Music Recommendations - Great CDs from a knowledgeable music source

CD of the Month

Each month I recommend a new album that is of extraordinary magnitude. I take no blame if you spend your hard earned money on one of these album and fine it unsatisfactory. I, of course, will take all the credit if you love it. Enjoy.

CD of the Month - October 2003

CD of the Month - November 2003

Matt Nathanson
"Beneath The Fireworks"

I was introduced to this awesome musician by my friend Lauren over a year ago and I am so thankful that she did. I was also fortunate to see him live in concert by accident a couple of months ago when he played with Ari Hest (another amazing artist by the way). In any event, this is Matt's first major label release and a strong one at that, even though I have to be honest. I feel that the album does not fully capture Matt's full talent and ability. His live performance was awesome, but I just did not feel that same sort of energy on the album. Now believe me, this album is good, really good. Trust me. Glen Phillips (Toad The Wet Sprocket of course) provides background vocals on "Sad Songs", which is a great song. My favorite song by far is the simple, but emotional, "Bent", which talks about the end of a difficult relationship. Despite this review seeming to be somewhat negative, this album is a great effort from this newcomer who is on the same path to follow the likes of John Mayer and Jason Mraz.

Howie Day
"Stop All The World Now"

Buy this CD. Right now. No, I am serious. Leave right now before you run into traffic of other people going to the store to buy this CD before you. This is Howie's second album and 1st major label on Epic. His first single "Perfect Time of Day" is starting to get a little bit of radio play, and is even on the VH1 top 20 video countdown. This album is the perfect mix of acoustic guitar/vocals/bass/drums and perfection. Howie really gave it his all on this album. Howie is only 22, but has already matured so much from his first album, which he recorded when he was only 18. I am not sure if Epic will release another single from this album, but if they do it should really be "Collide", which is quite simply one of my favorite songs of this year. It's a song about a growing relationship that is meant to be. One of my favorite lines from the song is, "And somehow, you and I collide". Wicked good. Another must listen is "She Says", which is a re-recorded version from his first CD with the addition of full-band sound.

2003
	September 2003 Gavin DeGraw "Chariot"
	August 2003 Maroon 5 "Songs About Jane"
	July 2003 Michelle Branch "Hotel Paper"
	June 2003 Josh Kelley "For The Ride Home"
	May 2003 Tonic "Head On Straight"
	April 2003 Edwin McCain "Austin Sessions"
	March 2003 Pay The Girl "Pay The Girl" Recommended by Tom Gorman
	February 2003 Sister Hazel "Chasing Daylight"
	January 2003 Rascal Flatts "Melt"
2002
	December 2002 Howie Day "Australia"
	November 2002 Dishwalla "Opaline"
	October 2002 Jason Mraz "Waiting For The Rocket To Come"
	September 2002 BB Mak "Into Your Head"
	August 2002 Vanessa Carlton "Be not Nobody" Recommended by Caroline Peterson
	July 2002 Dave Matthews Band "Busted Stuff"
	June 2002 Seven and the Sun "Back to the Innocence"
	May 2002 Jack Johnson "Brushfire Fairytales" Recommended by Heather Menzies
	April 2002 Goo Goo Dolls "Gutterflowers"
	March 2002 Enya "A Day Without Rain"
	February 2002 U2 "All That You Can't Leave Behind"
	January 2002 The Calling "Camino Palmero"
2001
	December 2001 Jewel "This Way"
	November 2001 Michelle Branch "The Spirit Room"
	October 2001 John Mayer "Room For Squares"
	September 2001 Nickel Creek "Nickel Creek"
	August 2001 Lifehouse "No Name Face"
	July 2001 Edwin McCain "Far From Over"
	June 2001 Greenstreet "Weekend" Dief's Greenstreet Album Review
	May 2001 Train "Drops of Jupiter"
2000
	October 2000 Collective Soul "Blender" Dief's Album Review
	September 2000 Sister Hazel "Fortress"
	August 2000 BB Mak "Sooner or Later"
	July 2000 Vertical Horizon "Everything You Want"