Tag: album reviews

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it – Speedbuggy USA, Goosebump, All the Rage, Leo Spauls, The New Waves

Well, we made it to the weekend.  This week we’ve featured 15 albums from June and we close it out with five albums being released today.  Enjoy this eclectic group of indie artists.

Artist Name:   Speedbuggy USA

Album Name:   Kick out the Twang

Label:   Self-released

Genre:   Americana/Roots/Blues

Track Listing:   1.  Take the Last Train to Clarksville; 2.  Get Around; 3.  Shaky Town; 4.  Hold my Head up High; 5.  South Bound; 6.  Sorry; 7.  Wood, Screws and Nails; 8.  Unchain my Heart; 9.  Long Gone; 10.  Honky Tonk Singer; 11.  Rodeo Star; 12.  The Devil With Me; 13.  Darlin I’m  Comin Home

Publicist:   KG Music Press

Review:  Speedbuggy USA is a confident indie band that mixes elements of country, Americana, rock and blues to form their own unique mix.  They are not afraid to cover anyone, as they demonstrate with their covers of The Monkees (“Last Train to Clarksville”) and Ray Charles/Joe Cocker (“Unchain my Heart”).  They also write amazing original tunes, including “Get Around,” “Hold my Head up High,” “South Bound,” “Rodeo Star,” “The Devil With Me,” and the rousing closing track, “Darlin I’m Comin Home.”  We think you will like their brand of music, and can only imagine how great they must be live.

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

Artist Name:  Goosebump

Album Name:  Goosebump by Goosebump

Label:  Pleasence Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Door in the Floor; 2.  We’re a Canadian Band; 3.  Piano Room; 4.  Heather’s Invitation; 5.  Don’t Have the Heart for the Hustle; 6.  Dream of Pines; 7.  Several Days Awake; 8.  Heart of her Life; 9.  She Don’t Say Goodbye

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  This Canadian band has a nice indie sound with retro undertones.  We would have loved to review the entire debut album.  Unfortunately, the links provided by the publicist only contained three of the nine tracks, while the link provided by the band only had two of those same three tracks.  Consequently, our evaluation is based on what is available, and we like what we hear.  The best of the three songs is “She Don’t Say Goodbye,” which is also the band’s first single.  We only wish we could have heard the rest.

Recommendation:  Based on what we could hear, they are worthy of the risk.  Check them out.

Artist Name:  All the Rage

Album Name:  Everything I Couldn’t Tell You

Label:  Squidhat Records

Genre:  Pop/Punk

Track Listing:  1.  Intro; 2.  Hello!!!; 3.  I’m not a Hero; 4.  Color Blind; 5.  Ali; 6.  More Again; 7.  Burning Bright; 8.  Untouched; 9.  When it’s Over; 10.  Unrealistic; 11.  13 Rounds; 12.  Memory; 13.  Everything I Couldn’t Tell You

Publicist:  Squidhat Records

Review:  This is our first exposure to pop punk, and we kinda like it.  This Las Vegas based band has a unique take on punk music, and we are sure they must put on a hell of a show in Sin City and beyond.  This music is extremely energetic with excellent musicianship.  We think they would do well on the radio and should be considered for placement opportunities in television and film.  “Hello!!!” would make a great theme song, and should be part of your daily playlist.  This one is great from start to finish, and we will definitely be jamming to it for a while.

Recommendation:  This one is fun.  We recommend you Get it and add it to your musical collection.

Artist Name:  Leo Spauls ft. Mike Garson

Album Name:  Heaven’s Deep Blue Sky

Label:  Spauls Music

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Heaven’s Deep Blue Sky; 2.  One Day; 3.  Cry; 4.  Every Night and Day; 5.  The Sister’s Song; 6.  History

Publicist:  Guerilla Music Promotion

Review:  We included his video for the title track in last month’s Ten Amazing Videos column, and are happy to now bring you the rest of this amazing EP.  A Swedish musician who now lives in London, Leo Spauls has added the tremendous talent of David Bowie’s pianist Mike Garson to his sound, creating an even more powerful presence.  All six songs are wonderful, and will give you hours of enjoyment, even though my wife thinks they are lyrically depressing.

Recommendation:  This one is a hit.  Definitely Get it and play it over and over.

Artist Name:  The New Waves

Album Name:  Volume II

Label:  Squidhat Records

Genre:  Instrumental Covers

Track Listing:  1.  I Ran (so far away); 2.  The Metro; 3.  Send me an Angel; 4.  Voices Carry; 5.  Take on Me; 6.  I Melt with You; 7.  White Wedding (Part I); 8.  Hungry Like the Wolf; 9.  Turning Japanese; 10.  Don’t Change; 11.  Just What I Needed; 12.  New Year’s Day; 13.  Whip It

Publicist:  Squidhat Records

Review:  Who doesn’t like 80s songs, especially when they’re being lovingly played by surf rock legends like The New Waves?  Even without the lyrics, most of us remember these songs and the feelings they generated when they were all over the radio.  It’s as if we get to hear them all over again with new ears, as they sound different yet the same.  These songs would make great placements for commercials, film and television, as well as replace the sleepy elevator music we so often have to endure.  Hat’s off to The New Waves – you have created a true niche.

Recommendation:  If you love the 80s and surf rock, you will love this combination.  Go out and Get it.

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Spurv, Alex Riddle, Deb Ryder, Paul McDonald, Nils Frahm

We hope you all had a wonderful Independence Day.  We hiked the Rattlesnake, and just relaxed.  It was a beautiful day, and we are so thankful we have such great music to return to.  Here are our next five artists for your consideration.

Artist Name:  Spurv

Album Name:  Myra

Label:  Fysisk Format

Genre:  Instrumental Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Et Løfte I Fall; 2.  Og Ny Skag Bæres Frem; 3.  Fra Dypet Under Stenen; 4.  Hviler Bekkenes Sang; 5.  Et Blekt Lys Lyder; 6.  Fra Myrtemplet; 7.  Den Gamles Stemme Brister; 8.  Alting Får Sin Ende, Også Natten

Publicist:  Viral Propaganda PR

Review:  Norway continues to rock our world with the latest from Spurv.  This amazing collection of cinematic and sweeping rock instrumentals will color your world with sound.  Music has no language barrier, and these well-crafted songs will fill your ears with the beauty of rock music done right.  The melodies create a sweeping visual and are ripe for placement opportunities in film and television.  This one belongs on repeat because it will take numerous listens to hear all the nuances of the guitars and drums that are contained in these songs.

Recommendation:  You must Get this one – it will provide hours of inspiration.

