Florence + The Machine Take You For a Spin Around Their Color Wheel

Florence + The Machine aren't just a motley crew of songsters. They're also a tornadic force of nature. Good to hear music that doesn't sound phoned in. Adrenalized lead female Florence Welch likely wouldn't allow it. "Spectrum", which you'll find perched in the CD called "Ceremonials", serves up an entire color wheel of vitality. Hanging from a ledge of Isabella Summers's keyboard angst in the early going, you know something's about to blow and you're right on in holding the assumption. This explosive salute to the colorful sprite in us all goes four on the floor quickly. Florence has a self-affirmation she's happy to sprinkle on countless others. That sense of identity is easily comparable to a bottle rocket that heads right through the stratosphere upon release. Chris Hayden slaps around his drum kit with a gleeful reckless abandon. It's been said of basketball teams that scramble for every loose ball and jockey for every shot opportunity that they "left it all out on the floor". Florence + The Machine definitely leaves every drop of their "it" qualities tingling on the mixing board. That's one hell of a boast-worthy reputation they've cut out for themselves since their 2007 birth. "Spectrum" is only going to make the stirred pot come to boil even faster.

The Temper Trap Will Make You Tremble With Wonder

Thus far it's been a rewarding ride with Australia's The Temper Trap. These guys are one of a select group of music makers who truly understand the format's possibilities. "Trembling Hands" is the latest cut lifted from their self-titled new album and music fanatics such as myself are all the better for it. Hauntingly lovely from the word go, you get a clear picture of how tough it is to latch on to firm footing in a big city where so many faceless millions dart here and there, on their way to somewhere and nowhere at the same time. Full credit goes to keyboardist Lorenzo Stillito for supplying the fragility which figures to make the song one of the more indelible nuggets to meander its way into rock radio rotation in recent years. To my mind, whether he's bouncing his voice off the walls of deep space as demonstrated in "Sweet Disposition", or lifting himself up from the ashes of city rubble to attempt a focused cry for help as he does in this song, Dougy Mandagi is a front man who has yet in his career to even know the meaning of the word "limitation". He's become adept at getting the most out of the material he's been provided with. Although Summer 2012 probably will be crowded with scads more radio-saturated efforts, "Trembling Hands" deserves to, at the very least, leave the season being remembered as one of its unsung delights.

Santana Is In Fine Shape

Carlos Santana is back plying his trade. Business is likely to be very good judging from what "Shape Shifter" has to offer. You'll likely need to wring your sweat into a bucket once you've come back down from the heights of "Eres La Luz". The fixings are in place for a steaming samba feast. It helps Carlos can turn to the efforts of percussionist Karl Perazzo. His contribution makes for intense heat. "Canela" amounts to a titular sleight of hand. Here's the true "Shape Shifter". The build up assumes the form of a juicy lounge act session but then powers upwards to spicy Latino harmonies not skimping on Santana's virtuoso wizardry. Once the RPMs go heavenward the aural climate shifts from intimate club setting to revered theatre because a legendary theatre hall is where the song belongs. The skin bashing returns to the spotlight with "Macumba in Budapest". I could see a wildly successful fiesta being kick started here. Combine the primal skins with unencumbered plucking and you've got a masterpiece primed to keep your party guests talking long after the last crumb has been devoured. "Mr. Szabo" is, in a word, athletic. Chord progressions swerve from hot lower registers to cold upper registers and back again. It deserves no small mention that Freddie Ravel's keyboard playing accentuates what would have already been a CD with a bold personality. "Shape Shifter" shines the spotlight on a master of the arts doing what he does best. You're in for a lovely treat.

