Yes, It’s really good. Is it great? Not on first listen. The first single “Get On Your Boots” and first track on the album “No Line on the Horizon” don’t portray the full album. There are elements of these songs that I like, but they tend to lose momentum in the song. All of the reviewers are fawning all over the fact that U2 has “reinvented” itself again, going with a harder edge and alternative feel. Personally, I’m not that crazy about the new sound with all of the minor keys, change in melodies mid-song.

The Tracks on the album:
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I really liked Beck’s version of Leopard Skin Pillbox Hat at the the end of the Academy Awards. It played during the movie clips for films coming out in 2009. It’s a classic Dylan song on Blonde on Blonde and I can’t find the Beck version on Rhapsody and it’s not on Modern Guilt (latest CD) so I hope it’s on a new album coming out or maybe he’ll release on iTunes/Rhapsody/Napster/Internet.

I’m so excited to see Bruce at the halftime show at the SuperBowl! I’ve been listening to the new Working on a Dream album on my new Mac Book Pro (speakers are much better than my old Dell D610) and Love it. I think it’s a Top 10 Bruce Album (I should rank my favorites one day). It’s great that my Rhapsody account works in the Safari browser on Mac - I wish they’d make a Mac version of the jukebox software. I digress.

The Bruce Springsteen album is great. It doesn’t have the raw energy of his earlier works, but Bruce can still write a great tune and incredible melodies.
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The British Alt band Radiohead has finally released their catalog to Rhapsody for streaming and downloading. This is great news for Radiohead fans and Rhapsody subscribers as now you can explore their entire catalog and listen to any complete song as much as you want if you are a Rhapsody subscriber. I’ve heard a few Radiohead songs on the radio, but never been a true devotee’. I just listened to their greatest hits “The Best Of” and found quite a few that I really enjoy such as “Just”, “High and Dry” and “Lucky”.

Here is a complete list of albums from Radiohead on Rhapsody. Each Radiohead album has a review from a Rhapsody Editor. Try finding THAT on Napster or iTunes.
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I’m listening to the new Mudcrutch album featuring Tom Petty and digging it big-time. Not all of the songs are gems, but it has a great Tom Petty feel - more on the fun, rhythmic side vs the weird drug induced side (Don’t Come Around Here No More - anyone?). Lots of blue grass feel, guitars and pure Americana. This will definitely be in my play list this summer.

The other album that I am digging is the new Jason Mraz “We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things”. Although I was disappointed with Jason’s sophmore effort (Mr. A-Z), I love this disc. It is fun, sharp and touching. Jason has regained his form with a really polished effort that is end to end a great listen.
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I must admit, I was a little late to the Coldplay party only discovering them with Clocks off of A Rush of Blood to the Head, but I’ve grown to really appreciate their music and was excited to hear the new single - Violet Hill and was psyched to see it on Rhapsody on Day One of release. I looked in both Napster and Rhapsody to see what info was available and sure enough, an editor took the time to comment on the song in Rhapsody, but not editorial at all in Napster. Rhapsody so kicks Napster’s ass on the editorial side.

I love this song. It has the trademark build-up, strong melodies, a guitar based under riff, motivating beat and Chris Martin harmony. This will go into my running/riding playlist for sure.
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Van Morrison gets the blues! should be the headline for this review. As both a Van Morrison fan and a lover of the blues - I love this CD! I might even go out and buy it! From the opening slow bluesy jam of “How Can A Poor Boy?” with it’s Hammond organ, harmonica and sparse production to the Live “And the Healing Has Begun” which is more traditional celtic Van Morrison - this CD is almost perfect. It is the first CD with all original material since 1999’s Back on Top. Van’s music doesn’t change drastically, it just gets deeper and more comfortable. Like a great pair of shoes.

How Can A Poor Boy? - Slow, Bluesy and real. Anything with a Hammond Organ turns me on.
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I’m a huge Black Crowes fan, have been since Shake Your Money Maker when a buddy said “you have to listen to these guys!”. With that said, I wish Warpaint was better. The up tempo songs don’t have the same energy as early work and the melodic, slower songs don’t have the same heart. While there are some gems on this album (Locust Street and God’s Got it are my favorites) there is not enough here to purchase the CD. Thanks for saving $14.99 Rhapsody!

- Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution - a good song, but not great. The first single.
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Even though it is cliche’ to say The Boss is Back, I’m going to write it anyhow. Oh, by the way - he’s brought the band with him and created the most rockin’ Bruce album in quite a while. More guitars, more saxophone, more bangin’ drums and keys. Me likey! Bruce’s voice is more seasoned (as if that was possible) but strong. The songwriting is tight and the melodies fierce. Some of the songs like Livin’ in the Future could be right off the River. The first single Radio Nowhere establishes the pace of the album and general disillusionment with everything. Some of the songs are a little downish, like Your Own Worst Enemy, slow up the mojo but it’s quickly overcome by the ehteral to grinding Gypsy Biker. Definitely one of Bruce’s best in a long time and worth a listen. Signup for a free trial of Rhapsody and listen to Magic and all of Bruce’s other albums for free.

Rhapsody has the new Ann Wilson album, Hope & Glory, as an exclusive and it’s worth a listen. Ann’s voice is as strong as ever and she has a slew of people helping her out on 10 of the 12 tracks. If you are expecting Heart part II, don’t bother. The songs are much more melodic and richly textured than Ann’s boogie guitar roots. KD Lange helps out on Goodbye Blue Sky and Jackson which are slow burners better for a Sunday morning than a Saturday Night. Wynonna shows up on “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” and “Get Together”. While I’ve always loved Heart, can’t say that I love this album. I would have liked to hear some more original songs (hers or others) rather a re-interpretation of some classic rock cuts although I do really like the Blue Grassy version of “Bad Moon Rising” with Gretchen Wilson. Ann still has the chops, but doesn’t do these songs justice. I give the album a C-. Listen for yourself at http://www.rhapsody.com/annwilson/hopeglory and see if it’s worth buying.