Tag: album reviews

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it – Jake Aarons, Fiona Joy, Tom Hambridge, Ben Bostick, Karen Lawrence and Blue by Nature

Happy hump day.  We’re back with another edition of Get it or Forget it.  Check it out!

Artist Name:  Jake Aarons

Album Name:  4 Songs of Loss

Label:  Lost Souls Records

Genre:  Singer-Songwriter

Track Listing:  1.  It’s all on You; 2.  I Miss you More Now; 3.  This is a sad Song; 4.  When you Miss a Friend

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Sometimes you need sad songs to match your mood.  In that case, the latest from Jake Aarons fits the bill perfectly.  These four melancholy ballads.  The songs are well crafted and bring out his grief and loss clearly.  This young man has a lot to say about loss, and we hope that things get better for him.  We would love to hear some positive, uplifting songs, as his voice and instrumentation are worthy of much more.

Recommendation:  If you are sad, this one is for you.

Artist Name:  Fiona Joy

Album Name:  Story of Ghosts

Label:  Blue Coast Records

Genre:  New Age Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  Song for Dunnie; 2.  Story of Angels; 3.  Contemplating (solo); 4.  Blue Dream (solo); 5.  The Solo Tango; 6.  The White Light; 7.  Story of Ghosts; 8.  Twilight; 9.  Story of Insanity; 10.  Before the Light

Publicist:  The B Company

Review:  Fiona Joy is a masterful pianist, playing and 1885 Steinway piano.  These songs set the perfect mood for relaxation and mediation, and are comforting as well.  Joy’s obvious piano skills are truly on display, and her compositions are so beautiful and moving.  Definitely put this one on repeat if you need a relaxing musical soundtrack.  It should provide hours of enjoyment.

Recommendation:  This one belongs in your meditation library.  We think it is well worth it.

Artist Name:  Tom Hambridge

Album Name:  The NOLA Sessions

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Blues Been Mighty Good to Me; 2.  Bluz Crazy; 3.  This End of the Road; 4.  I Love Everything; 5.  What you Leave Behind; 6.  Little Things; 7.  Whiskey Ghost; 8.  Save Me; 9.  A Couple Drops; 10.  Masterpiece; 11.  Me and Charlie; 12.  Trying to Find It; 13.  Faith

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  Traditional blues are a staple of great music, and no one does it better than New Orleans musicians.  That influence has definitely rubbed off on Tom Hambridge’s latest effort, which includes some of NOLA’s best, including the late Allen Toussaint, Eric Clapton’s slide guitarist Sonny Landreth, the Naughty Horns of the Alumni of Loyala University Jazz Band and the amazing B3 mastery of Ivan Neville.  Not only that, but the album was mastered by Grammy winner Sean Magee at the famed Abbey Road Studios. This one belongs with the blues masters and is sure to appeal to all blues lovers.  It is a winner from start to finish.  We especially love “Trying to Find It” with its southern rock and country vibe, thanks no doubt to its co-writer, Jeffrey Steele.

Recommendation:  Don’t even think about it.  If you love the blues, you simply must Get this one.

Artist Name:  Ben Bostick

Album Name:  Hellfire

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Country/Folk

Track Listing:  1.  No Show Blues; 2.  Hellfire; 3.  No Good Fool; 4.  Blow off Some Steam; 5.  It Ain’t Cheap Being Poor; 6.  Tornado; 7.  The Other Side of Wrong; 8.  Work Sleep Repeat; 9.  How Much Lower can I Go; 10.  Feeling Mean; 11.  The Outsider

Publicist:  KG Music Press

Review:  We reviewed Ben Bostick’s debut album a year ago, which earned him a nomination for the LA Music Critic Awards for Best Folk Artist.  He’s back with his sophomore album, and it is every bit as good as the first one, even better.  He seems to be channeling Waylon Jennings on the first track, “No Show Blues,” and the classic country vibe is just as strong as his first effort.  We love the entire album, but “No Show Blues,” “Blow off Some Steam,” “It Ain’t Cheap Being Poor,” “Work, Sleep, Repeat,” “Feeling Mean,” and “The Outsider” were our favorite tracks.

Recommendation:  This one is a keeper.  Get it.

Artist Name:  Karen Lawrence and Blue by Nature

Album Name:  Best of Live

Label:  self-released

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Fun and Games; 2.  I had it all Wrong; 3.  Another day, Another Mile; 4.  You got a way About You; 5.  I’ll get Along Alright; 6.  You’ve got me Workin’; 7.  It’s Been so Long; 8.  It’s all About You

Publicist:  Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:  Traditional blues sung by Janis Joplin is what you get with Karen Lawrence and Blue by Nature.  This lady can wail and her band is all business as they give her some amazing tracks to sing to.  She is also heavily influenced by Chaka Khan and that R&B vibe permeates every note.  This live album gives us a taste of what it must be like to see the band’s show, and we would love to have the opportunity to do just that.  Accordingly to Wikipedia, Lawrence was previously a member of several bands, including the L.A. Jets, 1994, and Karen Lawrence and the Pinz.  She composed the song “Prisoner (Theme song from ‘The Eyes of Laura Mars’),” which was sung by Barbra Streisand and went four times platinum.  She also sang backup vocals on “Get it up” from Draw the Line by Aerosmith as well as a Jeff Beck album.  We are so glad she’s back.  There is not a weak track on this album, and we think you will listen to it over and over.

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

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Yem Gel, Nir Yaniv, Sam Llanas, Lora Kelley, Jason “Slim” Gambill

We’re back with another edition of Get it or Forget it.  The requests keep rolling in and we’re trying to catch up, so please be patient.  We have a special treat for you today, so grab your coffee and let’s get going.

Artist Name:  Yem Gel

Album Name:  Knot Being

Label:  Kick + Clap

Genre:  Electronic  Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  Bounded and Shattered; 2.  Knotg3rl; 3.  Avarija Valley rect; 4.  Ice Kold Ork

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society Communications

Review:  Yem Gel is the electronic persona for Euro-UK born musician, composer, producer and visual artist Alecs Pierce.  This four-song EP is a collection of electronic ambient music.  While interesting, the music is strange and different, and not suitable for radio, although he may find some use for his compositions as background for commercials.  The music is very futuristic and not at all enjoyable to this reviewer.

Recommendation:  If you like to listen to futuristic electronica, then you may like this one.  Otherwise, forget it.

Artist Name:  Nir Yaniv

Album Name:  The Voice Remains

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Balkan Beat Box

Track Listing:  1.  Time Wave; 2.  Memory of a Third Planet; 3.  The Voice Remains; 4.  Five Formidable Feats; 5.  The Seventh Garden; 6.  A Universe Reborn

Publicist:  EMPKT PR

Review:  This is one of the most unique albums we have ever reviewed.  We have previously featured him in our Monday Mashup, as he has created animated music videos for each of the tracks.  Nir Yaniv provides the vocals which serve as the bass, guitars and keyboards while fellow Israeli drummer Karen Teperberg provides the percussion.  Unlike the release reviewed above, Yaniv’s compositions have definite commercial placement potential, and his accompanying music videos are incredibly well done and visually stimulating, especially if you like the similar style of the Beatles’ movie Yellow Submarine.  This one provides great background music and is sure to be enjoyed by all ages.

