular in the United States, Banton's shows have been met with protests by Gay Rights groups. Banton pays no mind to the protests; he says that they are focusing about what he said in the past, not what he is saying now.
Whether or not he is a scumbag homophobe, he can play dancehall reggae and flow with unparalleled skill. "Jig" is a hard-hitting song that is very representative of the feel of the album; it has a great beat and the vocal stylings are solid. However, to do a complete 180, on "Me & Oonu" Banton does a musical cover of "Wipeout" and changes the lyrics to fit his political agenda. "Too Bad" is a great modern synthesized Dancehall Reggae album.

Beck - The Information

Interscope/Universal

Every Beck release has added something to his repertoire, although the common thread connecting the albums is his bizarre choices in composition and production. Even his acoustic melancholy "Sea Change" was bizarre in it's absolute contrast to anything else he has done. This album is no different in that respect; he is still trying new things. And so far this album falls short of what I usually expect from him. Which is not to say it's bad, just not as inspired as the material he generally makes.
"The Information" is a CD/DVD, showing the fan the studio sessions that the songs came from. While this adds an in depth aspect to the album, the actual material, while sometimes technically amazing and at other time bizarre and lovely, should have been developed more. But as a low point in Beck's Career, it is still a high point in the world of popular music.

Crashbox - Crashbox

Kore/Koch

The Bronx has a rich musical history of R 'n 'B, hip-hop and early '50s doo-wop, Crashbox singer/songwriter/guitarist Sal Scoca grew up on the same street, Belmont Avenue, that Dion came from. In fact, he has this vivid memory from when he was seven of watching Dion himself actually harmonizing on the street corner. "I was mesmerized," remembers Scoca. "It's what made me want to be a singer."
Crashbox let their harmonic yet distorted sound loose on their self-titled album with amazing results. The group plays well-crafted edgy pop/rock songs that embody the genre.

Lonesome Travelers - Lonesome Travelers

Valley Entertainment

I feel conflicted about Lonesome Travelers. I enjoy their songs, however, the vocals of Paul Sanchez don't do the songs justice. If these same songs were sung with more energy and enthusiasm, then the Lonesome Travelers would sound great. The group, besides the vocals, is a great Americana band; mastering all elements from harmonica to great guitar styles and great song topics.
But, in the end the lifeless delivery of all the songs (no matter who they were sung by) kills the entire album.

Billy Cox & Buddy Miles - The Band of Gypsies Return

Experience Hendrix/Image (CD/DVD)

I love The Band of Gypsies. They made a great backing band for Jimi Hendrix. They were my favorite group that Hendrix recorded with. I especially dig songs like machine gun where Hendrix would do solos making the craziest sounds a guitar has made while only using three homemade pedals. But, that is just about as far as my love for The Band of Gypsies goes. Without Hendrix they fall flatter than a pancake. The other guest guitarists are all good guitarists. But I can't stand to hear these wonderful Hendrix songs, only to be let down when the guitarists start soloing. I can't take it!

Crystal Gayle - An Evening With Crystal Gayle: Live!

Madacy (CD/DVD)

Crystal Gayle was always well known for her smash hit "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue." She had a few hits before and after that including "Wrong Road" and "I Cried," all of which are featured on this album. Seeing the DVD is really what completes this album experience. Seeing Gayle's hair right on down to her feet swaying around her. The band is right on cue and Crystal Gayle's voice is as full and beautiful as ever.

Papa Roach - The Paramour Sessions

El Tonal/Geffen/Universal

While Papa Roach claims that the famed rock n' roll recording mansion inspired them to write the "most kick-ass" album they were capable of, to me it sounds like the same old pop rock drivel. From beginning to end, the album is full of the same worn out rock shit that people remember the 1990s for. Expected and unfortunate, the album doesn't present anything new to be excited about and doesn't even do a good job at imitating past work.

t.A.T.u. - t.A.T.u.- The Best

Interscope

t.A.T.u. came out several years ago with their debut album with very effective marketing techniques that insinuated (but never actually confirmed) that they were a lesbian couple. To get this out of the way: no, they are not "together." However, their new CD is striking considering the limited scope of their entire career.
This album has downplayed any romantic relationship, and focused more on the music they are presenting. But, the music they are presenting isn't much more exciting than the first time around, just different. Their vocal abilities haven't improved any in the years they have had between albums, and their musical arrangements are clichŽ and boring. As for their lyrics, "You take it all away/ but never give it back/ and this is what you say/ their lives are yellow-black." Need I say more?

T Bone Burnett - The True False Identity

Columbia/Sony BMG

T Bone Burnett is an American original. A songwriter and performer steeped in our nation's deep musical heritage, T Bone has emerged from a self-imposed 14 year hiatus as a recording artist to release two highly-anticipated collections of music; one of which is "The True False Identity." This is his first album of new songs since 1992, "I felt l could write some new songs and go around the track again, but I didn't feel that I would get anywhere. The road had become too difficult. Music had come completely apart for me. But more importantly, I didn't have anything I wanted to say. It all seemed so pointless, so I decided to explore some of the other ideas that were coming my way. I needed freedom. I needed time to find another way into playing music again. His hiatus from recording and performing opened the door for one of music's most multi-faceted and successful careers.

