Tag: Get it or Forget it

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Awards Monday Mashup

Monday mashup: What’s new in the indie world?

Happy Thanksgiving week!  We’re proud to bring you a new feature which will be published every Monday.  So many things are happening in the indie world, and we try to cover as many of them as possible.  This feature will bring you tidbits of recent events involving indie artists.  If you want to know more about the latest happenings, check in with us each Monday.  If any of these snippets pique your interest, let us know and we’ll expand our coverage.

World Hello Day – November 21

K-Syran has released a music video of an acoustic version of her song “Hello” to celebrate World Hello Day, when everyone is encourage to say “hello” to 10 new people.  You can find out more about K-Syran by checking out our Women in Entertainment feature on her.

Temecula Valley Music Awards Handed Out

The TVMAs were handed out on November 12 in Temecula, California.  Among the winners announced by founder Tim Moyer was recent LA Music Critic Award winner Diana Rein for Best Blues.  Other winners included Bob Karwin for Best Acoustic performance; Maddie Lei for Best Country performance; OS Roxx and Cougrzz Rock tied for Best Cover Band; Daring Greatly for Best out of Town; Jarvis Brown for Best Rock performance; We Belong for Best Tribute Band; Anthony Cullins for Best Youth Original song; Makayla Philips for Best Youth Cover Song and Franklin’s Cove for Most Supportive Venue.  Erick Turner was also awarded Local Legend.

If you live in or around the Temecula Valley of California, TVMA is gearing up for their 2017 season.  Check them out for more info.

Hollywood Music in Media Awards

It’s definitely awards season.  The HMMAs are unique in that they honor music in media from both indie and mainstream artists.  These awards, created by Los Angeles producer Brent Harvey, continue to expand their reach and are becoming more and more prestigious in the industry.  Among the indie artists who were nominated and appeared at this year’s HMMAs, held on November 17 at the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood, were Katie Garibaldi and Marina V.  Justin Timberlake and John Debney were among the winners, which also included indie artist Jon Mullane for Best Independent Video for “Born Beautiful,” as well as an Honorable Mention for his documentary, Shine On.  Find out more by visiting their website.

New Video Releases

War and Pierce released a lyric video for their song “On and On” while Alexis Keegan released a video for her song “Empty Heart.”  Check them out below.

Wanna be included in next week’s mash-up?  Just send your news to us at lamusiccritic@gmail.com.  We’d love to promote you and your music and keep your fans apprised of your latest news.  Looking forward to hearing from artists, fans and publicists.  Subscribe to our blog so you won’t miss any of our features, including two Get it or Forget it articles this week, when we will review the latest from Mike Jacoby, Patrick Joseph, Rachel Brett, Racing Heart, Affordable Hybrid and No One Minds.  Until next week, have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy your family time.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or Forget it: Janey Street, Mitch Hayes, Kari Kimmel

Happy Election Day!  Hope that you are exercising your rights as an American, and have or intend to vote today.  It is so important that we all participate in this process.

Since it’s my day off, I decided to check back through my emails to see what submissions I had not yet reviewed.  Imagine my surprise to find several amazing CDs that I had missed.  My apologies to these artists for not recognizing your talent in my initial perusal of emails from your respective publicists.

Sit back, take your mind off all the political backbiting, and learn about some amazing artists that you simply must check out.

janey-street

Artist Name:  Janey Street

Album Name:  This Side of Paradise

Label:  Blue Élan Records

Genre:  Singer-Songwriter/Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Among the Missing; 2.  Good Side; 3.  Bring it On; 4.  House of Mirrors; 5.  Situation; 6.  Tears Taste the Same; 7.  I’m not the Girl I Used to Know; 8.  End; 9.  Grand Delusion; 10.  My Side of Paradise; 11.  Radar; 13.  Scat Like Ella; 14.  End of the Day 

Publicist:  Mad Ink PR

Review:  OMG!  I can’t believe I missed this CD.  Janey Street is part Anne Murray, part Ann Wilson and part Patti Griffin, all rolled up into one awesome package.  Her songs are sometimes laid back, like the title track, and sometimes in your face, but the overall vibe is just great music.  Every song is powerfully written, with lyrics that are meaty and memorable, and a beat that drives the message home.  “House of Mirrors” is the perfect anthem for this election day, as is “End.”  It’s hard to pick my favorite, so I choose them all, although “Scat Like Ella” is a great song that reminds me of Maroon Five’s “Moves Like Jaeger.”  This is definitely one of the best releases of 2016.  I can’t believe this amazing artist, whose previous biggest hits were in the 1980’s, had not published any music in more than a decade.  Welcome back Janey!

