Month: April 2017

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

Get it or forget it – Jeffrey Halford & the Healers, Single by Sunday, Polly O’Keary and The Rhythm Method

Happy Friday – welcome to our final Get it or Forget it of the week – can you believe this will make 12 album reviews this week?  We continue to be overwhelmed by the amazing indie music being released and are proud to introduce you to these artists.  Enjoy your Friday and join us again next week as we continue our journey through the world of indie music.

Artist Name:  Jeffrey Halford & the Healers

Album Name:  Lo-Fi Dreams

Label:  Shoeless Records

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Two Jacksons; 2.  Elvis Shot the Television; 3.  Door #3; 4.  Good Trouble; 5.  10,000 Miles; 6.  Last Kiss; 7.  Bird of Youth; 8.  Sweet Annette; 9.  Looking for a Home; 10.  Great Divide 

Publicist:  Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:  If you can imagine Tom Petty singing vocals for the Eagles while BB King plays dirty blues, then you have a taste of the awesomeness that is Jeffrey Halford.  On his eighth CD, Lo-Fi Dreams, he strips down his sound and lets the magic erupt.  The first track, “Two Jacksons,” sets the stage, and every song thereafter continues the story with amazing vocals, lyrics and musicality.  We simply cannot say enough about this album, which truly shines.  Every song is worthy of accolades, but we are especially fond of “Two Jacksons,” “Door #3,” “Bird of Youth,” “Sweet Annette,” and “Great Divide.”

Recommendation:  Jeffrey Halford should definitely be on your list of favorite artists and his latest album deserves a preferred spot on your playlist.  We are proud to recommend Lo-Fi Dreams, and strongly encourage you to Get It when it is released on May 19.

Artist Name:  Single by Sunday

Album Name:  Watch out World

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop/Punk/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  22.5.16; 2.  Nevereverever; 3.  It is What it Is; 4.  I Can’t go on Like This 

Publicist:  Neon Tetra Music PR

Review:  If we could package the energy exuded by Single by Sunday, we would be no energy crisis.  These four lads from Scotland have an immense amount of talent, and although they have taken the UK by storm, they are still relatively unknown in the States.  With the upcoming June 2 release of their latest EP, that could drastically change.  The band has already gotten airplay on KROQ in Los Angeles, and other stations are sure to follow their lead.  All four songs are powerful radio songs, and the first single, “Nevereverever” has also been released as a music video.  The beat is driving, the vocals are tight and the songs are upbeat and fun.  Their music is just what commercial radio needs to wake up and grab ahold of their listeners.

Recommendation:  We think that this band has a bright future in American music, and are happy to recommend you Get their EP ASAP.

Artist Name:  Polly O’Keary and The Rhythm Method

Album Name:  Black Crow Callin’

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Hard Hearted World; 2.  A man who can Stand; 3.  Red Light; 4.  Black Crow Callin’; 5.  Yours to Lose; 6.  One Life; 7.  Reconciled; 8.  I Don’t Understand; 9.  Plan B; 10.  I am the One 

Publicist:  Frank Roszak Promotions

Review:  Long a bastion of male musicianship, the blues is becoming more enticing for female musicians.  Case in point is Polly O’Keary and The Rhythm Method, who are breaking down the door that separates and busting into the forefront of the genre.  With powerful pipes like Bonnie Raitt and Etta James, bass licks worthy of Sir Paul or Sting, and a musical chemistry that is head and shoulders above many other bands, these cats have come to sing.   They immediately grab your attention from the first note of the album, and never let up.  O’Keary provides bass and vocals, while she is complemented by guitar and vocals from David Miller and drums and vocals from Tommy Cook.  The combination of rich guitar and bass riffs and soaring blues vocals creates music that will stimulate your senses and make you want to move.  Our favorite tracks are “Red Light,” the title track (with its sassiness and downhome dirty sound), “Yours to Love,” “One Life,” and “I Don’t Understand.”

Recommendation:  This is our favorite album reviewed this week, and strongly encourage you to Get up and Get out and get it when it is released on May 19.  You’ll thank us later.

 

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

Get it or forget it – The Charlatans, MINKA, Gina Sicilia

Working our way through a massive hill of review requests and found these three new artists to share with you.  While we are familiar with one of them, the other two are brand new to us.  Grab your coffee and check out what we think of their new releases.

