bonus feature: CD

If the title isn't clear enough, our soulful British song-smith is lonely.  Depressingly lonely.  It was a thoughtful interview with All Things Considered on NPR that had me make a special trip when the album dropped.

Ten days later the album is still depressing me.  Best known here in the States for the soulful  falsetto on 'Stay with Me', Sam sings with the essence of Lionel Ritchie and The Commodores and John Legend  It's a beautiful tone; but I am exhausted by the distance and sadness in his voice.

'Leave Your Lover' has a painful pleading that breaks your soul.  Hints of Stevie Wonder pop up in 'I'm Not the Only One' and this listener could easily hear Timberlake inspired stylings in 'Life Support'.

As I hear it, In the Lonely Hour is a beautifully rendered pop album and it'll be interesting to see what this kid will do.  There is not a bad song on the album.  Each arrangement highlights Smith's falsetto and rightly so.  However, as a solo play, fourteen tracks later, I'm so f^cking depressed.  By 'Lay Me Down', I was desperate for him to find a woman so he'd shut the hell up.  This listener, prefers the sound of Sam Smith mixed in a playlist.

Bonus Feature: CD

Since its release in January, this album has been in constant rotation. Thought it was time to share….

OK GO is back with another set of solid themes ranging from unavoidable consequences to things that, in retrospect, proved to be wrong. Throw in confusion and prescriptions for a better world and you have OK GO latest album, Of the Blue Colour of the Sky.

Guitarist/vocalist Damian Kulash delivers off-kilter pop-rock refrains convincingly without being obnoxiously indie or cloyingly emo. The quad seems to be in it for good time and each track here reinforces my personal mantra: ‘life sucks, but we might as well make the best of it.’

The album is feels fresh, but familiar. WTF sets the tone for the album.  The first single is slowly making its own fan base thanks to this video. This Too Shall Pass is in a strong race for favorite track. Its simple plea will resonate with the introspective set.

Skyscrapers’ bass lines are addictive and with Kulash’s breathy falsetto, well, it’s sexy cool. I Want You So Bad I Can’t Breathe and End Love contain Prince-esque elements that create a funky dance party. Last Leaf is a gentle acoustic love song that warms the soul. While You Were Asleep is simply brilliant.

Of the Blue Colour of the Sky (with its conceptual data lined album notes) is everything I love about OK GO…unassuming, experimental, quirky, and fun. These Chicagoans are enjoying the moment and make you want to, too.

Bonus Feature: CD

With only one concert left in my 2009 season, this was by far the best of year. Coldplay was an amazing religious experience, but The Killers rocked the house. With infectious enthusiasm, Brandon Flowers and Co. help me relive that February evening at the Opry house with their latest CD/DVD release Live From The Royal Albert Hall.

The Killers tear through classics like Mr. Brightside and Somebody Told Me with raucous energy. But the focus of the 2+ hours is Day and Age. Right off the bat, Brandon knocks out beautiful renditions of Human and This Is Your Life. The acoustic version of Sam’s Town that tears the soul. All These Things That I’ve Done takes on new fresh new emotion.  My favorites Joy Ride and Spaceman incite the crowd to swing and sing along.

With bonus festival performances that include Tranquilize and Smile Like You Mean It, the set is everything a Victim wants. The live CD makes the concert portable and nothing is lost in transference. The Killers continue to show ballsy commitment in their live performances.  The Killers Live From The Royal Albert Hall is a must have. If you buy one CD this year, make it Day & Age.

Bonus Feature: CD

With lyrics like 'starting to feel a little abused like a coffee machine in an office' and 'I might steal your clothers and wear them if they fit me', don't look to Shakira's latest for thought-provoking lyricism.  But...  She Wolf explodes with sexuality and tight arrangments.

A range of influences can be found in this 16 track set which includes a few in her native language and live versions of Gypsy and She Wolf.  Each song reflects its producer exactly.  Pherrell Williams from The Neptunes blends his urban heritage with Latino simplicity on six of the tracks.  Long Time is a stunner.