Lots to Like About Little Broken Hearts

Norah Jones has come a long way from the mellow coffee house songstress who won audiences over with laid back singles such as "Sunrise" and "Don't Know Why". On "Little Broken Hearts" her trademark penetrating style is used to enrapturing effect. However, she has added some venom to her siren song. "Good Morning" sounds decaf enough, awash in the daybreak colors of orange and faint pink but listen close enough and you learn she's rankled by a lover who couldn't be bothered to reciprocate. If you're an "experienced" woman pushed aside by the libido of a caveman lusting after a newer model then "She's 22" has the potential to be part of your iPod playlist in no time flat. Meanwhile "All a Dream" drips with the euphoria of post-coital sex. It ought to be mandatory listening for any couple trying to stoke a night of arousal. That guitar drum tag team makes it impossible to listen without wanting to to shed various layers of clothing. Three cheers for Ms. Jones successfully experimenting with songs which challenge her to stop being so mellow. She only heightens her bewitching persona by playing rough.

Strangeland Delivers "Keane" Ideas

Keane isn't a half-bad bunch of musicians to have on hand when you need your load lightened. "Starting Line", one selection from the new "Strangeland" CD, is glowing testimony. Tom Chaplin, the lead vocalist for this Sussex, England outfit, wins over the emotionally unsure with a charismatic fervor. I find the synth component of this song gently beautiful, as if it were brushed on to the song's canvas watercolor style. "Sea Fog" is its musical polar opposite. The piano expands upward from the epicenter of tumultuousness. "You Are Young" shines with the spunky optimism that's often the calling card for young people receiving their first helping of life. Drummer Richard Hughes skips along mirthfully on this adrenaline-fueled locomotive. As for "On The Road" you can't help but root for Chaplin's uncorked energy. You honestly start believing total darkness isn't insurmountable. Keane's to be commended for maintaining status as a rock band that eschews a guitars first mentality. Putting piano, organs, and synths center stage allows the lyrical content to unfold seamlessly around the sound. Any comparisons to Coldplay are flattering but detract from the reality that Keane's a pop-rock force to be reckoned with in its own right. Coming along for this ride requires no arm tugging. "Strangeland" is comfortingly sharp both conceptually and instrumentally. Be sure to hold on with both hands.

Try a Brisk Glass of Lemonade

Lemonade's fusion ethic is a bracing relief from the world of Auto Tune hip hoppers cluttering 2012 radio. The three person band which claims roots in San Francisco begins its unveiling of its new CD "Neptune" with "Diver", a song capable of crooking a finger to get all who listen to enter its seductive fog. Callan Clendenin has one of those voices which makes you less apprehensive about revealing your vulnerabilities. Their world music tendencies grow clearer after taking the time to breathe in the tribal percussion which only adds to the sense we'll be exploring emotionally charged terrain. A relentless expanse of keyboards contributes to an overall assessment that "Diver" is a track meant to be inhaled rather than merely listened to passively. Of course that could just be a wink to its appreciation of electronica. "Diver" is an acquired taste worth a drink.

An Explosive Lesson From The Metric System

Toronto's Metric have really nailed the awesomeness that comes with a inertia busting slab of rock noise. "Youth Without Youth" is the first clap of thunder to emerge from the trio's fifth CD "Synthetica". Not for the faint of heart by any stretch, it blends childhood game references such as Hangman and double dutch jump roping with an ominous war backdrop rife with all the imminent doom overtones that implied. Your goose pimple moment definitely comes with the synthesized uttering of the title. Here Emily Haines's voice plants her firmly in the role of Pied Piper. You can't help but follow her innocence lost lyrics wherever they go to and come back from. Joules Scott-Key only adds to the lock-step military force dynamic with his stiffly applied touch on drums. "Gold, Guns, Girls" established Metric as a band capable of assembling hairpin turn song structures. With this latest effort they can be just as divine when they get meticulous. Now's a fine time to get to know this graduate from Canada's musical class of '98.

