Recently in Hearin’ Now Category

The band is called "Air Traffic Controller" and their debut CD "The One" hits shelves and the digital downloads of the www on Dec 8th. The CD features 12 songs that are perfectly polished and incredibly radio friendly. The music and lyrics are smart, wonderfully catchy, and positively charming.

The first single, "Can't Let Go" is a hit song waiting to happen! and i'm not suggesting that anyone stop there, The One is without a doubt loaded with more than just a handful of memorable tracks.

While "Bad Axe MI" takes only one listen before you all hold up those cigarette lighters, close your eyes, and start chanting; "One more song, One more song" deeper tracks such as "More, More, More" and "God Has A Plan" will have you clapping your hands and toe tapping along from start to finish.

The debut CD by Air Traffic Controller is simply that good, and truly something worth listening to again and again.

Nominated by MTV as one of Bostons Best Breakout Artist of 2009 "Air Traffic Controller" is one band that is sure to be taking off soon, and as cliche' as this may sound; The Sky's the Limit!

Be sure to check out their live appearance on WMBR Radio 88.1 FM in Cambridge on Thursday, Dec 3rd at 4pm,

Stay tuned!

The album. A lost art? Not according to Lowell's Jen Kearney and the Lost Onion. From the opening retro groove of Born, each of the 13 songs on Year of the Ox transitions into the next with instrumental interludes as silky and funky as anything by the Ohio Players. Upon hearing about David Carradine's sad and mysterious end last week, I've been feeling a little nostalgic, Kung Fu not only being my favorite TV series of the early 70's, but also substituting as my religion for a few years. With the slick sounds of Year of the Ox blaring in the headphones, I've been dizzily transported back to when Stevie Wonder's Living in the City and the O'Jays Backstabbers ruled the airwaves, blending funky grooves with socio/political themes. And with a voice that rivals Stevie Wonder and Eddie Levert in power and soul, Jen Kearney delivers the goods with a passion and conviction that leaves no question she's one of the best female vocalists singing right now. Equally as impressive are the lush, layers of R&B background vocals which glaze every song with a warm blast of sunshine. To the Moon, with its funky Fender Rhodes piano intro, guitar and bass counter melody and a two note horn part that is a lesson in understated perfection, is the standout track, simmering into an infectious chorus you'll find yourself basking in for days. Other notable tracks include Prime Meridian which begins as a simple piano waltz and erupts into a full blown anthem worthy of an arena sized venue, and Trudge, a gospel flavored lament on the hooky lyric "Trudge as you may, try as you might." Simply beautiful. The musicianship is top notch throughout notably the vintage sounds of Carl Johnson's guitar work and Dan Abreu's stellar tenor sax playing.

If you're growing a little tired of downloading songs, and if you find yourself longing for the days of the LP, you owe it to yourself to get your hands on Year of the Ox. It is one special album. JKLO continue to celebrate the release of Year of the Ox at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge this Thursday night. Should be one mind altering trip down memory lane and into the future.

If there were any justice in the world some A&R rep (do they even exist anymore?), some DJ, or some indie movie director would take one listen to the latest offering from Audrey Can’t Die, pick up the phone and start getting this band the national recognition they deserve. Waving at Parked Cars, the band’s third album IS that good. At a time when rhythm reigns on the radio, we sometimes forget the subtle power of a great melody. Until we hear one. Throw in the lush guitar work of John Kolakowski, Rob Pierce’s poignant and poetic lyrics and pleading vocals, and you get a rock album that seduces, grabs and holds on long after the first listen. From the hook laden opening Silent to the closing drinking anthem Please Don’t, the songs are laced with a suburban disconnect that is both comforting and disquieting. At the heart of the album though are the three songs that should catapult Audrey into the limelight: Dig; Killing Time; and Beebe Gun. Listen to Rob Pierce’s wounded falsetto in Beebe Gun followed by the reflective lyric “Regret is the best I can do” and you’ll see why. Audrey fans have had to wait three years for a new record. But one thing’s for certain; she’s never been more alive.