Because of some snafus with getting access to several of the CDs and EPs that were released in June, we now have quite a few that need to be reviewed so that we can get back to the reviewing those that have been released since July 1. Here are (we hope) the final three from June, as well as one from July. While we try to catch up, we will be interspersing the Get it or Forget it reviews with our live performance reviews of recent shows, including Chris Chilton, Jerad Finck, Celtic Festival Missoula, and Anni Piper/Magic City Blues Festival. Let’s get this party going!
Artist Name: LOLAA
Album Name: LOLAA
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie Pop
Track Listing: 1. Breaking Sound; 2. Always Been; 3. Lola; 4. Song 6; 5. Barricades; 6. Spirits
Publicist: The Syndicate PR
Review: Toronto based sisters Lex Valentine and Nadia Valerie King combine their amazing voices to form LOLAA, and the result is pop heaven. The music is upbeat and makes you want to tap your toes or get up and dance. The songs are radio friendly. This band deserves industry attention. We love all six songs on this all-too-short EP, and can hardly wait to see what comes next. We especially love their first music video of “Always Been” and also love the song “Barricades.”
Recommendation: Don’t waste any time. Just Get this one – trust us.
Artist Name: Shannon McNally
Album Name: Black Irish
Label: Compass Records
Genre: Roots/Americana/Blues/Soul
Track Listing: 1. You Made me Feel for You; 2. I Ain’t Gonna Stand for It; 3. Banshee Moan; 4. I Went to the Well; 5. Roll Away the stone; 6. Black Haired Boy; 7. Low Rider; 8. Isn’t That Love; 9. Stuff You Gotta Watch; 10. Prayer in Open D; 11. It Makes no Difference; 12. Let’s go Home
Publicist: The Syndicate PR
Review: Shannon McNally has been floating around the indie music community for quite a few years. In fact, Black Irish is her tenth studio album. But what sets this one apart is the fact that it is produced by Roots icon Rodney Crowell, who brings out the best of McNally, both in her vocals, the musical arrangements and the overall sound of her songs. He also wrote two of the songs, including “You Made me Feel for You,” and co-wrote one additional song. These songs are radio ready and definitely should be considered for placement in a myriad of television and movies. McNally’s interpretations of songs from classic artists like Robbie Robertson, J.J. Cale, Muddy Waters, The Staple Singers and Stevie Wonder, clearly establish her as a major voice in today’s music market.
Recommendation: We can’t believe we haven’t heard of this artist until now. If you’ve also been in the dark about this amazing voice, remedy that by running out to Get this CD.
Artist Name: Eli Raybon
Album Name: Green
Label: Self-released
Genre: Alt/Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. 30 Cents; 2. Like an Eel; 3. Sucker me In; 4. Unsymmetrical
Publicist: Working Brilliantly
Review: Don’t let them tell you that 80’s music is dead, because it is alive and well in the person of Eli Raybon. His songs bring back memories of such acts as A Flock of Seagulls, and have a soothing effect, especially on those of use who still remember that decade. This four-song EP is far too short, but is the perfect teaser of what is to come from this truly outstanding artist. We can’t wait to see what’s next.
Recommendation: Definitely Get this EP digitally now, even before the hard copy comes out. It will brighten your day.
Artist Name: Kelly Fitzgerald
Album Name: Find the Silver Lining
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie Singer-Songwriter Pop
Track Listing: 1. I Think You’re out of my Mind; 2. You’re the man for Me; 3. Piece of Cake; 4. Behind Bars; 5. Everything That’s Good; 6. I Can’t Stop Thinking About You; 7. Make Your Heart Happy; 8. Sweet Love; 9. Thinkin’; 10. Bring me Back
Publicist: None
Review: Kelly Fitzgerald is one of those old school indie performers. Her songs are well crafted and upbeat, her voice is heavenly and she is one of the sweetest and most personable of performers. She sings about everyday subjects in such a way that they become instant classics. This time around she has hooked up with Brian Pothier and the result is one of the most fun CDs we have reviewed in quite a while., as she mixes genres with ease. We especially love the jazzy fun horns on “You’re the Man for Me,” and the ukulele on “Piece of Cake.” Our other favorites include “Behind Bars,” “Everything That’s Good,” and “I Can’t Stop Thinking About You,” which pretty much sums up the way we feel about Fitzgerald.
Recommendation: If you love great music, then this one is a no-brainer – Get it ASAP. If you’re in Southern California, we strongly suggest you see her perform live. It is definitely a rewarding experience.