Recommendation:  Whatever you have to do, definitely get off your backside, rush to your favorite retailer/online music source and GET THIS CD!

mitch-hayes

Artist Name:  Mitch Hayes

Album Name:  Heroes

Label:

Genre:  Singer-Songwriter/Folk/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Look at You; 2.  The Hardest Thing; 3.  All my Heroes; 4.  Hand of the Devil; 5.  All Fall Down; 6.  Home Again; 7.  Helping Hand; 8.  Ashes & Dust (Erin’s song); 9.  A Peaceful Revolution; 10.  Life Goes On; 11.  Something Deep Within; 12.  Home Again (reprise) 

Publicist:  Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:  Mitch Hayes is a man of many talents and a cancer survivor, which has added an edge to his amazing voice that can still deliver a powerful message in song.  His lyrics are so well written that they instantly connect to the listener, in part because the musical accompaniment is perfectly suited to each song.  These songs make you think and reflect, especially “All my Heroes.”  This is the perfect album for your relaxation and meditation time, as it gives you perfect food for thought.  So glad you survived your cancer scare, Mitch.  The world needs more artists like you.  Best tracks include “Look at You,” “All My Heroes,” “Home Again,” and “A Peaceful Revolution.”

Recommendation:  If you’re a Tom Waits and/or Americana fan, then you should definitely Get it.  It’s truly worth the listen.

kari-kimmel

Artist Name:  Kari Kimmel

Album Name:  Poppyfields

Label:  Rykim Records

Genre:  Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Keep Shinin On; 2.  Nothing you Could Do; 3.  One Foot out the Door; 4.  For Anyone; 5.  Just the way I Like; 6.  Feel Alive; 7.  Over It; 8.  Every Second; 9.  Undercover; 10.  One in a Million; 11.  Everybody has to Fall 

Publicist:  none

Review:  Kari Kimmel may not be as well known as other pop icons like Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson or Pink, but her songs are no less powerful.  In addition, this DIY master has had her music placed in more than 600 movies and televisions shows, and has consistently been ranked among the Top 50 artists on VH-1.  Her latest effort, Poppyfields (named after her daughter) is by far her best to date.  From the first note of “Keep Shinin,” a serious power ballad, it explodes with a sound that is so much better than most of the music you hear on today’s Top 40 stations.  “One Foot out the Door” is so sassy and fun, I bet Pink is jealous that she didn’t record it.   Although this album is perfect from start to finish, our favorites are “Keep Shinin,” “One Foot Out the Door,” “For Anyone,” “Just the Way I Like,” and “Every Second.”

Recommendation:  If you love an artist that consistently puts out amazing music and has achieved a similar level of success to many label-driven pop artists, all while doing it by herself, then you would be a fool not to rush out and Get It.  We are sure you will be putting this one on repeat.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it: Kayjez, Millamix, Amie Miriello

Hope you all made it through another Halloween.  I know by now most of you are sick and tired of this election cycle, so let’s forget all that and check out some great indie music.  Today’s Get it or Forget it reviews were submitted by the individual artists.  We were familiar with all three previously and believe that they represent some of the premier talent in the indie world.  Sit back, relax and learn about their newest releases.

kayjez

Artist Name:  Kayjez

Album Name:  self-titled

Label:  none

Genre:  Alternative Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Can’t Stop Won’t Stop; 2.  Show Up Blow Up Bail; 3.  Runaway and Disappear; 4.  A Okay; 5.  All I Want is You; 6.  Bad Intentions; 7.  Candy Coated; 8.  Lucky Stars; 9.  Plans; 10.  Fight Fire with Fire 

Publicist:  Monday MGMT

Review:  We are very familiar with the music of Jess Penner aka Jessica Treskon and were very excited to hear about the launch of her new band, Kayjez.  She is joined in the duo by Kate Booye.  The album was released on October 14, along with three lyric videos.  Since then, they have released two more lyric videos, and we think these ladies are on top of their craft.

Their sound is very light and airy, while their lyrics cut deep with a message that needs to be heard.  There also appears to be a heavy 80’s music influence, especially on the third track, “Runaway and Disappear.”  These are the kind of songs that belong on radio, instead of the fluff that passes for music these days.  Best tracks include “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop,” “Show Up Blow Up Bail,” “Runaway and Disappear,” “A Okay,” “All I Want is You,” and “Lucky Stars,” although just about every song on this album is amazing.  We predict these ladies will be on the music scene for many years to come.

Recommendation:  Kayjez is an up and coming band composed of two indie artists with a lot of experience.  Their debut album is chock full of great hooks, meaty lyrics and fun.  We highly recommend you get out and Get It.

millamix

Artist Name:  Millamix

Album Name:  Wake Up

Label:  MillaSound

Genre:  80’s pop/new wave

Track Listing:  1.  Wake Up; 2.  Toxic; 3.  Endless Beam of Light; 4.  So Addicted; 5.  Wait For; 6.  Excuse Me 

Publicist:  None

Review:   Stephen Miller has already proven himself as a hit songwriter.  His latest project is an 80’s style he calls Millamix, and he has nailed it.  Miller names Depeche Mode, Tears For Fears, Howard Jones, Mr. Mister, Informational Society, Pet Shop Boys and Gin Blossoms as his influences, and the sound of Millamix truly captures their spirit and style.  Wake Up brings back those 80’s artists and establishes Miller as a genius of music.  This music would have been on the radio along with them had it been available in the 80’s.  It is truly a great effort and should be a hit to all lovers of 80’s music.  Best songs include the title track, “Toxic,” and “So Addicted,” but all six tracks rock.