Artist Name:  Alex Riddle

Album Name:  Snow White

Label: Breakaway Records

Genre:  Singer-songwriter Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Snow White; 2.  Hosting Ghosts; 3.  The Sway; 4.  Miriam (live); 5.  Scout (live); 6.  Truth Fairy (live)

Publicist:  Far Digital PR

Review:  Houston, Texas based singer-songwriter Alex Riddle has amazing vocals which soar in and out of falsetto as he shares the lyrics of these well-crafted tunes.  The mixture of studio and live recordings sets this artist apart from his peers, and gives both an example of what he can do in the studio as well as a taste of what his live performances are like.  His opening number, which is the title track, soars high and is getting a lot of attention from both the public and critics alike.  We think this young man has a lot to offer and look forward to many more amazing albums from him in the future.

Recommendation:  You should definitely Get this one and add it to your favorites.

Artist Name:  Deb Ryder

Album Name:  Enjoy the Ride

Label:  VizzTone

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  A Storm’s Comming; 2.  Temporary Insanity; 3.  Bring the Walls Down; 4.  Nothin to Lose; 5.  For the Last Time; 6.  What You Want From Me; 7.  Enjoy the Ride; 8.  Got to let it Go; 9.  Life Fast Forward; 10.  Sweet Sweet Love; 11.  Goodbye Baby; 12.  Forever Yours; 13.  Red Line

Publicist:  ABIK Radio Promotions

Review:  Deb Ryder is riding the blues charts with her hard-hitting blues guitar and a sound very reminiscent of Bonnie Raitt.  Her strong and gritty voice is the perfect complement to her intricate and exciting blues guitar, and her songs will leave a lasting impression on your  senses.  We plead “Temporary Insanity” because we love her “Nothin to Lose” style which truly “Brings the Walls Down.”  We have nothing but “Sweet Sweet Love” for Ryder’s music, and we are truly “Forever Yours.”  As we say “Goodbye Baby,” we strongly encourage you to “Enjoy the Ride.”

Recommendation:  This one is a no-brainer – you simply MUST Get this one!

Artist Name:  Paul McDonald

Album Name:  Modern Hearts

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Singer-Songwriter Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  New Lovers; 2.  Hold On; 3.  Wildcard; 4.  Call on Me; 5.  Modern Hearts; 6.  How Long?; 7.  So Much Better; 8.  Once You Were Mine; 9.  Tell me Something; 10.  Come On; 11.  Caging a Songbird; 12.  Stay Home; 13.  Always on my Mind; 14.  I Ain’t Good

Publicist:  Right Angle PR

Review:  Paul McDonald has a very unique voice that is reminiscent of Bob Dylan, with a very strong pop/rock vibe.  They soar on the wings of the incredible band he has assembled for the project, and never let you down.  These songs belong on the radio, and would do quite well in a Top 40 format.    We hear potential hits in many of these songs, especially “Hold On,” “Wildcard,” “Call on Me,” “How Long?,” “Once you Were Mine” (which reminds us of some of the best Van Morrison hits), and “I Ain’t Good.”

Recommendation:  You simply need this one in your library.  Get it today!

Artist Name:  Nils Frahm

Album Name:  Encores 1

Label:  Erased Tapes Records

Genre:  Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  The Roughest Trade; 2.  Ringing; 3.  To Thomas; 4.  The Dane; 5.  Harmonium in the Well

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society Communications

Review:  Acoustic, soothing, harmonious, uplifting – these words and more describe the music of Nils Frahm on his latest outing.  You can almost feel the tension in  your body float away as you sit back and relax to these soothing sounds.  The piano is just perfect for this type of meditative media, and we think that every chiropractor and massage therapist should have this album in their catalog.  Make sure you give yourself enough time to fully wake up after listening, because we are sure you will want to stay in a blissful state for quite a while,

Recommendation:  If  you love instrumental music, and music for relaxation, then this is the perfect addition to your library.  But beware, large doses will encourage a long nap.

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it – Slowtrip, Waydown Wailers, Tuxedo, Frankie Simone, The Mountain Carol

Happy Independence Day to all our indie music lovers.  We’ve got a great bunch of reviews for you today, so let’s get this show going.

Artist Name: Slowtrip

Album Name:  Blur

Label:  Anchor Eighty Four Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Follow; 2.  02 2004; 3.  Slowtrip – Makeshit Happiness; 4.  Secondary

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:  Despite the fact that the members of Slowtrip are also members of three other hardcore bands, the combination created by the consolidation of their combined talents is more indie rock than hardcore.  These four songs offer hope that this is not just another indie rock band.  This band has something to say, and couch their message in solid, hard-hitting rock that will draw listeners in.  This band has definite potential.  If you live in or near their Orange County, California stomping grounds, we highly recommend that you go and check them out.  The vinyl edition of their EP will be released on July 13.

Recommendation:  Definitely give them a try.  This EP is worth the risk.

Artist Name:  Waydown Wailers

Album Name:  Backland Blues

Label:  Woodstock Records

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Back Door Woman Blues; 2.  I Want Your Soul; 3.  Done Somebody Wrong; 4.  Another Bump in the Road; 5.  No Mercy; 6.  Dizzy Miss Lizzy; 7.  Every Passing Mile; 8.  Somewhere in the Middle; 9.  I’m on the Hunt; 10.  State of the Union – remix; 11.  Lover of the Bayou

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  Hailing from the area in upstate New York that borders Canada, the Waydown Wailers combine elements of classic rock bands like The Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers with British invasion bands like The Byrds to form their own version of gritty, dirty blues.  This album combines eight original tunes with covers of classic tunes from Elmore James (“Done Somebody Wrong”), The Fab Four (“Dizzy Miss Lizzy”) and a deep cut from The Byrds (“Lover of the Bayou”), the song they chose to close out this amazing set of tunes.  This album is great from start to finish, and belongs on your TGIF playlist, especially the sweet “No Mercy” and “Somewhere in the Middle,” which are more roots rock than blues.

Recommendation:  Get out there and Get this one!

Artist Name:  Tuxedo

Album Name:  III

Label:  Musarañas Records

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  III; 2.  Sigue Hablando; 3.  Enviado Desde mi iPhone; 4.  Mi Deporte Favoito; 5.  Intolerancia; 6.  La Espigayla Tormenta; 7.  Victoria; 8.  La Explanada; 9.  La Vida Aqúi

Publicist:  Musarañas Records

Review:  Tuxedo comes to us from Spain, and immediately hit us with some amazing psychedelic and electronic sounds on the title track, a spectacular instrumental tune with layer upon layer that will stay in the listener’s memory long after the song is over.  When the vocals arrive on the second track, they are haunting, rich and very memorable, despite the foreign language.  You can sense the meaning through their delivery and the tone set by the underlying instrumentation.  We would place these guys right beside the Gipsy Kings as proof of the quality of music that still emanates from the Spanish peninsula.  Regardless of whether the song has vocals or not, this band rocks and deserves your attention.

Recommendation:  You must Get this one – it will become one of  your favorites.