Artist Name:  The Charlatans

Album Name:  Different Days

Label:  BMG/The End Records

Genre:  Brit Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Hey Sunrise; 2.  Solutions; 3.  Different Days; 4.  Future Tense; 5.  Plastic Machinery; 6.  The Forgotten One; 7.  Not Forgotten; 8.  There will be Chances; 9.  Over Again; 10.  The Same House; 11.  Let’s go Together; 12.  The Setting Sun; 13.  Spinning Out 

Publicist:  The End Records PR

Review:  It’s hard to believe that Different Days is the 13th album released by The Charlatans, and we have never heard of them before.   But thanks to our friends at BMG and The End, they are now on our radar and we are overjoyed for the chance to review their latest collaboration, featuring such a diverse list of special musical guests as Paul Weller, Johnny Marr, and Sharon Horgan, as well as writers Ian Rankin and Kurt Wagner, who provide spoken word tracks that complement the album (“Future Tense” and “The Forgotten One”).  The band has a core of Tim Burgess, Martin Blunt, Mark Collins and Tony Rogers, and has never been afraid to supplement that core with special guests, resulting in an auditory experience that warms the heart, stimulates the mind and keeps the toes tapping.  The album has a 90’s vibe that is refreshing yet familiar, and features such strong songs as “Solutions,” the title track,  “Plastic Machinery” (the first single), “Not Forgotten,” “There Will be Chances,” and “Spinning Out” (the masterful conclusion to an amazing work of art).

Recommendation:   Different Days will be released on May 26 on all digital platforms, as well as in hard copy CD and vinyl.  We highly suggest you pre-order it so that you will be sure to Get It as soon as it is available.  In the meantime, check out their Facebook page for more information.

Artist Name:  MINKA

Album Name:  Born in the Viper Room

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Jam/Dance

Track Listing:  1.  I Can’t Shake This Feeling; 2.  Josephine; 3.  Gravity; 4.  Company Man; 5.  Still Waiting 

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  OMG!  We were not prepared for the magic that is MINKA, a jamming dance band out of Philadelphia.  Where have these guys been hiding?  Borrowing heavily from the 80’s with a healthy dose of Bowie and Prince, their music compels you to get up and dance.  It has a great beat and a feel good vibe that makes everything better.  It is easy to see why they have become one of the best dance bands on the East Coast.  We just wish there were more than five songs on the EP.  If the band intended to entice their listeners with just enough to make you want more, then they have succeeded.   While we seriously love the lead track, “I Can’t Shake This Feeling,” we also love “Josephine,” their first single.  You can’t go wrong with this EP.

Recommendation:  We sincerely recommend this EP and suggest you pre-order it to ensure you are first in line when it is released on May 26.  Do whatever you have to do but you simply must Get It.

Artist Name:  Gina Sicilia

Album Name:  Tug of War

Label:  Blue Élan Records

Genre:  Singer-Songwriter Blues/Soul

Track Listing:  1.  Don’t Want to be (in Love); 2.  Damaging Me; 3.  He Called me Baby; 4.  I’ll Stand Up; 5.  Never Gonna End; 6.  I Cried; 7.  They Never pay Me; 8.  Abandoned; 9.  Tell Him; 10.  All my Lovin’; 11.  Heaven 

Publicist:  MAD Ink PR

Review:  Already a rising voice in the blues community, Gina Sicilia shows her songwriting chops on Tug of War, her seventh album in the last 10 years.  Her voice is unique, with a strong soulful sound, and the depth of her lyrics shine through every track on the album.  From the first notes of “I Don’t Want to be (in Love),” it quickly becomes obvious that this young woman is a force to be reckoned with, and someone who most definitely will have a long career ahead.  Her vocals are soothing while delivering honest and personal lyrics with universal themes that instantly connect with her listeners, especially the second track, “Damaging Me.”   The production efforts of Grammy-winner Glenn Barratt and Grammy-nominated Dave Darling bring out all the warmth of her voice, combined with a can’t-miss musical accompaniment that should cement Sicilia’s place on the musical landscape.  We dig every track on the album, which should be in the library of every serious audiophile.  There’s also a couple of hidden gems in her covers of the 60’s songs “Tell Her” and “All my Loving.”

