Review: Florez "Not Alone" [EP]

Florez specializes in "tangy, groove-driven rock" with songs that "transform snapshots of life into catchy melodies". They've been kicking around Nashville since 2002 and have been steadily building a following. Florez has achieved a career highlight in 2005 by earning the opportunity to open for Gavin DeGraw in 2005, and brought aboard some more fans through some shameless (but smart!) self-promotion from band member Erik Huffman, who sported a Florez cap while participating in the reality show “Survivor: China” in 2007.

The 4 track "Not Alone" EP follows their recent "Yellow Shoes" EP from 2007. Florez manages to mix several different flavors of pop rock music, yet I can't decide if the chemistry is right. The hooks did not grab me immediately and the vocals are rather pedestrian. "Not Alone" strives to be indie and commercial pop simultaneously, and succeeds to some degree (I really enjoyed "Uncle Frankie"). But here's the bad sign: I didn't notice when the CD had looped back to the beginning and began to play again - I forgot it was an EP and didn't realize I had just heard the songs less than 20 minutes ago...that's how memorable they were!

While I look forward to hearing more from Florez, "Not Alone" is remarkably unremarkable. The tribe has spoken.

iPOD-worthy: 3

Florez on MySpace. Official site. Get it.

Review: Benjamin r "The Other Side of Nowhere"

Just three songs into this CD and I was desperate to learn more about Benjamin r, wondering why in the world I've not heard of this guy yet. Robert Selvaggio, otherwise known as Benjamin r, has 'come out of nowhere' with his excellent debut CD, "The Other Side of Nowhere". My hope is that this release takes him somewhere big.

With a solid foundation in producing and recording acts from Jewel to Puddle of Mudd, Benjamin r decided in 2007 to track some of his own tunes. 2009's "The Other Side of Nowhere" is the result - lucky for us! Benjamin r generally writes in the style of Crowded House, and sounds somewhere in-between Mark Kano (Athenaeum) and - believe or not - Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day (especially on "I Don't Need This Anymore", one of the strongest tracks on the disc). But for the more coffeehouse songs, he reminds me a bit of Elliot Smith (check out "Letters").

True, Benjamin r's expertise as a recording engineer shines on this sonically pleasing debut, but it is the pop rock sensibilities that have won me over. The first half of the disc is remarkably strong, infusing a bar band rock sound with catchy powerpop melodies on tracks like "Tell Me I'm Wrong", "Falling Apart", and "History". The second half of the disc is not bad by any means, but it did not capture my attention as quickly. All in all, a very strong debut, and I hope to hear a lot more from the other side of nowhere.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9

Benjamin r on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Strangefinger "Into the Blue"

Strangefinger...strange name, but fantastic disc. "Into the Blue", the latest offering from SideBMusic, arrives just in time as the new soundtrack to summer. Since it comes from SideBMusic, you know it has to be good...and after I heard Chris Manning (Jellyfish) had a hand producing and mixing the record, I was waiting outside by the mailbox with eager anticipation for its arrival.

Strangefinger is pure power pop bliss - band leader and main songwriter, Freddie Lemke, has gone through hell and high water to get this record, which was recorded and mixed in 2005, to finally see the light of day. Persistence has paid off and Strangefinger's "Into the Blue" is destined to be a classic in the genre.

Maybe it is the album title or cover art, or song titles with "Ocean" and "Sunshine" in them, or maybe it is the sunny melodies, bright instrumentation, or positive vibe, or perhaps the heavy Brian Wilson influence in many of the songs, but numerous reviews have already remarked how appropriate "Into the Blue" is for the beach. And while these comments make perfect sense, I'd like to add for clarification that Strangefinger does not sing about the surf and sand; rather, the lyrics are much more interesting, rewarding the listener with something more substantial and contemplative.

We begin with a beautiful piano-driven pop tune called "Sleep", which is far from a snore, boasting a gorgeous melody sung with perfection. "Good Night" is a show closer and, while it may have been intuitive to place this at the end of the CD, it is ear candy wherever and whenever it is heard. "Piscetarrius" is another piano-based and harmony-rich ditty that is very reminiscent of Jellyfish. Strangefinger also demonstrate that they are not just a one-trick pony by showing a soulful side on the groovy track "System to the Grind". Additional highlights include a "lost in the 70s" ballad called "Two Angels" and the outstanding single, "There's An Ocean".

