Month: November 2017

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Artists Worth Checking Out LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 43

Day three of hospice care and I’ve discovered that this is definitely not for the faint of heart.  My brother and I are working hard to provide care for our Dad.  I had no idea how much work is involved in that.  Mad props to anyone who does this for a living.  Taking a break from duties while the hospice nurse works on him and thought it was time to work on our Monday Mashup.

WENDY SWEETLOVE SELLS OUT CD RELEASE SHOW

Wendy Sweetlove, who we introduced to you a few months back at our LA Music Critic Award winners showcase, recently performed at Hotel Cafe for a sold-out house, performing all the songs from her recent release Dirty Sunday.   Alana Sweetwater opened the show, and we wish we could have been there.  From what we hear, it was one of the best shows of the year.

KELLY McGRATH SIGNS NEW PUBLISHING DEAL

Kelly McGrath, who just returned from a tour of the UK, signed a new publishing deal with Luna Music Group, and released her holiday single on iTunes.  We expect even greater things from this indie superstar in the new year.

NEW SINGLES

First up is the latest from powerhouse band FlecHaus with “Finding.”  This one is a keeper – let it inspire you this season.

Next check out “Big G,” the latest from Neosho.  This one has enough energy to get you up and dancing with encouragement for the new year.  Let us know what you think.

Our last new single today comes from the band Echo City.  The tune is called “Burn Me,” and it definitely gets our flames arising.  We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video today is “Shooting Stars” by Mellott.  We love this lyric video with its awesome background of shooting stars – it is perfect.  Enjoy.

Our next video, “Paint the Road,” by Sierra Blanca, has visually stunning cinematography and a beautiful story sung with a incredibly strong voice.  Please share this one with your friends.

Our final video for the week is “Rise” by Sluka, an intense protest song complete with images to drive home his point.  Let us know where you stand.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it LA Music Critic Awards Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Sarah Rogo, Blues Goose, Ray Goren, Amy Clarke

After 23 hours of driving, I arrived last night at my brother’s home in Lawton, Oklahoma, where I will be helping him provide hospice care for our father.  I don’t know how long I will be here, but don’t have any current plans.  I do, however, have a lot of albums to review, so here are another four for your consideration.

Artist Name:  Sarah Rogo

Album Name:  Live at Lestat’s West

Label:  Funzalo Records

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Born to be Blue; 2.  It’s Gonna be Alright; 3.  Oh my God 4.  Misbehave; 5.  These are the Blues; 6.  Loving her Tonight; 7.  Going Where the Weather Suits my Soul

Publicist:  Independent Music Media

Review:  It is rare for an indie artist to release a live album.  It is even rarer that the genre be blues, and original blues at that.  At a time when so many blues artists continue to record the same old classics over and over again, it is refreshing to hear a complete album of original blues, and from such a young artist as Sarah Rogo, who is all of 25 years old.  Having recently been at a live show at San Diego’s Lestat’s West, we can honestly say it is one of the best small venues in the country, with by far one of the best sound engineers, Louis Brazier.  Rogo has such an amazing voice that soars above her guitar accompaniment, bringing life to her well-crafted lyrics.  The only thing that could be better than this live album would be to hear it with a full band.

Recommendation:  This lady is gonna be huge.  Jump on board this train now cause it is about to leave the station.  Get her live album now.

Artist Name:  Blues Goose

Album Name:  Questions

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Flat Tire Blues; 2.  You’re Fine You’re Mine; 3.  Questions; 4.  I’m a Woman; 5.  Let it Out (Blues for Veterans); 6.  Stay Away; 7.  Sweet Love; 8.  Got a Broken Heart; 9.  Wooden Shoes (Pub Blues)

Publicist:  ABIK Promotions

Review:  There’s nothing like female-fronted blues, and Blues Goose has a definite winner in Ingrid.  Her powerful and soulful voice is the perfect complement to the intense tracks laid down by the band, especially Frank’s mean keys.   The songs are well-crafted, witty and fun, and can be played on repeat without ever getting sick of them.   Our favorite tracks include “You’re Fine You’re Mine,” the title track, the fantastic cover of the Peggy Lee classic hit “I’m a Woman,” “Let it Out,” and “Sweet Love.”

