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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 19)

Hope you enjoyed this past weekend of Juneteenth and Father’s Day.  Are you ready for a new Monday Mashup?  We got some great new singles and music videos, so let’s get this party started.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single is a powerhouse collaboration between two of the most soulful indie artists we have ever had the pleasure of knowing.  We’re talking about vocals from the one and only Debby Holiday and the incomparable Chris Pierce, combined with a sizzling soundtrack from Brett Oosterhaus.  Check out the radio edit of their hot new tune, “Love and Beats.”

Next up is the latest upbeat treat from LA’s iconic BINX.  She just keeps getting better and better.  In fact, she’s “Glossy,”

Track number three is the latest country offering from the classy Casey Ahern.  This one brings back so many memories and we love all the references to great country classics.  Here’s “Heartbreak Radio.”

Here’s a Monday Mashup extra – hard to believe that it was 30 years ago when CCM artist Amy Grant set the music world on edge with the release of her first pop album, Heart in Motion.  To celebrate she has re-released the album, complete with new songs.  Here’s “Don’t Ever Want to Lose It (Wind in the Fire).”

Next up is a sweet upbeat tune from Bella Paton.  We love her light and airy sound and her sweet vocals.  Check out “Spacey,”  We hope to hear more from her soon.

We close out this week’s singles with this soulful and reflective ballad from Swedish American duo Flora Cash.  This one will stay with you long after the song ends.  Here’s “Don’t You Look at me That Way.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

It’s been a few years since we last caught up with LA songstress Scarlett Taylor.  We have previously reviewed three albums and featured three songs on Monday Mashup. and we think her latest music video is one of her best.  Here’s “California Dreamin.”

Next up is the latest from 2018 LA Music Critic Award nominee Andy Sydow.  This one has a pure country radio-friendly sound and a humorous video.  Check out “Just One More Time.”

Our third video is the final one from her album While the Angels SighBlue Élan Records artist Cindy Alexander has done it again with a stellar lyric video for her song “Chiaroscuro.”

Next up is a video from hot British duo Superlove.  This one will definitely get your juices flowing.  Celebrate “The People You’ll Love Forever.”

Closing out this week’s music videos is this feel good tune from Canadian group Parks N’ Rec that will definitely get you ready for summer with its reggae sound.  Time to bid “Adieu” to the past.

 

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indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 7)

Happy Presidents’ Day!  Here in Oklahoma, we’re in the middle of an artic wave that has plunged our thermometers down as low as -10 degrees.  We can’t wait for next week when the temps start inching up again.  We hope you’re not freezing too bad.  To keep you warm, here are some new singles and music videos.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is from one of our favorite indie country stars, the one and only Risa Binder.  This one belongs on country radio and is the perfect song to kick off Valentine’s week.  Binder’s sweet voice, combined with the perfect harmonies of Benji Harris, truly make this one feel “A Lot Like Home.”

A Lot Like Home · Risa Binder, Benji Harris (spotify.com)

In celebration of Black History Month, we present one of LA’s premier black voices, Chris Pierce, with his latest inspirational anthem, “Young, Black and Beautiful.”  Let the words of this song spur us on to true social justice.

Young, Black and Beautiful · Chris Pierce (spotify.com)

Our third single is from Matt Hartke and reminds us to never give up on our “American Dreams.”  His voice is as sweet as honey with a homey Pop/Americana sound, and we think this one is a true keeper.

American Dreams · Matt Hartke (spotify.com)

Back when we lived in LA, an indie country band was just starting to get a lot of attention from GoCountry and its predecessor, KZLA.  That band, featuring Dani Rose and Sofie Lynn, has quietly become a household name and we think their latest, “Love Hangover,” is their best song yet.  Expect to hear more of Honey County soon on Country Radio.

Spotify – Love Hangover

We close out this week’s new singles with another great song from the iconic BINX, perfect for repeated listens not only on Valentine’s Day, but year-round.  Check out “La La Love,” and let its good vibes get your week off to a great start.

La La Love · BINX (spotify.com)

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

This week’s music videos kick off with the latest from Blue Élan Records artist Roan Yellowthorn.  This one is a quirky tune called “Little Love,” and we think it deserves a lot a love.

Next up is another Blue Élan artist, Chelsea Williams, with a performance video of her amazing Americana song, “Cornerstone.”  If this one doesn’t make you a fan, we don’t know what will.

Icons Creating Evil Art is fast becoming one of our favorite creators of indie music, and the latest from their NuGoth artist Bonander continues their tradition of giving a platform for breakthrough artists to present their talents.  Check out “Gone in the Wind.”

Last week we shared the lyric video and this week we have their official music video of Lucy & La Mer‘s soon to be mega hit, “Roller Coaster.”  We think you’ll love this one.

We close out this week with the latest psychedelic video from the mind of Huron John.  This one has a danceable beat and a style that is all his own.  Enjoy the sheer brilliance of “Arthur,” the first single off his new album.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it – Chris Pierce, Raleigh, Chris Rea, Fool Heavy

Enjoying my final day in Oklahoma before heading off to the Durango Songwriters Expo in Wellington, Colorado this weekend.  It’s been an exciting week of reconnecting with my brother, Maj Charles Leggett, an Army chaplain who just returned from his third deployment to Iraq, as well as spending time with my father, who turned 85 in May.  Gonna be sad to leave them, but so glad I had the opportunity to visit.

