*New Music This Week*

I have always been a sucker for Ryan Adams and his Y'allternative lyrical genius that stems all the way back to the "Whiskeytown" days. I am pleased to see that with the new album "Cold Roses" (backed by The Cardinals), he has finally returned to his Americana / Alt-Country roots.
Like so many others I had an uncomfortable transition embracing past album "Rock and Roll" (but I did, however, somberly enjoy the Anglo-inspired double downer duo of "Love is Hell 1 & 2").... So despite having a few redundant sounding songs I think this latest offering is almost back in form of the good ol' "Heartbreaker" heyday with a wonderfully twangy 70's Country rock/Grateful Dead-like offering.

I doubt if Cold Roses will garner Adams too many new fans per say, but most long-term followers will appreciate the sort of sound that caught their attention in the first place..... Nevertheless, if you are so inclined, I recommend taking a Listen to "Easy Plateau" "Magnolia Mountain" and the lead-off single "Let It Ride" as a quality representation.

*New Music This Week*

I've been in great anticipation of the arrival of Martha Wainwright's inaugural full album release. Coming from such highly praised Canadian folk lineage... Sister of Rufus, daughter of Loudon and Kate - there had to be something there of a dignified musical wonder. ....And unsurprisingly my foresight was fitting - the album is dark but charming, difficult yet overwhelmingly melodic. In her voice I hear strains of something in between a throaty folk/alt-country rant of Patty Griffin or Lucinda Williams, to a somewhat ethereal Polly Jean Harvey...

But alas! - Words do not give justice....Buy, borrow or steal any of the following: "Factory" "These Flowers" or "B.M.F.A"...and you will see.
(Have a brief Listen Here)

*New Music This Week*

I just purchased the Victoria B.C. ex-pat's - Hot Hot Heat's newest album "Elevator" and I am in raptures already. This is coming from a girl who for the most part cannot stray too far from her brooding moody emo alt-folk y'all-ternative niche even on the brightest of happy days....sometimes you just gotta have a shameless nu-new wave album to kick shit up a notch.
I was already a big fan of the 2003 breakout album "Make Up The Breakdown" which garnered praise across the globe following very closely on the heels of The Strokes invasion of this new punk/new wave/pop rock genre....soon to be flanked by the good-time offerings by Franz Ferdinand and The Killers that have sold millions. Well now it is officially HHH's turn to bask in this glow.
The songs on this disk are all quality and flow so sweetly together that I am finding it tough to pick out my favorites thus far....but what I can say is that "Goodnight Goodnight" "Island Of The Honest Man" and "You Owe Me an IOU" are destined to be summer radio hits.

*Explore New Music Fridays (issue # 2)*

One of the most gorgeous and unique albums I've heard in ages is Feist - Let it Die. While not exactly "new", Leslie Feist (Placebo, Broken Social Scene) released her second sultry solo effort last May, but has slowly but surely been gaining a well deserved notoriety.
There is no specific target market to Feist's music as it changes so drastically from song to song, One minute a disco-tinged arouser followed by some classy crooning blues/folk....But it still brilliantly manages to keep a masterful flow throughout the record. Personally I think it's Feist's smoky voice that is the real gem and I'm sure anyone from anywhere can find one song on this album that they can admire. You can take a Listen HERE (Just click on the CD icon at the bottom right-hand corner)

*Explore New Music Fridays*

Well, first off, in the "Local Yokels" category we have Phoera...Take a listen... I am now a fan! Correct me if I'm wrong, My first impressions are a sorta A Perfect Circle - Mer de Noms meets the "Gish" era Smashing Pumpkins (listen to Rhinoceros) with a small splash of the early 90's indie darling's Eric's Trip...Especially the girly voice bits.

Next we have in the "New english/emo/punk melancholy sound type band" category, typical, yet somehow a little different...BLOC PARTY - Enjoy your Listen....I'm in Love.

(Hey! also check out Aural Hygiene Radio This Radio Blog has got a great playlist featuring Bloc Party and a bunch of other great bands.)