Recommendation:  If you love the blues, then you simply must add Blues Goose to your musical library.  Get this one today.

Artist Name:  Ray Goren

Album Name:  Me

Label:  Palmetto Records

Genre:  Blue-eyed Soul

Track Listing:  1.  Ain’t Here; 2.  Feeling; 3.  Have a Nice Day; 4.  Yes No Maybe So; 5.  Manners; 6.  I Do 7.  When I’m Gone; 8.  Outta Sight, Outta Mind; 9.  Don’t Worry; 10.  Cash and Gold; 11.  Fallen Angel

Publicist:  None

Review:  “When you ain’t here with me, I ain’t who I wanna be.”   So says the chorus of the first track of the latest from teen phenom Ray Goren.  Goren has switched his style from blues to indie rock tinged blue-eyed soul, and the difference is amazing.  This talented young man has a tremendous future ahead of him, and based on both of his works to date, he has the chops to do it all.  He combines the vocals of John Legend and Justin Timberlake with the guitar chops of Keith Urban and Brad Paisley to create music that is compelling in its intensity and craft.  He adds to that the keyboard skills of Phil Vassar and Dave Yaden that take his music to an even higher level, especially on “Yes No Maybe So.”   His song “Manners” would be perfect for the Fox hit show “Empire.”  Overall, this is definitely one of the finest albums of 2017, and a true contender for an LA Music Critic Award.

Recommendation:  This is today’s no brainer.  Run, don’t walk, and Get this one now!

Artist Name:  Amy Clarke

Album Name:  A New Way

Label:  ScorpFaery Productions

Genre:  Singer-songwriter

Track Listing:  1.  Rain Come Round; 2.  Once; 3.  Belmont Blues; 4.  May; 5.  Goddess; 6.  We are the Web 7.  Between the Ice and the Ocean 8.  Love is the Way; 9.  From Here; 10.  Ella Mira; 11.  Give it Back 12.  A New Way; 13.  Shine

Publicist:  None

Review:  Amy Clarke has always been one of the best indie keyboard players.  Her songwriting is always well-crafted and compelling, with deep lyrics imposed upon complex instrumentation, creating songs that don’t just sound great but bring awareness to issues affecting the world at large.  She pours her passion into her tune, and passes that passion on to her listeners.  You cannot listen to a song like her first track, “Rain Come Round,” without feeling a charge in your soul, which in turn increases your hunger for justice, and your quest to help others find and achieve it.   Best cuts include “Belmont Blues,” “Mary,” “We are the Web,” “Love is the Way,” “From Here,” “Give it Back” and the title track.

Recommendation:  Accept her challenge – be the change you want to see.  Support this amazing artist and Get her latest CD.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it – Dave Hunt, Riot in the Attic, Sunday Wilde and Reno Jack

We’re just a week away from Thanksgiving, and we are so thankful for the amazing indie music that just keeps getting better.  We have four reviews for your today, including two separate albums by Dave Hunt.  Sit back, grab some coffee and let’s dig in to these new releases.

Artist Name:   Dave Hunt

Album Name:   100 Horses

Label:   Mad Ears Productions

Genre:   Blues

Track Listing:   1.  Across the U.S.A.; 2.  100 Horses; 3.  Blues Highway; 4.  Love’s Just a Killer; 5.  Doghouse; 6.  Moonshine Chevrolet; 7.  Deadman’s Shoes; 8.  Tell Me; 9.  Rehab; 10.  I’m on Fire Baby; 11.  I Told You (ft. Darren Yates); 12.  Shot Down

Publicist:   ABIK Radio Promotions

Review:   If you look up “blues” in the dictionary, you’ll find a picture of Dave Hunt.  He is the very definition of the genre, with blues music that feels like the dirty south, hitting on all pistons as it delivers the goods.  Check out the title cut to see what we mean.   We also love the harmonica on “Blues Highway” and “Moonshine Chevrolet.”  Hunt’s vocals are meaty and gritty, perfectly fit for these songs about life.  Some of our favorite songs include the title track, “Love’s Just a Killer,” “Deadman’s Shoes,” “Tell Me,” “I’m on Fire Baby,” and “I Told You.”

