Various Artists - Snoop Dogg Presents: The Big Squeeze

Doggy Style/Koch

Every Dogg has his day, but not many have them on the multiple super-sized order of the double-G. Born Calvin Broadus. He has evolved from hip-hop favorite and nearly washed-up MC to a TV personality and movie star to high class record producer. He has also brought a sense of humor to the hardest gangsta rap and choice West Coast slang into national lexicon. Along the way, he's made a few classic rap records including Doggystyle, The Last Meal, and Paid The Cost To Be The Bo$$.
Presented by Snoop Dogg, this album is the hottest collection of bangers from his label Doggy Style Records. Featuring an all-star roster of the Best-in-the-West it has songs by Snoop, Kurupt, Westurn Union, Warzone Ray J and more. Coming on the heels of his hit album Blue Carpet Treatment, it proves that the West Coast IS the Best Coast!

All Time Low - Put Up or Shut Up

Hopeless/Sub City

These Maryland high school grads are fresh, vibrant and full of those not-always-pleasant memories of the drama that we call our "educational institutes." A four-man band the band is lead by Alex Gaskarth (vocals, guitar), Zack Marrick (vocals, bass), Jack Barakat (vocals, guitar) and Rian Dawson (drums).
Put Up or Shut Up is full of radio-friendly, bright melodies with heartbreaking stories about careless beauty queens, youth in love, and the parents that coulda done better. Well, as musicians All Time Low has a lot to offer in originality and they should start a school to teach people to put proper bridges in their songs. They kept their longest, saddest song for last which is one of the coolest parts of this album. I'm sure the high school kids will take to this faster than ants on honey.

Patti Smith - Twelve

Columbia/Sony BMG

With the first utterance of her debut album, Patti Smith declares war on the complacency of the mid-70's: "Jesus died for somebody's sins but not mine."
Horses defies the reigning rock conventions of its time and deflates a few current notions too. Smith's idiosyncratic mix of Beat poetry and the big Beat still has the power to either entice or offend. Teeming with ambition, primitivism, anybody-can-do-this-shit, and casual androgyny, Horses demands a reaction. On the basis of attitude alone Smith inspired every punk and riot grrrl artist who followed in her wake.
Patti Smith has been just one of the numerous artists I discovered in my youth and took inspiration and direction from her powerful music. In reviewing this album I am delighted to find that one of my musical "heroes" has covered many more of the most inspirational musicians of the last sixty years.
Artists like Nirvana, yes she is the only one who could pull off "Smells Like Teen Spirit," (aside from Kurt himself), Jimi Hendrix, Tears For Fears, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Allman Brothers, The Doors, Paul Simon and Stevie Wonder. Patti will floor you with her version of Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit." I could barely sing along with "Helpless," by Neil Young. She has continued to rock the world and you will find a source of inspiration in Patti and of this album. Twelve is by far the greatest cover album yet.
***Love's Song of the Week: "Changing of the Guard"***

Originally done by Dylan, this was, and still is one of the most compelling songs that drove my spirit wild. Dylan has always done that to me--driven me to make my world better, to speak out against injustice. Patti brings a presence to the song making it as powerful today as it was in 1978.

Ray Mason Band - Don't Mess With Our Routine!

Hi-N-Dry

These guys are so quaint and fun. Hell, they are wholesome folk-goes-pop! music that everyone should listen to. Every town should have a witty, upbeat local band like Ray Mason Band.
Don't Mess With Our Routine is kinda like watching Yellow Submarine in the bathtub-squeaky clean, colorful good times! Their songs are reminiscent of the days when bands were made on the television (think Parson Family, Monkeys). The music has good grooves and interesting, somewhat random, time changes. I like this band's energy!

Slow Train Soul - Santimanitay

Quango

Slow Train Soul is an eclectic European twosome comprised of Lady Z, a multiethnic jazz chanteuse with an ear for rhythm and the ability to breathe life into the urban elctro-pop mix of Danish uber-producer Morten Varano.
The band's songs have already etched themselves on urban America's consciousness having been heard ar hipster hotels, hot bars and restaurants as part of the Hotel Costes and Buddha Bar compilations. Their music is full of poignant lyrics that reach for the underbelly of urban life, murder, prostitution, despair and broken twisted love, all the while echoes of of Lady Z's deep-rooted Trinidadian tradition are heard. This is a wholly unique blend of old school jazz and cutting edge electronica.

