 |
02.18.04
This guy will make it big. That's all I can
say. His sound is energetic with witty lyrics, and his
voice is sharp yet dreamy. He combines the acoustic guitar
with a myriad of cool industrial studio sounds, all while
keeping things light. "Mary Ann" has
nothing but electricity to it, and I found myself humming
along instantly, even though I didn't know who
the hell Mary Ann was. "End of the Day"
features Arthur's deeply-ranged voice, with
enticing lyrics. "Tonight" is another
gem on the album, a slower more heartfelt tune. Pick up
this album if you enjoy Breaking Laces, Pete Yorn or Barenaked
Ladies. It's sure to attract a lot of attention
in the coming year.
Favorite Tracks: End of the Day, Sight of Your
Tears
Rating: 5 stars
02.18.04
When I first heard some songs off her Bardic Records sampler,
I wasn't very impressed. But upon my second listen, I
have to admit I am intrigued by her music. She's reminiscent
of Jessica Simpson, Keri Noble and Karen Jacobsen. Her
sound is light rock, with delicate vocals that adorn piano-laden,
semi-electric tunes. In "Fragile", she sings,
"I''m feeling kind of fragile lately/I know only
I can save me know/I'm not hoping/There's no use praying/I
know only I can save me now." With lyrics that enact
a retrospective mode, Marks offers up this collection
of quintessential girly tunes.
Favorite Tracks: Fragile, Any Other Way
Rating: 3.5 stars
02.17.04
This uptempo acoustic collection of tunes brings you straight
into a dimly lit coffeehouse, where you are supremely
relaxed while Martin entertains. He sounds a lot like
Marc Broussard, with a little Chad Kroeger (Nickelback)
and John Mayer mixed in. The album has a live feel to
it, but certainly proves that you don't need fancy studio
sounds to make a good demo. His voice is dreamy, and he
knows how to aggressively strum a guitar. Lyrically, the
songs have meaning, but there's a lot of phrases repeated.
Every now and then I crave the sound of raw acoustic music
with rhythm, and listening to this CD, I was fulfilled.
Heads up: he just put out a live album that is even more
intimate and amazing.
Favorite Tracks: Right After, All In Good Time
Rating: 3.5 stars
02.14.04
This girl is all that Fiona Apple was and whole lot more.
With a smooth, sullen voice that gracefully adorns a background
of soft industrial sounds, Yamagata has put out a 6-song
collection that will easily wind up on repeat in your
stereo. "Worn Me Down" is sure to be a radio
hit, and in it, she stretches her vocals while softly
singing, "And I wish you the best/But I could do
without it/And I will because you've worn me down."
This is a brilliant song, in sound and lyrically, because
it's about giving your all to someone and having
that person disregard your efforts. It definitely proves
that you don't have to yell in rage to convey dark
emotion. Her full-length is due out soon, and I am greatly
anticipating its release.
Favorite Tracks: Worn Me Down, Would You Please
Rating: 5 stars
02.14.04
A rich blend of country boy gone soft alt rocker, Kellogg
has emerged with yet another stellar collection. If this
one doesn't launch him into the arms of a record
label, I'll be disappointed. Now with the addition
of his two back-up buddies into the band's title,
Kellogg continues to write stories and express himself
boldly. To be honest, his new tunes are much like his
older ones in sound, but that's not a bad thing because
I really dig all his material. Finger-picked guitar interludes
melded with his deep-toned gem of a voice, Kellogg continues
to tell tales set to music, some even about himself. "Diamond"
is the sweet romantic tune of the album, while "You've
Changed" is the sharp-witted track. The last track,
"It's Only That I Miss You" is by far, the best.
Once again, Kellogg has put out a masterful collection
of dreamy tunes.
Favorite Tracks: It's Only That I Miss You,
You've Changed
Rating: 4.5 stars
02.14.04
This is a respectable collection of semi-80s rock and
roll tunes. Allender has a voice similar to Bon Jovi,
which is always a plus for a Jersey gal like me. The CD
got better as I listened, although none of the songs really
gripped me intensely. A lot of the lyrics were sort of
predictable, a little too quintessential rhyme wise for
me. Nevertheless, if you like that Jovi-inspired wailing
ballad kind of stuff, this isn't a bad listen.
