Tag: Live

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews

Get it or forget it – Earthquake Lights, Berlin Taxi, Conor Donohue, Safari Room, Jeffrey Halford and the Healers

Happy New Music Friday!  We hope you had a great week and are getting ready for the weekend.  Here are five albums that dropped today to get  you in the weekend mood.

Artist Name:  Earthquake Lights

Album Name:  Distress Signals

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Jazzy Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Moonlight; 2.  The Eight – One; 3.  May Day; 4.  Friends of Mine; 5.  We Will Never be the Same; 6.  Open Ocean; 7.  This is as Far as you Go; 8.  So Far no Luck; 9.  Transmission; 10.  Were you Listening

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Earthquake Lights have a brilliant indie rock sound that they blend with jazz and soul to create their own special blend.  The music goes down smooth and should be a multi-genre hit as it has the flexible to be heard on several different kinds of radio stations.  This is music to chill to, to get ready to and is perfect for daily living mediations and reflection.  This is music that can stay in the background 24-7 and you will never tire of it.  If this is the quality they put into their debut, we can only imagine how great the next one will be.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one.

Artist Name:  Berlin Taxi

Album Name:  Contract

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Synth Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Everybody Changes; 2.  Middle Man; 3.  Backroads; 4.  Last Night; 5.  Level with Me

Publicist:  WolfieVibes Publicity

Review:  We introduced  you to Berlin Taxi back in February when we featured their video for “Last Night.”  They were back again in our Ten Great Singles of March with “Everybody Changes.”  Needless to say, we are happy for the chance to hear three more songs from this amazing band, who is taking synth pop to an entirely new level.  Hop on board this retro train, and let’ boogie, especially to those last two tracks.

Recommendation:  Go Get it.

Artist Name:  Conor Donohue

Album Name:  Let Love Contaminate

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Roots Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Let Love Contaminate; 2.  Getting Better; 3.  Conversations; 4.  The Garden; 5.  Lost Weekend; 6.  Hedonist Glow; 7.  Gasoline; 8.  White Noise; 9.  Milk, Blood & Traffic Signals; 10.  Terrified Moon

Publicist:  WolfieVibes Publicity

Review:  Conor Donohue may have been raised on Long Island, but his time in South Carolina and New Orleans has transformed this singer-songwriter into a troubadour of all things roots rock.  You can feel the South Carolina breeze that brought us such treasures as Shovels and Rope and Alabama, and the NOLA influence that sets that sound free.  This album hits the ground running on that title track and never lets us, delivering a album that is great from start to finish and worthy of repeated listens.  Yo can’t go wrong with this one.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one!

Artist Name:  Safari Room

Album Name:  OOKO Session (Live)

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Glass Box; 2.  Vices; 3.  Around the Bend

Publicist:   Self-promoted

Review:  What sets this indie record apart from its peers is the simultaneous release of both audio and video versions of each song.   The band recorded these songs live to show their growth as artists, and to spotlight one song from each of their prior releases.  Recording live is a gutsy move because playing the songs acoustically often reveals flaws in the songs themselves.  Thank goodness there are no such flaws in these three gems, and this band shows that their live performance is just as good as what they do in the studio.  We think you’ll want to hear these three songs on repeat.  Our only critique is that the vocals need a little more punch so they stay on top of the instrumentals.  All in all, this is a worthy effort.

Recommendation:  Grab this one today.

Artist Name:  Jeffrey Halford & the Healers

Album Name:  West Towards South

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  West Toward South; 2.  Deeper Than Hell; 3.  Dead Man’s Hand; 4.  Willa Jean; 5.  Three-Quarter Moon; 6.  A Town Called Slow; 7.  Sea of Cortez; 8.  Gallows; 9.  Geronimo; 10.  Ballad of Ambrose and Cyrus

Publicist:  Miles High Productions

Review:  Jeffrey Halford & the Healers have long been a favorite of this blog, having earned two LA Music Critic Award nominations (Best CD Group and Best Roots/Americana Band) for the first half of 2017.  They’re back with their latest offering, West Towards South, and they just pick up where they left off.  The title track is done spoken word style, reminiscent of Shawn Mullins‘ “Lullaby.”  Halford returns to his singing on “Deeper Than Hell,” providing perfect rhymes that paint vivid word pictures over an electrifying musical soundscape.  If Americana music is your thing and you love an artist that can create memorable stories, then Jeffrey Halford & the Healers belong at the top of your list.