Recommendation:  If you love the blues, you must have this album.  In fact, we recommend everyone Get this one.

Artist Name:  Riot in the Attic

Album Name:  Under the Sun

Label:  Monkey Road Records

Genre:  Psychedelic Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Free the Sky; 2.  Incomplete; 3.  Men in Shades; 4.  Floating; 5.  Only in my Mind; 6.  Sunny; 7.  Don’t Let me Down; 8.  Keep it Inside (bonus); 9.  Karma 3.0 (bonus); 10.  The Other Side (bonus); 11.  Rollercoaster (bonus); 12.  Seal the Deal (bonus)

Publicist:  None

Review:  This album is perfect for lovers of classic rock like Guns and Roses, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and the Rival Sons.  This band out of Cologne, Germany has captured the best of these bands, and added a few tricks of their own to create their own vision of the best of 70’s rock.  The music is very commercial and would do well as placements in TV, advertising and film.  Some of our favorites include “Men in Shades,” “Floating,” “Only in my Mind,” “Sunny” (a delightful change of pace ballad), “Don’t Let me Down” (an amazing cover of the Beatles classic tune), and “The Other Side.”

Recommendation:  Get. It. Now.

Artist Name:  Sunday Wilde & Reno Jack

Album Name:  Two

Label: Hwy 11 Records

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Howling for my Darling; 2.  Moonlight Rising; 3.  Love Contest; 4.  Van Horne; 5.  5-10-15 Hours; 6.  Back Lane Man; 7.  Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day; 8.  No Matter how Far; 9.  I Wanna do more; 10.  Leaving on Your Mind

Publicist:  ABIK Radio Promotions

Review:  The album kicks off with a bang with the sweet vocals of Sunday Wilde leading the way on “Howling for my Darling,” immediately followed by those Kris Kristofferson-style vocals of Reno Jack on “Moonlight Rising.”  Two things make this album unique – the fact that it is recorded acoustically with just basic instrumentation, and the fact that the entire album was recorded in one eight-hour session.  The display of their talents is exemplified on “Love Contest,” which combines Wilde’s soaring vocals with Reno’s gritty bottom, creating the kind of song that memories are made of.    They ratchet it up a notch with the rocking rhythm and harmonica sound of “Van Horne,” and we could go on and on.  This is one of the best blues albums we have ever reviewed.

Recommendation:  Don’t miss your chance to hear some good down-home blues from our neighbors to the north.  Get this one for sure.

Artist Name:   Dave Hunt

Album Name:   Shade of Grey

Label:   Mad Ears Productions

Genre:   Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Shade of Grey; 2.  Bad Vibe Calling (ft. Andy Littlewood); 3.  That’s Life (Skype Song); 4.  Honeysuckle Rose (ft. Donna Shaw); 5.  It’s not me It’s You; 6.  Swamp Cougar

Publicist:   ABIK Radio Promotions

Review:  As if the greatness exhibited on 100 Horses was not enough, Dave Hunt has now released an EP that further demonstrates his high standing in the blues.  The Bo Diddly inspired tune “Bad Vibe Calling,” with its amazing harmonica, ranks with the best of the best that today’s blues scene has to offer.  Add to that the duet with country singer Donna Shaw and you can easily see why all six tracks are exquisite and will definitely get you in the blues mood.  Grab a glass of wine, relax and enjoy this treasure trove of blues bliss.

Recommendation:  You cannot go wrong with a Dave Hunt CD.  Get this one ASAP.

 

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

Get it or forget it – 61 Ghosts, Rich McCulley, The Fisherman & the Sea, Never Ending Fall

We have spent the last two days organizing review requests for the remainder of the year, of which we have now received 97, including three holiday releases.  This will bring our total reviews for 2017 to a staggering 331, two-thirds of which will have been written in the second half of 2017.  Needless to say, it’s time to get writing.  Here are our next four reviews.

