We’ve got a couple of articles for you today while we review six more great indie albums, including the latest from the amazing guitarist of the Foofighters, Chis Shiflett. Be prepared for some amazing tunes.
Artist Name: Joe Goodkin
Album Name: Record of Loss
Label: Quell Records
Genre: Folk Singer-Songwriter
Track Listing: 1. Nothing to Lose; 2. Never Come Back; 3. Charlie and Roger; 4. Sarah and Julie; 5. Eric and Gina; 6. For the Loss
Publicist: KG Music Press
Review: Folk music keeps a record of our lives and legacy, and keeps them alive by retelling those stories in song. Our country has not had a true troubadour since Woody Guthrie, but we believe that his successor has finally arrived in the person of Joe Goodkin. His latest effort, Record of Loss, is the second in a trilogy of albums about life and loss. His first album, Record of Life, was released to rave critical review and his second album picks up where the first left off. Besides the deeply personal nature of the songs, with lyrics that create word pictures that strike deep within your soul, what sets this record apart is the fact that it is recording using just a guitar and voice, although that guitar contains up to eight layers within each song. It is impossible to listen to these songs without having them impact you, unless you’ve lived in a cave for the majority of your life. They deal with such issues as ALS, suicide, divorce, abortion and euthanasia, topics few songwriters will touch. The overall effect is an album that is brutally honest but still uplifting.
Recommendation: This album is not for everyone, but if you’re brave enough to face the truth about your frailties and weaknesses, it just may surprise you with its uplifting truth. We highly recommend you add Joe Goodkin to your list of favorite musicians.
Artist Name: my education
Album Name: Schiphol
Label: Headbump Records
Genre: Instrumental
Track Listing: 1. Intro; 2. Open Marriages; 3. Coordinates; 4. Class A; 5. Krampus; 6. This Time Let’s Rock; 7. Grey An; 8. Reekei Plume Plucked Minnow; 9. Reprise (Coordinates)
Publicist: Noisy Ghost PR
Review: Unless you listen primarily to jazz, classical or movie scores, you probably don’t care too much for pure instrumental tracks. If that is the case, we want to introduce you to my education, a rocking band out of Austin, Texas that just might change your mind. With a sound reminiscent of some of the great prog-rock bands like Rush and Kansas, my education has released a sweet mix of tunes that combine elements of rock, classical and strings to create the perfect soundtrack for your life. These lad were chosen Austin American-Statesman as the Artist of the Month for March, right during SXSW, and even a casual listen will explain why. Their music is like a symphony of why we love rock music, with guitars, strings, discordant notes and chords that stimulate the mind with the sounds of true music. We also recently shared their music video with you and truly believe that this band has a great future and a place in today’s musical world.
Recommendation: This album is the perfect addition to your musical library, and should be part of your daily relaxation and/or stimulation session. We highly recommend you Get my education and look forward to more from these forward-thinking musicians.
Artist Name: Chris Shiflett
Album Name: West Coast Town
Label: SideOneDummy Records
Genre: Alt Country
Track Listing: 1. Sticks & Stones; 2. West Coast Town; 3. Goodnight Little Rock; 4. Room 102; 5. The Girl’s Already Gone; 6. Blow out the Candles; 7. I’m Still Drunk; 8. Cherry; 9. Tonight’s not Over; 10. Still Better Days
Publicist: Sacks and Co.
Review: Although you may be most aware of the talents of Chris Shiflett as the lead guitarist for the Foofighters, he is a most talented solo artist as well, with a sound reminiscent of two of Bakersfield’s finest – Buck Owens and Dwight Yoakum. His voice is perfect for the alt-country/Americana sound and his tantalizing guitar licks provide just the right background for his storytelling lyrics. His music is the perfect blend of old and modern country, and is ripe for radio and for placement in a variety of movies and television shows. We love every song on this album, but are most excited by the title track, “Goodnight Little Rock,” “The Girl’s Already Gone,” “Blow out the Candles,” and “Cherry,” which has a Vince Gill sound and a great two-step beat.
Recommendation: Although the album will not be officially released until April 14, it is currently available at live shows, and can be pre-ordered online on the website. We highly recommend this album and consider it to be one of the best we’ve heard in 2017. Definitely Get It.