Recommendation:  If you are a lover of 80’s music, you owe it to yourself to check out Millamix.  We highly recommend you get up off your couch and grab a cassette copy for your Walkman.  Definitely Get It when it is released on November 8.

amie-miriello

Artist Name:  Amie Miriello

Album Name:  Seeya When I Seeya

Label:  UMPG

Genre:  Folk Rock/Alt Country

Track Listing:  1.  Land and Sea; 2.  Hit the Road; 3.  Peter Pan; 4.  Seeya When I Seeya; 5.  The Rookie; 6.  The Trouble With Us; 7.  Thing About Love 

Publicist:  None

Review:  Amie Miriello has been a force in today’s music for the past 10 years.  She has worked with such “A” list musicians as Katy Perry, Jessica Simpson and Courtney Love, as well as being the front woman in the band So & So with American Idol contestant Brandon Rogers.  As a solo artist, she also had a Top 20 video on VH-1 with her song “Brand New.”  Her latest effort returns her to her roots, and we could not be happier with the finished product.  Although the CD does not have a release date yet, she has released her first single, “Land and Sea,” which leads off this amazing offering.  Favorite tracks include “Land and Sea,” “Peter Pan,” “The Rookie,” and “Thing About Love.”

Recommendation:  Miriello possesses a voice that is powerful, sexy and airy, and perfectly delivers her meaty lyrics, atop her well-written instrumentation.  This one is a no-brainer if you enjoy great music that has a message.  As soon as this CD is available, we highly recommend you rush out and Get It.  In the meantime, you can grab it digitally on iTunes.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or Forget it: Josh Farrow, Jill Freeman, Gayle Skidmore

Here’s our ninth edition of the Get it or Forget it review series.  This has become one of our most popular series, and requests for reviews are coming in from a lot of new publicists.  Today we will review two albums submitted by The Press House, as well as a new single submitted by In Music we Trust PR.

josh-farrow

Artist Name:  Josh Farrow

Album Name:  Trouble Walks with Me

Label:  Southern Drag Music

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  I’ll be Your Fool; 2.  Wash me in the Well; 3.  Before you Leave; 4.  Time Ain’t no Friend of Mine; 5.  Tijuana Gal; 6.  Worryin’ Kind; 7.  Who’s Gonna Love you When I’m Gone; 8.  Devil Don’t you Fool Me; 9.  No Need to say Goodbye; 10.  Trouble Walks With Me 

Publicist:  The Press House

Review:  Americana is one of the hottest genres of music, and Josh Farrow should be considered one of its best artists.  Based out of Nashville, Farrow has joined forces with some of Nashville’s best, including The McCrary Sisters, Elizabeth Cook, Ruby Amanfu, Chris Donohue and Brian Owings to give us a definite contender for Americana Album of the Year.  This album features all of the things we love about Americana – great musicianship, funky beats, great voices and memorable lyrics.  It is fun from start to finish.  Best tracks include “I’ll be Your Fool,” “Time Ain’t no Friend of Mine,” “Tijuana Gal,” “Who’s Gonna Love you When I’m Gone,” “Devil Don’t you Fool me” and “No Need to say Goodbye.”

Recommendation:  This one’s a no brainer – if you love music in any form, you will love this album.  We are proud to highly recommend Trouble Walks With Me and to give it one of our highest Get it ratings ever – Get it like your life depends upon it!

jill-freeman

Artist Name:  Jill Freeman

Album Name:  A Handmade Life

Label:  JillyBean Records

Genre:  Americana/Folk

Track Listing:  1.  The Light That Leads me There (Prelude); 2.  Letters from Murdertown; 3.  Welcome to the Bonehouse; 4.  Eyes of Fire; 5.  The Inside Room; 6.  No Hands; 7.  Sweetheart, my Dream is not Over; 8.  Completely Unaware; 9.  Walking on Glass; 10.  The Nightingale; 11.  A Little bit of Red; 12.  A Handmade Life; 13.  The Light That Leads me There 

Publicist:  The Press House

Review:  Los Angeles local singer-songwriter Jill Freeman has compiled an album based on the dark history behind popular fairytales, including The Wizard of Oz, Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood.   With a sound reminiscent of Danny Elfman’s popular Nightmare before Christmas soundtrack, Freeman has crafted an eerie album that is perfect for this time of year.  Her voice is the perfect complement to the backing musicianship, creating songs that will be remembered long after they have been heard.  Best tracks include “Letters From Murdertown,” “Welcome to the Bonehouse,” “No Hands,” “Completely Unaware,” “Walking on Glass,” and the title track.  Have fun figuring out which fairy tale inspired which song.

Recommendation:  This album is a definite keepsake that belongs in every music lovers’ library.  We highly recommend you rush out and Get it.

gayle-skidmore

Artist Name:  Gayle Skidmore

Single Name:  “The Golden West”

Genre:  Singer-songwriter pop

Publicist:  In Music we Trust PR

Review:  Gayle Skidmore is a singer-songwriter from San Diego who has been nominated six times for the San Diego Music Awards.  Her new single is the title track for her new album, which will be released in early 2017.  It is a follow-up to her last album and coloring book combination, Sleeping Bear.  If this song is any indication of the quality of the forthcoming album, it should be a definite winner.  We are pleased to present the music video teaser for this single, and to throw our support behind the rest of the album.  We can hardly wait to review it.

Recommendation:  Based on the title track which has just been released, the new album by Gayle Skidmore should definitely be on the list of most highly-anticipated releases of 2017.  Definitely Get It!

