Category: Reviews

Reviews of music albums, singles or videos.

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

Travelers’ Rest Festival – day 2 review (part 1)

Here’s the first part of our review of the second day of Travelers’ Rest Festival, brought to us by the good folks at Knitting Factory Entertainment and our friends at Big Sky Brewing Company.  Day Two followed the same format as Day One, with four artists performing on the Ponderosa Stage and five artists on the main stage, including a second day of The Decemberists headlining.

The first artist of the day was NPR’s latest darling, the adorable Gaelynn Lea.  Despite her diminutive size, she is an amazing violin player whose vocals bring her fans to tears.  She is also one of the most humble artists I have ever encountered in my 30 years in the music industry.  She packed the structure around the Ponderosa Stage like no other artist that played there, and even got Chris Funk (guitar), Jenny Conlee (accordion) and Nate Query (upright bass) from The Decemberists and Joy Pearson (vocals) and Rebecca Marie Miller (vocals) from Lenore to join her for her final song.  Her new album comes out in September, and we can’t wait to review it and share it with you.  It was one of the best performances I have ever experienced, and set the bar for the rest of the day.

The first artist on the Main Stage came all the way from Morocco, bringing their native sound to share with the Festival attendees.  Dressed Bedouin style, Tinariwen shared their drums, guitar, bass and native vocals and the crowd loved it.  The rhythms were amazing, and it was near impossible not to break into dance during the show.  They have a very unique sound that translates well on the Festival scene, and they kept the audience very entertained and engaged throughout their performance.

Here’s the link to their most recent album on Spotify.

Back to the Ponderosa Stage for LA-based indie rock trio Cardioid, composed of Lizzy Ellison on lead vocals and guitar, Riley Geare on drums and Erica  Shafer on bass.  Although the band started in Portland, it has transplanted to the City of Angels, where they are working on their next album, Fantasy Metal, which we can’t wait to review.  Their sound is pure indie rock, with exquisite guitar and bass performances, a throbbing drum beat and the voice of Ellison like the cherry on top of your favorite sundae.  They turned in one of the best rock performances of the Festival, and their 30-minute set was far too short to adequately display their immense talent.

The second artist to take the Main Stage was also the oldest artist performing.  Mavis Staples is 79 years old, and joined her family’s band, The Staple Singers, in 1949.  The band began as a gospel and folk group until after they signed with Stax Records in 1968.  They switched up their sound to a more R&B/soul vibe, and with their third Stax album, they reached #2 on the charts with “Respect Yourself,” and #1 with “I’ll Take You There.”  Staples’ music defies genre, as her sound is a combination of gospel, jazz, blues, R&B, soul and folk.  She wrote the amazing “Freedom Highway” for Martin Luther King in 1962, and participated in the Selma march alongside Dr. King.  She has won multiple Grammy awards, giving her a rich catalog from which to perform.  Unfortunately, 45 minutes is not nearly enough time for her to showcase her immense talent, but she did get to wow the crowd with the aforementioned “Freedom Highway” and “I’ll Take You There,” with which she ended her set.  Her music brought back so many great memories of growing up in the 70s, and was the true highlight of the weekend for me.

The action returned to the Ponderosa Stage and continued in that same 70s R&B/soul vibe with the performance by Ural Thomas & the Pain.  The band is composed of Ural Thomas on vocals, Scott Magee on drums and backing vocals, Arcellus Sykes on bass, Brent Martens on guitar, Steve Aman on keys, Bruce Withycomb on baritone sax, Willie Matheis on tenor sax and Dave Monnie on trumpet.  Thomas had some success back in the late 60s and early 70s when he performed more than 40 shows at the acclaimed Apollo Theater, but left what he considered an unfair business to return home to Portland.  Thomas never gave up his music, and sponsored a jam session in his home for nearly 20 years.  In 2016, Magee convinced him to return to the business, and Ural Thomas & the Pain was born.  Their debut album on Tender Loving Empire is scheduled to be released on September 28.  With that kind of a pedigree, you know the joint was jumpin’.  Thomas was the perfect complement to continue to R&B/soul trip started by Staples, and kept the Ponderosa Stage audience engaged and dancing throughout his set.  He even managed to squeeze in an extra song  beyond his 30-minute set.  His performance was my second most favorite of the Festival.

We’ll be back soon with part 2 of our review.

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

Travelers’ Rest Festival – day 1 review (part 2)

And we’re back for the second half of our review of the first day of Travelers’ Rest Festival, brought to us by the good folks at Knitting Factory Entertainment and our friends at Big Sky Brewing Company.

The third band to grace the Main Stage was the Tune-Yards, an electronic dance/trance band that mixes their unusual electronica with incredible lyrics over pervasive drums and a riveting bass track.  Based in Oakland, California, the band is composed of Merrill Garbus and Nate Brenner and signed by 4AD Records.  Although not my favorite kind of music, their electrifying performance stirred up the crowd and had most of them dancing around.  They have been touring in support of their latest album, I Can Feel You Creep Into my Private Life, which we suggest you check out on Spotify.

The Ponderosa Stage’s final performance for the day came from the undeniably gifted solo artist known as Waxahatchee.  Her real name is Katie Crutchfield, and she is signed to Merge Records, which will be releasing her new EP on September 7.  Her voice is like manna from heaven, and her simple accompaniment makes her songs seem like heirlooms passed down from generation to generation, as special the 100th time as the first.  She treated the crowd to a rousing solo set of new and old songs, and despite being a solo artist performing after a band, she held her own and gave the packed structure all it could handle.    As the final performer of the night on the Ponderosa Stage, she got an extra 15 minutes, but the time still passed by too quickly, for both me and the huge crowd gathered to catch her set.  Check out her latest single, “Chapel of Pines,” on Spotify, and definitely get her EP as soon as it becomes available.

The action returned to the Main Stage for Death Cab for Cutie.  This was my first exposure to the band, which is signed to Atlantic Records, although my wife and step-daughter (who attended the show) are huge fans.  The band is preparing to release their new album, Thank you for Today, and played songs from the new release, as well as some of their classic hits like “I Will Follow You Into the Dark.”  Here’s the lyric video for the first single from the new album, “I Dreamt we Spoke Again.”

