whole album, exudes a unique sort of continuity. Big Black Hole has some of the most up beat moments of any Sean Hayes albums. In addition to the usual voice and guitar, there is electric bass, drums, piano, wurlitzer, & some trumpet, baritone horn and tuba throughout the album. Beautiful singing, innovative playing, amazing unique songs with such variety, this album, from beginning to end is a really fun ride.  (less)

'Paper White' represents the beginning, 'We Move Through Weather' is the inspired centerpiece, and the 43-minute 'Big Black Square' signals the smoky ending. Played in succession, the three releases chart Tarentel’s journey from dynamic, guitar-driven instrumentalists to perpetually curious treasure hunters of the mysterious sounds that most of us take for granted. If this were the end of Tarentel’s story, they would have enough riches to last a lifetime. Eight years into their career, however, it seems they’ve only just begun.  (less)

over many styles is because the band members are such obvious fans of diverse music. Nowhere is this more apparent than on Monkey Business ’s high-profile guest list. After Justin Timberlake’s contribution to the massive "Where Is the Love" breakout hit from Elephunk , their inclusion of big names once again was a smart, respectful move on the part of the band as well as their guests. "My Style" is Timberlake’s BEP foray number two; while the song is funky pop fun, those looking to hear Justin in the forefront are likely to be disappointed, as his vocals are mixed evenly, no sweet soulful solos this time. Other guests of note are Jack Johnson, who cowrote the bling-bashing "Gone Going," Sting on "Union" (sonically inspired by the former Police-ma...  (less)

introduce them to U.S. audiences by presenting the best songs from two of their earlier releases, Up and Play . Unlike most Celtic-rock fusion bands, Great Big Sea eschew electric guitars and synthesizers in favor of acoustic guitars and traditional instruments like bodhran, bouzouki, fiddle, flute, and whistle. But on tracks like "The Old Black Rum," a rousing drinking song in the Dubliners tradition; the moving ballad "General Taylor"; or their cover of R.E.M.'s "End of the World," their instrumental prowess and powerful vocals more than make up for the lack of electric instruments. Not only have Great Big Sea scored hits with previously archaic song forms like sea shanties, drinking tunes, and ballads, they make these old songs rock. --Michael Simmons  (less)

by Dougie MacLean, John Gorka, Sting, Ron Sexsmith, and the folkie's favorite songwriter Anonymous, gets the ratio just about right. The CD includes uptempo pop ditties such as "Message of Love" and "Big Trip to Portland"; smoky, jazz-inflected songs like "Fall at Your Feet"; and of course a good sampling of folk songs like "Turning Away" and "I Live Not Where I Love." On her late-'90s albums Black abandoned her familiar folk-inspired arrangements in favor of a slick, pop sound, but here she has enlisted the help of famed Celtic music producer Donal Lunny, who worked on five songs, to help keep her music from straying too far from its roots. Speaking with the Angel is a CD full of strong performances, but perhaps the most moving is "Moments," a tribute to Sandy De...  (less)

up on steroids. Having graced the world's stages for the last 18 years, both as Ozzy Osborne's right hand man as well as fronting BLS, Zakk Wylde has established himself as one of the few remaining guitar heroes. Skullage represents a look at the history of Black Label Society through album tracks, fan favorites and four live acoustic cuts.  (less)