We got an early birthday present yesterday. Our blog doesn’t turn 3 until August 31, but we have already surpassed 70,000 views, as well as gotten more than 1,000 likes on our Facebook page. Technically, though, we didn’t publish our first article until September 7, 2015. Not too shabby for this little blog about indie music, theater and other arts. Here are five more reviews for your consideration.
Artist Name: Stone Stanley
Album Name: Mudstomp Tapes
Label: Iron Lady Records
Genre: Americana/Delta Blues
Track Listing: 1. Bitter End; 2. Drop It; 3. So Glad; 4. Beast Inside; 5. Cobble Hill; 6. Iroquois Chant; 7. Be With Me; 8. Unfaithful Woman; 9. Freedom Chant; 10. My Shame; 11. Soul Shine; 12. Bottled
Publicist: Doug Deutsch Publicity Services
Review: We featured the video for “Bitter End” in our Ten Amazing Videos article last month, and the remainder of the album is just as amazing. The band is led by Hesperia, California’s own Jason Robert, whose strong and sometimes raspy voice and dobro skills are perfectly suited for this style of blues, with a touch of Americana thrown in for good measure. “Bitter End,” “Beast Inside,” “Cobble Hill,” “My Shame,” and “Soul Shine” are the best tracks.
Recommendation: This one is a must have for all fans of the Delta Blues or Americana. We think you will be putting it on repeat.
Artist Name: Bella’s Bartok
Album Name: Is Me That Monster?
Label: Self-released
Genre: Carnival Vaudeville
Track Listing: 1. End of the World Pt. I; 2. Say No; 3. Graveyard Funk No. 2; 4. The Babadook; 5. Bones; 6. The Ballad of Lily & Billy Jack; 7. Go Wilde; 8. Mountain King; 9. Life; 10. End of the World Pt. II
Publicist: PRIA Music Marketing
Review: Bella’s Bartok plays a very unique style of music, kind of like a collaboration between Oingo Boingo/Danny Elfman and Tim Burton. The music would be perfectly suited for placement in film and television, and we think this band would corner the market on their unique sound. We are sure they must put on an amazing live show as well. The music is fun and makes you think of being at the carnival or circus. We would love to see them join with Weird Al – that would surely be a creative use of their respective talents.
Recommendation: We guarantee you don’t have anything like this in your music library. Get it and enjoy.
Artist Name: Aterciopelados
Album Name: Claroscura
Label: Sony Music/Latin
Genre: Latin
Track Listing: 1. Play; 2. Cuerpo; 3. Tu Amor Es; 4. Ay Ombe (Va,o a Relajar el pony); 5. Tumbao; 6. Sonemos en un Basque; 7. Duo; 8. Despierta Mujer; 9. Piernas; 10. Vieja; 11. Show; 12. He Venido a Perdirte Perdon
Publicist: The Music Joint
Review: Latin music doesn’t have to be understood to be enjoyed, although that does help. For us English speaking music lovers though, the music is so upbeat and friendly that we can enjoy it without knowing the lyrics. Such is the case with the latest from Aterciopelados, their first in nine years. The music provides the perfect setting for a party, and we are sure that it could be put to good use as placements in television and film. We love the happy vibe that comes forth from this music, which makes us want to grab some chips and guacamole and a cold cerveza and just party.
Recommendation: If you love Latin music, you will enjoy this one.
Artist Name: Annee 2CU Blues Band
Album Name: A Wildfire out of Control
Label: Self-released
Genre: Blues
Track Listing: 1. Let me Roll It; 2. Still the Same; 3. Dark Cloud; 4. Oh! Darling; 5. Against the Wind; 6. Bluest Blue
Publicist: ABIK Radio Promotions
Review: The band hails from Auckland, New Zealand, and is the first Kiwi artist to be reviewed on our blog. The CD was recorded live at the Depot Sound Recording Studio. All instruments (except saxophone) and vocals were recorded with all the players in the same room. This creates the feeling of “being there” when you listen to their album. We also love the band’s covers of the classic Bob Seger tunes “Still the Same” and “Against the Wind,” and the Beatles’ “Oh! Darling,” as well as their original traditional blues songs. Welcome to America to this Kiwi blues bombshell.
Recommendation: Get this one today.
Artist Name: Michael Legere
Album Name: Ourselves in Public
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie Folk
Track Listing: 1. Rebirth; 2. The Buzz; 3. The Sudden Downpour; 4. Reputation; 5. Yourself; 6. Into the Day; 7. Terrible Day; 8. Curtains//Floating Heads
Publicist: Auteur Research
Review: Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist Michael Legere has given us a debut solo album with lots of food for thought. The musical score is eerie, ethereal and different, while the lyrics contain vivid word pictures of how we interact with others. These songs will require multiple listens to grab all the nuances of his lyrical content, but the music is so enthralling that you won’t mind hearing them repeated.
Recommendation: Definitely check this one out.