Tag: LA Music Critic Awards

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Artists Worth Checking Out Awards LA Music Critic Awards Women in Entertainment

Nominations announced for LA Music Critic Awards for first half of 2018

If you recall, we had to revise our submissions dates after the second half of 2017 because we had so many submissions.  As a result, the nominations we are announcing today cover the period  from December 1, 2017 through May 31, 2018.  We still received 339 submissions this time around, including more than 100 international ones, making our job harder than ever to winnow them down to those we have selected.

As always, fans are encouraged to vote for the Fan Favorite Award.  To vote for your favorite,  simply leave a comment below in the following format:  “I vote for (name of artist) for Fan Favorite.”  No other comments will be counted toward the Fan Favorite Award, and each reader may only vote once.   Comments made on other social media sites will not count.

Fans are also encouraged to comment on other award nominations, and those comments will be reviewed by the Awards committee.  However, they will not count for the Fan Favorite Award unless the comment specifically says that the artist is being nominated for the Fan Favorite Award. 

The deadline for voting for the Fan Favorite Award is Wednesday, June 27, 2018, at midnight MST.  The full list of winners will be announced at 2 p.m. MST on Friday, June 29, 2018.

Without further delay, here are the nominations.

BEST EP (Male) – Michael Malarkey (Captain Solitaire); Kevin Daniel (Myself Through You); Rich Krueger (Life Ain’t That Long); Eric Benoit (Heartrender); Larry Lacerte (Dreaming of the Ways)

BEST EP (Male International) – Tom Richardson (Promise of the Light); Average Dez (Beautiful Life); Purkinje (Voyager); Jeremy Romeo (All You’re Meant to Be); Saux (Right)

BEST EP (Female) – Alezzandra (The Black Rose); Amanda Mair (To the Moon); Kyler England (The Wilderness); Margaret Glaspy (Born Yesterday)

BEST EP (Female International) – Oklou (The Rite of May); Yuki Ame (Anamnesis); Clare Hennessy (April); Violetta Zironi (Half Moon Lane); Elin K (Still Your Desire)

BEST EP (Group) – TIDES (Crossroads); Only Bricks (Foundation); The Spider Accomplice (Los Angeles:  The Dichotomy); Tribal Seeds (Roots Party); Wildeor (Wildeor)

BEST EP (Group International) – Calembour (Let the Wind Lead us Home); Ellevator (Ellevator); Mushy Callahan (Revelations); Accent (In This Together); The Dreggs (Seas Embrace); Belle and the Beats (Lose Your Feathers)

BEST CD (Male) – Keith Harkin (In the Round); Rob Bonfiglio (Trouble Again); David Philips (Get Along); Kris Barras (The Divine and Dirty); Frank Hannon (From One Place . . . to Another, Vols 1 & 2); Luke Winslow-King (Blue Mesa)

BEST CD (Male International) – Mr. Pong (Echoes Between a Rock and a Hard Place); Jon Allen (Blue Flame); Endre Nordvik (Suburb Hero); Sule (Hold On); Dom Fricot (Deserts)

BEST CD (Female) – Kari Kimmel (Gold & Glitter); Janiva Magness (Love is an Army); Caitlin Canty (Motel Bouquet); Katie Herzig (Moment of Bliss); Leilani Wolfgramm (Live Wire); Cindy Alexander (Nowhere to Hide)

BEST CD (Female International) – Em Joy (The Feast); Bossie (Not Pictured); Kira May (Sense); Lucy Wise (Winter Sun); Esme Bridie (Today it Rains)

BEST CD (Group) – RVZOO & The Sugar Spun Elephant Band (Guiding Star); Hello Stranger (Long Division); The Nightowls (We are the Nightowls); Floods (Bad Times); The Evening Attraction (The End, Again); Southern Halo (Just Like in the Movies)

BEST CD (Group International) – John Flanagan Trio (Honest Man); Lee Ainley’s Blues Storm (Shoot me Down); Vickers Vimy (Atlas of Hearts); Fifth Dawn (Duality); Dany Franchi Band (Problem Child)

BEST VIDEO (OFFICIAL) (Male) – Andy Sydow (“Reasons for Departure”); Sean McMahon (“Show me the Way”); David Garfield (“I Lied”), Keaton Simons (“1 2 3 Go”); Harts (“Ain’t Nothing on Me”); Rob Drabkin (“It’s a Beautiful Day”)

BEST VIDEO (OFFICIAL) (Female) – FlecHaus (“Tell me Something”); Hannah Lucia (“Your Love”); Janey Street (“Undone”); Dree Mon (“Rebel Soul”); Kari Kimmel (“High”); Lucy Levinsohn (“Dear God”)

BEST VIDEO (OFFICIAL) (Group) – The Zephyr Bones (“Telephone”); The Spider Accomplice (“Swallow”); Halo Circus (“Narcissist”); Fanny Walked the Earth (“Lured”); Floods (“Heavy Hearts”)

BEST VIDEO (FOR A CAUSE) – Alice Wallace (“Elephant”); riVerse (“Giant”), Ashley Delima (“Stay in America”)

BEST VIDEO (LYRIC) – Janiva Magness (“Protest Song”); Polly Baker (“Scraped Knees”); Foreign Figures (“Heart of Gold”); Cindy Alexander (“Passenger”); A Big Yes and a small no (“Enough is Enough”)

BEST VIDEO (COVER) – Frank Hannon (“Blue Sky”); Frank Hannon (“Sunrise in Texas”); Pros & iCons (“I Did Something Bad”)

BEST VIDEO (COLLABORATION) – Blue Elan Family (“Shine Down on Us”); Chelsea Williams and Poco (“Rose of Cimarron”)

BEST VIDEO (INTERNATIONAL) – Black Mamba (“Loop”); Young Galaxy (“Frontier”); DJ Moh Green (“Por Favor”)

BEST SINGLE (Male) – Keaton Simons (“1 2 3 Go”); Jesse Dayton (“May Have to do it”); Craig Cardiff (“Okay Cupid”); Johnny Stimson (“End of Times”); Jon Allen (“Jonah’s Whale”)

BEST SINGLE (Female) – Janiva Magness (“Down Below”); Aja Warren (“Show me the Magic”); Kris Angelis (“A Billion Hearts”); Ashley Delima (“Stay in America”); Manda Mosher (“Please Stand By”)

BEST SINGLE (Group) – Delsinki (“Wishing Upon a Star”); Crimson Calamity (“Fool’s Gold”); SIGNY (“Human”); Halo Circus (“Narcissist”); Feel Alright (“Cool Water”)

BEST SINGLE (INTERNATIONAL) – Reichelt (“Seduced by the Light Side”); tantamsound (“Blue”); The Dreggs (“Feel Alive”); Belle and the Beats (“Soldiers of the Night”); South Village (“Say it Now”)

BEST COMPILATION ALBUM – Worth of Souls; Transference

BEST COVER ALBUM – Mark Erelli (Mixtape), Frank Hannon (From One Place . . . to Another, Vols 1 & 2); Craig Cardiff (Upstream Fishing All the Words, He Is – Birthday Cards for Bob Dylan)

BEST BLUES ARTIST – Janiva Magness, Meg Williams, Victoria Ginty, Peggie Perkins, Luke Winslow-King

