Still on a high from the amazing Durango Songwriters Expo, especially that closing concert with Chris Gelbuda, Al Anderson, Clay Mills, Marty Dodson and Richie Furay – what inspiration! Here’s our first Get it or Forget it for the week, and we’re happy to share these five artists with you.
Artist Name: Davey and the Chains
Album Name: Shimmy
Label: Self-released
Genre: 70s Power Pop
Track Listing: 1. Lil Dreamer; 2. Bomberos; 3. Cinnamon; 4. Tumbleweed Dub; 5. Mercedes Benz; 6. Old Windy Reed; 7. Monday Disco Morning; 8. Present for You; 9. Everett; 10. Ruthie
Publicist: Dour Pop
Review: The 70s were a dynamic time for music, and Davey and the Chains capture a lot of that period in their fourth release, Shimmy. This spotless collection of tunes are reminiscent of some of the hits from bands like The Eagles, The Bee Gees, Three Dog Night, Jackson Brown and Neil Diamond. If you are a power pop lover, then this collection will bring back great memories for you. Best tracks include “Bomberos,” “Cinnamon,” “Old Windy Road,” “Monday Disco Morning,” “Present for You,”and “Everett.”
Recommendation: Definitely Get this one if you love power pop.
Artist Name: Charmless i
Album Name: First Coming
Label: BERT Music
Genre: Alt Rock
Track Listing: 1. Rabbit Hole; 2. Fire Up (Here we Go); 3. Giant Leap for my Kind; 4. Dream (The Night Hag)
Publicist: TCBYML
Review: Charmless i is a band that has rapidly climbed to the top of the charts in The Netherlands and Europe, and deserves the same attention here in the States. Their brand of alternative rock is hard hitting and immediately familiar. From the first notes of “Rabbit Hole,” it quickly becomes obvious that this band is ready for worldwide domination. The four songs on this EP have all been previously released as singles, and it is a privilege to get them all together in this spectacular package. Each song is unique yet familiar with strong guitar, steady drums, great lyrics and vocals, and you may find yourself loving these earworms, especially “Fire Up (Here we Go).”
Recommendation: Drop everything and Get this one.
Artist Name: Milkmen
Album Name: Milkmen
Label: Know Hope Records
Genre: Indie Rock/Punk
Track Listing: 1. Ramus; 2. Johnny Dangerously; 3. I Think I Know; 4. Papa Gable; 5. K.O.T.H.; 6. Circles are Square; 7. Grahamcracker; 8. Fruit Leather; 9. Brown Pants; 10. Indian Red; 11. Foreverday
Publicist: Earshot Media
Review: This album was originally released in 2015, and is being re-issued after the band signed with Know Hope Records. They plan to release a new album in early 2019. The band formed while the members were at Rutgers University. They call their music “milkpunk” because it is a creamy mix of whatever genre they feel like drawing from, from indie rock to pop, jazz and experimental to punk. The band is a thriving part of the underground rock scene in New Jersey, and it is obvious from even a casual listen why they are so popular. We think they deserve some industry-wide attention.
Recommendation: If you like your music with a steady beat and generously dished out in small portions, then this is the album for you.
Artist Name: I am Waiting for you Last Summer
Album Name: Together
Label: Self-released
Genre: Instrumental Rock
Track Listing: 1. Run Away With Me; 2. The Great Escape; 3. Will Last Forever
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: IWFYLS is a Russian electronic instrumental band that is making incredible waves throughout Europe. They call their music “electronic, instrumental, experimental, epic, atmospheric, indietronica,” but we just call it great. When my wife heard it, she put her television show on pause, and ran into the room, asking “Who are these guys? They’re GOOOD!” I could not agree more. We only wish there was more than three songs, because we could listen to them all day.
Recommendation: Don’t even think about it – just get up and Get this one!
Artist Name: Roxanne Tataei
Album Name: Full Moon on Aries
Label: Self-released
Genre: R&B
Track Listing: 1. Intro; 2. Dancing with the Devil; 3. Pull me Down; 4. Forever Green; 5. 2’s Me; 6. Perfect Fit; 7. Without Me In; 8. Make or Break; 9. Crimson Eyes; 10. Until it’s Done; 11. Final Call; 12. Outro
Publicist: Worldwide Friendly Society
Review: She calls herself a cross between Minnie Ripperton and Stevie Nicks, and we think that description is spot on. Her music is soothing and fresh, much like we expect to hear when we go see the remake of A Star is Born later today. Our favorite tracks include “Dancing with the Devil,” “Pull me Down,” “2’s Me,” the jazzy “Perfect Fit,” “Make or Break,” and “Crimson Eyes.”
Recommendation: Definitely Get it!
