A

Ani Difranco

Authority Zero

Ani Difranco
folk, acoustic rock
Title: Reveling And Reckoning

In just twelve short years Ani has released sixteen studio albums. It seems that most artist' would have burnt out by now, not Ani though. This double album features some of her most insightful and thought provoking work to date. The combination of dynamic acoustic/electric guitars, emotion filled vocals, funky bass lines, unique rhythms an jazzy keyboard, flute, saxophone and trumpet arrangements make this double album one that you can enjoy from start to finish.

Authority Zero
punk, reggae
Title: Patches In Time

This album is full of energetic punk with a little dash of reggae. If you haven't seen them live, check their web site, Authority Zero, to find out when their next show is - and go! Originally from Mesa, Arizona, Authority Zero provides our local music scene with some national recognition. They were recently signed to Lava Records and will release their first major label album within the next year.

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B

Bitch and Animal

Bob Marley

Bran Van 3000

Bitch and Animal
folk, spoken-word
Title: Eternally Hard

This album features a combination of groovy bass lines, hard-hitting percussion, violins, guitar, and honest lyrics. Produced by Ani Difranco, this album confronts serious issues with a sense of raw humor. If you're sick of hearing mainstream music that all sounds the same, than this album is definitely for you!

Bob Marley
reggae
Title: Songs Of Freedom

This is truly the most comprehensive collection of his work. This four-disc album spans his entire career. Included in this 78-song collection are classics like One Love, Stir It Up, So Much Trouble In The World, Africa Unite, and a live version of Redemption Song. A 93page booklet with the life story of Bob Marley is also included with this album. If you don't already own any Bob Marley, this is a great album to start off with.

Bran Van 3000
eclectic
Title: Discosis

I think Bran Van 3000 is one of the most eclectic bands that I've ever heard. This album features a variety of styles of music blended together to form a unique sound. Within this album you'll hear elements of disco, hip-hop, electro, reggae, acoustic rock, and punk. On this album you'll also find guest appearances from Curtis Mayfield, Eek-A-mouse, and Big Daddy Kane.

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Call and Response

Cato Salsa Experience

Citizen Cope

Common

Call And Response
alternative rock, eclectic
Title: Call And Response

This album features a funky, blend of California pop, rock and disco with a slight presence of reggae. A variety of instruments such as moogs, organs, violin, guitar, bass, percussion, trumpet and synthesizers give this album a unique sound. I really like how Call and Response mix female and male vocals on this album.

Cato Salsa Experience
garage rock
Title: A Good Tip For A Good Time

If you're enjoying the current resurgence of 60's influenced garage bands like The Strokes, The White Stripes, The Hives and The Vines then you'll love this album. It's full of fuzzy guitar riffs, psychedelic organs, up-beat rhythms and fierce vocals.

Citizen Cope
acoustic, hip-hop
Title: Citizen Cope

Throughout this album you'll hear a unique blend of acoustic guitar, string arrangements, harsh vocals, and hip-hop rhythms. He sings from his heart about his political beliefs, his search for salvation, and his experiences with love and relationships. Legendary bassist Meshell Ndegeocello makes a guest appearance on this album.

Common
hip-hop
Title: Like Water For Chocolate

You might recognize Common for his hit single, The Light, which received major radio support during the spring of 2001. This album is an excellent example of what a conscious lyricists sounds like. If you enjoy the sounds of hip-hop, but are looking for something a little more uplifting, then this is the album for you.

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Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley

Dave Matthews Band

DJ Shawn Francis

Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley
reggae
Title: Halfway Tree

This album took home the Grammy for best reggae album in 2001. It definitely deserves such prestigious recognition. On this album, Damian takes old school reggae to a new level by blending it with elements of hip-hop. Eve and Trench from Naughty By Nature, make guest appearances on this album.

Dave Matthews Band
alternative rock
Title: Busted Stuff

I'm sure by now you've heard their first single, Where Are You Going, all over the place. If you're a fan of the Dave Matthews Band but feel their previous album, Everyday, lacked the jam-style instrumentation that makes them standout so much, then you'll appreciate their return to a more classic Dave Matthews Band style. This album is full of beautiful melodies and insightful lyrics. I'm confident that many more hit singles will come from this album.

