“From the Roots to the Sky” by the J. & F. Band is a testament to preserving the best parts of what came before us while at the same time celebrating some newer musical developments, with new a relative term. The album opens with an easygoing number that from the …

On their newest single “Twisted,” Best Intentions shows all of the trappings of the prototypical New Found Glory-like bands. The cadence in the intro that rolls into the catchy hook, the barely-there bass riffs, and the complementary guitars that serve to lead your ears onto the content of the verses …

Sometimes a great track comes from pieces of other tracks. “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac, for instance, came about from several recycled bits from other tracks each of the band members had created earlier. Stevie Nicks wrote a vision for the lyrics before the music was written, while Lindsay Buckingham …

Amy Winehouse won her first Grammys in 2007 for her mega-hit “Rehab,” and the equally brilliant if a little more impressive “Back to Black.” Before she died too soon in 2011, Ms. Winehouse won six Grammys and was nominated for eight in total. She’s done more than that, though, she’s …

With their latest album “U.N. Article 14,” the band American High claims that they approached the set of tracks in an unconventional way. “We think songs are more interesting when they can be seen in different ways. We shun the tired INTRO-CHORUS-INTRO-CHORUS-LEAD-CHORUS-EXIT blueprint. We prefer freeform songs. We tried to …

Back not TOO long ago when I turned 16, my most important achievements were finally getting my own bedroom after sharing one with my brother for years, and getting my very own stereo system that could play two tapes, four! CDs and could tune into local radio stations. I didn’t …

With a name like Carnymusic, you might be a little surprised to find out that instead of circus sounds, this self-titled solo project from Mike Carnahan is actually a solid indie album. It opens with a Decemberists-like track “Riptide.” I say Decemberists-like due to the fact that Carnahan’s style choices …

The American author and illustrator Howard Pyle once said that, “Art is the expression of those beauties and emotions that stir the human soul.” Listening to Chris Lastovicka’s upcoming album “Fortune Has Turned (Remixed)” you’d think that perhaps Pyle was thinking of Lastovicka when he uttered those words before realizing …

Hearing Anne Steele on her latest album, “Made Out of Stars,” a few things surprised me. Firstly, I was surprised that she’s not already signed to a major record label like Sony, Capitol or Universal. Secondly, I was surprised at how much range she shows from one song to the …

You may not recognize Bobbie Morrone by name, but listing to him you quickly realize you’ve heard his style. A bluesy, guitar-driven pop rock artist with vocals very much in line with John Mayer, Morrone unleashes his new album “Lonely St.,” on February 4. The album hits all of the …