It’s finally Friday. We hope you’ve enjoyed the debuts of our new review series this week, which we are culminating today with New Music Fridays. We have some great ones that are being released today, including the first album in 18 years for The Rembrandts. Let’s do this!
Artist Name: Mark Cameron
Album Name: On a Roll
Label: COP Records
Genre: Blues
Track Listing: 1. Trouble Brewin; 2. On Your way to the Top; 3. Dirty Biscuit; 4. Ridin the Rails; 5. On a Roll; 6. Dicey; 7. Next Stop is the Blues; 8. Where I got you From; 9. Movin Out; 10. Back Seat Boogie; 11. Here we go; 12. What Lucy Says; 13. Mojo Shuffle; 14. Dreams
Publicist: Blind Raccoon
Review: Mark Cameron is a gravel-voiced guitar-slinging blues man from Minnesota who has been belting his songs for the past 30 years. His voice sounds like he’s been living his words, while his guitar stylings would make B.B. King proud to play with him. This is music you can sink your teeth into, and perfect for that weekend wind-down. Each song is juicy with the blues, and worthy of multiple listens. His killer band features Sheri Cameron on saxophone, Scott Lundberg on bass, Dan Schroeder on drums and Rick Miller on harmonica.
Recommendation: This one definitely belongs in the music library of every serious lover of the blues. Add it today.
Artist Name: The Rembrandts
Album Name: Via Satellite
Label: Blue Élan Records
Genre: Pop/Rock
Track Listing: 1. How Far Would you Go; 2. Broken Toy; 3. Me and Fate; 4. Count on You; 5. Traveling From Home; 6. Come to Califor-i-ya; 7. Now; 8. Off of the Edge; 9. You’d Think I’d Know; 10. On my Own
Publicist: MAD Ink PR
Review: We are so overjoyed to share the first new album from The Rembrandts in 18 years. We teased you with “How Far would you Go” back in April and “Broken Toy” in May. Every other song on this album is equally amazing, and we would not be surprised to see them win another Grammy. We really love both of their singles, as well as “Count on You,” ‘Come to Californ-i-ya,” “Now,” “and You’d Think I’d Know.” We’re so glad that they kept their promise when they said “I’ll be There for You” – welcome back.
Recommendation: If you love great pop-rock, then this one is a no-brainer – go get it.
Artist Name: Claire Courchene
Album Name: The Happiness of Being Sad
Label: DoubleMayjah Records
Genre: Neo-classical
Track Listing: 1. Insupportable Loneliness; 2. Flirting with Melancholy; 3. Strange Impending Doom; 4. Sweet as an Untimely End; 5. Escape the Memories; 6. Atmosphere of Sorrow
Publicist: DoubleMayjah Records
Review: Nothing soothes the savage beast like beautiful music, and these tracks prove that old adage. Claire Courchene is a gifted composer and musician and her music, which is somewhat dark and moody, is still sweet. These songs are perfect for relaxing and for bedtime, but can also be enjoyed whenever the stresses of the world become too much to bear. This one is going on repeat.
Recommendation: If you love to fall asleep to music, or just need to relax from a stressful day, get this one and put it on repeat.
Artist Name: Jason Hawk Harris
Album Name: Love and the Dark
Label: Country/Americana
Track Listing: 1. The Smoke and the Stars; 2. Cussing at the Light; 3. Confused; 4. Giving Up; 5. Phantom Limb; 6. I’m Afraid; 7. Blessed Interruption; 8. Red Room Blues; 9. Grandfather
Publicist: Bloodshot Records
Review: Many of you may remember Jason Hawk Harris from his days with The Show Ponies, but he’s been tearing it up as a solo artist since November 2017 after beginning his career as a classically trained composer. His brand of Americana has all the pain of great country music, from the woeful lyrics to the perfect accompaniment. So much has happened to him since that debut solo album, and he shares it with us on this new project. Harris delivers music that stays with you and is not easily forgotten. He hits home like a punch to the stomach, followed by a full body massage, leaving the listener wiser to the ways of the world. Believe us when we say you will remember his words long after the songs have ended.
Recommendation: This is one of our favorite albums of 2019. Go Get it now!!
Artist Name: The Atom Age
Album Name: Cry Til You Die
Label: Tiger Dream Records
Genre: Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. Love is a Numbers Game; 2. We Disappear in the Night; 3. Never Looking; 4. Blink Twice; 5. Walk Through Walls; 6. Bloodletter; 7. Lost on Me; 8. Bad Seas; 9. When I Crawl Back; 10. Cry Til You Die
Publicist: Earshot Media
Review: Punk has always been considered to be the energetic form of rock music, until now. The Atom Age ushers in a new form of indie rock that makes punk music seem like geriatric fodder. They burst forth from the first note and announce that they have arrived, and their energy is contagious. One listen to this album and you will be re-energized and ready for anything. Put this one on whenever you need a lift – it’s better than a gallon of coffee.
Recommendation: Perk it up and put this one on. You’ll be glad you did.