CDs released May 16 :

David Mead, "Tangerine" - Now, I loved 2004's "Indiana" and I was thrilled to get last years "Wherever You Are." Indiana was a very mellow, stripped acoustic album and Wherever You Are might have felt like a step back, or at least a return to Mead's Mine & Yours style (if you weren't aware that it was recorded between M&Y and Indiana). Tangerine, seems like a huge step forward. The songs are more upbeat and poppy... kind of a shock to the system of anyone who has been seeing Mead tour on "Indiana" for so long. The album highlight is "Fighting for Your Life" which is just classic David Mead. I enjoy the frentic carnival feel of "Hard to Remember." A must have for Mead fans.

The Raconteurs, "Broken Boy Soldiers" - I've never really been a huge White Stripes fan (Other than "We're Going to Be Friends" and Vyvienne's cover of "Seven Nation Army") but I do enjoy Brendan Benson, so when he teamed up with the White Strips Jack White I had to check it out (who else wanted Jack White to team up with Jack Black though?) Anyway, I like the Raconteurs more than the White Stripes but less than Brendan, which I guess is appropriate. The single, "Steady As She Goes" is very very catchy. Well, I guess there is another Lolla band I'll have to check out.I hoped Brendan wouldn't look as totally cracked out as the last time I saw him, but the cover art speaks otherwise.

Whirlwind Heat, "Types of Wood" - Speaking of Jack White, he did a lot to help out Whirlwind Heat. After seeing them live about four years ago he offered to record some of their songs, produced their debut album (which was also the debut of his record label collaboration "Third Man Records.") There are some catchy tunes on the album (Reagan) but I dunno if I can get past the song about donating sperm, "Gene Pool Style," which would have fit into an episode of Queer as Folk perfectly, but that ship has sailed. Also, I know the album cover is supposed to be erotic with a girl licking a baseball bat, but I'm just worried about germs and splinters, really.

Rock Kills Kid, "Are You Nervous?" - Often compared to The Cure and The Killers, this group was one of Rolling Stones 10 artists to watch in 2006. Ultra catchy! Check out "Don't Want to Stay" or just the whole album.

Mason Jennings, "Be Here Now" - I've never given much time to Mason Jennings, but I really did enjoy him when I saw him live. The album doesn't strike me just listening to the clips, but this seems like the kind of disc that takes a couple of spins to sink in. "If You Need a Reason" and "Which Way Your Heart Will Go" stand out and I bet would be great live.

T Bone Burnett, "The True False Identity" - Oh, there is a new artist named T-Bone Burnett? No, I guess not... this guy has been releasing CDs since 1972 (and actually has a myspace page. Wow...impressive), although this is his first CD of original material in 14 years. During this time he was doing many many impressive things, most notably producing the "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" Soundtrack. For those of us who have no point of reference for music pre-2000 T Bone also released an Essential collection today too. Convenient. And his first concert tour in almost two decades started right next door to me at the Vic, so he wins some points there.

Radio 4, "Enemies Like This" - From what I read this pop-punk group is often compared to the Clash (I have a Clash tribute album! I'm pathetic.) According to Wikipedia they say their "danceable punk" is "made in New York, is about New York, and sounds like New York." I don't know what that means, but I think it is groovy.

The Wedding Present, "Search For Paradise" - A UK indie rock band that poses valuable questions about life, like why ARE nickels bigger than dimes! No Doubt. This is a two disc set, the first of which has the singles from their last album as well as b-sides and acoustice versions of A-sides. The second disc is a DVD with some videos. Check out "I'm Further North Than You" which kind of reminds me a bit of Stars meets Athlete. Not as great, but still a compliment.

Big 10-4 , Testing the Atmosphere - Radio friendly pop/rock. Perfect candidate for an MTV reality show.

Dirtie Blonde, "Dirtie Blonde" - "Listeners also bought Ashley Parker Angel, Jewel, and Nick Lachey." I am including this because I think my web designer Shan will like it. Hope you like it Shan!

Hoobastank, "Every Man For Himself" - Just Kidding