And we close out the month of May with five more reviews, including a cover album dedicated to the songs of Bob Dylan. Let’s hit it.
Artist Name: Mollys Reech
Album Name: Down the Rabbit Hole
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock/Hip-Hop
Track Listing: 1. G my Whole Life; 2. Taskforce; 3. Loud; 4. Bobby and Whitney; 5. Rollin; 6. High High; 7. Hush; 8. Sellin my Soul; 9. Bad Intentions; 10. Hold On
Publicist: Presstown PR
Review: In the style of such successful bands as Red Hot Chili Peppers and Twenty-one Pilots comes Mollys Reech, a Canadian quartet from Vancouver that are tearing up the Pacific Northwest with their brand of hip-hop infused rock. Their musicianship is first-rate, while the lead rap adds the perfect elements to their songs. The lyrics are powerful and fully understandable, giving these guys the perfect materials to take their sound to a new level. Down the Rabbit Hole is their first full length album, and we are impressed at the level of chemistry, creativity and maturity displayed. Several of the songs could make smart placements, especially the sad tribute to Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston contained in “Bobby and Whitney” and the throwback tune that kicks off the album, “G my Whole Life.”
Recommendation: This one is fun. We recommend you check them out and grab their album.
Artist Name: Mike Vitale
Album Name: Empty Circle
Label: Self-released
Genre: Singer-songwriter Pop
Track Listing: 1. Time Machine; 2. In the Middle of You; 3. Running Away From Home; 4. Gone; 5. Empty Circle; 6. Infinite Jest; 7. Fool for You; 8. Mark Twain; 9. A Man That can Last; 10. Human; 11. Puppy Love
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: Mike Vitale’s music takes us back to the days of the male troubadour and is reminiscent of artists like Jim Croce, Gordon Lightfoot, Al Stewart and Cat Stevens. His tunes are upbeat, with well sung vocals over simple acoustic guitar. His soothing voice makes this an album you can put on repeat, listening to those incredible vocals over and over again. Although we love the entire album, we are especially fond of “Time Machine,” “Gone,” the title track, “Infinite Jest,” “Mark Twain,” “Human,” and “Puppy Love.”
Recommendation: You should definitely Get this one!
Artist Name: Feel Alright
Album Name: In Bad Faith
Label: Pleasence Records
Genre: Pop
Track Listing: 1. A Lengthy end to a Bullfight; 2. Truth About Us; 3. Telegraph Hill; 4. In Bad Faith; 5. Cool Water; 6. A Month in the Country; 7. Stiffs; 8. Speed of Life; 9. Start Another; 10. Tires hit the Tarmac; 11. Sweet Surrender; 12. Dark Incantations
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: Feel Alright has a very familiar vibe that reminds us of the vocal groups of the 60’s like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Herman’s Hermits, and the like. Their sound is tight, breezy, upbeat and fun. We featured their single, “Truth About Us” in the first Monday Mashup article in May, and are thrilled to get the chance to review the entire album. Th album provides the perfect soundtrack for chill time, and would make a great party album for those of us old enough to remember a simpler time in music when artists brought us their creative vision without the pressure to just “sell” albums. There isn’t a weak song on the album. Just put it on repeat and enjoy.
Recommendation: We highly recommend you Get this one.
Artist Name: Craig Cardiff
Album Name: Upstream Fishing all the Words, He Is – Birthday Cards for Bob Dylan
Label: AntiFragile Music
Genre: Pop covers
Track Listing: 1. Desolation Row; 2. Masters of War; 3. Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right; 4. Blowin’ in the Wind; 5. All Along the Watchtower
Publicist: AntiFragile Music
Review: Canadian singer-songwriter Craig Cardiff is a huge fan of the music of Bob Dylan, and wanted to do something special in honor of his upcoming birthday. The result is this five-song EP, which is a stirring tribute to the impact of one of music’s most prolific and life-changing artists. Tracks three and four are instantly familiar to most music lovers, while the other three tracks are deeper cuts, but no less powerful than the other two. His interpretations are flawless, and add to the mystique of Dylan. This one is a worthy addition to the music collection of any Dylan fan.
Recommendation: Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right to Get this one.
Artist Name: Radio Drive
Album Name: She Colors my World
Label: 2EDGE Music
Genre: Alt Pop/Rock
Track Listing: 1. Horizon; 2. A new Start; 3. Sweet Thing; 4. Forever I Do; 5. Every Road; 6. Hey Bulldog; 7. Time to Rise; 8. Life as it Should Be; 9. Waiting
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: This album was the perfect one to close out today’s Get it or Forget it article, as the radio-friendly sound is upbeat and uplifting, providing hope and encouragement to its listeners. From the stately and powerful tune “Horizon” to the equally soaring sound of “Waiting,” Radio Drive proves over and over again that they have the goods to make it in today’s music business. The band is already drawing critical acclaim and winning awards, and after listening to the album, that praise and awards are definitely justified. They even do a credible cover of the Beatles’ “Hey Bulldog” that breathes new life into this classic tune. We highly encourage music supervisors and radio station managers to check out the catalog of Radio Drive, and give them the appropriate placement and spins they deserve.
Recommendation: These guys are definitely worthy of your attention. Get this one and know that you are supporting quality music.