Recommendation:  Surely a candidate for best album of 2017, Tug of War has everything a true music lover wants and needs in an album.  We are proud to offer our highest recommendation for this album, which will be released on June 2, and urge you to pre-order it so that you will be sure to Get It before it’s gone.

 

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

Get it or forget it – King Washington, Sara Petite, The Wild Now

We are really excited about this edition of Get it or Forget it.  We get to review new material from a rising Los Angeles band, a new album from an old favorite, and introduce you to a new band that we think is going to be huge.  All three albums are also being released on the same date, May 19.  So grab your coffee and sit back as we review these three albums for you.

Artist Name:  King Washington

Album Name:  Potential

Label:  The End Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  My Reflection; 2.  Superman; 3.  Interval; 4.  Evelyn; 5.  Love be Gone; 6.  Hey Boy; 7.  Nowhere’s Hard to Find; 8.  I Wouldn’t Laugh About It; 9.  The Other side; 10.  Be Where you Belong; 11. The Great Disguise; 12.  Interlude; 13.  New Meaning; 14.  Climb out the Valley

Publicist:  The End Records PR

Review:  From the first notes of “My Reflection,” King Washington reminds us why they have been designated as one of the best live acts by LA Weekly.  The vocal harmonies hit you right off, with a driving beat that propels you into musical nirvana and force your feet to get up and dance.  King Washington forges its own sound from the influences of the masters, like the Beatles, CSN and the Talking Heads.  Their music is uniquely California while still being universal.  The second track, “Superman,” is their latest single, and we think it was a wise choice.  They have also released music videos for those first two tracks, which we previously shared in our Monday Mashup series.  This is definitely an album you want to listen to from start to finish.  Best songs include “My Reflection,” “Superman,” “Love be Gone,” “Hey Boy” (which sounds a lot like CSN), “Nowhere’s Hard to Find,” “The Other Side,” and “Be Where you Belong,” while “The Great Disguise” also shows great promise as a future single.

Recommendation:  We think that the album title is very apropos for this band.  They have always had ‘potential,’ and this album just shows the accomplishment of that potential.  We strongly recommend that you Get It as soon as it goes on sale on May 19.  You might want to pre-order it now to ensure you don’t miss out.

Artist Name:  Sara Petite

Album Name:  Road Less Traveled

Label:  Self-released

Genre:   Country/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Road Less Traveled; 2.  It was Just a Kiss; 3.  Blackbird; 4.  Getting Over You; 5.  You Don’t Care at All; 6.  Patchwork Quilt; 7.  Good 2 B Me; 8.  Sweet Pea Blues; 9.  Monkey on my Back; 10.  I Will Rise; 11.  Sweet Pea Patch; 12.  Road Less Traveled Reprise 

Publicist:  KG Music Press

Review:  Back in 2010, we feared that we had heard the last of Sara Petite after she released her third album.  She had just graduated from college and was headed down the corporate path.  But fate intervened with the death of her partner, and music provided the only path for her to deal with this.  We are happy to see her return to her musical roots, and she has compiled an extensive musical library since then to convince her that she has a career in music.  Road Less Traveled is her fifth studio album, and it firmly sets Petite within the musical elite of country music.  She is obviously greatly influenced by classic country, which permeates the album from start to finish.  Her lyrics cut deep as she uses her music to talk about life, including brutally honest songs about love and heartache.  Her pure voice provides the perfect conduit for these songs to grab hold of the listener and implant her truth deep within.  Best tracks include “Blackbird,” “Getting Over You” (her first single), “You Don’t Care at All,” “Good 2 B Me” (with its Tom Petty feel), “Sweet Pea Blues,” and “I Will Rise.”

Recommendation:  We are happy to recommend this album, which is surely one of the best country albums of 2017.  The Academy should stand up and take notice that Sara Petite is back, stronger than ever.  You should definitely Get It as soon as it is available.

