This time next week we’ll be back in Los Angeles for the Hollywood Fringe Festival and the LA Music Critic Awards winners showcase. Can’t wait to be there, hear great music, witness theatrical spectacles and see old friends. Here are three more reviews to whet your appetite for the next round of LA Music Critic Awards. Nominations will be announced in early July.
Artist Name: Jeff Simmermon
Album Name: And I am not Lying
Label: Comedy Dynamics
Genre: Comedy, spoken word
Track Listing: 1. Intro; 2. Fake Job; 3. Doctor Guerilla; 4. Vomit Fist; 5. Royal Quiet Deluxe, Chicken Band vs. Reverend Al Sharpton (part 1); 6. Royal Quiet Deluxe, Chicken Band vs. Reverend Al Sharpton (part 2); 7. Buy a Gun; 8. ‘Roo Shooter; 9. Cancer Survivor; 10. Dating After Seven Years; 11. Subway Groceries; 12. Brown Birds, White Lightning, by the band Royal Quiet Deluxe (Bonus)
Publicist: The Syndicate
Review: Music comedy is a new frontier for us to review, but we have been pleased so far with Scout Durwood and now Jeff Simmermon. A former musician himself, Simmermon delivers hilarious social commentary on the music scene, and life in the United States, especially the south. We assure you that you have never heard anything like him. And I am not Lying is the perfect vehicle for this amazing comedian, and we look forward to hearing more from him. The entire routine is hilarious, especially the two track story line about his band (Royal Quiet Deluxe, Chicken Band), and his encounters with the Rev. Al Sharpton.
Recommendation: If you like to laugh, and enjoy comedy about music, then you simply must go out and Get this album when it is released tomorrow.
Artist Name: James Litherland
Album Name: Back ‘n Blue
Label: Confidential Records
Genre: Indie Rock/Folk
Track Listing: 1. What you Want; 2. Back ‘n Blue; 3. Close to Me; 4. Miss you Blues; 5. Unconditional Love; 6. At Least I Didn’t Bore You; 7. Pink Corvette; 8. Can’t Live Without You; 9. Naughty Boy; 10. Freedom Road
Publicist: Neon Tetra
Review: James Litherland has cemented his place in rock music history, based on his dealings with some of rock’ elite songwriters and musicians. In addition, he is the father of James Blake, an incredible musician in his own right, and has returned with a new solo project that stands alone in its musical greatness. From the first notes of “What you Want” through the last sounds of “Freedom Road,” Litherland delivers an incredible album that will remind you of classic rock acts like Eric Clapton and Peter Frampton. Our favorite tracks include “What you Want,” the title track, “Unconditional Love,” “Pink Corvette,” and “Can’t Live Without You.”
Recommendation: If you love the sound of classic rock, then this is definitely the album for you. Rush out and Get it as soon as it is released tomorrow.
Artist Name: Hayride Casualties
Album Name: Fossil Fuel Kid
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie Folk/Rock
Track Listing: 1. Antarctica; 2. Coal Fired Train; 3. Deepwater One; 4. Fossil Fuel Kid; 5. Hi Def Sex; 6. Muryo; 7. Offshore Wind Farm; 8. Same Side; 9. Storm of Light; 10. The Catskills Aren’t for Sale
Publicist: Behind the Curtains Media
Review: Fossil Fuel Kid is the debut album from indie folk/rockers Hayride Casualties, and is reminiscent of many of the social and protest albums of the 60’s. It’s like listening to Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie only with modern-day problems to discuss. The sound is truly a flashback to those olden days, with the crystal clear voice of Daniel DeWald bringing his incredible lyrics to life. Most powerful tracks include “Coal Fired Train,” the title track, “Hi Def Sex,” “Offshore Wind Farm,” and “Same Side.”
Recommendation: If you like the protest music of the 60’s, but with timely content, they you should definitely Get this album. We hae a feeling that the sentiments discussed in these songs will find their own place in today’s protest movements.