Artist Name:  Frankie Simone

Album Name:  Love//Warrior

Label:  Infinite Companion

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  War Paint; 2.  Blow my Mind; 3.  Love//Warrior; 4.  Queer; 5.  Love You Just the Same

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Frankie Simone delivers pop music that is reminiscent of Gwen Stefani and Nicki Minaj.  It is music that makes you want to get up and dance and belongs in the house mix of every DJ in America.  Not only is it just plain good music, it also has a message about accepting yourself and reveling in your differences.  It belongs on Top 40 radio, especially “Blow my Mind,” and should be in the catalog of every smart music supervisor, as these songs would do well as placements in film and television, especially the title track.

Recommendation:  If  you love to dance, or you believe that love should conquer hate, then this is the one for you.  Get it now.

Artist Name:  The Mountain Carol

Album Name:  Starkiller and the Banshees

Label:  Third Eye Industries

Genre:  Electro-pop

Track Listing:  1.  Dino; 2.  The Mountain Carol; 3.  Essex Ferry; 4.  Adventure Safari; 5.  Sway; 6.  Shadow Puppets; 7.  The Party’s Over

Publicist:  Behind the Curtains Media

Review:  We featured the music video for the lead track, “Dino,” in our first Monday Mashup in May, and little did we know that it would be just the tip of the iceberg of the amazing material forthcoming from this intriguing band that has a futuristic but retro sound.  You will love their hard driving sound which is reminiscent of new wave bands like Talking Heads.  This is music that definitely sets the mood, and will prepare you for something different.  This band is not afraid to experiment, and still delivers well rounded grooves that you will never forget.  This is not melodic music with smooth vocals – it is raw and edgy stuff that will help the band to rise to the top of the indie world.  We think this album has something for just about everyone.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one.

 

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

Get it or forget it – Joey Racano, Ben de la Cour, Cathy Segal-Garcia, Andy Sydow, Wolfe Jackson

As we explained yesterday, while we were off covering the Hollywood Fringe Festival, we received 94 review requests for the month of June.  We will be focusing on those for our Get it or Forget it articles on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  For the Friday edition, we will focus on the July releases.  We should be caught up with everything by the end of the second week in August, so let’s get started.

Artist Name:  Joey Racano

Album Name:  Midnite Madness

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  In the Middle of the Night; 2.  Tell the Truth; 3.  Medicine Wheel; 4.  Eight Ball Jones; 5.  Saturday Cyberdate; 6.  Hello Baby (Reunion Blues); 7.  Six String Savvy

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Joey Racano takes traditional blues guitar and adds in elements of pop (repetition) and rap to create a most unique sound, as demonstrated on the first track, “In the Middle of the Night.”  He also throws in some wailing sax for good measure.  “Tell the Truth” has more of a rock beat but continues with his spoken/sung vocals and pop repetitions that immediately distinguish his sound from others in this genre.  His lyrics are deep and may require multiple listens to fully comprehend all that he has to say.  What he lacks in vocal prowess is more than made up by the musical accompaniment.

Recommendation:  This one is worth a listen or two just because it is so different.  It’s a throwback to when music was more important than smooth silky vocals.  You may or may not like it, but it’s worth a listen nevertheless.

Artist Name:  Ben de la Cour

Album Name:  The High Cost of Living Strange

Label:  Flour Sack Cape Records

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Dixie Crystals; 2.  Uncle Boudreau Went to Texas; 3.  Company Town; 4.  Face Down Penny; 5.  Tupelo; 6.  Guy Clark’s Fiddle; 7.  Just Like the Blues; 8.  The High Cost of Living Strange

Publicist:  Broken Jukebox Media

Review:  Americana is a uniquely American genre, and Ben de la Cour plays it better than just about any other artist we have heard in recent memory.  His voice is strong, smooth and fluid, and his songs are well written masterpieces.  His instrumental soundtrack perfectly captures this genre, delivering compelling time capsules of life.  His publicist said his album was the best he’d heard this year, and we would tend to agree to that.  This is an artist that should be on the top of the Americana scene, and we are proud and privileged to have been chosen to review his album.  We think he belongs in the company of Jason Isbell and Chris Stapleton, as well as in the national spotlight.  We really love the sound of “Dixie Crystals,” “Company Town,” “Tupelo,” “Guy Clark’s Fiddle,” and “Just Like the Blues.”

Recommendation:  If you love Americana, then you must add this one to your collection.  Get it today.

Artist Name:  Cathy Segal-Garcia

Album Name:  The Jazz Chamber

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  Star Eyes; 2.  Velho Piano; 3.  Time After Time; 4.  High Trapeze; 5.  Cinema Paradiso Theme; 6.  Message to Prez; 7.  This Moment; 8.  Universal Prisoner; 9.  Compared to What; 10.  Sleep in Peace

Publicist:  Mouthpiece Music

Review:  Cathy Segal-Garcia is a gifted jazz vocalist who has just released her 11th CD.  This time around, she adds an entire jazz chamber orchestra to the mix, and the result is rather grand, as in ballroom.  These tunes would have been right at home in the 1940s, with their elegant and expansive sound, and the feeling that you should be dancing around a large ballroom floor while she serenades your senses.  She even throws in a couple of cover songs, including a brilliant adaptation of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time.”  Grab a glass of wine, dim the lights and enjoy.

Recommendation:  If you love jazz, then we’re sure this artist is already in your collection.  We recommend you add her latest.

Artist Name:  Andy Sydow

Album Name:  Reasons for Departure

Label:  Uncle Ralph Records

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Reasons for Departure; 2.  Directions to the Moon; 3.  Who I Want to Be; 4.  Secret Rodeo; 5.  Hearts go On; 6.  Shame on Me; 7.  Lonely Love; 8.  Jenny’s Masquerade; 9.  Bus Drive; 10.  Whispering Moon

Publicist:  EMPKT PR

Review:  Andy Sydow is a gifted songwriter who hails from Denver, Colorado.  On this album, he has hooked up with LA Music Critic Award winning producer Chris Daniels to deliver an amazing group of songs that loudly proclaim he has arrived and is ready for his cameo.  From the first notes of the title track, Sydow firmly establishes himself as a force that cannot be overcome, so we advise you to sit down and enjoy these tracks.  Daniels has managed to highlight all the strengths of Sydow’s style, and give us an album that is good from start to finish.  You will not want to miss a single track, but just sit back and savor the instrumentation, the lyrics, the stories and the voice of calm that permeates this music.  Sydow is a combination of Tom Petty meets Jackson Browne, and we will forever be a fan.

Recommendation:  You simply MUST add this one to your library.  Get it ASAP!