Recommendation:  This one is a must for your collection – run out and Get it.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Diane Durrett and Soul Suga, Eric Tingstad, Peter V Blues Train, Michelle Lewis, Gaetano Letizia and the Underworld Blues Rock Band

We got our first official snowfall over night, so it appears that winter is truly here.  Heading out to see Bohemian Rhapsody this afternoon, and can’t wait because we have always been huge Queen fans.  Before we go, we wanted to share some new music with you, so check out these five amazing artists.

Artist Name:  Diane Durrett & Soul Suga

Album Name:  Live

Label:  Blooming Tunes Music

Genre:  R&B/Blues/Soul

Track Listing:  1.  Intro Soul Suga; 2.  Bright Side; 3.  Interlude – Top 10; 4.  Butters in the Skillet; 5.  Interlude – You Say; 6.  It is What it Is; 7.  Interlude – Feeling Better; 8.  Interlude – Bend or Break; 9.  Wish it Would Rain; 10.  Interlude – Feeling the Love; 11.  Love has a Right to be Wrong; 12.  Story – Dog Rescue; 13.  Be Somebody’s Angel; 14.  Story – Grandmother Says; 15.  All is Well; 16.  Interlude – Thank Ya’ll; 17.  In Between Times; 18.  Junebugs Percussion Solo; 19.  Sassy Larùe; 20.  Interlude – Buzzin; 21.  Summertime; 22.  Don’t That Bring you Back; 23.  Interlude – Fun Time; 24.  Woohoo; 25.  Soul Suga Band Intro

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  Eddie’s Attic has always been a venue where indie artists love to perform.  It is easy to understand why as we listen to this amazing live album, recorded during her two shows which captures the vibe and feel of  that famous place.  Interspersed between their ten originals and one dynamic cover are some great moments of improv, storytelling and spontaneity.  Durrett and her band ROCK this joint with a mixture of R&B, soul, blues and gospel, creating a memorable performance that is now available for all to have, especially the horn-infused Top 10 tune “Butters in the Skillet.”  The message of the music is hope and perseverance, something our country desperately needs.  We think you will find what you’re looking for in this dynamic album, so keeping looking at the “Bright Side” and “Be Somebody’s Angel.”

Recommendation:  By all means, rush out and Get this one.

Artist Name:  Eric Tingstad

Album Name:  Electric Spirit

Label:  Cheshire Records

Genre:  Blues/Roots/Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  Electric City; 2.  French Quarter; 3.  Oh’ Shenandoah; 4.  Bessie; 5.  Amazing Grace; 6.  There’s More; 7.  South to Carolina; 8.  Big River; 9.  Key West; 10.  Flamingo Club; 11.  The Train of Thought; 12.  Over the Rainbow

Publicist:  Lazz Promotions

Review:  Eric Tingstad is another amazing artist we have met because of the Durango Songwriters Expo.  He is a Grammy-winning musician who has brought us albums in a myriad of genres, including New Age, Alt Country, Blues, Roots/Americana, Rock and Smooth Jazz.  On this album, he continues in the roots/Americana style with a healthy dose of blues guitar, perfectly demonstrated on the opening track, “Electric City.”  While there are some amazing vocals by Chloe Dolandis on “There’s More,” this album is primarily an instrumental one, displaying Tingstad’s amazing abilities for all to enjoy. His covers of traditional songs like “Oh’ Shenandoah,” “Amazing Grace,” “Big River,” and “Over the Rainbow” will amaze and impress, as will his original tunes, providing further proof of why he has become such a prolific and award-winning musician, composer and arranger.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one.

Artist Name:  Peter V Blues Train

Album Name:  Shaken but not Deterred

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Don’t Wanna Leave Memphis; 2.  Blue Monday; 3.  By the River; 4.  For all we Know; 5.  In Demand; 6.  T Bone Shuffle; 7.  Alibi; 8.  Don’t Cheat on my Lady; 9.  Rodeo (No BS); 10.  Getting Closer Now; 11.  Been so Long; 12.  Shaken but not Deterred; 13.  LIVE:  Worried Life Blues (bonus track)

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  While most artists seem to drop a new album about every two years, indie artists are more prolific with their music.  Case in point is the Peter V Blues Train, which has just released their second album of 2018.  We reviewed their previous one back in March, and this one is no less amazing.  It raises the awesomeness factor another notch, especially those amazing vocals and guitar licks of Peter V and that incredible sax of Danny Walsh.  This time around the album includes nine originals and four covers, including Fats Domino‘s “Blue Monday,” Donnie Hathaway‘s “For All we Know,” and the blues standard “T Bone Shuffle.”   Add another diamond to the crown pf one of the best blues bands in the world.

