Looks like winter is definitely on its way, as we have snow forecast for next week. We are heading down to Denver tomorrow and looking forward to reconnecting with industry friends and indie musicians from around the country at the annual Durango Songwriters Expo. Should be a great weekend. In the meantime, here are five artists to check out.
Artist Name: David J
Album Name: Crocodile Tears and the Velvet Cosh
Label: Glass Modern
Genre: Singer-Songwriter Pop/Rock
Track Listing: 1. Crocodile Tears and the Velvet Cosh; 2. Too Clever by Half; 3. The First Incision; 4. Imitation Pearls; 5. Light and Shade; 6. René; 7. Stop This City; 8. Justine; 9. The Ballad of Cain; 10. The Vandal and the Saint; 11. Boats; 12. Slip the Rope; 13. Greener
Publicist: Shameless Promotion
Review: David J founded the gothic/post-punk alternative music band Bauhaus 40 years ago, and is now returning to his solo roots with the reissue of Crocodile Tears and the Velvet Cosh, released in 1985. The album has been remastered and remixed and feels fresh, with a style similar to Al Stewart and early Tom Petty. The entire album has a very mellow, jazzy folk feel, which is so different from the sound of Bauhaus. The sax on the title cut and “The First Incision” is magnificent, as is the rest of the instrumentation on this album, which retains that 80s vibe but with a reinvigorated feel that makes the album feel like it was just recorded. Check out the timely lyrics of “Stop This City” – it’s almost as if they were written based on recent events.
Recommendation: Definitely add this one to your collection.
Artist Name: The Heiz
Album Name: The Gun
Label: SquidHat Records
Genre: Punk/Rock
Track Listing: 1. Dr. Rock n Roll; 2. Good Good News; 3. Soul Satisfaction; 4. Taco Mambo; 5. The Louder the Better; 6. The Gun; 7. I’m Starving Now; 8. Excuse Me; 9. Steak Steak Steak; 10. White Cadillac; 11. Chicken Bone; 12. Remember (Walking in the Sand); 13. Sabre Dance; 14. Bad Medicine
Publicist: SquidHat Records
Review: The Heiz combine old fashioned rock and roll sensibilities with a more modern punk energy to create a special blend of music that has established them as a true voice in the underground scene and made their first two singles, “Good Good News” and “I’m Starving Now” instant classics. We really love the switched off lead vocals, which keep the music fresh, and the entire album worthy of your attention. This is just plain fun to listen to, and we plan to listen to it over and over.
Recommendation: Go. Get. This. One.
Artist Name: Jim Allchin
Album Name: Prime Blues
Label: Sandy Key Music
Genre: Blues
Track Listing: 1. Give it Up; 2. Devil Don’t Sleep; 3. Voodoo Doll; 4. Snuggle Up; 5. Jim’s Boogie; 6. Summer Sunrise; 7. Enough is Enough; 8. Found the Blues; 9. Two Bad Dreams; 10. Pawn Shop Man; 11. Lost my Mind; 12; Up to Destiny; 13. Tech Blues; 14. Logoff
Publicist: Blind Raccoon
Review: Jim Allchin is the consummate blues guitarist and vocalist. His brand of the blues is strong, energetic and funky, with impressive horns that complement his voice and guitar riffs. He also put a lot of thought into his lyrics, which make his music stand out from his peers. “Give it Up” for “Jim’s Boogie” while you watch the “Summer Sunrise.” “Enough is Enough” – put away your “Voodoo Doll” and just “Snuggle Up” because you have “Found the Blues” and it won’t give you “Two Bad Dreams” because the “Devil Don’t Sleep.”
Recommendation: If you love the blues, you must have this album in your collection. Get it today!
Artist Name: Future Thieves
Album Name: Future Thieves
Label: Self-released
Genre: Alt Pop
Track Listing: 1. Online; 2. Machines; 3. Dark Spin; 4. Prom Night; 5. Same Things; 6. Drive; 7. Concha; 8. Loneliest Time; 9. Lost in my Head; 10. On the Run; 11. Over
Publicist: Self-promoted/Right Angle PR (tour)
Review: Welcome to the next big thing. Future Thieves offer a positive alternative pop format with meaningful lyrics, great vocals and a beat that would sound perfect on the radio. This album is chock full of potential hits and sounds a lot like all the things we love in Phil Collins and Genesis. These songs deserve to be played on repeat, and are also perfect for placement opportunities in commercials, television and film, as well as heavy rotation on college radio stations, especially “Drive.” These guys have a definite future – catch them on their upcoming tour.
Recommendation: Jump on this bandwagon NOW and Get their album today!
Artist Name: SNEW
Album Name: You’ve Got Some Nerve
Label: Self-released
Genre: Rock
Track Listing: 1. UR Freaking me Out; 2. Holy Hell; 3. Acetylene Queen; 4. Put Upon; 5. Sharpie; 6. You Tell Me; 7. Something New Everybody Wants; 8. Revolution is a Closed Loop; 9. You’ve Got Some Nerve
Publicist: Guitars Forever Marketing & Promotion
Review: SNEW has been not so quietly staking its claim as the successors to the legacy left by such famous Hollywood Strip bands as Guns n’ Roses, Poison, Motley Crüe, AC-DC and Steel Panther with their fourth studio release, You’ve Got Some Nerve. The album hits the ground at a furious pace with the band’s first single, “UR Freaking me Out,” and doesn’t slow down from there. There isn’t a weak track on the album, and we love them all, especially that amazing first single. We suggest you put this one on repeat and TURN IT UP!
Recommendation: If high energy, hard driving rock is your thing, then don’t miss this one. We strongly recommend you Get it before it’s gone.