BEST BLUES BAND – Ghalia and the Mamas Boys, The Keeshea Pratt Band, Lee Ainley’s Blues Storm, Barrence Whitfield & the Savages

BEST BLUES (TRADITIONAL) ARTIST/BAND – Reverend Raven and the Chain Smoking Altar Boys, Johnny Tucker, Miss Freddye, Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps, Peter V Blues Train

BEST BLUEGRASS ARTIST/BAND – Tommy Emmuel, John Flanagan Trio, Becky Buller, Nefesh Mountain, Sideline

BEST CELTIC ARTIST/BAND – Wildeor, Vickers Vimy

BEST COMEBACK ARTIST – Rita Coolidge, Michael Peterson, Fanny Walks the Earth

BEST COUNTRY ARTIST – Ruby Boots, McMains, Laura Benitez, Sara Morgan, Kevin Daniel

BEST COUNTRY BAND – Flood County, Steven Casper & Cowboy Angst, Sarah Shook & the Disarmers, Southern Halo

BEST EDM/DANCE ARTIST/BAND – Computer Magic, Cultural Critic, Oklou, Saux, Amanda Mair

BEST FOLK ARTIST – Em Joy, Bob Crain, John Hufford, Tom Richardson, Martha Reich

BEST FOLK BAND – The Fisherman & the Sea; The Raven & the Fox, Century Thief, The Dreggs, Mala Ruckus

BEST HARD ROCK/METAL ARTIST/BAND – Tiavara, 1099, Animal Confession, Ovtlier, Ascending Dawn

BEST HIP-HOP/RAP ARTIST/BAND – 070 Shake, Mollys Reech, Camp Hope, Discrepancies

BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST – Tom Richardson, Clare Hennessy, Dom Fricot, Kira May, Jon Allen

BEST INTERNATIONAL BAND – Black Mamba, John Flanagan Trio, Fifth Dawn, The Dreggs, Belle and the Beats

BEST INSTRUMENTAL ARTIST/BAND – mmph, Mr. Pong, Jamison Isaak, Fernando Perdomo, Jay Katana

BEST JAZZ ARTIST – Kristina Koller, Shirley Crabbe, Patrick Yandall, John Proulx. Dani Ocean

BEST JAZZ BAND –  The Brubeck Brothers Quartet, News from Planet Kniffen, Grand Marquis, Susan Krebs Chamber Band, Roberta Donnay & the Prohibition Mob Band

BEST LATIN ARTIST/BAND – Adan Jodorowsky, Dexist, Cheo & Ulises Hadjis

BEST POP ARTIST – Cindy Alexander, Kari Kimmel, Kyler England, Amanda Mair, Michael Malarkey

BEST POP BAND – Thrillchaser, Viv and the Revival, Floods, Only Bricks, For Esme

BEST PUNK ARTIST/BAND – This is Eggland, The Tracys, Typhoid Rosie, Sharp/Shock, Johnny & the Bootlegs

BEST R&B/SOUL ARTIST – Marieme, Ann, Jon Allen

BEST R&B/SOUL BAND –  Ghost & the City, TIDES, The Nightowls, Ebb & Flow Band, Into the Ark

BEST ROCK ARTIST – Malina Moye, Alezzandra, Adrian Underhill, Margaret Glaspy, David Hopkins

BEST ROCK BAND – The Spider Accomplice, Hello Stranger, ROCKET, Fifth Dawn, Black Mamba, Halo Circus

BEST REGGAE ARTIST/BAND – Freevolt, Super Hi-Fi, Tribal Seeds, Leilani Wolfgramm, Sly & Robbie meet Dubmatix

BEST RETRO ARTIST/BAND – The Evening Attraction, The Swinging Laurels

BEST ROOTS/AMERICANA ARTIST – Alison Ferrier, Caitlin Canty, Jenny Van West, Elise Wunder, Gerry Spehar, McMains

BEST ROOTS/AMERICANA BAND – Acadian Driftwood, Under the Oak, County Well, Bay Station, Porlolo

BEST SOUTHERN ROCK ARTIST/BAND – Blackwater Lake, James Scott Bullard, David Fitzpatrick, Allman Goldflies Band

RISING STAR – Jamey Geston, Ray Goren, Rachel Arianna

BEST SINGER-SONGWRITER – Average Dez, Caleb Michael, Katie Vincent, Michael McDermott, Jenny Van West, Mike Vitale

FAN FAVORITE – ???

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it LA Music Critic Awards Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Alice Skye, Krantz, Jackson Reed, Shirley Crabbe, Dany Franchi, Smaller Hearts

With these six reviews we have finally made it to the end of the submissions for the first half of 2018 for the LA Music Critic Awards.  Tomorrow we will bring you our normal Monday Mashup, followed on Tuesday and Wednesday by our Ten Great Singles and Ten Amazing Videos for the month of May.  On Thursday we present our Ten 2018 Fringe shows we are most excited about, and on Friday we will announce the nominations for the LA Music Critic Awards.  Gonna be a busy week.  Here we go.

Artist Name:  Alice Skye

Album Name:  Friends with Feelings

Label:  CAAMA Music

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  For Every Year; 2.  Poetry by Text; 3.  1966; 4.  Friends with Feelings; 5.  For Those who Need It; 6.  60%; 7.  Melbourne; 8.  She Oak; 9.  Only Bones get Left Behind; 10.  The Only Version of You

Publicist:  Penney and Logan

Review:  Alice Skye is the latest Australian artist to perfectly capture that Hotel Cafe’ sound made famous by artists like Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson and Colbie Caillat.  Her music is breezy and upbeat, with soaring vocals and keys combined in memorable and radio friendly songs.  It is no surprise that Skye is considered one of the best songwriters in Australia, nor that the highly respected CAAMA Music signed her to a recording contract.  This is the kind of music you don’t get tired of, despite repeated listens.  Although the entire album is a worthy effort, our favorites include “Poetry by Text,” the title track, “60%,” “Melbourne,” and “Only Bones get Left Behind.”

Recommendation:  This one deserves a definite spot in your music library – we recommend you Get it.

Artist Name:  Krantz

Album Name:  The Pennock Tapes

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Weedeater; 2.  All Outta Love; 3.  Can’t Forget; 4.  Run Away with Me; 5.  Until we Meet Again

Publicist:  Effectively Immediately PR

Review:  Krantz has a very cool retro rock vibe which turns their songs into something insanely cool.  All five songs are delivered in an upbeat, energetic frenzy, which probably indicates that they are a blast to watch perform live.  The influences from the golden age of rock and roll are evident in their music, ranging from the Monkees, Buddy Holly and Little Richard to British invasion bands like Herman’s Hermits and Mott the Hoople.  This is music that will appeal to music lovers of all ages, from Baby Boomers to Millennials.  The EP is just too short, but they leave us with hope “Until we Meet Again.”

Recommendation:  Krantz has an instantly memorable sound that appeals to all ages.  Definitely Get this one for your collection.

