Tag: New Music Friday

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Tiffany Pollack and Eric Johanson, NIIGHTS, Harlem, MINKA, Lisa Papineau

Welcome to our belated New Music Friday edition of Get it or Forget it.  Due to our hectic schedule with the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, we were unable to review these brand new releases last Friday, so we are doing them today.  Thanks for your patience during one of our busiest times.  Enjoy these five new releases.

Artist Name:  Tiffany Pollack and Eric Johanson

Album Name:  Blues in my Blood

Label:  Nola Blue Records

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Blues in my Blood; 2.  Memories to Forget; 3.  Keep it Simple; 4.  Michael; 5.  Diamonds on the Crown; 6.  No Expectations; 7.  Do I Move You?; 8.  Slave of Tomorrow; 9.  Get Lost With Me; 10.  River; 11.  If I Had a Hammer

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  Vocal duos are all the rage in other genres, but relatively rare for blues lovers.  Thankfully, New Orleans jazz sweetheart Tiffany Pollack and former guitarist for Cyril Neville Eric Johanson have teamed up to show the world that great blues songs can be done by two harmonious voices.    Amazingly recorded and produced by multi-award winner Jack Miele at The Music Shed Studios, Blues in my Blood is one of the best blues albums of 2019.  come out of blues music.  This duo brings an indie roots-based depth to their blues, and could easily become a force to reckon with in that genre.  Pollack also channels her inner Nina Simone on her gut-wrenching cover of “Do I Move You?”  She is joined by Johanson for a thrilling cover of the classic Pete Seeger freedom anthem, “If I Had a Hammer,” sending this album off to a perfect conclusion.

Recommendation:  Run and Get this one!

Artist Name:  NIIGHTS

Album Name:  Hellebores Part Two

Label:  Tragic Hero Records

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  It Was; 2.  Hellebores; 3.  With Bated Breath; 4.  Segue; 5.  Sylvia; 6.  Caterpillar

Publicist:  Tragic hero Music Group

Review:  We brought you Part One of this two part release last month, and are happy to complete our review with Part Two.  Both parts are now available on a single album, available on BandCamp.  Part Two picks up the powerful strand created in Part One with “It Was,” a song that begs for heavy rotation on the radio.  The title track is heavier and darker than the rest, with an almost metal feel, and that vibe continues on “With Bated Breath” and “Sylvia,” before closing out the album on a more upbeat and beautiful vibe with “Caterpillar.”  All in all, this one is a keeper.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one!

Artist Name:  Harlem

Album Name:  Oh Boy

Label:  Female Fantasy Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1,  All Men are Dogs; 2.  Smoke in Mirrors; 3.  Dreams is Destiny M; 4.  Swervin; 5.  Lana; 6.  Click Your Heels; 7.  Elegant and Sophisticated; 8.  Blonde on Blonde; 9.  Cry Now Cry Later; 10.  Oh Boy; 11.  Me and the Boys; 12.  Queen of Mosquitos

Publicist:  Wolfievibes Publicity

Review:  It only took them nine years, but Harlem is back with their latest release, Oh Boy.  They have a mellow almost acoustic sound like Snow Patrol and Plain White Ts, and should be a big hit on the college radio circuit.  They have obviously been influenced by the sound of The Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel, because you can feel it in their vibe.  They have released three of the songs as singles so far (“Swervin,” “Cry Now Cry Later,” and “Queen of Mosquitos”) and we think there is plenty of material remaining for several more.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth adding to your collection.

Artist Name:  MINKA

Album Name:  End of the Affair

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  R&B

Track Listing:  1.  Introduction; 2.  Sugar & Cream; 3.  Sentimental Girl; 4.  Secret Lover; 5.  That Look; 6.  All I Ever Had

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  We last heard from MINKA back in April 2017 when when reviewed their album Born in the Viper Room.  This time around, MINKA is a solo act, returning to a more 80’s sound similar to his idols Prince, Hall & Oates, Todd Rundgren and The Stylistics.  The first track sets the mood for the music to follow, and the gloves come off with “Sugar & Cream.”  The soothing R&B sound continues with “Sentimental Girl,” while “Secret Lover” and “That Look” are more upbeat but no less danceable.  The final track returns to the smooth R&B sound, and leaves us with a feeling that we haven’t heard the last from this amazing artist.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one.