Artist Name:  Wolfe Jackson

Album Name:  Nobody Knows Me (Better Than You)

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Americana/Soul

Track Listing:  1.  Nobody Know Me (Better Than You); 2.  Comfort Love; 3.  One More Time; 4.  Where my Heart Belongs; 5.  Brother; 6.  Lord Forgive Me (I’ve Been Bad) (bonus track)

Publicist:  Effective Immediately PR

Review:  Wolfe Jackson is a UK transplant who has firmly established himself as an American artist.  On his debut EP, he shows why he sold out his record release show at Hollywood’s famed Hotel Cafe.  His sound is raw and rare, and should provide him with a long career in music.  From the first notes of the title track, his amazing voice rises above the simple accompaniment, reminiscent of Jason Mraz, who was also had success at the Hotel Cafe early in his career.  His songs feel like they are being sung directly to  you while you listen to him in the comfort of your living room.  This is a voice that will surely rise like cream to the top of the music scene.  We expect to see him become a household name in no time at all.

Recommendation:  This one is a no-brainer.  You need this album in your library, where we are sure you will listen to it over and over again.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it LA Music Critic Awards Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Alice Skye, Krantz, Jackson Reed, Shirley Crabbe, Dany Franchi, Smaller Hearts

With these six reviews we have finally made it to the end of the submissions for the first half of 2018 for the LA Music Critic Awards.  Tomorrow we will bring you our normal Monday Mashup, followed on Tuesday and Wednesday by our Ten Great Singles and Ten Amazing Videos for the month of May.  On Thursday we present our Ten 2018 Fringe shows we are most excited about, and on Friday we will announce the nominations for the LA Music Critic Awards.  Gonna be a busy week.  Here we go.

Artist Name:  Alice Skye

Album Name:  Friends with Feelings

Label:  CAAMA Music

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  For Every Year; 2.  Poetry by Text; 3.  1966; 4.  Friends with Feelings; 5.  For Those who Need It; 6.  60%; 7.  Melbourne; 8.  She Oak; 9.  Only Bones get Left Behind; 10.  The Only Version of You

Publicist:  Penney and Logan

Review:  Alice Skye is the latest Australian artist to perfectly capture that Hotel Cafe’ sound made famous by artists like Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson and Colbie Caillat.  Her music is breezy and upbeat, with soaring vocals and keys combined in memorable and radio friendly songs.  It is no surprise that Skye is considered one of the best songwriters in Australia, nor that the highly respected CAAMA Music signed her to a recording contract.  This is the kind of music you don’t get tired of, despite repeated listens.  Although the entire album is a worthy effort, our favorites include “Poetry by Text,” the title track, “60%,” “Melbourne,” and “Only Bones get Left Behind.”

Recommendation:  This one deserves a definite spot in your music library – we recommend you Get it.

Artist Name:  Krantz

Album Name:  The Pennock Tapes

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Weedeater; 2.  All Outta Love; 3.  Can’t Forget; 4.  Run Away with Me; 5.  Until we Meet Again

Publicist:  Effectively Immediately PR

Review:  Krantz has a very cool retro rock vibe which turns their songs into something insanely cool.  All five songs are delivered in an upbeat, energetic frenzy, which probably indicates that they are a blast to watch perform live.  The influences from the golden age of rock and roll are evident in their music, ranging from the Monkees, Buddy Holly and Little Richard to British invasion bands like Herman’s Hermits and Mott the Hoople.  This is music that will appeal to music lovers of all ages, from Baby Boomers to Millennials.  The EP is just too short, but they leave us with hope “Until we Meet Again.”

Recommendation:  Krantz has an instantly memorable sound that appeals to all ages.  Definitely Get this one for your collection.

Artist Name:  Jackson Reed

Album Name:  Dark Areas of Description

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Folk/Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  Dark Areas of Description; 2.  Taller Than Me; 3.  Cathedral Grove; 4.  Restless Ones; 5.  Love Won’t Stop a Hurricane; 6.  Forgotten Ones; 7.  Nasty Boy

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  The album opens with the title track, an experimental instrumental song that is dark and dangerous with a healthy folk vibe that demonstrates the musical skills of Jackson Reed.  Unfortunately, as shown on the next track, “Taller Than Me,” he does not have the same abilities vocally,   His tone is pitchy, but he manages to pull it off through sheer tenacity because the songs are so well written and otherwise skillfully played.  On “Restless Ones” and “Forgotten One,s”  he returns to that skillful instrumental style, and they are by far the best songs on the EP.

Recommendation:  If quality vocals are a necessity for you, then forget this one.  However, if you can ignore that small shortcoming, and love great musicianship, then definitely Get this one.

Artist Name:  Shirley Crabbe

Album Name:  Bridges 

Label:  MaiSong Music and Entertainment

Genre:  Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  Isn’t This a Lovely Day; 2.  Taking a Chance on Love; 3.  Bridges; 4.  The Bridge; 5.  I Didn’t Know What Time it Was; 6.  Promise Me; 7.  The Windmills of Your Mind; 8.  And so it Goes; 9.  Thief in the Night; 10.  Blessed Assurance

Publicist:  Mouthpiece Music

Review:  Shirley Crabbe possesses one of those voices we haven’t heard in quite a few years, truly reminiscent of jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald.  Crabbe has assembled some of the finest jazz players in New York City, including the unbelievable pianist, Donald Vega, who brings his magic to each and every song.  Her music is a throwback to the Golden Age of Jazz vocals, and instantly creates images of a smoky lounge with a cigarette-smoking pianist and the spotlight on the someone like Billie Holiday or Ella Fitzgerald, complete with a feather boa singer her heart out.  It is music for relaxing and forgetting about the troubles of the day, and definitely belongs in the music library of every jazz and standards lover.  Listen to it from start to finish, because it definitely builds that chill mood.  We know it’s cliche, but if she recorded an album singing the phone book, people would buy it.  She closes the album with a stirring interpretation of the Gospel classic, “Blessed Assurance,” leaving us to only say, “We believe.”

Recommendation:  Don’t be left out in the cold,   Get this one now.

Artist Name:  Dany Franchi

Album Name:  Problem Child

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues/Funk

Track Listing:  1.  Back to the River; 2.  Give me a Sign; 3.  Big Town Playboy; 4.  Real Love; 5.  Run Around; 6.  You Don’t Want Me; 7.  Don’t Steal my Time; 8.  Sensation; 9.  My Only One; 10.  Big Kind Hearted Man; 11.  Every Thing Gonna be Alright; 12.  Wanna Know; 13.  Problem Child

Publicist:  Frank Roszak Promotions

Review:  Italian born blues guitarist Dany Franchi has been taking the blues world by storm these past few years, and is currently touring across the United States in support of his amazing new release, Problem Child.  From the first notes of “Back to the River,” the horns, combined with Franchi’s soaring vocals and riveting guitar riffs, demonstrate that this is a blues artist you simply cannot ignore.  You will find something to like in every song on the album, and may find yourself putting a few of them on repeat.

Recommendation:  You simply must add this one to your collection.  Get it now!