Favorite Tracks: Changing Lanes, Just a Matter
of Time
Rating: 3.5 stars
02.14.04
It's a shame when you get a CD with a great sound
but less-than-desirable lead vocals. Still, I haven't
lost hope in Lance Williams. This collection of alt rock
and piano-based tunes features some brilliant raw songwriting
about emotional ties, and some great chord progressions
that breathe life into the words. I will be waiting to
hear more from Williams, hoping his sound grows more refined,
because he definitely has talent. His band has a great
tone, real alt rock diversity. But he's off tune throughout
much of the album, which is a series bummer. In "Changing
of the Seasons," he sings, "I was thinking would
it matter/If you never say me again/Cause your life is
torn and tattered/And I know you'll never let me
in." The first track is an instrumental piano gem,
and is indicative that this guy has talent. I wish the
rest of the album resonated all the hope that lies in
the first track.
Favorite Tracks: Drive Away, Changing of the Seasons
Rating: 2.5 stars
02.12.04
This band reminds me a lot of Creed, because they have
a great alt-rock sound and a lead vocalist with some deep
pipes. Vocally, I'd like to see more refinement,
but over all this is a nice collection of electronic guitar
based tunes, which a twist of Gavin DeGraw's signature
piano chords. The lyrics are great through many of these
tracks; which is why I think this CD could be more appreciated
if I read through the lyrics first. In the slow piano-laden
tune, "Hello", lead singer Scott Terry sings,
"Ice comes to mind/When I think about your heart/And
I think about the way/You steal away my emotions."
I love lyrics that sting, and these words have certainly
been crafted with heart. This is a band to keep your eye
on, because they can blend masterful alternative rock
with sentimental lyrics. Although this concept doesn't
stand out, this band has the potential to.
Favorite Tracks: Hello, Wave Goodbye
Rating: 4 stars
02.12.04
Reminiscent of Waking Norman, this band has a soft alternative/typical
rock and roll feel to it. Lyrically, we're not talking
anything over-sappy, but emotions are tied in. "Don't
Wake Me" is the album's gem if you ask me.
It's about not wanting to face reality, and the
lyrics coupled with a string-based background gives it
a smooth DMB sort of feel to it. These guys have a smooth
sound that's been professionally recorded. It didn't
particularly stand out to me, but it was still a good
listen.
Favorite Tracks: Don't Wake Me, Any Moment
Now
Rating: 3.5 stars
02.11.04
This alt-pop band knows how to rock out just like Simple
Plan and U2, but they do so while keeping thoughtful lyrics
intertwined into a sharp arrangement of electric guitars.
In the fun upbeat pop track "Prozak (Be Like Me)",
they wail, "I wanna be that guy that gets the girl/And
saves the world/And everyone will wanna be like me/Be
like me." This is a fun uptempo rock album that
showcases this band's ability to rock out yet slow
things down and express sentiment in songs such as "Breathe"
and "How Do I Get Through to You." Hopefully
this album will get them airplay as their previous one
did when "Leaving Town" made it huge a few
years back. Still, it's good to see a band continue their
craft long after the national radio days are behind them.
Favorite Tracks: Prozak (Be Like Me), Breathe
Rating: 4.5 stars
02.11.04
From the first chord progression, I found myself at home
with this band's sound. Although I think that lead
singer Shane Harkness' could use some refining on
the vocals, I have to admit, they have a great varied
alt rock sound, and this album is a lyrical gem. In, "Lapis
Lazuli," Harkness sings, "Guess it's time
to go/I could never be how you pictured me/So rest your
shallowed soul/And look beyond my jealousy." Some
of the songs are a little too Blink 182 for me, but this
band certainly knows how to make music to rock out to.
If you dig Graham Colton, or Simple Plan, I think you
will definitely enjoy this band, and if nothing less more,
check them out. There are a lot of odd words on the CD
(Lapis? Swashbuckles?) including it's title. Now
I'm on a mission to find out what Callasa means,
and I'll give this album another spin as I begin
my little quest.
Favorite Tracks: Astoria, Lapis Lazuli
Rating: 4 stars 02.11.04
If you like that Mellancamp sort of rock and roll, this
CD is definitely for you. These guys have a great gentle
rhythm, while incorporating some bluegrass chords and
even a little retro-sounding bass guitar. Vocally, Colby
Logan and Jason Dickson are a great duo, who write songs
about their feelings and sing them with a mellow tone.
James Taylor comes to mind as I made my way through this
smooth folksy collection. It isn't the stuff I typically
go for, but it's definitely quality.
Favorite Tracks: Feeling at Home, For Granted
Rating: 3.5 stars
02.08.04
This guy is most widely known as guitarist and support
singer for the North Carolina based rock quartet Athenaeum,
but this album is all his own. It's a soft acoustic meld
of heartfelt yet uncomplicated lyrics webbed in a rock-n-roll
net with a strong undertone of electric guitars. Basically,
he can go from Pete Yorn to Matt Nathanson in a matter
of chords, which gives him the diverse edge. In "A Better
Place", Garrigan sings, "Don't expect you to understand/When
you're near/I tremble like a child/And you take me to
a better place." Great vocals, nice sound, decent record.
