Happy first day of Winter – we’re still cranking out the reviews and have five more for you today. We continue to be amazed at the level of indie talent and the quality of releases in 2017. Watch for our Best of 2017 series, coming soon.
Artist Name: R.D. Olson
Album Name: Keep Walkin Woman
Label: Roscoe Road Records
Genre: Blues
Track Listing: 1. Baby Boomer Blues; 2. Sheila; 3. Bleed Baby Bleed; 4. I Miss New Orleans; 5. Petie Reed; 6. Keep Walkin Woman; 7. Johnnie Walker; 8. Up the Line; 9. Can’t Lose What You Never Had
Publicist: Doug Deutsch Publicity Services
Review: There are blues artists and there are down and dirty blues artists. R.D. Olson definitely falls into the latter category. His sound is pure New Orleans Delta and his voice is reminiscent of the glory days of Muddy Waters, Louis Armstrong and Fats Domino. Everything you love about that music is present in Olson’s mix, including great harmonica, horns, keys and guitar. Add to that the sexy lyrics and that deep bass delivery and you have the makings of a blues masterpiece. Best cuts include “Sheila,” “Petie Reed,” the title track, “Johnnie Walker,” and “Up the Line.”
Recommendation: This one is a must have for true blues lovers. Go out and Get it.
Artist Name: Liz Kennedy
Album Name: Hike up Your Socks
Label: Clean White Shirt Music
Genre: Roots/Americana
Track Listing: 1. Everyone Knows how it Goes; 2. Attention; 3. Say the Words; 4. Love Gave me Away; 5. Not Ready; 6. Hello Romance; 7. Hike up Your Socks; 8. Heart Test; 9. The Signs; 10. High Time; 11. The Best Worst Times; 12. On the Water
Manager: Open All Nite Entertainment
Review: The definition of Americana music has changed so much since it was created because of artists like Liz Kennedy, who continue to push its boundaries to incorporate new sounds that make Americana one of the fastest growing genres of music. A number of musicians played on the album, including legendary blues guitarist Taj Mahal, who brought his voice and banjo to “Everyone Knows how it Goes,” as well as providing amazing harmonica on “Love Gave me Away.” Kudos to Joel Jaffe, whose production work helped shape the incredible sound of the overall album.
Recommendation: Add this one to your Americana collection – it’s a worthy addition!
Artist Name: Dawson Rutledge
Album Name: Monsters
Label: Self-released
Genre: Singer-songwriter
Track Listing: 1. Thief of a Lover; 2. Holding my Own; 3. Aid Me; 4. When Life Gives you Monsters; 5. Whispering Winds; 6. Same old News; 7. Yours, Truly; 8. Heavy Heart; 9. Coffee Shop
Publicist: Last Tango Productions
Review: Dawson Rutledge may be only 20 years old, but his music has a depth and maturity far beyond his years. His voice is unique and instantly identifiable, and his songwriter chops are some of the finest we have reviewed this year. The guitar picking is second to none, and the harmonies are absolutely beautiful. Just a casual listen to the first track, “Thief of a Lover,” and you know that you are in the presence of musical greatness. This album is worthy of serious industry interest, and his songs belong on the radio. He reminds us of a young Jim Croce, and we believe that his songs will become just as popular. Best tracks include “Holding my Own,””When Life Gives you Monsters,” “Whispering Winds,” “Yours, Truly,” and “Coffee Shop.”
Recommendation: This one is a no-brainer – Get it today!
Artist Name: Russ Carrick
Album Name: Tense Present
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie Pop/Rock
Track Listing: 1. Tense Present; 2. The Chair Recognizes; 3. Suns Gotta Shine; 4. Holding my Fire; 5. Dance Around the Rubble; 6. Ella’s October Moon; 7. Dinner with the Sorcerer; 8. Must be Alright
Publicist: Behind the Curtains Media
Review: With a voice similar to that of the lead singer of the Crash Test Dummies, Russ Carrick crashes into your world with some startlingly good rock and roll. The first track is the title track, and it sets the mood for the rest of the album. The music is radio friendly and should be on the playlists of college radio nationwide. Best tracks include the title track, “Suns Gotta Shine,” “Dance Around the Rubble,” “Ella’s October Moon,” and “Must be Alright.”
Recommendation: Get this one if you love to rock.
Artist Name: Bad Galaxy
Album Name: Bad Galaxy
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. 8 Billion Lights; 2. All of the Flats; 3. Always in a Minor Key; 4. Bad Thoughts; 5. DAMNAGE; 6. Hallways; 7. Howling Jaws; 8. Prosperous Sun; 9. Slow Motion; 10. Strangers on the Avenue; 11. Too Many Angels; 12. Yes Queen
Publicist: Behind the Curtains Media
Review: By day he’s mild-mannered Alexis Pastuhov, working hard at Behind the Curtains Media, but after hours, he transforms into Bad Galaxy, sharing his avant-garde style of indie rock with new listeners everywhere. His music shows great promise of a long career, and already has two thumbs up from different generations in this household. Although he has previously released two full length albums and two EPs under his own name, this is his first attempt to show his new style under the moniker Bad Galaxy. We think his music is going in the right direction, and look forward to more from this intriguing young artist. Best cuts include “All of the Flats,” “Bad Thoughts,” “DAMNAGE,” “Howling Jaws,” “Prosperous Sun,” and “Strangers on the Avenue.”
Recommendation: Definitely give this one a spin. It is well worth the risk of the unknown.