Men in This Town is an ode to Matt Damon--you know, guys in general.  It's the longing in a girl's heart quantified.  Can't wait to hear this one remixed. Party in the USA is so last week! 

Gypsy doesn't try too hard and that aformentioned lyric does irritate my logical nature.  But beneath the amatuerish lyricism is a layered piece that includes sitar if I had to guess.  It's hypnotic and slightly stupid.

Wyclef Jean pops up in what is easily the albums best track.  Spy includes an inspired 'wah' that kills.  It's fun and earworm-worthy.  The track's freshness belies an explosive aggression.

Mon Amour is gorgeous FU that every girl can relate too.  Inspired and empowering.

Current 'it' boys Lil Wayne and Kid Cudi moonlight on a couple of club tracks that dare you not to move.  Simple back beats laid by Timbaland let Wayne flow typical nonsense.  Shakira gets to 'swing her hips like numchucks'--it's eye-rolling nonsense, but it oozes sexy.

Ultimately, She Wolf reflects its author.  Like Shakira, it's an unapologetic, smart, sexy album that revels in the feminine mystique.

Bonus Feature: CD

All it takes are the opening strains of Caleb Followill against the smoky riffs in Closer to know you're on to something cool. In their fourth album, Only_By_The_Night, Kings of Leon have blended a fresh mix of blues, rock, and pop. Steeped in simple rhythms and bluesy guitars, the album is heroin for the ears.

Sex on Fire, the first single, is slowly gaining recognition. It was the catalyst for the album purchase. Sexy cool, Caleb's vocals are part Bono, part Greg Allman. It's remarkable. Even better was that this song was only the beginning. The album didn't suck!! YEAH!!

Sex on Fire leads to a Revelry. A beautifully textured track that highlights Caleb's post-70s burnt voice. The kid is channeling Greg Allman. 17 follows up with a bluesy wail courtesy of cousin Matthew.

There's not a bad song on the album--the tracks are seamless. Harder rocking tracks are kept to the first half of the album, but Kings of Leon finish strong with Notion (my early favorite) and bass-heavy I Want You (favorite too) whose chorus just dares you to slow dance. The final number, Cold Desert is a riff heavy blues piece that aches.

Only_By_The_Night is easily one of my favorite albums from last year that continues a heavy rotation in and out of the car. It stands in stark contrast to U2's meager offering earlier this year. It pains me to say, but after hearing this, I can't help think... this is the album Bono could have made.

Bonus Feature: CD

Devoid of liner notes, images, or special thanks, The Killer's Bonus Trax CD is a genuine treat. In limited release, courtesy of Stormtrance, consider yourself lucky to get a copy of this collection of B-sides, covers, collaborations, and the like.

Simple handwritten track titles belie an explosive blend of tunes. Although I'm partial to Flowers and Co cover of the Bright Eyes song Four Winds--there's so much more here. Tidal Wave is a gentle caress that belongs on Day and Age. Forget About What I Said is a hook-filled, radio-friendly track that won't see the light of day that throws back to Hot Fuzz.

Three holiday tracks are smashed in the middle of the 14 song mix. Joseph, Better You Than Me features Elton John and Neil Tennant. Beautifully rendered, the song highlights gorgeous vocals from all three. This holiday single was released last year continuing the tradition of digital downloads from the band. Fans may remember proceeds benefited Bono's Project Red campaign.

I'm going to sound like a broken record, but there's not a bad song on the disc. Tell Me It's Not Over Yet is another favorite. The origins of this piece are unknown {Stormtrance, jump in}, but it is a wonderfully danceable and wickedly singable track.

Just when you think it couldn't possibly get better, The Killer's whip out Replaceable {see Sam's Town} and Waiting for Love which contains a danceable wall of sound.

