Angels & Airwaves - We Don't Need To Whisper

This record definitely holds true to the strong points of the last Blink 182 work, but explores an ambience never truly realized in past works. Some may not love Tom's vocals, but AVA has reached further levels of maturity in their writing and expression of self never reached before. Rhythmically, the record is similar to the work of Travis Barker, but calms it down just enough to "lay in the pocket" with the ambient guitars and hooky.....hooks of the vocals. I guess there is more to write about than Skippy Peanut Butter being spread all over ones unmentionables, isn't there?

Autovaughn - Space

Autovaughn is an incredible band out of Nashville, TN. They bring in elements of The Killers and Franz Ferdinand, but have skillfully honed their own angles on the popular style. Not only are they a great band, who deserve all the success they get, but they're just good guys all around.

Bjork - Vespertine

Where to start? Where to start!? Bjork reaches levels of beauty that I'm only sure Jesus and U2 are capable of. Jesus first....U2 second. Vespertine is a flawless record, in my humble opinion. The final track Unison is breathtaking! The song begins with Bjork's child-like (and very cute, might I add) vocals, escalating into intense vocal layering on top of a large, sweeping string section. Bjork proves that it really is possible to cross electronica with organic instruments. It's perfect!

Creeper Lagoon - Take Back The Universe And Give Me Yesterday

This band doesn't even exist anymore, but while they did they kicked some serious A. You heard me......I said A! I found these guys by mistake in the Fall of 1998 when they were touring with Harvery Danger. Where are those guys, by the way? Are they still around? Anyways, Creeper caught my attention right away and I've been hooked ever since. You might want to also look into On The Speakers. That's the band the lead singer started afterwards. Not quite as good as Creeper, but worth a listen for sure.

Justin Timberlake - Justified

No...this is not a joke. I promise! JT also kicks some A. Though I am not the drummer for Flurish, I have been a drummer for almost 20 years. In my early days, I would primarily play R & B / Hip Hop style in church and such. You know...old gospel. I loved it! This kind of music is in my bones. JT just gets me goin'. And if he doesn't get you movin'...well....than you have no soul in you. Nothing wrong with a lil Hippop.

Mute Math - Mute Math

Well...you're just gonna have to see them live. I don't know if even my thoughts on the band could truly do them justice. They are a one of a kind band. They definitely borrow from bands like Radiohead and The Police, but I would never accuse them of copying anyone. I'll be at The Roxy in ATL tomorrow night waiting for the drummer to sweat on me or something.

Hawksley Workman - Lover/Fighter

Hawksley is not very well known in the states. Probably because he hasn't played too many shows here at all. This is an album to listen to in the Fall. Right around this time of year, in fact. Very charming! For the recording of this album, he bought an old church in the countryside of Montreal and tracked throughout the Winter. Not only are the songs diverse and nostalgic, but what's most impressive is that Hawksley played EVERY instrument on the record himself as well as mixed and mastered it. That's a lot of work and skill...for those who don't know. Lover/Fighter....go buy it now!

Kent - Isola

I found this band my Freshmen year of college and have been in love with them since. I think, as Americans, we all dream of Europe and how great it is. Kent is the voice of Europe for me. When I listen to Isola, I feel like the European in me is coming out. One of the greatest moments is in the song Before It Ends when they sing, "Finally I found the words to tell you - I caught your hands under a table - There's still time for us to grow up - Closer to the sun before the Summer slides to October." This sparks the romantic in me.

Oasis - What's The Story Morning Glory

What's The Story should be a staple in every man, woman and child's CD collection. It's that good and it's that classic. Say what you will about them "copying The Beatles" and blablablabla. Oasis outdid themselves with What's The Story. In my opinion, they've not performed on the same level since...in terms of albums. Great albums have been created since, but none with such amazing singles like Wonderwall, Don't Look Back In Anger and Champagne Supernova. Not to mention the rest of the album.

Sigur Ros - Takk

I don't know exactly how they do it, but Sigur Ros can make a bad mood turn to....well, not necessarily a good mood, but an inspired mood nonetheless. It's been reported that their lead singer was searching for a sound when they first started. He said one night he was taken up into a different realm where he heard the most amazing, angelic music. When he returned, he made it his goal to try to recreate the sounds he heard. I'd like to think that Sigur Ros, in some weird way, is recreating the sounds of Heaven. Whether they know it or not.

U2 - Achtung Baby / Pop

I can't quite choose which one, but both are amazing. U2 reaches levels that are beyond even the biggest bands out right now. Yeah...Aerosmith and The Rolling Stones are still around after all this time, but what have they really done for the world....besides for rock....which they do. U2 uses their amazing and inspiring music as a platform to address so many issues in this world. AIDS, Poverty, Debt...etc etc. I really feel they are using their music the way God would want them to. U2 are and will always be my favorite band in the entire world. No questions asked. Without a doubt!

Stay tuned for a blog from Rage. I'm gonna make him do this too!

Much Love...

Ryan ( F L U R I S H )