Recommendation:  Definitely give this one a go.

Artist Name:  Sam Llanas

Album Name:  Return of the Goya – Part 1

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Roots-Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Follow Your Heart; 2.  Recipe; 3.  All Day; 4.  Heroes; 5.  Little Song; 6.  Little Song II; 7.  All Alone Again; 8.  Rio; 9.  Long Way Home; 10.  Down the Line; 11.  Big Ol Moon

Publicist:  Daystorm Music

Review:  Sam Llanas may sound familiar to you, as he was formerly with the band BoDeans.  He has returned to his solo ways with this amazing collection of classically country-inspired tunes, featuring great lyrical content and storytelling, amazing instrumentation, and the sweet sound of his vocals.  He sets things perfectly in motion with the first track, “Follow Your Heart,” and doesn’t slow down for the entire album.  The songs are reminiscent of classic country groups like Little River Band, with the folky feel of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.  Pretty impressive considering this is a solo effort.  This one should definitely be put on repeat, as you will want to hear this tunes again and again.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one!

Artist Name:  Lora Kelley

Album Name:  Lora Kelley

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Good Men Don’t Hurt You; 2.  Creeping In; 3.  I Wish You’d Come Back Now; 4.  Both Hands; 5.  Steel Magnolia

Publicist:  EMPKT PR

Review:  We have featured Lora Kelley in two of our Monday Mashup articles, including yesterday’s feature on her latest video, “Good Men Don’t Hurt You.”  Kelley has a sweet soothing voice that delivers a wallop with the intensity and truthfulness contained in her lyrics.  She is not afraid to speak out about issues affecting women, but does so in a manner that makes you listen to the words and not be offended about the subject matter.  We think she has the potential for a long musical career, and we look forward to a full length album in the not too distant future.

Recommendation:  Jump on the bandwagon now.  This lady is going places.

Artist Name:  Jason “Slim” Gambill

Album Name:  Fake Jazz & Theme Songs

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  Last Time Thing; 2.  Levitations; 3.  Cop Show (ft. Jeff Coffin); 4.  54321 (ft. Jeff Coffin); 5.  Silly Time; 6.  Lyla Marie; 7.  Also Shuffle (ft. Kenneth Crouch); 8.  Victory Blvd; 9.  4 Guitars Having a Conversation Over Cocktails (ft. Isaac Hanson & Chris Nix)

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Jason “Slim” Gambill has made a name for himself as the guitarist for country super group Lady Antebellum, and even accompanied Charles Kelley on his solo project.  He is also a sought-after studio musician in Nashville, so it was just a matter of time before he recorded his own solo project.  We are here to tell you that the wait was worth it, as his new album is simply amazing.  The music is a throwback to when he played in a band with bassist Darwin Johnson (Colbie Cailat), drummer Michael Miley (Rival Sons) and Grammy-winning keyboardist Dave Yaden.   This time around, he has drafted Justin Glasco on drums, Mike Rojas on keys and Matt Wigton on bass, as well as Jeff Coffin on saxophone, Kenneth Crouch on piano and Isaac Hanson and Chris Nix on guitar.  The music is funky, spicy and straight ahead acid jazz, and we love it!

Recommendation:  By all means, grab this one.  Whether you like jazz or not, you will find something to love here.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it – Ghost Ability, JP Soars, Post Season, Well Well Well, Broken Bellows

Happy Friday.  With this batch of reviews, we are almost halfway through the June and July releases, and we will keep pounding them out until we catch up.  If you submitted a request and your album was slated for release in either June or July, please be patient with us.  We are getting them completed as soon as we can.  We have an extra review today because Well Well Well is simultaneously releasing two EPs.

Artist Name:  Ghost Ability

Album Name:  Velcro Dreams

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Electronic Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  Velcro Dreams; 2.  Cool as we Wanna Be; 3.  Late Night Drama; 4.  Start it Up

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Shannon Hurley and Ben Eisen, aka Lovers & Poets, have been creating some of the best DIY music for years.  They recently wrote some songs, however, that didn’t quite fit either the solo Shannon Hurley or Lovers & Poets brand.  As a result, a brand new project was created – Ghost Ability.  These songs are instrumental, so they should work well as placements for commercials, film or television, and we highly recommend that smart music supervisors snatch up the rights.  We look forward to see what else this dynamic duo can come up with.  They would also work well for any DJs looking to make their mix tapes even hotter.  Love all the ambient sounds in “Start it up.”

Recommendation:  Tasty and sweet, these tracks are short and fun.  Give them a listen and support indie music.

Artist Name:  JP Soars

Album Name:  Southbound I-95

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Ain’t no Dania Beach; 2.  Sure as Hell Ain’t Foolin’ Me; 3.  Southbound I-95; 4.  Shining Through the Dark; 5.  The Grass Ain’t Always Greener; 6.  Arkansas Porch Party; 7.  Satisfy my Soul; 8.  Born in California; 9.  When You Walk out That Door; 10.  Deep Down in Florida; 11.  Across the Desert; 12.  Dog Catcher; 13.  Troubled Waters; 14.  Go with the Flow; 15.  Sure as Hell Ain’t Foolin’ Me (radio edit)

Publicist:  Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:  JP Soars does blues differently, mixing in a healthy dose of soul, R&B, surf, reggae, roots and country music into his blues, creating a creative brand of the blues that is pure Southern hospitality.  Soars is also the leader of The Red Hots, and along with his band, continues to rack up awards and critical acclaim.  This album will definitely add fuel to the fire, and it won’t be long before the name “JP Soars” is synonymous with driving southern blues.  There is so much great material on this CD, but we really love the title track, “Shining Through the Dark,” “Satisfy my Soul,” “Born in California,” “When you Walk out That Door,” and “Troubled Waters,” and the instrumentals “Arkansas Porch Party,” “Across the Desert” and “Go with the Flow.”

Recommendation:  This one is sure to become a classic.  Get it while it’s hot!

Artist Name:  Post Season

Album Name:  Post Season

Label:  Know Hope Records

Genre:  Pop Punk

Track Listing:  1.  Long Shot Lost Cause; 2.  Numb to This; 3.  Tell Tale; 4.  A Stone’s Throw; 5.  Backroads; 6.  Another Song About the Sea; 7.  Picture Frame Eyes; 8.  Another Day, Another Schrute Buck; 9.  Never Tell me the Odds; 10.  Fracture

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:  They may consider themselves a pop-punk band, but we think they are a straight indie rock band, and we totally dig it.  From the first notes of “Long Shot Lost Cause,” we hear a band whose songs are radio ready and looking to become a household name.  This is music perfectly suited for placement opportunities and radio airplay, especially on the College Radio scene.  They could easily compete with most of the so-called Top 40 bands currently getting airplay.  They truly shine on this sophomore record, and have raised the bar considerably.  Our favorite tracks include “Long Shot Lost Cause,” “Numb to This,” “A Stone’s Throw,” “Another Song About the Sea,” “Another Day, Another Shrute Buck,” and “Never Tell me the Odds.”