Rounding out the disc is Soft Surrender and Desperate. With the synth wailing and grooving bass, I dare you not to move.

The Killer's Bonus Trax CD is a must own for fans of the band. Special thanks to Stormtrance!!

Bonus Feature: CD

The marketing campaign behind U2's long awaited album, No Line on the Horizon has been ho-hum at best. A whole week with David Letterman blows. An appearance on Good Morning America?! What?! Are you trying to remain relevant or are you content with the adult contemporary label?

Rushing to purchase on drop day, I couldn't wait to get my hands on U2's latest creation. First impressions?! Well, let's just say there is a reason I waited to review. My initial impression: let down.

There is no obvious single jumping from the CD. Get on Your Boots--the opening performance at the year's Grammy awards--is as rockin' at it gets. That's a cool song, but listener be warned. U2 is almost mellow here.

It's only after repeated listens, that the subtlety emerges. The title song is beautiful and expansive--a warm up for Bono's superior vocals. Magnificent, guaranteed to be the most radio friendly, is reminiscent of Beautiful Day. Moment of Surrender is an early favorite, containing Bono's trademark lyricism and stellar guitar melodies from The Edge.

The album is one s-l-o-w burn. Even now, I'm leaning towards this one being a footnote for the band. I don't get it. Bono's strong social-political leaning are cryptically encased in gentle songs. Perhaps I'm not intelligent enough to 'get' it, but I not too sure there's anything to 'get'.

No Line on the Horizon isn't gonna make it with mass audiences. There is no clear single and thanks to a marketing bomb... well, I don't see it. Fans of the band will find something to celebrate here, i.e. tracks 1,2,3 and 6 {are Ipod worthy}, but I don't see this one entering constant rotation anytime soon.

Bonus Feature: CD

But February made me shiver, with every paper I'd deliver. Bad news on the doorstep; I couldn't take one more step. I can't remember if I cried, when I read about his widowed bride, but something touched me deep inside, the day the music died.

50 years ago today, Buddy Holly, the young promising Texan and leader of the melody makers known as the 'Chirping Crickets' died needlessly. A founding member of rock and roll and an inspiration to nearly everyone, Buddy Holly's legacy continues to influence and inspire.

The Chirping Crickets, the group's debut album was released in November 1957. Housed in twelve unassuming tracks, was a rare intensity and energy. Holly along with fellow Texans, Larry Welborn and Jerry Allison {SHOUT-OUT!} and Cal native Niki Sullivan brought a new and unbridled sound to vinyl.

That'll Be the Day skyrocketed the group to stardom It's here in all it's glorious simplicity with Holly's Fender Strat laying it down. {This would also be the first song The Beatles would record.} With a simple back beat and sweet harmony, That'll Be the Day is stunning.

Each of the songs consists of simple formula. It's Holly's vocals, those harmonies, that Strat... it's just incredible.

Now, decades later, it's amazing to me what an impact Holly and his raucous, simplistic styling had and continues to have. Listen to the original. You won't be sorry.

Bonus Feature: CD

Finally! The Killers have arrived. Having left Sam's Town, Brandon and the Boys rediscover the sound made for them. Equally thoughtful and danceable, their newest album Day & Age really is The Killer's meet Hunky Dory-era David Bowie from the opening strains of Losing Touch and definitely in Neon Tiger. The band channels Bowie and Lou Reed like you wouldn't believe. Add a touch of Robert Palmer and U2 and you've got Day and Age. The Killers are obviously in their element. Unlike Sam's Town, Brandon's vocals are ballsy here.

Human has been building tremendous buzz on the 'Net. If you've heard it, you know why. The sound is incredible. Better than Mr. Brightside, thanks to a more focused set, Human is a great first single.

Joy Ride is a disco-tinged piece that I swear includes steel drums and a sax. It bobs and beats to Flowers' vocals. Along with The World We Live In, these songs have hooks that kill. The tropic-tinged I Can't Stay is movement inducing. Unfortunately, this song will become my Achilles heel. Only I can hear my brother--the sound pop-off guy-- 'gay, gay, gay' and hitting the beat every time.

