Tag: Prog Rock

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

Get it or forget it – Tommy Emmanuel and David Grisman, Robert Francis, Kansas, Leslie Clio, King Park

And the quest to complete 2017 review requests continues with another five for you today, including the spectacular live release by the one and only Kansas.  I know we normally don’t review major label acts, but who could pass up the opportunity to review one of the greatest bands ever?  We think you’ll understand when you check it out.  Here we go.

Artist Name:  Tommy Emmanuel and David Grisman

Album Name:  Pickin’

Label:  Acoustic Disc Records

Genre:  Bluegrass

Track Listing:  1.  Zorro’s Last Ride; 2.  Cinderella’s Fella; 3.  CGP & Dawg; 4.  Farm & Fun Time; 5.  Newly Wedding; 6.  Sweet Georgia Brown; 7.  Standing Rock; 8.  Dawg’s Waltz; 9.  Tipsy Gypsy; 10.  Tracy’s Tune; 11.  Port Townsend Blues; 12.  Waltzing Matilda

Publicist:  MSO PR

Review:  Two of the world’s premier musicians, guitarist Tommy Emmanuel aka CGP and mandolinist David Grisman aka Dawg have combined their talents on this amazing album of acoustic and bluegrass originals and covers.  This is the album for true music lovers, especially those who love the sound of guitar picking and mandolin.  This album is a total treat from start to finish.  We especially love the covers of “Sweet Georgia Brown” and “Waltzing Matilda,” and their original “Tipsy Gypsy,” but you can’t go wrong with any song on this album.

Recommendation:  If you truly love the art of making music, then this album is a must-have.  Get it now!

Artist Name:  Robert Francis

Album Name:  Indian Summer

Label:  Aeronaut Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  The Brand; 2.  Burn Out; 3.  Goldwing; 4.  Unspoken Rule; 5.  This Old House; 6.  Forgiveness is a Destination; 7.  The Magic; 8.  Modoc County; 9.  Joseph Campau; 10.  Dark Windows; 11.  Shots Ring Out; 12.  Indian Summer; 13.  Flatlining

Publicist:  Perpetual Media Relations

Review:  One of the things that makes this album from Robert Francis stand out is that he played every instrument on the album, and also produced it along with Marc Gabor.  This is a rare trait in musicians.  There are a lot of multi-instrumentalists out there, but few who can write, sing and play all the necessary instruments.  The music has a 60’s vibe with strong influence from Jim Morrison and The Doors, making these extremely well written songs all the more worthy of industry attention.  These songs go well as a musical backdrop for a weekend party, especially for us baby boomers.    Best tracks include “Burn Out,” “Goldwing,” “Unspoken Rule,” “This Old House,” “The Magic,” “Modoc County,” “Joseph Campau,” “Dark Windows,” and “Indian Summer.”

Recommendation:  An amazing effort from an amazing musician – definitely Get this one.

Artist Name:  Kansas

Album Name:  Leftoverture Live & Beyond

Label:  Inside Out Music

Genre:  Classic Rock/Prog Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Icarus II; 2.  Icarus; 3.  Point of Know Return; 4.  Paradox; 5.  Journey from Mariabronn; 6.  Lamplight Symphony; 7.  Dust in the Wind; 8.  Rhythm in the Spirit; 9.  The Voyage of Eight Eighteen; 10.  Section 60; 11.  Carry on Wayward Son; 12.  The Wall; 13.  What’s on my Mind; 14.  Miracles out of Nowhere; 15.  Opus Insert; 16.  Questions of my Childhood; 17.  Cheyenne Anthem; 18.  Magnum Opus; 19.  Portrait (He Knew)

Publicist:  Big Picture Media

Review:  Kansas has been a mainstay in rock music for almost a half-century, and was one of the pioneers of prog rock.  It is only fitting that they recorded their concert tour to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the release of their seminal and best selling album, Leftoverture.  Producer Jeff Glixman, who also produced the original album, pulled these 19 songs from 12 different shows that were recorded during the tour.  The songs include some of the band’s greatest hits, deep cuts not previously played live, tunes from their last studio album The Prelude Implicit, as well as the entirety of Leftoverture.  The result is a little slice of audio heaven that is sure to bring back memories for those of us who have been around to see this band develop into one of the greatest bands ever.  Steve Walsh and Kerry Livgren, the band’s principle songwriters, have given so much to rock and roll and music in general, and this live album proves that Kansas is still as great today as they were when they formed back in 1973.

