The legendary progressive rock band Kansas is back with their first CD in many years. It marks the return of all the original members, including lead singer Steve Walsh and guitarist Kerry Livgren, who is back after a 17 year absence. The result is an album with one foot in the past and one foot in the present, and it works. The traditional Kansas sound with elegant harmonies, orchestration and quirky arrangements is there, but there are some interesting new directions taken as well. The band forays into funk and even a Zeppelinesque Arabic type sound. After 30 years of making music Kansas still has some fresh ideas that are worth hearing on Somewhere To Elsewhere. Visit the band's official website: http://www.kansasband.com
Marina - Under Her Covers
Marina is a renaissance woman. She's has written, cast and produced thousands of commercials, done voiceovers, sung jingles, choreographed videos, plays the violin and keyboards, owns a production company and is a mother of three. She also has a great voice and has recently released a very enjoyable CD. Her second full length CD Under The Covers is all cover songs done in a high energy dance style. There are versions of Sugar Ray's "Fly", Jewel's "Foolish Games", Bob Marley's "Get Up Stand Up" and the highlight of the CD, a great version of Eurythmic's "Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves." It's a fun to hear dance versions of pop and rock songs and this is one catchy CD. For more info, visit http://www.mrkrecords.com
Mest - Wasting Time
Mest is a pop punk band. They sound a lot like Green Day and Blink 182. Their songs rock hard, are still melodic, and the lyrics can be pretty amusing (like their song "Richard Marxism!). The band members are from South Chicago and all in their early 20's. Wasting Time is a powerful debut CD, and I have a feeling we'll be hearing a lot more from Mest. To learn more, check out http://www.maverickrc.com/mest
No Authority - No Authority
No Authority is really a boy band. This is their second CD, and all four members are still under 20 years old, unlike some of the other boy bands who have members pushing 30. No Authority delivers the musical goods. The entire CD is filled with infectious melodies, smooth harmonies and memorable hooks. I'm sure their looks won't hurt their appeal to pre teen girls, either. To see for yourself, check out http://www.noauthority.com
