________________________New 6.28.2011

**100 Monkeys _ Liquid Zoo

Stripped down, straightforward, psych-pop. See “Shy Water,” “Black Diamond,” “The Sound.”

Ben Williams _ State of Art

Debut from up-and-coming Jazz bassist to watch.

Beyonce _ 4

Reigning Queen of R&B does it like only she can. Sure fire hit record.

Big Sean _ Finally Famous

Hip/pop’s latest darling doesn’t have much to say, and isn’t that great at saying it, leaving us..confused.

Billy Ray Cyrus _ I’m American

Achy Breaky Heart man himself will be struggling for the rest of his career to be more than just a footnote to his daughter’s success.

Burn Halo _ Up from the Ashes

Cali hard rock act’s latest could pass for a Nickelback record.

Com Truise _ Galactic Melt

Newcomers bring a synth-centric approach to the chillwave genre, channel Boards of Canada. See “Glawio,” “Hyperlips,” “Ether Drift.”

Curren$y _ Weekend At Burnies

Prolific NOLA rapper gets Monsta Beatz on his latest set of weed-tinged hip-pop.

David Cook _ This Loud Morning

American Idol winner plays standard mod/rock.

Dolly Parton _ Better Day

Country’s timeless icon proves she still has the music to back up her legendary status.

Eilen Jewell _ Queen of the Minor Key

Boston singer/songwriter’s latest effort solidifies her place amongst America’s top Jazz/blues performers. See “That’s Where I’m Going,” “Warning Signs.”

Gillian Welch _ The Harrow & The Harvest

First album in 8 years from critically lauded Nashville singer/songwriter.

Handsome Furs – Sound Kapital

Wolf Parade frontman shows off his electronic side. See “Memories of the Future,” “Serve the People.”

Insane Clown Posse _ Eye of the Storm

Silly clowns.

John Maus _ We Must Become the Pitiless Censors of Ourselves

Derivative, tacky synth-pop.

Jolie Holland _ Pint of Blood

TX singer/songwriter plays stripped down, emotive indie-rock. See “All Those Girls,” “Wreckage,” “Honey Girl.”

Limp Bizkit _ Gold Cobra

The original kings of nu-metal are more repulsive than ever almost 15 years after their debut.

Marianne Faithfull _ Horses & High Heels

Old-time UK songstress’s latest is centered around her unique alto.

Mark Wills _ Looking For America

Successful TN singer/songwriter plays standard pop/country.

Patrick Wolf _ Lupercalia

More derivative synth-pop stuck in the 80’s.

Pete Rock and Smif N Wessun _ Monumental

Pete Rock and BK fixtures make solid underground rap. See “Top of the World,” “Fire,” “(I’m a) Stand-Up Guy.”

Redlight King _ Something for the Pain

Derivative mod rock.

SBTRKT _ SBTRKT

Eclectic electro set of experiemental tunes. See “Sanctuary,” “Something Goes Right.”

Selena Gomez and the Scene _ When The Sun Goes Down

Disney churns out yet another set of can’t miss tween-pop.

Set Your Goals _ Burning At Both Ends

Cali pop-punkers try to set themselves apart with slightly heavy elements. Not bad, not that great. See “London Heathrow,” “The Last American Virgin.”

Shabazz Palaces _ Black Up

Eccentric, wild art-rap.

Taking Back Sunday _ Taking Back Sunday

Emo-kings first album with their original line-up since the seminal Tell All Your Friends (2002) lacks their old magic.

The Bunny the Bear _ If You Don’t have Anything Nice To Say

Somewhat interesting mix of metal/emo/electro. See "Ocean Floor."

There For Tomorrow _ The Verge

Hopeless Records' latest punk/emo disaster.

Thievery Corporation _ Culture of Fear

DC DJ’s play laid-back world party music for the masses.

Various Artists _ Rave On Buddy Holly

New tribute featuring some of our faves.

Various Artists _ Red Hot + Rio 2

Aloe Blacc, Seu Jorge, Jose Gonzales, David Byrne and others contribute fine work to a worthy cause.

**recommended

_______________________New 6.21.2011

Attack! Attack! [UK]

Welsh rockers play post-emo, RIYL Funeral For A Friend.

August Burns Red _ Leveler

Christian metalcore via Lancaster PA.