Many of  the band’s oldest fans have not been impressed by the direction of the band since the departure of Chris Walla, and that attitude seemed to be present at this show.  However, as someone who had never heard the band perform before, I thoroughly enjoyed their new material, which is true indie rock and reminded me of the music of groups like The Plain White Ts and Snow Patrol.  I think Ben Gibbard and DCFC are amazing, and I was glad for the chance to hear them perform.  I  will definitely be checking out the new album when it is released on August 17.

Photo courtesy of Brian Bruemmer (Rubatophoto.com)

After a 35 minute break to set up the stage, headliners The Decemberists started their set, and performed for nearly two hours straight.   Although I had heard the name, I was not familiar with their material.  Needless to say, after watching them perform for nearly five hours over the two day festival, spending time with Chris Funk, Jenny Conlee and Nate Query backstage, and meeting Colin Meloy’s mom, I have become a big fan.  Their fans remind me of those that support another of my favorite groups, Blue October, since their musical style is similar and both bands have an amazingly close connection with their fans.  I thoroughly enjoyed the stimulating sound and the intellectual while still fun lyrics as much as the banter, and was pleased to see the energy the fans gave back to the performers.  The stories the band told were interesting, including the back story to “The Bicycle Song.”  Since the band has been together for 18 years, they had a wealth of material to draw from, including songs from their latest, I’ll Be Your Girl.  Sara Watkins lent her amazing fiddle and voice to a song about Butte miners, while Sarah Jarosz added her vocals to “We All Die Young.”

The band concluded their amazing performance with a very interesting song about a whale, which contained a lot of audience participation, and an inflatable whale that floated about the crowd.

Needless to say, the crowd loved every minute of their performance, and it was a huge job to get them to leave.  Fortunately for all of us, there was still another day of great music to come.  We’ll be back tomorrow with our review of day 2.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

Travelers’ Rest Festival – day 1 review (part 1)

One of my several jobs is working for a company called CMS to provide security for concerts.  As such, it was my privilege to work the entire Travelers’ Rest Festival, held for the second year at the Big Sky Brewing Company Amphitheatre in Missoula, Montana, and produced by the incredible team at Knitting Factory Entertainment.  The entire team was a joy to work with, especially my old friend, Mandi Zilner, the Marketing Director.

At the time the Festival began, I was only familiar with a couple of the 17 bands playing, but by the end of the weekend, I had gained some new musical loves, and reconnected to a voice from my childhood.

I got the perfect assignment, covering catering and the backstage gate, which was also located next to the Ponderosa Stage, giving me a bird’s eye view.  There were nine performances each day, four on the Ponderosa Stage and five on the Main Stage.  Once the music began at 3:30 p.m. each day, it never stopped until around 9 p.m., when there was a break while the crew prepared the Main Stage for the headliner, The Decemberists, who also curated the Festival and selected all the participating bands.

The first band to take the Ponderosa Stage was local Missoula band Rotgut Whines.  They turned in an impressive 30 minute set which got the Festival off to a great start.  This duo has an impressive pop rock sound that got the audience grooving and ready for the rest of the bands to come.  Although the band normally plays a few cover songs in their local shows, this set was all originals, and the crowd seemed very appreciative of the band.

The action then turned to the Main State, where Richmond, Virginia based artist Lucy Dacus was the first artist to play.  Dacus is signed to Matador Records, and from her performance it is easy to understand why she is considered one of Richmond’s treasures.  She is a brilliant guitar player, and her sound is reminiscent of artists like Ingrid Michaelson, Ali Handal and Cindy Alexander.  She played songs from her latest album, Historian, and has been touring North America in support of the album.  She turned in an impressive 45-minute set that stimulated the crowd, and added fuel to the fire that was started with Rotgun Whines‘ set.

Everything changed when Portland-based band Lenore took the Ponderosa Stage.  The standing room only crowd swelled until they could no longer fit underneath the stage’s shaded section, and still they came.   Composed of native Montanan Joy Pearson and Portland’s Rebecca Marie Miller on lead vocals, Edward Cameron on guitar and Jessie Dettwiler on cello, this band has a sound that works its way into your heart and your head and never leaves.  The harmonies are heavenly and exquisite, as is the combination of guitar and cello that forms the musical accompaniment.  Their 30 minute set went by way too fast, and the audience didn’t want to let them go.

The band also turned out to be super nice humans, as we spent a lot of time talking as they came and went backstage.  It was an honor to spend time with them, and they became my favorite discovery of the weekend.

The music returned to the Main Stage for one of the few acts I was familiar with before the Festival began.  I was fortunate enough to meet Sara Watkins back in 1999-2000 at Fan Fair in Nashville when she and her band Nickel Creek were just getting started, and attended several of their shows over the years, including the 25th Anniversary Show at The Wilma in 2014.  She has joined forces with two other bluegrass phenoms, Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O’Donovan to form I’m With Her, and this super-group is one of the best in the world.  They released their debut album this past February on Rounder Records.  Their 45-minute set was amazing, as their voices joined together as one instrument, meshed with their individual virtuosity on a multitude of stringed instruments, including fiddle, banjo, mandolin and guitar.  The perform in the traditional bluegrass way, gathered round a single microphone, which also adds to their unique harmony.

I also got to spend a lot of time with Sarah J and Aoife backstage, and met Aoife’s famly and Sara W’s nanny.  They were as nice off stage as they are incredible on it.

Returning to the Ponderosa Stage, the next performer was Matt the Electrician from Austin, Texas.  Matt is a folk rock singer-songwriter, with a similar style to artists like The White Buffalo and Joe Purdy.  He performed alone with his wife providing backing vocals.  Although a solo artist, he still filled the stage with his powerful stage presence and gave the packed structure a show they would not soon forget.  He is an artist that I am sure will soon become a household name, as his music is head and shoulders above many of his peers.  He is another artist I’m so glad I met because I truly loved his sound and his well-crafted songs.  I look forward to the chance to hear him again soon.  His most recent album, The Doubles, is available here.