Strangefinger should appeal to a wide range of power pop and rock fans. Audition them for free by downloading "There's An Ocean" here.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12

Strangefinger on MySpace. Official site. Get it.

Check out the video for the single, "There's An Ocean":

Review: Children Collide "The Long Now"

Children Collide is a modern rock trio from Melbourne, Australia. Releasing EPs since 2005, 2008's "The Long Now" marks their full-length debut and is creating a buzz not only in their homeland, but also here in the states. Driven by the ceaseless energy of guitarist and vocalist Johnny Mackey, the music of Children Collide demands your attention and can shake you out of any stupor.

The band has a strong indie rock vibe that sounds modern, yet there are lots of flashbacks in their music to the 90s. In other words, there is the potential for a lot of cross-over popularity, drawing in today's rock fans along with those still dwelling in the last decade. My favorite track is the sizzling opener, "Across the Earth", which has definite Cult overtones. "Farewell Rocketship" is also cool in the way that is deceptively laid back during the verse, but then "blasts" you with their more typical noisy chorus. I also like the lyrics on this track. Others of note include "Marie Marie Part II" and "Brave Robot", the latter of which resembles The Killers.

"The Long Now" is masterfully produced by Dave Sardy (Dandy Warhols, Oasis, Wolfmother, Jet), so crank it up. Children Collide will be on tour with Jane’s Addiction before embarking on their own headlining tour. The sky is the limit, it seems. Children Collide should appease fans of modern alternative rock in the neighborhood of Jack Butler, Modest Mouse, and The Strokes.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 6, 11

Children Collide on MySpace. Official site.

Check out this cool interactive 360 degree video created for the new single, “Chosen Armies”:

Review: Livan "Happy Returns"

If anyone is going to get me to listen to anything with electronica overtones, Livan(Lie’van) is the man who can do it. I am normally repelled by music that is heavily processed and industrial, but Livan brings plenty of rock guitars and catchy riffs to keep me listening. I would liken his style to a more rocking version of Depeche Mode.

His music comes at you fast and furious, with deep and intelligent lyrics ("do your math religiously") that pull you into his turbulent world. Livan has witnessed the hardships of addiction, politics, exile, poverty, and prison, giving him a copious amount of material to draw upon for his poetic explorations. Livan communicates his struggles with sincerity and humanity, never being preachy or assuming. Vocally, Livan has a good range, but stays predominantly baritone, sounding somewhere between two Peters: Peter Murphy and Peter Garrett of Midnight Oil.

Despite the intensity of the majority of the tracks, it is when Livan slows it down that he appeals to me most. "Where I Bleed" and "Still Around" are fantastic and have huge cross-over potential. On these tracks, Livan's strong voice is at its most emotive and the choruses are most memorable. I would like to also call your attention to the blistering opening track, "King of the World" and the very melodic "Underground". Many of you will also want to take note of his industrialized cover of "Shout" originally by Tears for Fears.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 4, 8, 9

Livan on MySpace. Official site.

Check out the video for the title track:
Happy Returns

Review: David Brookings "Glass Half Full"

It seems like only yesterday we covered singer/songwriter David Brookings' "Obsessed" release (review here). But the prolific Brookings is back already with a new CD comprised of 14 pop treats. "Glass Half Full" is just as good as "Obsessed" - if not, better - brimming with a sunny outlook and shimmering melodies to match.

Brookings sounds more and more like the long lost son of one of the Beach Boys. His gentle voice just coasts and glides over the catchy guitars, and he throws in plenty of harmonies to boot. On his latest, it is evident that Brookings' lyrical themes are beginning to mature, as he now references the need to get babysitters and even has a closing track entitled, "Gettin Older".

