Tupac Shakur - Pac's Life

Amaru/Interscope

2 Pac's legendary work ethic and constant drive often found him laying down vocals in two or three rooms of a recording studio simultaneously, and then heading straight to a film set, video shoot, or concert, only to begin again the next morning. Sleeping during travel from one location to the next. Since his tragic death, his spirit has been kept alive thanks to the extraordinary legacy of unfinished recordings he left behind, and the commitment of his mother, Afeni Shakur whose strong efforts to continue to get his complete body of work released; work considered even more astonishing given that his first album came out in 1991, and he was murdered in September 1996 at age 25.
Contributing to "Pac's Life" are Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, Keyshia Cole, T.I., Ashanti, Young Buck, Lil Scrappy, Carl Thomas, Outlawz, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Big Syke, Papoose, with productions from LT Hutton, Sha Money XL, Swizz Beatz and more. The artists and producers involved range from his close friends and colleagues to those who grew up on his music and were inspired and motivated by it. The passion and fire inside him makes it possible, ten years and eleven posthumous albums later to create yet another album of great material.

Pink Nasty - Mold The Gold

Self-Released

Pinky Nasty has just completed her second album, the neurotic rock pop masterpiece "Mold The Gold." The songs were written by Pink and her brother, white rap sensation Black Nasty.
A collection of thirteen offbeat, melodic hits it contains an over-the-top album closer 'Don't Ever Change,' which is her power duet with Bonnie 'Prince' Billy that will no doubt become one of music's most enduring ballads.

JJ Cale & Eric Clapton - The Road To Escondido

Reprise/Warner Bros.

JJ Cale and Eric Clapton have teamed up for the first time to create an original album together. Both guitar gods and lyrical geniuses in their own right, they have created a hybrid sound that is unique yet still carries their individual sounds. The songs are warm and rich, with deep flowing rhythms and an abundance of storytelling flair.

Various Artists - Rising Son: The Legend of Skateboarder Christian Hosoi, Film Soundtrack

Paladin

The soundtrack for "Rising Son, The Legend of Skateboarder Christian Hosoi" has music from artists Dave Grohl, Queens Of The Stone Age, The Transplants, Lexicon doing "Sedated" by the Ramones, and a bonus song, "No Family," the last vocal recording of Dog Town's Jay Adams before he was incarcerated with original members of Suicidal Tendencies minus their lead singer. The powerful musical lineup helps the film chronicle the colorful life and career of Christian Hosoi, one of skateboarding's most talented and adored superstars, whose meteoric rise to superstardom was matched only by his spiraling descent into a federal prison sentence for drug trafficking.

Sister Hazel - Absolutely

Croakin' Poets/ADA

This is probably the best-realized Sister Hazel record start to finish, and it is aptly named "Absolutely." The affirmative overtones of the title only serve to underscore the pride the band feels with the end result. They are journeymen and they've focused on creating a phenomenal experience for the fans; so much so you can feel what the band feels. They come very close to pulling the elusive live show magic out of the hat.

Sarah Brightman - DIVA: The Singles Collection

Angel/EMI

Sarah Brightman has put together a collection of her best vocal works. Everything from 'The Phantom Of The Opera,' to the voluptuous 'Whiter Shade Of Pale' and the eerie 'It's A Beautiful Day.' Every track is another example of exemplary choral perfection.
In a place of honor with the likes of Bjork, Sarah is above and beyond what anyone could hope for in female vocalist, and her songs are marked as some of the most well-known poetic works.

Tracy Byrd - Different Things

Blind Mule/Handleman

Tracy Byrd's brand of new traditionalist style country made him a star in the early 1990's. It has been his knack for writing and singing ballads that break away at your heart that make him a true success. Fans are able to count on Tracy to consistently grow more confident in his delivery and choice of material. In "Different Things" he continues to reach the high standard he has always held himself up to.

Various Artists - Cameo Parkway: The Greatest Hits

Cameo/Parkway/ABKCO

The Cameo Parkway label was known for more than just dance hits during it's ten year chart reign. Major hits chronicled there include teen anthems of the time like Bobby Rydell's "Wild One" the rockabilly "Butterfly," by Charlie Gracie, and the classic proto-punk song "96 Tears" from ? & The Mysterians.
The new album from Cameo and Parkway labels is such a monumental collection of some of the most socially impactful songs that were hits during the sixties. The time of the recordings travel through the ten year span. It reflects each of the ten years and truly is a great collection of classics.