Recommendation:  By any means necessary, Get this one!

Artist Name:  Well Well Well

Album Name:  Poptimism

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Sleeping Away; 2.  Me; 3.  Buzz off; 4.  Poptimism

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  This San Diego band has a very retro sound that incorporates the Southern California lifestyle into tunes that could easily have been done by The Beach Boys.  The feeling is light and fun, and will get you into that relaxing summer frame of mind, especially the first track, “Sleeping Away.”  They follow that 60s vibe with “Me,” an 80s influenced tune filled with amazing saxophone.  They close out the EP with “Buzz Off” and the title track, both new wave influenced tunes that will have you up and dancing in no time flat.

Recommendation:  Add this one to your short list.

Artist Name:  Well Well Well

Album Name:  Ships

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Dream Pop/Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Day After Day; 2.  On Your way Home; 3.  Ships; 4.  New Friend; 5.  Without Him; 6.  MTL (Keith Sweaty remix)

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  This second EP by Well Well Well shows a completely different side to the band.  This one is more indie rock/dream pop as opposed to the retro sound of Poptimism.  It shows that there is a lot of creativeness contained in the band, and we can hardly wait to see what comes next.  These songs are definitely radio friendly, and should do well on college radio.

Recommendation:  For a fun time, buy both and compare for yourselves.

Artist Name:  Broken Bellows

Album Name:  I, Kaleidoscope

Label:  Fervor Records

Genre:  Alt Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Somebody New; 2.  Dangerous Game; 3.  Heartstrings; 4.  Lemonade; 5.  Gravity; 6.  Sunrise; 7.  Animals; 8.  Ghost Town; 9.  Leave in the Summer; 10.  Let Yourself Go; 11.  Sixteen Candles

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Last year we reviewed their EP The Card Table, which also received an Honorable Mention in our list of the best EPs of 2017.  We are now pleased to review their debut full length album, and it is a huge step up from the EP.  This one has song after song that have radio potential, and we believe every station manager (especially college radio) and music supervisor should put this band on your radar.  Their debut single, “Dangerous Game,” is better than ANYTHING on Top 40 radio, and should establish Broken Bellows as the go-to band for 2018.  Other great tracks include “Somebody New,” “Lemonade,” “Gravity,” the pure bliss of “Sunrise,” “the Spandau Ballet-like “Ghost Town” and “Let Yourself Go” and the closing track, “Sixteen Candles.”

Recommendation:  You need to get up and Get this one ASAP!

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it – Venus X and Asmara, Buddy Guy, Danny Sandock, Ben Caplan, Palberta

Getting closer to the weekend.  Hope these five new releases will get you in the proper mood.  Enjoy.

Artist Name:  Venus X and Asmara

Album Name:  Trouble in Paradise:  Putaria Maxima Vol. 2

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  EDM

Track Listing:  Mix-tape

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society

Review:  This is the first mix tape we have reviewed, and it is not at all what we expected.  It mixes rap, dance, dembow and R&B among other genres from all the ghettos of the world.  According to the press release, “Here is part two, a political statement, full of the sinister and sexual energy that rules the world. We aim to offend everyone.”  They should consider their mission a success.

Recommendation:  Unless you like depressing and degrading rap music, you should Forget this one.

Artist Name:  Buddy Guy

Album Name:  The Blues is Alive and Well

Label:  Silvertone/RCA Records

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  A few Good Years; 2.  Guilty as Charged; 3.  Cognac (ft. Jeff Beck & Keith Richards); 4.  The Blues is Alive and Well; 5.  Bad Day; 6.  Blue no More (ft. James Bay); 7.  Whiskey for Sale; 8.  You did the Crime (ft. Mick Jagger); 9.  Old Fashioned; 10.  When my day Comes; 11.  Nine Below Zero; 12.  Ooh Daddy; 13.  Somebody up There; 14.  End of the Line; 15.  Milking Muther for Ya

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  Buddy Guy is a living legend.  He is poised to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association at their annual festival in September, and is also a multi-Grammy Award winning blues icon and recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.  For this album, he borrows some rock and roll legends, including Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Jeff Beck and James Bay to make a statement that is crystal clear and absolutely true – “The Blues is Alive and Well.”  Even though he is 81 years old, he has never been sharper or better, and this album will easily be remembered as one of his best.  Even though he is by no means an indie artist, it would be a crime to pass on the opportunity to review this one.

Recommendation:  Make no mistake – you must add this one to your collection.  Get it today!

Artist Name:  Danny Sandock

Album Name:  Throwin’ me for a Loop

Label:  Aardvark Records

Genre:  Folk Rock/Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Throwin’ me for a Loop; 2.  Miss ya Baby Blues; 3.  Sycamore Canyon Mentality; 4.  Passin’ the Buck; 5.  In the Tabloids; 6.  Splitsville U.S. of A.; 7.  TMI; 8.  Hitch-Hiker; 9.  Sick of This City; 10.  Mixed Emotions; 11.  Broken Promised; 12.  Ol’ Stompin’ Grounds

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  With a sound somewhere between Jimmy Buffet and the Beach Boys, Danny Sandock turns in a splendid job on his fifth CD.  He doesn’t have the best voice, but it is real and unrefined.  The true stars of his music are his amazing melodies and lyrics, and the way he blends it all together to create these amazing summer songs that are perfect for driving down the PCH with the windows (or top) down, or just relaxing by the bonfire at the beach on a cool summer night.  Really love the harmonies, and the bodacious harmonica on “Sycamore Canyon Mentality” and “Passin’ the Buck,” which also shows his Americana influence.

Recommendation:  Definitely give this one a listen.  It is well worth it.

Artist Name:  Ben Caplan

Album Name:  Old Stock

Label:  Rhyme & Reason

Genre:  Broadway Musical Soundtrack

Track Listing:  1.  Traveller’s Curse; 2. You’ve Arrived; 3.  Intermezzo 1; 4.  Truth Doesn’t Live in a Book; 5.  Od Yishama; 6.  The Happy People; 7.  Minimum Intervals; 8.  Widow Bride; 9.  Intermezzo 2; 10.  Plough that Shit; 11.  Lullaby; 12.  Fledgling; 13.  What Love can Heartbreak Allow?

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  Ben Caplan worked with playwright Hannah Moscovitch and director/co-writer Christian Barry to create Old Stock:  A Refugee Love Story, in which Caplan played the lead.  After opening in Halifax, Nova Scotia and having a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the show spent seven weeks off-Broadway.  Caplan has converted the musical score to a concert version, which is contained in this CD.  Caplan’s voice is one of the strongest we have ever heard, and he makes the transition from the stage to CD look easy.  Grab a glass of wine, put this CD on, and enjoy the beauty of the play without being there.

