Happy humpday. Welcome back for another edition of Get it or Forget it. We have four new artists and the return of one of our favorites from earlier this year. Enjoy!
Artist Name: The Split Seconds
Album Name: Counterfeit Reality
Label: Altercation Records
Genre: Pop Punk
Track Listing: 1. Everybody’s Wrong; 2. Used to be Nice; 3. Dirty Shirley; 4. Fortunate One; 5. Punk Rock Blacklist; 6. Dear Cynthia; 7. Impulsive Automatic; 8. Where Have all the Good Men Gone; 9. Get the Hell off the Beach; 10. Little Lizzie Icepick
Publicist: Effective Immediately PR
Review: At least one good thing is in our nation’s Capital – The Split Seconds. They are a pop punk band that keeps all the angst and rage of punk rock but adds some pop sensibilities to the mix, which makes it more accessible to the masses. There are still strong words about the world at large, but with the softer pop side, the music is easier to listen to, making it also easier to hear the band’s not so subtle messages. Just for fun, check out the surf rock groove of “Get the Hell off the Beach.”
Recommendation: Definitely give this one a chance. We think you will have fun with it, and maybe learn a thing or two as well.
Artist Name: Jocelyn Michelle
Album Name: Live at Viva Cantina
Label: Chicken Coup
Genre: Jazz
Track Listing: 1. Groove Yard; 2. Englewood Cliffs; 3. Groovin’; 4. Last Tango in Paris; 5. The Look of Love; 6. On no, Could I be in Love; 7. One Note Samba; 8. The Pink Panther Theme; 9. A Sister’s Love; 10. Slyvia’s Song
Publicist: Mouthpiece Music
Review: If you like jazz or the organ music at the ball park, then you will love the sound of Jocelyn Michelle. Playing a Hammond B3 organ while her husband contributes some hot jazz guitar licks, this album will keep you cool during those hot summer nights. Although she lives in Hawaii, the album was recorded live at Viva Cantina, a Mexican restaurant in her old stomping ground of Burbank, California. Other outstanding LA musicians on the album include Andrea Lindborg and Tony Farrell on trumpet, Bill Noble and Steve Mann on alto and tenor sax, Sammy K on drums and percussion, Al Person on percussion and Laura Dickinson on vocals. You will love this collection of jazz standards and jazz versions of popular tunes.
Recommendation: Definitely get this one.
Artist Name: Cynthia Brando
Album Name: The Treehouse Trio Sessions
Label: Self-released
Genre: Singer-Songwriter Folk Rock
Track Listing: 1. Sparkle; 2. Afterthought; 3. California Song; 4. Take me Back to That Place; 5. Do you Know What to Do; 6. Isn’t it True; 7. I’ve got a Love; 8. The Changing Skies of my Life; 9. End of the World; 10. Wildest Dreams; 11. All the Things in Your Room
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: Cynthia Brando is proof of the old adage that it’s never too late to start. She did’t begin her music career until 2013, and now is embarked on her first tour – at the tender age of 41. In her spare time, she is an event producer and runs a support site for musicians. Somehow she found time to record a new CD, which highlights her songwriting, guitar chops and vibrato-laden vocals. The songs are tender ballads about her life’s story, and go down smooth like fine wine. Her songs and voice are perfectly suited to the folk rock style she has chosen, and we would love to sit down and share a drink while the sweet sound of her music creates a relaxing musical soundtrack.
Recommendation: If you want a relaxing soundtrack, then you should check this one one. It’s worth it.
Artist Name: Christos
Album Name: Teargas
Label: Doom Dab
Genre: EDM
Track Listing: 1. Teargas; 2. Yasemi; 3. Region; 4. Bubbling
Publicist: Worldwide Friendly Society Communications
Review: These past two days have been great if you’re a fan of electronic dance music. Christos is another prime example. Even though he is currently based in London, his music reflects his Greek culture, providing the perfect formula for a popping dance mix. His music should be a primary source for every smart DJ, and deserves heavy spins at your favorite dance spot.
Recommendation: If you love dancing, this one will give you the perfect beats.
Artist Name: Mapache
Album Name: Lonesome LA Cowboy
Label: Digital only
Genre: Americana/Folk
Track Listing: 1. Katie Dear; 2. Last Thing on my Mind; 3. Lonesome LA Cowboy
Publicist: Calabro Music Mediaq
Review: Mapache just released their debut CD earlier this year, which we reviewed in January. Despite that, or maybe because of it, they have released a surprise three-song digital EP of covers that they are currently incorporating into their live shows. We first heard them when they were touring with Suzanne Santo, and are now touring with Nicki Bluhm. As interpreters, they are head and shoulders above their peers. They sound like a condensed and modern version of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and are sure to continue making great music for a long time to come.
Recommendation: Get this one and go see them perform live!