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05.13.04
Ahh...this is what good acoustic rock is made of and this
New Jersey-based band does it right. Finger-picked guitar
playing adds to the warmth of this studio-recorded album.
I think if I was a previous fan of this band I'd appreciate
this live album more, though I still liked the vocals,
sound quality and rhythms of the music. "Numb" is a heartfelt,
gorgeous track, while "My Voice" features some brutally
honest lyrics about a relationship gone wrong. Overall,
this is a nice live collection of songs, some older ones
redone. I definitely prefer their previous album, "Hang
Around", still I enjoyed this one. I only wish I was familiar
with the music before reviewing it...they have that emotional
songwriting that I like.
Favorite Tracks: Over Now, Numb
Rating: 3.5 stars
05.11.04
With words that exude strength, beauty and emotion, this
girl has an extremely bright future ahead of her. She
reminds me a little of Fiona Apple, with an acoustic Rachael
Yamagata tone to her music. I was genuinely touched by
the truthfulness in her voice during each song. It was
hard to pick a favorite from this classical piano-based
recording in which Trotta's voice doesn't hit sparkling
high soprano notes, yet fully soars. In the wonderfully
compelling "Ordinary", she sings, "rescue me / show me
what I'm too blind to see / 'cause I can't live my life
/ forever, forever as ordinary" "Same Old Thing" is yet
another masterpiece on this 15-track goldmine, and in
it, Trotta sings, "Trapped and I'm running in circles/Stuck
and I don't know where to go to get out/Everyday is always
the same/Tired and dying for a change/And I need it now."
The music is so uplifting, so moving, so alive...that
your soul awakens with one listen. Let's put it this way,
if this site had a 6-star rating system, Trotta would
be there. She is truly a talent to be reckoned with and
more than worthy of my highest rating!
Favorite
Tracks: Ordinary, Same Old Thing
Rating:
5 stars
05.11.04
Vienna Teng has crafted powerful songs in modernly classical
taste with the release of this album. Her songwriting
tells profound yet simple stories, her voice echoes like
a delicate siren and her piano skills ease the listener
into the whimsical tone of many songs. "Harbor"
is my favorite track, as is "Hope on Fire".
Even though the latter is more up tempo, it shows that
Teng can vary her sound while retaining her calm style
of songwriting and vocals. "Feather Moon" could
otherwise be used for meditation because of the repetitive
verses "Breathe in/Breathe Out/Exhale." "Shasta
(Carrie's Song)" is another upbeat gem featuring
a pristine blend of piano and lowery organ chords. I didn't
gain any insight about my life, or explore any deep feelings
while listening, but I really enjoyed hearing the melodies
and musicianship in the album.
Favorite Tracks:
Harbor, Hope on Fire
Rating: 4.5 stars
05.11.04
This album is a harmonious meld of gothic sounds blended
into acoustic rock with a true female siren leading it
all. "I'm Gonna Be Strong" is an honest revelation
about trying to maintain strength during pain. "I'm
gonna be strong/And stand as tall as I can/I'm gonna be
strong/And let you run along/And take it like a man."
Bryden's voice can be compared to Amy Lee or Emm Gryner,
and her sound is Plumb meets Late Tuesday. Yep, it's that
unique because the songs vary in style (one of them has
a little alternative country background ala Kim Richey,
too). She's got a gorgeous voice and a varied style worth
checking out. I really like her sound and her vibe, although
I wish the lyrics hit home a little more for me.
Favorite Tracks: I'm Gonna Be Strong, Disappear
Rating: 3.5 stars
04.29.04
Straight from the surfer dude comes chill, lax rock. Seriously,
this California guy knows how to make great rock music,
while keeping tight to his Beach Boys roots. It's a little
Chris Isaak, a little Stephen Kellogg. The mix is beautiful,
featuring fun rhythms and lush piano playing not to mention
Woodard's grainy voice. Best of all, the legendary Pete
Droge produced this emotionally gripping album. "Voice
on the Wire" is my favorite track, and in it, Woodard
sings, "I will miss the way you smile in the morning/I
will miss the way you drag me down/I will miss your voice
on the wire." Well done, Woodard, you've created
another fabulous album.
