Happy hump day! We’ve got a couple of older releases from earlier this year that we just received, so we’re bring them to you now, along with new releases from The Jerry Douglas Band and The Khourys. Hope you enjoy them all.
Artist Name: Fire Chief Charlie
Album Name: Chances Are
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie Folk/Rock
Track Listing: 1. Celery Green; 2. LaGuardia; 3. Boris; 4. Bull-Hammer; 5. Let’s be Happy; 6. Animals; 7. Chip Chirp; 8. Dictionary Red; 9. We on the Radio; 10. Elephant Box; 11. Redford; 12. Fast Trade 500
Publicist: None
Review: Fire Chief Charlie is an indie band which draws its inspiration from the music of Cat Stevens and Buddy Holly to create a musical sound that is truly unique, sort of the Stray Cats meet the B-52s. The result is an intriguing sound that keeps the listener engaged, as the music radiates in all directions as it shifts between genres at the speed of light. Their first single, “Let’s be Happy,” is already getting airplay on several of LA’s biggest stations, in advance of their upcoming performance at The Satellite on September 21. We only wish we could be there for what promises to be a great show. At least we have this superb album to give us a taste. All of the songs are fun and make the album a perfect candidate for repeated listens.
Recommendation: If you live in LA, then you definitely should head over to the Satellite on September 21 to check out Fire Chief Charlie. In the meantime, Get their latest album.
Artist Name: The Slants
Album Name: The Band who Must not be Named
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. From the Heart; 2. Fight Back; 3. Endlessly Falling; 4. Level Up; 5. Sutures (acoustic)
Publicist: In Music we Trust
Review: The Slants, an Asian American band out of Portland, Oregon, have been trying to trademark their name for years. This past June, they finally won their case when the Supreme Court sided with them. Their new EP and tour are in celebration of that victory. The first song “From the Heart,” sums it up perfectly – “We won’t become complacent. We’re a rock and roll nation. We sing from the heart.” In fact, all five songs are amazing and make this a band we definitely want to check out live. They will be playing a show at Spokane’s The Big Dipper on October 3, and we intend to be there.
Recommendation: Believe the hype – this band is worthy of serious consideration. We strongly advice you to Get their EP and check them out live when they come to your area.
Artist Name: The Jerry Douglas Band
Album Name: What If
Label: Rounder Records
Genre: Bluegrass
Track Listing: 1. Cavebop; 2. Unfolding; 3. 2:19; 4. What If; 5. Hey Joe; 6. Battle Stick; 7. Go Ahead and Leave; 8. Butcher Boy; 9. Freemantle; 10. The Last Wild Moor; 11. Hot Country 84.5
Publicist: MSO PR
Review: Jerry Douglas has made quite a name for himself as one of America’s premier bluegrass dobro players, and most recently toured as a featured soloist with Allison Krause and Union Station. He has now formed his own band and is releasing an album and heading out on tour. His sound mixes elements of swing, blues, soul and rock and jazz with bluegrass and country to form his own unique blend that will further cement his place in American music, where he has already won multiple Grammys, as well as being a winner in the International Bluegrass Music Awards. His cover of Tom Waits’ “2:19” adds new elements to this classic gem. Other memorable songs on this collection include “Cavebop,” the title track, “Hey Joe,” “Battle Stick” (which has a reggae feel), and “Freemantle.”
Recommendation: This one is a no-brainer – rush out and Get your copy of “What If.” You will want to play this one non-stop.
Artist Name: The Khourys
Album Name: Good Stuff
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie Pop
Track Listing: 1. I Do; 2. Good Stuff; 3. I’m Sorry; 4. (We’re) Only Human; 5. Face Me; 6. Don’t Think Twice
Publicist: None
Review: The Khourys, composed of sisters Jahnna and Giulia from Massachusetts, combine elements of R&B, soul, jazz and and funk to form their own brand of pop music that defies the standard genre barriers. From the first notes of “I Do,” it becomes quickly obvious that these ladies have come to rock, and the listener is the beneficiary of their soulful and rocking tunes. The joyous sonic journey continues with the title track, and doesn’t stop until the final note of “Don’t Think Twice.” We were especially impressed with the stand-out jazz sound of “I’m Sorry.” Overall, these ladies bring some of the best music this reviewer has ever heard, and which deserve serious industry attention. They are truly the real deal and we believe they will shortly become a household name.
Recommendation: Run, don’t walk and GRAB this EP before it is gone. This is one bandwagon you’re gonna want to be on.