Tag: The Rembrandts

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music New Music Friday Reviews

Get it or forget it – new music Friday vol. 1

It’s finally Friday.  We hope you’ve enjoyed the debuts of our new review series this week, which we are culminating today with New Music Fridays.  We have some great ones that are being released today, including the first album in 18 years for The Rembrandts.  Let’s do this!

Artist Name:  Mark Cameron

Album Name:  On a Roll

Label:  COP Records

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Trouble Brewin; 2.  On Your way to the Top; 3.  Dirty Biscuit; 4.  Ridin the Rails; 5.  On a Roll; 6.  Dicey; 7.  Next Stop is the Blues; 8.  Where I got you From; 9.  Movin Out; 10.  Back Seat Boogie; 11.  Here we go; 12.  What Lucy Says; 13.  Mojo Shuffle; 14.  Dreams

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  Mark Cameron is a gravel-voiced guitar-slinging blues man from Minnesota who has been belting his songs for the past 30 years.  His voice sounds like he’s been living his words, while his guitar stylings would make B.B. King proud to play with him.    This is music you can sink your teeth into, and perfect for that weekend wind-down.  Each song is juicy with the blues, and worthy of multiple listens.  His killer band features Sheri Cameron on saxophone, Scott Lundberg on bass, Dan Schroeder on drums and Rick Miller on harmonica.

Recommendation:  This one definitely belongs in the music library of every serious lover of the blues.  Add it today.

Artist Name:  The Rembrandts

Album Name:  Via Satellite

Label:  Blue Élan Records

Genre:  Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  How Far Would you Go; 2.  Broken Toy; 3.  Me and Fate; 4.  Count on You; 5.  Traveling From Home; 6.  Come to Califor-i-ya; 7.  Now; 8.  Off of the Edge; 9.  You’d Think I’d Know; 10.  On my Own

Publicist:  MAD Ink PR

Review:  We are so overjoyed to share the first new album from The Rembrandts in 18 years.  We teased  you with “How Far would you Go” back in April and “Broken Toy” in May.  Every other song on this album is equally amazing, and we would not be surprised to see them win another Grammy.  We really love both of their singles, as well as “Count on You,” ‘Come to Californ-i-ya,” “Now,” “and You’d Think I’d Know.”  We’re so glad that they kept their promise when they said “I’ll be There for You” – welcome back.

Recommendation:  If you love great pop-rock, then this one is a no-brainer – go get it.

Artist Name:  Claire Courchene

Album Name:  The Happiness of Being Sad

Label:  DoubleMayjah Records

Genre:  Neo-classical

Track Listing:  1.  Insupportable Loneliness; 2.  Flirting with Melancholy; 3.  Strange Impending Doom; 4.  Sweet as an Untimely End; 5.  Escape the Memories; 6.  Atmosphere of Sorrow

Publicist:  DoubleMayjah Records

Review:  Nothing soothes the savage beast like beautiful music, and these tracks prove that old adage.  Claire Courchene is a gifted composer and musician and her music, which is somewhat dark and moody, is still sweet.  These songs are perfect for relaxing and for bedtime, but can also be enjoyed whenever the stresses of the world become too much to bear.  This one is going on repeat.

Recommendation:  If you love to fall asleep to music, or just need to relax from a stressful day, get this one and put it on repeat.

Artist Name:  Jason Hawk Harris

Album Name:  Love and the Dark

Label:  Country/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  The Smoke and the Stars; 2.  Cussing at the Light; 3.  Confused; 4.  Giving Up; 5.  Phantom Limb; 6.  I’m Afraid; 7.  Blessed Interruption; 8.  Red Room Blues; 9.  Grandfather

Publicist:  Bloodshot Records

Review:  Many of you may remember Jason Hawk Harris from his days with The Show Ponies, but he’s been tearing it up as a solo artist since November 2017 after beginning his career as a classically trained composer.  His brand of Americana has all the pain of great country music, from the woeful lyrics to the perfect accompaniment.  So much has happened to him since that debut solo album, and he shares it with us on this new project.  Harris delivers music that stays with you and is not easily forgotten.  He hits home like a punch to the stomach, followed by a full body massage, leaving the listener wiser to the ways of the world.  Believe us when we say you will remember his words long after the songs have ended.

Recommendation:  This is one of our favorite albums of 2019.  Go Get it now!!

Artist Name:  The Atom Age

Album Name:  Cry Til You Die

Label:  Tiger Dream Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Love is a Numbers Game; 2.  We Disappear in the Night; 3.  Never Looking; 4.  Blink Twice; 5.  Walk Through Walls; 6.  Bloodletter; 7.  Lost on Me; 8.  Bad Seas; 9.  When I Crawl Back; 10.  Cry Til You Die

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:  Punk has always been considered to be the energetic form of rock music, until now.  The Atom Age ushers in a new form of indie rock that makes punk music seem like geriatric fodder.  They burst forth from the first note and announce that they have arrived, and their energy is contagious.  One listen to this album and you will be re-energized and ready for anything.  Put this one on whenever you need a lift – it’s better than a gallon of coffee.