Artist Name:  Jackson Reed

Album Name:  Dark Areas of Description

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Folk/Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  Dark Areas of Description; 2.  Taller Than Me; 3.  Cathedral Grove; 4.  Restless Ones; 5.  Love Won’t Stop a Hurricane; 6.  Forgotten Ones; 7.  Nasty Boy

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  The album opens with the title track, an experimental instrumental song that is dark and dangerous with a healthy folk vibe that demonstrates the musical skills of Jackson Reed.  Unfortunately, as shown on the next track, “Taller Than Me,” he does not have the same abilities vocally,   His tone is pitchy, but he manages to pull it off through sheer tenacity because the songs are so well written and otherwise skillfully played.  On “Restless Ones” and “Forgotten One,s”  he returns to that skillful instrumental style, and they are by far the best songs on the EP.

Recommendation:  If quality vocals are a necessity for you, then forget this one.  However, if you can ignore that small shortcoming, and love great musicianship, then definitely Get this one.

Artist Name:  Shirley Crabbe

Album Name:  Bridges 

Label:  MaiSong Music and Entertainment

Genre:  Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  Isn’t This a Lovely Day; 2.  Taking a Chance on Love; 3.  Bridges; 4.  The Bridge; 5.  I Didn’t Know What Time it Was; 6.  Promise Me; 7.  The Windmills of Your Mind; 8.  And so it Goes; 9.  Thief in the Night; 10.  Blessed Assurance

Publicist:  Mouthpiece Music

Review:  Shirley Crabbe possesses one of those voices we haven’t heard in quite a few years, truly reminiscent of jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald.  Crabbe has assembled some of the finest jazz players in New York City, including the unbelievable pianist, Donald Vega, who brings his magic to each and every song.  Her music is a throwback to the Golden Age of Jazz vocals, and instantly creates images of a smoky lounge with a cigarette-smoking pianist and the spotlight on the someone like Billie Holiday or Ella Fitzgerald, complete with a feather boa singer her heart out.  It is music for relaxing and forgetting about the troubles of the day, and definitely belongs in the music library of every jazz and standards lover.  Listen to it from start to finish, because it definitely builds that chill mood.  We know it’s cliche, but if she recorded an album singing the phone book, people would buy it.  She closes the album with a stirring interpretation of the Gospel classic, “Blessed Assurance,” leaving us to only say, “We believe.”

Recommendation:  Don’t be left out in the cold,   Get this one now.

Artist Name:  Dany Franchi

Album Name:  Problem Child

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues/Funk

Track Listing:  1.  Back to the River; 2.  Give me a Sign; 3.  Big Town Playboy; 4.  Real Love; 5.  Run Around; 6.  You Don’t Want Me; 7.  Don’t Steal my Time; 8.  Sensation; 9.  My Only One; 10.  Big Kind Hearted Man; 11.  Every Thing Gonna be Alright; 12.  Wanna Know; 13.  Problem Child

Publicist:  Frank Roszak Promotions

Review:  Italian born blues guitarist Dany Franchi has been taking the blues world by storm these past few years, and is currently touring across the United States in support of his amazing new release, Problem Child.  From the first notes of “Back to the River,” the horns, combined with Franchi’s soaring vocals and riveting guitar riffs, demonstrate that this is a blues artist you simply cannot ignore.  You will find something to like in every song on the album, and may find yourself putting a few of them on repeat.

Recommendation:  You simply must add this one to your collection.  Get it now!

Artist Name:  Smaller Hearts

Album Name:  Smaller Hearts

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Electro-pop

Track Listing:  1.  Summertime III; 2.  Lost Words; 3.  Crossing; 4.  Maisie; 5.  The Ups and Downs of Forgetting Everything; 6.  Chipper; 7.  Hibernation; 8.  Summertime IV; 9.  U1OG; 10.  Climbing; 11.  The Year we Spent Awake

Publicist:  Pigeon Row

Review:  The electro-pop scene seems to be getting a lot of attention lately, especially from international acts.  While they strive to be a cross between Pet Shop Boys and The Postal Service, they fail to reach that level of greatness.  According to our resident expert on electronic music, the songs are too slow to reach the desired sound.  In addition, they had an irritating undertone that was almost as annoying as the sound of mosquitoes.  They did, however, achieve their mission on “Maisie” and “Chipper,” but missed the mark on the other nine.  We think they need to go back to the drawing board and spend some time listening to the bands they are trying to emulate before making another attempt.

Recommendation:  Forget this one, but be open to their next attempt.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it LA Music Critic Awards Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Gyles Bartle, Jamison Isaak, For Esme’, Hello Stranger, Sandra Love and the Reason, Quin Gibbs

June has arrived and with it all the craziness of summer.  We received more than 340 submissions for the first half of 2018 for  the LA Music Critic Awards, and more than 100 of those were from outside the United States – pretty impressive.  We will have six reviews per day for you today and tomorrow, after which we will compile our nominations for the Awards.  The nominations will be announced on June 8.  We truly thank you for your support.  Let’s get started.

Artist Name:  Gyles Bartle

Album Name:  96

Label:  Because Music

Genre:  Hip-Hop

Track Listing:  1.  You; 2.  Days Apart; 3.  Gold; 4.  9th Flr; 5.  Medium

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society Communications

Review:  From South East London comes Gyles Bartle, a 20 year old hip-hop artist with something to prove on his debut EP.  He has crafted some sick beats to underscore his well-written words.  His style is similar to Snoop Dogg, but he speaks of things that impact his life in the UK.  We expect to hear much more from this promising artist.  Our only major critique is to speak more clearly, especially when words are your “Medium.”

Recommendation:  If you like hip-hop – give this one a spin.

Artist Name:  Jamison Isaak

Album Name:  EP2

Label:  FLORA

Genre:  Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  First; 2.  Us; 3.  Animals; 4.  Peace

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  We introduced you to this amazing artist back in February when we reviewed his first EP, and are thrilled to once again have the chance to review his new one.  He continues to amaze us with his piano prowess,   This time around, his music is more upbeat than reflective, but still soothing, especially his single, “Us.”  Jamison Isaak is the recipe for the perfect “chill.”

Recommendation:  This one is another must-have.  Get it and relax today.

Artist Name:  For Esmé

Album Name:  Righteous Woman

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Doubtmouth; 2.  For Others; 3.  Small Talk; 4.  You; 5.  Make a Sound; 6.  Just Yet

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Toronto-based band For Esmé is a beacon of hope for the future of pop music.  Their bright tone, upbeat electronic sound and heartfelt lyrics give us hope that there are bands that understand the future of the business, and the importance of being real in this unreal world.  Their songs honestly address the issues affecting young women in our current age, and bring those issues into focus  in a way that few previous artists have done.  From the hard-charging “Doubtmouth,” this EP blasts off into the stratosphere and never comes down.  Musically, these tunes would play well in the EDM community and be the perfect additions to the latest dance club mix.

Recommendation:  This one is a keeper.  We highly recommend you Get it today.

Artist Name:  Hello Stranger

Album Name:  Long Division

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  The Flood; 2.  All the Things I’m Not; 3.  Smiling in the Night; 4.  Virginia; 5.  Breakthrough; 6.  Little Old Me; 7.  I Didn’t Speak for You; 8.  We Don’t Talk About Them; 9.  Celebration; 10.  Ovation; 11.  Victorious

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Hello Stranger is the latest alt rock band from Los Angeles whose sound is extremely radio friendly.  Behind the charismatic and soaring voice of Sam Deffenbaugh, the band rocks out behind the stimulating drums of Daniel Rodriguez, the electrifying guitar of Deffenbaugh and the steady bass of Sam Plotkin (who also supplies great backing vocals).  They demonstrate that they understand their rock history, with obvious influence from bands like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young on “All the Things I’m Not” and “Smiling in the Night,” among others.  From just listening to these great songs, we would love to see their live performance, as we can only imagine the energetic way they must be.  While we like the entire album, our favorite tracks include the two previously named, as well as “Virginia,” “Breakthrough,” “I Didn’t Speak for You,” “Ovation,” and “Victorious.”

