As The Sun Falls is the third release for the very talented Jess McAvoy. In 2006 on the release of her last album Into The Dark it was written, "Jess is one of the best rootsy singer-songwriters around" and of the album "no chaff in sight". As The Sun Falls is that and more again. Resonant songwriting, skillfully articulated.

Being hailed by critics as the greatest voice this country has produced, this album is truly extraordinary. While sung in his native tongue (Galpu) and occasionally in English, the beauty of his work shines through. Gurrumul is not an album that borrows from anything previously released by an indigenous artist.

JJ Grey & Mofro's last release entitled Country Ghetto and this years tour of Australia brought them to the ears of a wider audience. Country Ghetto was a more consistent release, without being overpolished, it retained the essence of earlier work. That murky, dark country funk remained. Orange Blossoms builds on that success and is their best yet. Previous albums in stock also.

Fish Out Of Water marks a change of direction for Ash Grunwald. No mistake this is still his trademark sound but the result is tougher, grittier. Including five tracks co-written with TZU's Countbounce, this new album is unlike his previous releases. Fish Out Of Water should be guaranteed to fill the house all over Australia on his upcoming tour.

MARSHALL & THE FRO
MARSHALL & THE FRO

Possibly at the outset most notably known for the Thong Song, Marshall & The Fro have toured relentlessly building a solid following for their high energy live shows. Their debut release is a collection of original tracks reflecting their on stage blues-roots driven sound. Plenty of their raw energy shines through. If gritty electric blues & slide with a side salad of didgeridoo is for you then order this up with confidence.

The three year wait for a new Rodney Crowell album has been all worthwile. Sex and Gasoline produced with Joe Henry and featuring a who's who of players including Doyle Bramhall III and Greg Leisz, this is Crowell at his best! Possibly even better than Houston Kid from 2001. Henry's complementary influence lift Crowell here to amazing heights. This is a great album.....do not miss this.

Produced with the assistance of the legendary team of Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespear, All Rebel Rockers backs away from the fierce intensitiy of Yell Fire and expresses Franti's message through dancehall and reggae. Joy and rhythm rather than anger. The message here is easier on the ears and the soul, and the passion shines through. Franti and his fabulous Spearhead are on song!

It could be said that while Xavier Rudd has been phenominally successful, that his work to date has largely followed a similar well worn path. Accoustic guitar, sensitive lyrics, surf association etc etc very nice .Dark Shades Of Blue proves that Rudd is a more versatile musician than he has previously let on. A bigger, more varied sound, electric guitar. A bold new direction? I dont think so, Dark Shades Of Blue will only garner more fans while refreshing those already pleased.

2008 must be the year that aspiring female artists decided put give up the quiet retiring accoustic guitar sensitive approach and sink their teeth into the industry.Excellent! Thank god for that. Grainger here delivers fiery slide breaks, smooth vocals, and classic song writing skills. Combine this,  with a backing band of musicians who are confortable with Graingers awesome talent and you have a recipe for success.

To compare Michael Franti with Fred Eaglesmith would surely be a troublesome task, but there is, a common thread to these artists. That would be their commitment to the social issues surrounding us. While Franti shouts his message from the rooftops, Fred Eaglesmith prefers a much more low key, gritty straight forward approach. However the message delivered is no less powerful. Tinderbox finds Mr Eaglesmith at his best.