A Peek into 'Roo '11: Robert Plant & Band of Joy

Bowing down from the clouds, the universe greets its favorite package parading rock god, Robert Plant. Years after the majesty of Led Zeppelin, and having worked as a solo artist for some time, Plant has found a new voice to claim. Choosing to no longer divulge in the telling of mythological pros, Robert Plant has steered in another direction in his most recent musical conquest, Band of Joy. His latest attest of brilliance samples sounds inwhich are familiar to the west. In my opinion may be described as, cowboy blues. Although, Plant's newest tunes don't quite necessarily constitute as blues in the traditional sense. There are so many sounds that come from Band of Joy... rockabilly, doo wop, and some hard hitting rock tracks.Robert Plant has shown the world, yet again, just how bloody proficient he is as a musician. While I would die to be front and centre at a Zeppelin show about 35 years ago alongside Pamela Des Barres swooning and grooving to the mystical sounds- given the chance that I were alive, or time travel were an option- I will gladly settle for seeing Robert Plant the weekend of June 9th at Bonnaroo.

A Peek into 'Roo '11: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

I hadn't heard of the wonderful Grace Potter until this spring while perusing Bonnaroo options. Grace has this tremendous energy, she really does. You can feel said energy pouring, just gushing, into every song. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals most recent album titled, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals is truly such an eclectic, soulful piece of work. The bluesy songstress that is Grace Potter shares an overwhelming vigor and liveliness through the music in which she creates. Grace and the Nocturnals embody a sometimes bluesy, slightly country, a little grungy even,  sound full of sentiment. Not to mention the hint of Joplin in Grace's vocals is to-die-for. The music is extraordinarily well put together. There is a distinct functional balance that is really working for the group. If this capacity of zest can be launched through the speakers of my MacBook, I can't even imagine the vitality of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals live on stage at Great Stage Park.

A Peek into 'Roo '11: The Head and the Heart

Sigh. The Head and the Heart, ladies and gentlemen. I fell in love upon first listen. This group of twenty-somethings sings and plays as though they are of another time, an older time. With a seemingly clear influence of Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young as well as Leonard Cohen whilst sounding quite Dylan-esque at times, this Seattle folk based group has my heart. There is an overpowering woeful element that is oozing from this bands pours. The Head and the Heart have the added contribution of being pop writers and having a somewhat pop-ish backbone, though I maintain they are a predominantly folk... soulfully folk. These genres fusing together with six brilliant musicians has generated an unerring arrangement of music. This video of Lost in My Mind is amazing. I am constantly drawn to the creative, artistic coups of others and this to me, this whopping pit of passion can not be described in any words, other than beautiful.

Alexander Ebert (Alexander)

Alexander Ebert - Alexander
Released: March 1, 2011

I will go ahead and assume that most of you have heard of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes. If not, I'm sure you have heard of the song Home. It really is a great song, by a phenomenal group of musicians off an outstanding album, Up From Below. The head honcho of The Magnetic Zeroes, Alexander Ebert, just so happens to know his way around the music universe.

I recently purchased Alexander Ebert's latest disc, Alexander. Right off the bat, I enjoyed it. Ebert is a fantastic songwriter who seems to fill his world with a fantastical haze. It is so easy to get lost while listening to this album, and forget what decade you are in.

This album thronged with psychedelic-folk, lazy pop and living on the brink of blue-eyed soul comes off as being very effortless. The whole feeling of the album resembles that of letting out a sigh, ahhhh. I can't help but feel a strong craving for Donovan, Jefferson Airplane, and most prominently The Byrds after listening to Alexander. Ebert's Truth sounds as if it is the love child of I Knew I'd Want You (The Byrds) and Sunshine Superman (Donovan). That being said, it is a great track. A song of importance and depth.

Alexander, in its seemingly natural flow and demeanor, despite choppy chords and harmonies, plays like a hippie anthem. I'm sure this album isn't for everyone. In fact, I guarantee it. But, Alexander Ebert isn't out to validate anyone's inquires in regards to him as a musician. This album is true to its self and its creator. The late 60's, earlier 70's sentiment really has me hooked, that's for sure.

I dedicate this album to the flower children, the dreamers and the free-spirits of the world.

A Peek into 'Roo '11: Gregg Allman

Are you a fan of the Allman Brothers Band? Yes? Then no need to read any further, you already know what's up (read further anyways). Gregg Allman, of the Allman Brothers, has one of the best voices in blues, and one of my personal favorite voices for country. Gregg Allman is an elite musical veteran. He recently released his first solo album since 1997, Low Country Blues, and good gracious it is to-die-for. The comfort and righteousness of the music created by Gregg Allman feels homegrown. What I love about Gregg Allman's music is, I feel as if there is nothing he is out to prove. He just is a top-notch musician, who fashions stinkin' sweet, growling blues. I would be honored to see Gregg Allman at Bonnaroo.

Travis Barker (Give the Drummer Some)

To start off, let me just say, I am an enormous fan of Travis Barker. For real. Like, colossal, mammoth, huge fan. I seriously get the shivers almost every time I watch him drum. I don't care if he is drumming for Blink 182, or Transplants, or +44, or Box Car Racer or whoever else, he is great. That kind of passion, is just... outstanding, unreal. So, I'm sure you can apprehend the excitement I felt when I found out that he is finally releasing a solo-ish, drum centered album. Pretty-freakin'-excited, let me tell ya.

Give the Drummer Some was released almost two weeks ago now. In this time, my opinion has been moving all over the map. Travis is wonderful, of course, we know this. But, it was a matter of seeing how the hip-hop, rock, rap, drum infused album would fare with the superabundance of talent featured on it. Unlike what I expected, this isn't a drum album with featured vocals. Instead Give the Drummer Some is a complimentary fraternity where everyone involved has their talents on display.

Fact: rap is more gripping with authentic drum beats. It just is.

The artists involved in this album are so vast, and some of the best of the best in their field; Tom Morello, RZA, Raekwon, Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Twista, Slash, Cypress Hill, The Cool Kids, Kid Cudi... to name a few. The best part about collaborating with so many different artists is no two tracks sound alike. Give the Drummer Some makes it virtually impossible to ever feel bored.

It is so rad to hear L'il Jon's snarl, with Twista and Busta's rapid fire rhymes in Let's Go alongside Yelawolf. Or, The Transplants with Slash escorted by their tranquilizing vocals and Spanish inspired guitar in Saturday Night. OR just the complete genius masterful combination, of our Mr. Barker in the company of Tom Morello, RZA and Raekwon in Carry It. I could really go on and on and on and on about how impressed I am with this album. But, I don't think I could ever articulate properly how I feel. You need to listen for yourself.

A Peek into 'Roo '11: Iron & Wine

Iron & Wine's Sam Beam is an incredible songwriter. His abilities as a raconteur are vast and wholehearted. Iron & Wine's folky, funky sound is unforgettable. While it may be an acquired taste by some, I'm sure anyone can appreciate the labyrinth of finesse possessed by Sam Beam. Within the majority of Iron & Wine songs there are narrative conflicts where there is a dance between happy and sad. It is apparent through all of all the Iron & Wine albums that Sam uses such a vast range of inspirations. The consummate knack of Iron & Wine is enough to check out an album or two or three... And, of course receive an asterix beside its name on my 'who not to miss at 'roo' mental checklist.