I’ll be back later today with part 2 of our review of the first day of Travelers’ Rest.

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it – Magnet and the Magnettes, Squid Cult, Tyrone Barkley, Festive People, Brad Wenzel

Time again for our Friday edition of Get it or Forget it.  It’s been a great week of music, and we hope you’re liking what we’re reviewing.  Please leave a comment and let us know how we’re doing.  Here we go with five more artists for you to check out.

Artist Name:  Magnet and the Magnettes

Album Name:  Where the Wind Blows

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  To the Water; 2.  Lay me Down; 3.  I am not a Mountain; 4.  Best Laid Plans; 5.  Where the Wind Blows

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  The band has a solid sound, with solid musicianship, great vocals and well-crafted songs that have something to say.  These songs are radio friendly and worthy of airplay, as they sound better than most of the music heard on today’s radio stations.  Our neighbors to the north have birthed a sound that should find a good home here in the States, and we strongly encourage radio station managers, especially college, to add this one to their rotation.

Recommendation:  Definitely get it.

Artist Name:  Squid Cult

Album Name:  All Boys Leave Home Someday

Label:  Septarian Records

Genre:  Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Willie; 2.  Rattlesnake; 3.  Paranoia; 4.  Everybody Knows; 5.  Baby Blue; 6.  Angelpuke; 7.  Scenes from Subspace; 8.  Hellish; 9.  The Urinal; 10.  Red Bamboo; 11.  Last Man

Publicist:  Magic Tree Productions

Review:  Squid Cult is not your typical rock band.  They mix elements of jazz, punk, and ska into their rock mix, creating a sound that is truly unique and their own.  They blast us with this uniqueness on the first track and never look back, as each song takes us higher and deeper into their psyche.  The vocals are fun and well delivered while the multi-layered instrumentation will have you wondering just what you’re listening to, but loving every minute of it regardless.  “Rattlesnake” was a good choice for first single, as its energy and drive will draw in new fans and hold on to those that already love the band.  Other impressive tracks include “Baby Blue, “Angelpuke,” “Hellish,” and “Red Bamboo.”

Recommendation:  This one truly belongs in your collection.  Get it.

Artist Name:  Tyrone Barkley

Album Name:  Bend Me, Shape Me

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Soul

Track Listing:  1.  Bend Me, Shape Me; 2.  Don’t Take Your Love Away; 3.  For What I Am; 4.  Man of Value; 5.  Some Kind of Wonderful

Publicist:  Essential Media Group

Review:  Tyrone Barkley was a member of the 70s soul group The Undisputed Truth.  This EP contains previously unreleased solo tracks he worked on with Larry Weiss (“Rhinestone Cowboy”), and bring back memories of childhood, much like Mavis Staples and Ural Thomas did at last weekend’s Travelers Rest Music Festival.  This is truly a “blast from the past,” and we love every one of these tracks.  This is the way music used to be made, and we can never get enough of this sound.  Every song is a winner, and shows that great music never dies.

Recommendation:  This one is a must have if  you love soul music from the 70s.  Get it today!

Artist Name:  Festive People

Album Name:  In the Black

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Retro Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Boxcar; 2.  Spin my Eyes; 3.  Behave; 4.  Lover, not a Friend; 5.  Mesmerized; 6.  Hostage; 7.  Live On; 8.  Pumice; 9.  Wooden Cage; 10.  In the Black

Publicist:  Effective Immediately PR

Review:  The music of the 70s and 80s was strong, based on great lyrics, a fun, upbeat style, and lots of synthesizers.  Festive People have captured that sound and made it relevant to the modern age, and we couldn’t be happier.  These songs are masterpieces, and belong on the radio, especially college.  They would also work well in period pieces on television and film.  This debut album is a work of art, and sets the bar high for what comes next.  You can hear so many of your favorite childhood artists in these songs, like the Beatles, Elton John, ELO, Howard Jones and more.  Favorite tracks include “Boxcar,” “Spin my Eyes,” “Lover, not a Friend,” “Mesmerized,” “Hostage,” “Live On,” “Pumice,” and “Wooden Cage.”

Recommendation:  Don’t hesitate.  Get this one now.

Artist Name:  Brad Wenzel

Album Name:  Sweet Nothings

Label:  Third Man Records

Genre:  Stand-up Comedy

Track Listing:  1.  Easin’ In; 2.  Secret Purpose; 3.  Something Inspirational; 4.  Addressing the Smell; 5.  This is.  The Centaur; 6.  Calling Bob; 7.  Less Interesting Facts; 8.  Sinister Looking Peanut; 9.  Baffled Tombstone; 10.  Tackling the Issues; 11.  Razor Sharp Crowd Work; 12.  I’m From Michigan; 13.  Professional Wrestling; 14.  Nitpicking; 15.  Pretty American; 16.  Really Laying into Rude People; 17.  Big Hollywood Ideas; 17.  Winding it Down

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  If you like comedy, then you will love Brad Wenzel.  His comedy is off beat and based on truly common and everyday experiences.  His wit is sharp and he engages well with his audience, and he delivers hilarious one-liners over and over again.  It is no wonder he has made two appearances on Conan, as well as first place at The Cleveland Comedy Festival.

Recommendation:  Get this one if you love to laugh.

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it – Stringer, Trevor James, FINE POINTS, Jane in Space, Code Red Riot

Had a blast yesterday checking out LA Music Critic Award nominee Stacy Jones Band at Missoula’s weekly “Out to Lunch” series.  She put on an amazing show with her four piece band, bringing the smooth sound of her harmonica to their southern rock and blues mix.

Today we’re back with five more reviews from some incredibly rocking bands.  Please let us know what you think.