Recommendation:  Get this one like your life depends upon it – they will make your day!

Artist Name:  Sandra Love and the Reason

Album Name:  Manifest Your Dreams

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Funk/Soul/Blues/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Tired; 2.  Ain’t Nobody; 3.  Can’t Come Back; 4.  Mind Your Business; 5.  Wild Woman; 6.  Music (Please Don’t Go); 7.  On Everything; 8.  Channel Fever; 9.  Beans; 10.  Manifest; 11.  I Need Money

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Besides Mardi Gras, New Orleans is well known for being the home of a plethora of incredible musicians.  The latest to stake their claim is Sandra Love and the Reason, which combine funk, soul, rock and blues to create their own special sound.  While we are sure they put on a great show, their debut album could have used a bit more engineering, especially on the vocals.  Love obviously has a lot of passion and emotion in her voice, but she gets pitchy at times, which distracts a little from the amazing musicianship of her band.  The good news is that the band is so tight and the music so hot that it is easy to overlook the pitch because it is so easy to just get caught up in the music.  The album is a worthy first effort, and we are sure that the next one will be even better.

Recommendation:  We think this band has potential.  Grab their debut CD and watch them live if you can.

Artist Name:  Quin Gibbs

Album Name:  Beautiful Noize:  The 90s Baby EP

Label:  Nuclear Group Entertainment

Genre:  Hip-Hop/Rap

Track Listing:  1.  Christopher Shakur; 2.  90s Love; 3.  Candy Land; 4.  LaLa; 5.  62 Cents (ft. iSHY); 6.  Between the Sheetz (ft. Waun Love); 7.  Shawn Gibbs

Publicist:  Nuclear Group Entertainment

Review:  Caution parents:  This one is labeled “Explicit” for good reason.  Despite the language, Quin Gibbs has a good command of his words, and knows how to create memorable tunes situated on a base of sick beats.  The words are raw and real, and bring Gibbs into the realm of such artists as Tupac, Snoop Dogg and Notorious B.I.G.  We have a feeling that you’ll be hearing a lot more from Mr. Gibbs, as this EP serves as a teaser for his upcoming full-length album.  Best tracks include “90s Love” and “Between the Sheetz.”

Recommendation:  If you love Tupac, Snoop Dogg, hip-hop and rap, then you should grab this one.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it LA Music Critic Awards Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – XSyntax, Wildeor, Kira May, News From Planet Kniffen, Abolitionist

And we’re back with the first of our final five Get it or Forget it reviews for the first half of 2018 submissions for the LA Music Critic Awards.  We have five artist for you to check out.  Don’t miss our June 8 announcement of the nominations.  Let’s get started.

Artist Name:  XSyntax

Album Name:  WaterMusic

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Electronica/EDM

Track Listing:  1.  Happy DanceMix; 2.  Aw Yeah!!; 3.  Dream On; 4.  Technix V; 5.  Caravan in the Desert; 6.  SynTechys002; 7.  Night Airs; 8.  Urbanized; 9.  Transcendent Mind; 10.  Cosmic; 11.  Beyond Earth; 12.  Lios1

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  This one is unlike anything we have reviewed before.  It is a mixture of club ready EDM tracks, as well as ambient tunes like “Dream On” that are perfect for relaxation, meditation and yoga.  Richard Aardenburg, the genius behind XSyntax, is a master of synthesized music, and pulls out all the stops on this incredible treasure.  We think he should take the next logical step in his musical career and begin composing music for the film industry.  We think he has everything he needs to be quite successful in that endeavor.  In the meantime, we will put this one on in the background and more forward with our week.

Recommendation:  If you enjoying dancing or relaxing, this one is the perfect choice for you.  Get it now.

Artist Name:  Wildeor

Album Name:  Wildeor

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Northern County Line; 2.  Rain on the Moon; 3.  The Devil Makes Three; 4.  Come Down; 5.  Slow Moving Water

Publicist:  Magic Tree Productions

Review:  Wildeor is an alternative folk band from Los Angeles that makes haunting folk music reminiscent of Enya.  The smoky smooth vocals of group founder Megan Brickwood sit perfectly upon the foundation of Celtic and medieval influences of the musical soundtrack.  We featured “The Devil Makes Three” in last week’s Monday Mashup, and are thankful that we also get to review their EP.  This is an album that belongs on repeat because their music is addictive and needs to be heard over and over again.  We think this is one of the finest EPs we have reviewed this year, and hope to see them live at some point in the not too distant future.

Recommendation:  This one is a no-brainer.  You simply must Get it.

Artist Name:  Kira May

Album Name:  Sense

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Experimental vocal Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Taste; 2.  Muscle Memory; 3.  Heat; 4.  Saturation; 5.  Sensory Deprivation; 6.  Touch; 7.  Vibrations; 8.  Fear; 9.  Forgiveness; 10.  Waves

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  Toronto-based indie artist Kira May uses her voice and an eerie musical background to create amazingly relaxing and ambient songs that are haunting and unique.  Like the two artists above, her music is best placed on repeat to provide a soundtrack for your relaxation and mediation time.  We previously featured her video for “Muscle Memory” in our list of Ten Amazing Videos from February 2018.

Recommendation:  We highly recommend you check out this artist and Get her LP.

Artist Name:  News from Planet Kniffen

Album Name:  Dreamland

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Progressive Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  Blackness; 2.  Peace Journey; 3.  Back in Black; 4.  Midnight Drive; 5.  Dreamland; 6.  Song of Everest; 7.  Beautiful Mystery; 8.  Inspiration; 9.  Tick Tock

Publicist:  EMPKT PR

Review:  News from Planet Kniffen is an amazing jazz band from Saratoga Springs, New York.  They play progressive jazz that is receiving critical acclaim while their latest album keeps moving up the Contemporary Jazz charts, where it was #5 a few weeks ago.  Darryl Kniffen has gathered some of the best talent for his band, including Chilean vocalist Natalia Bernal, Emmy Award-winning guitarist and composer Freddy Shehadi, trumpeter Richard Boulger as well as Saturday Night Live saxophonist Alex Foster.  The  resulting music is a delectable jazz mix that is both uplifting, upbeat and relaxing.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one, if  you are a jazz fan or just like great music.

Artist Name:  Abolitionist

Album Name:  The Instant

Label: 1859 Records

Genre:  Punk Rock

Track Listing:  1.  The Instant; 2.  Trouble; 3.  A Little Animal Liberation Never Hurt Anybody; 4.  Up Rising, Together; 5.  The Movement; 6.  Backlash; 7.  Never Wanted This; 8.  Everything’s Great (but we’re still sh@t); 9.  Failed Projections; 10.  Totally Bonkers; 11.  What if . . .?

