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12.22.03
Reminiscent of Pete Yorn, Rocky Votolato has put out his
third album – and the collection is pristine. Folk
meets emo, a little Dashboard Confessional melded with
some David Hopkins...yah, the good stuff. The lyrics
are poetic and deep, raw to the max. "Suicide Medicine"
is a clear interpretation of dark emotions as Votolato
sings, "A brain that never stops ticking/Sometimes
an on-off switch would sure come in handy/A mind that's
constantly cutting up and dissecting/Looking for answers
committing murders along the way." His unprocessed
voice is the gem of the album, and the rest is sure to
please, too.
Favorite Tracks: Suicide Medicine, I'll Catch
You
Rating: 4 stars
12.18.03
In the vein of David Ryan Harris and Jeffrey Gaines, here
comes Marc Broussard-- taking the music world by storm.
It's easy to see why, too. His vocals are rich and
dreamy; the lyrics are works of art; and the sound is
acoustic, soulful fun. "Jeremiah's Prayer"
is a song full of best wishes and love for someone lost.
Tender and true, it is the shining star of the album.
"Blue Jeans" is a fun soulful jam, and "The
Wanderer" is another gem. Although I'm not
too keen on his up tempo stuff because it's a little
too much soul for me, he is a master at the genre...and
for that I give him props. This is a great collection
because this guy knows how to vary his style from soul
to folk, and does so by tying in the mixed genres with
his signature vocals.
Favorite Tracks: Jeremiah's Prayer, The Wanderer
Rating: 4 stars
12.18.03
This girl is the audible conglomerate of Beth Orton, Dido
and Aimee Mann – and she mixes the sounds of these
female legends masterfully into her own style. Her sound
is chilling, mysterious, semi-industrial and bright. In
"Alright," the Fiona-ish songstress sings,
"Something says go on/And my devil's getting
strong/I don't know where to turn/I don't
know right from wrong." Vocally, I've got
a strong Kristin Diable vibe here, and I love it. She's
got as much warmth as darkness throughout this album,
and I cannot wait to hear her full-length, which is due
out soon.
Favorite Tracks: Cold Soul, Alright
Rating: 4 stars
12.18.03
This modern day folk-rock singer has made his mark with
his debut album. "What I've Already Found"
is the perfect opening track, chock full of simple yet
meaningful lyrics. His James Taylor influence is evident
as he sings, "If we were not to be/I'd lose
my melody/And I'd lose my peace and my belief/That
life is sweet/It makes the sound that says all I want
is what I've already found." "How I
Wonder" has a smooth rock and roll feel; while "Falling
for You" features more of an acoustic background
and a tapestry of upfront lyrics. His lyrics really put
this guy in touch with his audience. This guy has a cool
Josh Kelly-Tom Petty vibe happening throughout the mellowly
edgy album, which certainly makes it ear candy.
Favorite Tracks: What I've Already Found,
The Lights
Rating: 3.5 stars
12.17.03
This band knows how to amp things up and their latest
release does just that. It's fun rock and roll with
catchy lyrics, reminiscent to me of The Strokes and Oasis.
"No Big Deal" features soaring vocals as Simon
Steadman wails, "And it's no big deal/That's
the way I feel/No, it's no big deal/I don't
mind." In a Radiohead-ish way, this band makes its
mark because of its introspective songs set to a frenzied
alternative rock tone. No two songs sound the same, and
each one features unique rhythms and studio-added sounds.
This CD has a great, fresh sound.
Favorite Tracks: Revive, No Big Deal
Rating: 4 stars
12.17.03
Let me sum it up: I hate Christmas music, but I love this
CD – it's without a doubt my last great discovery
of 2003. Kerry Getz has a voice that is a mysterious cross
between Jenny Bruce and Joni Mitchell; a sound intriguing
beyond belief, and the ability to pen intricate original
Yuletide songs, while blending in some well-known favorites.
I love the tunes because they're not the typical "Jingle
Bells" selections; these songs depict joy and pain that
comes with the holiday season. If you like a mature sound
mixed with the bright messages of the holiday season,
pick this up. I promise you, it's a holiday essential.
I also received a sampler with songs from her last three
albums, and through this small taste, I can tell you that
she is an artist well worth discovering, because her sultry,
smooth voice is absolutely intoxicating.