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

Get it or Forget it: Mimes of Wine, Peach & the Almost Blues Band, The Galaxy Electric

Welcome back to the next set of reviews in our Get it or Forget it series.  We’ve been taking a break to write about some recent happenings, but we’re glad to be back.  Not only that, but we’re almost caught up with submissions from Noisy Ghost PR and our beloved Doug Deutsch Publicity Services.  So sit back, have a cold one and check out our reviews of these three artists.

mimes-of-war-cover

Artist Name:  Mimes of Wine

Album Name:  La Maison Verte

Label:  Accidental Muzik

Genre:  Avante-garde folk

Track Listing:  1.  Below a Fire; 2.  Jai Singh; 3.  Hour; 4.  Last man on Mount Elysian; 5.  Birds of a Feather; 6.  Gates; 7.  Shemkel; 8.  Lovers’ Eyes; 9.  Road 

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:    To fully appreciate the sound of Mimes of Wine, imagine that you are watching Cabaret, however, instead of Liza Minelli performing, it’s PJ Harvey or Tori Amos, doing what they do best, but in a 1940’s jazz style.

Mimes of Wine is led by the creative force known as pianist and singer Laura Loriga, originally of Bologna, Italy.  She is joined in the band by Stefano Michelotti, Matteo Zucconi, Luca Gugliemlino and Riccardo Frisari.  La Maison Verte is their third release, and was two years in the making.  It is their first album released in the United States.

Loriga’s vocals are breathy and ethereal, creating mental pictures with her tone and lyrical delivery.  The mood she creates is relaxing and reflective, making the album perfect for those times you just want to sit back and chill.

Recommendation:  While this album is not your typical indie artist, Mimes of Wine is definitely unique, which is reflected in this eclectic and tasty collection.  Their music will not appeal to everyone, but if you happen to like the sounds of artists like PJ Harvey or Tori Amos, then it’s a must have.  We are proud to give it a rating of Get It.

peach

Artist Name:  Peach & the Almost Blues Band

Album Name:  A Night in Copenhagen

Label:  Magic Music

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Tonight I’ll be Stayin’ Here With You; 2.  Never Make Your Move too Soon; 3.  Little by Little; 4.  Love-Itis; 5.  Tell me you Love Me; 6.  Come up and see me Sometime; 7.  Same as I’m Over You; 8.  Ain’t got no Money

Publicist:  Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:   Blues music is an American icon, and this live recording captures it in all its glory.  Americans Peach Reasoner and her long time keyboard player Ken Stange travelled to Copenhagen in February of this year and hooked up with local musicians Michael Engman Rønnow, Helge Solberg and Niclas Campagnol to create this masterpiece.  All of the songs with the exception of track 5 “Tell me you Love Me” are covers, but that’s what makes blues music special.  Reasoner has the perfect voice for the blues, and her guitar licks have that same feel as Bonnie Raitt.  Best tracks include “Little by Little,” “Love-Itis,”Tell me you Love me,” and “Come up and see me Sometime,” but the entire album kicks ass.

Recommendation:  If you love blues music, then this one is a no-brainer.  This is one of the finest blues recordings I have heard, and I would have loved to be in the room when it was recorded.  Run, don’t walk to your computer and definitely Get It.

thegalaxyelectric_everythingislightandsound_coverart

Artist Name:  The Galaxy Electric

Album Name:  Everything is Light and Sound

Label:  none

Genre:  Indescribable

Track Listing:  1.  Relaxation Tapes Vol 1; 2.  Calm Down; 3.  Temporal; 4.  Lux Lux; 5.  Luminosity; 6.  Dreamland; 7.  Buchia Coconut; 8.  Murder in the Garden; 9.  Nightmares; 10.  Goes Around Comes Around; 11. Doorbell; 12.  Please Come Home Soon 

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Composed of Jacqueline Caruso and Augustus Green, The Galaxy Electric creates their own form of music through the use of lo-fi recording techniques, among other tricks.  The resulting music almost sounds like the band went back to those science fiction films of the 50’s and 60’s and used their soundtracks for inspiration.  It is a strange, dreamy sound that we have never heard before, except in the strange world of David Lynch.  The best part about the music is the incredible vocals of Caruso, which float on the eerie music like cream on coffee.

Recommendation:  Unless you live in Twin Peaks, or love the eerie tone of music that Lynch uses to paint his creations, you’ll probably just want to leave this one alone, and we regrettably must give it a rating of Forget It.

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

Get it or forget it: Chrome Pony, Save the Clocktower, Night School

After a crazy weekend of work and football, it’s good to be back writing more reviews in our Get it or Forget it series.  We are once again featuring artists submitted by Noisy Ghost PR, and we still have seven more to review.  Sit back, enjoy your Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day holiday, and learn about these amazing indie artists.

chrome-pony

Artist Name:  Chrome Pony

Album Name:  Past Lives

Label:  Seagreen Records

Genre:  Psychedelic retro Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Road Dope; 2.  Eugene; 3.  Mr. Mister; 4.  Ragged Child; 5.  White Witch; 6.  There he Goes

 Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Unfortunately, the publicist only sent me six of the ten tracks on this album, but what she sent gives a strong indication of the type of material this band has to offer.  With a throwback sound to the psychedelic music of the 60’s with a touch of grunge, these boys know how to rock.  Fronted by brothers Tyler and Kyle Davis, Chrome Pony has amassed a strong Nashville following which has encouraged them to take their music to Europe, where they recently completed a tour with Cage the Elephant.  This album would have been a great soundtrack for the Austin Powers movies, especially the “Ragged Child” track.   Listening to “Mr. Mister,” I almost expected the voice of Mick Jagger, since this track has the unmistakable sound of being under the influence of the Rolling Stones, just as “White Witch” sounds influenced by the Doors/Rolling Stones.  This band is just plain fun.