Here are four more reviews that should complete all the September releases.  It’s been a very busy month.

Artist Name:  Chris Pierce

Album Name:  You’ve got to Feel It

Label:  Calabama Records

Genre:  R&B/Soul

Track Listing:  1.  Cry to Me; 2.  Slip Away; 3.  The Dark end of the Street; 4.  You Better Move On; 5.  Don’t Fight It; 6.  I’m a Ram; 7.  Trouble Man; 8.  Stop; 9.  That’s how Strong my Love Is; 10.  Is it Something You’ve Got; 11.  You Haven’t Done Nothin’; 12.  Many Rivers to Cross

Publicist:  Rogers & Cowan

Review:  Chris Pierce is considered to be one of the treasures of Los Angeles, and this album of covers will only cement that reputation even more.   Pierce traveled to Alabama to the famed Muscle Shoals Studio to record this tribute to some of the greatest songwriters in R&B and soul, including Wilson Picket, Clarence Carter, Al Green, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder.  The album was recorded using original members of The Swampers, the Muscle Shoals Horns and the Shoals Sisters, and ranks in the top 5 of all cover albums we have heard.  Pierce has the same powerful voice as the aforementioned greats, and knows how to bring out the emotion in any song.  His sound is a combination of Van Morrison and Otis Redding, among others, with the ability to channel the energy and power of these greats.  He even closes out the album with a song by one of our favorite reggae singers, Jimmy Cliff.  This album is sheer perfection to anyone who loves the golden age of soul.  Thank you Chris Pierce for your beautiful homage.

Recommendation:  This is a must have album for your collection and a worthy addition to your desert island collection.  Get. It. Now.

Artist Name:  Raleigh

Album Name:  Powerhouse Bloom

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Just Kids; 2.  Dead in Tracks; 3.  Smoke in our Eyes; 4.  Wake up Evangelist; 5.  Costume Party; 6.  We met in Alcatraz; 7.  Tithing, 8.  Nice Mistake; 9.  Acid Tongue

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  Raleigh has a wonderfully raw sound that sets their music apart from many other indie artists.  The lyrics resonate over skillfully crafted musical accompaniment, allowing the power of the words to shine through.  There is no bravado in the album’s title, as “powerhouse” is an apt description of this band and their sound.  It is the perfect album to turn on and let it run from start to finish.  Our favorite tracks include “Just Kids,” “Smoke in our Eyes,” “We Met in Alcatraz,” and “Nice Mistake.”

Recommendation:  A most worthy addition, we recommend you take a chance on these guys and Get this album.

Artist Name:  Chris Rea

Album Name:  Road Songs for Lovers

Label:  BMG

Genre:  Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Happy on the Road; 2.  Nothing Left Behind; 3.  Road Songs for Lovers; 4.  Money; 5.  Two Lost Souls; 6.  Rock my Soul; 7.  Moving On; 8.  The Road Ahead; 9.  Last Train; 10.  Angel of Love; 11.  Breaking Point; 12.  Beautiful

Publicist:  The End Records PR

Review:  For those of us who have been around music a long time, the name “Chris Rea” brings back memories of a super hit from 1978 – “Fool (If you Think It’s Over).”  Rea has stayed active in the music industry over the past almost 40 years, making a total of 22 studio albums, releasing four other singles, and amassing sales of more than 30 million albums.  All of that experience pays off on this new album, which should once again make Rea a household name.  From rootsy rock songs like “Happy on the Road” to the laid back sound of the title track, this album has something for every music lover.   Check out the horns and keys on “Money.”  We are in awe of this album, and Chris Rea.  At a time when we are losing so many of our musical legends, let’s rally behind Rea and support his return.  He will be touring Europe and the UK for the remainder of 2017.

Recommendation:  If you love great music by a legend of guitar, check out this one.  You should definitely Get it.

Artist Name:  Fool Heavy

Album Name:  Gusto

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alternative

Track Listing:  1. Pulp Fiction, 2.  Dude Quest; 3.  Orange Dracula; 4.  Canada Dry; 5.  Lil’ Brains; 6.  Avant Garbage; 7. Bruise; 8.  Homebody

Publicist:  Behind the Curtains Media

Review:  Vocalist/guitarist Taylor Berke and vocalist/bassist Sam Coughlin combine to form Fool Hardy, mixing garage, punk and alternative rock into their own sound that is full of energy.  On their debut album Gusto, they show that they have much to contribute to the indie music community.   This album will get your juices pumping to a steady beat and amazing riffs, with the vocals rising to the top like fine cream.  Our favorite tracks include “Orange Dracula,” “Canada Dry,” “Lil’ Brains,” and “Avant Garbage.”

Recommendation:  If you love rock, especially grunge and/or punk, then this is the group for you.  Run out and Get it – you’ll thank us later!