(double bass), some of the most highly regarded recording artists and musicians in traditional American country music, Bluegrass and beyond. The album includes ten previously unrecorded songs. "Sulphur to Sugarcane" and "The Crooked Line", were co-written with T Bone Burnett while, "I Felt The Chill" marks Costello's second recorded songwriting collaboration with Loretta Lynn. Costello revisits two songs from his catalogue in string band style. Both songs were originally written for Johnny Cash. "Hidden Shame" was indeed included on Cash's album, "Boom Chicka Boom". The album title makes reference to "The Secret Songs", Costello's unfinished commission for the Royal Danish Opera about the life of Hans Chr...  (less)

reformed group's approach has always tempered upbeat material with a darker, more soulful edge, their sixth studio release, Street Symphony , exudes a heightened mood of bittersweet melancholy. Even Steve Amedee's ever-present tambourine seems to be less frisky as the disc unwinds at its own rather subdued (no pun intended) pace. Lead vocalist/songwriter Tommy Malone has seldom sounded more committed, wrapping his dusky voice around a vibrant set of originals with lyrics that occasionally reference New Orleans' most horrific experience. Songs such as "I'm Your Town" ("who's going to save me?") and the deceptively jaunty melody of "Poor Man's Paradise"--the story of an impoverished, homeless man whose appreciati...  (less)

breath away! 'I hope you feel the immense pleasure I had singing and playing these songs with the two extraordinary musicians that accompanied me through this journey. Something really magical happened, and now it's yours to discover!'- Anne Bisson Blue Mind was recorded in July of 2008 at Reference Studio in St-Calixte, Quebec using state of the art equipment. Zero Tampering, Pure Digital XtractHD CD will play on any CD Player!  (less)

EP of solo material that had him dipping his toes in -Revolver esque studio methods, Farrar has reassembled Son Volt (with all new members) for its first all-new recording in seven years. Named for the Oklahoma town that raised Woody Guthrie, the record’s impulsively executed dozen are as much about turmoil as they are observation, complete with a recorded-live pulse complemented by guitarist Brad Rice (ex-Whiskeytown). Farrar continues his bold capacity for weaving historic references, progressive images and political jabs into his lyrics, then drives them home with a melodic cadence of rock ("Jet Pilot"), folk ("Medication") and balladeering ("World Waits For You"). Artistically potent, forever changing, he continues to build on hi...  (less)

the Band When their Second Album, "at the Sound of the Bell" Failed to Meet Sales Expectations. Each Member was Given a Copy of their Album-in-progress and Sent on their Way. The Title is a Reference to Departed Violin Player Siefried Carver, who Had Left the Group after the Second Album. This Release is Bolstered by No Less Than 10 Bonus Tracks of Live Recordings and a Couple of Studio Demos that Longtime Fans Will Find to Be a Wonderful Treasure Trove!  (less)

replaced in recent years by a more bloated orchestral bent--though if you're going to have that, you might as well pick someone with Michael Giacchino's sense of suspenseful dynamics. Overall, Giacchino proves more adept than Hans Zimmer did on the franchise's second installment in 2000, even though symptoms of too-much-itis creep in (the Hollywood Studio Symphony includes 39 violinists, 14 cellists, and 9 percussionists!). Schifrin's presence looms heavily over this CD, and not only because it starts with the original theme and ends with the bonus track "Schifrin and Variations" (which does not appear in the film). Giacchino quotes his predecessor almost constantly throughout: references to the main theme zip in and out of "...  (less)

reference to the Biblical story of Samson, who tore apart a lion and when he returned, he noticed a swarm of bees and some honey on the lion's carcass. Earth is an American drone band based in Seattle, Washington. Although they have played various styles of music, they are best known as pioneers of a minimalistic, long, and repetitive form of heavy music known as drone doom. The band's early albums could be seen as a variation of the experimental doom-influenced metal of The Melvins.  (less)

and roll. "Tales From The Strip" is a reference to the band’s long time affiliation with L.A.’s legendary rock scene, whose hub is the renowned Sunset Strip. The album’s lyrical focus is inspired by a historically significant rock scene that L.A. GUNS had a strong hand in creating. With producer Andy Johns at the helm, L.A. GUNS delivers a new studio record of original songs that proves, without a doubt, that L.A. GUNS is at the top of their game.  (less)

they are one of the best bands on the planet. I don't recall seeing such fantastic live shows ever, except maybe Pere Ubu at the Whiskey in LA circa 1978 or Ummagumma-era Pink Floyd circa 1968/9. Take those unrelated reference points and mix in The Beatles, Chicago Art Ensemble, CCR, The Grateful Dead, The Hollies, The Butthole Surfers, Led Zeppelin, and you might get a notion--probably not. Anyway, this record comes the closest to bridging the gap between the chaos, rock action, tribal bongo-banging and sentimental sing-alongs of their live shows and the necessarily more cerebral, or at least worked-over and layered process of recording in the studio. So, there are beautiful songs and harmonies on this album, and also wild and weird ...  (less)

Nicky Hopkins. Mainly acoustic, it took place in Corte Madera, California in late 1969/early 1970.The sound and mixes are excellent. The songs are often spontaneous, spare and unfinished in places and were likely intended as references for later development by the group. As such they offer a fascinating work-in-progress glimpse of this highly-talented group of musicians re-inventing themselves and developing new material under studio conditions. The booklet's sleeves notes cover the group's circumstances at the time of the recordings and the featured songs. 12 tracks. Charly.  (less)

tarpit rawk (think KARP, MELVINS, and early SOUNDGARDEN as reference points), twitchy Midwestern noise rage somewhere between Am Rep circa-1991 and a more rabid DIE KREUZEN, and a goatheaded psychedelic backwoods black mass/dance party risen to a fever pitch. Produced by Mike Lastra at Smegma Studios (EARTH, THRONES, JACKIE-O MOTHERFUCKER).  (less)

somewhere in between, all the while drawing references to both. As a songwriter, Arends employs ideas from early contemporary Christian music with a modern sensibility, evidenced by her single "They'll Know We Are Christians." The smartly tailored arrangements make this so much more than a simple remake. "Father, Thy Will Be Done" is one of the simplest yet clever singles to be released in the CCM market. The call-and-answer verse and steady-beat rhythms leave you with an irresistible melody. The five live tracks are quite pleasing, especially "Go with God," enhanced by Phil Keaggy's masterful lead guitar. It's clear that Arends excels in the live setting, giving color and breath to her material and making her a must-see if she plays a venue near you. Third Day fans may...  (less)