Recommendation:  Perk it up and put this one on.  You’ll be glad you did.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 19

We had a wonderful weekend.  On Friday we reviewed Doctor Nympho vs. The Sex Zombies and had a fantastic after-show hang with Alli Miller and Michael Shaw Fisher.  On Saturday, we headed down to the Hotel Cafe, where we enjoyed both Willie Wisely (with our friends Dan Kalisher and Erik Kertes in his band) and Jesse Macht and his band.  We were also happy to run into our friends Eric and Eliza Roberts, and have a chance to catch up.  On Sunday we got about halfway through our tech rehearsal for my solo show, Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey) for the Hollywood Fringe Festival.  Preview night is June 7, with additional performances on June 16, 20, 23 and 28.  We hope to see you at one of our performances.

NEW SINGLES

We have an extra treat for you this week, as this one fell through the cracks when it was first submitted.  It’s a little bit blues, a little bit zydeco and a whole lot of fun.  Will Jacobs is an American living in Berlin who is sharing the power of the blues with Europe.  His single is a tribute to his adopted hometown of Berlin, and is called “Berlin Bounce.”  Check it out – we bet you’ll be cutting a rug in no time flat.

Our first single comes from the band that made us fall in love with “Friends.”  The Rembrandts are back and getting ready to release their new album on Blue Élan Records.  Check out “Broken Toy.”  It perfectly reminds us of why we say “I’ll be There for You.”

Next up is a truly rocking song from a British band.  Their latest if called “Lita’s Place,” and it highlights what this band does well – entertain.  Check out Exiled – we think they’re going to be around for a while.

Next up is a song that is beautiful in its simplicity, stripped down to its purest form and perfectly performed by New West.  Here’s the latest single “Those Eyes.”

Single number four is a definite keeper from Goodside that is fresh but still oddly familiar.  It’s called “I’ve Been Feeling Something Lately,” and has a smooth sweet sound that is perfect for summer.  Check it out.

https://soundcloud.com/goodside_band/ive-been-feeling-something-lately/s-t3nT1

Our final single this week is from West Coast Weekend, and their funky retro song, “Heart Attack.”  This one has the feel of a Maroon 5 smash and could be a huge hit on radio.  Give it up for the next amazing pop superstars.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up is the remarkable and soulful sound of Kensington Moore.  We introduced this song to you in March as part of our Ten Great Singles, but it really comes home on the music video.  This song really got to us, and we think it could be a major smash.  Check out “I Don’t Like you Anymore.”

It’s amazing how a beautiful female voice can change everything.  Take for example the music of Ignescent a driving hard-rock band with incredibly sharp edges.  Add the voice of lead singer Jennifer Benson, and the fullness of the band is brought forth, much like what Amy Lee does for Evanescence.  Check out the lyric video for “Into the Night” – it will have you banging your head in nothing flat.

Our third video is for all you lovers of 80s/90s rock bands.  The master of guitar has returned and he’s better than ever.  Slash is now joined by Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators and they’re on a mission to save rock and roll.  Check out Exhibit 1, ‘Boulevard of Broken Hearts.”  Behold, the king returns.

Next up is a band that is heading for Los Angeles, and will be playing here at the Bootleg Theater on May 19.  They pack a powerful punch and remind us of back when the Red Hot Chili Peppers were huge.  They call themselves The Unlikely Candidates, but we think they soon will be your go-to choice for great music.  Here’s their video for “Novocaine.”

Our final video this is “Cry Like a Girl,” from one of our long-time favorites, Brooke Moriber.  We introduced her to you back in October 2015, and she was a nominee for the LA Music Critic Awards for the second half of 2015.  We think she’ll become one of your favorites as well.

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 13

It may be April Fool’s Day, but the quality of the music coming out of the indie community is no joke.  This month has five Mondays, so we have an extra opportunity to highlight outstanding singles and music videos.  Let’s get it going.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is a blast from the past.  Many of you fell in love with the sound of The Rembrandts, especially if you were fans of the television show, Friends.  Well the lads are making a comeback, courtesy of the fine folks at Blue Élan Records, and have released their first single, “How Far Would you Go?”

For our second single, allow us to introduce you to pronoun, an amazing one-woman band with an incredible pop sound.  Here’s the title track from her forthcoming album temporary insanity, which will be released in May.

If you like television theme music, then you will love our third single from Run Coyote.  We love the retro feel of 60s television on “The Chase.

Just when you think you’ve heard all the possible mash-up combinations along comes a band that mixes disco with metal.  They are actually quite good and go by the name Makes my Blood Dance.  Here is their first single, “Beaming Right Up.”  See you on the dance floor.

Our final single this week is from Jenny Tolman, an upcoming country songstress who was recently named as the Facebook Artist of the Day.  She shows why she was chosen on her latest single, “High Class White Trash.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Are you one of the countless fans that made Glee such a cultural phenomenon?  If you are, then our first video will definitely appeal to you.  It comes from Kevin McHale, who portrayed the affable wheelchair-bound character Artie Abrams.  On his first ever solo project, he has written an incredibly danceable song, “Help me Now,” and has created a lyric video for the tune.

Next up is a chill video from Erin K.  We love her sound and think you will dig it as well.  Here’s “Frame to Freeze.”

Our next band, The Happys, comes from the San Francisco area and bring back fun surf music with a hint of punk on their single “Cut the Rope.”

Our fourth video comes from goth rockers Skiver.  These guys will blow you away with a sound like an entire band of Adam Lamberts.  Here is their song “No Goodbyes.”  Rock on!

Our final video is a soothing tune from Elisa Kate which we think is the perfect segue to the week.  Enjoy the beauty of “Now or Never.”  See you soon.