Keri Hilson- In a Perfect World

Who is Keri Hilson? That’s what I said. Then I figured out that she’s the girl singing in Timbaland’s hit “The Way I Are.” Ooh, I like that song, so I thought I’d probably like Keri’s new album, In a Perfect World. Mmm not so much. Honestly, I don’t think people are buying the album because of HER. I think they’re buying it because of all the awesome people she has featured on it. Most of the album was pretty blah to me; typical R&B and nothing she sang alone really stuck in my head. But all of the tracks that featured another star were the songs I kept going back to. I have a general theory that anything the Timbaland produces will be successful, and In a Perfect World just proves me even more right. I’m sure Timbaland’s pull has a lot to do with all the cameos on the album. One of my favorite tracks is “Knock You Down,” which features both Kanye West and Ne-Yo and has more singing from them than from Keri. I’m generally not the biggest Akon fan, but I found myself dancing along to “Change Me,” in which he also seems to play the main role. Other notable features on the album include Keyshia Cole, Trina, Lil’ Wayne, and Timbaland of course.  I might be deleting Keri’s solo tracks from my music library, but I know I’ll be listening to her duets again and again. Stick to the collaborations, Keri.

The Decemberists- The Hazards of Love

The Decemberists are one of those bands I’ve always meant to listen to, but just never got around to. Well, I finally did with their new album, Hazards of Love, and I’m so psyched that I already love them as much as I do. I would definitely describe this album as being a bit different….weird if you will, but in a super good way. Even the song names are a bit strange, with titles like “The Hazards of Love 1 (The Prettiest Whistles Won’t Wrestle the Thistles Undone)” and “The Abduction of Margaret.”  And then I realized the album is a “rock opera,” meaning all of the dialogue of the show is being sung and the entire album makes a complete story. If you didn’t know better, you might discount the album at that; but don’t. No matter if you pay attention to the story’s plot or if you listen to the album on shuffle, it is enjoyable. I’m a big fan of the voice of lead singer Colin Meloy and it works perfectly with guest singers Becky Stark and Shara Worden. I particularly enjoyed “The Wanting Comes in Waves/Repaid” and “Isn’t it a Lovely Night.” I’m not sure if the rest of The Decemberists’ albums are so quirky, but I’m definitely going to find out.

Martina McBride- Shine

I think it’s pretty impossible not to like Martina McBride. OK, so lots of people don’t love country, but seriously? “This One’s for the Girls” is such an incredibly uplifting and bright song, how can anyone resist? I feel the same way about “Ride,” the first single on Martina’s new album, Shine.  It’s the kind of song you listen to whenever you need a little sunshine in your life (get it? Shine?). “Shine while you have the chance to shine/Laugh even when you want to cry/Hold on tight to what you feel inside and ride.” The songs are fairly simple as most country songs are, but the lyrics all tell us the kinds of things we need to hear from time to time. One of my favorite messages on the album is in the song, “Wrong Baby Wrong Baby Wrong,” where Martina sings, “But if you think you’ll never move on/You’re wrong baby wrong.” Some of the other lyrics on Martina’s new album include, “today everything is so sunny side up,” “If you got love you don’t need money,” and “Everyone calls you amazing/I just call you mine.” As you can see, if you need some cheering up, all you need to do is pop Shine in your CD player (or pop it in your computer, or open it on your iTunes, or play it on your iPod). It’s impossible to still be sad after listening to Martina’s 9th studio album.

This week we’re going to do some traveling. Whether it’s back in time, to another country, or just down South; this week’s new music releases are taking us away. And I don’t know about you, but I love traveling. So grab your bags and don’t bother making a mix tape for the ride, because all the music you need is right here.

