Stamp of Approval
 

Kerli, “Love Is Dead”

The quirky stylings of Kerli are best showcased on tracks like “Walking on Air” and “The Creationist” her debut album “Love Is Dead” offers a unique blend of pop and Björk-esque rock. At times the arrangements sound playful fairytale-like (The Creationist) and others a bit haunting like showcased “Fragile.” Key Tracks “Beautiful Day” and “Fragile.”

 

Duffy, “Rockferry”

By now you’re probably familiar with her throwback vocal-styling. You’ve heard her begging for “Mercy” and have visited “Warwick Avenue.” Undeniably Duffy’s debut album is “serious[ly]” good. Killer tracks: "Warwick Avenue," the soulful ballad "Stepping Stone," the blues infused "Syrup & Honey."

 

Original Broadway Cast Recording, “In The Heights”

The Tony award winning Best New Musical “In The Heights” surpasses the hype. The beautifully crafted 2-disc soundtrack, music and lyrics composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, allows you to relive every pulsating moment. The album like the musical features pop, salsa-infused hip hop. Key tracks: “In The Heights,” “No Me Diga,” “Carnaval Del Barrio”

 

Allison, “Memorama”

Mexico’s power pop export Allison is back with their follow-up to their self-titled debut album. “Memorama” offers some of the fast paced, raw emotion that their debut offered. The Spanish-language albums has its up-tempo signature tracks like “Adios” and “83-87” but manages to show its softer side in the acoustic love song “Baby Please.” Hooray for Allison!

 

 

The Classic Crime, “The Silver Cord”

“The Silver Cord” opens with a lament “The End” the lead off track claims to be a disaster that will let us down yet the album does not disappoint. The album is melodic, up-tempo and fun. The chant filled track “Grave Digging” is so infectious you’ll find yourself chanting along “Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!”

 

Plain White T’s, “Big Bad World”

Fresh off the heals of their grammy nominated single “Hey There Delilah” comes PWT’s follow-up to “All That We Needed” the album that spawned the hit single. In “Big Bad World” the lead off track the guys proclaim they’re “doing it again” and in a way they are. The 10-track album is charming, fun, uplifting power pop. Key tracks: “Natural Disaster” and “1,2,3,4.”

 

Black Light Burns, “Cover Your Heart”

Within seconds of the opening track you’re sucked into a world of fast guitars and muffled screams, “Forkboy” is only the beginning the 17-track album experiments with signature tracks like Duran Duran’s “Hungry Like The Wolf” and Floodland’s “Lucretia My Reflection.” It’s their interpretation nicely pulled off.

 

“Clown Alley”

Equipped with 3-D glasses and a PG and R rated version this 2-disc DVD concert/movie Mike Relm takes us on a journey unlike any other. Blending live concert footage of his turn-tabling skills with Lucha Libre footage (Mexican Wrestling) and even bits of Napoleon Dynamite’s climatic dance sequence you never know where we will be taken to  next.

Thieves and Villains, “Movement”

Starting things off with anthem “Dry Throats Unite” Thieves and Villains’ “Movement” will definitely have you bopping your head to the beat. The title track is just as a delight as the remainder 10 emotionally charged tracks.

The Psyke Project, “Apena”

Eerie at times but intriguing this album starts off slow but once it takes off it never looks back. Killer tracks: “Panic,” “Physical Romance” and “Love Sworn in a Handful of Dirt.”

 

You, Me and Everyone We Know, “Party For the Grown and Sexy”

Clever lyrics + catchy hooks equal You, Me and Everyone We Know’s fun-filled “Party For the Grown and Sexy.” They’re reminiscent of an early Fall Out Boy with a hint of Brand New. You can’t go wrong with tracks like “Do it Again! You’re Not Making Me Want To Touch You!” and “…Because I Spit Fire.”

TAT, “This is…”

“This is TAT” is an energetic breath of fresh air the female fronted London Punk Rock band gives us a taste of what they can do with their 5-track EP. Sadly the album ends much too quickly but at least they lead us through the “Road to Paradise” and at the other side we’re greeted by “Bloodstain” proof that the band “Live for Rock.”

 

Left To Vanish, “Versus The Throne”

Left to Vanish’s “Versus The Throne” should please screamo fans across the board. With tracks like Eyeless in Gaze” and “Northern Lights” you’ll be left wanting more. The 11-track album shows impressive vocal range by frontman Keith Nolan, toss in a couple heavy guitars and you’re set. Versus The Throne, worth a listen.

 

Sick of Sarah

Sick of Sarah’s self-titled debut album is a delight. The indie rock group goes against type, the all-female band isn’t screaming mad as many seem to think goes hand in hand with female musicians. Their songs are sweet but with a bit of a punch (“Not Listening”), melodic (“Give Me A Reason”) and fun (“Hardest Part”). With songs like these how can anyone be Sick of Sarah?

 

Freshkills

Freshkills self-released follow up to 2006’s “Creeps and Lovers” is here! Don’t be fooled by the slow dancing, kissing kids the album is not the type of CD you slow dance to. Although you’ll want to get up and dance along to this album the dancing like the tracks on the album will be fast-paced and guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

 

(Hed) PE, “The DIY GUYS”

Hed PE’s CD/DVD combo is a rockumentary that’s easy to get lost in between the crowd’s enthusiastic screams and the band’s energetic presence you almost feel like you’re there. The DVD mixes live performances with confessionals by Hed PE’s lead singer; it’s a behind the scenes look at one of America’s hardcore bands.

Amandititita, “La Reina De La Anarcumbia”

A different sound for SG readers but not without its charm. The Spanish-language tex-mex, rock album has numerous influences, from hip hop to electronica. The 10-track album is very in your face and Amanidi’s vocals prove to be the icing on the cake. Give it a spin if only for the hilarious track “Metrosexual” Think Katy Perry’s “Ur So Gay” but in Spanish.

Raunchy, “Wasteland Discotheque”

A well thought out album dare we say with a concept? The opening track sets the pace for what’s to come, heavy guitars and spit fire vocals. Raunchy’s “Wasteland Discotheque” is full of hits like “The Bash” and “Somebody’s Watching Me” the album encourages dancing and that’s always fun.

 

OPEM “Golden State of Mind”

OPEM’s “Golden State of Mind” has a lot of Jamaican-Reggae flair. The 14-track album encourages unity and puts a positive spin on everyday themes. The album is a fun spin.

Killer tracks “Feel The Vibration” and “Family & Friends”

 

Anathema, “Hindsight”

Anathema’s “Hindsight” starts up with the haunting “Fragile Dreams” this English band definitely knows how to suck in an audience from tracks like “Are You There?” to “Temporary Peace” you’re at the edge of your seat itching to hit the relay button.