Favorite Tracks: Lullay Lully, It's a Wonderful
Life
Rating: 5 stars
12.11.03
Cabrera has mastered the fine art of radio-friendly alternative
pop with this release; and if my predictions are right,
you'll soon hear about him all over the national
media. Cabrera co-produced this 11-track masterpiece with
Jon Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls, and the overall sound
takes on that same smooth alt pop vibe that launched Rzeznik's
career. But Cabrera's emotional songwriting sets
him apart. "Take It All Away" is my favorite
track; a smooth guitar-laden pop slow jam about remaining
the same inside despite material possessions. Cabrera
exhibits songwriting wise beyond his years as he sings,
"So much beauty in life shining on the outside/Empty
on the inside/I get lost sometimes/Blinded by the flashing
lights/Distractions always in my eyes/So I'm following
the sound/The sound of my heart, beating." His tender
vocals soar throughout the collection. From the energetic,
electric guitar jams of "Echo Park" and "Let's
Take Our Time", to the slow, love-tainted ballads
"Shes" and "Blind Sight", this
album truly shines. The message of this collection is
optimism about life through all its difficulties, and
the fresh sound is definitely going to launch Cabrera
up high with the stars. You'll definitely want to pick
this album up the day it hits stores in March 2004.
Favorite Tracks: Take It All Away, True
Rating: 5 stars
12.11.03
Delicate yet edgy, this album shines with female vocals
placed on the backdrop of eclectic rock and roll. There's
a Tori Amos-Vienna Teng vibe happening here, but the sound
is really all Pike. "Sad Lullaby" features
intricate piano playing as Pike beautifully sings, "I
feel lonelier in this relationship/Than I've ever
felt in my life before/And I lie here next to you/I don't
love you anymore/All I feel is fear/And it's choking
me." In "Holding On" Pike gently wails
about being romantically misled; the lyrics are the kind
that cut and resonate deep emotion. Her lyrics are raw,
so amazingly potent with passion; yet the sound is refined.
When it comes to female vocalists, Pike may just be the
next big thing to come out of Canada.
Favorite Tracks: Sad Lullaby, Suffocate
Rating: 4 stars
12.09.03
This high-energy record has a fun sound with some meaningful
lyrics attached. All with Bleu's signature creative,
fun way of expressing things, of course. The sound here
is electrical guitar-based rhythm with some smashing drums,
and it works so well for him. In "That's When
I Crash" he sings, "That's when I crash/Into
my past/Just when I thought it might be gone at last."
"I Won't Go Hollywood" is another high-energy
track about refusing to conform to the entertainment business'
expectations. "3's a Charm" is Bleu's take on
a love song, slower but still rockin' out. This guy has
the soaring vocals to be a hit and a sound to help him
stand apart. I suppose you could compare him to The Strokes
or maybe slightly to The Clash. Kind of hard rock in the
safety zone of the pop genre. Wherever you draw the familiarity
lines, rest assured that they'll never be definite
– his sound is all his own, unique and distinctive.
Favorite Tracks: Somebody Else, Could Be Worse
Rating: 4.5 stars
12.09.03
This CD is one of my favorite discoveries. Don't
let the country undertones in Track No. 1 ("Soul
on Fire") derail you. Keep listening if that doesn't
grab your fancy, because the rest of the CD is bound to.
Let me just tell you that "Home" is the gem
of the album. A true comparison to Sarah McLachlan and
Mary Beth Mariarz is evident here as she wistfully sings,
"You will walk into the light/There's a fire
burning warm and bright/Open up the door to a room where
they're waiting for you/And you will feel so at
ease/You will know you're home." These songs
that Bruce creates resonate the human spirit with clarity
and warmth. Her voice is gentle with just enough poetic
pain to convey raw emotions, even the darkest. And she
sings about more than blissful love, especially in "Comfort",
a song about the detachment of people in today's
society. This album is straight out of a Dawson's
Creek episode, which is actually where it was previously
featured. Pick it up if you like female vocalists with
fortitude.
Favorite Tracks: Home, Anybody Out There
Rating: 4 stars
12.09.03
With her sweet yet sultry voice, Heather Sullivan offers
listeners songs that tell stories and inspire the soul.
"Know Not What I Do" is a piano-based masterpiece,
reminiscent of Tori Amos' "Silent All These
Years" in its simple sound. Her delicate vocals
come forward with emotion and grace as she sings, "There
are no guarantees/Only third degrees/We only fear what
we do not know." Reminiscent of Ricky Lee Jones
and Shawn Colvin, her sound is soothing, which makes this
a good, depth-filled listen.