Recommendation:  If you love Broadway shows, you will love this one.  Definitely Get it.

Artist Name:  Palberta

Album Name:  Roach Goin’ Down

Label:  Wharf Cat Records

Genre:  Punk

Track Listing:  1.  Surfing with Berry; 2.  Roach Goin’ Down; 3.  In my Fame – Jug!; 4.  Pixels; 5.  Cherry Baby; 6.  Big box Inn; 7.  Cross it Out; 8.  I Have found the Ego; 9.  #1 Fill; 10.  Ink of Truth; 11.  From Lamp to Lamp; 12.  Sound of the Beat; 13.  Ziddy; 14.  Big Time; 15.  Jaws’ Return; 16.  Gimme Everything you got Girl; 17.  Momentous Space-Up; 18.  Palberta; 19.  Fake-Out; 20.  Come Again; 21.  Rich Boy; 22.  Heaven to Rock n’ Roll

Publicist:  Promo Juke Box

Review:  This one is definitely not your parents’ punk music, but a sound for a different, more hyper-active generation.  The disc contains 22 short tunes, with heavy instrumentation and frentic vocals.  It is not an easy listen, and probably not the type of album you put on repeat.  However, it is clearly a work that took time to create, and something you definitely should listen to from start to finish.

Recommendation:  If you love punk, you might like this one.  To the rest of us, just Forget it.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – The Split Seconds, Jocelyn Michelle, Cynthia Brando, Christos, Mapache

Happy humpday.  Welcome back for another edition of Get it or Forget it.  We have four new artists and the return of one of our favorites from earlier this year.  Enjoy!

Artist Name:  The Split Seconds

Album Name:  Counterfeit Reality

Label:  Altercation Records

Genre:  Pop Punk

Track Listing:  1.  Everybody’s Wrong; 2.  Used to be Nice; 3.  Dirty Shirley; 4.  Fortunate One; 5.  Punk Rock Blacklist; 6.  Dear Cynthia; 7.  Impulsive Automatic; 8.  Where Have all the Good Men Gone; 9.  Get the Hell off the Beach; 10.  Little Lizzie Icepick

Publicist:  Effective Immediately PR

Review:  At least one good thing is in our nation’s Capital – The Split Seconds.  They are a pop punk band that keeps all the angst and rage of punk rock but adds some pop sensibilities to the mix, which makes it more accessible to the masses.  There are still strong words about the world at large, but with the softer pop side, the music is easier to listen to, making it also easier to hear the band’s not so subtle messages.  Just for fun, check out the surf rock groove of “Get the Hell off the Beach.”

Recommendation:  Definitely give this one a chance.  We think you will have fun with it, and maybe learn a thing or two as well.

Artist Name:  Jocelyn Michelle

Album Name:  Live at Viva Cantina

Label:  Chicken Coup

Genre:  Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  Groove Yard; 2.  Englewood Cliffs; 3.  Groovin’; 4.  Last Tango in Paris; 5.  The Look of Love; 6.  On no, Could I be in Love; 7.  One Note Samba; 8.  The Pink Panther Theme; 9.  A Sister’s Love; 10.  Slyvia’s Song

Publicist:  Mouthpiece Music

Review:  If you like jazz or the organ music at the ball park, then you will love the sound of Jocelyn Michelle.  Playing a Hammond B3 organ while her husband contributes some hot jazz guitar licks, this album will keep you cool during those hot summer nights.  Although she lives in Hawaii, the album was recorded live at Viva Cantina, a Mexican restaurant in her old stomping ground of Burbank, California.  Other outstanding LA musicians on the album include Andrea Lindborg and Tony Farrell on trumpet, Bill Noble and Steve Mann on alto and tenor sax, Sammy K on drums and percussion, Al Person on percussion and Laura Dickinson on vocals.  You will love this collection of jazz standards and jazz versions of popular tunes.

Recommendation:  Definitely get this one.

Artist Name:  Cynthia Brando

Album Name:  The Treehouse Trio Sessions

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Singer-Songwriter Folk Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Sparkle; 2.  Afterthought; 3.  California Song; 4.  Take me Back to That Place; 5.  Do you Know What to Do; 6.  Isn’t it True; 7.  I’ve got a Love; 8.  The Changing Skies of my Life; 9.  End of the World; 10.  Wildest Dreams; 11.  All the Things in Your Room

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Cynthia Brando is proof of the old adage that it’s never too late to start.  She did’t begin her music career until 2013, and now is embarked on her first tour – at the tender age of 41.  In her spare time, she is an event producer and runs a support site for musicians.  Somehow she found time to record a new CD, which highlights her songwriting, guitar chops and vibrato-laden vocals.  The songs are tender ballads about her life’s story, and go down smooth like fine wine.  Her songs and voice are perfectly suited to the folk rock style she has chosen, and we would love to sit down and share a drink while the sweet sound of her music creates a relaxing musical soundtrack.

Recommendation:  If you want a relaxing soundtrack, then you should check this one one.  It’s worth it.

Artist Name:  Christos

Album Name:  Teargas

Label:  Doom Dab

Genre:  EDM

Track Listing:  1.  Teargas; 2.  Yasemi; 3.  Region; 4.  Bubbling

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society Communications

Review:  These past two days have been great if you’re a fan of electronic dance music.  Christos is another prime example.  Even though he is currently based in London, his music reflects his Greek culture, providing the perfect formula for a popping dance mix.  His music should be a primary source for every smart DJ, and deserves heavy spins at your favorite dance spot.

Recommendation:  If you love dancing, this one will give you the perfect beats.

Artist Name:  Mapache

Album Name:  Lonesome LA Cowboy

Label:  Digital only

Genre:  Americana/Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Katie Dear; 2.  Last Thing on my Mind; 3.  Lonesome LA Cowboy

Publicist:  Calabro Music Mediaq

Review:  Mapache just released their debut CD earlier this year, which we reviewed in January.  Despite that, or maybe because of it, they have released a surprise three-song digital EP of covers that they are currently incorporating into their live shows.  We first heard them when they were touring with Suzanne Santo, and are now touring with Nicki Bluhm.   As interpreters, they are head and shoulders above their peers.  They sound like a condensed and modern version of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and are sure to continue making great music for a long time to come.

Recommendation:  Get this one and go see them perform live!

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Brigitte Purdy, Joakim, Shelby Texas, Sonia Leigh, Dinamarca

Ready to check out new indie music?  You came to the right place then.  Here are five new releases for your consideration.