Artist Name:  61 Ghosts

Album Name:  . . . to the Edge

Label:  Bluzpik Media Group

Genre:  Blues/Roots

Track Listing:  1.  Heartbeat; 2.  No One at Your Door; 3.  World Gone Crazy; 4.  If Tears were Dirt (ft. Joe Mazzari); 5.  Show me Your Scars; 6.  Passion Tipped Arrow

Publicist:  Frank Roszak Promotions

Review:  With a raspy vocal delivery like Bruce Springsteen, 61 Ghosts lay down a roots rock and blues vibe that delivers.   Composed of Joe Mazzari on vocals and lead guitar and Dixie Deadwood on drums, this band from the upper left hand of the United States mixes blues and roots rock into their own secret formula, creating stimulating songs that just plain rock.  Check out the guitar riffs on “If Tears Were Dirt.”  This one is great from start to finish, and we guarantee you will want to listen to it over and over.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get it.

Artist Name:  Rich McCulley

Album Name:  Out Along the Edges

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Hey Trouble; 2.  Eventually; 3.  Burn a Hole in the Sky; 4.  Summer Storm; 5.  The Pilot; 6.  When I Get to Memphis; 7.  Come Home Mama; 8.  Out Along the Edge; 9.  Midtown; 10.  Sinking Sun; 11.  Chase the Sun

Publicist:  None

Review:  Rich McCulley is not only the guitarist for Great Willow, one of the best Americana bands we have recently reviewed, but also an incredible solo artist.  From the first notes of “Hey Trouble,” it becomes quickly obvious that this album is a keeper.  The songs are well crafted, with above-average vocals and a musical accompaniment that rises above his Americana peers.  The music is easy-going and relaxing, providing a perfect background for daily chill time.  Our favorite tracks include “Eventually,” “Burn a Hole in the Sky,” “The Pilot,” the title track and “Sinking Sun.”

Recommendation:  If you like Americana, give this one a listen.

Artist Name:  The Fisherman & The Sea

Album Name:  Beggar Princess

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Beggar Princess; 2.  Sea of Pleasantries;  3.  Trail of Lies; 4.  Sick Song

Publicist:  Neck of the Woods Records

Review:  Great harmonies, upbeat musical soundtrack with above-average vocals and songwriting give this debut EP the status of a rich appetizer.  This Europe-based band is planning on releasing four EPs in advance of their debut full-length album in May 2018.  Based on this EP, we can hardly wait for more.    Our mouth is watering and our ears are buzzing at the prospects of what is yet to come.  There is so much wonderfulness about this EP.  We are so glad the band decided to share their music with us.

Recommendation:  This band should definitely be on your radar.  Get their EP now and enjoy it until the next one comes out.  It will be May 2018 before you know it.

Artist Name:  Never Ending Fall (NEF)

Album Name:  Start Livin’

Label:  Montauk Music

Genre:   Indie Pop/Rock/Reggae

Track Listing:  1.  Sao Paolo; 2.  Hold Tight; 3.  Desperate Times/ Desperate Measures; 4.  Devil in Red; 5.  Black Magic; 6.  Manhattan; 7.  Give it Away; 8.  Simmer Down; 9.  Forget About It; 10.  Nashville; 11.  Feel Your Love

Publicist:   Jeff Schad

Review:  Reggae has always been one of our favorite genres, and NEF definitely is head and shoulders above their peers in their interpretation of this international musical form.  Combining elements of indie rock, pop and funk into their mix creates a unique form of reggae that is sonically pleasing while cementing their status as one of the best we have reviewed this year. We especially love the horns.  In addition, every member contributes vocals, and we are truly impressed by those of Madeline St. Clair on “Hold Tight.”  Other amazing tracks include the aforementioned “Hold Tight,” “Desperate Times/Desperate Measures” (check out the guitar riffs),  “Devil in Red,” “Black Magic,” “Manhattan,” and “Simmer Down,” although there really aren’t any weak tracks on the album.

