We’re back with another edition of Get it or Forget it. The requests keep rolling in and we’re trying to catch up, so please be patient. We have a special treat for you today, so grab your coffee and let’s get going.
Artist Name: Yem Gel
Album Name: Knot Being
Label: Kick + Clap
Genre: Electronic Instrumental
Track Listing: 1. Bounded and Shattered; 2. Knotg3rl; 3. Avarija Valley rect; 4. Ice Kold Ork
Publicist: Worldwide Friendly Society Communications
Review: Yem Gel is the electronic persona for Euro-UK born musician, composer, producer and visual artist Alecs Pierce. This four-song EP is a collection of electronic ambient music. While interesting, the music is strange and different, and not suitable for radio, although he may find some use for his compositions as background for commercials. The music is very futuristic and not at all enjoyable to this reviewer.
Recommendation: If you like to listen to futuristic electronica, then you may like this one. Otherwise, forget it.
Artist Name: Nir Yaniv
Album Name: The Voice Remains
Label: Self-released
Genre: Balkan Beat Box
Track Listing: 1. Time Wave; 2. Memory of a Third Planet; 3. The Voice Remains; 4. Five Formidable Feats; 5. The Seventh Garden; 6. A Universe Reborn
Publicist: EMPKT PR
Review: This is one of the most unique albums we have ever reviewed. We have previously featured him in our Monday Mashup, as he has created animated music videos for each of the tracks. Nir Yaniv provides the vocals which serve as the bass, guitars and keyboards while fellow Israeli drummer Karen Teperberg provides the percussion. Unlike the release reviewed above, Yaniv’s compositions have definite commercial placement potential, and his accompanying music videos are incredibly well done and visually stimulating, especially if you like the similar style of the Beatles’ movie Yellow Submarine. This one provides great background music and is sure to be enjoyed by all ages.
Recommendation: Definitely give this one a go.
Artist Name: Sam Llanas
Album Name: Return of the Goya – Part 1
Label: Self-released
Genre: Roots-Americana
Track Listing: 1. Follow Your Heart; 2. Recipe; 3. All Day; 4. Heroes; 5. Little Song; 6. Little Song II; 7. All Alone Again; 8. Rio; 9. Long Way Home; 10. Down the Line; 11. Big Ol Moon
Publicist: Daystorm Music
Review: Sam Llanas may sound familiar to you, as he was formerly with the band BoDeans. He has returned to his solo ways with this amazing collection of classically country-inspired tunes, featuring great lyrical content and storytelling, amazing instrumentation, and the sweet sound of his vocals. He sets things perfectly in motion with the first track, “Follow Your Heart,” and doesn’t slow down for the entire album. The songs are reminiscent of classic country groups like Little River Band, with the folky feel of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Pretty impressive considering this is a solo effort. This one should definitely be put on repeat, as you will want to hear this tunes again and again.
Recommendation: Definitely Get this one!
Artist Name: Lora Kelley
Album Name: Lora Kelley
Label: Self-released
Genre: Americana
Track Listing: 1. Good Men Don’t Hurt You; 2. Creeping In; 3. I Wish You’d Come Back Now; 4. Both Hands; 5. Steel Magnolia
Publicist: EMPKT PR
Review: We have featured Lora Kelley in two of our Monday Mashup articles, including yesterday’s feature on her latest video, “Good Men Don’t Hurt You.” Kelley has a sweet soothing voice that delivers a wallop with the intensity and truthfulness contained in her lyrics. She is not afraid to speak out about issues affecting women, but does so in a manner that makes you listen to the words and not be offended about the subject matter. We think she has the potential for a long musical career, and we look forward to a full length album in the not too distant future.
Recommendation: Jump on the bandwagon now. This lady is going places.
Artist Name: Jason “Slim” Gambill
Album Name: Fake Jazz & Theme Songs
Label: Self-released
Genre: Jazz
Track Listing: 1. Last Time Thing; 2. Levitations; 3. Cop Show (ft. Jeff Coffin); 4. 54321 (ft. Jeff Coffin); 5. Silly Time; 6. Lyla Marie; 7. Also Shuffle (ft. Kenneth Crouch); 8. Victory Blvd; 9. 4 Guitars Having a Conversation Over Cocktails (ft. Isaac Hanson & Chris Nix)
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: Jason “Slim” Gambill has made a name for himself as the guitarist for country super group Lady Antebellum, and even accompanied Charles Kelley on his solo project. He is also a sought-after studio musician in Nashville, so it was just a matter of time before he recorded his own solo project. We are here to tell you that the wait was worth it, as his new album is simply amazing. The music is a throwback to when he played in a band with bassist Darwin Johnson (Colbie Cailat), drummer Michael Miley (Rival Sons) and Grammy-winning keyboardist Dave Yaden. This time around, he has drafted Justin Glasco on drums, Mike Rojas on keys and Matt Wigton on bass, as well as Jeff Coffin on saxophone, Kenneth Crouch on piano and Isaac Hanson and Chris Nix on guitar. The music is funky, spicy and straight ahead acid jazz, and we love it!
Recommendation: By all means, grab this one. Whether you like jazz or not, you will find something to love here.
