Only two more Get it or Forget it articles left in our review of the indie music submitted to us for the first six months of 2017. After that we will be focusing on the Hollywood Fringe Festival before announcing the nominations and winners for the next round of LA Music Critic Awards. Then we will start the whole process all over again. We already have nine submissions for the second half of 2017.
Artist Name: Jack Spann
Album Name: Beautiful man from Mars
Label: Big Boo Music
Genre: Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. Beautiful man from Mars; 2. Time; 3. Lies; 4. She Makes Pornography on the Weekend; 5. Songman; 6. Fear or Loyalty; 7. Deep Inside; 8. Just Another Version of You; 9. Jack Around; 10. Man From Mars (reprise)
Publicist: KG Music Press
Review: Jack Spann has long been considered the consummate keyboardist, and a huge fan of David Bowie. In fact, Spann performed the demos that became Bowie’s final album, Blackstar. On Beautiful man from Mars, it becomes quickly evident that Bowie’s influence permeates the album. The song titles, the musical approach and the sound all reflect the strong presence of Bowie. On an album that contains simple arrangements and the solo voice of Spann, he shows that like Bowie he can carry the load. When he does employ additional musicians, they are simply the best, as reflected on the amazing track, “She Makes Pornography on the Weekend,” with its amazing horns and a vintage sound like Louis Armstrong.
Recommendation: If you are a Bowie fan, then this album is a must have. We highly recommend you go out and get it next Friday when it is released.
Artist Name: Gold Casio
Album Name: Fever Dreams
Label: Self-release
Genre: Dance
Track Listing: 1. Fever Dream; 2. Socialites and Singer Types; 3. She’s Bored; 4. Delirium; 5. Gold Mine (feat. Coco Columbia); 6. Colors of the Wall; 7. Last Song
Publicist: Noisy Ghost PR
Review: When you first start listening to Fever Dreams, you might feel like you’ve been teleported back to the 70’s, when disco and the B-52’s were king. Keep listening and you can feel those influences and more. Gold Casio perfectly captures that mood and puts its own spin on it, resulting in an EP that delivers the goods, repeat after repeat. This album sounds great whether you just want to listen and remember or get up and boogie. We see great things ahead for these guys, and look forward to the next chapter. We especially love the title track, the first single, “Socialites and Singer Types,” and “Gold Mine.”
Recommendation: This EP will be released on June 23 and we highly recommend you be first in line to Get it. We think it will sell out quickly, so don’t delay.
Artist Name: David Ryan Harris
Album Name: Songs for Other People
Label: Peace Pourage
Genre: Indie Rock/Soul
Track Listing: 1. Fascinated; 2. Coldplay; 3. Good; 4. Kerosene; 5. Darling; 6. Red Balloons; 7. Average Joe
Publicist: Red Boot PR
Review: David Ryan Harris, or DRH, as he is known to his fans, has been a huge part of indie music in Los Angeles for the better part of 20 years. In the early 2000’s, he provided guitar support and backing vocals for John Mayer, and has returned to that role for the current John Mayer tour. His new album is scheduled for release on June 23. His new release is powerful, showing one and all that he deserves the same spotlight as Mayer. His first single, “Fascinating,” is a true hit, in the same vein as Keaton Simons’
“Currently,” and his new single, “Coldplay,” brings back memories of going to see our own favorite band. Every song on the album has the potential to be a smash hit, both on radio and as placement in our favorite television shows or movies. We are so proud of the treasure that DRH is becoming, and foresee even more accolades and stardom for this amazing musician.
Recommendation: This album is an instant classic and definitely belongs in your music library. Rush out and Get it as soon as it is released. We strongly recommend you preorder it ASAP so you’ll have it as soon as it is released.