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07.01.04
With a sound lost somewhere between Coldplay and Beck,
VIV has hit the music scene and beckoned its attention.
"Flawed" has a bit of a Tom Petty/The Thorns
vibe as it progresses lyrically with, "You're basically
alright/A little flawed, but that's okay". These
aren't goopy, romantic songs...they're fun tracks with
thoughtful content. I can appreciate both kinds of music,
and this craftsmanship and sound is certainly worth all
the hype it's been getting. For a chill Guster-ish listen,
this is the perfect selection.
Favorite Tracks: Did I, Shine
Rating: 4 stars
07.01.04
When I first listened to this disc, I wasn't impressed
with the beginning tracks. Don't get me wrong, the music
was nice, lyrically thoughtful, but their sound just got
lost with the rest of the Brit-influenced/Blink 182ish
bands (i.e. in "What You Get"). After hearing
"Sleepsinging", however, I realized that this
band possesses more than the ability to rock out well
— they've got the ability to get intellectual and
emotional as they also do in the beautifully strummed
track, "Texas". "Star/Fool" is another
dreamy alt-rock track. After a complete listen, I can't
say that I'm a fan of their music, but it's worth reviewing
because I know it will suit a lot of others out there.
The secret organ-led song (named "Lucy?") is
intoxicating.
Favorite Tracks: Sleepsinging, Texas
Rating: 4 stars
07.01.04
This smooth alternative rock band has a sound reminiscent
of Edwin McCain. It took a few listens to get the lyrics
down, but after I did I was pleased with some of the witty
repartee with a storytelling tone. "Sometimes Blonde"
has a sleek Ari Hest feel to it, with some introspective
lyrics about confusing romances. "Break My Heart"
is the sweet acoustic track on the album. If you're a
fan of Eric Hutchinson, you'll probably enjoy the slower
aspects of this CD, while fans of Will Bowen will dig
the rock attributes.
Favorite Tracks: Break My Heart
Rating: 3.5 stars
07.01.04
I'm not sure where to place this album genre wise, but
it has a few tracks that are absolutely gorgeous. Think
The Beatles with a few solo Paul McCartney songs. "I
Don't Deserve You" is a melodious track with sweet
lyrics overlaying a compelling piano background. In "Not
So Strong", Mayone sings, "This room has been
so empty and cold/Thought I could do it alone/Guess I'm
not so strong." Songs like the over-folked "Going
Down" and "Deeper in the Well" bring down
this album's star rating, although there are some acoustic
rock tracks that stand out proudly. To be honest, I wish
the aforementioned songs were similar to the rest. I'd
like to hear more from Mayone when he refines and defines
his sound.
Favorite Tracks: Not So Strong, Losing
Rating: 3 stars
06.17.04
If you haven't heard, jazz is on its way back. And thanks
to a new slue of rat pack wannabees, it has a great chance
to overtake the pop industry. Thanks to artists such as
Cullum, who cast a modern twist atop an old-time sound,
"pop jazz" has a viable career. it's about time,
don't you think? With one listen to "Twentysomething",
anyone who is in, or has lived through, their 20s can
chuckle at the witty, comical lyrics set to a Sinatra
tone. "All at Sea" is my favorite track though,
with it's dreamy rich tune and Cullum's soaring vocals
brewing, "Like a warm drink it seeps into my soul/
Please just leave me right here on my own/ Later on you
could spend some time with me/ If you want to/All at sea."
This isn't your parent's jazz music, although old favorites
like "Singin' in the Rain" make an appearance,
not to mention a Jeff Buckley cover. Yet Cullum is able
to keep it modern, for example, with a swift remake of
Radioheads "High and Dry". This album is hip,
it's dreamy and it awakens your soul. And it's our type
of jazz.
Favorite Tracks: All at Sea, High and Dry
Rating: 5 stars
06.17.04
They're back, they're Columbia-free and they're better
than ever. Twin rockers Evan and Jaron Lowenstein have
retained the essence of their music (sharp-witted edge
with smooth alt-rock jams) while furthering their careers
with some new material. Their biggest asset is their strong
songwriting. it's nothing poetically goopy, but it's got
enough raw emotion to burn...and I adore that about them.
"Fly Away" tells the story of letting something
go, and in it the guys sing, "You can fly away if
you want to/Just don't crash on me/When you hit the ground."
"Another Mistake" is another gem in which the
guys bellow, "I'm just another mistake/that you're
not gonna make/I'm just one less day/for you to throw
away." I must mention as an old-time fan that they
took careful measure to include "Couldn't Care Less
About", an old favorite, on the album. This is an
archival masterpiece that is more than worth resurrection.