Artist Name:  The Wild Now

Album Name:  Afterglow

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Afterglow; 2.  Run for Your Life; 3.  Spinning; 4.  Troubled Paradise; 5.  Tongue Tied

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Composed of Taylor Baker and Drew Walker, this Austin-based duo create music that is upbeat, real and life-changing.  The musical background creates the perfect foundation for the rising vocals of Baker, which create an atmosphere of audio perfection.  The lyrics are thought-provoking and the total package is worthy of a much broader market.  These guys are better than the majority of what you hear on commercial radio today, and deserve their chance to spread their music to the world.  “Afterglow” is a rousing number that kicks the EP off to a glorious start, and foreshadows the taste of things to come.  All five tracks could easily reach the top of the pop charts, and we strongly encourage Programming Directors to add The Wild Now to their regular rotation.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get It as soon as it is available.  We strongly encourage you to follow these guys on all social media platforms and hop on board now.  They are definitely going places.

 

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

Get it or forget it – Pi Jacobs, The Dream Eaters, HotKid

One of the advantages to being unemployed is the chance to review lots more new music than I could while working full-time.  Luckily, I have received more than 200 requests for reviews in the past few weeks, and I now have time to sort through them to bring you more great artists.  Here are three of our new favorites.  Thanks to them for reaching out.

Artist Name:  Pi Jacobs

Album Name:  A Little Blue

Label:  Travianna Records

Genre:  Acoustic folk/roots

Track Listing:  1.  Dance Clean; 2.  All Love; 3.  Good Things; 4.  Faking It; 5.   Weed and Wine; 6.  The Moment; 7.  She Don’t Love you That Way; 8.  Half Way Done; 9.  We Always Come Home; 10.  Dead Man; 11.  Purple State; 12.  When my Father is Gone 

Publicist:  From the Top Communications

Review:  Pi Jacobs has been an LA staple for quite a few years, but even her biggest fans will be thrilled at the differences in her current project, A Little Blue.    We have always said that a true musician is one whose acoustic music is as good as their full band.  In Jacobs’ case, it is definitely true.  Her pure voice comes shining through with the simple acoustic background, revealing an artist that truly has something to say.  It is obvious that she has poured her heart and soul into this project, which shows in every track.  From the upbeat and fun first track, “Dance Clean,” to the soulful ballad “All Love,” and continuing throughout the album, Jacobs raises our spirits and makes us thing about what is most important to us.  If you love the multi-faceted music she has previously produced, then you will love this stripped down album, which allows her intriguing lyrics to come to the forefront of each song.  We especially love her first single, “Good Things,” which reminds us that regardless of what is happening to us, we have much to be to be thankful for, as well as “The Moment,” with its down home rhythms and soulful feel.

Recommendation:  We are proud to recommend A Little Blue, and urge you to Get It as soon as you can.  Request her single, “Good Things” at your favorite radio station today.

Artist Name:  The Dream Eaters

Album Name:  We are a Curse

Label:  Song Dynasty

Genre:  Dream pop

Track Listing:  1.  Dead on the Inside; 2.  Neanderthals; 3.  Dots; 4.  Astral Asshole; 5.  Sugar Coma; 6.  So Heavy; 7.  Almost Afraid; 8.  Plastic Priestess; 9.  We are a Curse; 10.  Brazil Song 

Publicist:  Behind the Curtains Media

Review:   Composed of Jake Zavracky and Elizabeth LeBaron, The Dream Eaters’ latest release is a tantalizing audio morsel that will make you tingle all over.  The haunting voice of LeBaron over the multi-layers of musical texture provided by Zavracky create a sound that is dreamy and surreal.  Considering Zavracky’s background of musical placements in such hit shows as NCIS, JAG, The Sopranos and Shameless, as well as Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, this winning combination is sure to become even more powerful as they mature their sound.  Best tracks include “Neanderthals” (which we feel is the strongest song on the album), “Dots,” “Sugar Coma” (with its perfect harmonies), “So Heavy,” and “Plastic Priestess.”

Recommendation:  If you like dreamy pop music, with a healthy dose of thoughtful lyrics and otherworldly harmonies, then this is definitely the album for you.  We think you should definitely Get It and prepare yourself for audio heaven.