Artist Name:  Smaller Hearts

Album Name:  Smaller Hearts

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Electro-pop

Track Listing:  1.  Summertime III; 2.  Lost Words; 3.  Crossing; 4.  Maisie; 5.  The Ups and Downs of Forgetting Everything; 6.  Chipper; 7.  Hibernation; 8.  Summertime IV; 9.  U1OG; 10.  Climbing; 11.  The Year we Spent Awake

Publicist:  Pigeon Row

Review:  The electro-pop scene seems to be getting a lot of attention lately, especially from international acts.  While they strive to be a cross between Pet Shop Boys and The Postal Service, they fail to reach that level of greatness.  According to our resident expert on electronic music, the songs are too slow to reach the desired sound.  In addition, they had an irritating undertone that was almost as annoying as the sound of mosquitoes.  They did, however, achieve their mission on “Maisie” and “Chipper,” but missed the mark on the other nine.  We think they need to go back to the drawing board and spend some time listening to the bands they are trying to emulate before making another attempt.

Recommendation:  Forget this one, but be open to their next attempt.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it LA Music Critic Awards Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Gyles Bartle, Jamison Isaak, For Esme’, Hello Stranger, Sandra Love and the Reason, Quin Gibbs

June has arrived and with it all the craziness of summer.  We received more than 340 submissions for the first half of 2018 for  the LA Music Critic Awards, and more than 100 of those were from outside the United States – pretty impressive.  We will have six reviews per day for you today and tomorrow, after which we will compile our nominations for the Awards.  The nominations will be announced on June 8.  We truly thank you for your support.  Let’s get started.

Artist Name:  Gyles Bartle

Album Name:  96

Label:  Because Music

Genre:  Hip-Hop

Track Listing:  1.  You; 2.  Days Apart; 3.  Gold; 4.  9th Flr; 5.  Medium

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society Communications

Review:  From South East London comes Gyles Bartle, a 20 year old hip-hop artist with something to prove on his debut EP.  He has crafted some sick beats to underscore his well-written words.  His style is similar to Snoop Dogg, but he speaks of things that impact his life in the UK.  We expect to hear much more from this promising artist.  Our only major critique is to speak more clearly, especially when words are your “Medium.”

Recommendation:  If you like hip-hop – give this one a spin.

Artist Name:  Jamison Isaak

Album Name:  EP2

Label:  FLORA

Genre:  Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  First; 2.  Us; 3.  Animals; 4.  Peace

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  We introduced you to this amazing artist back in February when we reviewed his first EP, and are thrilled to once again have the chance to review his new one.  He continues to amaze us with his piano prowess,   This time around, his music is more upbeat than reflective, but still soothing, especially his single, “Us.”  Jamison Isaak is the recipe for the perfect “chill.”

Recommendation:  This one is another must-have.  Get it and relax today.

Artist Name:  For Esmé

Album Name:  Righteous Woman

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Doubtmouth; 2.  For Others; 3.  Small Talk; 4.  You; 5.  Make a Sound; 6.  Just Yet

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Toronto-based band For Esmé is a beacon of hope for the future of pop music.  Their bright tone, upbeat electronic sound and heartfelt lyrics give us hope that there are bands that understand the future of the business, and the importance of being real in this unreal world.  Their songs honestly address the issues affecting young women in our current age, and bring those issues into focus  in a way that few previous artists have done.  From the hard-charging “Doubtmouth,” this EP blasts off into the stratosphere and never comes down.  Musically, these tunes would play well in the EDM community and be the perfect additions to the latest dance club mix.

Recommendation:  This one is a keeper.  We highly recommend you Get it today.

Artist Name:  Hello Stranger

Album Name:  Long Division

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  The Flood; 2.  All the Things I’m Not; 3.  Smiling in the Night; 4.  Virginia; 5.  Breakthrough; 6.  Little Old Me; 7.  I Didn’t Speak for You; 8.  We Don’t Talk About Them; 9.  Celebration; 10.  Ovation; 11.  Victorious

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Hello Stranger is the latest alt rock band from Los Angeles whose sound is extremely radio friendly.  Behind the charismatic and soaring voice of Sam Deffenbaugh, the band rocks out behind the stimulating drums of Daniel Rodriguez, the electrifying guitar of Deffenbaugh and the steady bass of Sam Plotkin (who also supplies great backing vocals).  They demonstrate that they understand their rock history, with obvious influence from bands like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young on “All the Things I’m Not” and “Smiling in the Night,” among others.  From just listening to these great songs, we would love to see their live performance, as we can only imagine the energetic way they must be.  While we like the entire album, our favorite tracks include the two previously named, as well as “Virginia,” “Breakthrough,” “I Didn’t Speak for You,” “Ovation,” and “Victorious.”

Recommendation:  Get this one like your life depends upon it – they will make your day!

Artist Name:  Sandra Love and the Reason

Album Name:  Manifest Your Dreams

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Funk/Soul/Blues/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Tired; 2.  Ain’t Nobody; 3.  Can’t Come Back; 4.  Mind Your Business; 5.  Wild Woman; 6.  Music (Please Don’t Go); 7.  On Everything; 8.  Channel Fever; 9.  Beans; 10.  Manifest; 11.  I Need Money

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Besides Mardi Gras, New Orleans is well known for being the home of a plethora of incredible musicians.  The latest to stake their claim is Sandra Love and the Reason, which combine funk, soul, rock and blues to create their own special sound.  While we are sure they put on a great show, their debut album could have used a bit more engineering, especially on the vocals.  Love obviously has a lot of passion and emotion in her voice, but she gets pitchy at times, which distracts a little from the amazing musicianship of her band.  The good news is that the band is so tight and the music so hot that it is easy to overlook the pitch because it is so easy to just get caught up in the music.  The album is a worthy first effort, and we are sure that the next one will be even better.

Recommendation:  We think this band has potential.  Grab their debut CD and watch them live if you can.

Artist Name:  Quin Gibbs

Album Name:  Beautiful Noize:  The 90s Baby EP

Label:  Nuclear Group Entertainment

Genre:  Hip-Hop/Rap

Track Listing:  1.  Christopher Shakur; 2.  90s Love; 3.  Candy Land; 4.  LaLa; 5.  62 Cents (ft. iSHY); 6.  Between the Sheetz (ft. Waun Love); 7.  Shawn Gibbs

Publicist:  Nuclear Group Entertainment

Review:  Caution parents:  This one is labeled “Explicit” for good reason.  Despite the language, Quin Gibbs has a good command of his words, and knows how to create memorable tunes situated on a base of sick beats.  The words are raw and real, and bring Gibbs into the realm of such artists as Tupac, Snoop Dogg and Notorious B.I.G.  We have a feeling that you’ll be hearing a lot more from Mr. Gibbs, as this EP serves as a teaser for his upcoming full-length album.  Best tracks include “90s Love” and “Between the Sheetz.”

Recommendation:  If you love Tupac, Snoop Dogg, hip-hop and rap, then you should grab this one.

