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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Jess Penner, Lazarus, KRON, Tim Bennett

We have a very eclectic group of album reviews for you today, including our first children’s album, which rocketed to #2 on the iTunes chart last Friday.  Kick off your shoes, grab a cup of joe and let’s get to it.

Artist Name:  Jess Penner

Album Name:  Imagination

Label:  Position Music/Recurrent Records

Genre:  Children’s

Track Listing:  1.  I’ve Got no Strings; 2.  I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon; 3.  Imagination; 4.  Mr. Sun; 5.  You are my Sunshine; 6.  Somewhere Over the Rainbow; 7.  Thank you for Being a Friend; 8.  Forever in my Heart

Publicist:  None

Review:  This is the first children’s album we have reviewed, but it comes from a trusted source.  We have previously reviewed the music of Jess Penner, and stand behind what this indie artist is trying to accomplish.  Our most recent review was of her band KayJez.  Penner also earned nominations for Best Pop/Rock Female Artist and Best Video (lyric) in the 2016 LA Music Critic Awards.  Needless to say, with that kind of history, we expected to be blown away by her latest foray into children’s music.    We were not disappointed.  From the electronic sounds of the first track, Disney’s “I’ve Got No Strings,” through the simple accompaniment and golden sound of “Forever in my Heart,” Penner delivers her take on these classic songs that will satisfy children of all ages.  We really love her upbeat approach to the Andrew Gold classic “Thank you for Being a Friend.”  She even gives us a couple of amazing originals, including the title track and “Forever in my Heart.”

Recommendation:  Penner delivers to kids of all ages.  We highly recommend Imagination, and suggest you Get it now – the kid in you will thank you.

Artist Name:  Lazarus

Album Name:  Rock n Roll Heart

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Roots/Rock/Country

Track Listing:  1.  Rise; 2.  Making Good Time; 3.  Promise not to Tell; 4.  Rock n Roll Heart; 5.  Small Axe; 6.  Shit and Shame; 7.  Come Again in Glory; 8.  Diggin’ a Hole; 9.  Loathsome Shadow; 10.  Gonna be Okay; 11.  Exit Music

Publicist:  Broken Jukebox Media

Review:  Austin-based Lazarus does not possess the best singing voice, but what he brings to the roots/rock genre is his ability to tell a story.  He exemplifies the old country adage of “three chords and the truth” in his songs that capture and convey the truth of his words.  He starts off simply with just a guitar on the first track, “Rise,” before building to a full band on “Making Good Time,” which brings in amazing fiddle work with the harmonious backing vocals and guitar in this homage to his hometown.  “Promise not to Tell” then adds a flamenco touch to his sound, revealing that his music is multi-dimensional and inclusive.  He continues his musical journey with the addition of electric guitar on the title track, an upbeat two-step that begs the listener to get up and dance.  The remainder of the album is just one gem on top of another, making this a great album to put on repeat while you chill with a cold one.

Recommendation:  Lazarus has something to say and it deserves to be heard.  We recommend you Get this album as soon as you can.

Artist Name:  KRON

Album Name:  Raptoid

Label:  Ring the Alarm

Genre:  Synth/Rock/Electronica

Track Listing:  1.  Poof You’re Gone; 2.  Arcane Sanctuary; 3.  Raptoid; 4.  Celestial Spheres; 5.  Valley of the Wind; 6.  Fondu Sunset; 7.  NeoKong; 8.  Starlight Zone

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Every now and then most of us love to hear music that you can feel, without any lyrics to distract you.  When the feeling hits you, we think you should pull out this EP.   KRON has evolved from being a house band at a monthly art/tech dance party in Los Angeles into a full fledged musical experience, delivering a sound that is all encompassing of your senses.  This music should be played LOUD with lots of flashing lights, compelling your body to get up and Dance!  This is the only album you need for a successful dance party.

Recommendation:  Run, don’t walk to your favorite music source and GET IT NOW!

Artist Name:  Tim Bennett

Album Name:  The View From Here

Label:  Sandy Beach Records

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  As Long as You’re Buying; 2.  Forgive & Forget; 3.  There was Nothing I Could Do; 4.  Coulda Woulda Shoulda; 5.  I’ll be Expecting You; 6.  Hot Town; 7.  A Dangerous Man; 8.  Tonight I’ll be Staying Here With You; 9.  Ain’t got Time for This; 10.  Awakened by my Breaking Heart; 11.  The End of the Line

Publicist:  KG Music Press

Review:   With a voice akin to Merle Haggard, Tim Bennett’s music will appeal to Americana and hard-core country fans equally.  It has all the elements of Merle’s music, with a down-home feel that begs you to throw your boots on and get up and boogie.  Like Merle, Bennett knows how to tell a story, and his lyrics will get into your heart and deliver their truth, while the music will give your ears something to celebrate.  The album features both upbeat songs as well as tearjerkers that will make you want to reach out and hug your sweety.  Underneath it all is a collection of outstanding musicians that have been called “the Wrecking Crew of country music.”  This album is definitely a keeper and deserves your attention.

Recommendation:  If you love country or Americana music, then you simply must add this album to your collection.  Get out and Get it.