Recommendation:  If you have a  hankering for a modern day approach to the music of the 60’s, then you should definitely check out Chrome Pony.  In our humble opinion, definitely Get It.

save-the-clocktower

Artist Name:  Save the Clocktower

Album Name:  Taboo

Label:  None

Genre:  Electronic indie Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Taboo; 2.  Something Different; 3.  Twenty One

 Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Chicago based Save the Clocktower have recently released a short three song EP.  The EP follows their 2011 debut album Carousel and their 2012 follow-up Through the Glass, which collectively garnered music placements with NPR’s World Café, MTV, E!’s Keeping up with the Kardashians and in Victoria Secret stores nationwide.  The band has a unique sound that while electronic, is dreamy and sufficiently non-mainstream as to immediately make it different enough to stand out.  Best friends Greg Newton, Sean Paras, and Jimmy Shenk reunited with their own friend James “Umbrella” Washington to create this rich sound that will keep your toes tapping and encourage you to get up and boogie.  Enjoy.

Recommendation:  If you like cutting edge music that throws caution to the wind, then this is the band for you.  Enjoy the soundtrack of your life and definitely Get It.

night-school

Artist Name:  Night School

Album Name:  Blush

Label:  Graveface Records

Genre: Indie pop/rock

Track Listing:  1.  These Times; 2.  Last Disaster; 3.  Casanova; 4.  City Kiss; 5.  Misty and Blue; 6.  Airplanes; 7.  Hypnotized; 8.  Teen Feelings; 9.  Lost; 10.  Pink 

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  This first thing you notice when listening to these three ladies from Oakland is amazing organic guitar riffs that provide the perfect backdrop for their amazing harmonies.  Even though the band has only been making music since 2014, they sound like they were born performing together.  Their sound is so rich and multi-layered and their harmonies are so tight, we can see a long career ahead for  Alexandra, Baylie and Cheyenne.  Check out how much fun they have in the video for their second track, “Last Disaster.”  Blush is their first full length release, and we believe there will be many more.  Best tracks include  “Last Disaster,” “Casanova,” “City Kiss,” “Airplanes,” and “Lost,” although quite frankly the entire album is kick ass.

Recommendation:  Night School is an amazing collaboration, and Blush is a trendsetting release that should make these ladies a household name.  We highly recommend you get off your ass and get out to your favorite record store and Get It.

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

Get it or forget it: Starlight Girls, TW Walsh, Hospital Ships

As a reviewer, we love to create relationships with publicists, and no publicist has shown us as much diversity as Noisy Ghost PR.  In fact, sometimes we get so many requests, it takes a while to get to them all.  But we intend to review every artist submitted, and we are starting to catch up by reviewing three of the artists submitted early in 2016.  We apologize for the delay in reviewing these albums, but we have been a little overwhelmed lately with so many new releases this year.  We will do our best to catch up as quickly as possible, and hope that our readers will enjoy learning about these dynamic artists represented by Noisy Ghost PR.

starlightgirls_fantasm_coverart

Artist Name:  Starlight Girls

Album Name:  Fantasm

Label:  none

Genre:  Retro Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Intrigue; 2.  Lodestar; 3.  Lion in a Cage; 4.  Hero; 5.  Inhibitionist; 6.  Cobra; 7.  $9,000,000; 8.  Red Rover; 9.  La La Lune; 10.  Fancy 

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Starlight Girls call their style of music “spy-rock,” but even a casual listen can hear the influence of 80’s new wave in their tracks.  Listening to their songs one can only imagine how much energy the band must exert during a live show, as the beat is intense, the mood is upbeat and the lyrics are memorable.   By the third track, the style and intensity turn dark and gothic, but no less enjoyable.  This band has a way to transcend genre and create music that should appeal to all true music lovers.  It’s hard to pick any tracks that stand out because they are all good, but we were particularly impressed with “Intrigue,” “Lodestar,” “Hero,”  “Inhibitionist,” $9,000,000,” and “Fancy.”  This is one of the finest Noisy Ghost PR albums we have reviewed to date.