BOBBY _ BOBBY

Eccentric VT collective play fun, sparse, haunting indie rock. See “Tomb Bloom,” “Ginger (Water Birth),” “Shimmychick.”

**Bon Iver _ Bon Iver

Somehow Justin Vernon does it again following up the lushly gorgeous For Emma, Forever Ago, with more of the same.

**Cassettes Won’t Listen _ Evinspacey

Atmospheric electro-pop from BK’s Jason Drake. See “Friendly Float,” “A Perfect Day,” “Harp Darkness.”

**Centro-Matic _ Candidate Waltz

Fun, catchy pop rock via Denton, TX led by lesser-known Monster of Folk Will Johnson. See “All the Talkers,” “Mercedes Blast.”

Cindy Bradley _ Unscripted

Up-and-coming Jazz musician manages to be musically perfect and emotionally provocative.

Cody Canada & The Departed _ This Is Indian Land

Texas country fixture finds a new band, plays a tribute to Oklahoma.

Crossfade _ We All Bleed

Cringe-worthy post-grunge via Columbia , SC brings absolutely nothing new to the table.

Dave Alvin _ Eleven Eleven

Cali-roots rock pioneer is as authentic as they come. See “Harlan County Line,” “What’s Up With Your Brother?”

Dayton Family _ Charges of Indictment

Gritty gangsta rap via Flint, MI.

Devin Townsend _ Ghost

Strapping Young Lad mastermind offers up his most restrained, mellow project yet.

Diamond Rings _ Special Affections

Canadian John O’Regan shows potential on this debut record, but overbearing 80’s syling takes over. See “You & Me,” “Pre-Owned Heart.”

Digitalism _ I Love You, Dude

German electro-pop kings fight the 80's and definitely have a few hits. See "2 Hearts," "Miami Showdown."

Esham _ DMT Sessions

Detroit acid-rapper is darker than ever with lyrics focused on death, hard drugs, and paranoia.

Gomez _ Whatevers on Your Mind

Eccentric British rockers play_______________

Girlyman _ Everything’s Easy

Harmony driven nerd folk.

Grieves _ Together/Apart

Talented indie rappers offers up introspective reflection on his Rhymesayers debut.

I Set My Friends On Fire _ Astral Rejection

Experimental post-rockers blend electro-pop and hardcore. See “Infinite Suck.”

In Flames _ Sounds of A Playground Fading

Swedish metal gods are as good and heavy as ever.

Jagged Edge _ Remedy

Sleezey R&B.

Jill Scott _ The Light Of The Sun

Philly native brings the funk on her latest set of retro-styled R&B.

Justin Moore _ Outlaws Like Me

Country sensation blends country sounds with silly lyrics and somehow came up with some of the biggest hits in recent pop/country.GHHHHH

**Liam Finn _ FOMO

Son of Crowded House legend plays unique, stylish indie rock. See “Don’t Even Know Your Name,” “Real Late,” “Reckless.”

LMFAO _ Sorry For Party Rocking

The goofiest duo in hip-hop follow up their smash I’m In Miami B**** with more of the same silly, hooky jams.

Matt Nathanson _ Modern Love

Mass native plays his extremely catchy, moderately cheesy blend of pop and folk rock. See “Room @ the End of the World.”

Miracle Parade _ Hark And Other Lost Transmissions

Boston indie folk act have their moments but may be too sleepy.

Natlie Walker _ Spark

Indiana singer/songwriter benefits from the unique electro production of Stuhr. See “Experimental Love.”

OK GO _ 180/365

Innovative rockers keep the ball rolling forward with this live set marking their first release on their own Paracadute Records.

Paul Hardcastle _ Hardcastle VI

Master dance producer features the late-great Marvin Gaye on his latest.

Peter, Paul, and Mary _ Weave Me the Sunshine

60’s folk legends are somehow still making great music.

Peter Tosh _ Equal Rights

Bob Marley guitarist and reggae legend reissues his 1977 classic. Must have for true reggae fans.

Pitbull _ Planet Pit

International rapper features big names, big beats on his latest.

Rival Sons _ Pressure and Time

Derivative classic rock/blues from overhyped Cali rockers.

