38 Special - 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection
This is another greatest hits collection from one of the best Southern rock bands ever. This CD contains 12 of the band's hits from the 1980's, like "Hold On Loosely", "Caught Up In You", and "Back Where You Belong". It also includes a great overlooked 38 Special song, "Somebody Like You", from their 1986 Strength In Numbers CD. The group is still touring and recording, and put on a great live show. This CD is a reminder of the power and the glory of classic Southern rock.
Balance of Power - Ten More Tales of Grand Illusion
Balance of Power is a British hard rock/progressive rock group. They've had two very successful CDs in Europe and Japan and are trying to break into the US market with their latest release. I was impressed with the band's ability to rock really hard and still keep it melodic. Each song on this CD is an epic tale, telling a story with many tempo and key changes. It's really good stuff. Balance of Power reminds me a lot of Queensryche, but not as pretentious. For more info, visit http://www.nightmare-records.com
Liv Cummins - Exactly
Liv Cummins is a pop/folk singer/songwriter from Minneapolis. She has a great voice and quirky vocal style that has drawn comparisons to Kate Bush. I heard a couple of her songs on MP3.com, and wanted to hear the whole CD. It did not disappoint. Exactly is an excellent collection of pop songs that are well crafted and delivered. Liv Cummings is an artist we'll be hearing a lot more from in the future. Visit http://livcummins.iuma.com
Deckard - Stereodreamscene
