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!