Rubblebucket _ Omega La La

Lighthearted French electro-pop. See “Came Out Of A Lady,” “Silly Fathers,” “Triangular Daisies.”

Simple Plan _ Get Your Heart On

Pop-punk’s biggest simpletons are still it, unfortunately.

Symphony X _ Iconoclast

Progressive metal via Middletown NJ.

The Black Dahlia Murder _ Ritual

Progressive American heavy metal via Waterford, MI.

The Black Rabbits _ Hypno Switch

Sneering indie/garage rock.

The Red Button _ As Far As Yesterday Goes

LA power-pop act follow their 2007 smash She’s About To Cross My Mind with more of the same straight up pop tunes.

Tony Macalpine _ Tony Macalpine

Shred-pioneer plays guitar-centric prog rock.

Viva Voce _ The Future Will Destroy You

Female-fronted Portland indie act mix psychedelic rock, blues, folk, and R&B for an interesting whole. See “Black Mood Ring,” “The Future Will Destroy You.”

Weird Al Yankovic _ Alpocolypse

The king of parody takes on gen-twitter with tracks like “Perform This Way,” “Craigslist,” and “Party In The CIA.”

**recommended

____________________New 6.14.2011

13 & God _ Own Your Ghost

Inventive collaboration between Germans The Notwist and Anticon alt/rappers Themselves. See “It’s Own Sun,” “Old Age,” “Death Minor.”

A Pale Horse Named Death _ And Hell Will Follow Me

Sneering alt/rock. RIYL Godsmack, Alice In Chains.

Bad Meets Evil _ Hell: The Sequel

Royce da 5’9” and Eminem make dark, gritty hip hop. See “Fast Lane.”

Barry Manilow _ 15 Minutes

Good for 80’s nostalgics.

Black Country Communion _ Black Country Communion 2

UK rock legends Joe Bonamassa and Co play 70’s inspired arena rock.

Black Veil Brides _ Set The World On Fire

80’s influenced, make-up heavy glam rockers.

Book of Knots _ Garden of Fainting Stars

Eccentric, experimental Brooklyn art-rockers latest is a challenging listen.

Emily’s Army _ Don’t Be A Dick

Billie-Joe Armstrong produced pop-punk.

Erik Friedlander _ Bonebridge

Prolific NYC cellist shows off nimble fingers and creative songwriting on his latest. See “Transpontine,” “Hanky Panky.”

Is Tropical _ Native To

Electro-driven indie rock. See “Land of the Nod,” “Oranges.”

John Shannon _ Songs Of The Desert River

Gentle American folk/jazz.

Jonathan Edwards _ My Love Will Keep

MN folk fixture plays classic, emotive folk on his latest. See “My Love Will Keep,” “How Long.”

Junior Boys _ It’s All True

Original electropop duo do it better than most of the imitators. See “Playtime,” “You’ll Improve Me,” “ep.”

Keke Wyatt _ Unbelieveable

Standard pop/R&B.

Ledisi _ Pieces Of Me

Soulful R&B, recommended for fans of the genre. See “Pieces of Me,” “Hate Me,” “Shut Up.”

Madeleine Peyroux _ Standing On the Rooftop

Notable GA singer-songwriter deserves the constant Billie Holiday Comparisons. See “Standing On the Rooftop,” “The Kind You Can’t Afford,” “I Threw It All Away.”

Marc Broussard _ Marc Broussard

Louisiana singer/songwriter continues to blend elements of pop, jazz, rock, soul and funk.

Michael Franks _ Time Together

Slippery smooth Jazz from Cali veteran.

Neil Young _ A Treasure

Neil seems spry and energetic on this set of familiar country jams. See “Amber Jean,” “Motor City,” “Get Back To The Country.”

Of Mice and Men _ The Flood

Cali metalcore act ditch the theatrics of Attack! Attack! and come up with a solid record. See “Ohioisonfire,” “Ben Threw,” “Let Live.”

Owl City _ All Things Bright And Beautiful

24 year-old Adam Young borrows heavily from the Postal Service and is undeniably catchy and cheesy. See “Real World,” “Honey and the Bee.”

Pat Metheny _ What’s It All About

Prolific Jazz guitarist plays soothing acoustic on his latest. See “Alfie,” “Rainy Days and Mondays.”