The guys aren't just about bitter tunes that sound great,
though. "Through the Blue" shows their softer
side, a powerful sweet love ballad. Toe-tapping rhythms
and soaring guitar riffs keep the album upbeat.
Favorite Tracks: Through the Blue, Couldn't Care
Less About
Rating: 5 stars
06.17.04
With a voice as gentle as Maren Ord, Whittaker expresses
her feelings about love and life throughout this collection
of classical piano-inspired tunes. Storytelling and a
mixture of first-person emotions, Whittaker flexes her
delicate voice. "Head to 55" is an Amy Fairchildish
blend of compelling piano keys and poignant lyrics about
leaving a bad relationship. Whittaker may be ahead of
her time with her sound, but it's certainly entertaining.
Favorite Tracks: Lonely, Long Way Home
Rating: 3.5 stars
06.17.04
Conversing between jazz, blues and acoustic rock, Syd
has concocted a rather obscure album. I liked his previous
one better, but this one is nice too because it's slightly
experimental in sound. "Just Getting Started"
has a rhythmic "road trip sound", and "Back
Home" is a great acoustic lullaby— I wish the
rest of the album was this pristine. His voice is brilliant
and I'm hoping to hear more from him. But overall, I hate
to say this wasn't my favorite cup of tea.
Favorite Tracks: Back Home, This is What I Get
Rating: 3.5 stars
06.07.04
Do not, I repeat, do not be thrown off by the off-base
name of this band. Because they rock, and they beg to
be heard. New York songwriter Raman Kia (aka Buddahead)
spent the first nine years of his life in war torn Iran.
(Read his interesting bio for more.) Despite growing up
in a brutal environment, he has turned his pain into emotional
alternative rock ballads that shine brightly. He's got
the Radiohead (circa 1996) sound with a slant of meaningful,
poignant lyrics under his belt. He can soar with inspiration
like U2 or the Goo Goo Dolls as well. In "Stronger"
he beautifully wails, "I'm strong but I've lost the
way/Have faith in me and don't throw me away/Because I
could be just like you." He sings of love, fear and
hope throughout this album, and his songwriting is exceptional.
It brings out the resiliency of the human spirit. Every
song was more brilliant than the previous one, and the
end of the CD had me instantly restarting it. I am thoroughly,
thoroughly impressed with this artist and am eager to
hear more from him.
Favorite Tracks: Stronger, When I Fall
Rating: 5 stars
06.07.04
I suppose you could call this guy's genre "alternative
emo" because his vulnerable lyrics are hid behind
raging alternative rock jams ala Val Emmich or Simple
Plan. "Mary-Anne" is my favorite song because
it caught my ear when I saw him live a few months ago.
It's a great "f-you song", with lyrics that
convey dark emotions and bitter angst. In it, Richman
sings, "Mary-Anne shows up wasted at my door/Mary-Anne
takes my bed, leaves me the floor/Mary-Anne you're such
a whore." He has a humorous yet serious knack for
expressing his emotions with rich songwriting, highlighting
the deep emotions we all possess but shy away from sharing.
His voice resonates in "Baby, I've Changed"
as he sings about altering himself for someone else. "Song
10" has a bluesy rhythm with deep abstract vocals,
while "The Loneliness Song" takes on an uptempo
vocal styling with simpler lyrics. I think Richman has
a bright future ahead of him, and this recording is sure
to bring his dreams to fruition.
Favorite Tracks: Mary-Anne, The Loneliness Song
Rating: 4 stars
06.07.04
This New Jersey-based band combines introspective lyrics
into a conglomerate of alternative rock and jam band jives.
Lead singer Greg Jordan's voice captured me with its smooth
stylings (not to mention he's sweet on the keys) while
the almost psychedelic menagerie of electric and bass
guitar kept things fun. In "Say Goodbye to the Night,"
Jordan sings, "But if I had to make a decision/Being
alone or with someone/Who doesn't know what they want/Then
I'll say goodbye to the night." This group reminds
me a lot of another Jersey band, Fruitful Abyss. This
is a decent recording from a band that rocks it live.
I love the fact that they intertwine meaning into their
tunes. Given more time to refine their sound, the next
album will be even more promising.