 

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

Get it or forget it – Michael Malarkey, Cheo and Ulises Hadjis, Belle and the Beats, Dexist, Danie Ocean Band

Happy Friday.  Worked the Bon Iver concert last night in the rain, and very thankful to finally be dry and warm.  We’ve got five more reviews for your consideration today, and we’re almost to the finish line.  We hope to be there by Monday.  Thanks for bearing with us.  We think this batch of submissions for the LA Music Critic Awards are some of the strongest yet, and think you’ll be happy with our nominations, which will be announced next Friday.

Artist Name:  Michael Malarkey

Album Name:  Captain Solitaire

Label:  Hudson Records

Genre:  Singer-songwriter/Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Captain Solitaire; 2.  Friends; 3.  Bloody Nose

Publicist:  Mystic Sons

Review:  You probably know Michael Malarkey from his four seasons as Enzo on The Vampire Diaries, but what you may not know is he’s an amazing singer-songwriter as well.  His three-song EP has just been released, and it has everything needed to turn Malarkey into a well-known musician as well, joining the ranks of actors like Ryan Sims, Jeff Bridges, and Jared Leto who have previously proven their musical abilities.  Malarkey has the same “speaking-singing” style as Shawn Mullins, and we think he may be just as successful as a musician as we is as an actor.  You can’t go wrong with this EP, as all three songs are great.  Our favorite is the title track.

Recommendation:  Run, don’t walk, to your nearest digital outlet and Get this one today!

Artist Name:  Cheo & Ulises Hadjis

Album Name:  Dónde

Label:  Cosmica

Genre:  Latin

Track Listing:  1.  Piensa En Mí; 2.  ¿Dónde?; 3.  Como Antes; 4.  Aquí Vinimos; 5.  Lo Que Es Cierto; 6.  De No Haberte Conocido; 7.  No Suena Igual; 8.  Los Continentes

Publicist:  Cosmica Artists

Review:  Cheo, formerly of Los Amigos Invisibles, and Latin Grammy nominee Ulises Hadjis have joined forces on their first collaboration, creating a work of art that transcends the language barrier.  Much like the Gipsy Kings have become a world-wide phenomenon despite the multiple languages they speak (none of which are English), the Latin rhythms of Cheo and Hadjis combine to create music that doesn’t need to be understood to be enjoyed.  The title track has such a great rhythm and sound, with perfect flamenco flair and amazing horns, that it lifts the music into another dimension that isn’t bound by language.  We think this is one of the best Latin albums we have ever reviewed, and look forward to hearing more from this dynamic duo.  This music belongs in the library of every music supervisor as well, as it would make excellent placements in television and film.

Recommendation:  Regardless of whether you speak Spanish or not, you will enjoy this album.  It belongs in your music library and we strongly encourage you to Get it.

Artist Name:  Belle and the Beats

Album Name:  Lose Your Feathers

Label:  BERT Music

Genre:  Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Deeper; 2.  Down and Lost; 3.  You and I; 4.  Soldier of the Night

Publicist:  TCBYML

Review:  Belle and the Beats are no strangers to readers of this blog, as they have been featured twice in our Monday Mashup, as well as making it onto the list of Amazing Videos from April.  This Amsterdam-based band is head and shoulders one of the best international acts we have heard this year.  Their provocative video for “Deeper” conveys the depth of the song, and it is easily one of our favorites, although quite frankly, all four of these songs are amazing.  We can’t wait to hear a full length album from this band, which is quickly becoming one of our favorite imports.

Recommendation:  Don’t wait – this group will blow you away.  You NEED to Get this EP ASAP!

Artist Name:  Dexist

Album Name:  Los No Lugares

Label:  Musarañas Records

Genre:  Latin

Track Listing:  1.  AzulNegroGris; 2.  Libre; 3.  Escudos y Lanzas; 4.  Tu Juego Perfecto; 5.  Lunar; 6.  1984; 7.  100 Días; 8.  Nuevas Sombras; 9.  Renacimiento; 10.  No Tenim Por (remastered)

Publicist:  Musarañas Records

Review:  Dexist hails from Barcelona, Spain, and brings us post-punk and electro-pop tunes in Spanish.  Although we were skeptical at first, they really do pull it off, showing us that the punk vibe has infiltrated music in multiple countries, not just the US and UK.  The angst, heartbreak and despair come through despite the language barrier, and the addition of an electronic vibe adds to the punk feel of the music.

Recommendation:  If you love punk music, you will probably dig this one.

Artist Name:  Danie Ocean Band

Album Name:  Love Won’t Let Me Fail

Label:  Winding Way Records

Genre:  R&B/Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  Sunshine; 2.  Shut up and Satisfy; 3.  Firebreathing Woman; 4.  Don’t Complain; 5.  Possibility; 6.  You Oughta Know; 7.  Not Good Enough; 8.  Reciprocity; 9.  Love Won’t let me Fail; 10.  The Difference

Publicist:  Winding Way Records

Review:  For those of you who love instant gratification, you will discover a ton of it in the debut release from the Danie Ocean Band.  With a breezy R&B-flavored jazz sound, this one is guaranteed to please.  Ocean’s vocals are impeccable and her music is upbeat and full of life.  The songs are well-crafted and help the listener’s spirits to soar to new heights, especially that incredible trumpet provided by Bill Giffear.  She even throws in a bit of rock on “Firebreathing Woman,” and does an excellent cover of the Alanis Morissette classic “You Oughta Know.”  Her overall vibe is Bonnie Raitt meets Sophie B. Hawkins, with a touch of Dinah Krall thrown in for good measure.

Recommendation:  This one is a no-brainer – definitely Get this one!

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it – Mollys Reech, Mike Vitale, Feel Alright, Craig Cardiff, Radio Drive

And we close out the month of May with five more reviews, including a cover album dedicated to the songs of Bob Dylan.  Let’s hit it.

Artist Name:  Mollys Reech

Album Name:  Down the Rabbit Hole

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Rock/Hip-Hop

Track Listing:  1.  G my Whole Life; 2.  Taskforce; 3.  Loud; 4.  Bobby and Whitney; 5.  Rollin; 6.  High High; 7.  Hush; 8.  Sellin my Soul; 9.  Bad Intentions; 10.  Hold On

Publicist:  Presstown PR

Review:  In the style of such successful bands as Red Hot Chili Peppers and Twenty-one Pilots comes Mollys Reech, a Canadian quartet from Vancouver that are tearing up the Pacific Northwest with their brand of hip-hop infused rock.  Their musicianship is first-rate, while the lead rap adds the perfect elements to their songs.  The lyrics are powerful and fully understandable, giving these guys the perfect materials to take their sound to a new level.  Down the Rabbit Hole is their first full length album, and we are impressed at the level of chemistry, creativity and maturity displayed.  Several of the songs could make smart placements, especially the sad tribute to Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston contained in “Bobby and Whitney” and the throwback tune that kicks off the album, “G my Whole Life.”

Recommendation:  This one is fun.  We recommend you check them out and grab their album.