LanTana - Unbridled

BGM/Select-O-Hits

This female trio from Dallas, TX play a polished yet roots-driven mix of country, blues, bluegrass and pop. But they are anything but the Dixie Chicks. These ladies have tricks up their sleeves. They have a bite to their refreshing sound. The music they create gives you balls; Lantana is Biz Haddock, Dalene Richelle and Karol Ann DeLong. They are some sweet ass kickin' mommas.

Josh Groban - Awake

143/Reprise/Warner Bros.

This record has a lineup of stellar producers including Marius DeVries, Guy Sigsworth, Glen Ballard and David Foster. The album contains songs in Italian, Spanish and, of course, English.
"Awake" includes two hauntingly chilly songs where he harmonizes with long time idol Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The songs compliment his previous works of art. He has taken the next step in a career that is going strong.

Joan Osborne - Pretty Little Stranger

Vanguard

Joan Osborne is best know today for asking us the poignant question "what if God was one of us?" over a glistening guitar riff. Truth be told, the song "One Of Us" was an out of character move for Joan because she has, for most of her career, striven to be seen as a Janis Joplin style blues mamma with a deep rockin' voice.
Her album "Pretty Little Stranger" takes us closer to the blues momma. It features some of music's finest including Alison Krauss, Sonny Landreth playing "Dead Roses" and Vince Gill. This is a stripped-down-to-the-skinny's Joan. Her new recordings are real and more earthy than usual, and it works.

Lindsey Buckingham - Under The Skin

Lindsey Buckingham albums are rare; gorgeous flowers in bloom. His guitar abilities are seductive. Having once again shed the barrier of Fleetwood Mac, Lindsey has released "Under The Skin." Here he moves forward ambitiously. He has brought what he has learned in life to his music. Full of insights; his first solo album in 14 years is a testament to the fact that Buckingham is one of the best.

Eliza Gilkyson - Land of Milk and Honey

Red House

Eliza Gilkyson's third album "Land of Milk and Honey," features a collection of eight original songs and two covers; one of which is a previously unrecorded Woody Guthrie song "Peace Call."
This is an album of music that is for people who won't idly stand by while the vision for improving the quality of life on earth seems ever clouded by a tornado of politics, power, greed and political unrest.

The Decemberists - The Crane Wife

Capitol/EMI

The Decemberists have risen above being just cult favorites to becoming top rank in the art-rock world. They are brimming with flawless melodies and songs inhabited by casts of legionaires, chimney sweeps, sea captains and seekers of all kinds. The Decemberists have hand-crafted a purely original aesthetic all their own.
"The Crane Wife" could easily be called the most enthralling and ambitious work yet. Follow the band as they retell the Japanese story in such an unique way. The album is a divine musical piece. Everyone needs to check these guys out.

Kellie Pickler - Small Town Girl

19/BNA/Sony BMG

Kellie Pickler, the engaging American Idol season five finalist, has released "Small Town Girl," an intriguing album surging with youthful energy and feminine mystique. Her songs, five of which Kellie co-wrote, are peppy, upbeat and exciting. Kellie creates music that is full of her funky small town personality.
***So Nice, Gotta Do It Up Twice (Created by the Original NYC DJ, Jocko, 1955)***

Nouvelle Vague - Bande A Part

Bonde A Part/Peacefrog/Luaka Bop/V2

This CD includes remakes of really nifty songs such as Bauhaus' 'Bela Lugosi's Dead,' 'Pride," by U2 and "Ever Fallen In Love" by the Buzzcocks. Nouvelle Vague covers everyone from Billy Idol to Echo & the Bunnymen. They did such a great job rewriting the songs.
They did so well in remaking, that I could say that this is original sexy material. The vocals are so sensuous and the energy is so bad its good. Mmm Mmmm good!

Montgomery Gentry - Some People Change

Columbia/Sony BMG

This is Montgomery Gentry's fifth album. It showcases how far the boys have reached. I liked the song 'If You Wanna Keep an Angel' even though it is cheesy; you've gotta love the line 'I'm no angel/Just lucky that I found one.'
The band would be an exceptional find for anyone who doesn't automatically get turned off by the word country music, and the term support our troops.