Favorite Tracks: Mile High, Voice on the Wire
Rating: 4.5 stars
04.29.04
Fans of alternative country ala Kim Richey will enjoy
this CD, because it's not the music that takes up Southern
roots, it's Smith's voice. And on a site full of beautiful
singer-songwriters, a voice this pure can't be ignored.
"Down in Flames" is a gorgeous track in which
Smith sings, "And life's so hard/it's the little
things that seem to be getting me today/Yeah life's so
hard/But I'm doing what I can not to be getting down/While
I'm going down in flames." Yeah, Dolly Parton helped
write some of the album, but she also worked on Norah
Jones' latest release and that didn't go so bad. If nothing
else, check out Smith's site to preview a few tracks,
you'll enjoy her voice.
Favorite Tracks: Down in Flames, Jolene
Rating: 4 stars
04.29.04
What an absolutely fun, chill set of songs that inspire
and awake the soul. Lerche's sound is truly unique,
and it demands further investigation into his abstract
song lyric meanings. The title track is catchy and intriguing.
The sound effects that adorn the rest of these Bjorkish/Beatlesque
tracks are beyond whimsical and eclectic, which adds to
the charm of this CD. You don't have to understand
Lerche's odd-flavored lyrics to appreciate this
assorted sound that he's got going on. The entire
CD is tasteful and enjoyable, and its sound is refreshingly
original.
Favorite Tracks: Two Way Monologue, It's
Over
Rating: 4.5 stars
04.26.04
I love the layers of spoken word and industrially acoustic
rhythms that flow throughout this eclectic jazzy coffeehouse
album. Turtle has the voice that craves attention and
draws audiences in, and his lyrics are equally intoxicating.
"Taking It On" has a unique background rhythm
(some sort of synthesizer or an electric guitar is my
guess), and in it, Turtle explores some modern rock grunge
vibes all why letting his professional singing background
take the lead. "She's takin' it on too hard/And battling
with both her eyes bruised/She's throwing around her arms/I
never really knew I never really had the chance to/She's
taking it on too hard/And taking it all too far again."
"Xylophone" has a jazz charm to it with some
whimsical lyrics that add to Turtle's versatility for
deep tunes with a little fun thrown in. Turtle has really
created a professional album that's not only independent,
but sounds "indie" too. Props to another great
San Diego musician who's on the ball.
Favorite Tracks: Taking It On, Something Different
Rating: 4.5 stars
04.20.04
I love when talent appears out of nowhere. Enter this
CD, from an artist I'd never heard of. It's a rich, professional,
melodic blend of bluesy acoustic rock, with just the right
amount of emotion tossed in. Blending the vibes of Guster,
Stephen Kellogg and Tom Petty, Nicholson scores big with
melodramatic tunes woven in a menagerie of classic rock-n-roll
sounds. In, "The Best Day of the Year", Nicholson
sings, "Jump back, you're under attack/The rain's
coming in through the roof/Choosing sides, the whole thing
collides/Someone's left looking for proof." His songwriting
is mysteriously abstract, which is nice. Sometimes I don't
need know what every song means to enjoy hearing it. The
rest of the tracks are similar in style, but the lack
of variation surely doesn't mean this album isn't a dreamy
listen.
Favorite Tracks: Nice to Be Here, Keep It Together
Rating: 4 stars
04.20.04
In the vein of great sensitive alt rockers ala Graham
Colton Band, Welbilt is now on my list of greats. The
CD is a beautiful mess of electric guitars and soaring
vocals with nothing but catchy, relatable lyrics...if
it was slightly softer alt rock wise, it'd be an instant
5 stars. The sounds are professional and unique, especially
the intro to "Enough". In the song, lead vocalist
Nate Ihara sings, "You're on your own/I've got my
own addictions/I've had enough to know/I've had too much
attention." "All I've Ever Tasted" is the
tastiest morsel on this album, and in it, Ihara sings,
"One last look before it's all gone/I've never been
too good with goodbyes/There you go/It's that look that
kills everyone/Eyes shine like oceans/And I'm swimming
inside." This is a CD worth buying, hands down.