I can't wait to hear what else he puts out.
Favorite Tracks: Sour Milk, A Better Place
Rating: 4 stars
02.08.04
Now I know why this CD got rave reviews. It's a dreamy,
introspective, yet upbeat collection of amazing, obscure
songs. In "Passenger Seat", lead singer Benjamin
Gibbard sings, "When you feel embarassed/Then I'll
be your pride/When you need directions/Then I'll be your
guide, for all time." These songs have a Gusterish/Tom
Petty feel to them...they're all really chill, and they
are experimental in sound. Lyrically, the songs are outwardly
emotional and raw. This album proves that you dont' need
somber music to chill out to, and it's got Rolling Stone
written all over it (yes, they gave it a praiseful reviews
as well.) The sound, the lyrics and the vocals are all
done perfectly, making it an ideal listen.
Favorite Track: Passenger Seat
Rating: 4.5 stars
02.08.04
Whoever sent me this CD - snaps to them. JP Hoe has put
together a brilliant collection of 6 songs that explore
life and please the ears while doing so. He jams like
Jack Johnson, and writes like Rob Thomas, and has a voice
somewhat like David Gray. Still, the professional acoustic
sound has a smooth, almost live vibe. His vocals are rich
and luxurious, giving his sound extreme potential. In
"Even Angels," he sings, "Another sigh
another grin/I know you're stuck in the same position
I'm in/Even angels need their sleep too/And oh you sing
oh so softly in my ear/And you pray aloud ot heaven above
with all your strength and fear." Hoe has the unique
ability to tell stories while keeping all his tales relatable.
This album is absolutely fantastic - I found a guy with
a guitar, a kickin' voice, passionate lyrics and it doesn't
sound like it was recorded in a garage. Thumbs up! Okay,
kids, listen to me. Buy this album. Nuff said.
Favorite Tracks: Even Angels, Dream On
Rating: 4.5 stars
02.06.04
This is a brilliant rock-n-roll band in the vein of Graham
Colton, Matchbox 20 and Fifth Year Crush. The lyrics are
thoughtful, the sound is professional, and the lead vocalist
is worthy of his title. In "Is There Something I
Can Do", Alan Schaefer sings, "I'm sorry
to sound selfish/But I feel so selfish/Is it okay if I
stay here with you/And cry for a while." "Still
With You" is a burning sort of love ballad that
exuberates strength and passion. This band has a bright
future ahead of them, and I am eager to watch them rise
to success.
Favorite Tracks: Is There Something I Can Do, Still
With You
Rating: 4 stars
02.06.04
I'm a sucker for a decent Jersey band, so when I
got this CD and found that this band doesn't play
covers, has songwriting talent, and a professional sound
– well, I had to review it! The lyrics and song
themes are beyond clever, and the sound is a cross between
Bon Jovi, Jim's Big Ego and Blink 182. "Wish
You Were Her" is a love song that doesn't
ooze odd-man-outness. "Internet Life Sucks"
is a comical view about the age of technology and how
it...well, sucks. If you like bands with a local edge,
and you like wit in your music, this band is work checking
out. Have I mentioned they're from Jersey?
Favorite Tracks: Wish You Were Her, Rockabye
Rating: 3.5 stars
02.05.04
Since the inception of their early 90s national hit, "Popular",
this band has been hard at work putting together this
12-track collection of alt-rock tunes with a punk twist.
There's nothing romantically heartfelt minus the glorious
song, "Inside of Love," but that doesn't mean the rest
of the themes aren't relatable. "Nor Heaven or Space"
is a slower alt-rock ballad and the vocals shine. This
band has Nirvana's darkness with a lighter touch, and
Guster's fun reality-based songwriting. The album has
just the right blend of harder electronically-based rock
tunes and slow mellow tracks as well. If grunge were ever
to fully "come back", this CD would no doubt top the list.
Favorite Tracks: Wish You Were Her, Rockabye
Rating: 4 stars
02.05.04
With a wistful sound and bare lyrics to resonate her emotions,
Antes is sure to delight any lover of female folkies.
There's a hint of rock thrown into her songs, which explore
feelings mostly about relationships. "How Did I Get
Here" is my favorite track, and in it, Antes sings,
"How did I get here/And when will this end/How can
I ever be certain/Of anything again." Antes is an
extremely gifted songwriter, but I'd like to see her vocals
become more understandable and refined. I'm certainly
looking forward to hearing her next CD.
