Neil Halstead - Oh! Mighty Engine

“For his second solo outing, Mojave 3/Slowdive principal Halstead relocated from 4AD to Jack Johnson’s Brushfire Records. Which seems a good fit, as the warm, reflective nature of Halstead’s music is in step with Johnson’s laid-back vibe, minus any surfer-boy groove. Essentially, “Engine” is Mojave 3 lite. The album is dominated by soft acoustic numbers with a subtle folk twist. Keyboards back the optimistic “Always the Good,” and delicate mandolin decorates “Witless or Wise” and “A Gentle Heart.” The album’s pastoral hue makes Nick Drake comparisons obvious, though nothing here feels imitated. For proof, see the awesomely titled bittersweet love song “Baby, I Grew You a Beard,” with lines like, “I know that you’ll love the man/Whose follicles are growing just for you.” —Jill Menze”

Rick Ross feat Trey Songz - This Is The Life

Not your typical Rick Ross song, a little slow due to Trey Songz being on it. Decent song, however I don’t see this doing much. 6/10

Mike Gordon - The Green Sparrow

“The centerpiece of Gordon’s second solo album (and first since his old band Phish split in 2004) is undoubtedly “Andelman’s Yard,” a wondrous, well-constructed romp on which he handles all the instruments, including banjo, bass, keys and acoustic guitar. Showing the influence of sometime-collaborator Leo Kottke in its delicate, searching lines, Gordon’s dream-inflected mini-epic exudes a glowing warmth. The silly/ sweet “Pretend” and “Another Door” (which is reminiscent of the Allman Brothers) employ a similarly light, bouncy touch. Jam-oriented rockers ideal for Phish’s inevitable reunion also turn up: see “Traveled Too Far,” featuring two of his ex-bandmates. It all goes down smooth until Gordon introduces funk (”Radar Blip,” “Jaded”) and calypso (”Morphing Again”) to the mix, with the results sounding stiff or dated. But make no mistake: He’s got plenty to be proud of here. —Susan Visakowitz”

DJ Willis - Top 20 - 07/31/08

The Top 20 has been updated finally.  I’m sorry the site hasn’t seen a lot of updates and new songs over the last month, but I’ve been on a lot of summer vacations, and as a matter of fact, I am currently out of town again.  I will be returning on Sunday and hope to finish the August Mix of the Month then.  I know most of you have grown accustomed to a 2 Disc Mix of the Month, however for this month I have a strong feeling it will only be one disc.  It seems like the Record Labels are re-releasing a lot of music that didn’t catch on the first time (i.e. Just a Dream by Carrie Underwood and Better In Time by Leona Lewis), rather than cranking out new music.  The summer is usually a slow time for music, so this was expected.  Looking back at the August 2007 Mix of the Month, this was probably the weakest mix of the year, and this year could be similar.  A lot of the new songs in this updated top 20 will be featured on the new mix. 

Keep Bangin!
Willis

Top 20 - 07/31/08
1 - Everlast - Folsom Prison Blues
2 - Hinder - Use Me
3 - Akon - Clap Again
4 - The Pussycat Dolls feat Darkchild, Diddy, Lil Wayne & Fatman Scoop - When I Grow Up Remix
5 - Jon McLaughlin - Beating My Heart
6 - LL Cool J feat The Dream - Baby
7 - One Block Radius - You Got Me
8 - Stack$ feat Fat Joe & Trina - That’s The Way
9 - Lady Antebellum - Lookin For A Good Time
10 - Thriving Ivory - Angels On The Moon
11 - Cute Is What We Aim For - Practice Makes Perfect
12 - Whitney Houston feat Akon - Like I Never Left
13 - Egypt Central - Taking You Down
14 - Nas feat Keri Hilson - Hero
15 - Keri Hilson - Energy
16 - State of Shock - Money Honey
17 - Sara Evans - Love You With All My Heart
18 - Ali Lohan - All The Way Around
19 - Qwote - Shawty It’s Your Booty
20 - Flo-Rida feat Brisco - Elevator Part II

As always, the top 20 can be viewed here, along with previous charts:
http://williswho.com/williss-current-top-20/