B.o.B. Presents a Cloudburst of Rap Romps

B.o.B. shows no shortage of guest MCs on his new joint "Strange Clouds". What's more each of them proves what cash value they bring to the game. T.I. and Mos Def play out their best version of "good rap, bad-ass rap" with "Boom Bap".The former's free flow is intoxicating in contrast to the latter's dripping from the fangs delivery. It adds up to some amped up hip hop deviousness. Eminem's part of the mix in "Things Get Worse", this time featuring a slice and 'n' dice of female celebs (Jessica Simpson, Angelina Jolie, Carmen Electra). Em puts his sharp wordplay out there on the refrain and it's nasty fun. The title track with Lil' Wayne on the scene you'd best dab the pit bull vicious saliva off the mike. With a snaky synth beneath it the title track is an unshakable head trip. The chorus, with its drugged out backing rhythm elevates the throwdown to entrancing new levels. There's no doubt "Strange Clouds" will keep right on racking up M.O.N.E.Y. for B.o.B.

Marilyn Manson Plays The Villain

If Armageddon had a voice it would belong to Marilyn Manson. The man who's brought neck hairs to standing positions on more than one occasion returns with a cacophonous collection of human carnage. Sometimes it's pretty intricate in its conception. He sets a mood like nobody on this planet. For Exhibit A please turn to "Children of Cain". Like a phoenix his band creates a spine-tingling uprising. The chunky drum beat is not to be denied. "Lay Down Your Goddamn Arms" is as blunt as a just sharpened No. 2 pencil where lyrics are concerned. It's also a finely honed metal track. This one will have you itching for a fight in no time. Machine gun percussion ramps up the adrenaline high on "Murderers Are Getting Prettier Every Day". "Slo-Motion" gives you some sense of what a dazzling trick it is for Manson to organize the often unsettling pathways of his mind. On this track his world of panic isn't for the faint of heart. Overall "Born Villain" is classic, edgy Marilyn Manson music, which is good news for his supporters and bad news for right-wing conservatives who believe he's one Antichrist unworthy of being called superstar.

Usher's Fans Should Like What They See

The hit parade rolls on for Usher, whose forthcoming CD "Looking 4 Myself" already has the hit single "Climax" working in its favor. A woman's quest to work Usher over, sexual entendre intended, is the focus for "Lemme See". His pipes are in excellent form. Rick Ross is along for this jacked up R & B ride. He manages to work the unfortunate hoodie wearing, Skittles-toting young victim Trayvon Martin into his surgically precise rap roll call. To no one's surprise his thug life leanings and his thug life wardrobe supplier of choice, namely the city of Milan receive moments in the sun. Usher's light keeps on burning with no signs of ebbing anytime soon.

Neon Trees Unspools a Multi-Faceted "Picture Show"

Any Neon Trees fan out there hoping for the same flavors that put them on the map with 2010's "Animal" won't be totally disappointed but they should be forewarned that "Picture Show" is a horse displaying a kaleidoscope of color. "Hooray for Hollywood" is, in a word, hazy. You can feel the sweat from broken down California dreams. This ominous setting is one of those car crash moments you can't turn away from. Tyler Glenn's vocals are well-suited for this trip through West Coast mayhem. "I Am The DJ" presents one of the more striking declarations of love that's been uttered in many years. He's the DJ. She's his record. Tyler's maintained that suave "Let's get in my car and cruise" quality which made "Animal" such a yummy piece of ear candy. Chris Allen maintains this project's intensity level with guitar work that bends without breaking. Elaine Bradley's pump along drumming enhances the Provo, Utah foursome's commitment to at least attempting to stay faithful to its original get up and go freewheeling style. "Close To You" has menace, like a stalker breathing down his prey's neck. As for "Trust" it sounds steeped in '80s era Depeche Mode. alt pop. If the Neon-lit masses are patient this go round they'll come to appreciate how "Picture Show" is the antithesis of one-dimensional. However, if people expect "Animal" retreads throughout they'll feel underwhelmed. Neon Trees deserves credit for making efforts to avoid being pigeonholed as that band you crank on the car stereo when you want to feel West Coast gorgeous. It might be a tough sell both critically and commercially. Artistically they've expanded the parameters of what the Neon Trees sound is.

