Let it Rock: The Year For New Music Discoveries

By Sues

The year is getting off to a slow start music-wise, that doesn’t mean there’s not tons and tons to look forward to in 2009 (trust me, there is). After all, it’s only been 2 weeks. But slow does not mean great music isn’t being released.

This week’s new releases were mostly unfamiliar to me – and totally memorable – and I’m super excited that I got to discover some new music. Here’s to hoping 2009 is filled with lots more new bands and jams, in addition to new releases from old favorites.

The Derek Trucks Band- Already Free

I’m not sure how it happened, but Already Free is The Derek Trucks Band’s sixth album, and somehow I have never heard of them. The band plays a really cool amalgamation of different music stylings; basically a mixture of blues, rock, soul, and jazz. Many of the songs on the album are covers, but the band also has some really great originals. The first track, “Down in the Flood” is a Bob Dylan song, but in my opinion, Trucks makes it a bit more fun and lighthearted. And remember Susan Tedeschi? She’s Derek Truck’s wife, providing backup vocals on many of the songs and has a key role in “Back Where I Started.” Make sure you jump on the truck because it’s hard not to like The Derek Trucks Band’s music.

Jason Karaban- Sobriety Kills

When iTunes told me that listeners who bought Jason Karaban’s new album, Sobriety Kills, also purchased Spoon, I was pretty sure I would like him. And I do. Sure he’s a little more pop-y than Spoon, but in a totally relaxed, you won’t be able to stop listening kind of way. I would compare him more to singers like Jon McLaughlin and Dave Barnes. You know how sometimes you have to listen to an album a couple times before you can really appreciate it? Not so with Sobriety Kills. I loved it on my first listen and am having a seriously difficult time picking a favorite song. But I do know I’ve listened to “All in a Day’s Dream” and “Because I Love You” about a million times now. And Jason Karaban just made a huge new fan.

Pat McGee Band- Live from the Southland

OK, so Pat McGee is not new to me, but I haven’t been following them too closely lately and didn’t realize they were set to release a new live album. I skipped school in high school to see Pat McGee open for Run DMC; not a very likely combo, but they pulled it off quite nicely. Amazing performers, I’ve always enjoyed the Pat McGee Band’s live albums more than their studio albums and Live from the Southland is no exception. The entire album is incredibly clean and smooth for a live album, and Pat’s voice will send shivers down your spine (at least it does mine). This whole album is reminding me how much I love the Pat McGee Band and makes me wonder how I ever forgot.

[All album images are from Amazon.com, except for the Pat McGee Band album cover, which is from www.liveonmusic.com. Main photo courtesy of the Sugar peeps.]