Artist Name:  Lisa Papineau

Album Name:  Oh Dead on oh Love

Label:  Team Player

Genre:  Alt pop/rock

Track Listing:  1.  Beautiful; 2.  Little Hell; 3.  Oh Dead on oh Love; 4.  Hey Lord Take me Over; 5.  Endless Story; 6.  Seasons with Marilu; 7,  The Last City; 8.  Waystation; 9.  Bent to Bow Down; 10.  Been a Long Time; 11.  Endless Story Cumbia Olindense (bonus track)

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  It is difficult to place the music of Lisa Papineau into a specific genre, although it reminds us of Dido.  It has smooth and majestic instrumentation, soaring vocals and the ambiance and vibe of great meditative music.  The lyrics are a combination of English and her native French, and are as smoothing as a good glass of wine at helping you relax and chill.  This one will be best enjoyed after a long day when you need some down time, and we recommend you listen to it from start to finish.

Recommendation:  This album makes a great addition to your chill collection.  Grab a glass of wine, put it on, and relax.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – YODOK III, iridea, Jason Robert, Bettman and Halpin, Y La Bamba

Happy New Music Friday!  Two of today’s releases dropped last Friday, one this past Tuesday and two today.  We think this is a very diverse and eclectic blend and hope you enjoy and check out these amazing artists.

Artist Name:  YODOK III

Album Name:  This Earth we Walk Upon

Label:  Consouling Sounds

Genre:  Avant Garde Rock

Track Listing:  1,  This Earth we Walk Upon

Publicist:  Viral Propaganda PR

Review:  This is a one-song live album that lasts for 63 minutes.  During that time, you will hear a myriad of musical styles, including jazz, post(rock) and classical, among others.  You can feel the adrenaline that runs through the piece, much like listening to a highly emotional classical suite.  All together, this magical tapestry takes your ears to places they’ve never been before, and keeps your senses enthralled with the changing aural landscape.  Make sure you have plenty of time to grasp all the nuances of this music.  This one make take several listens to grasp its totality.

Recommendation:  If you love classical and rock music, you can now enjoy them in a combined format.  Sit back and enjoy the ride.

Artist Name:  iridea

Album Name:  agitationist

Label:  A&R Records

Genre:  Metal

Track Listing:  1.  Centaurus; 2.  Flint Slope; 3.  Geometry; 4.  Juxtapose; 5.  Release

Publicist:  The A&R Department

Review:  iridea is an Australian band composed of brothers Matthew and Daniel Headland.  They take their metal serious, and build these five songs as if they were prog rock.  The music is intense and the screamo is mixed with spoken word to form an eerie and profound statement.  Their sound is not for the faint of heart, as it will pound your head and electrify your ears.

Recommendation:  If you love metal music, this is the album for you.

Artist Name:  Jason Robert

Album Name:  The Death of Stone Stanley

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  All I Need; 2.  Good Vibes; 3.  Hereafter; 4.  John the Revelator; 5.  Moonshiner; 6.  Mr. Bell; 7.  Never Gonna Die; 8.  Sat Around; 9.  Soul of a Man; 10.  Woke up This Morning; 11.  You Gotta Move

Publicist:  Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:  Jason Robert was formerly the driving force behind Stone Stanley.  On his debut solo album, he uses the inspiration of the Mojave  High Desert to create Mudstomp Music, a fusion of 30’s Delta Blues and 90’s Grunge rock.  We have already featured a pair of these songs, “Mr. Bell” (which earned an LA Music Critic Award  nomination for Best Video (Male) for the second half of 2018) and “John the Revelator” (which was featured in our first Monday Mashup of 2019.   This is an album with much to say and an incredible way to say it, and is definitely one of the finest albums released to date in 2019.  If it took the death of Stone Stanley for the brilliance of Jason Robert to emerge, then may they rest in peace – the resulting art was worth it.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one – it will appeal to all of your senses.

Artist Name:  Bettman & Halpin

Album Name:  1000 Miles

Label:  Fiddlin Lizard Records

Genre:  Americana/Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Take me Home Country Roads; 2.  A Million Hearts; 3.  Don’t let it get you Down; 4.  Cherokee Rose; 5.  In Pain; 6.  Banjo Boogie Stomp Stomp; 7.  Keep on Singing; 8.  Mama Don’t you Cry; 9.  Reflections; 10.  Eastbound to Westville; 11.  Go on High; 12.  Spirits in the Shadows; 13.  Diggin’ in the Dirt; 14.  Stone County Breakdown

