Out Of The Box Cd Of The Week With Paul Shugrue

"Heartbreak City" is Apex Manor’s first album in eight years, during that time Ross Flournoy, the bands leader faltered, then righted himself and returns to music with a new outlook; sober and ready to share his conviction to stay that way.

His ability to create characters through his songs has never been sharper than on his new album “The Saint of Lost Causes.”

His ability to create characters through his songs has never been sharper than on his new album “The Saint of Lost Causes.”

“I Am Easy To Find” is the eighth release for this brooding and melancholy band and, if possible, their music has become even more cinematic with the addition of an Oscar winning filmmaker overseeing the production.

“Laying it Down,” with great backing talent, earnest vocals and some solid, relatable songs, hits a sweet Americana spot.

Their first album in six years “Father of the Bride” reflects a lot of changes within the band that results in an 18 song tour de force of irresistible, imaginative and trend setting music.

On his tenth album in twenty years, “Fever Breaks” he shakes up the consistency he is so well known for and adds a new dimension to his music through a perfect musical partnership with multi-Grammy award winner Jason Isbell as his producer and band leader.

Everything about “Wake Up the Guards”is big. From the scorching saxophone blasts, to the torrid bass, guitar and keyboard interplay to it’s fifteen tracks of rock jazz and soul fusion, it's a big step forward for this Hampton Roads band

Their new album “By Blood” is the boldest effort yet by the married duo who specialize in bringing together disparate elements.

On his new album "Mean Dog Trampoline" this one-man-band is working with a producer for the first time, Steve Berlin of Los Lobos, who brings an enlightened focus to Lorenz’s playing.

On their full length debut album “Heaven on the Rocks,” the Virginia Beach band shows off their psych rock chops.

Their 15th album Love and Revelation is a somber and earthy collection of songs about grief and loss and how to rise above it.

Her self titled, tenth studio album comes after a frightening bout with cancer and serves as a kind of musical rehab, allowing her to relate her own life to the greater truths and experiences that she sings about.

Five years after the release of his debut, "Wasteland Baby!" picks up where the first album left off, further defining his unique blend of rock, gospel and soul.

This collaboration between Conor Oberst and Phoebe Bridgers had better be good just to live down the name they've given it, thankfully it is.

This 12 piece rock ensemble continues to be greater than the sum of it’s many parts with "Signs" their fourth studio album.

The long-time singer songwriter takes an artesian’s approach to his new album “Secondhand Smoke’ crafting each song himself, playing most of the instruments, using his years of songwriting experience to create modern folk music that is instantly relatable.

“Softly, tenderly, using delicate voices,” those are the final words on the new album “Tides of a Teardrop” and it’s an apt description of the Chapel Hill NC band’s approach to these songs that deal with loss, grief and ultimately comfort.

Eighteen years after vol. 1, they have released "Stay Human vol. 2." It’s an album with a serious message but is bursting with positivity.

“Remind Me Tomorrow” reflects all her new artistic outlets by evolving her sound to be more ambitious, atmospheric and grander.