New Music for Your Ears and Soul

Here are some of the more unique new music releases for 2007. Check out some ground breaking artists and go support them by buying their music and seeing them live!

Human, The Death Dance - Sage Francis

Sage Francis delivers the knock out punch hip hop needs to redeem itself with his forthcoming disc Human, The Death Dance. The "Sage" comes full circle on this disc combining intricate rhymes, hip-hop and punk rock references set against a back drop of pure funky beats and an eclectic musical landscape. On his last disc Francis got on his soapbox and waxed political on a number of topics. On his latest disc Francis looks inward and instead of raging against the machine the Sage has decided to rage against the demons within. Francis laments about his break up on "Black Out on White Night" and "Keep Moving" and he sheds light on his own addiction with the tune "Going Back to Rehab." On tracks like "Civil Obedience" and "Midgets and Giants" Francis stands tall as a defiant rap rebel as he spits critical lyrics about the rap music industry. The stand out track "Clickety-Clack" shows Francis at his most clever and venomous as he relates a revenge fantasy against the mugger who robbed him in Amsterdam. On the surface revenge is the center piece of the tune, at the core Francis turns the absurdity of thug-rap on its head. If you love hip-hop or punk rock own this disc on May 8th . If you just love thoughtful, provocative music then it's already sitting in your collection.

Teenage Graffiti - The Pink Spiders

Coming straight out of Nashville The Pink Spiders are just what the doctor ordered if you are looking for a straight ahead edgy power pop sound. The power trio come off like snotty up starts on their debut disc but their sound has been streamlined thanks to the production work of Ric (The Cars) Ocasek. With tunes like the infections "Hollywood Fix" and the melodic "Hey Razorblade" the band easily takes you on a tour of what teenage angst is like in the deep south. Put on your best pair of vans tennis shoes, put the volume to 11 and prepare to be caught in the web of the music, spun by The Pink Spiders.

The Undisputed Truth -Brother Ali

Ok let's get the obvious out of the way. Rapper Brother Ali is a white albino Muslim MC. He is also a serious lyricist and another highly talented MC on the Rhymesayers label founded by Slug of Atmosphere. Ali has a commanding voice and while his cadences may be reminiscent of Chuck D or LL Cool J, make no mistake; Brother Ali is creating his own unique style of rhyming backed by amazing production and funky beats.
Ali has no problem joking about the Nation of Islam; calling attention to his fragile pigment or waxing poetic on his child and the troubles with his ex. In fact it's not a coincidence if all three topics end up in the same song!! Brother Ali brings a standard of excellence to the rap game and his style of rhyming and word play makes the listener believe that his words are indeed the undisputed truth.

Still Stuck in Your Throat- Fishbone

In the late 80's/early 90's Fishbone (along with Jane's Addiction and The Red Hot Chili Peppers) were the kings of the other Hollywood music scene. With their eclectic blend of ska, funk, punk, soul, metal and rock, Fishbone became known as one of the best live alternative rock bands on the planet. Sadly they never broke through to the masses. After multiple line up changes, bad luck and bad choices Fishbone is back with their first studio disc in six years. The band reunited with long time producer David Khane and together they have created a disc that tries to recapture the quintessential sound the band had at the apex of its career. The combination works at times on high energy tunes like "Jack Ass Brigade" and "Let Dem Ho's Fight" (not a tribute to Don Imus). Only time will tell if this disc will bring Fishbone the wide audience they deserve. For now the 'Bone is back and it is time to go skankin' to the beat once again.

The Almost - Southern Weather

The Almost is the brainchild of singer/songwriter Aaron Gillespie. Gillespie is actually the drummer for the band Underoath but with The Almost he steps in front of the mike and leads this band in a rousing melodic punk fest of high energy music. Gillespie has a knack for combining melody with soaring guitars and a crisp rock sound. The Almost have already been booked on this summer's Warped Tour and the tour should be a perfect place to showcase Gillespie's summer rock anthems.