Recommendation:  Don’t even think about it – you simply must Get your copy today!

Artist Name:  Leslie Clio

Album Name:  Purple Unplugged

Label:  Embassy of Music

Genre:  Soul/Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Survivor; 2.  Game Changer; 3.  Lies are Gold; 4.  Why Cry; 5.  Riot

Publicist:  Guerilla Music Promotion

Review:  Tackling a cover by Destiny Child is a daunting task for the most seasoned vocalist, yet Leslie Clio pulls it off without a hitch.  We like her laid-back approach to “Survivor” and lyrical updates and think this is just the icing on the cake that is the potential for Clio.  Her keys and vocal arrangement of “Game Changer” is just that, and barely prepares you for the amazing conclusion of the track.  “Lies of Gold” is a haunting R&B masterpiece that would be perfect for placement in television or film.  “Why Cry” and “Riot” are both deserving of radio airplay now, and are reminiscent of Kelly Clarkson.  This is an artist to keep an eye on, because she has the chops to soon stand shoulder to shoulder with Beyoncé and Clarkson.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one.

Artist Name:  King Park

Album Name:  The Light I Can’t See

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alternative Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Stay; 2.  Grey; 3.  Words; 4.  Him

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  With a rousing rock sound like Linkin Park meets Soundgarten and Blue October. King Park is a band that possesses strong writing skills, raw and emotional vocals, and a message that will resound and resonate long after the song has ended.  All four songs are memorable, and even music lovers who don’t necessarily dig alternative rock should find something they like in their sound.  The lyrics are so well crafted and delivered that they could stand alone as poetry, and the rocking accompaniment implants the words in your brain, creating an earwig that won’t die.  In our humble opinion, these guys are Grammy bound, and should soon dominate the alternative rock community.

Recommendation:  We highly recommend that you get up and Get this one!

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it: Joe Goodkin, my education, Chris Shiflett

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.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

The Spider Accomplice has taken its fans captive with the release of ‘The Abduction’

Back in the day, concept albums were the norm for many rock bands.  The Spider Accomplice (TSA) has taken the concept album to a new height with the release of their new EP, the second installment of their Los Angeles trilogy.

Their first EP, Los Angeles:  The Trap, was well conceived and set a pretty high bar for indie rock.  That EP garnered the band their first LA Music Critic Awards for Best EP and Best Rock Band for the second half of 2015.   TSA followed that up with a series of videos called Los Angeles:  The Abduction, which likewise won the LA Music Critic Award for the first half of 2016 for best video series.

TSA’s newest EP, Los Angeles:  The Abduction, is scheduled to be released on October 1, and Indie Voice Blog was one of the outlets fortunate enough to receive an advance copy.  In all honesty, this release could be the premier event of the year.

The new EP doesn’t just live up to the hype, it smashes it into little pieces and raises the bar once again.  The first song, “Bromelaid,” seamlessly joins the two EPs together as it segues from The Trap into The Abduction.  As the narration ends and the song begins, it becomes obvious that the listener is about to be blown away, as the perfect beat of Justin Lee Dixon on drums lays a firm foundation for the otherworldly guitar riffs of Arno Numisto, topped off with the cherry that is the incredible voice of lead singer VK Lynne.

Hats off to the amazing work of producer Steve Kravac (Blink 182, Less Than Jake, MxPx), who has harnessed the power of this super nova band and crafted an EP worthy of the members of TSA.  Kudos also to Andrew Faust (Dead Winter, Midnight Shinigami), a former collaborator who has returned to provide perfect bass and backing vocals that complement and complete TSA’s total package.

Every song on this EP builds on the foundation laid by the song before it, spinning a story that will not be complete until the third EP is released.  Notwithstanding the amazing story that is unfolding on their first two EPs, these songs are good enough to stand alone, and are most worthy of radio airplay, especially “You Still Lie.
Los Angeles:  The Abduction returns us to the era of prog rock, and is most worthy of every music lover’s attention.  It easily will become one of your favorite musical treasures and should be shared with all of your closest friends.  Indie Voice Blog is proud to give TSA its highest recommendation and, on the five star system, gives it 17 stars.
Check out the band’s website and Facebook pages, follow them on Twitter and Instagram and definitely subscribe to their YouTube channel.  You can order the EP through Bandcamp.