Music Worth Checking Out

About a month ago I picked up the new Buckcherry CD entitled "Black Butterfly" along with Ray LaMontagne's "Gossip in the Grain." While they couldn't be more different, both CD's were worth the money. (The discounted price I paid on Amazon versus the in store price I refuse to pay).

Until recently I have not listened to a lot of Buckcherry. In 2006 I purchased their cd, "15" and enjoyed most of it, including surprisingly the raunchy hit, "Crazy Bitch." So when "Black Butterfly" was released I was excited to give it a listen. I was not disappointed. Buckcherry is a rock band: heavy on the guitars, great riffs, and catchy hooks. They're loud and unapologetic. However, they are also capable of slowing it down and that is demonstrated in my favorite song on the album, "All of Me". This is the CD you want if you need to get your adrenaline pumping. Overall, a good listen.

I've been a fan of LaMontagne for a number of years now. His hit song, "Trouble" is among one of my all time favorites. "Gossip in the Grain" is the first CD of his though I have actually bought. In the past I have just downloaded my favorites and forgotten the rest. I don't think that there is a bad song on this CD. My two favorites are "You are the Best Thing" and "Sarah". His voice is soothing and melodic, reminiscent of James Taylor or Cat Stevens. We listen to this in the car quite frequently and the kids almost seem to go into some type of trance; they are instantly calmed.

We listen to a wide range of music and like everything pretty much except ultra heavy metal or hardcore rap. Music plays a huge role in our home and I have a great appreciation for those, much more artistic and capable than I, who are able to put out amazingly touching and fantastic CD's. So, if you have some time and are interested, please check out these CD's and let me know what you think.