Artist Name:  Stringer

Album Name:  My Bad

Label:  Wiretap Records

Genre:  Indie Rock/Punk

Track Listing:  1.  Intro; 2.  USA; 3.  Ghosts; 4.  Through the Walls; 5.  Rachel; 6.  Swimming; 7.  Dead Horse; 8.  Abergain; 9.  Flower Bomb; 10.  Termites; 11.  Halving; 12.  Miss Slovenia; 13.  InFinFly

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:  Stringer has been a staple in the underground DIY music scene in Brooklyn for many years.  With the release of My Bad, they show the rest of the world why they have become so beloved in New York City.  Their first single, “Ghosts,” reminds us of The Beastie Boys, and has the potential to be a break out song, especially with the release of their music video.  “Through the Walls” is very radio friendly and more indie rock than punk, and deserves heavy rotation, especially on college stations, as does “Swimming.”  Other tracks deserving of attention are “Dead Horse,” “Flower Bomb,” “Termites,” “Halving” and “InFinFly.”

Recommendation:  You really should Get this one.

Artist Name:  Trevor James

Album Name:  Maxine

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  R&B/Funk/Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Maxine; 2.  Sorry; 3.  Touch the Sky; 4.  Assassin; 5.  Cool Breeze; 6.  Creepin; 7.  Street Walker; 8.  Crazy; 9.  Locked Out; 10.  I’m Gone

Publicist:  Effective Immediately PR

Review:  Trevor James has hit the scene, sounding like a mix of Jimi Hendrix and Lenny Kravitz, but with his own kind of attitude that sets his music apart from them.  The title track kicks ass, and sets the tone for the amazing stuff that follows.  On “Sorry,” he adds a jazzy vibe that makes this song pop, making it a great candidate for radio.  His inner Hendrix kicks in on “Assassin” and “Street Walker,” where he demonstrates his extreme virtuosity on the guitar.  He returns to the mellow sound on “Cool Breeze,” which would also sound great on the radio, while “Creepin” and “I’m Gone” are just plain cool R&B/Funk.

Recommendation:  You can’t go wrong with this one.  Add it to your collection today.

Artist Name:  FINE POINTS

Album Name:  Take Shape

Label:  Dine Alone Records

Genre:  Indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  The Fang; 2.  Water Run; 3.  Ready and Able; 4.  Technicolor Dreams; 5.  It’s What I Know; 6.  Wandering; 7.  Pharaoh; 8.  Sanctuary; 9.  One by One; 10.  Bell Below; 11.  I’m not the One

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  San Francisco-based FINE POINTS are a band on their way.  They secured the services of Grammy winning producer Jason Carmer, who has previously worked with Third Eye Blind, Billy Idol and Merle Haggard, and he has helped them create a masterpiece that stretches from start to finish, and especially on their singles, “The Fang” and “Ready and Able.”  Other tracks worthy of attention include “Technicolor Dreams,” “It’s What I Know,” “Wandering,” “Pharaoh,” “One by One,” “Bell Below,” and “I’m not the One.”

Recommendation:  Get it!

Artist Name:  Jane in Space

Album Name:  Gorerunner

Label:  Aion Records

Genre:  Industrial/Electronic

Track Listing:  1.  Little Raurus; 2.  Eat Your Face; 3.  Full Stop; 4.  Breaking Glass; 5.  Gorerunner; 6.  Through the Vines

Publicist:  Effective Immediately PR

Review:  Jane in Space is another band from Brooklyn that has been compared to Nine Inch Nails and Depeche Mode.  For this album, they tapped Keith Hillebrandt, who has worked with Nails, to produce the album, and we think he has delivered a stellar album that fans of those bands will also enjoy.  The band hits the ground running on the first track, and never slows down as they deliver music that melts faces.  is in your face.  Our only complaint is that there are only six songs.  We can’t wait to see what comes next.

Recommendation:  If you are a fan of Nine Inch Nails or Depeche Mode, you should definitely add this one to your collection.

Artist Name:  Code Red Riot

Album Name:  Mask

Label:  Sony RED Music

Genre:  Metal/Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Panic and Pain; 2.  Killing the Kings; 3.  Living Low; 4.  Slide; 5.  Chaos Calls; 6.  Ghost; 7.  Fuel in the Fire; 8.  Bulletproof; 9.  Black Hole Hero; 10.  Handle This; 11.  7 More Days; 12.  My Failing Soul

Publicist:  Right Angle PR

Review:  Former Otherwise drummer and now Code Red Riot frontman, Corky Gainsford, draws his inspiration from legends like Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), Sully Erna (Godsmack) and Blake Allison (Devour The Day).  Currently on tour with Gemini System, Mask is the band’s debut album, and it’s an incredible start to their career.  The band has set the bar very high, and delivers a masterful set of dynamic and hard-hitting songs that not just metal fans will enjoy.  This one is a treat from start to finish, and a worthy addition to your musical collection.

Recommendation:  Rush out and Get this one!

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Rachael Sage, Reloaded Norway, Jamie Shew, Tammie Shannon, Shaunt Avakian

It’s Wednesday again, and our first day off since last Tuesday.  We are also excited because Stacy Jones, the LA Music Critic Award nominee for Best Blues Artist last year, is playing a show in our very own Caras Park today.  To celebrate, we have five more amazing artists for you to check out.  Let’s get going.

Artist Name:  Rachael Sage

Album Name:  Myopia

Label:  MPress Records

Genre:  Alt Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Alive; 2.  Spark; 3.  No One is to Blame; 4.  Olivia; 5.  Myopia; 6.  Sympathy Seed; 7.  Daylight; 8.  Maybe She’ll Have Cats; 9.  Haunted by Objects; 10.  This Darkness; 11.  Umru Mayne; 12.  Snowed In; 13.  Tomorrow; 14.  Sistersong 2018

Publicist:  MPress Records

Review:  Rachel Sage has been a force in the indie music community for the past 20 years, creating her own record label and taking her music to the masses.  She recently completed a tour with 80s icon Howard Jones, whose song “No One is to Blame” she covers on this album, giving it her signature warmth and style.  We have followed her music for many years, and believe that Myopia contains the best music she has ever released.  From the opening notes of “Alive,” she sets the tone for the album, which is the true empowerment of women.  Although primarily known as a keyboardist, she relies more on guitar based melodies this time around, and proves she is just as adept at that instrument as she is her keys.  These songs are light and airy (for the most part) and perfect for summer, and deserve heavy rotation on radio and further placement opportunities in television and film.  We love the entire album, but our favorites are “Alive,” “Spark,” “Olivia,” “Myopia,” “Daylight,” the totally different “Haunted by Objects” and “This Darkness,” the rocking “Umru Mayne,” and the incredible “Tomorrow,” which gives us promise that this amazing artist will be back with more great music in the future. She closes the album with a new version of her 20 year old feminist anthem “Sistersong.”  Now that’s talent and endurance!