Artist Name:  Brigitte Purdy

Album Name:  Still I Rise

Label:  Dirtshack Records

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Hoodoo; 2.  Be the Light; 3.  Home is in my Heart; 4.  My Kinda Blues; 5.  Last Time; 6.  Get it Understood; 7.  If I Could; 8.  Lucille Don’t you Weep; 9.  Blues Angel; 10.  Still I Rise

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  We met Brigitte Purdy at the LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase when she came to support Pam Taylor.  We had no idea at the time how amazing she was, but after reviewing her latest CD, we are believers!  This petite young lady can wail, and is eerily as powerful a vocalist as Janis Joplin, Etta James and Aretha Franklin.  She also has a plethora of amazing guest musicians on her CD, including Blues Music Award winner Kenny Neal on Harmonica, So Cal guitarist Dave Osti (who also produced the CD) and the Blues Angel rhythm section and Donnell Spencer Jr.  Purdy uses elements of blues, gospel, R&B, funk, soul and rock in creating this very unique mixture that showcases her multiple talents.  We fully expect this young lady to take on the rest of the blues world and quickly rise to the top.  Every song is a winner, and you can’t go wrong with any of these tracks.

Recommendation:  Drop what you’re doing and Get this one NOW!

Artist Name:  Joakim

Album Name:  The Studio Venezia Sessions

Label:  The Vinyl Factory

Genre:  Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  Orange; 2.  Trust; 3.  Dead; 4.  Arms; 5.  Innuendo; 6.  Air; 7.  Comes; 8.  Absence; 9.  Dream

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society Communications

Review:  Studio Venezia is a musician’s playground, with a myriad of instruments from medieval times to the present.  Joakim uses many of these instruments on this very intriguing instrumental album that is unlike anything we have heard before.  The result is an album of diverse sounds that somehow mesh well, creating a dreamy landscape of sound pictures that could form the perfect soundscape for a myriad of placement opportunities in commercials, film or television.  These are not the type of songs you would hear on the radio, except maybe NPR.  Nevertheless, they are interesting enough that you should definitely check them out.

Recommendation:  Give it a spin.

Artist Name:  Shelby, Texas

Album Name:  We are Shelby, Texas

Label:  Self-Released

Genre:  Country

Track Listing:  1.  No Regrets, 2.  Right Side; 3.  Unrequited; 4.  Home; 5.  Tennessee; 6.  Gasoline; 7.  Glory (acoustic)

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Shelby, Texas is a country duo from San Francisco, California led by vocalist Shelby Lanterman.  Their sound is fresh and pure, bringing back the traditional country sound but with a modern twist.  The guitar work of her partner, Texas McCauley, is a thing of beauty  He takes lead vocals on “Right Side,” “Home,” and “Gasoline.”  We especially love the harmonies on “Home” and “Glory,”  as the combination of their voices is downright heavenly.  This duo has a bright future in the industry, and we highly recommend radio station managers, tour mangers and music supervisors take notice of this amazing duo.

Recommendation:  As the name of the first track suggests, if you Get this CD, you will have “No Regrets.”

Artist Name:  Sonia Leigh and Friends

Album Name:  Live in London:  Studio 3 Sessions

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Country

Track Listing:  1.  Clair de Lune, pt. 1; 2.  Alabama Bound; 3.  My Name is Money; 4.  Bar; 5.  Jack is Back; 6.  Sweet Annie; 7.  Dead Mans Sunrise; 8.  Walking in the Moonlight; 9.  Ladder to the Moon; 10.  Rob the Man; 11.  Sky Submarine; 12.  Ol’ 55; 13.  Clair de Lune, pt. 2

Publicist:  Alliance Media Relations

Review:  Sonia Leigh is one of those artists who you have probably heard and loved but didn’t know who she was.  She wrote “Sweet Annie” and “Goodbye in her Eyes” and both became huge #1 hits for the Zac Brown Band.  She is one of the most sought after songwriters in Nashville, and a killer guitar player.  She spent most of the past year in the UK, where she and her friends recorded this album in the famed Abbey Road Studios.  She has an amazing voice that is part Janis Joplin and the rest Bonnie Raitt, and to quote one of her songs, “My Name is Money.”  Truer words have never been spoken, as we believe this young lady can challenge anyone in the congested country music market.  She has the grit and humor of Gretchen Wilson, and we hereby dub her the new “Redneck Woman.”  We love her version of “Sweet Annie,” which shows the passion in her songwriting, and clearly demonstrates why Zac Brown wanted to record it.

Recommendation:  If  you love country, you must have this one in your collection.  Get it!

Artist Name:  Dinamarca

Album Name:  Sol De Mi Vida

Label:  Rinse

Genre:  Trance/EDM

Track Listing:  1.  Sol; 2.  Dino; 3.  Jevi; 4.  Campana; 5.  Mi Todo; 5.  Tú y Yo; 7.  Luna

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society Communications

Review:  The founder of indie record label Staycore, Dinamarca reimagines the music of Latin America with an electronic sound that is perfectly suited for use by house DJs and should be heard in every dance club in the world.  A mixture of trance and reggaeton, it is completly original and sublime.  Hailing from Chile, Dinamarca is now part of the buzzing Swedish music scene, and they should be very lucky to have him.  This one is a keeper.

Recommendation:  If you love to dance or move your body, you can’t find a better soundtrack.  Get it and see for yourself.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Paul Givant, Disconnected Genius, Travis Bowlin, Static and Surrender, Clare Means

We’re back with this week’s releases for our Friday Get it or Forget it reviews.  Check out these amazing projects.

Artist Name:  Paul Givant

Album Name:  Fashion District Adjacent

Label:  RPS Records

Genre:  Indie Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Fashion District Adjacent; 2.  Stuck on This Page; 3.  Little Star; 4.  Send in the Cavalry; 5.  It’s a Crazy Life; 6.  Sunset Over the Bosphorus; 7.  Sweet Angie; 8.  Solitary Dawn; 9.  Goldmine; 10.  Some Dark Passenger; 11.  Anastasia; 12.  Safe Journeys

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Paul Givant, the front man for the band Rose’s Pawn Shop, has released his debut solo album, and it is one of the best we have heard this year.  Mixing elements of Americana, folk, and country, he forges a dynamic new mix that is worlds apart from the music created by his band.  The lyrical imagery is simply amazing, and his choices of instrumentation and genre are out of this world.  Every song on this album is worthy of repeated plays, especially the incredible title track, “Stuck on This Page,” “Little Star,” the tender ballads “Send in the Cavalry,” “Sunset Over the Bosphorus,” “Sweet Angie,” and “Anastasia,” “Goldmine,” and “Safe Journeys.”

Recommendation:  Don’t even think about it – you simply must have this one, so Get it today!