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Fiddler, songwriter and vocalist Stephanie Bettman and multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Luke Halpin are two of the most dynamic singer-songwriters and musicians to ever create an album.  We love this quote from their Facebook page:  “Some have said Bettman & Halpin is what would happen if Joan Baez had a lovechild with Charlie Daniels. . .  With roots in both bluegrass and classical music, Bettman & Halpin bring unforgettable soaring vocals and virtuosic instrumentation to their original Americana Folk Music.”  Along the way, they have won a myriad of competitions, including the 2008 SoCal Music Live acoustic competition, the 2007 Topanga Banjo/Fiddle contest, and been selected one of Folk Works Top 10 LA-based female singer-songwriters as well as one of Music Connection Magazine‘s Top 25 New Music Critiques, both in 2008.  Their latest project brings all of this out, and reveals a duo that prove that the finished product is so much more than the sum of its parts.  We love every track on this album, especially the impressive cover of John Denver‘s “Take me Home Country Roads” and the amazing vocal harmonies on “Don’t let it get you Down.”

Recommendation:  Drop everything and go Get this one.  You won’t want to stop listening.  This one is perfect for your next road trip.

Artist Name:  Y La Bamba

Album Name:  Mujeres

Label:  Tender Loving Empire

Genre:  Latin Psychedelic Rock

Track Listing:  1,  My Death; 2.  Real Talk; 3.  Cuatro Crazy; 4.  Conocidos; 5.  Lightning Storms; 6.  Dieciséis; 7.  Boca Llena; 8.  Perder; 9.  Mujeres; 10.  Una Letra; 11.  Santa Sal; 12.  Bruja de Brujas; 13.  Follow Your Feet; 14.  De Lejos (bonus track)

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  This project highlights the sound of this Portland-based band, and shows their firm grasp on their Mexican-American heritage, and the role of Mexican-American women like singer-songwriter Luz Elena Mendoza in today’s America.  The title track, an anthem for female empowerment, was highlighted by NPR as “a battle cry against machismo.”  It is one of a host of amazing tracks on this album which demand your attention.  You cannot listen to this album and not be moved, as the music and the lyrics make a powerful political statement.  Listen to this one over and over to capture all of its subtle nuances.  You will come away a changed person.

Recommendation:  This album demands your attention.  Unless you intend to be Switzerland, take a stand and Get this one today.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Lost Cousins, Shayfer James, El Palacio de Linares, Eric Brace Peter Cooper and Thomm Jutz, Twilight Fields

It’s time to review five new albums that all dropped on Friday, February 1.  This is a very eclectic set of offerings, and we are happy to share the New Music Friday love.

Artist Name:    Lost Cousins

Album Name:  In Scenery

Label:  Pheromone Recordings

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Stay; 2.  Mindmaker; 3.  City Escape; 4.  Seajets; 5.  Trails; 6.  Montreal; 7.  Forest Floor; 8.  Shores; 9.  Nothing

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  We introduced you to this amazing band last September when we featured their equally amazing single, “City Escape” in our Ten Great Singles article.  We said then that they belonged on the radio, and with the release of their new album, there eight more reasons for that assessment.  These songs are great, and the sound is true indie rock, with pop sensibilities and a touch of psychedelic rock to sweeten the mix.  The music is sweeping and majestic, and should also be considered for placement opportunities in television and film.  So glad that the Lost Cousins have arrived.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one!

Artist Name:  Shayfer James

Album Name:  Hope and a Hand Grenade

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Gothic Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Mercy Down; 2.  Ophelia; 3.  Boots Worn Through; 4.  Day of Reckoning; 5.  Mostly Major Chords; 6.  Crack a Bottle, Run a Bath

Publicist:  Behind the Curtains Media

Review:  Shayfer James is a gifted songwriter who is heavily influenced by the likes of Danny Elfman, among others.  He adds a touch of reggae to his mix that elevates these songs to a new dimension, and will definitely remind the listener of the great songs released by Oingo Boingo.  These songs are definitely radio friendly, especially “Mercy Down,” Boots Worn Through,” “Day of Reckoning,” and “Crack a Bottle, Run a Bath.”  This is one of the best solo albums we have heard this year.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one!

Artist Name:  El Palacio de Linares

Album Name:  Largos Agotadores

Label:  Pretty Olivia Records

Genre:  Latin Pop

Track Listing:  1,  Cielo Amahilo; 2.  Ciervo y Elizo; 3.  Este Rato (Contigo); 4.  Piscinas Naturales; 5.  Cuestiones Inciertas; 6.  El Estilo; 7.  Modo Aviõn; 8.  Pez Espada; 9.  Luz Blanca; 10.  Robert y Vashti

Publicist:  Bobo Integral

Review:  Music is truly the universal language, and even if you don’t speak Spanish, the power and joy of the words comes through in this collection of power pop tunes from Spain’s El Palacio de Linares.  The fun and upbeat rhythms will make you feel good, like the music of The Beatles speaks to those who don’t understand English.  We are proud to give this one two thumbs up, and encourage you to expand your horizons and add it to your collection.