William Bell - New Lease On Life

Wilbe

In a distinguished career as a singer, songwriter and producer, William Bell has come to define the essence of "soul." Born in Memphis but based in Atlanta since 1970, William Bell was one of the pioneers of the classic Stax/Volt sound, joining such other illustrious musical forces at that label as Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Issac Hayes, Booker T. & the MG's, Albert King, Eddie Floyd, Carla and Rufus Thomas, The Staple Singers and the Bar-Kays, among others.
After an absence of over five years, William Bell released a brand new studio album, New Lease on Life in the spring of 2006, whose title track is already riding high on the southern soul charts. "New Lease on Life" is packed with the kind of classic songs and grooves that fans of William have come to expect. In addition to "New Lease on Life," other standout songs in an album full of highlights include the testifying "Playaz Only Love You (When They're Playing)," the soulful duet with Jeff Floyd on "Part Time Lover (Full Time Friend)," the tender ballad of "My Body Don't Know," the tropical dance rhythm of "Got An Island Feeling," the dance floor-pleasing "Treat Her Right (Like A Lady)," the gospel-influenced "Save Us" and the down-home groove of "Every Sunday Morning." William Bell continues to be a major force in soul and urban music.

Paul Thorn - So Far So Good Live: The Best of The Paul Thorn Band

Perpetual Obscurity (CD/DVD)

The new CD/DVD is living proof that dreams come true if you believe in them. Thorn never stopped believing. Not even after 10 years of backbreaking, mind-numbing work in a chair factory. That's why he kept honing his songwriting craft to a razor-sharp edge at night and on weekends. Then one night while playing in a pizza joint in his hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi, Thorn caught the ear of legendary manager Miles Copeland (The Police, Sting). Copeland was so impressed he helped land Thorn a record deal on A&M records. He also helped get Thorn on the road with some of the biggest names in music including Sting, Mark Knopfler, Jeff Beck, John Hiatt, Richard Thompson, Robert Cray and Marianne Faithfull.
Like everything else he down, Thorn is taking a unique approach to getting the word out about his new DVD/CD. Thorn is an unabashed dreamer, but one who understands the intense commitment and relentless drive it takes to make dreams come true. That's why he keeps hitting the road, spreading the gospel of great music to anyone who'll listen. One of the ones listening is Grammy-winning singer/songwriter John Prine, who asked Thorn to open for him this Spring. In addition Thorn will also share the stage with The Doobie Brothers and Huey Lewis and The News, in addition to his own headlining shows.

Miriam Makeba - Reflections

Heads Up Africa/Gallo/Telarc

There's a captivating and enduring charisma heard on "Reflections," the first release in four years from legendary South African musical treasure and Grammy Award winner Miriam Makeba. Reflections features thirteen classic tracks-including early songs she originally recorded as a member of the Manhattan Brothers and The Skylarks through to her trademark hits, "Pata Pata" and "The Click Song." The albums opens with a summery version of "Iyaguduza," which features stunning new horn arrangements. Other highlights include an enchanting arrangement of her hit "The Clicksong" and the Pan African-inspired "African Convention," written by Hugh Masekela, (with whom Makeba was briefly married) and Stanley Todd. "Reflections" is a reminder of Miriam Makeba's extraordinary talent and versatility.

Elton John - The Captain and The Kid

Interscope/UMG

Elton John returns with 'The Captain and The Kid," written with his long-time writing partner, Bernie Taupin. More than 30 years after the release of their landmark #1 multi-platinum album, "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy," the duo returns with the sequel. The new album features 10 new songs reflecting the intimate lives and public times spanning the long-standing songwriting partnership of Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin.
The first single from the album, "The Bridge" is one of 10 tracks which picks up where "Captain Fantastic" left off. The album tells the story of Elton and Bernie from when the arrived in Los Angeles 30 years ago, through the ups and downs of their lives, to present day. "I find the whole album to be so touching and beautiful for me because I've lived it," says Elton.