Recommendation:  This one is a no-brainer – you simply MUST Get it.  Now.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Durango Songwriters Expo Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 42

What a wonderful Veterans Day weekend!  All of our favorite sports teams – Griz, Deacons and Wizards – won their games and the Dolphins play tonight on Monday Night Football.  The only thing that can top that is great indie music, and we have that in spades!

NINA STOREY LAUNCHES ASTRAL QUEEN

One of our favorite indie musicians, Nina Storey, recently joined with Mark McGee and launched their new techno-pop band Astral Queen.  The first single, “Take  it all the Way,” is a smash and the obvious next step in the evolution of her music.  Check it out below, and don’t forget to subscribe to her amazing blog Strangely Optimistic, as well.

THE CREAM CONTINUES TO RISE WITH MILCK’s REMAKE OF HER VIRAL HIT, “QUIET” 

In light of the recent news about sexual assault in the entertainment industry, MILCK has remade her video for  “Quiet.”  We think it is one of the most powerful videos we have ever seen, both visually and sonically.  We especially love the inclusion of the orchestra, as well as the multiple story lines.  Thank you Atlantic Records for allowing your artist to speak her mind and share this amazing song, which should help in bringing closure to these victims.

DAVID GARFIELD TEAMS WITH SMOKEY ROBINSON FOR NEW SINGLE

The new single by David Garfield, “I Lied,” ft. J. Paris, was co-written by the one and only Smokey Robinson.  The vocals of J. Paris soar on wings of angels, perfectly highlighting the instrumental soundtrack provided by Garfield.  The country vibe fits perfectly with the strings and vocals to highlight this “instant classic.”  We guarantee this one will make your day.

NEW SINGLES

First up today is “Common Sense,” the latest from Down and Outlaws, a San Francisco-based rock and roll quartet.  This one is sure to get your new week off to a rocking start.

Our second new single this week is from Australian brother duo Sellars.  “Linear Time” is a classic rock tune that will surely stand the test of time.  Welcome to the indie rock world, Sellars.  We look forward to hearing much more from them in the future.

Last but not least, here is “The Weight” (ft. Sickflip), from FRASE, an electronic artist from Montreal.   Let us know what you think.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

“Take Your Time” by Lender is an amazing dance video that has been making the film festival circuit, garnering critical and fan praise and support.  We think it is an artistic masterpiece.  Let us know what you think.

Next up is “Give Erin a Compliment (so Kind)” ft, April Olsen, the latest single from Jaye Bartell.  It is an interesting Americana song that should stimulate your senses as you begin a new week.

Our last new video this week is a lyric video from Durango Songwriter Expo alum Rachel Price.  Check out “Love is War” and have a great week.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Durango Songwriters Expo Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it – Chris Daniels and the Kings, Hodera, Billy Burnette, Cairo Knife Fight

Tuesday was Election Day here in Montana for a plethora of local officials, including our mayor, judges and city council.  Seems like a perfect day to review some new indie music, and vote on our favorites.  We’ve got four albums for you today, including an artist we recently met at the Durango Songwriters Expo in Denver last month.  Enjoy these new tunes and let us know what you think.

Artist Name:  Chris Daniels and The Kings (with Freddi Gowdy)

Album Name:  Blues with Horns, Volume 1

Label:  Moon Voyage Records

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Sweet Memphis; 2.  Fried Food/Hard Liquor; 3.  Get up off the Funk; 4.  Soothe me Baby; 5.  Wouldn’t Treat a Dog (the way you Treated Me); 6.  Baby’s in Love with the Radio; 7.  Can’t Even do Wrong Right; 8.  You can Stay but That Noise Must Go; 9.  Them Changes; 10.  Rain Check

Publicist:  HyPR Media

Review:  I recently served with Chris Daniels on the DIY panel at the Durango Songwriters Expo last month, where we discussed his latest project.  After listening to the first track, “Sweet Memphis,” I was amazed that he has previously released 14 albums but had never crossed my radar, because this man and his music personifies old time blues, complete with an amazing horn section that rivals the Tower of Power horns.  This album has everything you like in the blues – great sax and horns, a powerful vocal with amazing harmonies, great songwriting, and that soulful harmonica rising above it all.  Every musician in this band is a stand-out, and the recent addition of Freddi Gowdy on vocals creates a special vocal harmony that, to quote track four, “is soothing for me.”  This one is perfect for repeated listens, as you will hear different things every time you listen.  Our favorite tracks include “Fried Food/Hard Liquor,” “Get up off the Funk,” “Soothe me Baby,” “You can Stay but that Noise Must Go,” and “Them Changes.”