Every song is wonderfully catchy and has the power to change your mood for the better. The top half of "Glass Half Full" is probably one of the strongest starts to any of his records so far (his 5th solo album), with radio-friendly gems like "Don't Wake Me Up" and "This Time Its For Real". Brookings doesn't slow things down often, but the dazzling ballad "Flashlight Love" might make you wish he did a little more. The happy-go-lucky feel of "One Lonely Word" makes it my favorite of the bunch.

Fans of 60s and 70s pop songwriting need to drink from the cup David Brookings offers on "Glass Half Full". Good to the last drop!

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 13, 14

David Brookings on MySpace. Official site. Get it.

Check out a video of him performing "I Wish I Could Be With You":

Movies that Rock: "This Is Spinal Tap" on Blu-ray Disc

What better way to debut a new feature here on BMF that highlights rock movies than profiling the iconic "This Is Spinal Tap"?

In celebration of the 25th (!) anniversary, "This Is Spinal Tap" is now available on Blu-ray Disc (MGM Home Entertainment). All of the great extras that accompanied the DVD version are there - cast and crew commentary, deleted scenes and outtakes, their music videos, and more - but the Blu-ray Disc also contains two brand new exclusive features: Spinal Tap’s 2007 Live Earth reunion performance of their hit “Stonehenge” at Wembley Stadium and Nigel Tufnel’s interview for the National Geographic Stonehenge special.

For most people, this film needs no introduction. Put simply, it is the defining picture that brilliantly satirizes virtually every strata of the hard rock music scene. Spinal Tap (Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer) is the fictional band that takes center stage, and we have a front row seat to witness the typical growth cycle of your average heavy metal band. From the unlikely rise to fame, the ridiculous excesses, the shoddy management, inevitable fall, and modest comeback, too many bands have followed in the footsteps of what was intended to be fiction. In fact, many bands have been quoted as failing to see the humor in this movie because they have actually lived every scene. This just speaks to how "in tune" with the music business the writers were, which included the stars and director Rob Reiner.

This Is Spinal Tap is beyond classic - it is the quintessential movie any musician or music fan must see, again and again.

Spinal Tap on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Age "Useless Souvenirs" [EP]

I am really excited about this new hard rock outfit from Evesham in the Midlands (UK). Their new five track EP "Useless Souvenirs" flexes some huge muscle and shows incredible promise.

Stu Lister leads the charge with some powerhouse vocals that can still be heard over the thick and heavy guitar riffs. The five songs come at you fast and furious, but what knocks the ball out of the park is that their choruses are rooted in smart melodies, accented with many well placed harmonies. Great stuff to pump your fist in the air to. There is some room for growth, and Age would benefit from big league production, but "Useless Souvenirs" should be the ticket that helps them secure some significant backing. That said - there is a certain charm about the production...Age put the "raw" in "rawk"!

My favorite cuts include "Battery", "Your Last Day", and "I'm Not Done". If these guys keeps enveloping good hooks and harmony in crunchy loud guitars, and avoid the temptation to scream and rap, it seems inevitable that they'll be international stars in no time.

Age is one of those rare contemporary bands that will suit old school and modern rockers alike. I'd recommend you check them out now if you rock out to Hawthorne Heights, Three Days Grace, or Puddle of Mudd.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 4, 5

Age on MySpace.

Check out the video for "Useless Souvenirs":

Classic Rock Band competition at French Lick Resort

Rock bands have until August 7 to get in on the month-long competition and vie for the $7,500 first place cash prize. The runner-up will be awarded $2,500. Bands are encouraged to submit a CD or DVD to the resort with a photo or to upload a video onto YouTube.

The finalists will perform live on the casino stage for 30 minutes on weekends August 14-September 12. Fans and supporters, 21 and over, are encouraged to be at the casino during the performances. Judges will take crowd response into consideration when making their decision. The final round is scheduled for September 19 in the resort’s Windsor Ballroom.

There is a $4 cover charge for the preliminary round performances in the casino lounge. Tickets for the final showdown are $10 and may be purchased at the Hoosier Sugar Company in the French Lick Springs Hotel, on Ticketforce or at the door the night of the show.