Favorite Tracks: I'd Cry, Know Not What I
Do
Rating: 3.5 stars
12.04.03
I met this talented singer/songwriter when he mastered
bongo playing with Teitur. In his debut EP, Tommy Anton
shows that he's got that rare sound that seems to have
faded in today's pop-driven world. With a harmoniously
blended merge of strings, Anton's semi-gritty vocals
sparkle throughout this short EP. "I Come Alive"
has a slower, yet intricate background sound that allows
Anton's vocals, and masterful lyrics, come to life.
This is a guy that can put his feelings upfront as he
sings, "There's no reason not to be/In the
light of the free/As now ever begins and never ends."
This album kind of reminds me of those slow, hair band
ballads that have stuck with me through the ages. Guest
musician Leigh Foxx (Blondie, Cyndi Lauper) also lent
a hand to refine the acoustic-based tunes. The sound is
simple enough to be considered a chill coffeehouse album,
but professional enough to launch this guy's career
out of the small java shops.
Favorite Tracks: I Come Alive, Take Hold of Your
Heart
Rating: 3.5 stars
12.02.03
Alex Bach has a sound that is all her own. Crisp and refined,
this female rocker sings with her heart throughout this
collection. The electric guitar is present here, creating
rhythms similar to those in John Mayer's Heavier
Things album. Vocally, she's a typical female vocalist
who can carry out high notes with ease. In "It's
All Up to You," Bach sings, "Can't throw
in the towel in the final round/Got to find that magic
and reclaim it somehow." "Anymore" has
some quality "you'll be sorry" type
romance rhythms. Well done! Although this isn't
the usual style of music I listen to (though it ranges
from angry girl rock to almost a raggae beat), it's
still a good album. If you like females with edge, Bach's
for you. Heads up—her upcoming single, "Blame
God Instead" is filled with upfront emotion, and
will certainly spice up her next album.
Favorite Tracks: Skies of Blue, Anymore
Rating: 3.5 stars
12.02.03
Heath Brandon has a way with music, and on this radiant
collection, he shows off his ability to blend jazz, R&B
and acoustic rock. It's not something I'd
listen to everyday, but it's a great mix for a relaxing
gathering of friends or reading while sipping a latte.
Similar vocally to Marc Broussard, Brandon doesn't
make music that's swelling with emotion, rather,
he creates the kind of tunes you can jam to. His cover
of "Billie Jean" is an acoustic work of genius,
slowed down from it's original up-tempo studio-laden
sound. "Stolen" resonated a little Ari Hest,
while retaining Brandon's knack to create romantic
blues with sharp lyrics. Although the songs all sound
similar at first listen, it takes a second chance to really
discover the beauty of this album, and that beauty lies
in its chill vibe. This jazzy mix is sure to rise on my
rating scale as I listen more.
Favorite Tracks: Billie Jean, Upside Down
Rating: 3.5 stars
11.26.03
The melodies soar and the harmonies ascend throughout
this a capella folk-pop collection. I'd like to call it
"11 songs full of grace and empowering music to
lift you up at any given time." This Washington
state trio hits every note with perfection, swapping vocal
spotlights and instruments to create this musical jewel.
You could compare them to Maren Ord or Natalie Merchant,
but you'd still be way off. "Crazy" is my
favorite track, and in it, the girls sing, "I know
it sounds crazy/But I feel so much/And I don't' know what
to do with myself/But I like being where you are."
All of the songs have such intense background vocals that
you feel as if you're sitting atop a mountain with the
sunshine on your face...yes, seriously. "Flowers
or Honesty" has a bonafide hometown feel to it,
while "Looking Through Rosy Glasses" is a
sweet, melodic tune. They may not appeal to everybody,
but I think the majority of female vocalist worshippers
will like what they hear. Personally, I think they're
the best thing to come out of Washington since grunge.
Be on the lookout—another album which promises to
be even better will be out in time for 2004.
