I often ignore live and “best of”  albums. Even from artists I love. What’s the point, right? I have all their music already – how many different versions do I need? But this week I decided to live on the edge a little bit and listened to both a live album and a “best of” album.

And ZOMG, I’m so happy I did!

Both Jason Mraz’s new live album and Snow Patrol’s compilation rocked my socks off. Yes, I said “rocked my socks off.” And, yes,  I already knew most of the music, but there was something new and exciting and different about hearing it all on a different album, in a different order, in a new way. I just want to hoard every CD/song/version they’ve got.

And then there was the new Dashboard Confessional album. A totally new album. It wasn’t live and it wasn’t a “best of”, but it somehow all sounded the same. In a good way, of course. Dashboard back again with the same great sound.  And you know what? It just might be the “best of “Dashboard. Read More »

I feel like I’m having a major flashback this week. Like Wayne and Garth are running by me in my bedroom waving their hands in the air screaming “Do do do do. Do do do do.” And then everything gets all jumbled and I’m ten years younger and wearing something completely ridiculous.

Only they didn’t and I’m not. Instead, two of my all-time favorite musicians from about 10 years ago are back with some new stuff and I’m obviously over-joyed. I mean, when was the last time you heard about Vertical Horizon or David Gray? It’s been a long time; thankfully I wasn’t holding my breath. Now we just need to see if ten years was enough. I know I changed for the better in that time – what about them? Read More »

Call me crazy, but I truly believe you can put a season label on most albums. I mean, think about it – certain songs are best for snuggling under lots of blankets during a snowstorm. And some songs are just perfect for sitting in the sun or cruising with the top down (if you happen to be so lucky to own a car in which the top can come down).

Since Memorial Day has passed and we can officially wear white, it’s time we really start listening to summer music. Here are my top choices for music that is especially summery. Which means these albums put me in a fabulous mood… even when I’m lying in my bed rubbing aloe on my ailing limbs. Read More »

Sometimes I think the toughest part about being a musician isn’t all the fans throwing their undies at you on stage or all the money you make from touring…it’s got to be be finding yourself in such a giant industry. Out of all the possible genres and sounds, you need to pick the one that’s best for you and stick to it.  You know – figure out  “who you are” (Yes, I sound like a Disney movie).

But seriously, if you’re not sure who you are, why is anyone going to like you? One thing you can say about the Dave Mathews Band is that they know who they are and they have since their first album. Now, with this latest release 15 years later, they remain true to themselves and their sound, while still trying new and innovative things. The other two new releases this week are still probably trying to find who they want to be, but I have faith they can do it! And now I conclude this public service announcement. You may now return to your regularly scheduled album review. Read More »

This week was all about utilizing what I learned in Girl Scouts all those years ago. No, not building a fire or navigating my way out of a forest, but that whole “make new friends but keep the old” adage. And by “friends” I mean, “musicians who I consider to be my friends because I spend so much time with them and turn to them when I need to cry, sing really loud, or dance around in my undies.”

There were some great new releases this week from some of my favorite musical talents ever, in addition to some from bands I never knew. And while I may have fallen for some of the new stuff, I’ll always hold onto the old faves. Read More »

When the Internets talk, I listen. Really. Think about how easy the Internet makes it to discover new music.  Almost as easy as it is to find porn (but not quite as easy. It is way too easy to find porn on the Internet).  Sometimes when I’m bored, I just browse the Internet to discover new bands and I’m constantly shocked by how many artists and bands I’ve never heard of until I see or hear them online. And then fall instantly in love with them.

So, Internets, I thank you. Thank you for bringing us more than porn. Thank you for introducing me to this week’s new releases. Read More »

Ooh, the anticipation! Some of my most-liked bands are back with new releases this week.  And considering I’m already a fan of them, they all have a lot to live up to. So, will they make me remember why I love them so much or will they crush my hopes?

Well, a little bit of both actually.

I’m the kind of person who is good at finding the good in everything; and I found a lot of good in each of my selections this week. Each also had a little bit of not so hot, but in case you were wondering, I’m not even close to deleting any of them off my iTunes. None of them were my absolute favorite albums the artists have put out, but I’m loving them nonetheless. Read More »

I have pretty eclectic tastes when it comes to music. I’ll give most anything a chance and find myself loving everything from Kings of Leon to Escape the Fate to Rascal Flatts to Kelly Clarkson. You get the point. So, I was especially excited this week when I saw how crazy different each of the new releases were. I listened to some R&B, I listened to some rock opera, and I listened to some country.  And I liked something about all of it. What can I say, I’m just a well-rounded girl. I like my music like I like my men. Err, lots of it. Read More »

All the musicians featured in this week’s Let it Rock have been on the music scene for quite a while. They’re not newcomers in the least bit, which means their fans are sure to have some strong opinions about their newest albums. (Duh, don’t music lovers always have strong opinions about their favorites?) It’s also the chance for the artists to get some new fans that might have never heard them. You know, those youngsters.

But the most important thing is….Kelly Clarkson is back!! OMFG! Wahooo!

And also her American Idol co-star Taylor Hicks. But I didn’t review his new album this week because, this week, Kelly is the only American Idol who matters. Read More »

For a band whose name translates from Portuguese to “tired of being sexy”, Cansei de ser Sexy sure brings a whole lot of it to the table. If you’re lucky enough to see them live, you’ll be treated to a colorful set, complete with frontwoman Lovefoxxx sporting neon spandex jumpsuits and grinding up on other band members (just watch their set at Glastonbury 2007 if you doubt me).

They took the indie-electronic scene by storm with their 2006 self-titled debut on Sub-Pop, Jonathon Poneman’s indie label. And now CSS, as their fans affectionately know them, are back with “Donkey”.

The album begins with the playful “Jager Yoga”, a typical CSS dance-inspiring number with fun lyrics. Next comes the sole moment of seriousness on the album, “Rat is Dead (Rage)”. With the chorus “He will never hurt you again”, one can’t help but imply some references to domestic violence and abuse within the electronic riffs and synthesized beats. Read More »