Recommendation:  This one is a no brainer.  If you love music, and especially bands that make music without trying to fit into any particular genre or style, then you will love Starlight Girls.  We are proud to give Fantasm a rating of Get It or Else.

tw-walsh

Artist Name:  TW Walsh

Album Name:  Fruitless Research

Label:  Graveface Records

Genre:  Retro-futuristic techno pop

Track Listing:  1.  Public Radio; 2.  Shallow Water; 3.  Young Rebels; 4.  Body-Mind; 5.  Fundamental Ground; 6.  Monterrey; 7.  Counting Cards; 8.  The Bright Void; 9.  Chocolate Milk; 10.  The Glow 

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Musically, this album is all over the place, with obvious influences of bands like ELO, The Fixx, and The Beatles, to name a few.  This is one of those albums that you cannot in a million years put into a box.  It defies categorization, and evokes true musical freedom and artistic vision.  TW Walsh is a musical genius, and that brilliance is played out in these diverse 10 tracks.   Our favorite tracks were “Public Radio, “Young Rebels,” “Monterrey,” “The Bright Void,” and “The Glow.”  This entire album is a true work of art.

Recommendation:  Fruitless Research is an audiophile’s dream release.  With its myriad of styles and influences, every music lover should be able to find something they can identify with.  As such, we are proud to give this release two thumbs up and a definite Get It rating.

hospital-ships

Artist Name:  Hospital Ships

Album Name:  The Past is not a Flood

Label:  Graveface Records

Genre:  Impossible to describe – must be experienced

Track Listing:  1.  You and I; 2.  Long may You; 3.  Oh my Light; 4.  All in Time; 5.  Little Flower; 6.  Nothing to Hide 

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  Hospital Ships is the moniker used by Jordan Geiger for his solo projects, when not making music as part of such groups as Shearwater, Des Ark and Minus Story.  The Past is not a Flood is his fourth release as Hospital Ships, and his sixth record recorded with producer John Congleton (St. Vincent, The Walkman, Modest Mouse).  It is a true collaborative effort with many of his friends contributing to the project, including Thor Harris of Swans.   The result is an eclectic musical mix that spans the decades.  This album doesn’t feel like it has individual tracks, just movements in a grand symphony.   As such, we don’t feel that singling out any particular track would do this album justice.

Recommendation:  This album is unique in its approach, and as such, will probably not appeal to everyone.  If you have an eclectic musical palate, then you will probably enjoy it, but if you just want to hear a quick song, it probably not appeal to you.  We are happy to give it a Get it rating.

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

Get it or forget it: Ray & Remora, Riddle & the Stars, Earwig

Happy Monday – it was a very busy weekend between my full-time job, ushering at the Griz game (which we won), and auditions for A Christmas Story, the Musical at MCT.  But we’re back with another edition of Get it or Forget it, and we think you will love these artists as much as we do.  Grab your coffee and let’s dig in.

rr

Artist Name:  Ray & Remora

Album Name:  Startle it Up

Label:  Aeronaut Records

Genre:  Indie Pop, Electronica

Track Listing:  1.  The Happening; 2.  Hearts do Change; 3.  It’s Just; 4.  Startle it Up; 5.  Soft Brown Heart; 6.  Don’t Shoot me Down; 7.  Histories; 8.  Honey Beware; 9.  Creep Up; 10.  Skinned Knees; 11.  Baby Please 

Publicist:  Redeye Worldwide

Review:  It is a rare feat for a band to have a killer debut album, but Ray & Remora have achieved that difficult task.  Composed of Dan Crane (Ray) and Amanda Walker (Remora), along with new additions Jeff Liffmann and Damon Kellard, Ray & Remora have created a sound that is the perfect soundtrack for your day.   Remora’s vocals are the treat of this duo, spread across the delightful package of the band’s extreme musicianship.  This CD will have you doing the happy dance, as every song is wonderfully produced by Jon Joseph (BØrns) and mixed by Bryan Cook.  Best tracks include “The Happening,” the title track, “Don’t Shoot me Down,” “Histories,” and “Honey Beware.”

Recommendation:  By any means necessary, you must obtain this CD for your collection.  Indie Voice Blog is proud to give Ray & Remora’s debut album a very strong Get It rating.

rs3

Artist Name:  Riddle & the Stars

Album Name:  New Coastline

Label:  Songs & Whispers

Genre:  Alt-Country Rock Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Running Back to You; 2.  I may Never Know; 3.  Long way Down; 4.  Apples & Knives; 5.  New Coastline; 6.  Mexican Home; 7.  Valentines Day; 8.  Tracks; 9.  When we Ride; 10.  When the Weight is Gone 

Publicist:  None

Review:  Orange County, California based duo The Fallen Stars met Australian singer-songwriter Ben Riddle last year when they were both touring in Europe, and the result was the creation of a new and dynamic band which is currently touring Germany.  Their latest release New Coastline has been garnering critical praise, and this reviewer agrees with the hype – Riddle & The Stars is an amazing band.   Riddle’s smooth voice is the perfect addition to the rocking musicianship of Bobbo and Tracy Byrnes, and creates music that spans the genres of alt country, indie rock, country rock and Americana.   All three share the lead vocal duties, resulting in an album that never gets boring.  Best tracks include “Running Back to You,” “I May Never Know,” “Apples & Knives,” the title track, and “Valentine’s Day.”

