Michelle Branch and her bud Jessica Harp manage to combine Rock and Country--ending up like a more angsty Dixie Chicks or a more countrified Sheryl Crow. It's an album that totally works, even if some of us who are used to Michelle's rock roots may have had qualms. Lose 'em. This album's a winner. Favorite tracks include "Crazy People," "One More Girl on a Stage," and "Stand Still, Look Pretty."
I love this band. Could not wait for the latest CD to come out and was not disappointed. It's actually a little softer, but still full of amazing songs. They're loud, but musically there is a lot going on here. I'm always discovering new things as I listen. Mind the parental advisorys, if you're concerned with that.
Their earlier work is worth checking out too:
I love this band so much. They play good, solid alternative, with a big hint of something special. They're not huge with the screaming, either, which is a nice break these days (when did screaming begin to equal good music?) Also check out their self-titled debut album.
Hinder - Extreme Behavior
Listen to the cd:
Get Stoned
Lips of an Angel
How much do I love this album? Let me count the ways. It was on constant play for a very long time. The disk has taken some hits for being boy-centric (aka misogynistic), but if it is, it's not so much that this gal was bothered by it. Hinder is loud, raucous, but with an enormous amount of talent--and some surprisingly pretty music under the driving beat. This band will go far.
Evanescence - Open Door
Listen to the cd:
Call Me When You're Sober
Snow White Queen
At first, I wasn't crazy about this disk. But the more I listened, the more I got to love it. It's not a play it once and adore it CD the way Fallen was. But there's a nice range on this, and some real standouts. Snow White Queen and Like You are particularly haunting.
William Shatner - Has Been
Listen to the cd:
Common People
Real
Are you laughing? Don't. This isn't Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds all over again. This is Ben Folds at the musical helm, Shatner speaking lyrics that are either dead-on funny or heartwrenchingly honest (many of which he wrote), and a host of guest musicians like Joe Jackson, Aimee Mann, Brad Paisley and others singing along. I don't know quite why it works, but it does. Snaps to Shatner. This is a winner. If the samples aren't enough to convince you, you can listen to the whole cd at the Has Been page at Shout Factory.
More Great Music:
Comments, suggestions for new music, problems with the site? Let me know!
Backround and bar graphics provided by 