CD reviews

VJason Mraz
‘Mr. A-Z’

Though Jason Mraz calls himself a geek on his latest CD, his buttery voice overshadows any dorkiness. The singer/songwriter brings back what made him so popular with fans on his first album — tongue-in-cheek lyrics and a unique sing-songy rap style — but he also seems to have matured. Most of the lyrics center on a broken relationship. He also experiments slightly with his sound. On “Bella Luna,” listeners are reminded of romantic Italy, while honky-tonk piano takes center stage on “Did You Get My Message,” along with some singing help from rising star Rachael Yamagata. The standout on the disc, though, is “Life Is Wonderful,” a song that is quintessential Mraz — upbeat, sincere and more than a little funky.

A-Nicki Escudero, Get Out

Animal Liberation Orchestra
‘Fly Between Falls’

Jam bands are all the rage in the post-Dave Matthews era, and Animal Liberation Orchestra, a Santa Barbara, Calif., quartet, is one of the genre's newest examples. Mixing prog-rock, folk, jazz and blues, ALO's musicianship is top-notch, with swirling acoustic guitars and pianos bracing the band's thoughtful, psychedelic lyrics.

The best tunes here, such as “Girl I Wanna Lay You Down” (with their buddy Jack Johnson, who has ALO on his summer tour) and “Barbeque” explore the band's pop leanings, but much of this disc is perfect for kicking back in the bean bag, turning on the black light and staring at your groovy, Hippie Gypsy-acquired Jerry Garcia posters. B

- Chris Hansen Orf, Get Out

JD Stooks
‘This Evening’s Ashtray’

Formerly a member of punk-rock outfit No Gimmick, JD Stooks has apparently been through some hard times. The five songs collected on this Bob Hoag-produced EP reveal a sadder side, with country strings accompanying his mournful lyrics. The record has a degree of homogeneity to it, but Stooks wisely stays within his vocal range and creates a nice setting of somber regret with just a hint of optimism in songs such as “Goodluck, Goodbye.” Abounding with elegant arrangements, it's a promising solo debut. B

- Albert Ching, Get Out

White Demons
‘White Demons’

By the end of this brief release, listeners will either be raising their fists or playing air guitar. White Demons go from garage rock to ’80s hair metal/arena rock in the same song — sure, it’s been done before, but if this came out three years ago, they’d probably be on MTV squeezed somewhere in between the Vines and the White Stripes. White Demons’ timing may be tardy, but their music is still, as they sing themselves, “all about the rock.” B

- Chelsea Hodson, special to Get Out