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:  Breaking with the theme of the rest of today’s artists comes Abolitionist, a punk band from Portland, Oregon with something to say.  Like most punk music, the songs are high energy, intense and short, but beyond the normal angst, these songs actually have something to say.  Although not our normal cup of tea, we give kudos to the band for tackling some controversial issues that plague modern man.

Recommendation:  If you love punk music, you should definitely check out these guys.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it LA Music Critic Awards Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Martha Reich, Duvel, Tom Richardson, Into the Ark, The Keeshea Pratt Band

Welcome to our special Sunday edition of Get it or Forget it, as we continue our reviews of submissions for the first half of 2018 for the LA Music Critic Awards.  Her are five more to check out.

Artist Name:  Martha Reich

Album Name:  Brave Bird

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Progressive Folk

Track Listing:  1.  If you Only Knew; 2.  Fade Away; 3.  So Brave; 4.  The River; 5.  I’d Rather be Surprised; 6.  The River (instrumental); 7.  Over the Rainbow

Publicist:  Broken Jukebox Media

Review:  Martha Reich is a modern combination of Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell, preserving their folk legacy for a new generation.  “If you Only Knew” how hard it is to be “So Brave” in writing songs of this caliber, then you would realize that Reich’s music will never “Fade Away.”  Her instrumentation is pure and sweet and fully demonstrated on the instrumental version of the spectacular song, “The River.”  The cherry on the top of this amazing set of original tunes is her skillful interpretation of the classic “Over the Rainbow,” which we believe will surely stand the test of time and become one of your favorite covers, second only to Iz’s unforgettable version.

Recommendation:  This one is a must have if you love folk music.  We highly recommend you Get it.

Artist Name:  Duvel

Album Name:  Attempts at Speech

Label:  Fysisk Format

Genre:  Post-punk

Track Listing:  1.  Winter Dreams; 2.  Going Home; 3.  Skin Deep; 4.  Strange; 5.  Ashamed; 6.  Sacred Place; 7.  Plastic Bags and Seagulls; 8.  Falling; 9.  Visions; 10.  Breathe; 11.  Cynics; 12.  Birds

Publicist:  Viral Propaganda PR

Review:  From the autonomous youth community of Blitz in Oslo, Norway comes the post-punk sound of Duvel, who has created controversy on Spotify with their cover art.  Without that controversy, most people would probably not be checking out their music.  That would be a shame, because although the lyrical content is quite simplistic, the high energy of this trio combine to form some interesting songs.  These are not the kind of songs you hear on commercial radio, but they are the kind that demonstrate that this band has to have a dynamic stage show to contain all that energy.  Although they are not our cup of tea, they are worth checking out, and will probably be a big hit with our younger audiences.

Recommendation:  If you love punk and/or high energy rock, then you should definitely check them out.

Artist Name:  Tom Richardson

Album Name:  Promise of the Light

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Folk Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Can you Hear Her; 2.  Healing of the Heartbeat; 3.  Give Your Heart Away; 4.  Wildest Dream; 5.  Leave a Light; 6.  Somebody say Love

Publicist:  Penney and Logan

Review:  The music of Tom Richardson has been called the voice of John Mayer combined with the activism of Bob Marley and George Harrison.  We debuted “Healing of the Heartbeat” in our Great Singles of April article, and nowhere is the previous statement better demonstrated.  We can add Richardson to the growing list of Australian artists that have a realistic possibility of breaking into the American music scene, and we strongly encourage American radio station managers to add his tunes to their rotation, especially “Healing of the Heartbeat,” “Leave a Light,” and “Somebody Say Love.”

Recommendation:  This one is dying for a place in your music library.  Get it today!

Artist Name:  Into the Ark

Album Name:  Valencia

Label:  Blackwood Records

Genre:  Acoustic Soul

Track Listing:  1.  No Place Like Home; 2.  Caroline; 3.  Better Than Never at All; 4.  Good Lord; 5.  Don’t Roll Your Eyes

Publicist:  Missing Piece Group

Review:  Into the Ark appeared on last year’s The Voice UK, and so impressed their mentor and fellow Welshman Tom Jones that he added them to his current American tour.  Within a few notes of listening to “No Place Like Home,” it becomes quickly obvious why Mr. Jones fell in love with this dynamic duo.  Their harmonies, combined with a simple guitar accompaniment, are the perfect accessories to the incredibly well written songs.  This is a band that knows what they want and are unwilling to let anything stop their dream.  We can hardly wait to see what’s next for them.

Recommendation:  Don’t think twice – Get this one today!

Artist Name:  The Keeshea Pratt Band

Album Name:  Believe

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues/Funk

Track Listing:  1.  Make it Good; 2.  Have a Good Time Y’all; 3.  In the Mood; 4.  It’s too Late; 5.  Shake off These Blues;  6.  Home to Mississippi; 7.  Easily Replaced; 8.  Monkey See, Monkey Do; 9.  Believe; 10.  Out of my Mind; 11.  Can’t Stop Now; 12.  So Bad Blues (live)

Publicist:  Frank Roszak Promotions

Review:  The Keesha Pratt Band has a sound that straddles the line between traditional and progressive blues, with big phat sax, funky keys and the amazing and soaring voice of Pratt that is part Ella Fitzgerald, part Bonnie Raitt and a whole lot of Aretha Franklin.  The title of the second track sums up this record, because when you put it on it will become obvious to all that you “came to have a good time, y’all.”  The music also has a very jazzy R&B groove, as demonstrated on “In the Mood,” “Monkey See, Monkey Do” (which reminds us of the groove on “I’m a Woman) and the title track, and the funky sound of New Orleans as demonstrated on “Shake off These Blues.”  The band likewise shows a healthy respect for blues history as they demonstrate on the delta blues sound of “Home to Mississippi,” and the swing style of “Easily Replaced.”    To quote another track, our advice on this album and the band is “Can’t Stop Now.”   This band is headed for greatness!

Recommendation:  Drop everything and be the first in line to Get it when it is released on Tuesday, May 29.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Airlift, Mala Ruckus, Rob Bonfiglio, Alezzandra, David Phillips

Because of the number of remaining submissions for the LA Music Critic Awards for the first half of 2018, we will be doing reviews every day until they are done.  Here are five more for your perusal.

Artist Name:  Airlift

Album Name:  Don’t Mind Me

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Flat Earth; 2.  With a bit of Luck; 3.  Friday

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Airlift is an up and coming rock band from New York City who is releasing a new EP, Don’t Mind Me.  They base their sound on bands like Pearl Jam, Radiohead, U2, The Replacements, REM, My Bloody Valentine, and Sonic Youth, and have the goods to take their sound a long way.  This three-song EP is a good introduction to the band, and we think they have a lot of potential.  Their sound is radio friendly, and if their live show is anything like what’s on this EP, we bet they are killer on stage.  We look forward to what they do next, and we advise you to keep your eyes on them as well.

Recommendation:  Give them a chance and grab your copy.

