Announcing The First Record Show of 2010!

The Cromwell Record Riot is back for another display of vinyl, CDs, videos and more. This Sunday, January 31st is the first Record Riot of the new year. It has been a few months since their last outing and I know many of you are itching to get your hands on some new music. It will once again be held at The Crowne Plaza, located directly off exit 21 from I-91. The hours of operation are from 9:30 to 3:30 and admission is only $3. For those that can't wait, there is an early admission at 8:00 until 9:30 and costs $10.

The room has been sold out for weeks with dealers both new and old. So, whether it's classic vinyl, discount CDs, concert DVDs or that rare, hard-to-find 45, the Cromwell Record Riot has something for everyone. Also, be sure to sign up to receive emails on upcoming Record Riots.

CD Review: Dion Roy Brings Us His "Gallery"

This upcoming weekend Connecticut will get it's fill of indie artist Dion Roy. Roy will be bringing his brand of acoustic rock to local TV shows on Fox61 and My TV9 as well as Hartford's Up or On the Rocks. Roy's debut album "Gallery" was released in June of 2009. His songs have been featured on Sirius XM, Internet and FM radio stations throughout the country. He recently opened for Ryan Cabrerra and is currently on his solo tour that will run for the next two months.

His album "Gallery" is filled with sing-along choruses and acoustic pop standards. Starting with the up-tempo "Come Back Around", the song sets the stage for the rest of the album's sound. Roy doesn't stray far from this formula. "You Can't Take" features a bit of a country song sway, while songs like "Downwards" and "Reconsider" adds a bit more bass here and a bit more drums there, but he keeps the same flow to his songs. By playing it safe he maintains more of an interest in the meaning behind the lyrics. His passion really shines on the ballad "So It Goes".

Dion Roy will be appearing on Fox61's Connecticut Morning Show on Friday, January 29th before his live show at Up or On The Rocks in Hartford, CT on Saturday night. He will be returning on February 6 for an appearance on My TV9's "Good Morning Connecticut". If you happen to miss his show this weekend, Dion Roy witll be performing once again on March 27 at Up or On The Rock in Hartford. His album is available on Amazon and iTunes. For more information on Dion Roy and his music, please visit www.dionroy.com.

CD Review: Low Water Reach A High Mark On "Swan"

Right from the opening song "Voodoo Taxi", you'll notice that Low Water has been taking notice of what's happening in music today. Their sound has tapped the same vein of music as Wilco and Ryan Adams. Their laid-back acoustic rock sound only strays on occasions when the song calls for it. The album's lead-off single "Voodoo Taxi" has received a large amount of airplay in New England, especially in their home state of New York.

"Motown" is another strong song with its pop sounding chords and vocal harmonies. Low Water show-off their moodier side of song-writing with the slow-tempo "Go". "She Shined Down" is the creative peak of the album with its signature drum beats and the passionate delivery of the lyrics. The epic "Charge" clocks in at over 11 minutes with its mix of chord changes and Pink Floydian soundscape. The album closes with the piano driven "Remedy Of Lead". The song's slow start builds with each instrument overpowering the last.

Low Water will be performing on Friday, January 29th at Larry's in Danbury, CT. Their latest album "Twisting The Neck Of The Swan" was released in 2008 and is available on iTunes and from the band's website www.lowwatermusic.com.

Rescue Cat Gets Frisky On New Singles

U.K. act Rescue Cat is releasing two new singles exclusively to itunes in time for Valentine's Day. The new EP is titled "The St. Valentine's Day Massacre" and contains the songs "Fischer Verses Spassky" and "What Happened To Us?".

"Fischer Verses Spassky" starts out with and industrial club beat that gets filled with an overload of synthesizers. The steady beat really draws you into the song's lyrics. While the passionless vocals on "What Happened To Us?" gets highlighted by MC Mikill Pane's mid-song rap. While the electro-beats on both songs fill the need, the lyrics and vocals seem like more of an afterthought than a necessity.

Check out Rescue Cat's website at www.myspace.com/rescuecatmusic for info and upcoming shows. Also check out iTunes for these song and more from Rescue Cat.

CD Review: Blind Pilot Takes Off With Digital Only Release

The Portland, Oregon duo of singer/guitarist Israel Nebeker and drummer Ryan Dobrowski released their debut album in the summer of 2008 as Blind Pilot. After a year-long world tour, they decided to take their touring band into the studio for an iTunes exclusive session. Released at the end of 2009, Blind Pilot's "iTunes Session" EP has received much praise from their fan community, and with good reason. The EP features five songs performed live in a studio, with no overdubs. Three of the five songs were taken from the band's debut album "3 Rounds and a Sound". Also performed was an amazing cover of Gillian Welch's "Look At Miss Ohio" and a brand-new original song "Get It Out".

The harmonizing at the beginning of "Look At Miss Ohio" sets the stage for a lesson in "indie-folk" music. The strumming acoustic guitars gets nicely highlighted by a touch of keyboards, but the vocals steal the spotlight throughout these session songs. "The Story I Heard" displays a quicker pace with the subtle hint of trumpets that only add to the listening pleasure. The time changes of "One Red Thread" helps this song stand out from the rest. Blind Pilot slows down the pace with "3 Rounds and a Sound". The playfulness of the banjo and trumpets sets the tone of lyrics sung wonderfully by Israel Nebeker. The EP ends with the unreleased "Get It Out" which shows off the brush drum-work of Ryan Dobrowski.

Do yourself a favor and check out this band, their new iTunes exclusive EP is available now. Also visit the Blind Pilot's website www.blindpilot.com for information on this release as well as their debut album and upcoming tour dates.