Recommendation:  Peter V and his band deliver once again.  Run out and Get their latest offering.

Artist Name:  Michelle Lewis

Album Name:  All That’s Left

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  That’s What They Say; 2.  All That’s Left; 3.  Push On; 4.  Dancing in the Dark; 5.  How; 6.  In Love Again; 7.  Scars; 8.  You and Me; 9.  Please Don’t Go; 10.  Lay on my Pillow

Publicist:  Devious Planet

Review:  While much of today’s pop scene is pure escapism, the music of Michelle Lewis is more down-to-earth, keeping us grounded in reality but still providing a healthy dose of hope in overcoming adversity, especially in the area of finding true love and overcoming loss.  Although her third album continues to showcase her amazing songwriting chops, it also includes something she has not previously done before, a cover of Bruce Springsteen‘s amazing song “Dancing in the Dark.”  Among her originals, best tracks include “Push On,” “How,” the amazing duet “In Love Again,” “Scars,” and “Please Don’t Go.”  The theme of the album is best summarized in the words of “Push On” – “You’ve got to push on.”  Thank you Michelle for giving us hope that tomorrow can be brighter.    We love your spirit.

Recommendation:  Don’t even think about it – Rush out and Get this one today!

Artist Name:  Gaetano Letizia & the Underworld Blues Rock Band

Album Name:  Beatles Blues Blast

Label:  Letizia Records

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Come Together; 2.  Do it in the Road; 3.  Drive my Car; 4.  Money; 5.  Tax Man; 6.  While my Guitar Gently Weeps; 7.  She Came in Through the Bathroom Window; 8.  I Want You (She’s so Heavy); 9.  And I Love Her; 10.  Can’t Buy me Love; 11.  You Can’t do That; 12.  Yesterday; 13.  Get Back; 14.  With a Little Help From my Friends; 15.  Birthday; 16.  Blackbird; 17.  A Day in the Life

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  Believe it or not, The Beatles, like many of the other British Invasion bands, started out as a blues band, and this album reimagines 17 of their songs as if they had stayed that way.  Featuring the amazing guitar work of Gaetano “Tom” Letizia, these covers retain all the appeal of The Beatles’ originals while giving them new life as future blues standards.  It is only fitting that it took a band from the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to accomplish this feat.

Recommendation:  If you love The Beatles and blues, then this is the perfect combination of the two.  Get it.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – NEVERWONDER, Jacki Stone, Social Room, Brent Butler, Guilande

Where were you when the world stopped turning?  Those words were written by Alan Jackson as he tried to wrap his head around the events of 9-11.  On the 17th anniversary of that fateful day, please stop and take a moment to reflect on how this country came together in the aftermath, and how we can get back together again.  Regardless of your politics, let’s find a way, before it’s too late.

For our first Get it or Forget it of the week, we have some new artists to check out, as well as one of the best alt-rock bands from Los Angeles with their long-awaited new EP.  Let’s get going.

Artist Name:  NEVERWONDER

Album Name:  NEVERWONDER

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Rock/Pop/Funk

Track Listing:  1.  Give it All; 2.  Moving On

Publicist:  Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:  We have known brothers Andres and Vincent Ramos since before they left Exploiting Eve and founded NEVERWONDER.  The band has been through a lot of changes looking for that special something, which they seem to have found with their new additions of Jay Wise on guitar and classically trained Swiss vocalist Fabienne Grisel on lead vocals.  Grisel reminds us of another powerful female vocalist, VK Lynne of The Spider Accomplice, and we expect that she will lead NEVERWONDER to the promised land with her amazing vocal abilities, and the incredibly relatable lyrics and stunning musical track.  Both tracks are about love, and what we all must decide about it – to “Give it All” or be “Moving On.”  This EP shows us just a taste of what’s to come from this new version of NEVERWONDER, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.