Artist Name:  Mala Ruckus

Album Name:  People Mountain People Sea

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Folk Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Run; 2.  Hoverboards; 3.  Trees, Fields; 4.  Words; 5.  Sheets; 6.  East Hastings; 7.  Nowhere Bound; 8.  Take it Away; 9.  Beast of our Babylon; 10.  Fire; 11.  Ghosts; 12.  Barmaid

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  This band has an interesting back story after forming in China.  All the members were from other countries, and they played out a lot until they were all arrested and interrogated for three weeks.  This release marks their debut full length album, and we like what we hear.  The sound is truly radio friendly, and we highly recommend college and indie radio station managers check out these tunes and get them in heavy rotation.  Our favorites include “Run,” Trees, Fields,” “Sheets,” “Nowhere Bound,” “Beast of our Babylon,” and “Barmaid.”

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one!

Artist Name:  Rob Bonfiglio

Album Name:  Trouble Again

Label:  Damask

Genre:  Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Passenger Seat; 2.  Trouble Again; 3.  Dreaming; 4.  Spread This Feeling; 5.  Gone; 6.  Tears; 7.  Love Over Hurt; 8.  There Goes my Heart; 9.  Mr. No One; 10.  Hey Blue

Publicist:  ACR Management

Review:  Rob Bonfiglio has been making music since the 90’s, first as a co-founding member of Wanderlust before becoming a touring guitarist and musical director for Wilson Phillips.  Since going solo in 2006, he has released five albums, and Trouble Again is his latest effort.  He hits the ground running on “Passenger Seat” and never lets up.  His music is truly radio friendly, and would work well as placements for television and film.  Our favorites include “Passenger Seat,” the title cut, “Dreaming,” “Spread This Feeling,” “Gone,” “There Goes my Heart,” and “Hey Blue.”

Recommendation:  You must Get this one – it will become one of your favorites.

Artist Name:  Alezzandra

Album Name:  The Black Rose

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Triphop/Rock/Electronica/Ambient

Track Listing:  1.  Bad girl in heaven, good girl in hell; 2.  Bad Woman; 3.  Water Me

Publicist:  Effectively Immediately PR

Review:  Alezzandra hails from Sweden, but now calls California her home.  She is heavily influenced by David Lynch and Portishead, and her trippy erotic sound is proof of that influence.  We have never experienced an artist like this before.  She has written and starred in a short film that shares the entire EP, and although parts of it are NSFW, it is visually stunning and worthy of your attention.  Hats off to the amazing direction of Rodrigo Zan, who also co-wrote the film, as well as the jaw-dropping cinematography of Leco Moura.

Recommendation:  Head straight to YouTube and watch The Black Rose.

Artist Name:  David Philips

Album Name:  Get Along

Label:  Black and Tan Records

Genre:  Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Another Day; 2.  As Long as we Get Along; 3.  Friends Like You; 4.  Mountain to Climb 2018; 5.  My Gravity demo; 6.  My Gravity; 7.  Nowhere demo; 8.  Nowhere; 9.  Red on Yellow; 10.  This Time demo; 11.  This Time; 12.  Trim; 13.  When I’m Drunk 2018

Publicist:  Black and Tan Records

Review:  His vocals are smooth and silky while his accompaniment is simple and pure.  This album is a treasure trove, with eight new songs, three acoustic demos and two remastered songs from his vast catalog.  Regardless of whether the track is full band or acoustic demo, it is Philips’ voice that shines through.  This album provides the perfect soundtrack for your down time, and will provide you with a plethora of repeat-worthy song.  The smooth jazz and bluesy feel of “Another Day,” “My Gravity,” and “Nowhere” and the amazing instrumental “Red on Yellow” alone are worth the price of the CD.

Recommendation:  Make a wise investment and Get this one today!

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it LA Music Critic Awards Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Kari Kimmel, Sharp/Shock, Mystery Art Orchestra, Nation, The Sediment Club

TGIF!  We made it through the week.  We are reviewing five new albums that are being released today, and think you will love the eclectic sounds.  After today’s reviews, we only have 35 or so more reviews to write to conclude the submissions for the LA Music Critic Awards for the first half of 2018.  We plan to publish the nominations on June 8.  Fans will have until June 26 to vote for their favorites, and then the winners will be announced on June  29.  Let’s get started.

Artist Name:  Kari Kimmel

Album Name:  Gold & Glitter

Label:  Glow Music Group

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  High; 2.  Color; 3.  Can you Feel It; 4.  Blurry; 5.  Never Alone; 6.  Ignite; 7.  Inevitable; 8.  My Obsession; 9.  Gold & Glitter; 10.  Voices (bonus track)

Publicist:  Park Life Unlimited/MAD Ink PR

Review:  Kari Kimmel is one of the most successful DIY indie artists on the planet.  To date, she has placed more than 650 of her songs in television and film, and has provided backup vocals to a diverse list of mainstream artists, including Ringo Starr, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Grohl, John Mayer, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Stevie Wonder, Pharrell, Toby Keith and Willie Nelson.  In addition, her songs have been covered by artists like The Backstreet Boys, Ke$ha, Joe Jonas, Demi Lovato and Gloria Gaynor.  Her latest effort, Gold & Glitter, continues that amazing string, including the placement of the title cut in the movie Blocked.  She has also written and/or sung the theme songs from 18 television shows, including The Fosters, which recently garnered her an ASCAP award.  There is nothing but good stuff on this album, and every song is a potential hit.  Our favorites include “High,” “Color,” “Blurry,” “Ignite,” “Inevitable,” “My Obsession,” and the title track.

Recommendation:  You owe it to yourself to Get this one TODAY!

Artist Name:  Sharp/Shock

Album Name:  Youth Club

Label:  Heart & Skull

Genre:  Power Punk

Track Listing:  1.  Red Life; 2.  Superficial; 3.  Dancing all Night; 4.  Bad Lad; 5.  Thingy Pt. 1; 6.  I Don’t Want a Nuclear Family; 7.  Dead End Town; 8.  The Reds; 9.  I Just Can’t get my Head Around It; 10.  Thingy Pt. 2; 11.  Steps; 12.  Walking a Thin Line

Publicist:  Indie Publicity

Review:  Upbeat and punk don’t often go together, but in the case of Sharp/Shock, they are an apt description of their sound.  The songs are short and sweet, with powerful lyrics sung powerfully over a dynamic punk rock soundtrack.  Among the best tracks are “Red Life,” “Dancing all Night,” “I Don’t Want a Nuclear Family,” “Dead End Town,” and “Walking a Thin Line.”

Recommendation:  This one is unique enough to appeal to both punk and rock lovers.  Give it a chance.

Artist Name:  Mystery Art Orchestra

Album Name:  Prismatic Dream

Label:  robojim

Genre:  Post-Punk

Track Listing:  1.  Ether; 2.  Dead Faint; 3.  Camouflage; 4.  Awake; 5.  Immaculate Youth; 6.  Lost on the Run; 7.  Dreams; 8.  Encrypted Soul; 9.  Inside; 10.  Sunday Afternoon; 11.  Silent Distance

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  The sound of Mystery Art Orchestra can best be described as electronic and ambient sound mixed with a punk foundation.  At times it’s easy and mellow and others rocky and driving.  The vocals have a strange resemblance to those of the late Jim Morrison, while there is also a hint of new wave thrown in.  This is best shown on “Camouflage.”  Other songs worthy of your attention include “Awake,” “Lost on the Run,” “Encrypted Soul,” “Inside,” and “Sunday Afternoon.”

Recommendation:  These guys are worth a listen.  Check them out.