+44 - When Your Heat Stops Beating

Interscope

Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker, the famed cofounders of trio Blink 182, have reunited under aegis of a new band, +44. The boys pick up where they left off in late 2004, when Blink 182 disbanded. The music has progressed in a lighter punk-pop fashion. Lyrics are more poetic and the songs are more emotionally connected.
I especially grooved on 'Baby Come On.' I feel that this is a mature jump for Travis Barker, who happens to be one of rock'n'roll busiest men. I am happy to give it major kudos!!

Scissor Sisters - Ta-Dah

Universal Motown/UMG

Good friends with Elton John; hell he plays piano on 'I Don't Feel Like Dancing.' The Scissor Sisters have leaned on him and the support of other friends to get to where they are today. Since forming the original band in 2001, they have had extensive tours and are earning more and more friends and fans.
"Ta-Dah is a reminiscent work of careful thought and colorful imagination. The lyrics are balladesque and the piano showcases tends to brighten the songs. The CD made me want to change into jogging spandex and jazzercise.

Chris Pureka - Dryland

Sad Rabbit

"Dryland" is Chris Pureka's sophomore album. She has delivered a collection of stories told on the strum of the guitar and illustrated in her raspy serenades that resonate with unassuming depth and candor.
It is evident that although she may be older, she is wiser. Her songs are more mature tales of love and relationships and of self. Her music may be of hardship and enduring loss, but she also adds ample messages of hope, longevity and the idea that if you sow your seeds and love on them, they will one day come to grow. All it takes is love and patience.

Ralph Stanley - A Distant Land To Roam: Songs of the Carter Family

DMC/Columbia/Sony BMG

The Carter family is credited with being the founders of bluegrass. A.P. Carter and his wife Sara, and Sara's cousin Maybelle sang songs with a haunting poignancy that reflected loss and loneliness. Mountain Man Blues, it was a sound that touched people deeply when they first heard it and that contnues to touch people today.
Among those who grew up listening to the Carter family were Ralph and Carter Stanley. Two boys from Clinch Mountain, Virginia. They were introduced to the Carter family by A.P himself to sing on a program with them. After Carter Stanley's death in 1966 Ralph continued on using his unworldly voice and unerring ear.
Now he is honoring the tradition which he has spent his entirety serving. He is paying a proper tribute to the Carter family. He has fulfilled a promise to create an album dedicated solely to the songs of the Carter's. And he has done it well.

Please tell me the reason
Behind the colors that you fly
Love just one nation
And the whole world we divide
You say you're "sorry"
Say, "there is no other choice"
But god bless the people them
Who cannot raise their voice
(chorus)

We can chase down all our enemies
Bring them to their knees
We can bomb the world to pieces
But we can't bomb it into peace
Whoa we may even find a solution
To hunger and disease
We can bomb the world to pieces
But we can't bomb it into peace

Violence brings one thing
More of the same
Military madness
The smell of flesh and burning pain
So i sing out to the masses
Stand up if you're still sane!
To all of us gone crazy
I sing this one refrain
(chorus)

And i sing power to the peaceful
Love to the people y'all
Power to the peaceful
Love to the people y'all

Bomb the world

I don't understand the whole reason why
You tellin' us all that we need to unify
Rally round the flag
And beat the drums of war
Sing the same old songs
Ya know we heard 'em all before
You tellin' me it's unpatriotic
But i call it what i see it
When i see it's idiotic
The tears of one mother
Are the same as any other
Drop food on the kids
While you're murderin' their fathers
But don't bother to show it on CNN
Brothers and sisters don't believe them

It's not a war against evil
It's really just revenge
Engaged on the poorest by the same rich men
Fight terrorists wherever they be found
But why you not bombing Tim Mcveigh's hometown
You can say what you want propaganda television
But all bombing is terrorism
(chorus)

We can chase down all our enemies
Bring them to their knees
We can bomb the world to pieces
But we can't bomb it into peace
Whoa we may even find a solution
To hunger and disease
We can bomb the world to pieces
But we can't bomb it into peace
911
Fire in the skies
Many people died
And no one even really knows why
They tellin' lies of division and fear
We yelled and cried
No one listened for years
But like, "who put us here?"
And who's responsible?
Well, there's no debatin'
Cause if they ask me i say
It's big corporations
World trade organization
Tri-lateral action
International sanctions, satan
Seems like it'll be an endless price tag
Of wars tremendous
And most disturbingly
The death toll is so horrendous
So i send this to those
Who say they defend us
Send us into harm's way
We should all make a rememberence that
This is bigger than terrorism
Blood is blood is blood and um
Love is true vision
Who will listen?
How many songs it takes for you to see
You can bomb the world to pieces
You can't bomb it into peace
(chorus)

