Opshop is a band from New Zealand.  If you like Snow Patrol and great lyrics this band won’t disappoint.  I have not, sadly, been able to buy their album here in the US.  Even my trusty Australian bookshop doesn’t have the CD.  Best bet to hear the greatness is their MySpace page.

Rockin’ Rhymes:  ”One Day” and “Maybe”

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Electric Six is the band. Zany.  Funky.  Cool.  I really dig the sound.  It’s very different from other stuff I listen to, and that’s what I love about it.  Also, the band gets the award for the best album title ever, “I Shall Exterminate Everything Around Me That Prevents Me From Being the Master.”  Nice.  Very, very, nice.

Great Grooves: Down at McDonaldzzz and Randy’s Hot Tonight

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This album was recommended to me and I must say I really enjoy it. It’s a lot quirky and silly in some places, yet its a great listen. Plus, how much fun is it to say you got the “New Pornographers” album? I don’t really get the name… maybe that’s the point?

Sound Songs: Challengers, Unguided, and Myriad Harbour

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Great Scottish band! The album makes for an interesting journey through a strained relationship. I especially love the book ends of the “Shut Your Eyes” and “Open Your Eyes” songs. The opposition and placement in the album are excellent.

My personal favorite songs: “You’re All I Have” and “Hands Open” In fact, “Hands Open” has the best opening line of any song I’ve heard in quite a while: “it’s hard to argue when you won’t stop making sense.” That is so true.

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Brandi Carlile’s sophomore album is better than her first. I can’t convey in a few brief lines how much I enjoy her work, and how happy I am that she is just getting started. Her voice is stronger than any other singer I’ve ever seen and unlike other artists I enjoy who claim to be “folk” musicians, Brandi really is. Oh, and see her live if you get the chance. The woman actually “shhh’d” the Vogue and sang a song (you could hear) without mic’s. Wow.

Best songs: “Have You Ever” and “Downpour”

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I love the boss! He’s just great, and this new album is no exception. The style of the songs remind me a lot of his older songs, like “Thunder Road”, yet maintain the same great sound that permeates his other recent album, “The Rising.” Thank you Bruce, you rock man! Don’t forget to stop by Indianapolis on your tour!

Top Tunes: “I’ll Work For your Love” and “Livin’ in the Future”