Peter Bradley Adams _ Between Us
Soothing folk from Alabama singer/songwriter.

**Random Axe _ Random Axe

Black Milk, Guilty Simpson and Sean Price team up for some great underground hip-hop. See “Chewbacca,” “The Karate Kid,” 4 in the Box.”

Sebadoh _ Bakesale (Deluxe)

Seminal American indie/rock band remaster their 1994 classic.

The Dear Hunter _ Color Spectrum

Providence rockers postpone Act IV, offer up a varied set of progressive indie.

The Headhunters _ Platinum

Longtime American jazz/funk band features George Clinton, Snoop, and Killah Priest on their latest.

The Swellers _ Good For Me

Flint, MI punk band can be most accurately described as Paramore meets Hot Water Music.

The Wonder Years _ Suburbia I’ve Given You All and Now I’m Nothing

Pop/punk via Philly, Hopeless Records.

Vetiver _ The Errant Charm

Solid indie folk. See “Worse For Wear,” “Can’t You Tell,” “Hard To Break.”

Woods _ Sun & Shade

Lo-fi Brooklyn pop/rock stars the squeaky falsetto of Jeremy Earl of simple acoustic guitar and noisy soundscapes.

Ziggy Marley _ Wild and Free

Authentic reggae. See “Wild and Free,” “Changes.”

_______________________New 6.7.2011

Above & Beyond _ Group Therapy

UK supergroup proves they can do no wrong with this uplifting, expertly produced trance. See “Alchemy, “ “Black Room Boy,” “Sun In Your Eyes.”

Adelitas Way _ Home School Valedictorian

Standard mod-rock via Las Vegas.

Amorphis _ The Beginning of Times

Finnish death metal featuring elements of folk and progressive metal.

Arch Enemy _ Khaos Legions

Swedish death metal act’s latest features re-recordings from the band’s first three records.

Arctic Monkeys _ Suck It And See

UK indie rock kings take two steps back from the awesome Josh Homme produced Humbug.

All Time Low _ Dirty Work

Pop-punk pretty boys seem a bit like they missed the boat with extremely simple composition and lyrics.

Battles _ Gloss Drop

Inventive, instrumental electro-tinged pop. See “Africastle,” “Futura,” “White Electric.”

Benny Benassi _ Electroman

Grammy-award winning Italian house/electro producer gets help from big names and aims for the charts.

Black Lips_ Arabia Mountain

GA garage rockers blend blues, rock, country, and punk, but the record lacks the excitement of the band’s provocative live shows.

Blindside _ With Shivering Hearts We Wait

Swedish Christian hard rock.

Branford Marsalis & Joey Calderazzo _ Songs of Mirth and Melancholy

Expressive emotional Jazz.

Chick Corea _ Forever

Legendary Jazz pianist/Miles Davis cohort plays new classical.

City & Colour _ Little Hell

Dallas Green and Co follow up their 2008 smash Bring Me Your Love.

Craig Taborn _ Avenging Angel

Respected composer/pianist makes his first unaccompanied album ever.

Cults _ Cults

NYC internet sensation debut record has much hype to live up to. See “Go Outside,” “Abducted.”

**Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. _ It’s A Corporate World

Electro-pop act prove that with good songwriting the cream rises to the top, even in the most crowded of genres.

Dawes _ Nothing Is Wrong

Goldsmith brothers and Co play new classic rock. See “If I Wanted Someone,” “So Well,” “Million Dollar Bill.”

Depeche Mode _ Remixes 2: ’81-‘11

Depeche get the remix treatment from some of the best around.

Diane Schuur _ The Gathering

Distinguished Jazz singer sounds better than ever on this star-studded collection of 10 classic country songs.

Duncan Sheik _ Covers 80’s

90’s one hit wonder offers his takes on favorites from the 80’s.

**Frank Turner _ England Keeps My Bones

Million Dead frontman plays strong upbeat folk/rock. See “I Still Believe,” “I Am Disappeared,” “Redemption.”

Fucked Up _ David Comes To Life

Awesome hardcore punk via Toronto. See “Queen of Hearts,” “Under My Nose.”

**Givers _ In Light

Louisana indie act play fun, airy guitar pop, RIYL Dirty Projectors. See “Saw You First,” “Ripe,” “Ceiling of Plankton.”

