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

Get it or forget it – Trans FX, The 131ers, Ed Prz, Demi Mitchell, Dorian Frankel

This is going to be a very busy week.  We will be spending 16 hours on Monday working the Pearl Jam concert at Washington Grizzly Stadium.  Then on Tuesday, we return to the Big Sky Brewing Company for the Halestorm concert.  In the meantime, here’s our first Get it of Forget it article of the week, and we have a lot of debuts to review this time around.  Enjoy.

Artist Name:  Trans FX

Album NameThe Showroom Dummies

Label:  Reversed Tornado

Genre:  Electronic

Track Listing:  1.  The Way it Sounds (ft. Lillian Maring); 2.  The Common Good / Is it Ever Enough; 3.  Sunday Morning (Reed/Cale) (ft. Abby Dahlquist); 4.  Something Better; 5.  Modern Working Woman (ft. Lillian Maring); 6.  People Like You; 7.  I’m a Dreamer (Denny) (ft. Valerie Warren); 8.  Vertigo (ft. Valerie Warren)

Publicist:  Mystic Sons

Review:  This is a very strange album.  It is obvious that some thought went into these songs, but it seems almost like they are totally unmastered.  The vocals sound like they were added to the music separately and never blended in, which makes for a very disjointed sound.  Of the three vocalists Trans FX uses for this project, none of them seem to grasp the complexity of the music, and their voices don’t do anything for the songs.

Recommendation:  Just Forget it.

Artist NameThe 131ers

Album NameNothing’s as it Should Be

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Crazy; 2.  Don’t Wanna Go; 3.  Ballerina; 4.  Face On; 5.  Get Rich; 6.  OG Food; 7.  Close my Eyes; 8.  I Lost; 9.  Rome; 10.  Leave This Man Behind; 11.  Nothings’ as it Should Be

Publicist:  Independent Music Media

Review:  Torrance, California is the home of The 131ers, and they should count themselves very lucky indeed.  The band is an indie rock quartet that mixes indie rock with funk, edge and soul, creating rock and roll that makes you want to dance.  Their sophomore album could be the soundtrack for all of your summer activities.  It kicks off with the fun and imaginative “Crazy” and never misses a beat.  We recommend that you just put this one on repeat, because one listen just ain’t enough.  We think “Get Rich” could be their break-out radio hit, so station managers, check out this band and add “Get Rich” to  your rotation.

Recommendation:  Get this one before you start your summer activities.  You’ll be glad you did.

Artist NameEd Prz

Album Name For You

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Singer-songwriter

Track Listing:  1.  Intro; 2.  For You; 3.  Better Days; 4.  Where all Dreams Dwell; 5.  Everything Turns to Gold; 6.  One with the Stars

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  The songs on Ed Prz’s debut EP are raw, as he recorded them in his bedroom. They feel very intimate, as if you are sitting in the room with him, and for that reason alone, they have serious potential.  We would love for him to get a good producer that would bring out all of his hidden talent and make these songs pop.  We salute Prz for his valiant effort, and would love to listen again when his songs are more polished.

Recommendation:  Put this one on simmer.   We’re sure it will be ready later.

Artist NameDemi Mitchell

Album NameThe Overflow

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Rock/Acid Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Get it Together; 2.  Out of Here; 3.  Dancing in the Sand; 4.  Dark Sea; 5.  The Overflow; 6.  Fiction From Fact; 7.  Medicine Woman; 8.  Man of my Mind; 9.  Coming Down

Publicist:  Collected PR

Review:  Demi Mitchell is further proof that some of the best indie music is coming from down under.  Mitchell hails from Newcastle, Australia, and brings her amazing mix of alt rock, folk and Americana to the Americas just in time to ride the current wave of Americana love that is permeating our music scene.  We think she should do quite well on American radio, and look forward to catching her on tour, preferably opening for someone like Mumford & Sons, The Infamous Stringdusters or Chris Stapleton.  She reminds us a bit of Lydia Loveless, and we think they would make a smashing collaboration.  We love this album, and every song is great.  Put it on repeat, grab a glass of wine, and chill.

Recommendation:  Rush out and Get this one.

