Welcome to our new review series called “Get it or Forget it.” We receive so many requests for reviews from publicists, and unfortunately we cannot feature them all. However, we don’t want to ignore any of these requests, so we have come up with this new series to give you a shortened review and our recommendation as to whether you should get it or forget it. Each review will follow the same format. We will identify the artist, the name of the release, the name of the publicist, provide a short review, and make our recommendation. We hope that this information will be valuable to you in making your music purchasing decisions.
Artist Name: Swahili Blonde
Album Name: And Only the Melody was Real
Label: Neurotic Yell Records
Genre: Electronica
Track Listing: 1. Ailvinya; 2. Dark Dawn; 3. Her Name is Hope; 4. On the Other Side; 5. Rose my Emperor; 6. Saturn Farewell; 7. The Diamond Room; 8. Vous Enchanter Mon Coeur
Publicist: Noisy Ghost PR
Review: Swahili Blonde is the solo project for indie artist Nicole Turley, and includes collaborations with other artists including members of RHCP, Duran Duran, Slits, Devo and other LA artists. Turley plays all the instruments herself, although she did co-write several of the songs with her close friend, Jennifer P. Fraser. The arrangements are tight, with Tracks 3, 4, 6 and 8 being the best.
Recommendation: If you are a fan of interesting rhythms and electronica music, you should definitely Get it.
Artist Name: Jenny Gillespie
Album Name: Cure for Dreaming
Label: Narooma Records
Genre: Folk, electronica, jazz and pop
Track Listing: 1. Dhyana by the River; 2. No Stone; 3. Part Potawatomi; 4. Evening Loving; 5. Last Mystery Train; 6. Involuntary Sway; 7. His Voyage Innocent; 8. Pain Travels (Chakra Husker)
Publicist: Noisy Ghost PR
Review: In the same way Enya captured our imagination with her ethereal songs, Jenny Gillespie weaves her stories through a myriad of musical styles that capture the listener’s attention. Her voice is smoky and haunting, while her lyrics give the listener much to think about. This is the type of album you can easily listen to from start to finish, although Tracks 3, 5, 7 and 8 are especially powerful.
Recommendation: If you love relaxing music with powerful lyrics and a soothing sound, then you should definitely Get it.
Artist Name: Flavor Waster
Album Name: It’s Always Sunny When You’re Cool
Label: None
Genre: Alternative
Track Listing: 1. The Comments; 2. Delta; 3. Metal Fossils; 4. Brunswick; 5. It’s Always Sunny When You’re Cool; 6. Blackest Prius; 7. Ashes; 8. The Perils of Revolutionary Piety; 9. Where We’ve Never Been, We’ll Never Go; 10. Private Language
Publicist: Noisy Ghost PR
Review: A conglomeration of sounds emanate from this diverse debut, featuring former Caverns members Kevin Hilliard and Patrick Taylor, as well as vocalist Jodi Jones, drummer/producer Martin MacAlister and Ryan Burke. The music takes you to multiple places, with the best sounds coming from Tracks 4, 5, 7 and 9. If you love a frentic sound, check out Track 8.
Recommendation: Unless you enjoy alternative music that is chaotic and unfocused, you should probably just Forget it.