Well, we made it to Friday again, with lots of football ahead this weekend on the high school, college and professional circuits. Let’s get you ready for the weekend with these next five artists. Let us know what you think.
Artist Name: Dennis Duff
Album Name: Songs From Lyon County
Label: Self-released
Genre: Country/Folk
Track Listing: 1. Wilson Holler; 2. Hey Mr. TVA; 3. Road to Dover; 4. Night Riders; 5. TC and Pearl; 6. Castle on the Cumberland; 7. Iron Hill; 8. 37 Flood; 9. When I Leave Kentucky
Publicist: So Much Moore Media
Review: Dennis Duff is a storyteller with a love for history. His latest effort catalogs the history of Lyon County, Kentucky in a way that is reminiscent of those great storytellers of the folk scene in the 50s and 60s like Woody Guthrie and Joan Baez. According to his press release, the songs are like diary entries regarding important events that affected this section of our country, and we think he nailed the description. These are the kind of songs that become folk classics and will remain relevant forever. While Duff is not immortal, these songs are, and should become a part of our folk history.
Recommendation: If you love history and folk music, this is the album for you. Get it today!
Artist Name: The Chairman Dances
Album Name: Child of my Sorrow
Label: Black Rd Records
Genre: Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. Acme Parking Garage; 2. Mascot; 3. Iridescent; 4. No Compass, No Map; 5. A Half-Mile from Allentown (intro); 6. A Half-Mile from Allentown; 7. No One can Hurt You (Like a Friend can Hurt You); 8. Hannah, I Know it Wasn’t Always Easy; 9. Out of the Lion’s Den, Into the Lion’s Maw; 10. First to Leave; 11. Child of my Sorrows
Publicist: Noisy Ghost PR
Review: The majority of the latest album from The Chairman Dances was recorded live, and that energy comes through loud and clear. This is not your typical indie rock band – this band isn’t just about the music, but the story is just as important. The songs are extremely well written, especially the lyrics, and like a good audio book, they enthrall and entice the listener to become part of the story. The vocals are not the smoothest we have heard, but are effective in their delivery of the all important lyrical content. The music will suck you in while the band passes on their story, and the combination of the two is incredible.
Recommendation: This one is definitely worth your attention.
Artist Name: Chris Lightcap
Album Name: Superette
Label: Royal Potato Family
Genre: Instrumental Jazz Rock
Track Listing: 1. Selector; 2. She Walked In; 3. Far Away Planet; 4. While you Were Out; 5. Djali; 6. Calling on Cars; 7. Ace of Spades; 8. Light Trails; 9. All Come to Meet Her; 10. Frozen Bread; 11. Birds
Publicist: Royal Potato Family
Review: Chris Lightcap is a gifted bassist and composer and with the help of guitarists Curtis Hasselbring and Jonathan Goldberger, drummer Dan Rieser, and special guests Nels Cline and John Medeski, brings us stirring instrumental music that is truly genre-defying. This is jazz for those who love rock and/or experimental music, and the electrifying songs deliver a sonic adventure that the listener will not soon forget. This music has to be heard to be believed, and is a beacon of hope that jazz will never die as long as it continues to evolve.
Recommendation: You simply must Get this one.
Artist Name: Subterfüge
Album Name: We are all Refugees
Label: SquidHat Records
Genre: Punk/Hardcore
Track Listing: 1. Ear to the Radio; 2. We are all Refugees; 3. The Score; 4. Ask Your Doctor
Publicist: SquidHat Records
Review: In their first release since 1984, Subterfüge proves that their message is just as relevant today as it was 34 years ago. This is punk with a true purpose, and is delivered in such a way that most rock fans will embrace the music and in turn the message. This short four-song EP gives hope to the hopeless, with timely themes of fake news, immigration, Trump and commercials for prescription drugs. One thing is for sure, they are not afraid to tackle huge social issues.
Recommendation: If you love punk or rock, and desire social change, this is the album for you.
Artist Name: The Skylarks
Album Name: On the Back of the New
Label: Self-released
Genre: Americana
Track Listing: 1. As if to Say; 2. Carry it Home; 3. Change of Heart; 4. Even in the Afternoon; 5. For my own Regard; 6. In Centipede; 7. No Surrender; 8. On the Back of the New; 9. On the Ropes; 10. Send a Message to the Night
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: The Skylarks have been making music in Los Angeles for more than 10 years, and are quietly becoming one of the best Americana bands in the country with their smoky sweet blend of Americana, country and folk music. The vocals of both Sam Mellon and Amy Luftig Viste sit perfectly atop the well played acoustic guitar of Mellon, and the rest of the band, which includes Julian Goldwhite on pedal steel, Anthony Cook on bass, Dan Clucas on trumpet and percussion, Russ Chaput on lead guitar and Brian Olamit on drums and backing vocals, This is a band that is so smooth you can listen to them forever and never get tired of their sound. There is not a weak song on the entire album, so put it on repeat and enjoy.
Recommendation: Drop everything and Get this one!