Favorite Tracks: All I've Ever Tasted, Dilemma
Rating: 4 stars 04.20.04
This southern acoustic rocker has a nice acoustic sound
in need of refinement. In "City Life", he sings "I don't
know/I can't see/Sometimes my dreams get the best of me."
Most of the songs are about love, especially the heartfelt
track, "Never the Same". This is a good debut for Seese,
and although I'd be more interested in hearing his next
album once he refines his sound.
Favorite Tracks: Never the Same, City Life
Rating: 3.5 stars
04.15.04
Gregory Douglass defines what great music is all about.
His lyrics are poetic yet relatable; his sound blends
alternative rock with industrial and classical sounds;
and his voice is deserving of the lead vocalist spotlight.
There's not too much that this singer-songwriter can do
wrong music wise, if you ask me. Just like his previous
album, this one is stacked with poignant songs intertwined
in a fabric of moving harmonies and rhythms. He's got
a little Gavin DeGraw in his voice, but really, he's more
like a male Tori Amos, with a sound so definably unique
that it stays imprinted on our soul. You can really feel
the emotion that Douglass exudes, especially in "The
Ride" as he sings, "Hey don't go without a picture/Of
what we had together/God I hope you understand."
He's a masculine master of keys, with a style all his
own. As his talents evolve, Douglass only gets better,
and I always crave hearing more from him.
Favorite Tracks: The Ride, Wait for Me
Rating: 5 stars
04.15.04
This compilation features some amazing acoustic artists,
blended into one fine menagerie of 14 tracks. Sure, I'd
heard of Dave Barnes and Matt Wertz, but I never heard
the fun alt-rock sounds of De Novo Dahl in "Waiting
for My Friends", a whimsical catchy tune. Mark Wiggins
contributed "I Still Dream", and in it he sings,
"Say it to me slow now, so I'll understand/Funny
how a few words break a man." This is a fun yet introspective
mix of brilliant acoustic and alternative rock artists,
though it's more on the softer side. Definitely worth
picking up.
Favorite Tracks: Grace's Amazing Hands, Destiny
On the Lawn
Rating: 4 stars 04.15.04
This is an interesting album, to say the least. Pair up
Rilo Kiley, Julia Darling, Catie Curtis and Lesley Pike
and you're feeling a little Brenda Weiler. She's folk
princess meets angry girl rock and her songs can transverse
from one genre to another with one strum of her guitar.
In the darkly portrayed "Scatter", she sings,
"I don't want to write or feel a thing/Now that this
light has gone dim/And you've gone as far away from me/As
you could." "Out of the Blue" is a sweet
acoustic based song with some poignant lyrics. I wish
I was more moved by the majority of her lyrics, still
her sound is definitely worth checking out...no to mention,
she's got an angelic folk rock voice and a sound just
as precious.
Favorite Tracks: Out of the Blue, Scatter
Rating: 4 stars
04.08.04
David Thiele knows how to craft a powerful, enchanting
love song. He does so throughout this album. In "Forever"
has he sings, "Life, it's bigger than before/Now
that you're here with me." He's a bit of Ari Hest,
Gregory Douglass and Pete Schmidt wrapped into one. With
a smooth rock and roll sound, this guy embodies the sensitive
singer-songwriter stereotype, and he's damn good at it.
I'd rather see him use his pain to explore himself instead
of relationships, but it's still a good listen, great
for those who get lost in sappy songs.
Favorite Tracks: Forever, February
Rating: 4 stars
04.06.04
If you like Norah Jones, Frank Sinatra or Harry Connick
Jr., you'll adore this CD. Filled with whimsical lyrics
and amazing smooth jazz melodies, Thompson is doing for
jazz what Joss Stone has done for soul...modernizing it
and bringing tradition into the 21st Century. With a jazz
remake of Britney Spears' "Hit Me Baby" that
begs to be heard, this album is nothing but listening
pleasure. In "Because of You" he sings, "Because
of you/You turned my life around/I only wish that you
could see/I'll be holding hands someday again/Kissing
lips that may be true/She'll never know the man I am/It's
all because of you." He combines cool jazz vocals
with hot swing guitar, making this album a classic in
my book. If you like that "Sleepless in Seattle"
jazz, this is a must have. Don't let the album title throw
you off; just get the CD!