To enter, groups may send a CD or DVD and photo to:
French Lick Resort
10k Classic Rock Band Challenge
8670 W. State Road 56
French Lick, IN 47432

Or, simply upload a video to French Lick Resort’s Country Band group page on YouTube

Please note, quality of entry will have a direct effect on band selection.

Review: Grand Atlantic "How We Survive"

The moody and powerful "Coast Is Clear" sets the stage for the new sophomore CD by Australia's Grand Atlantic. "How We Survive" is out to impress and Grand Atlantic is taking no prisoners. Uncompromising in songwriting quality and recording expertise (the record was mixed by Magoo, whose clientele include Midnight Oil and Powderfinger). Sonically, "How We Survive" sounds terrific.

More important, many of the songs also sound terrific, well-written and harboring to-the-point melodies that aim to grab you quick. Grand Atlantic has a sound along the lines of Carolina Liar or O.A.R., masterfully blending driving modern rock riffs with smart pop hooks and spot on harmonies. But Grand Atlantic doesn't stop there - they pay just as much attention to detail in their thoughtful lyrics.

The first single, "She's A Dreamer" fits this bill being a radio-friendly track that has it all. I like "Freeway" even better, which tattooed itself onto my brain even faster - the track is my favorite in the bunch. Other highlights include "Tripwires" and "Hit n Run/So Cold". Pop fans will delight in singling along with the sha la la of the infectious "Used To Be The Sensitive Type", and Jet fans should take note of "Holding Pattern".

iPOD-worthy: 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8

Grand Atlantic on MySpace. Official site.

Check out the new video for "She’s A Dreamer":

Review: Ted McCloskey "One Night Bland"

The latest from Ted McCloskey is the musical equivalent of a Supersized ValueMeal. Loaded with 23 tracks, McCloskey's 2009 opus "One Night Bland" record has been divided into two distinct sections: the 'Prefixes', and the 'Remixes'. I initially thought this meant that the first half of the tracks were demos of the second half of the tunes - but that is not the case. These are 23 independent tracks, the 'Remixes' representing recordings first heard on his 2003 debut, "One Man Misery Parade". So set aside a sizable block of time to digest all of "One Night Bland".

The vocals are bipolar - most of the songs have that classic "raunch n' roll" tone - that characteristic rasp that sits somewhere between Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls and Josh Todd of Buckcherry. But during a down-shift in the music, McCloskey appropriately sounds tamer - even tender - and like he didn't spend all night shouting at the waitresses while chain smoking in the bar.

The thing I love most about this record is the spirit - McCloskey is a purist for that classic rock and roll sound and attitude. Even better, he grounds everything with a strong hook in the chorus; as he puts it, his music is like "highly refined chaos". Ted McCloskey has all the swagger of the early Rolling Stones, the innovation of The Replacements, and pop sensibilities of The Kinks. In many respects, Ted McCloskey simply has it all, and "One Night Bland" is so packed with diverse songs I'd be surprised if you couldn't find at least one track that suits your taste. McCloskey throws at you gritty electric and acoustic guitars, slide guitar, harmonica, piano, banjo, and more...in tunes that range from good ol' rock n' roll to bar blues to honky tonk to coffee shop to that thing Beck does (check out "Let-Me-Go-Or-Let-Me-In).

For the Prefixes portion, my personal picks include "Tilt-A-Whirl", "Some Other Planet", and the very Replacements sounding "I'm Gonna Learn You How". For the Remixes portion, it is even more difficult to find highlights as so many of the songs are great, but I'll pick "Misdirected Karma", "A Passing Moment of Thought", "Beautifully Dead", and the terrific ballad, "Even If...". For anyone who loves rock - you need to reserve an evening for Ted McCloskey's "One Night Bland". Excellent, excellent record.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 5, 7, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22

Ted McCloskey on MySpace. Official site. Get it.

Check out the video for "Tilt-A-Whirl":

Review: Tim Be Told "From The Inside" [EP]

From Charlottesville, Virginia, here comes a piano-driven pop rock band called Tim Be Told (Tim Ouyang, Luan Nguyen, Andrew Chae, Jim Barredo, and Parker Stanley). In their words, "The name 'Tim Be Told' was inspired by the quote 'Truth Be Told', reflecting the band's musical ethos of honesty, hope, redemption, and change." Hot off the heels of winning the 2008 UVa Battle of the Bands, they are back with a new EP, "From The Inside".

