Scottish singer and songwriter Amy Macdonald is already a veteran performer at the age of 21; however, her debut album This Is The Life proves that she still has some growing up to do. Read more…
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Acid Tongue, the second solo album released by Jenny Lewis, explores many different musical flavors, including classic, twangy country on the Elvis Costello duet “Carpetbaggers,” and the soulful jazzy ballad “Trying My Best to Love You.” Read more…
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Kings of Leon is a family rock band from Tennessee comprised of three brothers (Cable, Jared, and Nathan Followill) and one cousin (Matthew Followill). Upon first listen, it is easy to imagine a group of men in their fifties attempting to recapture their youth through music that is reminiscent of 1980s hard rock. So it comes as a surprise that the oldest member of the band has yet to reach age 30. Read more…
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For anyone who’s ever imagined their life as a quirky, independent film, Conor Oberst has created the accompanying soundtrack album with his latest eponymous release. Through emotive, trembling vocals, Oberst conjures the spirit of such American music icons as Bob Dylan and Tom Petty. Read more…
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There’s a new incarnation of the 1970s acid rock jam band, and its name is Howlin Rain. From the extensive use of organ and electric guitar, to front man Ethan Miller’s growling, scratchy vocals, Howlin Rain and their second album, Magnificent Fiend, sound misplaced in time. Read more…
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There’s something romantic and endearing about a husband and wife singing duo, unfortunately Nic and Heather Dillon, collectively known as Casados, cannot convert inherent goodwill into exceptional music. Read more…
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Created to accompany the 2006 documentary film of the same name,Tales of the Rat Fink is a collection of brief instrumental tracks by Toronto-based band the Sadies. The subject of the film is Ed “Big Daddy” Roth—the hotrod icon, artist and cartoonist—who was part of an early sixties novelty surf group, thus the surf influence on the album is not surprising. Read more…
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On his freshman album, The Submarine, modern-day troubadour Whitley (aka Lawrence Greenwood) takes a fresh approach to folk music. He infuses it with electronic elements to create his own unique sound. His smoky, emotive voice is doubled on many tracks to provide mystery and depth to his thoughtful lyrics. Read more…
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Some people are not just singers or songwriters, they are storytellers. Greg Laswell is one of these people. Through Toledo is a collection of deeply personal songs told in an easygoing, conversational way which makes this album an enjoyable listen. Although these are his experiences, they are universal and relatable. Read more…
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If the name Bela Karoli sounds familiar, it isn’t. This all-female Colorado trio has commandeered the name of Bela Karolyi, the Olympic gymnastics coach, to create instant name recognition. However, to the listener’s dismay, it only takes a few notes to realize that this is not the Bela Karoli they vaguely remember. Read more…
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