Favorite Tracks: Hit Me Baby, Peace to Your Dreaming
Rating: 5 stars 04.06.04
This is a cool album sound wise, but I'm not sure I can
understand what the music is about. Pleasing to the ears,
I can only grasp onto bits and pieces of the phrased lyrics,
probably because of the intoxicating sound. I had to look
at the lyrics to really get a feel for the band's vibe,
which goes way beyond romantic ballads, into darkness
and literary depth. "Jet Black Ash" is a cool
electric song based on Jennifer Toth's novel about
the mole people residing in abandoned subway tunnels of
New York, and "Heartburn Boulevard" is a tale
about the misconceptions of love and heartbreak. "Thorn"
is the deepest song on the album, and in it, Mattox sings,
"Make me all the same/All the time/Change me into
something new/Tell me what's the thorn in my side."
Even though the lyrics are abstract, I really enjoyed
the CD, and think this band has a bright future ahead
of them.
Favorite Tracks: Republic of You, Thorn
Rating: 4 stars 04.06.04
This gal made a splash when her song "The One"
was featured on Lifetime Television. The rest of the album
is just as good as the title track, in which she sings,
"Let me be the one to say goodbye/This time/Let me
be the one to say goodbye/Let me be the one to make you
cry/This time/Let me be the one to say goodbye."
She reminds me a lot of Gwen Stefani with a harder alt-rock
edge. I could call her a nice Courtney Love, or a future
Alex Bach. Lyrically, it's a simple but amazingly honest
album, and sound wise, she's got some powerful female
rocker stuff happening with some raging backgrounds. Still,
her sweet, feminine vocals keep the album punk girlish.
Favorite Tracks: The One, Let Me In
Rating: 3.5 stars
03.31.04
His melodies are intoxicating and his voice is mesmerizing.
Josh Aran's latest album is definitely a gem. Fans of
Duncan Sheik, Josh Rouse and Damien Rice will enjoy the
somber yet energizing mix of studio sounds and lush acoustics.
Some tracks feature dreamy Dylanesque finger-picked guitar
strums amidst a swirl of Sheiky electric guitar backgrounds
ala Gery Leonard. His voice and songwriting remind me
of a calmer Val Emmich. Aran has a way of arranging simple
words in an abstract-yet-potent way that really affect
his listeners. In "High Like Atmosphere" he
sings, "You're so beautiful/When you break my heart/And
leave me as I am/Your airport kisses goodbye tasted just
like the sky/Quiet close to heaven/And high like atmosphere."
I am a sucker for energizing darkness in music, with lavish,
poetic lyrics. Aran is just the kind of singer-songwriter
who I depend on to bring me into my most introspective
moods.
Favorite Tracks: High Like Atmosphere, Say Goodbye
Rating: 5 stars
03.31.04
What a fun CD! With intelligent yet whimsical lyrics,
and an eclectic sound to match, Haas has definitely established
his own style. He's got a low-tempo Guster vibe, the funk
of Beck and the spunk of Ben Folds matched with the smooth
acoustic stylings of John Mayer (and some tasty jazz happening
sporadically throughout the rest of this masterpiece!).
Yes, and a little Rufus Wainwright tossed in for good
measure. This is the kind of artist you hear and wonder,
"Why isn't he huge?" I don't know. But what I can tell
you is that lyrics like, "So don't go thinking/That I
am half crazy/To fly and hour/Across this whole country/To
spend a whole weekend, a moment, a lifetime with you,"
you'll be intrigued, too. "Strawberries and Lemons" has
a definably brilliant sound, and Haas flexes his vocals
as he emotionally wails throughout the song, displaying
his breathtaking talent as a vocalist. This album truly
stands out, and Haas has created a picturesque portrayal
of life's emotions for the ears.
