Hard to believe but this is our 17th article in this review series – that’s 51 CD reviews since our first one back on September 7. Indie artists have truly been hard at work in 2016. I can hardly wait to see what 2017 holds.
Artist Name: Scarlett Taylor
Album Name: Churches
Label: Borderline Musick
Genre: Alternative pop/dream pop
Track Listing: 1. Fucked up; 2. Crazy; 3. Imprisoned; 4. Vacancy; 5. Off; 6. Confessional; 7. Ignite; 8. Velvet; 9. Without You; 10. Christmas Eve; 11. Shampoo; 12. Cutting
Publicist: none
Review: Scarlett Taylor is a fresh indie artist with a style that sets her apart from the pack. She is an incredible lyricist who uses a musical style totally different from her peers to present her message. Listening to Churches, her second studio album, it appears that she has had some bad experiences in her religious pursuit, and she tells her listeners the painful truths about her life. The music is airy, spectral and intriguing, drawing her listeners in with something different. We believe this artist has a lot to say, both in her current project and in the future, and recommend that you check her out. We have a feeling that you’ll be hearing a lot more from this gifted artist. Best track is “Ignite.” Most provocative tracks include “Fucked Up,” “Imprisoned” (featuring Zay from The Truants), “Confessional,” “Velvet,” and “Cutting.”
Recommendation: If you only like radio friendly music, then this is definitely not the disc for you. But if you are eclectic in your musical tastes, and not easily offended, then we think you should definitely Get this album.
Artist Name: McDougall
Album Name: Reaching for Some Light
Label: None
Genre: Folk Rock
Track Listing: 1. Roads; 2. Stranger on the Prairie; 3. Shaken; 4. Ten Speed; 5. Cut Loose; 6. Pitcher on the Train; 7. Make it Right; 8. Story of the Gray Man; 9. Barely Holding On; 10. Watercolor; 11. Moving Mountains
Publicist: In Music we Trust
Review: With a voice somewhere between Tom Waits and Tom Petty, McDougall brings his folk rock stylings to his latest project, Reaching for Some Light. It’s chock full of great story songs full of hope and the overcoming of obstacles. Unlike his previous recordings, McDougall broke his long-time premise that if he couldn’t play it live, he wouldn’t record it. What follows is a great disc of music where McDougall still plays almost all of the instrumentation, but recorded in a way that brings these songs to life. Always a great lyricist, McDougall’s words are the backbone of these songs, but with this record, he allows himself the luxury of providing the musical background they deserve. Every song on the album is worthy of your attention, especially “Shaken,” “Ten Speed,” “Cut Loose,” “Make it Right,” and “Watercolor,” which features the amazing violin work of Anna Tivel.
Recommendation: If you like good music with a message of hope and love, then this is definitely the disc for you. Get off your comfortable couch and Get It.
Artist Name: Michael Hornbuckle
Album Name: Soul Repo
Label: None
Genre: Blues
Track Listing: 1. Candle for Mary; 2. Risin Sun; 3. Hit me Up; 4. Angel; 5. Baby Rock; 6. Back Seat Blues; 7. Me and Melody; 8. One Night; 9. Soul Repo; 10. Sweat; 11. Wishin’ Well
Publicist: Doug Deutsch Publicity Services
Review: Michael Hornbuckle has a legacy in the blues world, but he does not rest on those laurels on his latest release, Soul Repo. From the first notes of “Candle for Mary,” Hornbuckle redefines the blues with this amazing collection of songs. Of all the artists we have recently reviewed, this is the one we would love to see perform live. His guitar licks are what memories are made of, and his sweet voice brings the songs home. Best tracks include “Hit me Up,” “Angel,” “Baby Rock,” “Back Seat Blues,” “Me and Melody,” and the title track, although there is not a weak song among the bunch.
Recommendation: Hornbuckle personifies the blues. If you only get one new album this holiday season, then this is the one you want. Get out and Get It now!