Artist Name:  Disconnected Genius

Album Name:  Nirvikalpa Meow

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  About Nothing; 2.  It’s a Curse I’m a Saint; 3.  Vertruvian Men; 4.  Just Say Don’t Go; 5.  We’re all Watching Everything; 6.  Kings and Queens; 7.  One Fine Day; 8.  Quietly Into the Night; 9.  The Little Don; 10.  The Diamonds in the Poor; 11.  Arkane Bliss

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Disconnected Genius comes to us from Melbourne, Australia, and is a three-man, four-chord rock band with a definite mastery of those four chords.  They are a little weak in the vocal department, with an almost monotone delivery from front man Jamie O’Keefe at the beginning of the first two tracks.  Oddly enough, though, the musical accompaniment more than makes up for these shortcomings, and we think the band might find an easy cross-over between Australian and American audiences.  We think they would be good candidates for college radio airplay as well as possible placement opportunities.

Recommendation:  They are definitely worth checking out.

Artist Name:  Travis Bowlin

Album Name:  Secundus

Label:  Moonbeam Records

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Strange Vibes; 2.  In the Worst Way; 3.  Dancin’ with the Devil; 4.  All Over Again; 5.  Don’t Lead me On; 6.  Vicksburg Blues; 7.  Go to Girl; 8.  You Know you Are; 9.  Casaurina Sand; 10.  I can let Go; 11.  Record Shop; 12.  Slow Cooker Man

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  Travis Bowlin adds the perfect soul and rock vibe to his amazing blues, creating a distinct sound that is very reminiscent of Wilson Pickett on “Strange Vibes” and of early Led Zeppelin on “Dancin’ with the Devil,” “Don’t Lead me On” and “Record Shop.”  Then he blows our mind with the jazzy blues sound of “All Over Again” and “Go to Girl” and the traditional harmonica and blues guitar driven sound  of “Vicksburg Blues” and “Slow Cooker Man.”    Just when you think you’ve figured out his sound, out he comes with the modern blues sound of “Casaurina Sand.”    All of his songs definitely deserve serious radio airplay, and conjure up images of an impressive live show.   You can’t go wrong with this album, which you think you will immediately put on repeat, because it’s amazing from start to finish.

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

Artist Name:  Static and Surrender

Album Name:  Static and Surrender

Label:  Funzalo Records

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  If Only we Could Sleep; 2.  You Won’t Remember Me; 3.  Just Because; 4.  Fall on the Blade; 5.  Mary Shelley; 6.  Slow Crash; 7.  The Very Long Night; 8.  Killing the Vibe; 9.  Not Another Dime

Publicist:  Independent Music Media

Review:  The combination of award-winning songwriter Jeff Campbell on lead vocals and guitar, Adam Schuman on guitar and backing vocals, his brother John on drums and Chili Corder on bass has created one of the most exciting indie rock bands we have heard this year.  If you want intelligent lyrics and a musical style that leaves bands like Train and Maroon 5 in the dust, then Static and Surrender is sure to be your new favorite band.  All nine tracks are killer and potential hits, especially “You Won’t Remember Me,” “Just Because,” their first single “Fall on the Blade,” “Slow Crash,” “The Very Long Night” and “Not Another Dime.”

Recommendation:  Don’t waste any more time – rush out and Get this one today!

Artist Name:  Clare Means

Album Name:  Sidewalk Astromony

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Singer-songwriter Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Bobby; 2.  Danger; 3.  Fiery One; 4.  Master Manipulator Magnet; 5.  Sidewalk Astronomy; 6.  Guts; 7.  Sheepocrisy; 8.  Circles; 9.  Hollywood Zoo; 10.  Buried in Your Dreams; 11.  Always with Me

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Clare Means has been busking on the streets and piers of her native Los Angeles for quite a few years.  She has become somewhat of a DIY legend, especially with the advent of Periscope, where her live performances consistently draw 50,000 to 100,000 viewers.  Her latest offering, Sidewalk Astronomy, debuted today at #1 on the iTunes Singer-Songwriter charts, and that’s no fluke.  She even did the painting that forms the cover of the album.  It is impossible to truly put her sound into a box, as Clare Means is her own genre, truly unique from the myriad of singer-songwriters who have come through the City of Angels.  Her songs ring of the old adage “Three Chords and the Truth.”  We really love the strings on “Bobby,” “Fiery One,” “Guts,” and “Buried in Your Dreams,” and the amazing horns and truly unique sound of “Sheepocrisy.”   We are also in love with the radio ready tracks “Danger” and “Hollywood Zoo.”

Recommendation:  You should definitely jump on this bandwagon and support one of the best indie musicians in Los Angeles.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – mmhmm, Russ Green, Sylvia, Jon Mullane, Catlow

Did you get your free slurpee yesterday for 7-11 Day?  Unfortunately, we don’t have any up here in Montana.  At any rate, here are five more reviews to cool you down on these hot summer days.

Artist Name:   mmhmm

Album Name:   mmhmm

Label:   Self-released

Genre:   Americana/Pop

Track Listing:   1.  Let’s get Together; 2.  Aw Hell; 3.  Number Song; 4.  Up in Smoke (Don’t it Have to Wait); 5.  Earn my Love; 6.  Mama’s Little Yella Pills; 7.  Lookin’ Like a Tranny Blues; 8.  Coy Boy; 9.  Good Love; 10.  Blue Eyes; 11.  Take it on the Run; 12.  3 am and sake; 13.  So Hard to say Goodbye

Publicist:   Independent Music Media

Review: Finally, a band name that truly describes the group.  Mmhmm is just that – tasty in every way – visually stunning with a musical sound that makes your ears and your feet happy as well.  Composed of Raelyn Nelson and Hannah Fairlight, this indie duo is taking Nashville by storm, bringing a pop sensibility to their Americana vibe.  If they look familiar to you, that’s because Fairlight is also an amazing actress, with roles on A&E’s Crazy Hearts:  Nashville and the movie Pitch Perfect 3, while Nelson is the granddaughter of legendary country artist Willie Nelson.  These ladies definitely live up to the hype and deserve all the accolades.  They could very well be the new face of Americana.  We strongly advise music supervisors, radio station managers and the industry in general to open their eyes – these ladies are true stars in the making.  The icing on the cake is their spirited cover of The Eagles’ “Take it on the Run,” complete with kazoos and lots of ‘tude.

Recommendation:   Don’t even think about it – Get this one TODAY!

Artist Name:  Russ Green

Album Name:  City Soul

Label:  Cleopatra Records

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  First Thing Smokin; 2.  Believe in Love; 3.  The Edge; 4.  Goin Down South (ft Eric Bibb); 5.  Lover Man; 6.  Train of Pain; 7.  Up From the Bottom; 8.  Lint in my Pocket; 9.  Somethin New; 10.  Love to Give

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  Russ Green epitomizes the term “Windy City Blues” with the 10 original tunes on his debut album.  He offers us everything we love about the blues – killer blues guitar, harmonica, great lyrics, an awesome voice and the feeling that only the blues provides.  Although the entire album is stellar, we really loved “Believe in Love,” “The Edge,” “Goin Down South” (with the amazing vocal addition of Eric Bibb), “Lover Man,” “Up From the Bottom,” “Lint in my Pocket” and “Somethin New.”