Grayson Capps _ The Lost Cause Minstrels

Blues/Americana set from one of the South’s best new singer/songwriters.

Hail Mary Mallon _ Are You Gonna Eat That?

Fun hip-hop from Aesop Rock, Rob Sonic, and DJ Big Wiz. See “Meter Feeder,” “Smock,” “Holy Driver.”

Hammerfall _ Infected

Power metal via Sweden.

Hiromi _ Voice

Electrifying, sophisticated Jazz from this young Japanese woman.

Hooray For Earth _ True Loves

Electro-indie act struggle to stand out but have their moments. See “Last Minute,” “Bring Us Closer Together.”

Il Volo _ Il Volo [Spanish Version]

Traditional Italian opera from the next generation of tenors.

Iron Maiden _ From Fear To Eternity: The Best of 1990-2010

Greatest hits.

Jessica 6 _ See The Light

Euro club tunes/R&B. See “ Good To Go,” “Not Anymore.”

Joe Ely _ Satisfied At Last

Revered TX singer/songerwriter blends honky-tonk, country, and American rock on his latest set.

Larry Carlton _ Plays The Sound of Philadelphia

Multi-Grammy winning Jazz guitarist takes on Philly.

Lindi Ortega _ Little Red Boots

Golden voiced Canadian singer-songwriter’s latest alt/country is solid. See “Angels,” “Little Red Boots,” “Dying of Another Broken Heart.”

Marvin Gaye _ What’s Going On [40^th Anniversary 2CD/LP]

Reissued, 3-disc collection.

Mastodon _ Brett Hinds Presents: Fiend Without a Face & West End Motel

Bizarre split set of rockabilly finds the kings of psych-metal in a very weird place.

**Mike Bloom _ King Of Circles

Rilo Kiley/The Elected multi-instrumentalist belongs in the center of the stage. See “Til It’s Over,” “Gold Mine,” “Anything But This.”

Morbid Angel _ Illud Divinum Insanus

Death metal/grindcore legends haven’t lost a thing in the 20+ years since their debut.

New Gary Burton Quartet _ Common Ground

Lighthearted Jazz set led by the Indiana innovative vibraphonist .

**Nick 13 [Tiger Army]_ Nick 13

Well-written, lushly orchestrated alt/county. See “Nashville Winter,” “All Alone, “ Nighttime Sky.”

Origin _ Entity

Talented Kansas trio make some really brutal metal.

Peter Murphy _ Ninth

Latest from Bauhaus frontman/godfather of Goth has its gems. See “I Spit Roses,” “Memory Go.”

Randy Travis _ Anniversary Celebration

Randy gets help from the biggest names in the biz to celebrate his 25^th with covers and duets of his biggest hits.

Robert Pollard _ Lord Of The Birdcage

Prolific Guided By Voices frontman puts out his second record of 2011 only six months in.

Ronnie Dunn _ Ronnie Dunn

Straightforward country rock from half of Brooks & Dunn.

Sondre Lerche _ Sondre Lerche

Strong set varied pop tunes from this young Norwegian. See “Go Right Ahead,” “Coliseum Town,” “When the River.”

Tech N9ne _ All 6’s and 7’s

KC rapper brings his speedy, distinctive flow into mainstream territory with big beats and prolific guest spots.

Tedeschi Trucks Band _ Revelator

Fans of both acts will delight in this set from two fixtures in American rock. See “Midnight In Harlem.”

The Book of Mormon [Original Broadway Cast] _ The Book Of Mormon

Soundtrack from the critically acclaimed musical from Trey Parker And Matt Stone.

The Ladybug Transistor _ Clutching Stems

Upbeat indie-rock from Brooklyn bank on charm. See “Breaking Up On The Beat,” “Clutching Stems.”

The Postelles _ The Postelles

Retro indie rockers show off a few good hooks, lack consistency. See “123 Stop,” “Whisper, Whisper.”

The Rosebuds _ Loud Planes Fly Low

Newly split Raleigh couple play their unique brand of upbeat indie folk. See “Come Visit Me,” “Woods,”

Tom Vek _ Leisure Seizure

Reclusive multi-instrumentalist’s latest is full of interesting pop. See “Aroused,” “A.P.O.L.O.G.Y.”