Favorite Tracks: The Losin' End, I Will
Rating: 3.5 stars 06.07.04
This is a funkish R&B-based album with the right amount of jam band jazz
mixed into just about every genre of music. A completely fun listen, Louque
(pronounced "Luke") has sultry vocals to back up his chill bass-laden
vibe. A little Bob Marley is felt here as well. He sings "Cry, Cry",
a slower song by Mazzy Star, which features more of a blues tone. If Mono or
Dido were men, they'd probably take on the genre Louque has created. Louque's
music isn't the type that you'd expect to see on this site, but it's definitely
worth mentioning if you want a fresh adventure outside of the acoustic realm.
Favorite Tracks:: Cry, Cry, Whoa Now
Rating: 3.5 stars
06.02.04
This album mixes inspiration undertones with industrial
alternative rock. Responsible for the tunes you loved
in the Mandy Moore flick, "A Walk to Remember", this group
has recently hit it big with this release, launching music
in their own genre. "Dare You to Move" is a softer track
with soaring vocals and overflowing meaning. "This is
Your Life"is my favorite track because of its uplifting
lyric sand unique sound. In it, lead singer Jonathan Foreman
sings, "Today is all you've got now/And today is all you'll
ever have/Don't close your eyes/Don't close your eyes/This
is your life/Are you who you want to be?" Switchfoot has
this signature wail of guitar sand vocals that motivate
you even more than their lyrics do. All of their songs
are deep and profound. Props to this band for singing
about life beyond what our eyes see.
Favorite Tracks:: Twenty-Four, This is Your Life
Rating: 5 stars 05.27.04
This album is filled with heartfelt, emotional lyrics
while a modern rock and roll edge stands firm. My Texas
boys have done it again, creating a masterpiece of an
album that defies the pop standards while still giving
them the big exposure potential."Morning Light" could
easily be the "Best Thing" or "Killing Me" of their previous
independent release with it's love ballad properties.
"Killing Me" was also remastered on this album to reflect
a more electrical vibe is still a gem. "Don’t Give Up
on Me" is a head-bopping pop-laden alternative rock tune
that is both inspiring and introspective. In it, Colton’s
semi-grainy voice wails, " Everyday I get closer to myself/And
the more I make it better/The more I find I don’t know.".
These guys can’t do wrong if you ask me. Their sound just
gets better and I hope their careers will too with this
release.
Favorite Tracks: Morning Light, How Low(Breakdown)
Rating: 5 stars
05.25.04
This album contains six mellowly magical, meaningful songs
full of raw yet professional acoustic bluesy guitar riffs.
Comparable to Jason Mraz, this guy incorporates instrumentals
into his tunes, which give sit the coffeehouse vibe. Very
relaxing, very chill album.
Favorite Tracks:: Come Into Your Own, Never Gonna
Give You Up
Rating: 3.5 stars
05.25.04
If Tom Petty was still making new music, it would sound
a little like this. Catchy, dreamy, with the right amount
of emotion mixed in to keep it real. This band is a cross
between Petty, Coldplay and the Beatles."Die Dreaming"
was the best track, and in it, the band sings, "Is it
really a secret/Or something you know/Do I hold on tight/Or
do I have to let go/Tell me how we find our piece of the
sky/Will I Ever know before I die/Die Dreaming." A great
meld of alternative rock and roll with a classic edge,
this CD would be a great find for fans of Deccatree, Guster
or Adelayda
Favorite Tracks:: Die Dreaming, How Do I Know
Rating: 4 stars
05.24.04
Nick Smith has a charming way of delivering heartfelt,
rhythmic acoustic guitar tunes. "Underneath the Skin"
is my favorite track on this 6-song EP, which has a strong
Ari Hest vibe happening. Smith's strongest assets besides
his clear depth-filled voice is his ability to deliver
catchy, rhythm-based tunes that shine. Things are looking
bright for Smith as this EP makes its way into the hands
of acoustic rock fans all over. It takes a professional
sound and the ability to stand out for me to really enjoy
all-acoustic music. Smith has excelled at my parameters
for a good acoustic CD.
Favorite Tracks: Underneath the Skin, Thought for
Thoughts
Rating: 4 stars
05.21.04
I am beyond impressed with the quality and content of
this guy's work. He knows how to craft an inquisitive
song, while bringing the appropriate alternative rock
sounds into it...you know, to really make it stick with
you. "Things You Never Thought I'd Say" is a bitterly
awesome "tell off" track, featuring stingingly gripping
lyrics. He gets more acoustic during "Stay", while continuing
the soft lullaby-like ballads he's good at in "Thinking
It Over." Lyrics are his strongest asset, and he excels
at emotional songwriting. His music is comparable to a
mix of Radiohead and Goo Goo Dolls, and his vocals are
raspy and introspectively suiting. Go out and get this
album, it's worth it.