Recommendation:  This is a must-have for all lovers of the blues.  Get it now!

Artist Name:  Sylvia

Album Name:  Second Bloom:  The Hits Re-Imagined

Label:  Red Pony Records

Genre:  Country/A-C

Track Listing:  1.  Drifter; 2.  Nobody; 3.  Tumbleweed; 4.  Fallin’ in Love; 5.  Cry Just a Little Bit; 6.  Sweet Yesterday; 7.  Like Nothing Ever Happened; 8.  Snapshot; 9.  I Love you by Heart; 10.  You Can’t go Back Home

Publicist:  So Much MOORE Media

Review:  Country music in the 1980s was constantly changing but one name was consistent – Sylvia.  She accumulated 12 Top Ten hits, including two that made it to #1, won BMI Song of The Year with “Nobody,” was nominated for a Grammy and won the ACM Female Vocalist of the Year.  Not surprisingly, five of those hits were all written by the team of Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan.  Oh yeah, and she sold over four million records.  Well, she’s back with new recordings of many of those huge hits, and we couldn’t be happier.  She wanted her songs to be more reflective of the A-C artist she is now, and we think she has hit the ball out of the park with these versions.  Put this one on and remember the good ole days.

Recommendation:  If you loved 1980s country, then you simply must have this one for a wonderful trip down memory lane.  Grab your copy soon.

Artist Name:  Jon Mullane

Album Name:  Singles

Label:  Forward Motion Music Group

Genre:  Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Freaks me Out; 2.  Desert Moon; 3.  Make You Move; 4.  The One That Got Away; 5.  Born Beautiful; 6.  My new American Girl; 7.  Change Your Life; 8.  Any Other Way; 9.  Go the Distance; 10.  Got it Goin’ On; 11.  Body Rock; 12.  One More Chance; 13.  Eternal Life

Publicist:  ACR Management

Review:  Canadian Jon Mullane has been doing things a little different from most indie artists.  Instead of creating albums, he releases his music primarily as singles, while also getting multiple placements in commercials, television, film and sporting events.  It is indeed a rare pleasure for him to release an album of these “singles,” so that we can find some of his best material all in one place.  The collection, which kicks off with his latest single, “Freaks me Out,” also includes the LA Music Critic Award winning song, “Born Beautiful.”  You cannot go wrong with this collection  There is not a weak song in this incredible collection, many of which you have heard before and didn’t even know it.

Recommendation:  If you only buy one CD this month, make it count and Get this one.

Artist Name:  Catlow

Album Name:  Main of Nowhere

Label:  File Under:  Music Records

Genre:  Indie Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Scrapes; 2.  A Moment Passes By; 3.  My Sun (ft. David Beckingham); 4.  Settle Up; 5.  Main of Nowhere; 6.  Forget the Rest

Publicist:  Right Angle PR

Review:  Upbeat, great vocals and incredible musicianship are the words that best describe the latest offering from Vancouver-based band Catlow.  This is the perfect remedy for a hot summer day, and should be listened to on a daily basis.  This Canadian band has everything it needs to take on the American radio market, especially College Radio.  Their harmonies are sick, while the guitar and drum driven melodies make for an amazing aural adventure.  You will love all six tracks, and we are sure that you will play them over and over again.

Recommendation:  If you love music, then you must add this one to your library and put it on repeat!

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Stone Stanley, Bella’s Bartok, Aterciopelados, Annee 2CU Blues Band, Michael Legere

We got an early birthday present yesterday.  Our blog doesn’t turn 3 until August 31, but we have already surpassed 70,000 views, as well as gotten more than 1,000 likes on our Facebook page.  Technically, though, we didn’t publish our first article until September 7, 2015.  Not too shabby for this little blog about indie music, theater and other arts.  Here are five more reviews for your consideration.

Artist Name:   Stone Stanley

Album Name:   Mudstomp Tapes

Label:   Iron Lady Records

Genre:   Americana/Delta Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Bitter End; 2.  Drop It; 3.  So Glad; 4.  Beast Inside; 5.  Cobble Hill; 6.  Iroquois Chant; 7.  Be With Me; 8.  Unfaithful Woman; 9.  Freedom Chant; 10.  My Shame; 11.  Soul Shine; 12.  Bottled

Publicist:   Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:  We featured the video for “Bitter End” in our Ten Amazing Videos article last month, and the remainder of the album is just as amazing.  The band is led by Hesperia, California’s own Jason Robert, whose strong and sometimes raspy voice and dobro skills are perfectly suited for this style of blues, with a touch of Americana thrown in for good measure.  “Bitter End,” “Beast Inside,” “Cobble Hill,” “My Shame,” and “Soul Shine” are the best tracks.

Recommendation:  This one is a must have for all fans of the Delta Blues or Americana.  We think you will be putting it on repeat.

Artist Name:  Bella’s Bartok

Album Name:  Is Me That Monster?

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Carnival Vaudeville

Track Listing:  1.  End of the World Pt. I; 2.  Say No; 3.  Graveyard Funk No. 2; 4.  The Babadook; 5.  Bones; 6.  The Ballad of Lily & Billy Jack; 7.  Go Wilde; 8.  Mountain King; 9.  Life; 10.  End of the World Pt. II

Publicist:  PRIA Music Marketing

Review:  Bella’s Bartok plays a very unique style of music, kind of like a collaboration between Oingo Boingo/Danny Elfman and Tim Burton.  The music would be perfectly suited for placement in film and television, and we think this band would corner the market on their unique sound.  We are sure they must put on an amazing live show as well.  The music is fun and makes you think of being at the carnival or circus.  We would love to see them join with Weird Al – that would surely be a creative use of their respective talents.

Recommendation:  We guarantee you don’t have anything like this in your music library.  Get it and enjoy.

Artist Name:  Aterciopelados

Album Name:  Claroscura

Label:  Sony Music/Latin

Genre:  Latin

Track Listing:  1.  Play; 2.  Cuerpo; 3.  Tu Amor Es; 4.  Ay Ombe (Va,o a Relajar el pony); 5.  Tumbao; 6.  Sonemos en un Basque; 7.  Duo; 8.  Despierta Mujer; 9.  Piernas; 10.  Vieja; 11.  Show; 12.  He Venido a Perdirte Perdon

Publicist:  The Music Joint

Review:  Latin music doesn’t have to be understood to be enjoyed, although that does help.  For us English speaking music lovers though, the music is so upbeat and friendly that we can enjoy it without knowing the lyrics.  Such is the case with the latest from Aterciopelados, their first in nine years.  The music provides the perfect setting for a party, and we are sure that it could be put to good use as placements in television and film.  We love the happy vibe that comes forth from this music, which makes us want to grab some chips and guacamole and a cold cerveza and just party.

Recommendation:  If you love Latin music, you will enjoy this one.