Recommendation:  Whether or not you understand Spanish, this one belongs in your collection.  Go Get it.

Artist Name:  Eric Brace, Peter Cooper and Thomm Jutz

Album Name:  Riverland

Label:  Red Beet Records

Genre:  Americana/Folk/Country/Bluegrass

Track Listing:  1.  River City; 2.  King of the Keelboat Men; 3.  Down Along the River; 4.  Drowned and Washed Away; 5.  Old Tom T. and Brother Will; 6.  Mississippi Magic; 7.  In the Presence of the River; 8.  Southern Mule; 9.  To be a Steamboat Man; 10.  As far as I can See; 11.  It Might be Hollywood; 12.  Uneasy Does It; 13.  Fort Defiance; 14.  Mississippi, Rest my Soul

Publicist:  Broken Jukebox Media

Review:  These three amazing musicians have just released their second album as a trio, and it sets the standard for modern day folk troubadours.  These songs about the Mississippi, both the river and the state, are destined to become part of American folklore.  This time around, they have joined with bassist Mark Fain and drummer Lynn Williams, and feature the artistry of the Steeldrivers’ Tammy Rogers on fiddle, Justin Moses and Terry Baucom on banjo, and Mike Compton on mandolin.  These songs will become a treasured part of your collection, and provide a wealth of information for American history buffs.  We especially love the sweet tribute to the great Tom T. Hall contained in “Old Tom T. and Brother Will.”

Recommendation:  We highly recommend you rush out and Get this one.  It is truly a musical treasure.

Artist Name:  Twilight Fields

Album Name:  Songs From the Age of Ruin

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1,  Prologue:  The Ruined City; 2.  Bomber; 3.  Lazarus; 4.  Demagogue; 5.  Offended; 6.  Taken Away; 7.  The Animal’s Song; 8.  Soldier Song; 9.  The Holy War; 10.  Maximum Darkness; 11.  Lovers in a Dangerous Time; 12.  Why did we do It?  (The Last Ones); 13.  Loss; 14.  Epilogue:  Barren Planet

Publicist:  Shameless Promotion

Review:  Canada’s Twilight Fields combines elements of prog rock, ambient, dream-pop, psych-folk and shoegaze to form their own mix they call ambient rock.  The instrumentation is sweeping and broad, painting a picture perfect complemented by their stunning vocals and lyrics.  This is an album that recounts our failures but encourages us to do better.  Among the topics covered are the bombing of Hiroshima and the absurdities of the atomic age, homelessness and economic inequalities, the evils of populism and political repression, the toxicity of social media communication, animal rights, the utter stupidity of war and climate change.  It also features two stirring covers of Bruce Cockburn’s immortal classic “Lovers in a Dangerous Time” and Thin Lizzy’s “Holy War.”

Recommendation:  This one will make an interesting addition to your collection.  We highly recommend it.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – The Empty Pockets, The Well Pennies, Sarra, Mozes and the Firstborn, The Fisherman and The Sea

Welcome to New Music Friday.  As promised, we have five artists that are all dropping new projects today, and four of them should be very familiar to readers of this column.  Enjoy these new tunes.

Artist Name:  The Empty Pockets

Album Name:  Tanglewoods

Label:  MT Pockets Music

Genre:  Folk/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  The Grind; 2.  Deerfield; 3.  Asleep on the Subway; 4.  Wolfpack; 5.  Brand new Eyes; 6.  Fill it Up; 7.  Island Queen; 8.  Papergirl; 9.  Tanglewoods; 10.  Over

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We introduced this band to you back in September 2017, and knew then that they were special.  That first album we reviewed earned them an LA Music Critic Award nomination, and now The Empty Pockets are back with another album, their best to date.  It flows easily within the Americana, folk and country music genres, with spotless musicianship and incredible harmonies.  The songs are well crafted and the lyrics are amazing.  They are indie music’s answer to Lady Antebellum and Little Big Town, with a more folky sound.  There is not a weak track on this album, and we plan to listen to it again and again.

Recommendation:  Drop everything and go Get this one today!