Artist NameDorian Frankel

Album NameOne More Song

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Singer-songwriter Country/Folk/Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Handful of Sunshine; 2.  Be my You; 3.  The Pull; 4.  Vampire; 5.  Will you be Okay; 6.  Made of Music; 7.  Cross a Line; 8.  Naked; 9.  Another Close Call; 10.  Lydia; 11.  Broken; 12.  Hollyweed; 13.  Everybody Can Sing; 14.  The ballad; 15.  I Can’t Lie; 16.  Be Nice; 17.  If it Were Easy; 18.  These Important Days; 19.  Just Go; 20.  A Good Goodbye; 21.  Wordless; 22.  Second Wind; 23.  Strugglers/Stragglers; 24.  One More Song

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  By day Dorian Frankel is a casting director, but when that aspect of her life closes for the day, the inner artist emerges and boy, can she sing.  You can hear the southern country in her voice and inflections, and her music is a combination of country, folk and pop, capturing the best of each genre and adding Frankel’s sweet voice as the cherry on top.  We could see Frankel also sitting in at her favorite piano bar, like maybe Tramp Stamp Grannys, and singing her favorite show tunes along with the pianist and the other celebrity patrons that frequent the club.  Frankel packs 24 songs into this incredible album, so there’s something for everyone here.

Recommendation:  Definitely add this one to your easy listening collection.  Get it today.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – I Think Like Midnight, Angel Forrest, Ashley Cleveland, Adan Jodorowsky, Ebb & Flow

Happy Tuesday – hope you’re all having a great day.  We’re back with another edition of Get it or Forget it, and another five artists for you to check out.  Let’s get started.

Artist Name I Think Like Midnight

Album NameThis Land is Your Mind

Label:  Quadrapuss Records

Genre:  Instrumental Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Daychord; 2.  Next Door Everywhere; 3.  Lozenge; 4.  Acolyte; 5.  Fierce Majesty; 6.  Tuned Mass Dumper; 7.  Shelter in Place; 8.  Riverwards; 9.  Postdrome; 10.  Miner Pocket Draft Gear

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Finding a rock band that just plays instrumental music is very rare today, but could be very lucrative for the band.  Instrumental music is so much easier to place in television, film and commercial applications because it can be used anywhere without having to worry about lyrics getting in the way of the story or commercial message.  The quality of the music being created by I Think Like Midnight is first rate, making their music even that more desirable by music supervisors and advertising firms.  Besides the placement opportunities, their music is just plain great for background music for chilling, partying, and relaxation.  For that reason alone, we are very impressed with This Land is Your Mind and proud to add it to our musical library.

Recommendation:  This one is a must-have.  Get it now.

Artist NameAngel Forrest

Album NameElectric Love (Live)

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues

Track ListingDisc 1:  1.  All the Way; 2.  Spoil me Up; 3.  Piece of my Heart; 4.  Walkin’ Blues; 5.  House of the Rising Sun; 6.  How you Do; 7.  Move On; Disc 2:  1.  Goodbye; 2.  Roll on Down; 3.  Hold on Tight, Mr. I’m Alright; 4.  Crucify; 5.  Mother Tongue Blues; 6.  Turtle Blues; 7.  Me and Bobby McGee; 8.  Mama – Whole Lotta Love

Publicist:  ABIK Radio Promotions

Review:  We don’t know how you feel about live albums, but we love them, especially for artists we may be unable to check out in person.  This amazing live double album makes us feel like we’re sitting in a huge blues venue and catching the show of our lives.  Angel Forrest has a voice like Janis Joplin and is not afraid to wail.  Her band is dynamic, especially that blues guitar, and provides the perfect musical backdrop to that voice.   And we are not the only ones to think that, as this Canadian singer has won the “Female Vocalist of the Year” category of the Maple Blues Awards for the past five years.  Nowhere does it become more evident than on her cover of “Piece of my Heart.”  You can almost picture Ms. Joplin looking down and smiling that her mantle has been passed to another generation.  Forrest is also amazing on her other cover songs, especially
“House of the Rising Sun” and “Me and Bobby McGee,” as well as on her originals.  You cannot go wrong with this one.