Falkner Evans Trio - Climbing the Gates

Consolidated Artists Productions

The beauty of this trio is that the pianist gets to lead and control the harmonies, yet there is also great band interplay and awesome, lively improv. With a love for traditional jazz and the purity of simplicity, New York jazz pianist Falkner Evans keeps us coming back for more. Accompanied by bassist Cecil McBee and Drummer Matt Wilson they've laid down complex structures of music with discernible melodies and all the improv one could hope for... and they pull it off.

Various Artists - Lucky You Soundtrack

Columbia/Sony BMG

Lucky You follows the excitement and drama of the worldwide high-stakes poker phenomenon. The star of the show Huck Cheever (Eric Bana), is a card table "blaster" going all out, all the time. He sets out to win the main event of the World Series Poker facing the poker legend L.C. Cheever--his father who abandoned his mother years ago--in a final showdown. Drew Barrymore plays the (always) lovely Billie Offer, a young singer from Bakersfield, falling in love (of course) with Huck Cheever.
The soundtrack features some of the best songs ever written with artists Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan performs an old staple and a new hit, Bonnie Raitt, Kris Kristofferson, Madaline Peyroux, Liza Minnelli and more. Drew Barrymore sings a song "The Cold Hard Truth," in which she sings on film and sings it with class.

Christopher B McCarty - The Music of Le Masque

Rancho Deluxe

Christopher B McCarty is little credited for his contributions to the Steve Miller Band. His better known are "Swingtown," "Serenade," "A Woman Knows," and "Horse and Rider," with many more mentionable tunes. Truly a rare site, his performances usually take place in those dusty road bars in the middle of no where in particular.
The Music of Le Masque, was started on a road trip and a pit stop in Austin, where the album started, adding to it at studios in Nashville, Santa Fe, and L. A. Full of sweet guitar playing and laid back southern rock this is a real treat.

Trey Anastasio - Bar 17

Rubber Jungle

Former Phish guitarist, Trey Anastasio, explores areas that he avoided with his old henchmen in Phish, which considering his old band's eclecticism is saying something. For most intents and purposes Trey Anastasio is the real beginning of his solo story, showcasing his singing, song writing and guitar playing talents; songs with deceptively tight arrangements that often gambole into jazz-rock fusion territory. His work has been ambitious but far from pompus. It is both an intriguing detour and, now that Phish is history (we miss you), an indication af a possible future main route.
Bar 17 is full of exciting songs that although reminisce of the ole days, are completely original. This album really shows off Trey's one-of-a-kind eclectic guitar playing. The album also features over 40 musicians from all eras of Trey's career including members of Phish, longtime collaborator John Medeski, Cyro Baptista, and Don Hart. Pushing back barriers that define music as "genres" rather than fluid emotion, this is sure to be an album everyone can enjoy.

Casket Salesmen - Sleeping Giants

Longhair Illuminati/Icon

October 2005 was a near fatal turning point for former A Static Lullabye member Phil Pirrone. Having gone through a life-altering car accident and making a great recovery he left the band (he had been with them five years) along with co-founding member and guitarist Nathan Lindeman.
And along came Casket Salesmen! Sleeping Giants is the epitome of experimental jams. Relaxed vocals are set perfectly amongst the multidimensional bass lines, percussion and guitars. Mixed by Ryan Hewitt (Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Alkaline Trio) and mastered by Dave Collins (Ben Harper, Black Sabath, Queens of the Stone Age), this album offers the best these guys can offer.

Tommy Cash - Tommy Cash

Varese Sarabande

Younger brother of the Man in Black, Tommy Cash enjoyed chart success in his own right. Tommy was eight years younger than big brother Johnny and formed his first band in high school, but enlisted in the Army soon after graduation.
After resuming civilian life in the early sixties Tommy played with Hank Williams Jr. Later he delivered his biggest hit--"Six White Horses," a tribute to JFK, RFK and Martin Luther King Jr.--in late 1969. That single was followed by two top ten single in 1970 "Rise and Shine," and "One Song Away." His material is consistently good and generally upbeat, so it is suprising that he didn't fare better with music buyers.
Tommy Cash features some favorite hits such as "Rise and Shine," and "One Song Away," also included is the original recording of "Six White Horses." Guests artists included on this album are his brother Johnny, George Jones, Jeannie C. Riley, Connie Smith and Tom T. Hall.

