We are proud to launch our first edition of Tuesday Treats, which will feature the latest releases from artists we are familiar with or have previously been featured on Indie Voice Blog. Let’s get started.
Artist Name: Bryan Haraway
Album Name: Bryan Haraway
Label: Melrose Artists/Part Time Criminal Artists
Genre: Americana Rock
Track Listing: 1. We get High; 2. How it is; 3. My Song; 4. Alive; 5. Moonlighting; 6. Lucia; 7. Sleep Well; 8. Far Away; 9. Jenny
Publicist: Devious Planet
Review: Bryan Haraway has been a staple on the Vegas music scene with his band, Part Time Criminals. This is is first solo album, and we think he made a perfect one. Not only is he a gifted songwriter and vocalist, but his guitar chops are spot on, creating a solid sound that brings out the best of Americana and old-fashioned rock and roll in the style of Tom Petty. The album kicks off with the feisty “We Get High,” which was also his first single and should be a major breakout hit. The album just gets better with each song, living the listener with the feeling that they have experienced something potentially life-changing. You can’t lose with this one.
Recommendation: This one is a major smash. Don’t waste time – go get it now.
Artist Name: Delbert McClinton and Self-Made Men + Dana
Album Name: Tall, Dark & Handsome
Label: Hot Shot Records
Genre: Blues/Americana
Track Listing: 1. Mr. Smith; 2. If I Hock my Guitar; 3. No Chicken on the Bone; 4. Let’s Get Down Like we Used to; 5. Gone to Mexico; 6. Lulu; 7. Loud Mouth; 8. Down in the Mouth; 9. Ruby & Jules; 10. Any Other Way; 11. A Fool Like Me; 12. Can’t Get Up; 13. Temporarily Insane; 14. A Poem
Publicist: Blind Raccoon
Review: Delbert McClinton has been making music for more than 50 years, and has been called the “Godfather” of Americana Music. On this, his 26th album to date, the listener is treated to a sweet treat that further proves what an American treasure McClinton is. His band is made up of some of the best in the business, including the sweet sound of Dana Robbins on saxophone, Jack Bruno on drums, Mike Joyce on bass, Bob Britt on guitar, James Pennebaker on guitar, Quentin Ware on trumpet and Dennis Wage on keyboards. Get down to this jam. There are some surprises here as well, like “Gone to Mexico,” that will keep you engaged until the final note.
Recommendation: Don’t even think about it – just get up and get this one.
Artist Name: Lasers Lasers Birmingham
Album Name: Warning
Label: Self-released
Genre: California Country
Track Listing: 1. Warning; 2. Perfection in 3/4 Time; 3. After Party After Life; 4. Sugar Momma; 5. Wild Animals; 6. Lead me On; 7. Don’t go Trying to Fix Me; 8. Phantom Vibrations; 9. Emmylou; 10. Numbers and Figures; 11. What a Shame
Publicist: KG Music Press
Review: We haven’t heard from Alex Owen aka Lasers Lasers Birmingham since he came out with Royal Blue back in 2016, which earned him a nomination for an LA Music Critic Award. On his official debut full-length album, he reaffirms that nomination, and gives us another healthy dose of California Country. He has the twang and the songs to put him on every country music lover’s radar, and we think he has the goods to rise to the top. Pop a top and put this one on repeat.
Recommendation: Definitely go get this one.
Artist Name: Mike Jacoby
Album Name: Long Beach Calling
Label: Self-released
Genre: Americana
Track Listing: 1. Long Beach Calling; 2. Here and Now; 3. Pine Box; 4. Your Love Song; 5. Just in Case; 6. Knew Right Away; 7. Smile; 8. Hangers (a Christmas Tale); 9. BBQ Pit; 10. Play Like Richards; 11. Long Live the King; Bonus Track – Yes, But
Publicist: KG Music Press
Review: Like Birmingham, we last heard from Mike Jacoby back in 2016 when he released northsoutheastwest, which also garnered him an LA Music Critic Award nomination. Just like that release, he produced, recorded and mixed this album as well, bringing back Grammy-winning mastering engineer Gavin Lurssen to sweeten the deal. However, unlike his previous release, which focused on acoustic guitar, this time around Jacoby unleashes his electric side to further establish himself as one of the best in the business. He belongs in that amazing group of Americana artists that includes Brian Whelan, Chris Shifflett and Rod Melancon. His music is exciting and relatable, and should keep him busy. We fully expect to see him on our next list of nominations for this masterpiece, which is definitely going on repeat.
Recommendation: This one needs to be on your short list of the best of 2019. Go grab yourself a copy.
Artist Name: The HawtThorns
Album Name: Morning Sun
Label: Forty Below Records
Genre: Pop/Rock/Country
Track Listing: 1. Shaking; 2. Rebel Road; 3. Morning Sun; 4. Give me a Sign; 5. Broken Wings; 6. The 405; 7. All I Know; 8. Come Back From the Stars; 9. Nobody Gives a Damn About Songs Anymore; 10. Steady Fire; 11. Lucky Charm
Publicist: Devious Planet
Review: The HawtThorns are a husband and wife band composed of KP Hawthorn, one of the founders of CALICO the band, and rocking blues guitarist Johnny Hawthorn. All of the songs are either written or co-written by KP, with the exception of “Give me a Sign” (written by Johnny) and “Nobody Gives a Damn About Songs Anymore,” written and recorded by the amazing John Moreland. Coincidentally, that same song was recently covered by KP’s former CALICO bandmate, Manda Mosher. In addition, “The 405” was recorded by CALICO on their second album. Other than that, these two former band members have gone on divergent paths, and we love the direction both of them have taken with their music. We truly love the harmonies that the HawtThorns have created. There is not a weak song on the album, and we are sure we will be playing many of these songs over and over again, especially “Shaking,” “Rebel Road,” the title track, “Broken Wings,” “All I Know,” and “Come Back From the Stars.”
Recommendation: This one is a no-brainer – you simply MUST add this album to your collection.