Artist: Creedence Clearwater Revival

Classic rock album, 2010-08-09
Creedence were so big in the 60's and early 70's. I'd forgotten how amazing their music was. This album contains all their best songs. A nostalgia fest for some, but to me their music still sounds fresh and alive.

Artist: Johnny Cash

Ain't No Grave, 2010-08-04

Excellent album. Moving, moody - I only wish it was longer. Stand out tracks:

1 Corinthians & Redemption Day. The whole 'American Recordings' series is excellent and this is a fitting finale.

Artist: The National

Very High Violet, 2010-08-14
I'm probably one of the many people whom has only recently discovered The National, but this album has blown me away on a number of levels - the high quality of the songwriting, the overall production and as another reviewer has said, the ability to 'tingle arms'.

'England' was the first track which I heard from this album. It's the reason I watched them at Glastonbury, but at no point was I expecting to come away from that afternoon set a converted fan. As it is, I rushed out to purchase the limited purple double-vinyl set and have since purchased it also on CD for the car.

The first time I listened to it, I still wasn't sure; the first 4 or 5 songs didn't grab me like I thought they would but then 'Bloodbuzz Ohio' kicks in and it all seems to start making sense. Tracks 7 to 10 are incredible. I still love 'England', with the almost-perfect line 'You must be somewhere in London, you must be loving your life in the rain'. 'Lemonworld' isn't a songtitle which would have you running for the 'play' button, but believe me when I tell you that it's an amazing track. It's the kind of song which makes me want to fly to America, hire a convertible and drive across from Florida to California, listening to this song on the CD player. 'Conversation 16' is similarly stunning - I simply love the line "Now we'll leave the silver city 'cause all the silver girls gave us black dreams".

If this album doesn't appear in countless "albums of the year" at the end of 2010, then something's seriously wrong. 2010 has surprised (and surpassed) my expectations. After serious disappointment earlier in the year from the likes of Ellie Goulding's and Marina & The Diamonds' albums, 2010 has seen some seriously good releases - the Domino State's debut album 'Uneasy Lies The Crown', Serena-Maneesh's 'Abyss In B Minor', Exit Calm's eponymous debut - and now this.

This album is a fantastic listen. Definitely Recommended.

Artist: Caitlin Rose

My Side Now, 2010-09-03
I've had Own Side Now for 3 weeks but thought I would wait a while before reviewing. This is an incredible CD. Full of great songs and all from someone so young, the lyrics seem from someone who has lived a longer life. Haven't heard anything better in a few years. Dont usually do reviews so thats it....

Artist: Lady Antebellum

Brilliant, 2010-08-29
Absolutely brilliant album if you like contemporary country music.
Great harmonies, thought provoking lyrics, just a wonderful melodic sound.

Artist: Taylor Swift

18-year-old singing sensation Taylor Swift presents the listener with a conundrum. Her music isn’t particularly inventive--indeed it’s built largely on what you could call country music clichés--yet she does what she does so well you have to work really hard not to like it. With her blond hair, blue-eyes and pretty face, it’s easy to write Swift off as yet another "tweenie". But beneath the glossy exterior lurks some genuine talent: she writes her own tunes, plays (some of) her own instruments and even though she sings about the inevitable pop themes of love and heartbreak, she doesn’t rely on any "sex-sells" cynicism to shift her records. All of which is to say that Swift’s second album, Fearless, while it won’t win any awards for innovation, makes for pleasurable--if highly predictable--listening. --Danny McKenna
why i had i never heard of you Taylor Swift!!, 2010-07-05
I discovered Taylor and hence the album Fearless completely by accident and it seems a bit of a coincidence,i follow closely the career of fellow pennsylvanian Amanda Seyfried when i heard the soundtrack for letters to Juliet i had to investigate further.When i heard some more i was hooked i had not heard of Taylor before this and put it down to my age(being the wrong side of fifty means you miss alot of good stuff)I don't intend to make that mistake again i cant wait for the next album,it's nice to have found some quality out there it restores my faith in the younger generation,Thanks Taylor(by the way there is not a bad track on this album you will enjoy every song)

Artist: Tired Pony

Tired Pony - A return to great organic music, 2010-09-01
I'm a big fan of Gary Lightbody's music writing. What can I say the man moves me. That he and his mates started the band Tired Pony with budding relationships, a couple takes per song and not a lot of massaging seemed brave to me.

To each his own.

But WOW! What a great CD..."The Place We Ran From". Soulful and full of visions one conjures looking at a cloud laced sky or starry night. I love it and frequently just keep it on a loop.

I have my ticket to the LA show Oct 4th and can't freekin' wait.

Artist: Lady Antebellum

Excellent., 2010-08-30
CD in perfect condition and shipment arrived a few days ahead of schedule. Very happy with the service.

Artist: Robert Plant and Alison Krauss

Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant and bluegrass crooner Alison Krauss may not be the likeliest of musical combinations. But on this welcome collaboration album, they work beautifully together, wringing a kind of magic from other people’s songs. The key to the album is its versatility. Between them, Krauss and Plant can handle a vast repertoire on their own, and here they take on the lot, from folk laments and country soul to searing blues and upbeat rock & roll. Overseen by Elvis Costello producer T Bone Burnett and backed by high caliber musicians like guitarist Marc Ribot and multi-instrumentalist Mike Seeger, Raising Sand sees the duo create stellar covers of songs by Tom Waits, Townes Van Zandt, Mel Tillis and The Everly Brothers, among others. Highlights include a killer version of Roly Salley's "Killing the Blues", and a cover of the Plant-Page collaboration "Please Read the Letter," though in truth, it’s difficult to find a weak spot on the whole album. --Danny McKenna
Raising Sand is a joy, 2010-08-15
This CD is excellent for anyone who is an existing fan of Robert Plant or who is new to him. An easy to listen to CD.

Artist: Dolly Parton

good ol dolly, 2010-08-15
Always a good entertainer. Some new songs I had not heard. Some regulars and favs. Good album as always.
Keep singing Dolly.