Time again for our Friday edition of Get it or Forget it. It’s been a great week of music, and we hope you’re liking what we’re reviewing. Please leave a comment and let us know how we’re doing. Here we go with five more artists for you to check out.
Artist Name: Magnet and the Magnettes
Album Name: Where the Wind Blows
Label: Self-released
Genre: Alt Rock
Track Listing: 1. To the Water; 2. Lay me Down; 3. I am not a Mountain; 4. Best Laid Plans; 5. Where the Wind Blows
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: The band has a solid sound, with solid musicianship, great vocals and well-crafted songs that have something to say. These songs are radio friendly and worthy of airplay, as they sound better than most of the music heard on today’s radio stations. Our neighbors to the north have birthed a sound that should find a good home here in the States, and we strongly encourage radio station managers, especially college, to add this one to their rotation.
Recommendation: Definitely get it.
Artist Name: Squid Cult
Album Name: All Boys Leave Home Someday
Label: Septarian Records
Genre: Rock
Track Listing: 1. Willie; 2. Rattlesnake; 3. Paranoia; 4. Everybody Knows; 5. Baby Blue; 6. Angelpuke; 7. Scenes from Subspace; 8. Hellish; 9. The Urinal; 10. Red Bamboo; 11. Last Man
Publicist: Magic Tree Productions
Review: Squid Cult is not your typical rock band. They mix elements of jazz, punk, and ska into their rock mix, creating a sound that is truly unique and their own. They blast us with this uniqueness on the first track and never look back, as each song takes us higher and deeper into their psyche. The vocals are fun and well delivered while the multi-layered instrumentation will have you wondering just what you’re listening to, but loving every minute of it regardless. “Rattlesnake” was a good choice for first single, as its energy and drive will draw in new fans and hold on to those that already love the band. Other impressive tracks include “Baby Blue, “Angelpuke,” “Hellish,” and “Red Bamboo.”
Recommendation: This one truly belongs in your collection. Get it.
Artist Name: Tyrone Barkley
Album Name: Bend Me, Shape Me
Label: Self-released
Genre: Soul
Track Listing: 1. Bend Me, Shape Me; 2. Don’t Take Your Love Away; 3. For What I Am; 4. Man of Value; 5. Some Kind of Wonderful
Publicist: Essential Media Group
Review: Tyrone Barkley was a member of the 70s soul group The Undisputed Truth. This EP contains previously unreleased solo tracks he worked on with Larry Weiss (“Rhinestone Cowboy”), and bring back memories of childhood, much like Mavis Staples and Ural Thomas did at last weekend’s Travelers Rest Music Festival. This is truly a “blast from the past,” and we love every one of these tracks. This is the way music used to be made, and we can never get enough of this sound. Every song is a winner, and shows that great music never dies.
Recommendation: This one is a must have if you love soul music from the 70s. Get it today!
Artist Name: Festive People
Album Name: In the Black
Label: Self-released
Genre: Retro Pop/Rock
Track Listing: 1. Boxcar; 2. Spin my Eyes; 3. Behave; 4. Lover, not a Friend; 5. Mesmerized; 6. Hostage; 7. Live On; 8. Pumice; 9. Wooden Cage; 10. In the Black
Publicist: Effective Immediately PR
Review: The music of the 70s and 80s was strong, based on great lyrics, a fun, upbeat style, and lots of synthesizers. Festive People have captured that sound and made it relevant to the modern age, and we couldn’t be happier. These songs are masterpieces, and belong on the radio, especially college. They would also work well in period pieces on television and film. This debut album is a work of art, and sets the bar high for what comes next. You can hear so many of your favorite childhood artists in these songs, like the Beatles, Elton John, ELO, Howard Jones and more. Favorite tracks include “Boxcar,” “Spin my Eyes,” “Lover, not a Friend,” “Mesmerized,” “Hostage,” “Live On,” “Pumice,” and “Wooden Cage.”
Recommendation: Don’t hesitate. Get this one now.
Artist Name: Brad Wenzel
Album Name: Sweet Nothings
Label: Third Man Records
Genre: Stand-up Comedy
Track Listing: 1. Easin’ In; 2. Secret Purpose; 3. Something Inspirational; 4. Addressing the Smell; 5. This is. The Centaur; 6. Calling Bob; 7. Less Interesting Facts; 8. Sinister Looking Peanut; 9. Baffled Tombstone; 10. Tackling the Issues; 11. Razor Sharp Crowd Work; 12. I’m From Michigan; 13. Professional Wrestling; 14. Nitpicking; 15. Pretty American; 16. Really Laying into Rude People; 17. Big Hollywood Ideas; 17. Winding it Down
Publicist: The Syndicate
Review: If you like comedy, then you will love Brad Wenzel. His comedy is off beat and based on truly common and everyday experiences. His wit is sharp and he engages well with his audience, and he delivers hilarious one-liners over and over again. It is no wonder he has made two appearances on Conan, as well as first place at The Cleveland Comedy Festival.
Recommendation: Get this one if you love to laugh.