Album Review

Augustana - "Can't Love, Can't Hurt"

Oh - how can I express how much I love this album? Augustana is best known for their smash hit "Boston", however my own personal song of their's is "Sweet and Low" off this album. It's catchy and gets stuck in your head easily. I loved seeing Augustana live and encourage you to check them out if they are ever in your area. This is their second release and they are definitely not suffering from a sophmore slump. The songs and lyrics are beautiful and you will find yourself singing along to the CD the same day you buy it. Other favorites off this album include "Fire" (slow and displaying Dan's amazing voice), "I Still Ain't Over You" and "Meet You Ther" (both upbeat and fun).

Ray LaMontagne - Gossip in the Grain

I can't imagine a world where I don't listen to Ray LaMontagne. This is his newest album and I would definitely recommend checking out his other albums. While I did not love this album as much as "Trouble", his music reminds me at times like Ray Charles. One critic describes Ray oh so accurately saying, "The Jesus-bearded troubadour is sort of a recluse. He doesn't enjoy doing interviews, refuses to make music videos, and hates reviews of his work--be they positive or negative. But for all the coffeehouse hacks trying to emulate Bob Dylan's verbosity and Van Morrison's impassioned croon, there's the soft-spoken Ray LaMontagne, singing his own wistful tunes without the weight of pretension and the hype of MTV." Check him out. You should be in a world where you don't listen to Ray LaMontagne.

Pinback - "Summer in Abaddon"

Cheers to what could possibly be one the most innovative and original bands out there today. They have been under the radar for quite some time now, but I love this album because I find myself bobbing my head along with the unique sound. I could try to describe them (some Radiohead, some Tool, some Portishead.....) but it never comes out right. Not that that's a bad thing. To not be able to compare the album to something that has come before truly makes them an original. They are mellow and I find that I want to listen to this music despite what type of mood I am in. Give it a try.

Oh Joe

Joe Purdy has recently become one of my favorite artists. Joe's song "In The City" was introduced to me by my sister-in-law. In the true vein of folk and acoustic musicians like Bob Dylan, Amos Lee, Shawn Mullins, John Mayer & Jack Johnson, Purdy's relaxing chords and melodies will not disappoint. Unlike the previous artists, Purdy's voice reveals an old soul. When you see his picture, you'll be surprised at how young and unassuming he is. His husky voice is tentative at times and sweetly melodic at others. His songs have been featured on Grey's Anatomy, Lost, House and most recently featured on the Secret Life of Bees soundtrack.

What I am especially impressed about Joe is that his records are self-released and contain the quintessential purity of folk: true storytelling. He tells a story with enough reprise for you to tell it yourself someday. The simple gentleness of his voice, his stories through music and his easily memorable melodies will create in you an instant fan. His new album "Last Clock on the Wall" is going to be released soon and you can better believe that I'll be at the next concert coming my way. Julie Blue, my first Joe Purdy CD purchase was written and recorded in less than a week's time as the artist enjoyed some musical meditation on a tiny river island in upstate New York. Although I've owned the album for only weeks, I've memorized each song's lyrics and it already feels like an old favorite, a lot like Joe.

Check him out at www.joepurdy.com