Favorite Tracks: Wednesday AM, I Should Go
Rating: 4 stars
03.31.04
Since this band had a song on the first Felicity soundtrack,
I've been intrigued by their music. This album represents
them so well, because their sound stands out so much.
The music is smooth grunge,lightly industrial, with sweet
female vocals...they've got that indie sound down tight.
With eclectic, abstract sound effects, this album offers
honest songwriting in a menagerie of assorted alternative
styles ranging up to harder rock. Their sound is more
intoxicating than the lyrics, which is fine...it was a
beautiful listen nevertheless. I can't really articulate
the way this CD sounds; your best bet is to give it a
listen.
Favorite Tracks: Just Between You and Me, Come
On and Go
Rating: 3.5 stars
03.31.04
If you like the acoustic rawness of Jeffrey Gaines or
Edwin McCain, you will probably enjoy this album. Packed
with professional yet simple acoustics, Steen has vocally
woven his values and emotions into each song, telling
profound stories and expressing his sturdy values. "Missing
Pieces" has a gorgeous acoustic rhythm, and in it,
Steen sings, "I'm not so good at putting it all together/It
seems like the more times I try/It just slowly, slowly
gets better/But this time there's only two pieces I can't
find, I guess one's yours/And I guess one's mine."
Honest songwriting makes this coffeehouse-style album
worth a listen.
Favorite Tracks: Missing Pieces, Anatomy of Promise
Rating: 3.5 stars
03.28.04
This band has the charm of Sister Hazel, the depth of
Pete Yorn and the mellowness of Tom Petty. Another brilliant
album, the songs here are written so poetically, and abstractly
- it's nearly impossible not to be intrigued. "Outside
of a Dream" is the first single, a nostalgic piece
about going back to your hometown and witnessing changes.
The guitars and the pianos swirl melodically together,
and the smashing cymbals give it a smooth alternative
rock sound. "Hanging by a Thread" is another
moving tune, and in it, lead singer Chris Tapper sings,
"You found your place/I'm still seeking mine/In a
stranger's face, took me back in time/When I knew my soul
was a vacancy/And I was lost in this suburban dream."
"Lucky Sevens" is the happy-go-lucky song on
the album, with witty, raw lyrics against another brilliant
alternative backdrop of wailing electric guitars and rhythmic
drums.
Favorite Tracks: Hanging by a Thread, Outside of
a Dream
Rating: 4.5 stars
03.28.04
Who knew a good female vocalist was a town away from me?
I got this CD skeptical because I thought it was another
teenager with a guitar, but upon listening, I must admit
I was taken back by this singer-songwriter whose sound
is comparable to Kate Voegele or Michelle Branch. She's
got smooth semi-wailing tunes with some great dramatic
percussion breaks, and crystal clear acoustics. "If
I was a puzzle, would you fit me/If I was a liar, would
you lie to me/And if I was shy, would you walk all over
me/Well here's your chance to rewrite me/But it better
be beautiful." The CD is worth picking up if you
dig female rockers who have true vocal talent. I'd love
to see her develop her songwriting skills more, but she's
definitely got the time and talent to do so.
Favorite Tracks: Kissing My Walls, Maggie
Rating: 4 stars
03.28.04
When I started listening to this sampler a few weeks ago,
I wasn't really digging her sound. But after a second
listen, I can see why people enjoy Lightman's music. Her
voice swirls like Nelly Furtado, Joss Stone and Sarah
McLachlan...all in one. Her sound is the normal acoustic
kind of stuff I dig, but that doesn't stop it from being
decent music. She blends the affectionate, raw songwriting
into an R&B base. "Frightened (Acoustic)"
was the best song on the album, a brutally honest tune
about being afraid of love. I'm looking forward to hearing
more from this gal, definitely eager to hear her full-length
album. Her style is unpredictable. It's a little more
"manufactured" than I'd like, but I can appreciate
it.
Favorite Tracks: Frightened (Acoustic), Front Row
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Kristen
Fischer
DiscoveringArtists.com
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