Tommy Castro _ Presents: The Legendary R&B Revue – Live!

Critically acclaimed CA bluesman brings his exciting live act to the people.

Tyr _ The Lay of Thrym

Viking metal.

Whitesnake _ Live at Donington 1990

The legendary 80’s rockers live at their peak.

Youssou NDour _ Dakar-Kingston

Authentic reggae in promotion of African unity. See “Bololene,” “Diarr Diarr.”

**recommended

__________________New Releases 5.31.2011

Autopsy _ Macabre Eternal

Legendary underground Cali metal act play standard metalcore.

Black Stone Cherry _ Between The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea

Mainstream mod rock via Kentucky on Roadrunner Records.

**Blue Stone _ Pandora's Box

The fourth record from this Robert Smith produced electro-indie act is stylish, modern, and accessible. See "Curiosity," "Darkened Rooms."

BT _ These Re-Imagined Machines

Various artists offer their takes on 2010's brilliant These Hopeful Machines.

Canibus & Keith Murray: The Undergods _ In Gods We Trust, Crush Microphones To Dust

Dark, complex underground rap from some of the best in the game.

Dave Matthews Band _ Live At Wrigley Field

Pretty self-explanatory.

David Sylvian _ Died in the Wool

Experimental, progressive electro fusion from well-respected English singer-songwriter.

Death Cab For Cutie _ Codes and Keys

Ben Gibbard and Co turn up the charm but don't reach the magic of their earlier albums (ie Transatlanticsm, Something About Airplanes).

Eddie Vedder _ Ukelele Songs

16 ukelele centered tracks leave the vocals front and center, for better or worse.

Egypt Central _ White Rabbit

Mainstream alt/metal via Tennessee. RIYL Disturbed.

Eliane Elias _ Light My Fire

Interesting Jazz from brazilian composer/singer/producer benefits from a broad variety of influences.

Flogging Molly _ Speed Of Darkness

Irish punk-rockers continue with their signature blend of traditional Celtic sounds and American rock. See "Revolution," "The Power's Out."

Gamma Ray _ Skeletons & Majesties

Power metal via Germany.

The Guess Who _ Flavours

2003 remasters of some of the legendary Canadian rockers' biggest hits.

J.D. Souther _ Natural History

Well known rock/country writer puts out his second solo album since 1984.

Jello Biafra & The Guantanamo School of Medicine _ Enhanced Methods of Questioning

Punk god takes on the modern world.

Jordan Knight _ Unfinished

Shockingly decent pop from this living pop phenomenon. See "Let's Go Higher," "Like A Wave."

Kate Bush _ Director's Cut

English singer-songwriter sticks with the eclectic approach that's made her a legend.

Kelli O'Hara _ Always

Bright, theatrical pop from this multiple Tony Award nominee.

**Kool G Rap _ Riches Royalty Respect

Queens rapper hasn't lost a thing, reminds us why he's considered one of the most influential ever.

Matthew Good _ Lights of Endangered Species

Vinyl/CD only release from this widely loved BC songwriter.

My Morning Jacket _ Circuital

Jim James and Co strip down their sound and come up with gold.

My Dying Bride _ Evinta

Interesting, unexpected instrumentals from this English doom-metal act.

Pagan's Mind _ Heavenly Ecstasy: Limited

Progressive metal via Norway.

Reatards _ Teenage Hate/Fuck Elvis Heres the Reatards

Re-release of the band's first record will be followed by a documentary on the deceased American punk-rocker.

Seapony _ Go With Me

Stylish, hip, female-fronted indie rock is nice but won't be blowing any minds. RIYL Beach House, Best Coast.

Sweetback Sisters _ Looking for a Fight

Classic American folk via the vibrant Northampton, MA scene.

Tedashii _ BlackLight

Christian hip-hop.

The Melvins _ Sugar Daddy Live

Godfathers of Grunge, live.

**The Vaccines _ What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?

English indie rockers debut is a hit across the pond, and their hooky pop should be a hit here too.

Tom Harrell _ Time of the Sun

American trumpet legend plays creative Jazz.

Twisted Sister _ Under The Blade

Re-release of the band's 1982 debut.

U.S. Christmas _ Valley Path

Progressive drone-metal/shoegaze.

**recommended