Chris Isaak- Mr. Lucky

Oh, hi Chris Isaak. You’re back. Remember “Wicked Game”? You know, “And I wanna fall in love…with you” Yes, I told you we were traveling back in time. Despite the fact that we haven’t heard from this guy in awhile, Chris Isaak just has one of those voices I’ll always be a fan of. Not only is he back with a new album, Mr. Lucky, but he’s got a new TV show as well. The Biography Channel will soon be airing his Inside the Actor’s Studio like program for musicians. So obviously now is a good time for him to come out with some new music himself. The album is great, and comes with a huge perk: a duet with Michelle Branch (yes, I am a fan). While ”I Lose My Heart” is a really pretty song with a country-ish twang, I wish he gave Michelle a larger part (like a solo somewhere in there). Isaak also has a duet with Trisha Yearwood, which is one of my favorite songs on the album, showcasing Trisha’s beautiful voice throughout. I’m not sure any of the songs on Mr. Lucky will surpass “Wicked Game,” but it’s nice to hear Chris singing again.

K’Naan- Troubadour

And now we’re traveling far, far away. What? You’ve never heard of K’Naan? OK, neither had I. But I’m telling you, you totally need to start listening. First of all, Troubadour, K’Naan’s second studio album, was mostly recorded at Bob Marley’s home studio in Jamaica. So you already know the guy’s pretty cool. K’Naan was born and raised in Somalia and raps about his home country, his experiences, and so much more. I’d describe him as a much cooler, more hardcore version of The Black-Eyed Peas. It’s rap, but it’s rap that you can sing along to; rap that holds incredible meaning behind the words. K’Naan sings lyrics like: “They don’t teach us the ABCs/We play on the hard concrete/All we got is life on the streets” and “How did Mandela get the will to surpass the everyday/When injustice had him caged and trapped in every way/How did Ghandi ever withstand the hunger strikes and all/Didn’t do it to gain power and money if I recall.” Umm, but I swear, it’s fun music! If you don’t believe me, just listen to “Bang Bang,” which features Adam Levine of Maroon 5. I’ve had it on repeat all day and you probably will too.

Joe Bonamassa- The Ballad of John Henry

Joe Bonamassa is going to take us down South. OK, so really he was born and raised in Utica, New York, but his blues-rock music will make you feel like you’re down South; or at least in an underground Chicago bar somewhere. I’ll admit I’m not a big listener of the blues genre of music, but something about Joe Bonamassa’s new album, The Ballad of John Henry, has me really feeling the blues. But in a totally good way. I mean, come on, he does a cover to the song titled “Funkier Than a Mosquito’s Tweeter.” I have absolutely no idea what that means, but the song is pretty much a blast. The title track and “Happier Times” almost remind me of a cleaner version of the Drive-By Truckers, so I automatically liked it. But my favorite track might have to be “Feeling Good” a bluesy-rock take on the recently made popular by Michael Buble Bobby Darin original. Who ever said the blues would make you sad? After listening to Joe Bonamassa, I know I’m feeling good.

I’m not gonna lie: I was super excited for this week’s latest releases. Not because I love The Fray (though I do), and not because Country’s hottest star was out again (though he is), but because Melinda Doolittle was finally making her mark on the music industry.

Although, the other two weren’t too shabby either…

The Fray- The Fray

It’s been four long years since the Fray’s first release, How to Save a Life. But if you’re a fan of The Fray, then you would probably say their new self-titled album is worth the wait. The Fray is one of those bands with a distinct sound. Many of their songs may sound the same, with their slow starts and instrumental buildups, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. If you like them, of course. After one listen-through of The Fray’s new album, I was already getting the songs stuck in my head. They’re not extremely complex tracks, but they’re catchy and easy to pick up. It’s also the perfect CD for when you’re going through a break-up; even “Happiness” is enough to depress you: “Happiness damn near destroys you/breaks your faith to pieces on the floor.” OK, then. But that’s The Fray for you and, frankly, that’s why I like them.

Dierks Bentley- Feel That Fire

Even if you’re not a fan of country music, I’m pretty sure it’s hard to resist Dierks Bentley. First of all, he’s hot. And second of all, his songs are extremely fun; more of a pop-ish type of country with a bit of Southern rock thrown in. I was a bit nervous since I found Feel That Fire‘s first single and title track to be super cheesy and typical country. But the rest of the album is actually much better than the single. One of the album’s highlights is “Beautiful World,” a duet with Patty Griffin. Also, “Pray” reminds me of the slower, reflective Bentley I’ve come to love: “Just because it didn’t last/Doesn’t mean that we were wrong/We both fell in love so fast/And now it’s gone.” To be honest, it would be extremely difficult for Dierks to beat his Long Trip Alone, on which every single track was music to my ears. So, while I enjoy Feel That Fire, I’d still choose his older stuff first.