The Dandy Warhols's "Machine" Is Running On All Cylinders

Portland, Oregon once again reminds the rest of the world why it has good reason to beam with pride. That's because "This Machine" the latest effort from The Dandy Warhols flat out rocks. You can have your rock served to you in a couple of equally enticing ways. If you're into psychedelic haze look no further than "Autumn Carnival". Lead singer Courtney Taylor-Taylor voice seeps into the collective consciousness much the same way some really choice LSD might. "Don't Shoot She Cried" finds the instrumental pieces of the puzzle gradually meshing together to create a intoxicating mental soup. The Warhols shine on tracks less weighted down by heaviness. "I Am Free" is a triumphant peek at how great it feels to know oneself clearly. Brent DeBoer's drumming reflect the unshackled mentality of the lyrics. Peter Holsmtrom's guitar adds rocket fuel to this rewarding sojourn. "Enjoy Yourself" avoids the pity party stance of a look back at the past. On the contrary, there's energy in spades. Courtney's having a blast wandering down memory lane. Another sublime treat is their remake of "16 Tons". It's crammed full of the kind of moxie Tennessee Ernie Ford would have admired. Might I suggest The Dandy Warhols not leave quite as large a gap between albums. Releases such as "This Machine" are always going to be greeted with an eager audience.

The Josh Abbott Band Knows How To Dream Big as Texas

There's a recurring theme that runs throughout the 13-track buffet known as "Small Town Family Dream". That theme is pride. Pride in who you are. Pride in what you contribute to the world. Pride in the life you've crafted for yourself. The Josh Abbott Band makes it virtually impossible not to root for them. All the tracks come complete with a warmth as comforting as sunrise in the Texas Hill Country. What's palpably wonderful about "My Texas", a song featuring country stalwart Pat Green, is how it's essentially designed to be a Texas neophyte's Cliff Notes gaze into all the things a true Texan loves and wants to share with city slickers. For instance you can't call yourself a true Texan if you've never gone fishing in Port Aransas or hiked through Big Bend. You're not dyed in the wool if you haven't had a Shiner beer in Luckenbach or explored San Antonio's Riverwalk. Josh and the boys had put together a musical travel itinerary that's hard to resist. The band's home base of Idalou, Texas gets its due with the aptly named track "Idalou". It features prominent appearances by Preston's Walt's fiddle along with another country music old pal, the banjo. The title track lays bare all the goodness of family pride amongst generations of farmers who are content with their lot and have no problem espousing the worthiness of that lifestyle to others. The faces change but the names stay the same. Late in the track there's a killer fiddle solo. Don't turn your head for a sandwich break or you'll miss it. "She Will Be Free" paints a stellar picture of a woman who doesn't let any sling or arrow slow her down. This song offers Edward Villanueva to really hammer home his passion on drums. Here Josh recalls how he and his sweetie met. Visions of a summer sun and, if left to the imagination, a cool pre-dusk breeze fill the air. The term "meet cute" pops up immediately. I'm impressed with how accessible Josh and his bandmates make dream pursuit and possible wish fulfillment sound. You start to believe that maybe the journey does play a pivotal role in helping you realize your goals. This "Family" affair is bathed in an abiding goodness that you'd have to have a heart of stone not to appreciate.

Jack's Got The White Stuff on Blunderbuss

Jack White's solo work is best assessed as a plethora of theatrical set pieces steeped in classic rock firmament. The other truism is the boy can dress up any material with a piano. "Blunderbuss" demonstrates how complex Jack's imagination can be. If you favor Jerry Lee Lewis era classic rock I recommend "I'm Shakin'". It's not even three minutes long but it'll do in a pinch as a top drawer tension buster. For bombast try out "Weep Themselves To Sleep". It's pretty plain Jack graduated from the Freddie Mercury school of bravado. The cocktail lounge tinged ivories get a piece of the spotlight on "Hypocritical Kiss". This song's another example of packing some hefty emotional wallop into a short time frame. It would appear music under three minutes doesn't signify a drop in intensity. Jack has every reason to hold his head high. This opening solo salvo is a unique listening experience.