Artist Name:  HotKid

Album Name:  Late Night Mornings

Label:  Fortune Stellar Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Need a Friend; 2.  Late Night Mornings; 3.  Here4U; 4.  Little Mess; 5.  Caught in the Light; 6.  Jealous; 7.  Wasting Time; 8.  Walls; 9.  What we Wanted; 10.  This Time 

Publicist:  None

Review:  This is the first full length album from the band, and it provides enough juicy music to let the listener know that they intend to be a force on the indie music scene.  The amazing vocals and guitar work of Shiloh Harrison rise above the solid bass and drums provided by Peter McIntosh and Robbie Butcher to create electrifying rock music that provide a soundtrack for your day.  From the first notes of “Need a Friend” to the last notes of “This Time,” it is evident that this band came to rock your world.  Every track has that indie feel that is special and different, capturing your heartbeat and working its lyrics into your mind.  They are impossible to forget and worthy of your attention.  Strongest tracks include “Need a Friend,” the title track, “Here4U,” “Caught in the Light” (their first single and the most popular song from their SoundCloud streaming), and “Wasting Time.”

Recommendation:  If you love music that moves you with a steady beat, a great vocal and incredible guitar, then this is the album you’ve been looking for.  We strongly recommend you pre-order it so that when it is released on May 5 you’ll be the first in line to own this impressive rock album.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Theatre Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: vol 16

Welcome to the last week of April.  We have been getting so much response from indie artists lately, and are proud to be able to introduce you to some new artists that are definitely worth checking out.  Grab your coffee, put on your headphones, and check out what’s happening in the world of indie music and theater.

MCT’S PRODUCTION OF ‘THE WIZARD OF OZ’ OPENS THIS WEEK

The final production of the season for the Missoula Community Theater, The Wizard of Oz, opens to the public on Friday, April 28.  Featuring a large cast and directed by local dance icon Heather Adams, the show is scheduled for three weeks of performances.  Tickets are available at the MCT Center for Performing Art Box Office, as well as online at MCTink.org.  We’ll have a review of the opening night performance this weekend.

ALEXIS KEEGAN HONORS PRINCE WITH LATEST LIVE VIDEO

Hard to believe that Prince has been gone for a year.  Multi-LA Music Critic Award winner Alexis Keegan recently honored Prince during her concert at the world-famous Mint in Los Angeles.  Check out her amazing cover of “When Doves Fly/Purple Rain.”

ADHOC RELEASES VIDEO FOR ‘MY CITY’

Adhoc is a band out of Montreal that has reached out to debut their new music video for “My City.”  Check it out and let us know what you think about these guys.

K-SYRAN IS BACK WITH THE VIDEO RELEASE OF ‘DIZZY’

Norway’s K-Syran is back with another dance tune that has been very popular in Europe.  Check her out and let us know your opinion of this interesting artist.

BIRDSWORTH PROMISES TO ‘TREAT US GOOD’

Just learned about this promising British group Birdsworth, who record all their music in a shed and toss out their own blend of tea bags at their shows.  We think you’ll like their latest music video, which was released last month.  Let us know what you think.

MESALFIE RELEASES VISUALLY STUNNING MUSIC VIDEO

Rome-based indie pop artist MesAlfie has released a beautiful, artfully stunning music video for his single, “Must see New York.”  We think you will love it for the amazing artwork, but we love the song as well.  Let us know what you think and we’ll see you next week.

 

Categories
Reviews Theatre

‘Noises Off’ brings laughter and mayhem to UM’s Montana Theatre

The final production of the 2016-2017 school year for the University of Montana’s College of Visual Arts and School of Theatre & Dance opened on campus on April 19, and it was the perfect closing number for a season of great works.

The play, written by Michael Frayn, has always been a favorite of theatre geeks and participants, and this production pulled out all the stops to make it especially meaningful.  Director Pamyla Stiehl, with help from Scenic Designer Alessia Carpoca, Costume Designer Linda Guilis, Lighting Director Mark Dean, and Audio Designer Cole Milligan, perfectly capture the spirit and intent of the playwright’s vision, while the stage managing job of Sophia Holter brought it all together on stage, all to the delight of the packed house.

