If you know me, you should know that my favorite weekday is New Music Tuesday.  However, some are definitely better than others, and this week, the list of albums dropping makes me salivate (it was either the music or the delicious mango I just ate, maybe a mixture of both).

First off, we have the one and only Dave Matthews with Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King.  Whether you like him, or hate him, you can’t deny that he has become a permanent fixture in musical history, and hopefully one that’s due for a comeback.  I’m not going to lie, if he played music from his few albums, I would know a total of 1 song (I thought the collabo with Jurassic 5 was pretty cool).  I will always agree he is one of the best live acts out there because the energy at his show is only understood through the music (which is why his live albums have always been so much more popular), but I haven’t gone to his show in a few years because the new stuff just hasn’t had the same impact on me as his older stuff.

So what does the new album have to offer?  Is this the album that wins back his older fans?  I don’t think you can judge an album after just one listen, but I can say, it’s definitely worth listening to a few more times, and maybe many more.  I’ve definitely gotten chills a few times and I think he goes back to a more organic sound, but there is still a sense of wanting to move forward and not just produce what’s already been done.  One thing I can say, is he is still an amazing writer and creates some of the most unique melodies.  Take a listen for yourself with a free streaming preview of Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King from Lala below and let me know what you think.

Dave Matthews Band – Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King – Free album streaming

Next on my listening list…The Sounds.  You may not have heard of them before they opened for No Doubt this year on tour, but this band has been a fierce Swedish force since 1999.  They’re definitely a 180 from DMB with the electro-pop synth and new wave sound and their latest album Crossing The Rubicon doesn’t stray much from what we’ve come to know of them.  For some reason I never expect much from The Sounds, even though I have loved their music consistently since I first heard them.  Maybe the lack of expectation gives me a better appreciation for each album, but either way, I’m really digging Crossing The Rubicon so far.  It’s nothing that’s going to change your world, but it might just add a little extra flavor to your days.  The energy is totally upbeat and fun and their first single “Nobody Sleeps When I’m Awake” really doesn’t do the album justice.  The final verdict?  Can’t be sure, but I know it makes me smile, I’ll let you hear for yourself…listen to Crossing The Rubicon for free from Lala below:

The Sounds – Crossing The Rubicon – Free album streaming

“My longtime friend”…311, oh how I’ve missed you. But if you’re like me, you probably think they’ve gotten a little soft in their progression since Music in ‘01.  For the most part, I found Uplifter to be pretty mellow and their first single “Hey You” is a pretty good indicator of what the rest of the album is about.  There are a few songs that remind me of the good ol’ 311, like “Jackpot” and “India Ink”, but I don’t think I’ll be listening to the rest of the album again.  It does live up to its name, as I found the album to be very uplifting, but I was also pretty bored.  Listen to the album and judge for yourself though:

311 – Uplifter – Free album streaming

After a very relaxing afternoon with 311, I’m pretty happy that Taking Back Sunday was here to rock me into the evening with their release of New Again.  My first take on the album is that it pretty solidly rocks, in standard Taking Back Sunday fashion.  It’s definitely one that needs a few more good listens to really judge, but so far, my favorites are “Carpathia” and the title track “New Again”.  Ready to do some rocking out?  Check it out:

Taking Back Sunday – New Again – Free album streaming

Also, don’t forget to check out Rancid’s new one Let the Dominoes Fall or Blood:Franz Ferdinand.  I didn’t have time to check them out today, but they are definitely in my queue.  Also, Patrick Wolf is flying under the radar with The Bachelor but it could turn out to be a real hidden gem if it’s anything like his older stuff (very indie, very unique).

And that concludes one of the best NMT’s in RockAngel history…some surprises, some let-downs, but overall, I have a few new albums, and a full queue of songs left, and have completely overindulged in music today so I am one happy little RockAngel.

Until next time…keep rockin’…