Recommendation:   German label Songs & Whispers recognized the greatness of this band, and signed them to their label.  America needs to wake up to this international American-Australian treasure, and cherish their music as well.  We are proud to give this album a rating of “Get your ass out and get it now.”

earwig

Artist Name:  Earwig

Album Name:  Pause for the Jets

Label:  Anyway Records/LFM Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Wisdom Teeth; 2.  Lover’s Chords; 3.  I Don’t Want to Go; 4.  Bring Yrself 2 Me; 5.  Silverheels; 6.  Medusa Head; 7.  High Wasps; 8.  Holy Ghost Letter; 9.  Wasted on you (ft. Lydia Loveless); 10.  All my Sins are Blotted Out; 11.  Shine; 12.  Badr Moon 

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  This latest album from Columbus, Ohio based indie rock band Earwig won’t be released until October 14, although you can get a sample of what’s in store with their latest music video for “Wasted on You.”  The band has joined with Americana darling Lydia Loveless (currently on tour with Drive By Truckers) to create a fun and exciting single that gives just a taste of the awesomeness contained in the full album.

Led by the amazing guitar and vocals of Lizard McGee, Earwig is one of the best indie rock bands you need to know and follow.  Add to that the incredible bass lines from Constantine Hondroulis and the percussive base of drummer Nick Nocera, and you have a sound that is truly worthy of major attention.  Best tracks include “Lover’s Chords,” “I Don’t Want to Go,” “Wasted on You,” “Shine” and “Badr Moon.”

Recommendation:  What starts out as a solid indie rock album morphs into something strangely different in the middle before returning to its indie rock roots at the end.  Despite this shortcoming, there is enough juicy material to make it worthwhile, and to earn Pause for the Jets a rating of Get it.

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

Get it or forget it: Katie Garibaldi, Bobbo Byrnes, Lauren Adams

We’re back with another edition of Get it or Forget It.  Due to my work schedule, I will not be able to publish any reviews tomorrow, so this will have to do until Sunday.  But worry not, we have three amazing artists for you today who will definitely keep you company until our next review.

katie-garibaldi

Artist Name:  Katie Garibaldi

Album Name:  Rooted Clarity

Label:  None

Genre:  Singer Songwriter Acoustic Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Delightful; 2.  I Am; 3.  In my Wildest Dreams; 4.  On my Own; 5.  Bird in a Cage 

Publicist:  None

Review:  Katie Garibaldi has been making quite a name for herself within the Americana community, where there seems to be little emphasis on whether or not an artist is on a label.  Lovers of Americana music seem to place a value on the music and not the source in determining where they give their support.  Maybe the rest of the music industry could learn something from this practice.  At any rate, Garibaldi has a voice and style of music that throws back to a time when music was purer and simpler, in the vein of Patsy Cline, Barbara Mandrell and Lynn Anderson.  Take for example the first track, “Delightful,” which has been nominated for a Hollywood Music in Media award, and has been released as a music video.

The rest of the EP is just as wonderful.  Garibaldi has a special ability to wow us with the simplicity of good music and her amazing voice.  The best track in our humble opinion is “On my Own.”

Recommendation:  If you love soaring vocals and great music that features mandolin, fiddle, and strings, then this is definitely the EP for you.  Indie Voice Blog is proud to give Rooted Clarity a rating of Get It.

bobbo

Artist Name:  Bobbo Byrnes

Album Name:  Motel Americana

Label:  Songs & Whispers

Genre:  Singer Songwriter Acoustic Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Hold Me; 2.  To her Door; 3.  APB; 4.  Hate This Town; 5.  I may Never Know; 6.  Heading South; 7.  Millsboro; 8.  Solitaire; 9.  No Expectations; 10.  Nothing Needs to be Said; 11.  1, 2, 3; 12.  Long way to Nashville 

Publicist:  None

Review:  Anyone who has spent any time in Southern California has probably been exposed to the music of Bobbo Byrnes, one half of The Fallen Stars, a band praised as one of the next generation of Americana bands.   Even though this is a solo album, Byrnes continues to rely on his wife Tracy’s mad bass skills and powerful backing vocals, as well as the skills of bandmate Ben Riddle of Byrnes’ other band, Riddle and the Stars.  In fact, many of the songs contained on this album have been performed at some time by one or both of those bands.   But it is the shear genius of Byrnes, who by the way contributes vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, bass, mandolin, pedal steel, dobro, tricone, accordion, mandoguitar, tenor guitar, piano, B3 organ, dumpster, harmonica, drums and monotron to the mix, that is demonstrated in 12 amazing songs, nine of which Byrnes either wrote or co-wrote.  Strongest tracks include “Hold Me,” “APB,” “Hate This Town,” “I may Never Know,” “No Expectation,” and “1, 2, 3.”

Recommendation:  Byrnes is becoming one of the hardest working musicians in the Americana community, and his first solo album is further proof of his abilities.  Motel Americana is a definite Get It if you love great music.

lauren-adams

Artist Name:  Lauren Adams

Album Name:  Somewhere Else

Label:  None

Genre:  Singer Songwriter Acoustic Americana

Track Listing:  1.  It Takes What it Takes; 2.  Somewhere Else; 3.  Henry (from Saginaw, MI); 4.  Heavy, Heavy Heart; 5.  Miss You; 6.  The Shoe Fits; 7.  Oh Marie; 8.  Between me and You; 9.  We try Harder; 10.  Bayview Drive; 11.  National Cheer up the Lonely Day; 12.  Seminole Wind 

Publicist:  KG Music Press

Review:  Lauren Adams is one of the predominant female voices in Americana music today, as well as a very talented voice over artist.  On her latest offering she gives us more amazing tidbits that are worthy of your attention, including an amazing cover and inspiring arrangement of John Anderson’s seminal hit, “Seminole Wind.”  Adams also continues to support the Americana music community by incorporating the musical abilities of some of its best musicians on her projects, and the list of those who have contributed to this project is a who’s who of some of the best and brightest.   This is one of those albums that you can listen to from start to finish and never be bored, as the gamut of Americana music is revealed in the musical gems contained within this release.  The strongest tracks are “It Takes What it Takes,” “Miss You,” “Oh Marie,” “We try Harder,” “Bayview Drive,” and “Seminole Wind.”