Recommendation:  Don’t even think about it.  You simply MUST Get this one!

Artist NameAshley Cleveland

Album NameOne More Song

Label:  Koch/204 Records

Genre:  Blues/Americana/Gospel

Track Listing:  1.  Way out of no Way; 2.  Down by the Riverside; 3.  Crooked Heart; 4.  Lily Grown Wild; 5.  Take me to the Water; 6.  Cool Down by the Banks of Jordan; 7.  Halfway Down; 8.  To be Good; 9.  Ezekial 2; 10.  One More Song; 11.  Walk in Jerusalem; 12.  Born to Preach the Gospel

Publicist:  Modern Management/All the Buzz

Review:  Ashley Cleveland has been nominated for four Grammy awards and has taken home the prize three times.  Her gospel message is contained in multiple genres, and this time comes couched in a bluesy Americana style that highlights her voice, reminiscent of Bonnie Raitt.  This collection of original and public domain songs arranged by Cleveland is a worthy reflection of her career and makes this tenth career album very special.  She also adds a cover of Jim Lauderdale’s “Halfway Down,” and definitely knows how to pick the perfect musical accompaniment for her song, allowing her to  shine on each and every one.  We especially like “Way out of no Way,” “Lily Grown Wild,” “Cool Down by the Banks of Jordan,” “Halfway Down,” “Ezekial 2” (which she co-wrote with legendary guitarist Phil Keaggy, and “Walk in Jerusalem.”

Recommendation:  This one definitely deserves a place in your musical library.  Get it today!

Artist NameAdam Jodorowsky

Album NameEsencia Solar

Label:  Cosmica Records

Genre:  Alternative Latino

Track Listing:  1.  Mi Fe; 2.  Vivir con Valor (ft. Natalia LaFourcade); 3.  Color Cafe; 4.  Amor de da y Noche; 5.  Hasta la Aurora; 6.  Alion; 7.  Vagabondos de Otro Mundo (ft. Leon Larregui (Zoé)); 8.  Solo Falta lo Mejor; 9.  Todo lo mas Bello; 10.  Que Bello es Envejecor; 11.  El Cantor;; 12.  Noche del Alma; 13.  Abre tus Corozones; 14.  Yemanju

Publicist:  Locamotive

Review:  Chilean Adan Jodorowsky (Adanowsky) has released a new album and is currently touring the United States with his brand of alternative Latino music.  He has previously received critical acclaim from American radio, including NPR, and this new album should add to his appeal.  In addition, he has joined up with Natalia LaFourcade and Leon Larregui (Zoé) to further add to his legacy.  Although the music is sung in another language, the music is universal and can be felt in any language.  The feel of the music reminds us of the Gipsy Kings, another band that has a huge American following even though they do not sing in English.  In fact, this album is different enough to warrant a place in your musical library.  The smooth acoustical soundtrack and the amazing Latin percussion, along with Jodorowsky’s extraordinarily smooth voice should make this one an instant classic.  We especially love the Latin jazz feel of “Amor de da y Noche.”

Recommendation:  Give this one a chance.  We highly recommend you Get it and give it a special place in your musical library.

Artist NameEbb & Flow

Album NameEdge of the World

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Soul/Electro-Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Polaroids; 2.  +1; 3.  Dancing (on the Grave of my Dreams); 4.  Touchstone; 5.  Behind Enemy Lines; 6.  Silver Tongue; 7.  Fury; 8.  One Track Mind; 9.  Edge of the World

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Ebb & Flow is an LA-based band, although its three members arrived from different corners of Europe.  Our first impression of the band was Pentatonix with musical accompaniment.  The harmonies are heavenly, and the musical backing brings out both distinct voices like a blue velvet backing highlights the Hope Diamond.  It is no surprise that this band was included in the recent Music Connection Magazine‘s annual list of the “Hot 100 Live Unsigned Artists and Bands.”  DJs need to check out these tunes because they would make great dance tracks.  We love every song.  Ebb & Flow is easily becoming one of our brightest discoveries this year.  Don’t be surprised to see them do well in the next round of the LA Music Critic Awards.

Recommendation:  Drop whatever you’re doing and Get this one NOW!