Artist Name:  Mike Vitale

Album Name:  Empty Circle

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Singer-songwriter Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Time Machine; 2.  In the Middle of You; 3.  Running Away From Home; 4.  Gone; 5.  Empty Circle; 6.  Infinite Jest; 7.  Fool for You; 8.  Mark Twain; 9.  A Man That can Last; 10.  Human; 11.  Puppy Love

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Mike Vitale’s music takes us back to the days of the male troubadour and is reminiscent of artists like Jim Croce, Gordon Lightfoot, Al Stewart and Cat Stevens.  His tunes are upbeat, with well sung vocals over simple acoustic guitar.  His soothing voice makes this an album you can put on repeat, listening to those incredible vocals over and over again.  Although we love the entire album, we are especially fond of “Time Machine,” “Gone,” the title track, “Infinite Jest,” “Mark Twain,” “Human,” and “Puppy Love.”

Recommendation:  You should definitely Get this one!

Artist Name:  Feel Alright

Album Name:  In Bad Faith

Label:  Pleasence Records

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  A Lengthy end to a Bullfight; 2.  Truth About Us; 3.  Telegraph Hill; 4.  In Bad Faith; 5.  Cool Water; 6.  A Month in the Country; 7.  Stiffs; 8.  Speed of Life; 9.  Start Another; 10.  Tires hit the Tarmac; 11.  Sweet Surrender; 12.  Dark Incantations

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Feel Alright has a very familiar vibe that reminds us of the vocal groups of the 60’s like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Herman’s Hermits, and the like.  Their sound is tight, breezy, upbeat and fun.  We featured their single, “Truth About Us” in the first Monday Mashup article in May, and are thrilled to get the chance to review the entire album.  Th album provides the perfect soundtrack for chill time, and would make a great party album for those of us old enough to remember a simpler time in music when artists brought us their creative vision without the pressure to just “sell” albums.    There isn’t a weak song on the album.  Just put it on repeat and enjoy.

Recommendation:  We highly recommend you Get this one.

Artist Name:  Craig Cardiff

Album Name:  Upstream Fishing all the Words, He Is – Birthday Cards for Bob Dylan

Label:  AntiFragile Music

Genre:  Pop covers

Track Listing:  1.  Desolation Row; 2.  Masters of War; 3.  Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right; 4.  Blowin’ in the Wind; 5.  All Along the Watchtower

Publicist:  AntiFragile Music

Review:  Canadian singer-songwriter Craig Cardiff is a huge fan of the music of Bob Dylan, and wanted to do something special in honor of his upcoming birthday.  The result is this five-song EP, which is a stirring tribute to the impact of one of music’s most prolific and life-changing artists.  Tracks three and four are instantly familiar to most music lovers, while the other three tracks are deeper cuts, but no less powerful than the other two.  His interpretations are flawless, and add to the mystique of Dylan.  This one is a worthy addition to the music collection of any Dylan fan.

Recommendation:  Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right to Get this one.

Artist Name:  Radio Drive

Album Name:  She Colors my World

Label:  2EDGE Music

Genre:  Alt Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Horizon; 2.  A new Start; 3.  Sweet Thing; 4.  Forever I Do; 5.  Every Road; 6.  Hey Bulldog; 7.  Time to Rise; 8.  Life as it Should Be; 9.  Waiting

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  This album was the perfect one to close out today’s Get it or Forget it article, as the radio-friendly sound is upbeat and  uplifting, providing hope and encouragement to its listeners.  From the stately and powerful tune “Horizon” to the equally soaring sound of “Waiting,” Radio Drive proves over and over again that they have the goods to make it in today’s music business.  The band is already drawing critical acclaim and winning awards, and after listening to the album, that praise and awards are definitely justified.  They even do a credible cover of the Beatles’ “Hey Bulldog” that breathes new life into this classic tune.  We highly encourage music supervisors and radio station managers to check out the catalog of Radio Drive, and give them the appropriate placement and spins they deserve.

Recommendation:  These guys are definitely worthy of your attention.  Get this one and know that you are supporting quality music.

 

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

Get it or forget it – McMains, Mushy Callahan, Tar and Flowers, Michael McDermott, Uma E.

Happy hump day.  Here are five more reviews to consider of promising indie artists.

Artist Name:  McMains

Album Name:  American Soul

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Country/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Would if I Could; 2.  Devil Don’t Care; 3.  Don’t say Goodnight Tonight; 4.  Since I Started Loving You; 5.  Is it Over?; 6.  Shenandoah; 7.  End of the Day; 8.  Hello Heartbreak; 9.  Take me Home, Country Roads; 10.  Never 2 Late 4 Love; 11.  Slow Down my Heart; 12.  Time Well Wasted; 13.  Under the Sun

Publicist:  Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:  Just when you thought the days of the country troubadour had vanished, along comes McMains to let us know that classic country with an Americana flavor is still alive and well.  McMains hits the ground running on “Would if I Could,” and never stops, delivering an album of 13 songs that belong in the library of every true country fan.  Among those 13 songs are a covers of classic songs, including the traditional “Shenandoah” and John Denver’s “Take me Home, Country Roads.”    Other songs we love include “Don’t say Goodnight Tonight,” “Hello Heartbreak,” “Never 2 Late 4 Love,” “Slow Down my Heart,” “Time Well Wasted,” and “Under the Sun.”

Recommendation:  If you love country music, then you owe it to yourself to Get this one.

Artist Name:  Mushy Callahan

Album Name:  Revelations

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Deep Meadow; 2.  End of my Rope; 3.  Outta my Hands; 4.  Haunting Sleep; 5.  Sweet Revenge; 6.  Nobody Told Me

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Four brothers from Toronto put on a clinic on how to rock, and Revelations was born.  From the upbeat positive lyrics and sound of “Deep Meadow” to the hard-charging sound of “Nobody Told Me,” Mushy Callahan delivers potential hit after potential hit.  We love all six of these tunes, but especially “Outta my Hands” and “Sweet Revenge,” which we think have huge potential.  This is one of the best EPs we have reviewed all year, and look forward to hearing what comes next from our neighbors to the north.

Recommendation:  Get up and Get this one now!

Artist Name:  Tar and Flowers

Album Name:  Indian Summer

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Danny; 2.  Summer at Michael’s House; 3.  Ten ton Heart; 4.  August; 5.  This Machine; 6.  Lost; 7.  Opium; 8.  Rumor; 9.  The Lovin’ Kind

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Los Angeles is becoming the home of the best Americana music in the United States, and venues like the Echo are benefiting from the upsurge in popularity.  While vocally they are not as strong as, say Great Willow or I See Hawks in LA, musically they can hold their own.  Of the nine songs on the album, the strongest ones are “August,” “This Machine,” “Opium,” “Rumor,” and “The Lovin’ Kind.

Recommendation:  This one is worth the effort.  We recommend you grab it for your collection.