Recommendation:  You simply MUST Get this one!

Artist Name:  Reloaded Norway

Album Name:  My Longest Mile

Label:  Bluestown Records

Genre:  Blues/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Bigger Balls; 2.  Saturday Night Diva; 3.  My Longest Mile; 4.  Devil’s Kiss; 5.  Up Yours; 6.  Majority’s Mask; 7.  Listen Now; 8.  Definitely Maybe Baby; 9.  Born Without Rhythm; 10.  I Pray for You

Publicist:  ABIK Radio Promotions

Review:  Just one listen to this band and you will be hooked.  Norway has given us a rocking blues sound which features the amazing vocals and songwriting of Heidi Kvalholm Blåsmo, with Øyvind Vassli Hansen on guitar, Tony Caddle on bass, Jarle Børresen on keys/Hammond and Lars Ove Fjelldahl on drums/percussion.  Their blues vibe is universal, and should propel them onto the worldwide stage, as their music is desperately needed here in America.  This is a band you would love to spend the night listening to, as their rocking blues sound envelopes you and gets you in the mood for just about anything.  The vocals are second to none and reminiscent of the powerful chops of artists like Beth Hart and Tina Turner.  You can’t go wrong with this one, as every song is powerful and worthy of multiple listens.

Recommendation:  Go out today and Get this one!

Artist Name:  Jamie Shew

Album Name:  Eyes Wide Open

Label:  Blujazz

Genre:  Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  Get out of my Head; 2.  Easy to Love; 3.  The Flat Foot Floogie; 4.  The Answers are You; 5.  Detour Ahead; 6.  Thou Swell; 7.  Mountain Greenery; 8.  Easy Living; 9.  You Don’t Know What Love Is; 10. First Song (for Ruth); 11.  O Cantador; 12.  Reflections; 13.  Eyes Wide Open

Publicist:  Mouthpiece Music

Review:  There is nothing like being at a live jazz show because the musicians are famous for ad libbing their songs with incredible instrumentals.  Eyes Wide Open captures that experience with an amazing collection of songs that every true jazz lover craves.  Interestingly, the songs are not just well written and perfectly performed, but also tell the story of Jamie Shew’s 20 year relationship with her late husband.  She finds the joy in those memories, and translates them into what could very well become jazz standards for a future generation.

Recommendation:  If you love traditional jazz, complete with amazing vocals and incredible musicianship, then you simply must add this one to your collection.

Artist Name:  Tammie Shannon

Album Name:  All of Me

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues/Pop/R&B

Track Listing:  1.  I Got Rhythm; 2.  Bulletproof; 3.  Breakable; 4.  Collide; 5.  Bitch; 6.  Cumin with You; 7.  No More Tears; 8.  I’m on That; 9.  Father Time; 10. Made up Mind; 11.  Fool for You; 12.  I Believe; 13.  Whatever you Want; 14.  Won’t let me Down

Publicist:  EMPKT PR

Review:  Damn!  Tammie Shannon delivers a stellar debut album that should establish her as the Gretchen Wilson of the blues world.  These songs are powerful, especially “Bulletproof,” which talks about surviving abuse.  Shannon bares her soul on this album, leaving nothing hidden, and released the album on Mother’s Day in remembrance of her late mother.  “I Got Rhythm” is a true blues rocker, while “Breakable” is a pop ballad that will bring tears to your eyes.  “Collide” is a jazzy blues tune that will have your toes tapping in no time at all.  We really love the beautiful gospel songs “Father Time” and “I Believe,”  which will uplift your spirit and give you hope.  She adds a little R&B to her blues vibe on “Made up Mind” before returning to a rocking sound on “Fool for You.”  The final two songs will make you want to start the whole album over again.

Recommendation:  This one is a keeper, and Shannon will soon be a household name.  Get it before everyone knows about her.

Artist Name:  Shaunt Avakian

Album Name:  Intensity

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Singer-Songwriter Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Are you Here?; 2.  Hard to Focus; 3.  One in a Million; 4.  Love to Love You; 5.  The Runaway; 6.  Rats in the Attic

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  The album is aptly named, as this collection of six songs are jam-packed with intensity.  Shaunt Avakian is a gifted young singer-songwriter that has a lot to say, and a powerful way to share them.  He hits the ground running with “Are you Here?” and doesn’t let up.  His debut album shows his punk and UK rock influences, and establishes him as a force to be reckoned with.  Best tracks include the rockers “Are you Here?” and “One in a Million” and the softer “Love to Love You” and “The Runaway,” although every track is solid.

Recommendation:  This young man is definitely going places.  Be among the first to discover his immense talent, and take his amazing EP home today!

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Castle Black, Fellow Robot, Sean Paul, Katie Herzig, No Dry County

Hope your Monday was enjoyable.  It’s now time for our first Get it or Forget it of the week, and we have five very interesting artists for you to check out.

Artist Name:  Castle Black

Album Name:  the gods that adored you

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Punk/Grunge

Track Listing:  1.  Man on a Train; 2.  River; 3.  Sierra; 4.  A Cigarette, Saved; 5.  Linen

Publicist:  Behind the Curtains Media

Review:  Last year we reviewed their previous EP, Trapped Under All You Know, and they’re back with their fourth EP, the gods that adored you.  This band just continues to get better and better.  One thing we really love about them, besides their amazing post-punk grunge/ indie rock sound is the lead female vocals, which truly sets them apart from so many of their peers.  All five songs this time around are amazing, and we can’t get enough of any of them, especially “Linen.”  As we said last year, “Hop on the bandwagon now cause this band is going places.”  We stand by that analysis.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get it.