Favorite Tracks: Things You Never Thought I'd Say,
Stay
Rating: 4.5 stars
05.21.04
With a sound crossed between Emm Gryner and Tori Amos,
this group creates a mellow collection of songs with smooth
chill tempos. Lyrically, there isn't anything highly emotional,
but that doesn't mean the lyrics don't create masterpieces
of imagery and abstract feelings. "Heaven" is
a smooth Sarah McLachlanish tune, in which lead singer
Emilie Bernstein sings, "Love feels like chains/I'm
singing like the sea/Heaven just got a little closer."
This is a great album for funky background music, not
to mention a good listen for analytical moods.
Favorite Tracks: Heaven, Headache
Rating: 4 stars
05.21.04
Although their style of music isn’t my usual cup of tea,
their sound begs to be recognized. With background organs
that swirl and a lead vocalist who knows all too much
about soul singing, this jam band creates lush tracks
full of emotion. "Brown Hair Blue Eyes" was a power-packed
song with diverse vocals and an uptempo sound. This is
the kind of band that you can only get into when you see
live, which is where I believe their best element lies.
Fooling April fiends won't be disappointed!
Favorite Tracks: For Medicinal Uses Only, Universal
Intro
Rating: 3.5 stars
05.18.04
What a fresh sound with varied tones and musical stylings.
From rhythmic acoustic blues rock to electric alternative
rock, this guy/gal duo swaps leading and background vocals
to create this catchy pop-laden blend of fun tunes. With
a bit of a Savage Garden vibe minus the emotional content
of Matt Nathanson's music, this group shines for their
professional alternative sound and luring lyrics. Proof
that Canadians do music right, the album is filled with
fun and serious tunes, the album has a summerish feel,
sort of like you're back at Dawson's Creek in a pair of
breezy khakis. In "Predictable", Keith Macpherson
sings, "Every day has the same view/No anticipating
a breakthrough/And I'm so predictable." This is a
great smooth rock and roll album to chill and rock out
to at the same time. I really enjoyed it!
Favorite Tracks: Only a Girl, Boys Don't Cry
Rating: 4 stars
05.18.04
Fans of Eric Hutchinson probably dig this guy equally.
He's got that great coffeehouse acoustic style going on
with some whimsical lyrics. I wasn't really moved lyrically,
but his sound was enjoyable. "The Circle" had some introspective
lyrics that stirred me up a little bit. The cousin of
Andy Stochansky, Hryhorsky has a bright future in the
music industry.
Favorite Tracks: My Shoes, The Circle
Rating: 3.5 stars
05.18.04
His music is what we'd call adult acoustic rock, and this
guy knows how to ignite interest and jam out. "Annabel's
Falling" is a real sweet Mayerish ballad with some great
lyrical hooks, while "It's You" takes a soft rock-blues
approach to a love song. He reminds me a little of Alex
Woodard with his dreamy sound and enchanting vocals. I
didn't dig the Southern "too country for my taste" songs,
but when he transverses out of that genre, he hit it big
for me. One thing is for sure--this guy's got a voice
of gold.
Favorite Tracks: Annabel's Falling, Nothing From
You
Rating: 3.5 stars
05.13.04
With a soaring voice atop smooth rock sounds, Shroeder
shines throughout this vibrant collection of love songs.
She tells honest tales of relationships gone sour and
true love experiences. In "Everyday" she sings,
"I'm sorry that we stayed the same/When we should
have made a new way." Her song "Strong"
features some bluesy rhythms with her clear Late Tuesday-ish
voice making great harmonies over a menagerie of electric
guitars. "Tonight" is a brutally honest song
in which she sings of longing. This is a nice listen,
and Shroeder shows the potential to become more successful
because her sound is relatable and professional, while
her songwriting stays true to heart.
Favorite Tracks: Everyday, Tonight
Rating: 4 stars
05.13.04
This soulful acoustic rock singer has a well toned voice
and catchy lyrics to match. His voice reminds me of Chris
Isaak, though his sound presents more of a rock and roll
vibe, similar to Ari Hest when he gets his full band on
stage. "Angel" is the love ballad of the album,
while "Ain't No Sunshine" is a remake of an
old tune (and if you ask me, Condiracci's done it better!)
For soulful acoustic rock jams, check this album out.
Favorite Tracks: Angel, Ain't No Sunshine
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Kristen
Fischer
DiscoveringArtists.com
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