Happy Election Day! Hope that you are exercising your rights as an American, and have or intend to vote today. It is so important that we all participate in this process.
Since it’s my day off, I decided to check back through my emails to see what submissions I had not yet reviewed. Imagine my surprise to find several amazing CDs that I had missed. My apologies to these artists for not recognizing your talent in my initial perusal of emails from your respective publicists.
Sit back, take your mind off all the political backbiting, and learn about some amazing artists that you simply must check out.
Artist Name: Janey Street
Album Name: This Side of Paradise
Label: Blue Élan Records
Genre: Singer-Songwriter/Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. Among the Missing; 2. Good Side; 3. Bring it On; 4. House of Mirrors; 5. Situation; 6. Tears Taste the Same; 7. I’m not the Girl I Used to Know; 8. End; 9. Grand Delusion; 10. My Side of Paradise; 11. Radar; 13. Scat Like Ella; 14. End of the Day
Publicist: Mad Ink PR
Review: OMG! I can’t believe I missed this CD. Janey Street is part Anne Murray, part Ann Wilson and part Patti Griffin, all rolled up into one awesome package. Her songs are sometimes laid back, like the title track, and sometimes in your face, but the overall vibe is just great music. Every song is powerfully written, with lyrics that are meaty and memorable, and a beat that drives the message home. “House of Mirrors” is the perfect anthem for this election day, as is “End.” It’s hard to pick my favorite, so I choose them all, although “Scat Like Ella” is a great song that reminds me of Maroon Five’s “Moves Like Jaeger.” This is definitely one of the best releases of 2016. I can’t believe this amazing artist, whose previous biggest hits were in the 1980’s, had not published any music in more than a decade. Welcome back Janey!
Recommendation: Whatever you have to do, definitely get off your backside, rush to your favorite retailer/online music source and GET THIS CD!
Artist Name: Mitch Hayes
Album Name: Heroes
Label:
Genre: Singer-Songwriter/Folk/Americana
Track Listing: 1. Look at You; 2. The Hardest Thing; 3. All my Heroes; 4. Hand of the Devil; 5. All Fall Down; 6. Home Again; 7. Helping Hand; 8. Ashes & Dust (Erin’s song); 9. A Peaceful Revolution; 10. Life Goes On; 11. Something Deep Within; 12. Home Again (reprise)
Publicist: Doug Deutsch Publicity Services
Review: Mitch Hayes is a man of many talents and a cancer survivor, which has added an edge to his amazing voice that can still deliver a powerful message in song. His lyrics are so well written that they instantly connect to the listener, in part because the musical accompaniment is perfectly suited to each song. These songs make you think and reflect, especially “All my Heroes.” This is the perfect album for your relaxation and meditation time, as it gives you perfect food for thought. So glad you survived your cancer scare, Mitch. The world needs more artists like you. Best tracks include “Look at You,” “All My Heroes,” “Home Again,” and “A Peaceful Revolution.”
Recommendation: If you’re a Tom Waits and/or Americana fan, then you should definitely Get it. It’s truly worth the listen.
Artist Name: Kari Kimmel
Album Name: Poppyfields
Label: Rykim Records
Genre: Pop/Rock
Track Listing: 1. Keep Shinin On; 2. Nothing you Could Do; 3. One Foot out the Door; 4. For Anyone; 5. Just the way I Like; 6. Feel Alive; 7. Over It; 8. Every Second; 9. Undercover; 10. One in a Million; 11. Everybody has to Fall
Publicist: none
Review: Kari Kimmel may not be as well known as other pop icons like Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson or Pink, but her songs are no less powerful. In addition, this DIY master has had her music placed in more than 600 movies and televisions shows, and has consistently been ranked among the Top 50 artists on VH-1. Her latest effort, Poppyfields (named after her daughter) is by far her best to date. From the first note of “Keep Shinin,” a serious power ballad, it explodes with a sound that is so much better than most of the music you hear on today’s Top 40 stations. “One Foot out the Door” is so sassy and fun, I bet Pink is jealous that she didn’t record it. Although this album is perfect from start to finish, our favorites are “Keep Shinin,” “One Foot Out the Door,” “For Anyone,” “Just the Way I Like,” and “Every Second.”
Recommendation: If you love an artist that consistently puts out amazing music and has achieved a similar level of success to many label-driven pop artists, all while doing it by herself, then you would be a fool not to rush out and Get It. We are sure you will be putting this one on repeat.