Larry Carlton: Live in Tokyo

This funky jazz blues played live with his buddy Robben Ford is likely to put you to sleep if you are not careful. This is not exactly the type of stuff that'll get you up and moving about. This is very much a guitar wonk CD, and as a bonus you get to see them go at it on the bonus DVD. If you want a mellow night in then this might be a solid thing to listen to. It's just a tad boring for the rest of us, it has to be said. It's played amazing well with oodles of talent, but not really my cup of tea.

Seven Mary Three: Day & Night Driving

Now, I trounced an indie release last week for being absolutely awful. This CD restored my faith in the indie/alternative. This is a great collection of emotive, but none po-faced indie rock. It's emotion by the bucketfull, but no whine anywhere to be heard. I am not the slightest bit shocked their debut is multi-platinum. This is great stuff; no fluff just clever music played with oodles of passion and feeling. I found myself slapping this CD on at the expense of some of the other CDs in my review collection much to my shock.

There is not one stinker on here. From "The Last Kiss" to "Things I State," it just screams talent. I love the country tinged "Dreaming Against Me". This is perfect driving music and I expect it to show up on TV soundtracks. It's great rock that is done well and defies genres. A very pleasant surprise and a release I will come back too.

Well, that is your lot this week: A few shocks for me in the form of a couple of releases in genres I am not keen on.

As always check out your live scene whenever you can and stay safe out there.