Favorite Tracks: How Did I Get Here, My World is
Empty
Rating: 3.5 stars 02.05.04
Here we have another Ben Arthur-ish voice coupled atop
an industrial-based background. And I'm all for that!
There's a hint of Wes Cunningham's synthesized sounds
in here, too. You won?t find any wailing about romance
throughout the album, but these songs are a fun escape.
In "Coming and Going on Easy Terms", Vanderslice
sings, "I'm trying to find that quiet space/Where
living is breathing." If you don't take your music
dripping with emotion, and you're a sucker for experimental
sounds, you may enjoy this album.
Favorite Tracks: June July, Wild Strawberries
Rating: 3.5 stars
01.30.04
Another great album by an even greater artist! Amy Fairchild
has taken her poignant songs about life, love and loss
on the road to give us this collection of her best hits
with a hearty live effect. All the songs are even more
moving with Fairchild's raw voice hanging on the
edge of her storytelling lyrics. "Tuesday",
which is already a heartfelt song about loss on 9-11,
is even more touching on this album, as is "Come
Around". "Falling Down", "Renee"
and "Mr. Heart" are available with band and
acoustic. Because they're such cool songs, I didn't
mind hearing them twice, and liked both live versions.
"Movie" exploits Fairchild's ability to
rock and roll without having to narrate a story; in fact,
in this tune she sings of her own story. Explaining her
songs is an entirely separate review (see mine for her
album, Mr. Heart). But this collection brings the familiarity
of her beautiful songs into the live realm, which makes
for an enjoyable listen.
Favorite Tracks: Come Around, Mr. Heart
Rating: 4.5 stars
01.30.04
The queen of folk has put together this masterful collection
of her greatest hits gone acoustic, and has done so splendidly.
The rolling raw sound, though professionally remastered,
brings me right into the coffeehouse with a chai in hand.
Simple acoustic strums and Curtis' signature voice
make the entire album sparkle. "Soulfully" is
one of my favorites of hers; and the acoustic version
just brings me into a mellow mood. Perhaps her best song,
"Troubled Mind" is my favorite, an introspective
tune about life's toils and simply letting them
be. This is the kind of album that you put in and just
let play when you want to feel peaceful. If you like folk
without bluegrass, or any other female sirens, chances
are you'll enjoy this album.
Favorite Tracks: I'll Cover You, Troubled
Mind
Rating: 4.5 stars 01.30.04
Grogan's sound, for some reason, generally reminds me
of Travis. He's got a collection of classic
rock-and-roll tunes mixed with Tom Petty/Pink Floyd dreamy
songs. Yet, he seems to transverse into jam mode during
some of the songs. The songwriting is abstractly upfront,
and his voice is of a past era. His best tracks are the
somber ones, such as "Some of My"
and "Fall Down on Me." This CD didn't
grip me, to be honest, but it is a decent collection of
mellow music.
Favorite Tracks: Go, Sort of a Lullaby
Rating: 3 stars
01.29.04
This album reaffirms my love of romantic jam bands in
the vein of Dave Matthews and his quintet. This collection
of slow jam-based tunes is laced with sexy saxophones
and the grainy yet emotional vocals of David Jackson.
In "First Place", Jackson sings, "It
will be alright if you fall in love with me/It will be
okay if you close your eyes and I am all you see."
Ahh, melting over here! This guy knows how to pen a romantic
tune and adorn it with a wistful array of big band instruments,
and let me tell you, he does it to perfection. This entire
CD sounds like a continuation of Matthews' song,
"Lover Lay Down," but the band manages to
give their tunes a touch of their own style. If you still
dig Jamie Walter's vocals and you love the "Crash"
days, pick this up!
Favorite Tracks: First Place, Angel
Rating: 4.5 stars
01.29.04
This band has a fun, light sound blended into the ability
to keep things strictly alternative. The lyrics are what
I'd call "alternative standard," meaning
they have meaning but it's generalized. The lead
singer, however, has some vocal talent, and his voice
suits the band's musical genre. "Words"
is a great slower track with some stinging lyrics, and
"Prove Me Wrong" has a great upbeat sound
(a little too hard for my taste, but good for a harder
track.) If you like Creed or Staind, you'll probably
enjoy this CD, as this band seems to be one of the next
to step in to that type of spotlight. If all the tunes
were like the slower alt-rock type ("Say It Thru"),
this would surely get 4 stars. But I know every band can't
play it as mellow as I'd like. Still, this is a
very respectable collection of electric guitar-themed
tunes sure to help you rock out.
Favorite Tracks: Words, Say It's Thru
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Kristen
Fischer
DiscoveringArtists.com
|