Jonny Lang - Turn Around

A&M/Universal

Sure, he's been in touch before, speaking often with his guitar in the language of deep blues and searing rock & roll. But "Turn Around" is different. The guitar is still there, whispering sometimes, occasionally even screaming. Now, though, it's just one voice in a chorus of sounds-the tight band, the passionate singing, and lyrics that conjure beauty as well as pain and speak the truth, all at the same time.
"Turn Around" is all of this and more, a tumble of musical colors that dazzle and soothe. And in the end, the achieve coherence through the meaning that Lang conveys.
***So Nice, Gotta Do It Up Twice (Created by the Original NYC DJ, Jocko, 1955)***

The Kennedys - Songs Of the Open Road

Appleseed

The California folk-rock-country sound is heard frequently on "Songs for the Open Road" as The Kennedys play their way through the pantheon of great West Coast-based writers. Three former Byrds are represented by the cautionary "Sin City" and Gene Clark's elegantly mournful "Gypsy Rider," a lonely highway classic. The sweet bossa nova lilt of Stephen Stills' "Pretty Girl Why," soothes the apocalyptic anguish of Bob Dylan's "A Hard Rains A-Gonna Fall."
The ache of the traveling musician is also the theme of "Late Night Grande Hotel," written by The Kennedys' friend and former employer, Nanci Griffith. Pete and Maura honor another soul mate, the late Dave Carter, who's original songs and partnership with Tracy Grammar mirrored The Kennedys' naturalistic philosophy and relationship, by covering his twinkling "Happytown (All Right with Me)" and the yearning "Gypsy Rose" a lovely remembrance of a long-gone lover.

DAZ - So So Gangsta

So So Def/Virgin/EMI

DAZ has charted no fewer than seven albums independently since 2000, but So So Gangsta is his first album since the late Nineties to be launched with a major national promotional platform. Virgin Urban Music President Jermaine Dupri, producer of the majority of the album's tracks, said, "I signed Daz because I thought he was one of rap's most talented."
Daz revisits the classic Dogg Pound sound on the Scott Storch-produced "Mind On My Money" and details a robbery plot on the dramatic "Thang On My Hip." Showing his diversity, Daz raps with poise about his playeristic ways over a sultry, knocking beat and guest vocals from singer-songwriter Johnta Austin (Mariah Carey, Aaliyah) on the seductive "Weekend" and describes the tenuous relationship people often share with their true love on the emotional "The One," which features Jagged Edge on the chorus.

Prophet Omega - The Natural World

Astralwerks

Until recently, Joe Magistro was an affable, unassuming rock drummer who could often seen manning the traps in the rock clubs of New York City. Then he underwent a startling metamorphosis into multi-tasking one-man D.I.Y. mastermind Prophet Omega, who makes an appropriately visionary entrance with his Astralwerks debut, "The Natural World."
Although "The Natural World" is Prophet Omega's first longplayer, Magistro brings a wealth of musical experience to the project. In his previous musical life as an in-demand drummer, he was a member of the New York combo Darlahood, which released two albums on Warner Bros, as well as recording or performing with an array of artists including Graham Parker, Kate Pierson of the B-52s, Sara Lee, Kevin Salem and Black Crowes member Rich Robinson. Prophet Omega is a one-man aural revolution.

Alvin Jett & The Phat Noiz Blues Band - Milk and Cookies

Independent

"Milk and Cookies" continues Alvin Jett & The Phat Noiz Blues Band's commitment to in-your-face hard driving blues with 10 new songs written by the members of the band. The original material reveals roots in rock, funk, R&B and soul, and at times, a hint of gospel and rockabilly. The band was worked hard to craft a signature sound that transforms easily from high-energy rockers to blues ballads. Although serious about their music, the Phat Noiz Blues Band occasionally projects its sense of humor into songs about love, life and it's complexities.
The rapid-fire guitar attack of Alvin Jett is complimented by jazz influenced sax riffs delivered by musical partner Frand Bauer, fueled by driving rhythms of Jeremy West, and held together by the tenacious bass lines of Matt Davis. Excellent American Roots music.

Cut Chemist - The Audience's Listening

Beatdown/Stable Sound/Warner Bros

Cut Chemist's songs have been built with the assistance of thousands of rare, crazy, odd, eccentric and quite often implacable samples from other records, a truly global library that has been amassed from his extensive travels and dates back to sometime around 1977, when a young, pajama'd Lucas Macfadden was photographed asleep and snuggled up tight to his very own vinyl copy of Disney's Haunted Mansion-dedication from the early days. He has done extensive touring as well as studio work with Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli; it's time for this cat to take wing.

Unearth - III: In The Eyes of Fire

Metal Blade

Countless bands have been inspired by the abundance of radio-friendly hooks and choruses surfacing in today's popular metalcore. Unearth are the exception. While other groups have been motivated to make their songs more commercial, Unearth have gone the opposite direction.
In addition to being fast and heavy, "III: In the Eyes of Fire," is also strikly musical and surprisingly memorable. The songs are filled with rib-sticking riffs, colossal breakdowns and enticing guitar harmonies that never detract from the overall intensity of the songs. One of the most powerful songs, "This Time Was Mine," is about a family member with terminal illness. In addition to addressing Phipps' rage and frustration about the unfair situation, the song conveys his feelings of hopelessness and despair. Everything people love about metal is embodied in Unearth.

Artist: Bob Dylan
Song: Se–or (Tales Of Yankee Power)