Spaceman was the second track debuted on SNL a few weeks back. Layers of synthesizers with a wicked hook, driving kick drum and quizzical lyrics makes a perfect hit.

Let's get to my early favorite--wait, I still enjoying them all, but This is Your Life is simply brash and ridiculously singable.

Saving the best for last, The Killers provide an eloquent climax with Goodnight, Travel Well. A slow brooding burn, the track becomes a beautifully arranged horn-filled send-up to loss. Flowers' vocals imbue such emotional range. It's a glorious sound.

As I see it, Day and Age is a natural evolution for The Killers. Pure pop, it's a progession filled with confidence, swagger, and lyrical nonsense.

Bonus Feature: CD

Sounds like Chris Martin and Co. had a bit more to share with their newest EP, Prospekts March. Building on the Brian Eno sound of Viva la Vida, the EP is a nice compliment. There is nothing particularly profound in the eight tracks, but that doesn't keep it from being a wonderful assault on the eardrums.

As with V la V, the EP opens with Life in Technicolor ii. This version maintains the integrity of the first, but with Martin's vocals the song feels grounded. Glass of Water brings memories of Parachutes era Yellow to the mind. The strings found on Rainy Day are beautiful, but it's seemingly oft-kilter back rhythms that screw your brain.

Perhaps the most known is the LOST+ collaboration with Jay-Z, a known supporter of the group. An interesting dynamic that works well. The song is untouched, per se, with Jay-Z laying down a quick rap slight.

Prospekts March is a nice finish to Coldplay 2008. Now, if only their current tour would make a stop...

Bonus Feature: CD

Months later and I'm still enamored of the Coldplay's latest Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends.

With Viva la Vida, Chris Martin stretches beyond the piano and simple lyrics to create an expansive sound complete with orchestral arrangements. V la V is a focused effort that plays like a book, each chapter building on the next.

The instrumental opening track Life in Technicolor sets the pace with an ethereal, nouveau quality. At first listen, V la V doesn't sound like Coldplay at all, but continued exposure leads you to believe this album was the obvious next step for a band that dissects the normal to exposure the abnormal that makes it up. {Did I just blow your mind or what?}

Much has been said on the symbolism and Martin's fascination with painter and Frenchman Delacroix {?}. Regardless, people, just listen. Your ears haven't heard beauty like this.

Martin's vocals are perfect and fit well with the album's lusty approach to sound. Every note is treated as an element to blend in creating this new picture. Lovers In Japan/Reign of Love has a comforting feel that fans will appreciate. Yes allows Martin to expand his range solidly.

Viva La Vida is the first single from the album and how wonderful it is. Exploring the lyrics brings to light Martin's fascinations with symbolism. Across the Internet, fans are projecting all types of imagery. If you get a change, check out the original video for it--not the one that the suits wanted released--the other one--found only on http://www.coldplay.com/. That solves it for me. Viva La Vida is deserves its praise. Champion gets to shine here, too.

My personal favorite {and new theme song} is the decidedly darkest track. It was a long and dark December... The band rocks out on this song of heartbreak and hope. Violet Hill is both sad and hopeful. Champion, Berryman and Buckland all provide supporting vocals. Breathtaking. As the song breaks into the bridge... WOW!! The sheer simplicity is amazing.

I like to think that Strawberry Swing is a direct result of the kick-ass concert Coldplay had here in Tennessee. Perhaps the group had an epiphany amongst the ghost of Music City. The country-tinged track is strangely not out of place.

Ending where it began is Death And All His Friends.

Viva La Vida is everything I wanted it to be. You just wouldn't understand.