You can get a sense of what this band is all about from comments made by singer/songwriter Tim Ouyang: "Music, for me, is the sincerest expression of the human soul. It has the power to heal the heart, and the strength to soothe its anger." Complementing this conviction, the band members are largely self-taught musicians; in other words, they are doing this for the love of the game, and that sentiment comes across loud and clear in these passionately performed songs.

Listening to Tim Be Told is a bit of an adventure, as the tracks infuse a dazzling array of pop, rock, gospel and blues. Lead off track "Analyze" sounds a lot like Train, but then lead single "System" veers into territory marked by Jason Mraz. The jangle and bounce of "Third Wheel" will delight power pop fans, while "Perfect" is a grand and soulful song, so full of gospel and blues influence that Joe Cocker will want to cover it. If you like any of the aforementioned artists, or others such as Five for Fighting or The Fray, you need to give Tim Be Told a try. "From The Inside" is about as heartfelt as records can get, whose diversity should satiate even the most discriminating musical palate.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 4, 5

Tim Be Told on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Fate Lions "Good Enough for You"

The Fate Lions, led by songwriter and front man Jason Manriquez, have roared onto the scene with their new CD entitled, "Good Enough For You". It has a pretty lo-fi indie sound, but remains charming and melodic. The best resemblance that comes to mind is The Lemonheads, but also some traces of Golden Bloom (recently reviewed here), Teenage Fanclub, and the early jangle pop days of R.E.M. "Good Enough For You" is "an album title jokingly plucked from Manriquez’ own experiences regarding family and, oddly enough, food". It will be up to the listener to decide how good it is, but after a couple listens I think these guys could have a real future with proper backing and better resources at their disposal.

Manriquez has some keen instincts for pop rock songwriting, and the band incorporates plenty of elements like oohs and ahhs, hand claps, and tambourine to keep things interesting and enjoyable. One thing they should have changed some more is the guitar tone, but at least it is played capably. Manriquez comes across a bit of a slacker in the vocal department, but somehow it seems to fit with the musical and lyrical vibe.

By far and away the best track is "Seen It All", but I'd also like to call your attention to the driving "Starsign", which incorporates clever 70s style backing vocals over a breezy acoustic rhythm, the amusing "All You Do Is Crazy", and the clap-a-long treat, "The Girls Are Alright". "Astronaut" would have also made my list, but the distortion on the vocals was a deal breaker for me.

All in all, Fate Lions ain't half bad - now the question is: Is it "Good Enough for You"?

iPOD-worthy: 1, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12

Fate Lions on MySpace. Official site. Get it.

Review: Bleu "A Watched Pot"

Bleu needs no introduction to readers of our blog, so I will cut right to the chase and tell you that his new record, "A Watched Pot" is nothing short of brilliant. I believe my hunch that this record would be an instant classic (read here) was right on the money. What does it sound like? Well, not quite "Twisted Sister meets Mister Mister", as Bleu sings in "Boy Meets Girl".

The first thing that struck me about the record was the number of slow to mid-tempo numbers. Nothing really accelerates much except the thrilling E.L.O. flavored "Kiss Me", which could easily have been written during his stint with L.E.O. - reviewed here). Normally a collection of slower tunes would be a turnoff for me, but these songs are so infectious, so meticulously produced, and so well sung that you forget their pace. Bleu sounds better than ever on this batch of tunes, pulling off some of the greatest vocal moments I've heard from him. Sandra McCracken (sounding very much like Sheryl Crow) duets with Bleu on the ballad "When the Lights Go Out" while The Get Up Choir contributes to "One Day", giving both tracks that little something extra to make it special.

To add to the majesty, many of these songs are augmented by a lush orchestral background. Every track sounds like it was written and recorded with "this one is the hit single" in mind (with the possible exception of track 6, which has a most radio-unfriendly title!). My three instant favorites include "Save Me" (kind of like a runaway Train hit), "Come 'n Go", and "One Day".