Psychic Ills - Early Violence

The Social Registry

Early Violence is the compilation of the rare and hard-to-come-by vinyl-only Mental Violence I and Mental Violence II. What was once thought to have been a vanishing mirage is now secured on this CD. Mental Violence I was issued in 2003 during a time when Tom Glubizzi and Tres Warren were playing everything themselves and relying on Overdubbing and synths to achieve the polyphonic madness that ensued. Mental Violence II heralds the entrance of Elizabeth Hart and Brian Tamborello and the ascendance of the band itself. Moving beyon they became more intense, using each others' abilities as a springboard for creation.
This material encapsulates the formative days of the band, who have since released their full-length Dins. And from what I understand they are hard at work on their next album.

Utah Phillips - I've Got to Know

AK Press

As Utah Phillips said "During the first gulf war, I got plenty good and mad. I parked my car and wouldn't drive because I said it wouldn't run on blood. Then, with the help of Dakota Sid Clifford, I went into a small, but very fine studio here in Nevada City. I said to Bruce Wheelock, the engineer, 'Set up two mics and star the tape. I'll tell you when I'm done.' For the next seventy minuets I spouted, fulminated and sang about war, peace, pacifism and anarchy. I used songs, poems and rants to make the point and said 'Okay, turn off the machine.' Bruce said 'Don't you want me to edit it?' I said 'No! I am mad! Leave it the way it is!"
Truly one of the most important activists in folk music, Utah Phillips has always used creative mixtures of spoken word and melodic songs to drive his points home. I've Got to Know, is the title of a Woody Guthrie song, the ideals and contemplation's have echoed throughout the generations. And may it be known that these points will still stand to be made for as long as we continue to exploit the less fortunate for the betterment of Western civilization. But before I go on a tirade, anyone who is a free thinking individual should have this album in their collection!
***Shelton's Single of the Week: "Riding the Peace Train"***

Girl Authority - Road Trip

CD/DVD Zoe/Rounder

These Boston gals are all between the ages of 9 -14. They have been performing together for more than five years, since becoming friends at a local theater in Massachusetts. These girls have been in the theatrical production of Annie, and let me tell you, they can sing.
Being directed by the same man who is behind the Mary Kate and Ashley empire, Michael Pagnotta, these girls are going the distance. With each girl creating an "identity" like "fashion girl," or "boho girl," and the over abundance up tweens looking to relate to someone Girl Authority is bound to make more albums.
The short and skinny, pervs hold off for a few years and if you have a little sister with braces, she will benefit from the positive cover songs and upbeat rythms that groove through the entire CD.

Bucky Covington - Bucky Covington

Lyric Street

Okay all you Idol fans, get your asses off your couches and cell phones and get out to your local venues and support your local music!! Now I say that because many small but valuable and sometimes historical venues are closing shop all over the nation. I believe if we were putting more into our own kids we would see so many new talents that we oblivious to.
So here is Bucky Covington, American Idol season 5 finalist and now nation heart throb. He has a true, honesty voice that compels you to listen to his words whether you like his music or not. A comfortable blend of country and southern rock, Bucky is proving he has so much more to offer that Idol could facilitate. Thumbs up!

Static-X - Cannibal

Reprise/Warner Bros.

This quartet emerged as the smartest industrial crossover since Ministry because it understood the finer points of aural torture. It's pounding lockstep could be called "unrelenting", but it actually relents quite often, letting up momentarily with breaks for guitar squall and keyboard squeal before bearing down again. The band can be full-throtle nightmarish death metal. Frontman Wayne Static and Koichi Fukuda, who share guitar and programming duties definitely mimic the appalling scrape of metal against bone.
This is the harshest yet, most stripped-down album yet. With an old-school feel it seems Static-X has returned to the basics and it works. Wayne sounds more energetic and cruder than ever before. Fans will revel and prudes will run in horror!

Various Artists - Hot Fuzz Soundtrack

Cherrytree/Interscope

The British are coming, and it never felt so good... Tongue in cheek, musically. The Hot Fuzz Soundtrack is a collection of only the best artists from the 50's to today. Some of the bands celebrated success both here and in the U.K., like Adam Ant and The Troggs while others were only famous (in their own heads) in the U.K. like pop oddballs Stavely Makepeace. Also on the docket are the pioneering smart rockers XTC, Supergrass, The Kinks, Eels and Cozy Powell. Definaty fun worth checking out!

