New Releases  Sol Driven Train - Underdog CD - This 10-song collection strives to capture the energy of this Charleston, SC band's dynamic live show while serving as a culmination of their years together on the road and in the studio. The result is Sol Driven Train's most concise and song-oriented album to date. Averaging 150 live dates per year, Sol Driven Train will support the release of Underdog with a heavy 2013 schedule of festival, club, and radio appearances.
Fully funded with fan support through Kickstarter and recorded at Charleston Sound, Underdog features a cast of Charleston guest musicians including 2012 American Idol finalist Elise Testone. The album explores the diverse components of sounds found in American roots music; from the gritty guitar rock licks of the opening title track, and the blues-tinged swing of "Changed Mind" and "I Do Declare," to the lightheared, observational lyrics laden with big brass hooks of "Guest List," "Fuego Fuego, and "Lady from Chiang Mai."
Underdog is laced with consistent themes of "striving for balance within ourselves and our relationships at home," says co-frontman and guitarist Joel Timmons. "The pursuit of our collective musical dreams and the need to cultivate healthy relationships and lifestyles at home are at the heart of many of the songs on Underdog. Struggle, spiritual growth, love, and longing are all intertwined and influenced the writing on this new album. We're proud of the result of these challenges and we hope to inspire the underdog within every listener."
 Papadosio - To End the Illusion of Separation (2 CDs) - This 20 song, double disc album is dedicated to the next horizon which is revealing itself little by little. What we can tell is that we are moving away from being caught in an illusion of separation, and toward something more unified. So in that spirit, we created this conceptual collaboration between us and a team of truly amazing friends whom we have had the of pleasure of meeting along the way. In an effort to catalyze the beautiful and peaceful world that we all know is possible, we give you this collection of art as a sign that we are all moving into that space slowly but surely. Read our review.
Coming Soon  Grateful Dead - Dawn of the Dead DVD - In the mid-1960s a new twist on contemporary rock music emerged out of San Francisco. Known as 'psychedelia', it was pioneered by a close-knit community of local bands who merged traditional American musical forms with new sounds often developed under the influence of psychedelic drugs. Bound up with the social and cultural changes of the era, it was a combination that made for a radical re-imaging of youth culture. This film traces the movements, events and sounds of those heady days, and traces the story of the definitive band of the psychedelic age, The Grateful Dead.
 Led Zeppelin - 1975, A Year of Living Dangerously DVD - Since their formation in 1968 Led Zeppelin had barely put a foot wrong. By 1971 they were being tagged "best band in the world" by Rolling Stone magazine, and when `Stairway to Heaven' from their redoubtable forth hit the decks and the airwaves that November, many doubted whether even the mighty Zep could reach any higher, but if '73's Houses of the Holy hinted at the band treading water, 1974 found them beginning to record what was to become arguably the most ambitious release of the bands career.
 Allman Brothers Band -Macon City Auditorium 2/11/72 (2CD) - The third Allman Brothers archival release, and perhaps the most poignant one. Recorded in Macon, GA in February 1972, these 2 CDs present the unified front that was the five-man version of the band as it gamely carried on following the loss of Duane Allman. Powerful music, played with lots of soul and heart and passion - music like you never heard before. With five songs that have not been previously released in this archival series ("Ain't Wastin' Time No More," "Midnight Rider," "Hoochie Coochie Man," "Hot 'Lanta," and "Les Brers in A Minor), you simply have to hear this to understand its power and majesty.
 Allman Brothers Band - Nassau Coliseum, NY 5/1/73 (2CD) - Nassau Coliseum 5/1/73, captures a phenomenal performance by the version of the Allman Brothers Band that recorded the classic album Brothers and Sisters. Rebounding from the tragic losses of Duane Allman and Berry Oakley, the ABB was once again hittin’ the note in the spring of 1973, and Nassau Coliseum 5/1/73 captures this important segment of Allman Brothers history. This two-CD release harkens back to the time when the ABB was commonly referred to as the "best damn band in the land," and is loaded throughout with incendiary performances. Play it often, and play it loud.
Last Week:  Ziggy Marley - In Concert CD - Recorded live on Ziggy's 2012 World Tour, Ziggy Marley In Concert captures the excitement of his shows and the connection to his audiences that has made Ziggy Marley one of the most beloved artists in the world. Filled with passionate performances, exceptional musicianship, and fan favorites like "Tomorrow People" and "Love Is My Religion," Ziggy Marley In Concert is the next best thing to being there! His band includes legendary drummer Santa Davis (Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff, Carlos Santana), lead guitarist Takeshi Akimoto, guitarist and backing vocalist Beezy Coleman, bassist Pablo Stennet, keyboard players Michael Hyde and George Hughes, percussionist Angel Roche, and backing vocalist Tracy Hazzard
Upcoming Events: Feb 15-17 - Aura Music Festival - Live Oak, FL Video of the Week: Coals to Newcastle: The New Mastersounds From Leeds to New Orleans Documentary about some of our favorite funksters! Running time 1hr, 20min Thanks for reading! Treat yourself to some good music this week.
- Lee Crumpton |