Artist Name:  Nation

Album Name:  Something Happened

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop/Soul

Track Listing:  1.  Something Happened; 2.  Baltimore Rising; 3.  Brooding Thuggery; 4.  Suddenly I Feel; 5.  Rainstorm; 6.  Computer People

Publicist:  Musigamy

Review:  With an old-time soulful voice and a modern electronic/ hip-hop accompaniment, Nation skillfully bridges the gap between soul, pop and modern electronica-based hip-hop.  His songs are instantly memorable, and would do well on American radio.  Best cuts include the title track, “Baltimore Rising,” “Brooding Thuggery,” and “Rainstorm.”

Recommendation:  If you like soulful music, then definitely give this one a test drive.

Artist Name:  The Sediment Club

Album Name:  Stucco Thieves

Label:  Wharf Cat Records

Genre:  Punk

Track Listing:  1.  Half Fool Dub (interlude); 2.  The Payoff; 3.  BMP MAP; 4.  Cobalt Ruin; 5.  Stucco Thieves; 6.  Shadow, Soon; 7.  My Dungeon Shook; 8.  Hydraulic Saint; 9.  Making Spent Americans

Publicist:  Promo Juke Box

Review:  These songs have a heavy punk style with hard to understand lyrics full of angst and anger.  There might be a good message there, but it is hard to hear it from the discordant music they have chosen to play underneath.  This one is for hard-core punk fans only.

Recommendation:  Forget it.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Krystal Klear, Sweet ‘n’ Salty, Lee Ainley’s Blues Storm, Accent, Peggie Perkins

We started this article on Tuesday, but time and circumstances didn’t allow us to finish it.  Thankfully, we’re getting closer to the end of the reviews for submissions for the first half of 2018 of the LA Music Critic Awards, because this cycle has been almost overwhelming.  Here are another five contenders, three of which are courtesy of ABIK Radio Promotions.

Artist Name:  Krystal Klear

Album Name:  The Division

Label:  Cold Tonic/Running Back

Genre:  EDM Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  Neutron Dance; 2.  Division Ave; 3.  Shockzoid; 4.  Moonshake Miner

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society Communications

Review:  From the shores of Dublin, Ireland comes Krystal Klear and he is set to deliver the best instrumental dance music you have ever heard.  According to our resident EDM connoisseur, “This music just makes me want to dance.”  We believe his music would do very well here in the States, and encourage all DJs and mix-masters to check out his tunes for their next club date.

Recommendation:  This one is a must for all EDM lovers.

Artist Name:  Sweet ‘n’ Salty

Album Name:  I Done Told ya

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Mr. Sam’s Blues; 2.  Won’t be Worried Long; 3.  Bluesman in my Graveyard; 4.  You Don’t Rock my World; 5.  Worrying Times; 6.  Big Love

Publicist:  ABIK Radio Promotions

Review:  Libby Rae Watson and Wes Lee, both amazing blues artists in their own right, have combined their talents to form Sweet ‘n’ Salty.  Their sound is a throwback to that of such blues pioneers as Leadbelly, Charley Patton and Robert Johnson, with instrumentation on an acoustic guitar, sad lyrics and rough vocals.  They would have fit in perfectly with that early Delta Blues sound, and their artistry is worthy of attention from every true blues lover.  On “Bluesman in my Graveyard,” they shift gears a bit, and Watson’s vocals take on a Bonnie Raitt quality.

Recommendation:  If you love the blues, and especially traditional Delta Blues, then you must Get this one for your collection.

Artist Name:  Lee Ainley’s Blues Storm

Album Name:  Shoot me Down

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Contemplation; 2.  Degenerates; 3.  Tin Star; 4.  Dream Catcher; 5.  Fed From the Bottle

Publicist:  ABIK Radio Promotions

Review:  Lee Ainley and her band bring us blues-tinged rock that sounds great and would provide the perfect soundtrack for  your summer activities.  With a driving bass beat, upbeat and killer electric guitar tracks, and that smooth voice of Ainley joined by perfect backing vocals, Shoot me Down is definitely going on repeat for my next cook-out.  The band also kicks in some amazing soul and funk vibes that mesh perfectly with the blues and rock foundation.  Hard to believe these guys are from the UK, because they rock it like they were born to play.

Recommendation:  You simply MUST Get this one!

Artist Name:  Accent

Album Name:  In This Together

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  A Capella Jazz vocals

Track Listing:  1.  Aux Aurores; 2.  Just Wondering; 3.  Love is Just That Way; 4.  Twilight; 5.  Who You Are; 6.  Only One Love

Publicist:  Mouthpiece Music

Review:  A capella has always been one of our favorite musical styles.  We never missed an episode of The Sing-Off, loved the Pitch Perfect movies, and even supported Pentatonix on Patreon.  Needless to say, we were drooling at the prospect of hearing a new a capella group, and Accent did not disappoint.  They even exceeded our expectations, leaping past our previous favorites like Pentatonix and Home Free, truly establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with, not only in the pop world but jazz as well.  In addition, these guys hail from five different countries, with only the bassist from America and the rest from Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Sweden.  Talk about a worldwide super-group!

Recommendation:  Run, don’t walk, and Get this one today!

Artist Name:  Peggie Perkins

Album Name:  Influences

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Shotgun; 2.  Dust my Broom; 3.  I Need a Little Sugar in my Bowl; 4.  I’m a Woman; 5.  Further on up the Road; 6.  Mama, he Treats Your Daughter Mean; 7.  Dreams; 8.  Baby I Love You; 9.  Hold on, I’m Coming; 10.  Angel From Montgomery; 11.  Alright OK, You Win; 12.  Crossroads Blues; 13.  Since I Fell for You; 14.  Shaky Ground

Publicist:  ABIK Radio Promotions

Review:  This was the perfect album to close out today’s reviews.  Peggie Perkins has been singing for more than 30 years, and chose songs during that period of time that heavily influenced her musical style, which combines elements of funk, blues, R&B, soul and rock and showcases those Janis Joplin-like vocals.  Those influences range from contemporary artists like Jr. Walker & the All Stars, Stevie Nicks, Peggy Lee, Bobby Bland/Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, Sam & Dave, Bonnie Raitt and the Temptations to legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Robert Johnson, Nina Simone and Count Basie.

Recommendation:  Don’t miss this opportunity to add some of the greatest songs ever written into your musical library.  Get this one now!

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it LA Music Critic Awards Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Thanks Light, 1099, Em Joy, The Spider Accomplice, Gerry Spehar

Welcome back for another week of Get it or Forget it.  Crunch time is here and we still have more than 50 reviews to complete before the end of the month so we can create our nominations list for the LA Music Critic Awards for the first half of 2018.  Nominations will be announced on June 8.  Here we go with our next five artists.

Artist Name:  Thanks Light

Album Name:  Terrifire

Label:  Enjoy Ears Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Alligator Tears; 2.  Healer; 3.  I’ve Seen Hell; 4.  Your Policeman; 5.  ON TAPE; 6.  Croquet Mallet; 7.  The Gulf is Calling (Redux)

Publicist:  Enjoy Ears Records

Review:  Thanks Light hits the ground running with their latest release, Terrifire, bring a new intensity to indie rock.  The tunes are radio friendly, with potential for placement opportunities in television and film.  They have a distinctive sound that seems to be heavily influenced by the Beatles, especially The White Album.  We love the entire album, but really dig “Healer,” “ON TAPE” and “Croquet Mallett”

Recommendation:  Definitely worth a  listen.  Check them out today.