Artist Name:  The Well Pennies

Album Name:  Murmurations

Label:  Golden Bear Records

Genre:  Folk/Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Ooh La La; 2.  On my Blue Sky; 3.  My Morning Star; 4.  The Wonderkind; 5.  If Anyone Breaks my Heart; 6.  Nobody Loves me Like You; 7.  Calliope; 8.  When I was the Ocean and you Were the Moon; 9.  December; 10.  The River; 11.  Wedding Song; 12.  If you Were Mine; 13.  The Starling

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We first met the dynamic duo of Bryan and Sarah Vanderpool a few years back shortly after they arrived in Los Angeles from Boston.  They were one of the amazing artists that performed monthly as part of the Blue ‘n Green showcases created by Mikal Blue and Angelique Sheppard and David Garner of Green Roots Productions.  We have been friends ever since and we are so happy to review their latest offering.  This one hits the ground running with a breezy folk/pop sound that is truly radio friendly and deserves maximum rotations on everything from AAA and Americana to Top 40 and College radio stations.  It is also perfect for placement opportunities in television and film.  You will be singing along to these songs in no time at all, especially the first track, “Ooh La La,” among others.  The album closes with the sweeping instrumental “The Starling,” which gives the album its name.  It would be perfect for placement in wildlife documentaries.

Recommendation:  Don’t think about it, just Get it today!

Artist Name:  Sarra

Album Name:  Sarra

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Invitation; 2.  Bloom; 3.  Your Name; 4.  The Saint; 5.  The First Time; 6.  Invisible; 7.  Beautiful Disaster; 8.  The Fall; 9.  Going Crazy; 10.  Kerosene; 11.  Confession; 12.  Natural; 13.  Reprise

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We first introduced you to Sarra last August when we featured her single “Kerosene” in our Ten Great Singles article in September.  We also featured her single “Your Name” in our Monday Mashup column in November, which garnered her an LA Music Critic Award nomination for “Rising Star.”  We are so proud to be able to review her debut album, which has exceeded even our highest expectations, from the dreamy “Invitation” to the jazzy smoothness of “Secrets” and “The Saint.”   You can’t go wrong with this one, and will find yourself listening from start to finish, again and again.  These songs are radio friendly and perfect for placement in film and television.  We guarantee this young lady will soon become a household name.

Recommendation:   This one is going to become one of your favorites, so run out and Get it right now!

Artist Name:  Mozes and the Firstborn

Album Name:  Dadcore

Label:  Burger Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  d; 2.  Dadcore (ft together PANGEA); 3.  a; 4.  If I; 5.  Baldy; 6.  d; 7.  Sad Supermarket Song; 8.  Fly Out I; 9.  Blow Up; 10.  c; 11.  Hello; 12.  o; 13.  Scotch Tape/Stick With you (ft Kelsey Reckling); 14.  We’re all Saints; 15.  r; 16.  Amen; 17.  c; 18.  Fly Out II

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  This is the only artist on today’s Get it or Forget it that we are unfamiliar with, that is before listening to this intriguing mix of grunge, shoegaze, power pop and indie rock.  This marks their third full-length album since signing with California based Burger Records.  They are currently on tour in the US in support of this album, and so far have released a pair of singles, “If I” and “Sad Supermarket Song.”  This band would be popular on college campuses world-wide, and could easily become a staple on college radio.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.

Artist Name:  The Fisherman & The Sea

Album Name:  The Hurt & The Humour

Label:  Neck of the Woods Records

Genre:  Indie Folk Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Hurry; 2.  Stuck With a Rhyme; 3.  The Fairytale Waltz; 4.  Beggar Princess; 5.  The Undertaker; 6.  A Song for the Hills; 7.  Skinny Dip; 8.  Ugly; 9.  The Bear; 10.  Homesick; 11.  Life in the Service of Others

Publicist:  Neck of the Woods Records

Review:  This band is no stranger to our blog, as we have reviewed all three of their previous EPs:  Beggar Princess in November 2017, Stuck With a Rhyme in January 2018 and I Can’t Alone in August 2018.  They have also accumulated two nominations and one win in the LA Music Critic Awards, and took #5 on our list of Best International EPs of 2017 for Beggar Princess.  Needless to say, our expectations for their debut full-length album were pretty high, and they blew them out of the water.  This is not just a collection of previously released material, as only four of these songs were included on the three previous EPs.  This is a fresh look at those great songs and seven new ones, and we are as happy as a clam, especially with the first single, “The Fairytale Waltz.”  We are definitely going to put this one on repeat, because every track is worthy of multiple listens and likes.  Take our advice, this is one of the best international bands we have ever heard.

Recommendation:  If you only buy one international album in 2019, this one should be it.  Go Get it.  Now!