The chemistry between the nine members of the cast was truly evident in this magical farce, which depends on that chemistry in order to pull off the multitude of pratfalls and physical comedy that make Noises Off the penultimate homage to the theatre.  Putting on a great show while looking totally inept takes a great deal of talent and skill, and this cast excelled in both.  Christina Heagney as Dotty Otley, Ryson Sparacino as Lloyd Dallace, Dillon Westhoff as Garry Lejeune, Christina Tripp as Poppy Norton-Taylor and Natalie Johnson as Brooke Ashton were all hilarious in their featured roles, especially the slapstick antics of Johnson, who had to be spot perfect In her ability to look inept.  They were truly complemented by Tyson Gerhardt Hirsch as Frederick Fellowes Genevieve Barlow as Belinda Blair, David Mills-Low as Selsdon Mowbray and Curen Feliciani as Tim Allgood in their supporting roles.  Feliciani truly stood out as the bumbling stage hand and understudy for the hapless production, the play within the play, Nothing On.

If you need a good physical release from your stress, combined with side-splitting laughter, then Noises Off is the perfect place for you.  The production will continue at 7:30 p.m. on April 22, 26, 27, 28 and 29 and at 2 p.m. on April 23 and 30.  Tickets are available at the UMArts Box Office or online at umt.edu/theatredance.  We highly recommend this production and can hardly wait to see what’s in store for the next season.

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

Get it or forget it: Monster Movie, Pale People, Jennifer Vazquez

Welcome to another edition of Get it or Forget it.  Still volunteering this week at the International Wildlife Film Festival, but taking some time this morning to review three more indie releases.  Please let us know what you think about them.

Artist Name:  Monster Movie

Album Name:  Keep the Voices Distant

Label:  Graveface Records

Genre:  Dream Pop/Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Trapped; 2.  Going Backwards; 3.  In the Pines; 4.  No More; 5.  Keep the Voices Distant; 6.  Shouldn’t Stray from the Shadows; 7.  In the Ground; 8.  Don’t you Want to Love us; 9.  Into the Light; 10.  Dead in the Water 

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  It is a rare talent to make music that can seamlessly fill in the background of life, but Monster Movie definitely has that ability.  Their music provides the perfect soundtrack to daily living, as it flows around the listener, filling in the holes and cushioning the environment.  This band was meant to write cinematic musical scores, and we believe that they will be most successful in that endeavor  Every song on the album is beautiful and majestic, but we love the title track, their first single “Shouldn’t Stray from the Shadows,” “In the Ground,” “Don’t You Want to Love Us,” and “Into the Light.”

Recommendation:  This album was just released on March 31, and we highly recommend you rush out and Get it.  You’ll thank me later 🙂

Artist Name:  Pale People

Album Name:  Portraits

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  You tell me

Track Listing:  1.  Mitchell; 2.  Debra; 3.  Jason; 4.  Annabelle; 5.  Carol; 6.  Josephine; 7.  Steven; 8.  Lee; 9.  David; 10.  Joyce 

Publicist:  None

Review:  We attended the CD release show on April 14 and were wholly unprepared for this band.  The music is extraordinary, but the vocals remind us of a cross between Crash Test Dummies and Sam Kinison.  With a heavy dose of piano rock, this three-piece band from Missoula, Montana deliver music that is unique in its approach and its style.  These 10 songs deliver “portraits” of people that have influenced the lives of the Pale People, with subjects ranging from robots from space and parental disapproval to the colonization of Mars and child stars, while the music ranges from harmonic to discordant.  They are impossible to forget.  Lead singer and pianist Mack Gilcrest is uniquely perfect for this musical endeavor, which combines a myriad of auditory material to form the perfect reflection of the current state of affairs on planet Earth.  Best cuts include “Mitchell,” “Jason,” “Annabelle,” “Steven” (a stirring attack on religious intolerance), and “David.”

Recommendation:  This album should be in your music library for the simple reason that it is unlike anything you have ever heard before.   Support indie music and grab this one.

Artist Name:  Jennifer Vazquez

Album Name:  Rediscovering Me

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Singer-songwriter Pop/Country

Track Listing:  1.  After All; 2.  I Should Have Told You; 3.  Isn’t Mine; 4.  Rocked; 5.  Let you Back in; 6.  Worst Enemy; 7.  Let’s go Wild; 8.  The Radio in You; 9.  Rediscovering Me; 10.  New Deck of Cards; 11.  Austin Sky; 12.  So Perfectly; 13.  I Believe; 14.  Gold 

