Many people say they've never heard any world music. They say it's something foreign to them. And for a long time that was true- world music didn't make it to U. S. mainstream radio for a while. While it still isn't something you hear everyday, there are some genres of world music that you do hear a lot. Reggae music has become very popular in the U. S., and one of the first artists to bring world music to mainstream radio was Bob Marley and the Wailers. Bob Marley was originally from Jamaica, but had many performances and albums released here in the states. His legacy has been amazing- countless albums have been released after his death in 1981. One Bob Marley album, Legend, was released 3 years after his death, in 1984 serves as a greatest hits album, and contains his all best songs. His band, The Wailers, originally contained 5 members, including Bob Marley, and two members later left the band, leaving Bob Marley, Bunny Livingston, and Peter McIntosh, who later recorded solo under the name Peter Tosh, also a popular reggae musician. Bob Marley was a good musician, but his legacy is absolutely amazing. He really was the first to bring Reggae out of Jamaica. He has many great songs. Three Little Birds, has a good message- "Don't worry, about a thing / Cause every little thing gonna be alright." Buffalo Soldier is also one of my favorite songs, about some of the things that have happened throughout history and how to prevent them in the future. 

Anyone who wants to know how amazing World music can be should listen to Bob Marley.

They're Even Louder Now (Louder Now, Taking Back Sunday)

^ MakeDamnSure - Taking Back Sunday ^

Taking Back Sunday. They aren't the most well known band, nor are they the best. There songs can sound repetitive, like you're listening to the same song over and over again. Like they put there songs into a copy machine. The r.esult isn't exactly the same, but so similar you can't tell the difference. From album to album, there sound has changed very little. It's the same punk-pop-emo music that everyone's playing now. They're latest album, however, is different. The title fits the album. It's the same photocopy, only enhanced. Now with more screaming.

Now, I never said they're sound was bad. They've got catchy guitar riffs. Lyrics one can relate to. It's just the same every single time. If you want to buy they're music, go ahead. Many of there biggest hits, including Liar and MakeDamnSure, both great songs are on this album. Just don't buy too much. The photocopy quality will degenerate too much.

Review by Dan Pungello, 3-11-08

iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=16053322&mt=1&s=143441 (Requires iTunes to load)

YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/takingbacksunday

Official Site: http://www.takingbacksunday.com/

Don't Sleep Through This One! (Sleep Through the Static, Jack Johnson)

^ If I Had Eyes, Jack Johnson ^

If you've listened to Jack Johnson, you know immediately what he, and his music, is about. It's about taking it slow. It's about living for the moment. It's about taking life as it is. His last two albums, as well as the Curios George soundtrack he did, follow this theme, lyrically and musically. His latest album, titled "Sleep Through the Static, follows these themes lyrically, but Jack and friends have done much more in the studio, adding more instruments, including an electric guitar which has not been common in Jack's earlier work. Some of the best songs on the album include the title track, with an upbeat Reggae-inspired baseline, contrasted with a chorus of just Piano and Jack's vocals. Another favorite track is "If I had Eyes," which was the first single. Throughout this song, the rhythm filled with an extraordinarily talented electric with Jack's signature acoustic on top.  All in all, Jack Johnson does a great job keeping his laid back and relaxed sound and feel, but mixing up the instrumentals more than before.

Reviw by Dan Pungello, 3-7-08

iTunes: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewArtist?id=909253&mt=1&s=143441 (Requires iTunes to load)

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/jackjohnsonmusic

Official Site: http://www.jackjohnsonmusic.com/