Power to the peaceful
And i say, love to the people y'all
Power to the peaceful
And i say, love to the people y'all
(chorus)

Political Article: Mourning the Hidden Tragedy in Iraq By: Beverly Beckham Adam is my prism. I look at life through his eyes. He is 20 months old, and everything is new to him. And so far, everything is good. He's loved. He's healthy. He sees the world as a safe place. I know the world isn't safe. And it scares me sometimes, the difference between what he sees and what I know. Life is fragile. It's why we swaddle infants, and put bumper pads in cribs and seat belts in cars and inoculate against disease. It's why parents don't sleep some nights, many nights, worrying about all that can go wrong. Adam is my youngest daughter's child, a happy little boy. In 16 years, I wonder, will he be a soldier fighting a war in some far-off place most of us can't find on a map? Will he be ducking bullets and bombs in a town we can't pronounce? Will he lose the legs he runs on, the hands that build Lego towers, the arms he wraps around his mother's neck? I rock him to sleep some nights and tell him happy stories. Am I lying to him by weaving tales? My best friend's son is fighting in Iraq. He is her baby. Another friend's two sons are in Iraq. They are her babies. Everyone is someone's baby. It takes a lifetime to grow them and only seconds to lose them. And we're losing them while we're shopping, while we're watching TV, while we're listening to the radio and planning our day. Earl T. Hecker is a trauma surgeon who was stationed in Landstuhl, Germany. He's one of 29 American servicemen who speak about the war in a new book: "What Was Asked of Us -- An Oral History of the Iraq War by the Soldiers Who Fought It," compiled by Canadian journalist Trish Wood. Hecker talks about the 30,000 injured Americans. "I've been to Normandy. I've been to Flanders Fields. I've been to all these places. The soldiers are dead. They're dead. But this is an injury war. . . . Soldiers in Iraq are surviving horrific injuries. . . . Right now it's absolutely hidden. I don't think most people think about these kids at all. Out of sight, out of mind." The Iraq war has been out of sight. It's like an art house movie. You have to make an effort to see it, and it's mainly been the participant s' families and friends who've been watching. America's preoccupation has not been the war. It's been the latest action-packed adventure -- James Bond this week, somebody else next week -- because war is grim, Sunnis and Shiites are confusing, and no one likes reading subtitles. "Who's the prime minister of Iraq? Who's the president of Iraq? When did we assault Fallujah? A lot of people died during those times." People should know these things. This is what Benjamin Flanders, New Hampshire Army National Guard, says in this book that should be a bestseller but isn't because we're not lining up to read about the war, either. The veterans who sat down and talked to Wood are only a handful of the roughly 1 million soldiers who've served in Iraq. They talked individually in "long, emotional interviews" about their lack of knowledge: "We were handed a book about as thick as a wallet, a little green book on Iraq, and that was our knowledge of the country we were about to enter." They talked about trust gained and then lost: "November '03 was about the six-month period for us, and we hadn't yet provided adequate water, sewerage, and electricity to the Iraqis. So all of a sudden, we were no longer 'America the liberator.' Now we're the invaders who can't supply what we're supposed to be giving them." They talked about shooting the enemy: "Normally we aim for an area called the triangle of death. It's an area around the mouth region in the chin where a shot is designed to separate your spine from your head, rendering the person completely paralyzed." They talked about their lack of equipment: "We should have had way more armor on the Humvees." They talked about Iraq's dirt. If an explosion is close enough, "it cuts you off from the rest of your guys, so you don't know if they got hit or not because there's a big dust cloud." And they talked about the heat, the fear, the bureaucracy, the camaraderie, and how the war changed them. "When I got wounded, I was on my second tour of Iraq. I was hit by an IED" -- an improvised explosive device -- "and ended up losing both my legs." Adam is my prism. I see him in every soldier. I wish I didn't. "I think that the loss of life that we've had is tragic. The loss of the Iraqi people is tragic. But I'm going to look back to the good that we were able to do when we were there. . . . We had a program called Operation Adopt an Iraqi Village. We had thousands of boxes of stuff come over from all over the country. . . . We were able to make some people pretty happy, and some children very happy." I watch Adam play and think about the man he will become. And I hope that war isn't in his future.

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