Overall, "A Watched Pot" boils over with hook after hook, spilling a very satisfying musical meal into your soup bowl...a musical soup so chunky that you'll have to listen to it with a fork.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10

Bleu on MySpace. Official site. At Ning.

Check out the video for "Come 'n Go":

Review: Ray Mason "Like Bugs Chewing on Paper"

Ray Mason (a.k.a. Ray Mason Band) is an old school veteran keeping the flame of retro rock alive. Quirky, fun, different, and always better with a few beers, he is back with the new CD, "Like Bugs Chewing on Paper", aiming to please long-time fans and recruit new ones alike.

With his beloved axe, the road worn 1965 Silvertone guitar, Ray Mason smiles and charms his way through another 11 jovial tracks. His voice is pedestrian but friendly, at times reminding me a little of John Hiatt. Mason's vocals beam with so much joy that it is obvious that he is in his element and wouldn't want to be doing anything else, despite 40+ years in the biz. His experience helps carry the record in terms of quality production and the wisdom to build your songs around memorable hooks and riffs. "Lunch Box" and "Eloise Please" exemplify this the most in my opinion.

You won't be "bugged" by Ray Mason if you like chewing on NRBQ, They Might Be Giants, or Marshall Crenshaw. Like the CD cover suggests, Ray Mason is inviting you to a carnival...if you can find the little kid inside you, his music is sure to delight.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 3, 4, 8

Ray Mason on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Alan Cohen Experience "Eat the Peace" [EP]

Not long ago we reviewed the self-titled EP from notable eclectic pop artist, Alan Cohen (review here). The guy and his mighty 'Orchestra of Personality' have been busy as we've already received the new forthcoming EP, "Eat the Peace", set for release on Election Day (November 3). "Eat the Peace" includes six songs that examine the cycles between war and peace.

For the uninitiated, Alan Cohen Experience (ACE) has a reputation for recording some pretty far out and offbeat stuff, venturing into Frank Zappa territory, but sounding refreshingly unique to my ears. The bizarre lyrics and arrangements made the previous EP intriguing and, well, an 'experience' alright. Comparatively speaking, "Eat the Peace" sounds subdued and calm, almost to the point where it sounds like ACE is running out of energy. Alan Cohen Experience comes up a bit short in the hook department, but on the last EP they made up for that with providing an energetic and wildly dynamic set of tunes. I'm not feeling that on this latest effort. This time out, they use a more straight-forward Southern rock sound to tell a different story for each song.

The noteworthy track that I enjoy most is "Peace", where supporting vocals from Catherine Pierce (The Pierces) really shine (she contributes to "Ranger Stranger" and "Truck Driver" as well).

iPOD-worthy: 5

Note you can grab a couple tracks for free at their official web site - go check them out for yourself!

Alan Cohen Experience on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Willy Porter "How To Rob A Bank"

When it comes to intelligent music that is meaningful as well as entertaining for adults, we don't have a lot of choices. That is where Willy Porter steps in...

Since 1990, Willy Porter has been quietly wowing audiences around the world with his virtuoso acoustic guitar playing, soulful voice, and emotive lyrics. The guitar is stunning - a cross between the guitar gymnastics mastered by Michael Hedges and the pop sensibilities of Lindsey Buckingham. With his latest release, "How To Rob A Bank", Porter has outdone himself. Everything he's learned during his two decades in the trenches culminates here, resulting in one of the most consistently mesmerizing discs of his notable career.

I can't understate how terrific "How To Rob A Bank" is, and it just gets better with each spin. The tunes that don't quite grab you the first go around will sink their subtle hooks into you shortly, and you'll be glad for it. Porter covers a lot of ground on this CD, from his insightful looks into interpersonal relationships through experienced eyes, to a heart wrenching story about a multi-generational family of soldiers, to the despicable corruption in corporations and politics. Musically, he infuses numerous genres with ease while maintaining his characteristic sound, largely due to his acoustic guitar being front and center. These are the kinds of smart, hip songs you'd expect to hear at the end of an episode of House, M.D. Vocally, I would liken Porter's skills to the talents of John Mayer and David Mead.