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one.  It is one of the best blues albums we have heard in a long time.

Artist Name:  Hodera

Album Name:  First Things First

Label:  Take This to Heart Records

Genre:  Alt-Americana/Roots Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Out of Sync; 2.  Highways; 3.  North Dakota; 4.  Best Intentions; 5.  Four White Walls; 6.  Baltimore; 7.  Just for Today; 8.  The Saddest Sentence; 9.  My Daily Chemicals; 10.  Holding Patterns

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  Hodera has a unique sound that incorporates the best of indie rock and Americana music.  Their music is upbeat, with well written lyrics and music, incredible vocals and instrumentation.  The songs are memorable, with catchy melodies, great hooks and a down home sound that makes you want to listen over and over again.  Considering the subject matter, it is amazing how this band makes their message positive, much like The Mavericks’ “All You Ever Do is Bring Me Down.”  Our favorite tracks include “Out of Sync,” “Best Intentions,” “Baltimore,” and “Just for Today.”

Recommendation:  This is a good one for your Americana collection.   Grab it when you can.

Artist Name:  Billy Burnette

Album Name:  Crazy Like Me

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Rockabilly/Alt-Country

Track Listing:  1.  Tear it Up; 2.  (All I Can Do Is) Dream You; 3.  Crazy Like Me; 4.  Oh Well; 5.  When I Remember You; 6.  It’s Late; 7.  Nothing to do (and all Night to do it); 8.  Ghost Town; 9.  Do I Ever Cross Your Mind; 10.  She’s Burning the Honky Tonks Down; 11.  She’s Going to win Your Heart; 12.  River of Love; 13.  All Nighter; 14.  Anywhere you Go

Publicist:  MSO PR

Review:  You may or may not know that Billy Burnette was a long-time fixture for Fleetwood Mac, but his latest CD shows that he has the right stuff to make a name for himself as a solo artist.  The sound is very reminiscent of Brian Setzer and the Stray Cats, crossed with a little Jerry Lee Lewis, bringing us back to the early days of rock and roll.  This one is just plain fun, and provides the perfect backdrop for your next friendly get-together.  Our favorite tracks include “Tear it Up,” the title track, “Oh Well,” “It’s Late,” “Ghost Town,” “She’s Going to Win Your Heart,” and “River of Love.”

Recommendation:  If you love classic and original rock and roll and alt-country music, then you owe it to yourself to Get this album.

Artist Name:  Cairo Knife Fight

Album Name:  Seven

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alternative Rock

Track Listing:  1.  (1); 2.  A-Nine; 3.  (5); 4.  Six; 5.  (7); 6.  A-Four; 7.  (9); 8.  A-Seven; 9.  (3); 10.  A-Two; 11. (11); 12.  A-Three; 13.  (12); 14.  A-Eight

Publicist:  HyPR Media

Review:  Cairo Knife Fight is a very unique band that incorporates a radical hard rock soundtrack to support its well-crafted and substantial lyrics that discuss social issues and themes.  Interestingly, there is some rhyme and reason to their uninspiring song titles, as the titles in parenthesis are instrumental interludes between the different songs that are designed by the prefix “A-.”  Their music will get your head banging and your feet stomping while the lyrics will make you stop and think about their message.  The final track has been converted to a music video, which we recommend you check out.