Recommendation:  NEVERWONDER never fails to deliver, and the new EP is no exception.  Definitely jump on this bandwagon and Get it today!

Artist Name:  Jacki Stone

Album Name:  Like Hell It’s Yours

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  California Country

Track Listing:  1.  Crazy Man; 2.  On a Real Lonely Night; 3.  Like Hell It’s Yours; 4.  Wishful Drinking; 5.  Victims of Comfort; 6.  Country as Fuck; 7.  California is Country, Too; 8.  This Side of Blue; 9.  Slow Down Easy; 10.  Red Light Fever; 11.  I Never saw it Coming; 12.  I’m Here (Cause I’m not all There)

Publicist:  Effectively Immediately PR

Review:  Jacki Stone is proof that you don’t have to be from the South to play traditional country music.  Unfortunately, she has retained the California tendency to pepper her lyrics with explicit language.  Thank goodness the music makes it all worthwhile, including some driving southern rock and great horns on the title track, and a folksy, bluegrass sound on “Wishful Drinking.”    Our favorite tracks were “On a Real Lonely Night,” “Wishful Drinking,” “California is Country, Too,” “Slow Down Easy,” and “I Never saw it Coming.”

Recommendation:  This one is for all the “country” folk thriving on the west coast.  Enjoy this version of California country – it will fill the hole in your musical library.

Artist Name:  Social Room

Album Name:  Brightstar

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Brightstar; 2.  Let’s Talk; 3.  Kiss Me; 4.  When Will I Dream; 5.  Not Asking for the World

Publicist:  Send to Media

Review:  Social Room is a UK-based indie rock band with a strong new wave/britpop feel that delivers on so many levels, vocally, lyrically and musically.  They could easily take on the American radio scene and do well, especially in the college community.  They have a decidely Top 40 vibe, and we bet they would be amazing in concert as well.  We love all five of these tracks, and can’t wait to see what comes next.

Recommendation:  These guys are definitely worth taking a chance.  Get their EP soon.

Artist Name:  Brent Butler

Album Name:  L I L A C

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Hip-hop/Rap

Track Listing:  1.  Ready or Not; 2.  Baby, We Were Born to Riot!; 3.  Vybrent (ft Crimdella); 4.  Selective Memory; 5.  Watching me Closely; 6.  In the Desert (ft Lauren Renahan); 7.  Never Give Up (ft Sonia Rose); 8.  IDNY (ft Deascent)

Publicist:  Effectively Immediately PR

Review:  Like Eminem, Brent Butler makes his hip-hop in such a way that it has serious cross-over appeal to the pop scene.  His beats are sick, and despite the occasional explicit language, the lyrics are worth listening to.  The first track describes his music perfectly, because “Ready or Not,” Butler is coming to a radio dial near you.  We can see his music having a tremendous appeal to the college scene.

Recommendation:  While we are not the biggest fans of hip-hop, we would definitely add this one to our library, and recommend you do the same.

Artist Name:  Guilande

Album Name:  Live

Label:  AWAL

Genre:  Classic Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Looser; 2.  No More; 3.  Mighty Eagle; 4.  Gate of Hell; 5.  Run, Run, Run . . .; 6.  Love (Nature’s Way); 7.  Too Late; 8.  Freed Myself Today; 9.  Queen of Spades

Publicist:  ABIK Radio Promotions

Review:  Guilande is named after lead singer Orlanda Guilande with a classic rock vibe that brings back great memories of 70’s rock and roll.  This live album captures their amazing sound and energy and makes the listener want to get out and see their perform in concert.  There is not a weak song in this collection, and we could easily listen to them over and over again.  We love the sound of Guilande’s voice and the musical chemistry with her band is perfect, resulting in songs that reasonate with the listener, especially if they are a fan of bands like Lynnyrd Skynnrd, Jefferson Airplane, Credence Clearwater Revival and the like.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one!  It belongs on repeat.

 

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it – The Elwins, Tout, John LaFayete Ramey, Noon

Happy Friday the 13th.  Hope you have a spooky good time today.  We have four reviews for your today, two of which are instrumentals courtesy of Trestle Records, which specializes in that genre.  We are proud to welcome them to our family of music enablers.  We hope these albums put you in the weekend mode.  Since we are going out on tour with Jerad Finck, this may be our last Get it or Forget it for a few weeks, but we will do our best to continue to enlighten you on the amazing indie artists we meet.