Artist Name:  Fellow Robot

Album Name:  The Robot’s Guide to Music Vol. 1

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Rock/Folk/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Tools of War; 2.  The Narcissist; 3.  Wedding Dress; 4.  Garden of the Lord; 5.  Clone Baby; 6.  I’m With You; 7.  Dime in my Pocket; 8.  Son of Fire; 9.  Better Days; 10.  Become the Sky; 11.  Fatherless Children

Publicist:  Far Digital PR

Review:  Fellow Robot has a unique but familiar style, reminiscent of the music of The Decemberists.  The music is simple yet majestic, and builds mightily as each song progresses towards climax.  This is a band you want to have as your everyday chill, and we don’t think you will ever tire of their sound.  They definitely have the potential for great things, and they are setting the bar high with this dynamic debut album.  We highly recommend you simply put this one on repeat.  You will want to hear them over and over.

Recommendation:  Get this one now.  They will be blowing up the charts in no time flat!

Artist Name:  Sean Paul

Album Name:  Mad Love – The Prequel

Label:  Dutty Hall Productions

Genre:  Pop/Dancehall/Reggae

Track Listing:  1.  Naked Truth (ft. Jhene Aiko) EXPLICIT; 2.  Bad Love (ft. Ellie Golding); 3.  Mad Love (ft. David Guetta, Becky G); 4.  Jump on It; 5.  Tip Pon It (ft. Major Lazer); 6.  Jet Plane Trip (ft. Steffen Don); 7.  Body (ft. Migos) EXPLICIT; 8.  Tek Weh Guh Heart (ft. Tory Lanez; 9.  No Lie (ft. Dua Lipa)

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society

Review:  We doubt that there is anyone who hasn’t heard of Sean Paul.  On this amazing album, he has dubbed some of the hottest stars in the pop word and added his signature reggae vibe to songs that are guaranteed to get you up and onto the dance floor.  You can’t listen to these songs and not want to dance.  They are hot hot hot, and we are so proud to be able to share them with you.  Take your pick of these songs – you can’t go wrong with any of them.  Our favorites include “Bad Love,” Mad Love,” “Jump on It,” “Jet Plane Trip,” and “No Lie.”

Recommendation:  Get it before you can’t find it anymore.  This one is guaranteed to melt your turntable.

Artist Name:  Katie Herzig

Album Name:  Delicate

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Beat of Your Heart; 2.  Feel Alive (ft. Ingrid Michaelson); 3.  Lost and Found (ft. Sleeping at Last); 4.  Strangers; 5.  The Wilheim Scream; 6.  Wish you Well (ft. Brandi Carlille)

Publicist:  Right Angle PR

Review:  It’s only been a few months since we reviewed her last EP, Moment of Bliss, and we are thrilled that she has returned with her latest, Delicate.  She made us wait four years for Moment of Bliss, and we’re so glad that we didn’t have to wait that long for her latest blissful creation.  This time around, she has five of her originals, several of which were previously recorded, as well as an amazing cover of the James Blake song “The Wilheim Scream.”   She has also drafted several of the artists that she has opened for to sing on the EP, including Brandi Carlille and Ingrid Michaelson, and is currently on her own headlining tour,  It is no wonder that Herzig continues to get placements on hit television shows, including 10 songs on Grey’s Anatomy.  She was also recently nominated for an Emmy for her song “Morse Code,” which was written for Netflix’s The Mr. Peabody and Sherman Show.  Everyone of these songs is incredible and a testament to the powerful songwriting force that Herzig has become.

Recommendation:  This lady is a future superstar.  Get this one ASAP!

Artist Name:  No Dry County

Album Name:  Panhandle Music

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Americana Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Tucumcari; 2.  Get Away; 3.  Elvis Gun Runner; 4.  Bittersweet; 5.  SS 14; 6.  Manic and Mundane; 7.  Mountain of Clouds; 8.  On our Own; 9.  Sheep in Wolves Clothes; 10.  When you Came Around; 11.  15 Piece Band; 12.  Sway; 13.  Hey Thunder

Publicist:  Effective Immediately PR

Review:  Combining Americana, alt country and rock is pure genius, and truly sets apart the sound of No Dry County.  The vocals are crystal clear, the lyrics are ingenious and well written, and the musical score is unlike anything else.  This band has so much potential for placement opportunities and serious radio airplay.  This one is a winner from start to finish, and we will be putting it on repeat for the foreseeable future.  Our favorites include “Get Away,” “Bittersweet,” “Mountain of Clouds,” “Sheep in Wolves Clothes,” “15 Piece Band,” and “Hey Thunder.”

Recommendation:  Run, don’t walk, and Get this one Today!

 

 

Categories
Reviews

Ten great singles released in July 2018

We are so inspired after spending yesterday working with the amazing artists at The Decemberists’ Travelers Rest Festival in Missoula, Montana.  We discovered some amazing talent we had not previously known about, like indie band Lenore and indie artists Waxahatchee and Matt the Electrician.

Here are ten great singles we didn’t have room to share this month in our Monday Mashup article.  We hope they inspire you as they have inspired us.

The first single comes from an artist who has been featured several times before, and continues to impress us.  Here’s “Keep On” by the amazing guitarist Jackie Venson.

Next up is a pair of singles from Glasgow-based disco duo Free Love (formerly Happy Meals).  The featured single is “Pushing too Hard,” which we really love, as well as a bonus track “July.”  Check out their vibe.

Our third single is from a band we featured in June.  “Liars and Thieves” is the latest from Becoming Bristol, and it confirms our belief in the future of the band.  Let us know what you think.

Our fourth single is “Chapel of Pines” from the forthcoming new album by Waxahatchee, who we fell in love with after her powerful performance at yesterday’s Festival.  We think she will have your devotion too after you hear this song.

Next up is “Speaking Fire,” a powerful new song from Samsaruh.  We think this one will power you into the next week.  Enjoy!

We start our second five singles with the title track from the new EP by Dead Ceremony.  Check out “Heartache.”

Our seventh single is from R&B/Soul artist Conrad the Third.  Chill out to the amazing sound of “Get you Alone.”