Miranda Lambert - Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

Columbia/Sony BMG

This album is exactly what you would expect from a southern belle who is headstrong in the 21st century. Full of femme fatal and classy southern humor "...you find Jesus, but it's too late, he's already closed the front gate..." this is not the country album for old auntie Mae. Nah, but it is exactly what you should pick up when you find your significant other has their arm around another.
***So Nice, Gotta Do It Up Twice (Created by the Original NYC DJ, Jocko, 1955)***

Daksha - Ascendent

Neurodisc

Daksha means "land of the Gods" in ancient Romanian. Ascendent is the result of three years of studio work from Romania to India to Argentina paired with the ambient, lush electronica that is captivating, sensual and spellbinding. This album is full of deep, meditative songs filled with diligent percussion and mysterious vibes. This is a voyage to another dimension of thought, a step closer to the infinity of being.

Various Artists - The Road Mix: Music from One Tree Hill

Maverick/Warner Bros.

The hit television drama One Tree Hill has released their latest soundtrack to the show. Road Mix is a fine collection of songs from some of the hottest names in mod-alt today. Bands like Dashboard Confessionals, Kooks, Mother Love Bone, The Constantines, Gym Class Heroes (with the sweetest remix of "Good Vibrations"), Tyler Hilton and so many more. Fans of the show (I know you're out there) will appreciate having the memorabilia and music lovers will enjoy the mix.

Lloyd - Street Love

Motown/Universal

Llyod has had quite the career for a twenty year old businessman. He's been in a few groundbreaking bands with short-sold hits and is now signed to Motown, and they are all over him. With a voice unparalleled and sultry lyrics that make you feel good, Llyod is hot, hot, hot. Street Love is the appropriate title to an album full of lust, love, Chevy's and infectious grooves. This is music you want to listen to in the city on a hot, sticky summer night.

Watching me
Ah
Watching me
Ah

First thing when I wake up
and right before I close my eyes at night
I think,
sense,
Feel man like
I'm under some kind of microscope
satellites over my head
transmitters in my dollars
hawking, watching, scoping, jocking
scrutinizing me
checking to see what im doing
where I be
who I see
how and where and with whom I make my money
What is this??

Excuse me miss
May I have your phone number and your social security?
Who me?
When all I came to do is buy my double or AAA batteries
Please
I DECLINE!!!

Watching me
Ah
Watching me
Ah

Look here at this watch of mine
Gotta open it up
Don't know who's been in it
Tracking where I go
Finding out all my business

Se-cur-i-ty
Video cameras locked on me
In every dressing room
On every floor
In every store

Damn can I get that democracy and
Equality and privacy

You busy watching me, watching me
That you're blind baby
You neglect to see
The drugs coming into my community
Weapons coming into my community
Dirty cops in my community

And you keep saying that I'm free

Busy watching me
ah

Watching Me
AH
Watching Me

I ain't got no bars to this cage
If I'm gonna stay here
I'm gonna build me a lead house
Keep them satellites out
Direct TV
Am I watchin' it or is it watchin' me?
Man I don't really know
but I feel like

I feel like I'm being scoped y'all

Watch y'all
Somethin' ain't right

CHORUS

And you keep sayin' that I'm free
AH
And you keep sayin' that I'm free
AH

Political Article: Take Action: Support a Better Farm Bill By: Willie Nelson Back To Top I believe nothing is as central to our well-being as food - who grows it and how. When produced with the interests of the eater in mind, food makes our bodies strong. When produced with the dream of passing the land on to the next generation, food strengthens local communities. And when produced with a long view of the planet's health, food keeps our environment intact, even thriving. Family farmers have always understood the direct connection between healthy soil, healthy food and healthy people Ñ that's why they take great measures to improve and protect their soil. The key to strengthening this fabric that holds our country together is to keep family farmers on this land, from coast to coast. It's a solution to many of today's most important concerns - climate change, fossil fuel dependence, childhood obesity and dwindling biodiversity. In the coming months, Congress will seal the next farm bill, legislation so broad in scope that it touches each of us in many ways. When you hear "farm bill," think beyond the farm. Think food bill, renewable energy bill, nutrition bill, environmental stewardship bill, anti-hunger bill. Over the past several decades, the farm bill has served the interests of large-scale industrial agriculture with policies designed to produce cheap food and lots of it. This cheap food policy, however, comes with incredibly high external costs: a depleted countryside with fewer farmers, degraded soils and waterways, and public health disasters. A new farm bill Ñ one that serves the interests of all Americans Ñ with a vision toward sustainability, can help reverse these trends.

Back To Top