Melinda Doolittle- Coming Back to You

I currently have American Idol fever, so when I heard Melinda Doolittle was coming out with her first album this week, I knew I had to listen. It was quite apparent what an amazing singer she was on the show two years ago, but I always thought she didn’t quite fit the Idol persona and, though she didn’t win, I figured she would still make it eventually. Melinda definitely does not disappoint with her first studio album, Coming Back to You and her Idol fans should be quite happy with the finished product. Each track on the album is a cover and, though I wish Melinda would sing her own music, the covers on her album aren’t obvious covers. In fact, I’ve never heard of most of them and the ones I have heard, I actually think I prefer Melinda’s versions. I was most pleasantly surprised by her cover of Faith Hill’s “If I’m Not in Love,” which she very much made her own while still staying true to Faith’s version. Thank God Melinda didn’t win American Idol because her contract never would have allowed her to make this album.

All images are from Amazon.com

I’m especially excited about this week’s new music releases because it’s January and I’m cold. And all three of this week’s albums are the kind that make you want to crawl under the covers with a mug of hot chocolate and stay for the weekend. When you emerge on Monday morning after listening, you’ll be ready to face a few more months of winter weather.

Bon Iver- Blood Bank

I have been ridiculously excited for a new release from Bon Iver pretty much since early 2008. Of course I wish it were longer than a 4-song EP, but for now, I am content. Because Blood Bank does everything it can to rival the amazingness of For Emma, Forever Ago. You’ll hear that same tranquil smoothness in Justin Vernon’s voice with lyrics like, “And I said I know it well/That secret that we know that we don’t know how to tell.” And you know how people rag on Cher and Kanye for their excessive use of the vocoder? Well, when you hear Bon Iver’s “Woods,” you’ll have an incredible new appreciation for the vocoder, even though Vernon is essentially just repeating the lyrics of the song’s only two lines over and over. If you’re not already a Bon Iver fan, pick up this EP along with For Emma Forever Ago. Because Bon Iver is so different than what many of us are used to listening to, it might take you a few listen-throughs to fall in love, but I’m convinced you will. This EP is going to help keep me warm the rest of the winter.

Animal Collective- Merriweather Post Pavilion

Though I’ve been hearing about them for a while now, I’ve never taken the opportunity to check out Animal Collective. But after hearing numerous people rave about their music, I wanted to give their new album, Merriweather Post Pavilion a try. With a distinct, almost psychedelic sound, Animal Collective is surprisingly more accessible than I thought they would be. Each track on their ninth album is incredibly different from the last, but I was especially love “My Girls,” “Lion in a Coma,” and “Brother Sport.” Some of the album might sound a bit disjointed for your liking, but just try dancing along to it and you’ll see how it actually works perfectly. Many of the lyrics seem to be nonsensical too, but when you hear things like “I don’t mean to seem like I care about material things like a social status/I just want four walls and adobe slabs for my girls,” you’ll find yourself nodding along.

Andrew Bird- Noble Beast

Having always been a semi-Andrew Bird fan, Noble Beast has definitely solidified my fandom. His new album is filled with the same type of heavily instrumental tracks as his past albums, accompanying the same easy-going voice, which is eerily reminiscent of one of my favorites, Ryan Adams. Once again, you might feel like you need to pull out a dictionary at times in order to understand exactly what Bird is saying, but I kind of love his use of big and somewhat obscure words. For instance, in ”Anoanimal” he sings, “The seemingly innocuous plecostomus/Though posthumous/They talk to us/They talk too much.” This is the perfect album for putting on your headphones, getting on the subway, and blocking out the rest of the world while you journey to your destination.

[All images from Amazon.com]

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.]