Kate Voegele

Don't Look Away
MySpace Records
Wow. From the first glace of this gorgeous Ohio newcomer's debut full-length, a serous music fan might want to dismiss 20-year-old Kate Voegele without even listening to the disc: Hmm, she's hot – probably another Britney clone, which means shitty music. MySpace? Where are the mirror photos? Sounds like the kind of label you get signed to by sending in cereal box tops.

Well, not one of those fears is even close to being true. The still-in-college Voegele is a true, real rocker – there are photos of her holding a Fender Telecsaster, amazingly – with a learned pop sensibility and a much harder edge than one might expect. There's even a B3 organ on this record! Think Sheryl Crow, but with much more grit and fire.

The folks at MySpace Records surrounded Voegele with several session stars, including producer Marshall Altman, drummer Aaron Sterling, and guitarist Dino Meneghin (who both worked with Liz Phair). Thankfully, this is one of the few albums that wasn't ruined by pop music's knob-twisting sonic sadist – engineer Niko Bolas, who in the past has butchered otherwise fine work by Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young and John Hiatt. Despite Bolas' presence, Voegele manages to end up with an album that's a surprisingly personal statement. Call her the anti-Joss Stone.

Ms. Voegele is a feast for the eyes, but not for a moment does she ever become a pop tart. "Top Of The World" is the most somber thwarted love song ever to receive such a title. "Chicago" is a rocking, haunting album opener that grabs with a sterling hook and is both sexy and serious. The set closer, "Kindly Unspoken," is the only misfire here; the old "piano and vocal only trick" has only been used 500 times so far this year by the Nickelbacks and Trains of the world, who obviously don't realize the device was once used by Perry Como. However, contrast the strident final song with such worthy cuts as "It's Only Life" and "One Way Or Another" (thankfully not the Blondie chestnut) and the entire package heads for the finish line and scores the upset victory of the year.

Kate Voegele is already a finer artist than Avril Lavigne, Stone, and Tori Amos rolled into one. Given the state of American pop music, here's hoping this stunning and talented real musician gets a fighting chance. Don't Look Away? Don't even try to.
– Syl Nathan

Bright Eyes

Cassadaga
Saddle Creek
The reference to Cassadaga — a community for psychics in Central Florida — is fitting, considering the abstract and colorful nature of this album. Cassadaga has a unique sound, with a hint of a country and deep, philosophic lyrics in a story-teller style; it’s no wonder lead singer Conor Oberst has been tagged the “new Dylan.” Oberst’s lyrics cite many religious and historical sources, which give the melodramatic songs on the album an old-world feel. standouts are “Soul Singer In A Session Band,” “Middleman,” and “I Must Belong Somewhere.”
– Erik Badia

From Autumn To Ashes

Holding A Wolf By The Ears
Vagrant
After some turbulent times, this new disc makes it evident that FATA is back to its original fire-breathing form. With drummer Francis Mark replacing former lead singer Benjamin Perri, the band has a new spark that revives the sound last heard on their debut album, Too Bad You’re Beautiful. The album rips, from the opener “Deth Kult Social Club” to “Daylight Slaving,” where the band slows down a bit and the songs become more calculating and deliberate. FATA brings the tempo and intensity back up on “Travel,” and that energy continues on to the closing song “Pioneers.”
– Erik Badia

Mink

Mink
Spitfire Music
Australian rockers Mink are poised to emerge on to the music scene in a big way. Since being kicked out of CBS’s Rock Star: INXS competition, lead singer Neal Carlson has found success teaming up with lead guitarist Nick Maybury, bassist Grant Fitzpatrick, rhythm guitarist David Lowy, and drummer Stella Mozgawa. The band’s self-titled debut album is song after song of carefree rock that requires minimal thought and major head bopping.
Carlson croons along, carrying in his tone something reminiscent of Mick Jagger’s pursed lipped strut and devil-may-care vocals, backed by the band's gritty, stripped sound. Mink comes equipped with a pure rock & roll attitude with songs that evoke images of light-hearted excess. This album will be released in July.
– Laurie Kamens

The Lee Boys

Say Yes!
Arhoolie
The Lee Boys fuse contemporary R&B, hip-hop, and funk to generate a unique gospel sound. They use steel guitar as the soulful centerpiece creates a sound that is distinct to the ear. “Say Yes!” is a powerful opener, as singer Keith Lee delivers the gospel as he shouts “say yes!” over the explosive steel guitar of Emanuel Roosevelt Collier, who shows inspiration from his contemporary, Robert Randolph.

Accompanied by teen prodigy guitarist Rich Lollar, The Lee Boys add an infectious funk style bridge to the traditional song “If Your Happy And You Know It” that is translucent enough to preserve the original tune. It is a funky and uplifting song sporting a steel guitar solo. “Tribute To Calvin Cooke,” the best track on the album, contains the rawest and most driven sound. Roosevelt Collier honors Cooke's influence with his intense solo and riffs that burn up the song.
– Chris Davidson