Blown Away by Carrie's Voice

Carrie Underwood sure has come a long way since American Idol. A new career high point comes with the release of "Blown Away". She proves she's comfortable with both dark lyrics (Blown Away) and footloose optimistic ones (One Way Ticket). The latter reminds us all that life was meant to be a celebratory experience. The giddiness in her voice makes me want to believe. The cotton candy sticky sweet portion is delightful. "Good Girl" bears appropriate fangs as the latest tune telling women they deserve better than skank men. Carrie lends an exquisite softness to "Forever Changed" which delicately reintroduces the at times painful truism of change being the one true constant. Vocal flexibility hints at a long-term future full of wonderful peaks. Carrie has this quality in spades. Also, she's not of touch with her country roots either. It's amazing how both a compassionate maternal figure and devil may care hellcat can exist within the same vocal range, but there you have it. Not to sound too corny but "Blown Away" will  in fact blow you away. She's earned my respect.

Esperanza Invites Us Into Her Radio Music Society

It's a privilege to hear Esperanza Spalding impress the masses in her newfound role as one of the hot young talents of jazz. She'll be heard from for decades to come, and with good reason. "I Can't Help It" shows off her bubbly, light vocal range to outstanding effect. She straddles notes with the precision of an Olympic gymnast. The same lightness provides a relaxed counterpoint to the busy instruments in "Radio Song". With its majestic brass section to accompany her "Hold On Me" is supper club luxurious. Just add a glass of Chablis Blanc and stimulating conversation and you've got the makings of a memorable evening. Espy may have spent her childhood in Portland but her music is sunny, vital, and worth regular exposure.

Conya Shouldn't Change a Thing

The Queen of Indie Soul returns with this velvety smooth plea to a man not to change what's already so wonderful about himself. What makes this song neat is that, even during the most brutal summer, it takes you away to winter with a gentle snowfall which could only be improved upon by the presence of a warm body nearby to chase the inner chills away. She has cited Sade as one of her musical influences. That's easy to understand here. This first serving from the forthcoming "A Pocketful of Purpose" shines as brightly as the gleam "The Queen" must've had working in her eyes when she recorded it. Classy soul best shared with the special somebody who's earned the title of "closest to me".

Halestorm's An Unstoppable Force of Nature

Any hard rock band that can shift gears from kick your teeth in metal to deeply melodic ballads without tossing attitude overboard merits watching. Red Lion, Pennsylvania's own Halestorm fits the profile. Rocker chick Lzzy Hale understands what rock music's about. It's with great pleasure that I single out "I Miss The Misery" as vital listening. Searing notes emanating from Joe Hottinger's guitar. Lzzy's brother Arejay strikes his drums like a man possessed. Not overkill but dished out with just the right punch. Lzzy throws her back into the words. She likes her men rough. You get this feeling Prince Charming wouldn't suit her. Who doesn't prefer heated arguments over cozy nights in front of the TV? Need more raucous fun? Try "You Call Me Bitch Like It's a Bad Thing". Lzzy laps up the attention being a bitch gets her. This scene stealer appears destined for a long shelf life. Halestorm demonstrates it can crank out ballads with the best of them. "In Your Room" makes opening up to others not sound quite so unsettling. "Rock Show" scores as a magnificent tribute to the glory of a kick ass concert. Anybody who's been moved on a gut level by an unbelievable music experience will get it completely. Lzzy's growling approach puts her on the short list of 21st century female rockers to keep an eye on. Halestorm's stamped its ticket on the radar with material that like its play on words handle suggests comes barreling down thunderously.