Artist Name:  Annee 2CU Blues Band

Album Name:  A Wildfire out of Control

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing: 1.  Let me Roll It; 2.  Still the Same; 3.  Dark Cloud; 4.  Oh! Darling; 5.  Against the Wind; 6.  Bluest Blue

Publicist:  ABIK Radio Promotions

Review:  The band hails from Auckland, New Zealand, and is the first Kiwi artist to be reviewed on our blog.  The CD was recorded live at the Depot Sound Recording Studio.  All instruments (except saxophone) and vocals were recorded with all the players in the same room.  This creates the feeling of “being there” when you listen to their album.  We also love the band’s covers of the classic Bob Seger tunes “Still the Same” and “Against the Wind,” and the Beatles’ “Oh! Darling,” as well as their original traditional blues songs.  Welcome to America to this Kiwi blues bombshell.

Recommendation:   Get this one today.

Artist Name:  Michael Legere

Album Name:  Ourselves in Public

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Rebirth; 2.  The Buzz; 3.  The Sudden Downpour; 4.  Reputation; 5.  Yourself; 6.  Into the Day; 7.  Terrible Day; 8.  Curtains//Floating Heads

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist Michael Legere has given us a debut solo album with lots of food for thought.  The musical score is eerie, ethereal and different, while the lyrics contain vivid word pictures of how we interact with others.  These songs will require multiple listens to grab all the nuances of his lyrical content, but the music is so enthralling that you won’t mind hearing them repeated.

Recommendation:  Definitely check this one out.

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it – Max Caddy, Dirk Vermin & the Hostile Talent, Alain Mallet, Mike Stapleton, Gary Brumburgh

Are you ready for some more great indie artists?  If you are, we have five new ones to check out in today’s Get it or Forget it.

Artist Name:  Max Caddy

Album Name:  Straight to the Face

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Acoustic Folk/Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Hear you Out; 2.  Show Yourself; 3.  Things we Said Today; 4.  Who you are to Me

Publicist:  Effective Immediately PR

Review:  We featured NYC-based duo Max Caddy’s single, “Hear You Out”  as part of our Ten Great Singles article in May.  Now they have released their four-song EP, and we could not be happier with the results.  This is their first recording in five years, and we are glad they broke their silence and gave us new material, as well as a beautiful stripped down cover of the Beatles’ “Things we Said Today.”  Jesse O’Neil and Corina Corina have brought their respective solo talents and created one of the best duos in music today.  They mix elements of blues, folk and Americana to form some dynamic songs that can function in a myriad of genres.

Recommendation:  These guys deserve a break – give them a try today.  You won’t regret that decision.

Artist Name:  Dirk Vermin & the Hostile Talent

Album Name:  Sweet Dreams (From the Gutter)

Label:  Squidhat Records

Genre:  Indie Punk Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Sweet Dreams (From the Gutter); 2.  Danger City!; 3.  Destroy TV; 4.  Middle Finger; 5.  Hey Rockstar; 6.  Kill the Rat; 7.  It’s Time to Drink; 8.  Robots R Here; 9.  Riot on Sunset Strip; 10.  Freakshow Rodeo; 11.  Lipstick Smears & Bloodshot Eyes; 12.  Fistful-A-Hell

Publicist:  Squidhat Records

Review:  Dirk Vermin has been a Las Vegas staple for quite a few years, both as a tattoo artist and as a member of one of Las Vegas’ most notorious bands for the past 20 years.  On his debut solo album,  he has assembled a group of Vegas’ finest musicians to showcase his balls-to-the-wall rock and roll style, which has been compared to that of The Clash, AC/DC and Motorhead.  The comparison is not just hyperbole; Vermin lives up to it.  We must warn you though, this is definitely not family material.

Recommendation:  If you like your rock hot and full of vinegar, then you should definitely check this one out.

Artist Name:  Alain Mallet

Album Name:  Mutt Slang

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  Till I Dance; 2.  Blessed be the Empty Soul; 3.  Road Signs; 4.  Alone; 5.  The Long Walk Home; 6.  Salif; 7.  Adama; 8.  Sprig; 9.  Elles; 10.  Batukada; 11.  This is When I Thinks About You; 12.  Cradle

Publicist:  Mouthpiece Music

Review:  With more than 25 years as a pianist and composer, Alain Mallett is no stranger to the jazz community.  Oddly enough, he has never recorded a CD, until now, and the wait was worth it.  His 12 compositions take up two discs, and will give  you hours of relaxing and refreshing jazz.  The songs have everything you associate with great jazz – amazing horns, stimulating drums, interesting keys and compositions that meander through time and space, leaving you feeling like you went on an aural journey with the maestro.

Recommendation:  If you love jazz, then you simply must add this one to your collection.

Artist Name:  Mike Stapleton

Album Name:  Mid-Winter Blues

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Folk/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Mid-winter Blues; 2.  Take my Breath Away; 3.  Drawn from a Dream; 4.  With Every Waking Hour; 5.  The Other Life; 6.  Two Dog Chase; 7.  New World; 8.  Stealing Pictures; 9.  Calm and Peaceful Mind; 10.  Village Idiot; 11.  Far and Few; 12.  Sail; 13.  Light on Ambition

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We have reviewed some stellar material from Bandcamp members lately, and this is one of the best to date.  Mike Stapleton has a strong and pure voice that fits perfectly with his simple guitar accompaniment.  His music would be a perfect fit for NPR, as his songs are memorable, and on point in this politically challenging time.  From the first notes of “Mid-Winter Blues” to the final notes of “Light on Ambition,” Stapleton brings you songs that challenge your ideas and opinions and give you plenty of food for thought.  Favorite cuts include “Take my Breath Away,” “Drawn From a Dream,” “The Other Life,” “Two Dog Chase,” “Village Idiot,” and “Far and Few.”

Recommendation:  Definitely give this one a go.

Artist Name:  Gary Brumburgh

Album Name:  Moonlight

Label:  Cafe Pacific Records

Genre:  Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  Day Tripper; 2.  I’ll Close my Eyes; 3.  Dig/Sweet Georgia Brown; 4.  Wichita Lineman; 5.  Moonlight; 6.  Heavy Cloud no Rain; 7.  Eggplant; 8.  My World is Empty Without You; 9.  Just a Little Lovin’ (Early in the Mornin’); 10.  Haven’t we Met

Publicist:  Mouthpiece Music

Review:  Gary Brumburgh is a gifted jazz vocalist who turns popular tunes of different genres into spectacular jazz standards.  He starts off with the Beatles’ “Day Tripper,” and goes up from there.  We love his take on the Harlem Globetrotters’ theme “Sweet Georgia Brown,” incorporating the lyrics which many of us have never heard.  He also does a very special jazz treatment for the Glen Campbell classic tune, “Wichita Lineman,” as well as the Supremes’ mega hit, “My World is Empty Without You.”  Other songs worth considering include Dusty Springfield’s “Just a Little Lovin’ (Early in the Mornin’)” and Frank Sinatra’s seminal “What’ll I Do.”

Recommendation:  Get it!