The Bridge

Blind Man's Hill

(Hyena Records)

"Honey Bee," the track that kicks off "Blind Man's Hill," the new CD by The Bridge, simply marinates in its catchiness. The tune sounds like a long lost Little Feat tune, and there is definitely a New Orleans rock-funk thing happening on many of the CD's tunes. With that Crescent City beat though comes an earthy, jam band groove, and that combination really sets The Bridge apart from the pack. Check out great tunes such as "Old White Lightning 95," "Bury My Bones in Baltimore," and the rollicking "Dirtball Blues" for proof that this six-piece really cooks. If the notion of truly good Americana music tickles your fancy, then check out The Bridge live Friday night at the Pour House on James Island, and the band throws an album release party for "Blind Man's Hill." (A-)

Download These: "Honey Bee," "Old White Lightning 95," "Dirtball Blues."

Benjamin Taylor

The Legend Of Kung Folk Part 1 (The Killing Bite)

(Iris)

I first saw Benjamin Taylor open for a band about a decade ago at the Music Farm. I honestly don't remember the headliner that night, but Taylor's music proved to be quite good, a little funkier than that of his folkie father, James Taylor. On his latest CD, cryptically titled "The Legend of Kung Folk Part 1 (The Killing Bite)," Taylor, whose musical pedigree is further enhanced by having Carly Simon as his mother, has put an even bigger spin on things. Taylor enhances his tunes with elements that include hip-hop beats and other tricks his dad would never attempt. Still, at the heart of songs such as "She's Gone" and "Wicked Way" is a familiar folk sensibility. The apple never seems to fall far from the tree, but in this case it's really like a Fuji apple falling from a Granny Smith tree. Check out the funky "Wilderness," as well as the album's final track, "After It's Over," both of which feature jazz pianist Jamie Cullum. While you're at it, check out Taylor's music live and in person as he performs next Wednesday night at Home Team Bar-B-Q in West Ashley. (B+)

Download These: "She's Gone," "Wilderness," "After It's Over."

Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash's America

(Columbia/Legacy)

Since music legend Johnny Cash passed away in 2003, countless compilations and tributes to his artistry have been released, including the 2005 biopic "Walk the Line." Even the biggest fan of Cash's music might feel a bit overwhelmed with the sheer volume of material that has been released in the last five years. If you fit that description, and you are unsure about picking up the new DVD documentary, "Johnny Cash's America," then I'm here to tell you to go ahead and bite the bullet. This film, produced by the same creative forces that brought us "Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story," takes a different angle when examining the Man in Black. Instead of presenting a linear document of the singer's life, the film examines the effect Cash and his music had on the world in various capacities, including religious faith, political views, and family values. The footage of Cash, some rare and previously unreleased, is punctuated by interviews with the likes of Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow, John Mellencamp, Al Gore, and even Snoop Dogg. A companion CD features eighteen tracks, including five previously unreleased performances. It's a completely different look at a man whose work still appeals to everyone from preachers to punk rockers. (A+)

Contact Devin Grant at chucktowncritic@yahoo.com.

Torture Town

Twisted Tales from Torture Town

(Street D Productions)

Listening to "Twisted Tales from Torture Town," the debut CD by local outfit Torture Town, one gets the feeling that Doug Walters and Jeff Caldwell might have taken a long road trip prior to the recording of the album. The soundtrack during that trek was a testosterone-fueled mix tape that featured Iron Maiden, Motorhead, Rev. Horton Heat, Deep Purple and Metallica. In between songs by those acts, the entire catalog of Bon Scott-era AC/DC was played in chronological order. Once they completed their motor excursion, the duo took the prevailing mood to the studios at Awendaw Green and, to put it mildly, vented.

That's how I imagine it went down, but the truth is most likely far more dastardly, judging by the sheer power behind songs such as "Wheelin' and Dealin'," "Long Live the Blade," "Resentment" and "World of Pain." While the prevailing mood on the CD might approach parody at times, this is some truly interesting work from the guy who used to front The Secrets. Check out Walters' latest creation, and bid farewell to Caldwell as he sets out for the greener pastures of Hawaii, as Torture Town celebrates the release of "Twisted Tales from Torture Town" tonight at Tin Roof in West Ashley. (B+)

Download These: "Long Live the Blade," "Resentment," "World of Pain"