Bonus Feature: CD

Intense and surprisingly earnest, 1991's self-titled album is the simplest of Metallica's ever-expanding discography. Hetfield and Co. have been pioneers for the heavy metal genre, but it's their most commercial project that I prefer. Instead of crunching their way through, the band channels that passion and create a set of menacing tracks that provoke a myriad of emotions.

Enter Sandman rocks with an unbelievable volatility. Throwing down riffs, Hatfield and Kevin Hammett tear it up and that's just the first track. Sad But True and Holier Than Thou are typical crunch. The melodic refrains of Hetfield on The Unforgiven is chilling. Easily my favorite track. The raw tenderness here is beautiful.

Then we have some more ass-kicking rock. Don't Tread on Me and Through the Never dial in and pound away. Yeah, I don't understand a word.

Nothing Else Matters {surprise!} is another track of haunting emotion. Can this be the same band?!

This album is one of select few that continue to resonate in my life Appropriate for all seasons, Metallica is a classic album that any self-respecting rock fan should own.

I'm anxious to hear what Death Magnetic, produced by Rick Rubin, has to say.

Bonus Feature: CD

Maroon 5's debut single Harder to Breathe foretold of things to come from this modern pop/rock group. Love it or hate, Songs About Jane became one of 02's top albums thanks to sharp lyrics, sexy beats and frontman Adam Levine's charisma behind the mike.

Following up five years later with It Won't Be Soon Before Long cements Maroon 5 as a relevant, earworm-inducing band. Their pulsating beats with memorable hooks are infectious. Three for three with radio-friendly singles in Makes Me Wonder, Wake Up Call, and Won't Go Home Without You, Maroon 5 have developed an effortless sound in only two albums.

The album is seamless with a dozen stylish tracks that explore the best and worst of relationships. Wake Up Call is a great F U to a cheating lover. Malice pervades the consciousness thanks to Levine's edgy delivery. In contrast, there's Won't Go Home Without You-a wistful apology and Goodnight, Goodnight, a simple melodic resignation. Levine and Co. reflect, yearn, play and seduce in the tracks found here. Kiwi is a sexy shout-out. Better That We Break is an old school throwback to the days of Martin and Sinatra.

It Won't Be Long Before Soon is a crisp, unforgettable soundtrack from the opening riffs of If I Never See Your Face Again to the ending strains of Back At Your Door. Solid pop is hard to come by. Turn it up; dance along because this is it.

Bonus Feature: CD

Bombast isn't necessary when you have something so pure. Legendary rock god Robert Plant and bluegrass goddess Alison Krauss collaborate to create perfection in Raising Sand-- easily one of, if not THE best album of 2007. Producer T-Bone Burnett allows Plant and Krauss to pull from their respective backgrounds and creates this hybrid of blues, rock, and country.

Burnett introduces these artists in a new light that is fresh and beautiful. Krauss is raw; Plant is uncharacteristically vulnerable and soft. There is an intimacy-a maturity found here that astounds this listener. Plant and Krauss sound familiar- down right celestial. Burnett allows the best of each artist to emerge, but coaxes and guides them down unexplored paths to create perfect synergy.

I'd hate to give the impression that this album is 'old' but with descriptions that include 'maturity', 'soft' and especially 'bluegrass' won't evoke confidence from my peers. Even so, Raising Sand has true crossover appeal. Rock fans-- Led Zeppelin fans are notoriously cautious and hold all former members of the band to high standards. Those fans will truly see the versatility in Plant. Bluegrass fans are similar in their devotion and will learn that music doesn't have to have a lead fiddle to be good.

Plant and Krauss weave through songs like The Everly's 'Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)', 'Stick With Me Baby' and 'Nothin'' with a indescribable ease, yet solid power. Special shout-out to Dennis Crouch-- a regular customer of mine back in Shopgirl days-- for exquisite bass playing. {Fans may remember his work on the Walk The Line soundtrack}. 'Please Read The Letter' is easily my favorite track. See iTunes if you're the immediate gratification type.

Raising Sand deserves it's accolades. Amp it up, rock it out.