Recommendation:  It is hard to believe that Adams has been performing for the past 38 years, as her music is always fresh and new.  This is by far one of her best offerings to date, and Indie Voice Blog is proud to give it a rating of “You Better Get it Now!”

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

Get it or Forget it: Freddy & Francine, Chi McClean, Shannon Hurley

Day two of our eight day album review challenge brings us three more reviews.  We are amazed at the quality and quantity of amazing music within the indie music community.  Sit back and enjoy these reviews as we help you determine who you should check out and who is worthy of your hard-earned entertainment dollars.

ff2

Artist Name:  Freddy & Francine

Album Name:  Gung Ho

Label:  F&F Records

Genre:  Country Folk Americana

Track Listing:  1.  If you Want Me; 2.  I get the Feeling; 3.  Something’s Gotta Give; 4.  Tryin’ Hard to Love You; 5.  Duet; 6.  Father’s Daughter; 7.  Ray’s Song; 8.  The Moment; 9.  Sideman; 10.  You go to my Head; 11.  South of my Love; 12.  The World to Me

 Publicist: The Press House

Review:  Freddy & Francine have slowly built up a rabid fan base in their native Los Angeles, and packed the venue for their CD release show at the Hotel Café back in June.  Composed of Lee Ferris and Bianca Caruso, the group has already won the LA Music Critic Award for best pop band for the first half of 2016.  Just a casual listen to their latest CD gives the listener an understanding as to why this duo has become so popular.  Their sound can be considered Americana, folk, pop or country, but regardless of the genre you place it in, the result is some of the finest music coming out of Los Angeles today.  From the first track “If You Want Me” all the way through the final track “The World to Me,” Freddy & Francine demonstrate that they have what it takes to burst forth from their indie beginnings and make it in this tough music business.  Best tracks include “If you Want Me,” “I get the Feeling,” “Ray’s Song,” “The Moment,” and “South of my Love.”

Recommendation:  Freddy & Francine definitely have what it takes to be making music for a long time to come.  This album is further proof that you can expect great things from this band, and is definitely worthy of a Get It rating.

chi

Artist Name:  Chi McClean

Album Name:  Let me In

Label:  None

Genre:  Singer-Songwriter Acoustic Country Rock

Track Listing:  1.  I Save You; 2.  Build me Up; 3.  Life got in the Way; 4.  Let me In; 5.  It Don’t Matter; 6.  It’s Alright; 7.  Thought I’d Never; 8.  A Thing or Three

 Publicist:  None

Review:  Chi McClean has quietly become one of the best indie musicians you have probably never heard of.  We have known McClean for quite a few years, and his latest CD is his best yet, although we feel that it only begins to touch the musical genius that he possesses.  His songs could easily make the transition to college radio and even mainstream country radio.  The first track, “I Save You,” belongs on the same playlist with Lady Antebellum, Luke Bryan, Josh Kelley and Maroon 5.  There isn’t a weak song on this CD.  McClean’s brilliant writing shines forth on each track, but is especially highlighted on “I Save You,” “Life Got in the Way,” “It’s Alright,” and “Thought I’d Never.”

Recommendation:  You can mark it on your calendar that Indie Voice Blog predicts that Chi McClean will soon become a household name.  Of all the albums we have reviewed this year, this one is definitely in the top 3 and receives not only a Get It rating, but a “You must be crazy if you don’t have this CD in your library” rating.

shannon-hurley

Artist Name:  Shannon Hurley

Album Name:  Switch it On

Label:  Lenore Records

Genre:  Singer Songwriter Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Switch it On; 2.  Heartbeat on the Radio; 3.  What Will it Take; 4.  Fall From Grace; 5.  Behind the Clouds; 6.  Nightingale; 7.  I’ll Turn it On; 8.  Sweet Lovin’ Ways; 9.  Back to my Heart; 10.  Only Love 

Publicist:  None

Review:  Whether playing solo or with her husband in the dynamic duo Lovers & Poets, Shannon Hurley is a force of nature.  Her dynamic vocals coupled with her incredible keys and electronica create a unique sound in the world of indie music.  Her creative genius is easily seen in this amazing collection of songs, as well as in the innovative music videos that she creates.  Check out the video for track two, “Heartbeat on the Radio,” if you need further proof.

Best tracks include “Heartbeat on the Radio,” “What Will it Take,” “Behind the Clouds,” and “Back to my Heart.”

Recommendation:  Hurley’s potential as an artist seems to be unlimited.  She gets better with each project, and this CD is one of her best yet.  We are pleased to give Switch it On an unmitigated Get It rating.