Publicist:  None

Review:  With a voice that is reminiscent of Mary Chapin Carpenter and a musical delivery that is akin to Bonnie Raitt, Jennifer Vazquez is a special kind of indie musician.  Born and raised in the Bronx, Vazquez brings that fierce independence to music that is more than a little influenced by her current hometown of Nashville, Tennessee.  She is a treasure that is yet to be fully discovered by the music industry, but who has the chops to be a successful radio artist.  She kicks off her latest album Rediscovering Me with the moving ballad “After All,” and then proceeds to blow her listeners away with track after track that deserve serious radio play.  Her songs are wonderful individually, but they are each a part of a greater story that encompasses the entire album.  This is an album that needs to be played again and again, and each time the listener will garner another snippet that they might have missed the first time around.  The album is a true work of art, and easily one of the finest albums released in 2017, regardless of genre.

Recommendation:  We stand strongly behind Vazquez’s latest effort, Rediscovering Me, and are proud to award it our highest recommendation – Get it like your life depends on it, because it does.  The album is set to be released on May 11, and we highly recommend you preorder it from all the usual sources, as well as from her website at www.jennifervazquez.com.

 

 

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it International Wildlife Film Festival Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it: Gigi Rich, Hush Machine, Jimmy Urine

Can’t believe it’s April and still snowing, although it was perfect this morning for our River Nature Walk as part of the International Wildlife Film Festival.  Good to know that we’ve got some great indie music to warm us up and get us ready for a music-filled summer.  Check out our reviews of these three great artists!

Artist Name:  Gigi Rich

Album Name:  All in my Head

Label:  None

Genre:  Pop/Soul

Track Listing:  1.  Mr. Bossman; 2.  Stupid; 3.  Some Kind of Crazy; 4.  Still Want You; 5.  All in my Head 

Publicist:  None

Review:  We have always had a soft spot for pop & soul performers, and are proud to welcome Gigi Rich and her debut EP to that list.  From the first glance at the cover art, you realize what a beautiful lady she is, but from her first notes, you realize that beauty is shining forth from the inside out.  Her EP hits the ground running with the lead track, “Mr. Bossman,” and goes nowhere but up from there.  This five-song EP is simply too short and leaves the listener wanting much much more.   All five songs are outstanding, and we really love her music video for the third track, “Same Kind of Crazy,” which we shared in yesterday’s Monday Mashup article.  If you love power ballads, we think “Still Want You” will become your go-to jam.

Recommendation:  OMG, this lady can sing.  We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Ms. Rich.  In the meantime, we highly recommend her debut EP All in my Head, and urge you to Get It ASAP.

Roger de La Fresnaye (French, 1885 – 1925 ), The Watering Can (Emblems: The Garden), 1913, oil on canvas, Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon 2014.18.26

Artist Name:  Hush Machine

Album Name:  Hush Machine

Label:  Jigsaw Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Batter Up; 2.  Congress Hotel; 3.  Diner; 4.  Realize (Hands on the Wheel); 5.  So we can Dance; 6.  Sorry; 7.  Try Forever; 8.  U Best 

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Hush Machine is the alter ego of pop guitarist Sam Boatright, only 21 years old but light years ahead of his peers.    Although written four years ago, they are just being released to the world via his debut self-titled album, which is finally being released on April 21, 2017.   The music is reminiscent of an upbeat Plain White T’s song, and lifts the listener’s spirits as only good positive music can.  The upbeatness continues throughout the album, as more and more of his influences are revealed, like Oingo Boingo and Tears for Fears.  Boatright does not have the best voice, but he more than makes up for it with the sheer brilliance of his musical compositions.  Best tracks on the disk are “Batter Up,” “Diner,” “So we can Dance,” and “Try Forever.”

Recommendation:  If you’re all about the vocals, then this is not the album for you.  But if you can look beyond its vocal shortcomings, then Hush Machine provides quality musical entertainment.  We are proud to recommend that you Get it when it comes out on Friday.

