Eleven - Howling Book

At last, the amazing Eleven has released their new album, Howling Book. Actually, it appears that it was released late last year but I didn't find out about it until a few weeks ago (a peril of being an independent, I'm afraid, is that even your big fans may not know when you've released something). Rock and roll the way I like it (well, one of the ways): hooks and brains and musicianship. Jack Irons, their original drummer (also the Chili Peppers' original drummer) who left to spend time in Pearl Jam, is back in the fold. Don't expect to see Eleven on tour, though, as frontman Alain Johannes is spending time in Queens of the Stone Age and they are working on their next album. Did I mention Alain and Natasha worked on Chris Cornell's Euphoria Morning, one of my favorite albums (are you taking notes on all this?). Back to Eleven. Check out Show Me Something. I wouldn't say it's their strongest album but anytime Eleven puts out an album the music world is a better place.

Cowboy Junkies - Live at the Mountain Winery

Lately I've been getting into Cowboy Junkies. It started with a greatest hits album and now I've made my way through most of their catalog. Recently I came across The Internet Archive and their collection of legal music downloads. Lots of live recordings of bands, including Cowboy Junkies. Much of the recordings are low-quality, for-fans-only recordings. Live at the Mountain Winery from 2002, however, is a stunning exception. You can download the show's songs as MP3 or Ogg. Check out the rest of the site while you're at it.

The Poppy Family - Which Way You Goin' Billy?

While poking around the net looking for one hit wonders, I found Terry Jacks' "Seasons In The Sun" (don't ask) and did some reading about him. I came across the name of his old group, something I hadn't seen in quite a while: The Poppy Family. Hey, didn't they make a song I really liked? They sure did: Which Way You Goin' Billy. Wow, I haven't heard that song in ages. If you like lush, well-produced pop songs from the sixties with great female vocals, this is one for you. They also have a greatest hits album out. Susan Jacks, the lady with the voice, has her own web page.

The Killers - Somebody Told Me

I forget what first attracted me to this. Maybe it was just the name. If I had seen the cover, though, that would definitely have gotten my attention. Whatever it was, I came across Somebody Told Me and the title track immediately grabbed me. Nice and bouncy, great singing. I'm not sure about the other songs on this EP but the title track is definitely a winner. The band's site says that their full-length album will be out shortly.