Recommendation:  If you love hard rock acts like AC/DC and Rush, then this just might be the perfect album for you.  For the rest of us, it’s still a worthy addition to our musical libraries.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2017: Vol. 41 (Updated)

It has been snowing every day since I returned from tour, although much of it has melted when the thermometer reaches the upper 30’s.  It is a beautiful reminder that we are headed into the end of 2017, which has provided a plethora of great indie music.  Just a few more weeks until Thanksgiving and then a few more until Christmas and before you know it, we’ll be announcing the nominations for the LA Music Critic Awards for the second half of 2017.  We have definitely got our work cut out for us this time, as the quality and quantity of submissions are some of the best we have ever seen.   We can’t wait to share our nominations with you.  Until then, check out what’s currently happening in the indie music community.

INDIE ARTISTS PARTICIPATE IN SHOWCASES

This past weekend several of our favorite indie acts participated in showcases.  Fan Favorite winner FlecHaus took part in Austin Strong, along with Of Sea and Stone and Deer Fellow, at the Sidewinder in Austin, Texas on November 2.  Meanwhile, back in California, Floating Records hosted its “Fall Revue 2017,” featuring LA Music Critic Award nominee Jeffrey Halford & the Healers, as well as Marble Party and  Graham Guest on November 4 at the Throckmorton Theatre in Mill Valley.  Thanks to publicist Doug Deutsch for sharing.

BLAKE MORGAN HOSTS TRACY BONHAM

Blake Morgan has had an artist residence at Rockwood Music Hall for quite some time.  This month he will host Tracy Bonham on Rockwood’s Stage 3 on November 15.  If you are in New York City,  you might just want to grab tickets for this show – grab your tickets soon cause this series has consistently sold out.

JACK TEMPCHIN CELEBRATES 45th ANNIVERSARY OF “PEACEFUL EASY FEELING”

Blue Élan Records artist and former Eagles hit songwriter Jack Tempchin has scheduled a trio of local Los Angeles shows to celebrate the 45th anniversary of one of his biggest hits, “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” which he co-wrote with Glenn Frey.  The first one is scheduled for November 10 at Carruth Cellars in Solana Beach.  Labelmate Cindy Alexander will open this show.  Next will be a stop at the world famous McCabe’s Guitar Shop in Santa Monica on November 26.  Another labelmate, Chelsea Williams, will open this show.  His final stop will be at Mozambique in Laguna Beach on December 2.

MARINA V TO CELEBRATE CD RELEASE

Multiple LA Music Critic Award winner Marina V, recently returned from a tour of Germany and Moscow, will celebrate the release of her latest CD, Born to the Stars, with a show and party at the amazing Three Clubs on Sunday, November 12.  Tickets are half-off if purchased in advance on her website.  This is one show you don’t want to miss.

NEW SINGLES

First up today is blue-eyed soul singer Ashleigh Watson, with her new single “Little Love.”  We love the sound of this song, and look forward to hearing more from Ms. Watson.  We think she’s got a great vibe that will last for a long time.

Next is “Train to Nowhere,” a sure-to-be Americana classic song from The Sound of Ghosts.  This one has everything you love in a great Americana song – great lyrics, vocals, fiddle and even some amazing horns.  Let us know what you think.

Our final single today comes from Tim Maiden, with his beautiful song “So Far Gone,” a trip hop, electronic, R&B masterpiece.  Enjoy this one.

NEW VIDEOS

LA-based alt-rockers Satellite Citi bring us their latest music video for “Undead.”  It’s got great guitar riffs and a stunning visual story that brings the song to life.   Video game lovers – this one is for you!  Please let us know what you think.

Next up is a great lyric video from The Rebel Light for their song, “Where did all the Love Go?”  We are constantly amazed at the creativity in the indie music community, and think this one is a hit.

Our final music video for this week comes from Elizabeth and the Catapult, which we recently reviewed in our Get it or Forget it series.  Here is their video for “Ambrosia.”  Enjoy your week!

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Jangling Sparrows, Warbly Jets, Elizabeth and the Catapult

It’s been a wild and amazing ride being on tour with Jerad Finck these past three weeks.    We played shows in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Paso Robles, San Diego, and tonight is the final show in Missoula, Montana.  We will be booking his spring tour soon, so give us a shout if you want him to visit your area.  In the meantime, welcome back to another edition of Get it or Forget it.  We got more than 50 new requests in the past few weeks, so it’s gonna be a busy run to the end of the year.