There isn't a song I don't appreciate, but the tracks I am particularly fond of include the tuneful "Colored Lights", "The Lemon Tree" (probably prompting Paul McCartney to check his catalogue for possible pilfering), the Bob Dylan flavor of the sad but true title track, and the catchy "Psychic Vampire", which seems to be inspired by The Band.

I would recommend Willy Porter for fans of David Mead, Glen Phillips, and Dave Matthews Band. "How To Rob A Bank" will rob your other CDs of their share of your listening time.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10

Willy Porter on MySpace. Official site.

Free MP3: Ken Block and Drew Copeland of Sister Hazel

Holy crap! Go get the solo releases from members of Sister Hazel for FREE at Amazon.com.

Ken Block "Drift" for free here! (review on BMF here)

Drew Copeland "No Regrets" for free here!

Review: Mandy Moore "Amanda Leigh"

I never really gave Mandy Moore a second thought - nice voice, but her discography generally is comprised of unremarkable, corporate teen pop. But then I heard that her new 2009 album, "Amanda Leigh" was making some noise in the power pop circuit, propelled by the fact that one of our modern day power pop heroes (Mike Viola) had a huge hand in writing, performing, and recording this record. With that backdrop, I had to tuck my tail between my legs and get my first Mandy Moore disc.

What a pleasant surprise. "Amanda Leigh" is a clear deviation from her past recordings, so long-time Moore fans should be forewarned: this is what REAL music sounds like! Moore has matured, and Mike Viola's stamp is on every track here - keeping the music organic, throwing out the dumb drum machines, and incorporating his staples of harpsichord and (sigh) toy piano. Moore and Viola were inspired by 70s singer/songwriters, especially Paul McCartney, and you'll definitely hear that influence among these tracks.

By far and away, the best track is "I Could Break Your Heart Any Day Of The Week", but I would cite "Love to Love Me Back" and "Nothing Everything" as additional standouts. Most of the songs are exceptionally well-crafted and pay homage to their 70s idols by incorporating plenty of memorable hooks and harmony. Unfortunately, the CD is pretty damn dull in the middle, but it starts and ends very well.

Moore has sold over 8 million albums worldwide and now I can say that I am not ashamed that I own one of them. "Amanda Leigh" is not likely to outsell her previous work, but I applaud the new artistic direction her music has taken and look forward to where she is going.

Check out "Amanda Leigh" if you enjoy Kelly Jones, Lisa Loeb, or Mike Viola.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 3, 8, 9, 10

Mandy Moore on MySpace. Official site.

Check out the video for "I Could Break Your Heart Any Day Of The Week".

Review: Boh Runga "Right Here"

The latest sensation from New Zealand has arrived, and she is now crafting and recording exquisite pop songs in Hollywood. "Right Here" is the solo debut from Boh Runga, lead singer and guitarist of Stellar, Sony's biggest selling kiwi band.

"Right Here" is extremely impressive - Runga's sweet, captivating voice is second only to the sweetness of the memorable melodies she composes. Her pop instincts are sharp and the rock edge shows itself in exactly the right measure. A good mix of ballads and more uptempo numbers keep "Right Here" moving steady, providing a very satisfying listening experience through all eleven tracks. She is liberal with her angelic backing vocals and has recruited some first rate musicians to flesh out her songs, which generally revolve around love, loss, and hope.

There are just too many great songs to pick from, but I will highlight the starting trio: "Starfish Sleeping", "Evelyn" (see below), and "Dark Horse". Also noteworthy is "Be Careful", which features the distinctive voice of Serj Tankian (System of A Down) - how they managed to hook up is probably an interesting story!

Boh Runga is for fans of Tasmin Archer, Nina Gordon, and K.T. Tunstall. A truly excellent debut.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 11

Boh Runga on MySpace. Official site.

Take note that there is currently a link to a free mp3 of "Evelyn" on her MySpace page.

Check out the video for the K.T. Tunstall-flavored "Evelyn":