DJ Shawn Francis
electro, dub reggae
Title: Dub Life

This album is a funky, not-so-frantic, continuous mix of dub-reggae and electro. It features works from artist's like Saru, Hybrid Device, Greg Long and Sub Oslo. If you're into artist's like Dirty Vegas or Groove Armada you'll really enjoy this one. It's the perfect soundtrack for a chill day at the beach or pool.

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F

Fantastic Plastic Machine

Felix Da Housecat

Fantastic Plastic Machine
techno, disco, house
Title: Beautiful

If you love to dance then this album will prove to be quite a treat! It's thirteen tracks of energetic beats and melodies featuring an array of influences including: techno, house, disco, 80's synth, soul and even a pinch of country. I would definitely recommend this album to all dance enthusiasts!

Felix Da Housecat
house
Title: Kittenz And Thee Glitz

You might be familiar with this artist if you watch MTV2. His videos for Silver Screen Shower Scene and What Does It Feel Like are played regularly during their dance music show. This album features funky house mixed with 80's synth. It has received outstanding reviews by many top music magazines including Rolling Stone and Spin.

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G

Golden Boy w/Miss Kitten

Goldfinger

Golden Boy w/Miss Kitten
electro
Title: Or

This album is filled with psychedelic synth melodies, awesome beats, groovy bass lines and soft-spoken lyrics performed by Miss Kitten. It features tracks like 1234, (a funky groove with a catchy hook) Kuckucksuhr, (a synth-lovers paradise) and the amazing single, Rippin Kittin.

Goldfinger
punk
Title: Open Your Eyes

You might remember this band from their hit singles, Here In My bedroom and Superman. Well, they're back again with their fourth studio album and a new guitarist. This album is a little heavier than their previous. Nevertheless, it is still a great album. It contains all of the elements that we have come to expect from Goldfinger. Such as catchy melodies, great harmonies and awesome lyrics that will have you singing along in no time!

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I

J

Jack Johnson

Jack Johnson
folk, reggae, blues
Title: Brushfire Fairytales

If you don't already own this album, I suggest that you run to your nearest record store and buy it immediately! You've probably already heard his hit single, Flake, featuring Ben Harper. This album is a perfect combination of acoustic folk, smooth blues, and a hint of reggae. His songwriting skills, voice, and ability to convey emotion through his music are unparalleled. Every song on the entire album is amazing! This is by far one of the best albums I have heard in a long time!

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L

Lisa Loeb

Lisa Loeb
alternative rock
Title: Cake And Pie

She is best known for her #1 single, Stay. Many people probably think that she completely disappeared after Stay fell off the charts. Well, I have good news! With her third album to date, Lisa is back and still kicking. This album features twelve brand new, beautiful songs. You should check this album out if you liked her previous work.

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Macy Grey

The Maxwell Implosion

Morcheeba

Mos Def

Mystic

Macy Grey
soul, r&b, disco
Title: The Id

The long awaited follow up to her smash album, On How LIfe Is, is finally here! This album is just as great as her first. She still has that ability to combine touching love songs and funky, upbeat disco songs into an album that you can listen to from start to finish. This album features a variety of awesome guest musicians like Erykah Badu, Slick Rick, Angie Stone and Mos Def.

The Maxwell Implosion
electro
Title: Small Circle Of Friends

This album is an awesome blend of chill electro and dub reggae with a 60's soundtrack vibe. It's the perfect soundtrack for a late night cocktail party, or a relaxing day by the pool. If you're into electronic music but are looking for something not-so-upbeat, then this is the album you've been looking for.

Morcheeba
eclectic
Title: Fragments Of Freedom

Within this album you'll find twelve uplifting tracks that contain elements of disco, hip-hop, folk, soul, and pop. Old school hip-hop artist, Biz Markie, makes a special guest appearance on the song, In The Hands Of The Gods.

Mos Def
hip-hop
Title: Black On Both Sides

This album is one of the best and most honest hip-hop albums that I have ever come across. I love this album because Mos Def uses it as a vehicle to express his views about the world. It's a heartfelt document of his life and the experiences that he has had. I highly recommend this album to anyone who loves hip-hop with a great beat and a positive message.

Mystic
hip-hop, r&b, soul
Title: Cuts For Luck And Scares For Freedom

You might recognize this artist from her single, The Life. Many might compare her sound to that of Lauryn Hill with a bit more edge. If your into the sounds of hip-hop blended with r&b and soul then you'll definitely appreciate this album. This album features eighteen tracks of pure listening enjoyment.