Artist Name:  Michael McDermott

Album Name:  Out From Under

Label:  Pauper Sky Records

Genre:  Folk/Singer-Songwriter

Track Listing:  1.  Cal-Sag Road; 2.  Gotta go to Work; 3.  Knocked Down; 4.  Sad Songs; 5.  This World Will Break Your Heart; 6.  Out From Under; 7.  Celtic Sea; 8.  Rubber Band Ring; 9.  Never Goin’ Down Again; 10.  Sideways; 11.  God Help Us

Publicist:  Jensen Communications

Review:  In his return to the American music scene, Michael McDermott proves that his prior success in Europe was not just a regional phenomenon.   With his raspy voice reminiscent of Bob Dylan, and instrumentation that is some of the best we’ve heard in any format, McDermott brings his brand of folk songs that tell stories, both personal and professional.  During the first half of the album, he reminds us that he’s “Gotta go to Work,” that life can leave you feeling “Knocked Down” because “This World Will Break Your Heart,” leaving you singing “Sad Songs.”  On the second half, he proclaims that he’s “Out From Under” and is “Never Goin’ Down Again,” off to sail the “Celtic Sea,” “God Help Us.”  All in all, McDermott gives us an incredible collection of songs that will stay memorable and relevant for many years to come.

Recommendation:  This one is a no-brainer – you should Get it today.

Artist Name:  UMA E

Album Name:  Reserve

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  EDM/Trip-hop

Track Listing:  1.  For U; 2.  STAY; 3.  INSANE; 4.  Little Star

Publicist:  Mystic Sons

Review:  UMA E Fernqvist is a Swedish producer and dance collaborator who has been working in the industry for the past 20 years.  Reserve marks her debut EP, on which you wrote the text and provides the vocals, while Ulriqa Fernqvist and Peter Svenzon wrote the music.  Svenzon also produced this interesting creation, that begs to be enjoyed while under the influence.  This is not the type of music that you would enjoy listening to on the radio, but it might work well in television and film for those special party scenes.

Recommendation:  If you live for the club life, and regularly attend events like Electric Daisy Carnival, then this is for you.  For the rest of us, though, forget it.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it LA Music Critic Awards Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – XSyntax, Wildeor, Kira May, News From Planet Kniffen, Abolitionist

And we’re back with the first of our final five Get it or Forget it reviews for the first half of 2018 submissions for the LA Music Critic Awards.  We have five artist for you to check out.  Don’t miss our June 8 announcement of the nominations.  Let’s get started.

Artist Name:  XSyntax

Album Name:  WaterMusic

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Electronica/EDM

Track Listing:  1.  Happy DanceMix; 2.  Aw Yeah!!; 3.  Dream On; 4.  Technix V; 5.  Caravan in the Desert; 6.  SynTechys002; 7.  Night Airs; 8.  Urbanized; 9.  Transcendent Mind; 10.  Cosmic; 11.  Beyond Earth; 12.  Lios1

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  This one is unlike anything we have reviewed before.  It is a mixture of club ready EDM tracks, as well as ambient tunes like “Dream On” that are perfect for relaxation, meditation and yoga.  Richard Aardenburg, the genius behind XSyntax, is a master of synthesized music, and pulls out all the stops on this incredible treasure.  We think he should take the next logical step in his musical career and begin composing music for the film industry.  We think he has everything he needs to be quite successful in that endeavor.  In the meantime, we will put this one on in the background and more forward with our week.

Recommendation:  If you enjoying dancing or relaxing, this one is the perfect choice for you.  Get it now.

Artist Name:  Wildeor

Album Name:  Wildeor

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Northern County Line; 2.  Rain on the Moon; 3.  The Devil Makes Three; 4.  Come Down; 5.  Slow Moving Water

Publicist:  Magic Tree Productions

Review:  Wildeor is an alternative folk band from Los Angeles that makes haunting folk music reminiscent of Enya.  The smoky smooth vocals of group founder Megan Brickwood sit perfectly upon the foundation of Celtic and medieval influences of the musical soundtrack.  We featured “The Devil Makes Three” in last week’s Monday Mashup, and are thankful that we also get to review their EP.  This is an album that belongs on repeat because their music is addictive and needs to be heard over and over again.  We think this is one of the finest EPs we have reviewed this year, and hope to see them live at some point in the not too distant future.

Recommendation:  This one is a no-brainer.  You simply must Get it.

Artist Name:  Kira May

Album Name:  Sense

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Experimental vocal Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Taste; 2.  Muscle Memory; 3.  Heat; 4.  Saturation; 5.  Sensory Deprivation; 6.  Touch; 7.  Vibrations; 8.  Fear; 9.  Forgiveness; 10.  Waves

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  Toronto-based indie artist Kira May uses her voice and an eerie musical background to create amazingly relaxing and ambient songs that are haunting and unique.  Like the two artists above, her music is best placed on repeat to provide a soundtrack for your relaxation and mediation time.  We previously featured her video for “Muscle Memory” in our list of Ten Amazing Videos from February 2018.

Recommendation:  We highly recommend you check out this artist and Get her LP.

Artist Name:  News from Planet Kniffen

Album Name:  Dreamland

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Progressive Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  Blackness; 2.  Peace Journey; 3.  Back in Black; 4.  Midnight Drive; 5.  Dreamland; 6.  Song of Everest; 7.  Beautiful Mystery; 8.  Inspiration; 9.  Tick Tock

Publicist:  EMPKT PR

Review:  News from Planet Kniffen is an amazing jazz band from Saratoga Springs, New York.  They play progressive jazz that is receiving critical acclaim while their latest album keeps moving up the Contemporary Jazz charts, where it was #5 a few weeks ago.  Darryl Kniffen has gathered some of the best talent for his band, including Chilean vocalist Natalia Bernal, Emmy Award-winning guitarist and composer Freddy Shehadi, trumpeter Richard Boulger as well as Saturday Night Live saxophonist Alex Foster.  The  resulting music is a delectable jazz mix that is both uplifting, upbeat and relaxing.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one, if  you are a jazz fan or just like great music.

Artist Name:  Abolitionist

Album Name:  The Instant

Label: 1859 Records

Genre:  Punk Rock

Track Listing:  1.  The Instant; 2.  Trouble; 3.  A Little Animal Liberation Never Hurt Anybody; 4.  Up Rising, Together; 5.  The Movement; 6.  Backlash; 7.  Never Wanted This; 8.  Everything’s Great (but we’re still sh@t); 9.  Failed Projections; 10.  Totally Bonkers; 11.  What if . . .?

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:  Breaking with the theme of the rest of today’s artists comes Abolitionist, a punk band from Portland, Oregon with something to say.  Like most punk music, the songs are high energy, intense and short, but beyond the normal angst, these songs actually have something to say.  Although not our normal cup of tea, we give kudos to the band for tackling some controversial issues that plague modern man.

Recommendation:  If you love punk music, you should definitely check out these guys.