Rock music you will love

Rock

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QUITZOW: Art College
Wonderfully tough to classify, this self-described "neo-post electro-pop" record leans on the synths when it needs to, but wisely incorporates live instrumentation (guitar, cello, violin) that really warms up the already complex and distinct sound. While rumbling Moog lines and old school-ish MPC beats fill out the low end, additional keyboards flutter on top, slipping in and out while rallying behind the driving melodies. Oh, and did I mention this is the carefully crafted (or possibly mad scientist influenced) output of a one-woman band? While that may be a bit surprising, it also explains why these tracks are so focused, and why each stands individually while also fitting perfectly in the whole of the album. The lyrics are intelligently oddball, with songs like "Cats R People 2" managing to be both tastefully quirky and supremely dance-worthy. The same can be said for the rest of the album, where the production and musicianship demand to be taken seriously, but the beats are so infectious that you'll be hard pressed not to move something.
CD price: $12.00 / MP3 price: $10.00
DOMINIC CASTILLO & THE ROCK SAVANTS: Singles For Singles
In this 6-song release, clear production and enviable guitar tone roll themselves out over pointed songwriting, where all elements land in a downy bed of nostalgia chords and swooning, love-tainted lyrics. This act has an irresistible sincerity that leaks out through Castillo's genuinely charming vocals and the band's laid-back-but-rollicking guitar pop. As exuberant and unassuming as the songs can seem, their steady grip pulls ribbons of melody tight around a listener's ticker, fashioning a flurry of paths for the kind of sentiment the record possesses; it can't be called plaintive, but it certainly lends itself to the softheartedness many of us crave in new songs. It's not so much a collection of sad bastard songs as it is one that's enlisted a clever sleight of hand when matching the clear-coated instrumentation and congenial songs with witty jabs at lost emotion. This release is available for download only, and if this reviewer's experience is any indication, there is no possible way to remove these songs from your head once you've heard them.
WEINLAND: La Lamentor
Somewhere between Neil Young and Michael Andrews, Weinland's gently balanced folk pop echoes with the kind of ache that seems endemic to the singer/songwriter genre. The lilting, fingerpicked guitars slide up to the front with the tender vocals and lyrics, while a chorus of strings and bashful drums round out the back of the room (and there's a piano wayyyy back there, and a loud distorted guitar... somewhere...). It's an intimate and decidedly un-sugar-coated set of songs with enough texture to satisfy those who have heard it all, and enough heart to bust past the trite lyrics and contrived chord progressions offered by others. In its disarmingly dreamy atmosphere, this record settles in somewhere between warm, firelit cabin nights, and the vastness of the ether separating the earth and the stars. It's pulse-quickeningly good, a gentle album of bereaved Americana.
CD price: $13.97 / MP3 price: $9.99
LEIGH MARBLE: Red Tornado
On his second self-produced solo album, Marble decided to leave some of the edges frayed, exposing not only his knack for getting some beautifully raw sounds on tape, but also his ability to deliver effective lyrics without wasting a word. You could attempt to sum up the sound by calling it folk rock, but that's not giving the songs nearly enough credit. While some of the tracks have well-placed moments of delicacy, the strongest sounds here are the ones that are layered thickly but distinctly, allowing the listener to suss out each element of the song, whether it be a driving guitar or the slightest background percussion. Ostensibly, these songs appear melancholy in their honesty, but there's no shortage of hope if you take the time to scratch the surface. Looking past the tangible frustration and concern in the lyrics, it's easy to see these are words that can't be written off as petty cynicism. Combine this with the fantastic production and an endless array of sounds that meld together seamlessly, and you've got yourself a damn fine record from an artist who has truly found his voice.
CD price: $11.95 / MP3 price: $9.95
NYLES LANNON: Pressure
The tasteful mix of electronic elements and folk bordering on Americana that this San Franciscan puts together is stirring and eye-popping, like tempest-tossed tree tops whipping around in the winter wind. The swelling of organ sounds coupled with buzzing electronics and syncopated rhythms cascade through the whole of this of sweetly understated folktronic pop. Crystal clear production augments the depth of instrumentation that this guy pulls off, and dreamy ribbons of reverbed guitar are chopped up by gritty, chunky rhythmic strumming. While glorious and pillowy, the music itself isn’t the only treasure on this record. There’s a breadth of emotion in the lyrics that doesn’t require a screaming performance to get your attention… we find here the kind of intimate vocal delivery you might expect on an Elliott Smith album. Let yourself be led through the beautifully atypical swells and spare parts of this folk/electronic hybrid.
CD price: $13.97 / MP3 price: $13.97

Top Sellers (see more)

ALEXI MURDOCH: Four Songs
This highly praised beautiful debut collection of dark folk songs from newcomer Alexi Murdoch is CDBaby's all time best selling record. (*THIS OUT OF PRINT LIMTED EDITION IS AVAILABLE ONLY AT CDBABY WHILE STOCK LASTS.*)
REGINA SPEKTOR: Songs
Magical realism involving pickles, death penalties and hot baths... influenced by the anti folkers, the punkers, tom waits, bjork, mozart, and many others... a secret let loose.
CD price: $14.00
GARY JULES: Trading Snakeoil for Wolftickets
Rootsy urban folk rock. His version of "Mad World", heard on this CD, was featured in Donnie Darko.
CD price: $14.00 / MP3 price: $14.00
O.A.R.: The Wanderer
a roots rock, island vibe feeling with an energy and passion that leaves dance floors shaking after every performance.
CD price: $11.98
O.A.R.: Souls Aflame
an island vibe, roots rock feeling with an energy and passion that leaves dance floors shaking after every performance
CD price: $11.98
JACK JOHNSON: Brushfire Fairytales
Jack's multi-platinum debut that was first released in 2000 on the tiny Enjoy label (now Everloving). Produced by JP Plunier (Ben Harper); includes "Flake" and "Bubble Toes."
CD price: $13.99
JUDE: Sarah
"CDBaby's crowning achievement. Saving Jude from the record companies."
CD price: $12.00 / MP3 price: $12.00
MELISSA FERRICK: Skinnier & Faster - LIVE
Live performance of a sold out show. Double CD with 21 songs, LIVE, from her five critically acclaimed albums. Unique, fiery, compelling, bold and captivating.
CD price: $20.00 / MP3 price: $20.00
DEVIL DOLL: Queen of Pain
sex and sorrow. 40's style torch jazz meets punk rock. angry and sexy.
CD price: $14.00 / MP3 price: $14.00
PANCHO'S LAMENT: Pancho's Lament
Uniquely simple accessible music - heard on TV shows Jack and Jill, Dawson's Creek and Party of Five.
CD price: $12.99 / MP3 price: $12.99

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Rock music you will love

Rock

style / mood

Editor's Picks (see more)

Top Sellers (see more)