Favorite Tracks: Crazy, Everything Means Nothing
Rating: 5 stars
11.25.03
This all-acoustic collection represents the way acoustic
music should be – laden with emotions lyrically,
and simple in sound. Contrary to its title, this album
doesn't sound like it was recorded in a garage; rather
a coffeehouse. "This Time" is a sweet yet somber tune,
and in it, Bethancourt organically sings, "For I only
want to be free/So take this broken life from me/And bind
it to thee." To me, "Convince Me Otherwise" is the gem
of the album – with heartfelt, intricate lyrics
and an acoustic rhythm to match. Beware, a sparkling secret
song and a track in Spanish, reflecting Bethancourt's
love of the culture and language. I love this album because
it's like having a really good Borders Bookstore performance
in your car, at your desk...wherever! Comparable to Rosanna
Lee or Kristin Diable, this "female Mraz" has
a lot of talent at her fingertips and on her lips. Sadly,
the national radio stations may not be open to this kind
of uncomplicated music, yet Bethancourt sings on —
embracing an audience who knows what good acoustic music
is all about. I may not listen to this all the time, but
it will certainly be atop my choices when I want to sip
a cup of coffee and pretend I'm in faraway in a French
café.
Favorite Tracks: Convince Me Otherwise, When to
Stay/Walk Away
Rating: 4 stars
11.25.03
This band has a fresh sound all its own, and the lead
vocals and professional studio sound to lift them out
of garage bandville and into potential-land. What a brilliant
mix of guitars and smooth drumming...all original.
With stellar backup vocals by the members of Late Tuesday,
this album proves that independent music is respectable.
I felt a strong Placebo vibe here, so if you like them,
you'll probably dig this group. "6 Months, 3 Days" lets
the lead vocalist shine with genuine lyrics and his raspy,
refined voice resonating the whole time. In t, he sings,
"And the hardest part for me is trying to believe/That
your hand still looks complete without my diamond on your
finger/And all the times I sing/Time to move on/I realize
three days ago was half a year." What a song, if
you listen to nothing else on this CD, just listen to
this track about still loving someone after a broken engagement.
"Arrivals" is a hard alt rock tune, and though I'm not
a fan of the harder stuff as many of you know, it's still
a good song in its genre. The rest of the collection boats
alternative rock tunes with a few mellow acoustics thrown
in. A great mix, a great band.
Favorite Tracks: Sitting in Your Room, 6 Months,
3 Days
Rating: 4 stars
11.25.03
With a captivating acoustic-driven sound backed by semi-somber
rhythms, this album is a great sampling of a full-length
collection to hopefully soon come. I didn't get into the
lyrics at first because this guy's voice kept taking over
— it's divine. The sound is Glen Philips meets Gregory
Douglass, and it's stellar. Infused with a little funk
and a whole lot of layered piano and guitar, it's no doubt
that this guy has a bright future. "254" is a medley of
just about every musical style out there, and in it, Fine
wails, "And in this haze/Is everything/And in this rage/Is
everything." "Shine" is a straightforward, heartfelt acoustic
tune with Fine's entrancing voice filling up the gap between
each strum. Lyrically, we're looking at simple stuff,
but still in poetic style. Did I mention this guy has
mad potential? Yah, I did. But I just wanted to remind
you, because you'll be hearing more about him on our site
– no doubt!
Favorite Tracks: 254, Good Life
Rating: 4 stars
11.25.03
This band has seen some changes recently, which I think
is paving the way for a more refined musical niche and
professional sound. Their name is now "Stick Figure
Tragedy", but that doesn't mean that as "Kinder
Days" they didn't produce a good album. It's
kind of garage-bandy, but there is potential there. "February"
is a brilliant song both lyrically and sound-wise. Delicate,
clear acoustic finger-picking which evolves into fun acoustic
rhythm makes this a whimsical, bright love song. "Indiscretions"
is another electronic-guitar gem on the album with honest,
heartfelt apologetic lyrics. Although their up-tempo first
song, "Complaint to the Queen" and the tune
"Fear" didn't grip me, there are some
good tunes on this CD. I think this is a group that is
on their way to musical maturation; so on that note, I
am eager to hear more.
Favorite Tracks: February, Lost (But Not Forgotten)
Rating: 3 stars
11.21.03
He may always be known for his work with John Mayer, but
Clay Cook has managed to stand on his own to feet with
this release. His vocals are pristine, soaring to high
notes and wavering with the emotion in his lyrics. These
songs have a professional studio sound, yet the intimacy
of a live performance resonates through. A rich blend
of electric and bass guitars make these songs somewhat
dreamy...somewhat rock and roll-ish. The tunes don't
all flow perfectly, with rhythmic breaks in many of them
as in "She Will Be Mine", but that contributes
in favor of the album's appeal. I feel like he got
"Man on the Side" down perfectly, with slow,
bluesy guitar riffs and a jazzy percussion. Solid! The
songwriting here is relateable (aka no storytelling),
which makes it a lyrical plus to me. I am definitely eager
to hear more from Cook.