Single number eight is a throw-back to the tender ballads of the 70’s.  Check out “Lazy Love” from debut artist Johnny Payne.

Next up is the debut single from the new album by Here are the Lions.  Check out “Unsatisfied.”  We love the upbeat and the potential for radio airplay for this group.

Our final single today comes from Matthew Perryman Jones, and we simply love it.  We’ll close for this edition with “Anything Goes.”

 

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

Get it or Forget it – Moonshine Saints, Grandpa Grew Trees, Sara Marie Barron, Dennis Jones Band, Kris Angelis

Happy Friday.  We’re exciting to share some new releases with you, including the long awaited new EP from Kris Angelis.  Hope this gets you off to a great weekend.

Artist Name:  Moonshine Saints

Album Name:  Six Ways to Sunday Volumes 1 & 2

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Southern Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Sugar N Thunder; 2.  Frankenshine; 3.  The Fire; 4.  Production; 5.  Strong; 6.  Hell or High Water; 7.  You Take the House; 8.  Love is Like a River; 9.  Roll Like a Landslide; 10.  Drivin on Over; 11.  Anything to be Your Man; 12.  Wicked Intentions; 13.  Southern Bonafide (bonus track)

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Moonshine Saints have come to rock in the style of Lynryd Skynyrd, and they show on this album that they have the same grit and fire.  From the first note of Sugar N Thunder, it quickly becomes obvious that this is a band to take notice of.  If their live show has half the energy of their album, then it must be amazing.  These songs are radio friendly and ready for immediate airplay.  There is not a weak song on this album, and we love it from start to finish.  Radio Station Managers – you need to put this band on your radar and get them on  your airplay list ASAP!

Recommendation:  This one is a must-have.  Get it now!

Artist Name:  Grandpa Grew Trees

Album Name:  Grandpa Grew Trees

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  After; 2.  Still; 3.  Ours; 4.  Backstroke; 5.  Swamp; 6.  Wolf; 7.  Worry; 8.  Names (Heaven Hold On); 9.  Morning; 10.  Better

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Elijah Poston, the songwriter behind the band, has compiled a beautiful collection of songs dealing with grief, based on his personal history with the suicides of two family members, and his desire to move on.  Poston also provides guitar and vocals, and is joined by Miguel Pilcher on drums, Griffin Rone on bass, and Mitch Mealer on guitar.  These songs are in the style of the Plain White T’s and are beautifully written with powerful lyrics about moving on.  This album should be used by every grief therapy group to help their members deal with their pain.  We highly recommend this soothing dose of musical medicine.

Recommendation:  This one belongs in your musical library.  Get it and share it today.

Artist Name:  Sara Marie Barron

Album Name:  Sad, But True

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  R&B/Soul/Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  Let me be Yours; 2.  That Man; 3.  Known Better; 4.  New York City; 5.  Wanna Know; 6.  Bad News; 7.  One Thing; 8.  Does She

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  OMG – Sara Marie Barron is amazing.  Mixing a jazzy feel into her R&B and soul gives her a sound somewhere between Norah Jones and Alicia Keys, with a touch of the amazing being that is Carole King.  She could easily compete with anyone in the AAA/AC community, and we think she should be on the radio NOW.  This is soothing, relaxing chill music that you will want to put on repeat and listen to over and over again.  It is by far the best album put out by a female artist so far this year.  Her music would also be a smart choice for music supervisors for placement in television and film, as well as commercials.  We simply can’t get enough of this album.  It is no surprise that Billboard Magazine is championing her first single, “That Man.”

Recommendation:  If you only get one album this year, this should be it!  It is amazingly smooth and will make you the coolest cat on the block.

Artist Name:  Dennis Jones Band

Album Name:  WE3 Live

Label:  Blue Rock Records

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Blue Over You; 2.  When I Die; 3.  Passion for the Blues; 4.  Stray Bullet; 5.  Hot Sauce; 6.  Don’t Worry About Me; 7.  Super Deluxe; 8.  Enjoy the Ride; 9.  You Don’t Know a Thing About Love; 10.  Kill the Pain; 11.  Big Blat Cat; 12.  Devil’s Nightmare; 13.  I’m Good; 14.  Born Under a Bad Sign

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  Boy were we in for a shock when we opened the CD case and noticed that this album was recorded in eastern Montana, at a brewery in a town that has less than 600 people.  That’s a long way to go for an album because the band is based out of Los Angeles.  We are sure the joint was jumping because the Dennis Jones Band is HOT!  This band proves that the power trio is still alive and well in music, with Jones on lead guitar and lead vocals, Sam Correa on bass and backing vocals and Raymond Johnson on drums.  The album contains 14 tracks featuring selections from all five of Jones’ solo albums as well as a stirring cover of the Albert King classic “Born Under a Bad Sign.”  This is the perfect choice if you’re in the mood for rock and blues, and it will definitely get the party going.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one.  It belongs in the musical library of every rock and blues lover.

Artist Name:  Kris Angelis

Album Name:  Pieces That Were Stolen

Label:   Self-released

Genre:  Singer-songwriter Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Photobooth;  2.  The Sparrow; 3.  Stained Glass; 4.  Bravest

Publicist:  Magic Tree Productions

Review:  Kris Angelis has been a favorite of this blog for many years, and has won multiple LA Music Critic Awards for her previous efforts.  We have also featured the first two singles (“Photobooth” and “Stained Glass,” which she co-wrote with Garrison Starr) in our Monday Mashup column, and strongly encourage you to subscribe to her YouTube page.  It is no wonder that we always have high expectations for anything she records, and she has truly exceeded those standards.  The short four-song EP deals with loss, and she does so in a way that heals the broken heart, and brings hope and joy to the downtrodden.  This EP took a year to create, and the finished product was well worth the wait,  Angelis is one of a kind, and the best singer-songwriter to come out of Los Angeles, bar none.  Just make sure you have a box of Kleenex handy.

Recommendation:  The music of Kris Angelis is priceless, and we strongly recommend that you Get this one TODAY!

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Bobbo Byrnes, Wily Bo Walker, Mark Tolstrup, De’Anza, Peggy James

It’s Thursday again, and Friday is knocking on the door.  Check out these five incredible artists to get you ready for the weekend.

