Michael Franti & Spearhead ALL ROCK REBELS

“The follow-up to the critically acclaimed ‘Yell Fire’ (scanned over 100,000 RTD). ‘All Rebel Rockers’ is Franti’s fiery protest music and thought-provoking lyrics backed by seductive elements of dub, infectious dance music, and irresistible hook-infused soul. Franti has toured and performed with everyone from U2, Dave Matthews Band, Ziggy Marley, and REM to Digable Planets, Cypress Hill, The Fugees, and A Tribe Called Quest.”

“I can appreciate that this may not be his best recording. Personally I like ‘Stay Human’ and ‘Yell Fire’ and I had a hard time imagining how he was going to top or follow ‘Yell Fire.’ A lot of the same influences are on this recording - almost like it picks up where that left off. Still, there is enough great music on this to make it worthwhile - and every time I listen to it I find something new to appreciate. Michael Franti is the modern day revolutionary song writer of our time - just like the Clash were in the 80’s. I think his message is beautiful and thought provoking. This is worth buying for ‘Nobody Right, Nobody Wrong’ alone.”

“The variety of sounds, the range in his voice, and his talented band members combine for in an explosion of social, political, and personal messages. He wants to inspire people to find peace, take a look at their world, acknowledge differences, and to help others.”

Ed: Franti, to my knowledge, has never released a bad or so-so album. This is no exception. He’s a bold, adventurous artist who is nothing less than inspiring. 4/5

Backyard Babies THEM Xx

“Swedish punks the Backyard Babies formed in the city of Nässjö in 1987, originally comprising singer Tobbe, guitarist Dregen, bassist Johan Blomqvist and drummer Peder Carlsson. After recording a rough demo and playing a few local live dates, in 1989 the group dismissed Tobbe and replaced him with singer Nicke Borg; two more demos followed, as did a national tour, and in 1991 the Backyard Babies launched their first offical release, the EP Something to Swallow. Signing with the Megarock label in 1993, the following year the quartet issued their first full-length effort, Diesel & Power, before going on hiatus to allow Dregen the chance to work with his other band, the Hellacopters. The Backyard Babies reunited in 1997 for the single ‘Look at You’ and the album ‘Total 13′; ‘Bombed (Out of My Mind)’ appeared the next year.”

Deluxe four disc (three CDs + PAL/Region 0 DVD) box set from the Swedish Punk band housed in a 10 X 10 book package. Released to coincide with the band’s 20th anniversary, Them XX features a 120 page book, a 12 track best of (Disc One), 38 b-sides, live and rare tracks spread over two CDs (Discs Two and Three) plus a DVD that includes the film Jetlag: The Movie (with subtitles). A must for any Backyard Babies fan!.

ALMOST ALICE SOUNDTRACK 

Out of the rabbit hole from Wonderland comes 15 NEW tracks from today’s MADdest artists. Almost Alice features a unique collection of today’s favorite alternative artists and the next round of superstars bubbling up from the underground. This is a companion piece to Danny Elfman’s soundtrack score. Modern rock and alternative artists have long been inspired by the classic Alice in Wonderland tale and the cultural impact of Tim Burton. Almost Alice is the musical expression of those influences.

“This is the perfect album for Alice in Wonderland. All the songs are a little quirky and wonderfully unique. My favourite is definitely ‘Strange’ by Tokio Hotel and Kerli. Bill’s voice is so different from Kerli yet they blend together perfectly in a song about not quite fitting in. Kerli also sings Tea Party in Almost Alice, an unusually poppy song for her, but with her characteristic dark twist. ‘Follow Me Down’ by 3OH!3 and ‘Where’s My Angel’ by Metro Station are also really nice songs.”

Ed: Like this album a lot for its adventurous and diverse nature. My pick is Shinedown’s ‘ ’Her Name Is Alice’ which has a real rock sting in the tail. Other great songs are (surpisingly, for me) Avril Lavigne’s ‘Alice’, All Time Low’s very beautiful ‘Painting Flowers’, Metro Station’s ‘Where’s My Angel’ and Plain White T’s ‘Welcome To Mystery.’ And they’re just the great songs! Tunes from Wolfmother, All-American Rejects, Kerli and Robert Smith are still growing on me, as are a few others… This will be one of the movie-influenced albums of the year. 4.5/5