Brooklyn-based folk-rock group Bobtail Yearlings does things with lyrics and music that no one has ever dreamed of. I first reviewed this CD for the station a few months ago, but somehow it keeps coming back up as something I have a strong desire to listen to. The lyricist and main vocalist, Bennett Samuel Lin, is originally from I believe Taiwan, so his vocals sound a lot different than those that we're used to hearing. His pronunciation of English words is sometimes a bit hard to understand, but I find it not really mattering at all once you get into things. This album is really two-parted, but focuses on Bennett's somewhat difficult childhood. It starts out with a song about his autistic brother and moves into such things as the end of his relationship due to his exploration of a mail-order cult. There are a LOT of references to things such as Norse mythology and the writings of Joyce and Beckett which make the lyrics REALLY interesting to listen to. In addition, Bennett has come up with a crazy literary device that he calls "doublespeaker rhyme" where two different sets of lyrics that rhyme syllable for syllable are sung simultaneously and panned hard to each speaker. I find it both crazy confusing to try to listen to through headphones, and one of the most brilliant uses of the english language of all times. It's something I think you have to hear for yourself.

In addition to all this...the music and the SOUND of the songs is so damn catchy. It really really makes me want to listen. I'd recommend giving this band a listen if you're folk/indie rock inclined.....it's definitely different, and I think different in a way that we could all use.

For more info (they have ALL the lyrics, scores, shows, where to buy things....pretty much everything about the band that anyone would ever want to know) see their website

Great Lakes Myth Society are a folk-rock band that actually captures both rock AND folk in their music. They are a Michigan-based band that has a unique combination of Americana and indie rock, and they do what they do very well. You will find a lot of references to the Midwest and the outdoors in the music, as well as indie rock elements and songs about friendships and people. They also use a combination of instruments and a vocal style extremely similar to that of The Decemberists. If you like The Decemberists, The Mountain Goats, or Page France, you will most likely really enjoy this band. This album really stood out compared to a lot of things that I have reviewed lately, and I strongly believe that anyone playing indie rock or folk rock should at least give it a listen. This band is on to something....just about every track on the album I couldn't help but think of how great this song would sound if I were driving around in my car with the radio on.

Most Highly Recommended tracks: 1, 4, 11

Rai is Algerian pop and folk music that express the pain of people frustrated by years of civil war and economic difficulties. Nevertheless, like the Blues, this music can be upbeat and invigorating: Rai is heavily syncopated and offers polyrhythms similar to what you’d hear in West African music. The liner notes include a history of the genre, singer biographies, and personnel lists. All tracks are well produced and performed, so take your pick. Track 1 is the most upbeat. Artists include Cheb Zahouani, Cheb Hasni, Bellemou Messaoud, and Cheb Tarik, among others.

This music from Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, and Mali offers a variety of moods and textures celebrating the diversity of Saharan musical culture. From the bluesy-rock Mariem Hassan to the bright tempo Groupe Oyiwane to the dirge-like Tinariwen; from the haunting Sahraoui Bachir to the stark, almost primitive sounding Tartit Ensemble, to the hypnotic Compagnie Jellouli & Gdih. If you want to chill, go with Chet Fewet Or Hasna el Becharia or Malouma.

If you like Ravi Shankar, you’ll like this CD. Amjad ali khan is a virtuoso of the Indian sarod, a fretless string instrument that sounds halfway between a sitar and a lute. He’s accompanied by some lovely tabla playing. This set includes eight original ragas, most running about 7 minutes. All are instrumental except #8, where his husky scat singing suggests the Louis Armstrong of Bangash.

I remember Herb Albert & the Tijuana Brass being a large portion of my grandparents vinyl collection. Who would ever have thought the album most played from their collection could be so hip? This album of remixes is spectacular! Artists like Thievery Corporation and Medeski, Martin & Wood bring a 21st century flair to a 20th century classic. Every track on this disk will make for a great bed below voice tracks or backgrounds as well.