Artist Name:  The Elwins

Album Name:  Beauty Community

Label:  Hidden Pony

Genre:  Indie Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Hey! Ya, You; 2.  Don’t Walk Away From Me; 3.  OMG; 4.  Hocus Pocus; 5.  Dreamgirl; 6.  Looks Like You’re Hiding; 7.  Never Felt so Good; 8.  Your Very own Beauty Community; 9.  How do you Feel; 10.  Watercolour; 11.  Grind you Down; 12.  C’mon C’mon; 13.  This is It

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  The album kicks off with “Hey! Ya, You,” which is also their first single.  It is a powerful pop/rock song that will play well on the radio, with its cool beat, hooky lyrics and impressive sound.  The album delivers hit after hit, all of which deserve serious industry consideration.  Our favorite tracks include “Don’t Walk Away From Me,” “OMG,” “Dreamgirl,” “Never Felt so Good,” “How do you Feel,” and “Grind you Down,” as well as the superb first single.  We have been seeing some impressive Canadian acts recently, and The Elwins top the list.  The band is headed out for a tour of the northern United States and Canada, and we only wish we had known they were just down the road in Bozeman last weekend.

Recommendation:  This one is super catchy and fun, and belongs in your music library.  Get it.

Artist Name:  Tout

Album Name:  Live

Label:  Trestle Records

Genre:  Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  Have set the Trees A’Sobbin; 2.  Tis Munny in his Purse; 3.  I Pictured Him; 4.  My Condition Can’t be Worse; 5.  So Here I’ve Stood

Publicist:  Trestle Records

Review:  Tout brings us prog rock instrumentals that are interesting and complex, with a steady beat and impressive guitar work.  They provide an excellent background for your daily life, with music that will keep your ears and mind alert.  This live album follows their first three studio albums, which have garnered industry praise and created a huge fan base for this thoughtful and reflective tunes.  All five tracks are noteworthy and unique.  Take time to be reflective – just add these songs to your daily routine.

Recommendation:  If you love prog rock and instrumentals, take these tunes for a test drive.

Artist Name:  John Lafayette Ramey

Album Name:  Exposition Lines

Label:  Self released

Genre:  Roots Rock/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Cheap Rent (Move On); 2.  Guadalupe; 3.  Amelia; 4.  Jenny; 5.  Troubled Soulful Mama of the Deepest Blue; 6.  Parnell; 7.  Let me Down Easy; 8.  Sad Song, Sad Town; 9.  I Don’t Believe You; 10.  Still with Me

Publicist: KB Music Press

Review:  John Lafayette Ramey is a multi-talented Americana artist that brings the total package to the genre.  His songs can be rocky, like “Cheap Rent” or heartfelt and sincere, like “Guadalupe” and “Amelia.”   He even throws in his own version of the blues with “Troubled Soulful Mama of the Deepest Blue.”  His album shows a firm understanding of the many facets of Americana music, and Ramey has the chops to make it in this very competitive marketplace.  He also shows a healthy respect for classic rock with a pair of songs that feel heavily influenced by the Beatles (“Parnell”) and Tom Petty (“Let me Down Easy”), as well as the country feeling “Sad Song, Sad Town” and “I Don’t Believe You.”

Recommendation:  Check this one out if your love the variety of sounds incorporated in the Americana genre.

Artist Name:  Noon

Album Name:  Disquiet

Label:  Trestle Records

Genre:  Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  Use on Floor; 2.  Wow Ashen; 3.  Imani’s Call; 4.  Living Above Visions; 5.  Disquiet; 6.  Plastic White; 7.  Llangrannog; 8.  Obviously Having it Believers; 9.  London Swims

Publicist:  Trestle Records

Review:  The album is aptly named as this album is chock full of discordant notes, eerie and spooky undertones and an overall feeling of unease, making it the perfect soundtrack for the horror movie industry.  Amazingly, it was recorded live at conversational levels during their show at Netil House.  The band incorporates a myriad of styles and tones in creating their unique sound.  This one is not for the faint of heart, but the audiophile in search of something totally different.

Recommendation:  Check it out, if you dare.