Artist Name:  Jangling Sparrows

Album Name:  140 Nickels

Label:  Palace/Flophouse

Genre:  Americana/Roots Rock

Track Listing:  1.  The Party Ain’t Over; 2.  Look Away Twice; 3.  Burnin’ a Hole; 4.  Take Home Your Coat; 5.  Ain’t Waiting for the Paint to Dry; 6.  One Good Piece of Advice; 7.  Great American Limbo; 8.  Cheaper Down the Road; 9.  Eyes of a Stranger; 10.  Catch That Ride; 11.  Pops is Comin’ Up

Publicist:  Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:  Americana music is one of the fastest growing genres today, and that’s due in no small part to the amazing music being generated by artists like Jangling Sparrows.  Their music is upbeat and fun, with great songwriting and lyrics, and plenty of that good old down home musical sound of guitars, fiddle, steel and soaring vocals that truly capture the Americana sound.  Paul Edelman has outdone himself with his lead vocals, coupled with amazing harmonies.  You can also hear the zydeco influence throughout the album.  We think this is one of the best Americana bands we have heard this year, and would love to see their live performance.  Our favorite tracks include “The Party Ain’t Over,” “Burnin’ a Hole,” “One Good Piece of Advice,” “Great American Limbo,” and “Cheaper Down the Road.”

Recommendation:  This one is a no-brainer.  You NEED this one in your musical library, so run out and Get it.  Now.

Artist Name:  Warbly Jets

Album Name:  Warbly Jets

Label:  Rebel Union Recordings

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Alive; 2.  The Lowdown; 3.  RIDE; 4.  Shapeshifter; 5.  Keep Pushin; 6.  Raw Evolution; 7.  Fast Change; 8.  Head Session; 9.  Pt. II; 10.  4th Coming Bomb; 11.  Getting Closer (Than I Ever Have)

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  The Warbly Jets are sure to take the indie rock world by storm with this debut self-titled album, chock full of amazing guitar riffs, great vocals, and well-crafted songs.  From the first notes of “Alive,” it becomes quickly clear that this band has come to rock, and will quickly draw in a myriad of fans of rock and roll.  The awesome tunes continue with “The Lowdown,” and don’t stop until the final note of the album.  This one is a great candidate for the repeat button, as each track builds on the momentum created by the previous track.   It is no wonder why they are getting massive critical acclaim from tastemaker station KCRW in their native Los Angeles, and have already garnered considerable airplay on Sirius XM.

Recommendation:  We strongly recommend you catch Warbly Jets when they go out on tour.  In the meantime, Get this album by any means necessary.

Artist Name:  Elizabeth & the Catapult

Album Name:  Keepsake

Label:  Compass Records

Genre:  Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  We can Pretend; 2.  Underwater; 3.  Something More; 4.  Ambrosia; 5.  Magic Chaser; 6.  Mea Culpa; 7.  Method Acting; 8.  Better Days; 9.  Less Than you Think; 10.  Tread Carefully; 11.  Land of Lost Things.

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  At one time, the “Hotel Cafe” sound filled the indie music charts with names like Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson, Colbie Caillat, Charlotte Martin and Elizaveta.  We are proud to announce that Elizabeth and the Catapult are rekindling that sound and bringing it back to indie music.  Her vocals are supreme, with catchy hooks and a bright upbeat feel that is missing in much of today’s music.  This is a deeply personal and introspective album, and we are so glad to be able to share in it.  We still can’t get the sound of the first track, “We can Pretend,” out of our head, and we are happy for this earwig.  This is another album destined for the “repeat” button, and we could not be happier.  The band is planning on taking their show on the road to celebrate the album release, and we strongly encourage you to catch their live show.  Our favorite tracks include “We Can Pretend,” “Underwater,” “Ambrosia,” “Magic Chaser,” “Method Acting” and “Better Days,” but in actuality, there isn’t a weak song on the album.

Recommendation:  Don’t delay – Get this one TODAY!