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No Gimmick

Noe Venable

No Gimmick
punk
Title: One Wop, Two Micks And A Bean

If you're into Phoenix's local music scene, then you're probably already familiar with this band. They are a power-packed, punk-quartet from our own backyard. This album contains seven original songs, most notably testing karma. Go to No Gimmick to purchase this album and find out when their next show is so you can go and support local music!

Noe Venable
folk
Title: Boots

If you like the sound of a beautiful, angelic voice accompanied by soft acoustic guitar, then you'll love this album. It was released on an independent record label, so it might be a little hard to find at your local record store. Fortunately, it's available online at Noe Venable

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O.A.R.

O.A.R.
alternative rock, reggae
Title: Any Time Now

If you like jam-bands like the Dave Matthews Band, then you'll enjoy this live, double-album. This musical blend of acoustic rock, and reggae will get your feet tapping and make you want to get out of your seat and dance.

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Pepper

Pepper
reggae, ska, punk
Title: Kona Town

When you first hear this album you're immediate instinct will lead you to believe that you're hearing some lost recordings from Sublime. Although their sound is not ground breaking, the album is still enjoyable to listen to. Most of the songs are catchy and will have you singing along in no time.

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R

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Res

Rufus Wainwright

Red Hot Chili Peppers
rock
Title: By The Way

The long awaited follow-up to their critically acclaimed album, Californication, is finally here. This album features an awesome collection of sixteen new songs. The first single, By The Way, is a perfect example of this albums content. If you're a fan of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and haven't bought this album yet, run out and buy it immediately!

Res
r&b, rock
Title: How I Do

This artist might be familiar to you from her first single, They Say Vision, which has been played all over MTV. Her sound is familiar to that of the new Pink record. It's a soul, r&b album with a definite rock influence. I think this album will help to establish Res as a new, and valuable artist.

Rufus Wainwright
alternative, rock
Title: Poses

If you like piano orientated music, then you'll really enjoy this album. His songwriting ability and musical style is very unique. Within this album he combines elements of classical music, rock, and blues with a hint of Broadway. His unique phrasing and voice make this an excellent album for the more adventuress music fan.

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S

Slightly Stoopid

Steel Pulse

Steve Poltz

Slightly Stoopid
acoustic reggae
Title: cuts For Luck And Scares For Freedom

This album contains fifteen songs of pure listening enjoyment. If you love reggae and acoustic rock then you will absolutely love this album! It's the perfect album for any occasion, ranging from a backyard party to a chill day by the pool. This album was recorded live for the Latitude 32 Radio Show at Track Star Studios in La Mesa, California. The band liked the end result so much that they decided to release it as an album. Go out and buy this amazing album now!

Steel Pulse
reggae
Title: Smash Hits

If you enjoy the sounds reggae artists like Bob Marley, but are looking for something new, then look no further. This compilation album features all of the hits from this awesome reggae band. It includes hits like Rollerskates, Not King James Verison, and Earth Crisis.

Steve Poltz
acoustic rock
Title: One Left Shoe

Many music fans might not know that Steve Poltz co-wrote the #1 single You Were Meant For Me with his x-girlfriend Jewel. Not only is he an accomplished co-writer, but he is also an outstanding solo artist too! This album features fifteen beautiful and original songs like Silver Lining, Forbidden Fruit, and Everything About You. Jewel even makes a guest appearance in a few of the tracks on this album.

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U

V

Various Artists

Various

Various Artists
jazz
Title: A Twist of Marley

If you like Bob Marley and enjoy the sounds of jazz you'll love this album. It features thirteen classic Bob Marley songs performed by some of today's greatest jazz musicians. The tracks featured on this album include: Get Up Stand Up, No woman No Cry, Could You Be Loved, I Shot The Sheriff, and Redemption Song.

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Various
eclectic
Title: Dublab Presents: Freeways

Some of Los Angeles most talented, unsigned artists were scouted and asked to contribute one song to form this eclectic album. It features some really outstanding local artists. My favorite tracks on the album include Digital, Version 2.1 by Deadelus, The Sky Below by Languis & Fer Chloca, and Don't Get Up Again by Damon Aaron. If you like discovering artist's before they make it big, then this is a great album for you.

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X

Y

Z

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