Artist Name:  Bobbo Byrnes

Album Name:  Two Sides to this Town

Label:  Song & Whispers

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Angelia; 2.  Heart Like Mine; 3.  Glad; 4.  Jealous Kind; 5.  Massachusetts; 6.  Dam; 7.  Welfare Calling; 8.  Last Hurrah; 9.  Summer Wine; 10.  Vegas

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Bobbo Byrnes has been a staple of the burgeoning Americana movement in America for quite a few years.  Whether playing solo, with his lovely wife Tracy in their band The Fallen Stars, or in the combined band Riddle and the Stars, Byrnes consistently delivers some of the best music in the world.  While his vocals may be an acquired taste, much like Tom Waits, his musicianship is never in question, as he delivers stellar performances on just about anything with strings.  We have known him since the early 2000s, and have seen him and his band perform countless times, including award winning performances for the Orange County Music Awards (OCMA) and the SoCal Music Live Awards.  He and his bands are also multiple winners of the LA Music Critic Awards.  However, since the release of his last solo album Motel Americana, which we reviewed back in September 2016, he has stepped up his game, and this album may well be his best to date.  Several tracks truly shine, including “Heart Like Mine,” “Jealous Kind,” “Dam” (the best “damn” song they have ever done), “Welfare Cadillac,” and “Summer Wine.”

Recommendation:  Get it NOW!

Artist Name:  Wily Bo Walker

Album Name:  Almost Transparent Blues

Label:  Mescal Canyon Records

Genre:  Blues/Americana/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Chattahoochee Coochee Man; 2.  Loan me a Dime; 3.  I Want to Know; 4.  Storm Warning; 5.  Motel Blues; 6.  Did I Forget; 7.  Fool for You; 8.  Walking with the Devil; 9.  Long way to Heaven; 10.  Moon Over Indigo; 11.  Light at the End of the Tunnel

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  Wily Bo Walker is a Scotsman who has established himself on the American blues scene, becoming one of the very few UK artists to be inducted into the U.S. Blues Hall of Fame.  Just a casual listen to his latest release erases any doubt that he is worthy of that honor.  His sound is a mix of blues, soul, classic R&B, jazz rock and Americana, and all of it is HOT!  His songs are the stuff of legends – perfect storytelling and lyrical content, a gravelly voice that leaves no doubt to the listener that this artist has lived what he sings about, and a collection of some of the greatest musicians in the world – making Walker’s music the type that you want to listen to over and over again.  This one is definitely the best blues album we have reviewed this year, and probably one of the best solo efforts as well.  Look for it to win a few awards.  There isn’t a weak song on this album.

Recommendation:  This is a MUST-HAVE for your collection, regardless of your musical tastes.  Get it before it’s gone.

Artist Name:  Mark Tolstrup

Album Name:  Northstar

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Northstar; 2.  Hey Hey Baby; 3.  I Don’t Know; 4.  Milk and Honey; 5.  Old Man’s Blues; 6.  City in the Rain; 7.  Haunted House Blues; 8.  On the Nickel; 9.  Back Water Blues; 10.  Free Brother; 11.  My Song is Don’t Worry; 12.  Dead Man’s Shirt; 13.  Requiem for Coyote

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Northstar is an intensely personal album that could only have come from Mark Tolstrup.  He lays it all on the line in the title track that sets the mood for the entire album, letting his listeners know right off the bat that they are in for a treat.  He wrote the title to be sung at the funeral of his father.  He shares these amazing songs with a cast of incredible musicians, including Jessica Wern on drums and vocal, James Gascoyne on bass, Sharon Bolton on vocals, Chris Carey on keyboard, Dave Lambert on sax, Woody Strobeck on trombone, and Oona Grady on fiddle, among others.  Together they take Tostrup’s personal vision and make it universal.  We love the overall tone of the album, and the varying kinds of blues displayed, as well as his covers of Tom Waits’ “On the Nickel” and Michael Eck’s “Dead Man’s Shirt.”

Recommendation:  You should definitely Get this one.

Artist Name:  De’Anza

Album Name:  Cosmic Dream

Label:  Fusion Beats

Genre:  Latin Alternative/Electronic

Track Listing:  1.  Cosmic Dream; 2.  La Puerta; 3.  Want; 4.  Stage I:  Light Sleep; 5.  Llena de Gracia; 6.  Stage III:  Deep Sleep; 7.  ¿Estás Recibiendo?; 8.  Stage V:  REM; 9.  War

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  De’Anza brings us Latin culture to the world of electronic funk in this concept album tracing the various stages of the sleep cycle.  Several of the tracks are written in Spanish and delivered with a myriad of funkiness and electronica.  We love the Latin vibe of her music, which could easily translate to serious radio airplay, as well as making some interesting placement options for television and film, especially “Want,” with its R&B groove and truly funky style.

Recommendation:  Give this artist a listen.  We think you’ll be hooked.

Artist Name:  Peggy James

Album Name:  Nothing in Between

Label:  Happy Growl Records

Genre:  Singer-Songwriter Country/Folk

Track Listing:  1.  We had to Meet; 2.  X-Files; 3.  An Hour with You; 4.  Lover; 5.  Nothing in Between; 6.  Muscle Man; 7.  Gotta Have a Love; 8.  In One Ear (and out the Other); 9.  Ghost; 10.  Sound of Your Wheels; 11.  Fallen Snow; 12.  I Wish you Well

Publicist:  Daystorm Music

Review:  Milwaukee native songbird Peggy James has released an amazing solo effort which mixes her Midwestern roots with her Southwestern influences, creating a truly unique sound that has a folky Emmylou Harris/Shawn Colvin vibe over a Grace Potter like organ sound, as well as some of the finest guitar we’ve heard in a long time.  James has such a sweet, pure and beautiful voice that takes this well-crafted gems and makes them sparkle even brighter, shining the light on every facet of the song.  The stories will draw you in, and the musicianship will keep you interested.  You will find that you don’t want anything to come between you and this music.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one today!