Favorite Tracks: Man on the Side, Rubies
Rating: 4 stars
11.20.03
Have you ever had an album grip you solely for its sound?
That's what happened to me when I listened to
this one. The sound is a fantabulous funk-infused jam-band
type of groove, quite similar to that of Changes or Fooling
April. "Like You Could Care" is a
great funk-acoustic song, mellow to the core with upfront
lyrics, something straight out of one of John Mayer's
upcoming albums. The vocals and lyrics aren't bad, but
the sound is so unique and fun, it demanded all of my
attention upon first listen. Overall, this album ranks
high due to its amazing electric guitar sound and fun
jams.
Favorite Tracks: Like You Could Care, Missing You
Rating: 3.5 stars
11.12.03
It's hard not to be utterly captivated when you
listen to this album. From the first song, "Hard",
it's evident that Douglass' swirling, magically
and variably-toned voice is the shining star of the collection.
But then it's on to his sound, and there we have
a medley of smooth piano-laden love songs and harder alt-rock
tunes meshed in. His voice is at its best in "I
Wonder", as he sings, "I'd give my life
to love someone like you/I can't go on till the
wildest of my dreams comes true/And if there's a
God watching every move/How could he let me down?"
At first listen, I'm feeling a strong vocal comparison
to Adam Levine (Maroon 5) and a sound comparable to Gavin
DeGraw. If this guy doesn't get the chance to grace national
radio stations with his sound, it will be their loss.
Douglass has created the kind of music that compels you;
and brings you back to the elements of masterful songwriting
with his altered, vibrant sound.
Favorite Tracks: Wild World, Let Me In
Rating: 5 stars
11.11.03
It's hard for a female vocalist these days to separate
herself from the masses of Lilithy hopefuls. But Edie
Carey has a way about her that is clear to see; her individuality
as a folk musician reigns throughout this inspiring collection
of heartfelt tracks. "If I Start to Cry" is
my favorite, because her smooth vocals resonate the meaning
of the song, as she sings, "Can you help me with
this heart/Inside my chest/It ain't perfect/But
you should see me use it." "All the Way Down"
is a comfortable folk rock song with a great rocking rhythm.
In fact, there isn't a song that doesn't sparkle on this
collection. She's got a compelling yet mellow vibe
about her, with light percussion that allows her folk-perfected
voice to shine through. Comparable to Amy Fairchild, this
gal has a bright career ahead of her and surely, this
album will help catapult it.
Favorite Tracks: If I Start to Cry, Yes
Rating: 4.5 stars
11.11.03
With a somber yet inspiring sound, this refined San Diego
musician (the J stands for Jason) combines eloquent songwriting
with luring tunes. In "Fire On the Light,"
J. Turtle sings, "I'm free/The blankets and
sheets/By the window cracked wide open have grown colder
in the sunless sky/So you turn up the heat/While another
fist comes flying/You're tired of lies/Well, I'm
tired of it all." "Day Five" is a whimsical
sounding song with a layered sound...piano, acoustics,
electric...it's all in there, blended masterfully.
Vocally, he's a bit similar to Matt Nathanson minus
the grit; and he retains some of that mellow rock we love
in Tom Petty, James Taylor and Teitur. He's the
kind of musician I sincerely wish the best for, success
wise, because his CD is really deserving of it.
Favorite Tracks: Day Five, Fire On the Light
Rating: 4.5 stars
11.06.03
This is an intelligent medley of pop roots jams, easy
on the ears. With a smooth variation of layered vocals,
Akiva introduces a new, optimistic sound, with a bit of
a funk edge. He's certainly got the voice to make
things happen. "Babylon" is a soulful song
with a fun bluesy sound, and in it, Akiva sings, "All
my guessin' has got me nowhere/All my dreams have
left me here." "Faithful" is another
mellow gem on the album, with thoughtful lyrics infused
into a meaningful sound. Vocally, I hear some Will Hoge,
a little Counting Crows and a touch of Sister Hazel. I
like this album because he sings about heartfelt matters
while jammin' - and that may just be this guy's
musical niche.
Favorite Tracks: Babylon, Ordinary Rockets
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Kristen
Fischer
DiscoveringArtists.com
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