Artist Name:  Jimmy Urine

Album Name:  The Secret Cinematic Sounds of Jimmy Urine

Label:  The End Records

Genre:  Electro-punk

Track Listing:  1.  Fighting with the Melody; 2.  I Want to be Human; 3.  Phase; 4.  Final Level; 5.  End Boss; 6.  All Together Friends Forever; 7.  Patty Hearst; 8.  Not for Me; 9.  Aching Addicted Affection Again; 10.  Salome; 11.  Beethoven Symph 7 Alleg Mvt 2; 12.  Available on Betamax; 13.  Lento Romantico Erotic Incubo; 14.  Based on a True Story 

Publicist:  The End Records PR

Review:  Some of you may be familiar with the music of Jimmy Urine’s band Mindless Self Indulgence, but unless you play a lot of video games, you may not have heard this side of his creativity.  It’s obvious upon even a casual listen why his music is popular for movie soundtracks, television and video games.  In fact, some of his music will be included in the soundtrack for the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 movie to be released this summer.  Best tracks include “Fighting with the Melody,” “I Want to be Human,” “Phase,” “Patty Hearst,” and “Salome.”

Recommendation:  This album is set for release on April 28, and we recommend you pre-order it now.  It is a great album that provides a stirring soundtrack for your everyday living, and we highly recommend that you Get it.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out International Wildlife Film Festival Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol 15

Hope you all had a glorious Easter weekend.  We’re smack dab in the middle of the 40th annual International Wildlife Film Festival, so this is gonna be short and sweet.  Several of our favorite artists have recently released music videos in conjunction with releases of new albums and EPs.  We are sharing those videos with you now, with the album/EP reviews to follow shortly in our Get it or Forget it series.

Speaking of the IWFF, the first two days have been amazing.  We attended the Wild Walk and Wildfest on Saturday morning before heading to the Roxy Theater for the first two episodes of BBC America’s Planet Earth II.  The opening night film was Chasing Coral, followed by an amazing Q&A with Zach Rago and Stacy Picullel.  This is a truly amazing film which will play again Tuesday night.  On Sunday, we attended two films:  Yasuni Man, which had a connection to Missoula, and featured a stirring Q&A with its star and filmmaker, Ryan Killackey, as well as Unlocking the Cage, a film about the quest to give basic rights to non-humans.  That screening was followed by a very informative Q&A with Nonhuman Rights Project founder Steven Wise and a reception sponsored by the Save the Chimps foundation.

GIGI RICH RELEASES DEBUT EP AND MUSIC VIDEO

Pop/Soul singer Gigi Rich has released her debut five-song EP, which will be reviewed shortly.  We think she has something special and are proud to share her first music video with you here.  Please let us know what you think of this amazing young artist.  We think she’ll be around for quite a while.

MARINA V IS BACK WITH A NEW ALBUM AND MUSIC VIDEO

One of our oldest and dearest friends, Marina V, has released her latest album and a stunning music video which features cameos by many of our other favorite artists.  Please check out the music video for the title track, Born to the Stars, and come back for our review of the album.  Great job Marina and Nick!

We’ll be back soon with the next edition of Get it or Forget it.  Catch you later.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol 14

Welcome to April.  Winter is (mostly) behind us and it won’t be long until summer is here, with its outdoor concerts, vacations and travel.  Here’s some news from the indie world to start your week off right.

REDHEAD EXPRESS SIGNS WITH SSM NASHVILLE RECORDS

Photo courtesy of Broadway World

We talked about it last month, but finally the official announcement has been made.  Redhead Express, composed of sisters Kendra, LaRae, Alisa and Meghan, have been signed to SSM Nashville Records.  The ladies will make an appearance at this year’s CMA Music Festival in June, and release their first single to country radio in the very near future.  Congratulations and well done to four of the sweetest indie musicians in the world.  We are very proud of you.

KRIS ANGELIS MAKES THE TOP 25 FOR THE ISC

Local LA musician Kris Angelis has made the Top 25 of the International Songwriting Competition.  Fans can vote for her once per day by clicking on this link.  Her song “Built This House” is in the AC (Adult Contemporary) category.  Please help support this most worthy artist.

In other news, she has also released a new music video, featuring several ASL interpreters, which is directed by her twin sister, Alix.  We think it is pretty amazing, and definitely stand by the message that “It’s Gonna be Alright.”

PENTATONIX COVERS QUEEN

Bet you never thought you’d hear that, did you?  Pentatonix has released their music video of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and it will blow your mind.  It is one of the best music videos we have ever seen, and truly recreates this classic song for a new generation.  Prepare to have your mind blown as you check them out.  If you want to see their videos before they are released to the public, become a Patreon today.

See  you soon.  We’ll be back with more Get it or Forget it reviews soon.