Artist Name:  1099

Album Name:  Blindpassasjer

Label:  All Good Clean Records

Genre:  Instrumental Prog Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Silverdal; 2.  Tundra; 3.  Osiris; 4.  Under Isen; 5.  Blindpassasjer; 6.  For Seg Selv; 7.  En Druknet Verden; 8.  Tel Jorden; 9.  Det Britiske Imperiet; 10.  Kontinental; 11.  Lausanne; 12.  Vintersøvn

Publicist:  Viral Propaganda PR

Review:  Prog Rock has a new standard bearer, and it comes from Norway.  This is an album you put on and listen from start to finish, and it will provide the perfect musical backdrop to any summer events.  It is energetic but still relaxing, helping to set the mood while you chill.  Every song is worthy of a complete listen, and the album contains over an hour of fresh music.  It will appeal to all lovers of rock, from the soft to the heavy, there is something for everyone.  We really love the title track.

Recommendation:  Get this one and enjoy.

Artist Name:  Em Joy

Album Name:  The Wanderings

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Folk/Pop Singer-Songwriter

Track Listing:  1.  Caramel; 2.  Shalala; 3.  The Feast; 4.  Sleepy Head; 5.  Treehouse; 6.  Beautiful; 7.  Hilltops; 8.  Daily Bread

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Born in Zimbabwe, Em Joy has lived in Australia and is currently based in Europe.  Were she in the States, she would be the perfect complement to The Hotel Cafe’ sound of artists like Ingrid Michaelson, Lenka and Sara Bareilles.  Her voice is sweet like cream, and her songs beg for radio airplay, as well as placements in television and film.  From the first notes of “Caramel,” it is obvious that she could be very successful here in America.  There isn’t a weak song on the album, and we really love “Caramel,” “The Feast,” “Treehouse, “Beautiful,” and “Hilltops.”

Recommendation:  Don’t even think about this one, just Get it and prepare to be wowed.

photo courtesy of Anabel D Flux of Deliquiesce Flux Photography

Artist Name:  The Spider Accomplice

Album Name:  Los Angeles:  The Dichotomy

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  The Fall of the Copper Queen; 2.  Shadowstars; 3.  Swallow; 4.  End my Life; 5.  Epilogue

Publicist:  Manager Mary E. Zimmer

Review:  The Spider Accomplice  is the best band in America that you may not have heard about.  Their latest is the third part of a trilogy of EPs that have garnered critical praise and won the band a mind-boggling nine LA Music Critic Awards.  Los Angeles:  The Dichotomy will surely add to that total.   As with their second EP, Los Angeles:  The Abduction, the first song provides the perfect segue between the two EPs, and once again cements VK Lynne as The Voice of the alternative rock world.  The band is not afraid of controversial topics, but embraces them and spreads their message of hope to everyone searching for victory in a world gone mad.  The EP is meant to be listened to as a cohesive unit, and we strongly encourage you to listen to all three back to back.  That being said, “Swallow,” is an amazing song that can stand on its own merits.  We can’t wait to see what they have planned for their next project.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see them perform whenever you can.  We had hoped to have them at the LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase at The Mint on June 19, but the timing was off.  In the meantime, check out their music video for their lead single, “Swallow,” which was released last Christmas and which was featured in our first Monday Mashup of 2018.

Recommendation:  What are you waiting for?  Get this one NOW!

Artist Name:  Gerry Spehar

Album Name:  Anger Management

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Country/Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Thank you Donald; 2.  Son of an Immigrant; 3.  Anger Management; 4.  A Soldier’s Spiritual; 5.  Pearl Harbor; 6.  Carnival; 7.  Bitch Heaven; 8.  Except for the Bomb; 9.  Barrier Reef; 10.  Greed; 11.  Freedom to Grab; 12.  What Would Jesus Do?

Publicist:  KG Music Press

Review:  We had the pleasure of reviewing Gerry Spehar’s debut album last August, and have been eagerly anticipating his sophomore effort.  Spehar did not disappoint.  His down-home country sound and his superb writing skills are clearly evident, regardless of how you feel about his politics, as evidenced by the tongue-in-cheek tune, “Thank you Donald.”  His folky style continues to remind us of Woody Guthrie (check out “Bitch Heaven”), and he obviously knows the importance of words in any battle of beliefs.  He is also adept at creating the perfect musical soundtrack to complement his lyrics, such as he did on “Carnival.”  We believe that just about every music lover will find something to like on this project.  Give it a listen!

Recommendation:  Once again, Spehar delivers a jewel of folk music with a country flair.  We recommend you Get this one.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Theatre Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 19

Happy Monday.  Hope you all had a great Mother’s Day and remembered to thank her for all she’s done for you.  This time next month we will be in Los Angeles for the ninth annual Hollywood Fringe Festival.  In addition, we will be announcing the nominations for the LA Music Critic Awards for the first half of 2018.  In the meantime, let’s check out some new singles and music videos, and catch up on what’s happening in the indie world.

SHEENA METAL PRESENTS THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES

Since 2006, promoter and radio host Sheena Metal has been directing and producing The Vagina Monologues for charity. This year is the 20th anniversary of playwright Eve Ensler’s non-profit, VDay.org, whose mission is to end violence against women, across the globe.  Other non-profits participating include RaisingtheVibration.org and VDayLA.com.

This year’s production opened last Thursday at the Loft Ensemble Theatre in Sherman Oaks, and will continue this coming Thursday and Friday, May 17-18.  Tickets may be purchased by clicking here.

JANIVA MAGNESS TO PERFORM AT THE GRAMMY MUSEUM

Grammy-nominated indie blues artist Janiva Magness, recent winner of the BB King Entertainer of the Year Award, will be performing at the Grammy Museum, located at 800 W. Olympic Boulevard on May 22.  The doors will open at 7:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8:00 p.m.   Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.

Unsigned Only is currently accepting submissions for its Grand Slam promotion from May 8 to June 6.  Today is the last day to submit for the Digital Distribution portion, but each week will have a different theme.  The week one winner will receive one free album distribution online and one free video distribution courtesy of @symphonicdistribution.  To learn more, click here.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single today comes from up and coming pop songstress Mauve.  Here is “Sweetness,” which was just released on Friday.

Our second single is “Deep Love,” by Dela Kay.  We are proud to be able to debut this single, which is being released today.  Ask for it at your favorite dance club.

Our final singles today come from two of LA’s premier indie bands.  First up is “Come Around” by Sleep Machine, who are releasing their entire album one single at a time.  The second is “It’s All for Love (For Goodness Sake) by  No Small Children.  Check them both out live when they perform at The Satellite on May 17.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up is the latest from one of our iconic musical legends, Rusty Young of Poco.  This is for his single “My Friend.”  You can catch him in concert at the LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase at the Mint on June 19.

Our second single comes from Colorado-native Rob Drabkin, who reminds us that “It’s a Beautiful Day.”

Our final video today is from actress and singer/songwriter Katie Vincent.  The song is called “The Way it Goes,” and it was used in the award-winning indie fillm Pickings.  We think it is the perfect way to close out this edition of Monday Mashup.