 |
04.27.06
Because this guy is the best life performer I've ever
seen, it was only a matter of time before he realized
his witty repartee is worthy of a live album — and
so are his tunes. Raw and uncut, minus the band, Nathanson
takes the tempo down in most cases and breaks down his
powerful songs into the basics, and boy do they sound
good. He tossed some new tracks on as well, such as the
comical "Philadelphia Song," in which he pulls
out every association he knows to the City of Brotherly
Love, where the show was taped. But what's really the
most mesmerizing about this album is Nathanson's banter
in between songs. It's always fresh, unrehearsed and hysterical.
Until you can catch him live next, this is a good hold-over.
Favorite Tracks: I Saw, Philadelphia Song
Rating: 5 stars
04.27.06
We knew there was talent when Chris Bryan released his
first album -- this one features the refinement we were
hoping for, which will certainly break him into the market.
He sounds a little like Savage Garden vocal wise, but
mixes in an element of acoustic guitar music that is rarely
found nowadays. Bryan's honest, both in lyrics and voice
-- and that resonates throughout this collection of 10
songs. "Learning to Fly" set the tone for the
album, which is that Bryan has arrived onto the acoustic
scene and done so with the ability to go above the coffeehouse
sound. Yet he brings that back in "Seasons,"
staying true to his roots.
Favorite Tracks:
Next Best Thing, Learning to Fly
Rating: 4
stars
04.27.06
I'm not sure what to make of Matt Roberts. He's both a
practicing doctor and a musician from Australia with crisp,
ranging vocals and sounds that lure you in. One minute
I think I hear some Ben Folds in him and the next I'm
feeling a little Jamie Cullum. This piano master has crafted
catchy pop tracks that have melodies that hook you in.
Then there's a little pinch of a cabaret sound ("Paris,
January"). So I'm not sure what genre to place him
in, but I can tell you that this album is certainly worth
a listen. "Now You are Gone" has simple lyrics
yet Roberts' knack for catchy sounds. This was a fun listen!
Favorite Tracks: Paris January, The Tiger Ballad
Rating: 4 stars
04.27.06
Shane Hines is now Shane Hines and the Trance, and the
band's latest musical offering provides alternative rock
slams behind Hines' strong vocals that are reminiscent
of Buddahead or Angie Aparo. Overall, nicely done. He
combines a harder rock sound in songs like "Joy Said"
but slows it down to a dreamy level ala Cary Brothers
in "Let Go." It's great to see Hines maturing
as a singer-songwriter, and he's strong on the indie radar
here. Still, there was nothing that hooked me although
the sound was appealing.
Favorite Tracks: On
and On, My Hope Is
Rating: 3.5 stars
04.09.06
She's done it again with a collection of delicate and
semi-industrious songs that all feature her signature
layering and intricacies on the piano keys. From the trip
hop sounds of "Four Walls" in which she sings,
"Head up straight, I know what I'm doing," to
the softer sounds in "Days of the Week," it's
clear that Martin will keep creating masterpieces that
are light and dark in the same respect. Bonus: Something
Like a DVD. In this live concert, Martin sings older songs
such as "Something Like a Hero" and "Steel"
and does so in an acoustic setting where she also uses
her keyboard to synthesize and produce her trip hop beats
on the backdrop of live keys. Stunning.
Favorite
Tracks: On Your Shore (Live), Four Walls
Rating:
5 stars
04.09.06
It's the perfect way to hold over her fans until she releases
her next studio album. This collection features 10 songs
by Kyler England, each recorded at different locations
and at different times. They're raw, unfinished and beautiful--just
like her. Vienna Teng lends a hand on piano for "Higher
Ground," while the signature song "Live Wire"
offers more of England's raw honesty. You don't have to
read much into her lyrics, she belts out her emotions
for all to hear and that's why we dig her.
Favorite
Tracks: Higher Ground, If you Want Me To
Rating:
5 stars
04.09.06
She reminds me a lot of the band Rilo Kiley or Suzanne
Vega. Indeed Laura Veirs blends a unique electronica sound
with some folky roots and layers that make backup vocals
enough to make a song shine. Her soft electronic rhythms
are soothing, while her Seattle sound adds an element
of grunge. The lyrics aren't overthought, and mostly quite
simple. Yet they don't need to me much more--her sound
is the real unique aspect of her music. Good stuff to
put on while you scribble away in a journal.
Favorite
Tracks: Cool Water, Galaxies
Rating: 4stars
04.09.06
If there was a genre of funk rock, Aaron Winters would
be in it. Drawing close comparisons to Jamiroquai, this
guy knows how to rock out amidst disco beats. It's a truly
unique CD, nothing super moving but some fun beats and
fresh sounds. Winters slows it down in "The Way You
Smile" for a dreamy ending ala Cary Brothers. Professionally
mixed, Winters offers a great diversity of fun tracks
and slow bluesy rock tunes as well.
Favorite Tracks:
Bottle It Up, Love in Every Country
Rating:
4 stars
02.17.06
Proving he doesn't need a label to make a kick-ass album,
Duncan Sheik has created an absolute masterpiece with
this release. The lyrics are even more thought based than
his last album, and this one takes on more of an indie
tone though the production is superb. He introduces a
rhythmic sound in "Shopping" and in the whimsical
"I Wouldn't Mind." But then there are parts
of Sheik that will never fade, as in his political undertones
in "White Limousine." Listening to "So
Gone" is like a flashback to his older gem, Phantom
Moon, while "Hymn" is reminiscent of Humming.
Overall, this collection is a stunning portrayal of an
artist who sticks to his roots, and isn't afraid to rock
out or chill out.
Favorite Tracks: I Wouldn't
Mind, Fantastic Toys and Corduroys
Rating:
5 stars
02.17.06
Simply stated, this is the best album to come out of 2005.
I listened to it so much that I didn't get to review it
until 2006. Brandi Carlile has somehow created her own
genre — is it rock with a smidgen of country? Pretty
much. But it's blended perfectly so that you can call
it rock, while it just stands on its own in some mysterious
realm of awe. Carlile's semi-twangy voice resonates brilliantly
to emulate the emotion in her oh-so-honest lyrics. In
"Fall Apart Again," she sings, "I just
smile once in a while/Cuz I don't want the lines on my
face." And in "Throw it All Away" she takes
on a dreamy tone, singing about leaning on someone for
support. Obviously, Carlile is a glowing star, an on-the-rise
gem. The kind that gives you goosebumps as you watch her
achieve stardom.
Favorite Tracks: Throw it
All Away, Closer to You
Rating: 5 stars
02.17.06
This band has the whimsical nature of Ben Folds or Jason
Mraz with the rockability of Blink 182. It's power pop
for sure, straight from Wisconsin. "At it
Again" and "I Don't Mind" had some powerful
hooks, while "All the Walls" slowed down a little
with a hooking melody and lyrics. Overall, worth a mention
for
the good garage band characteristics and melodies.
Favorite Tracks: I Don't Mind, Sarah Jane
Rating: 3.5 stars
02.17.06
Full of fresh and funky electronica beats, this quirky
album can put anyone in a feel-good mood. They call it
electrorganic super pop, which is pretty
accurate, though today we'd also call it a little trip
hop -- intoxicating beats and stellar vocals that come
in layers. But the lyrics in this album have
meaning, as is resonated in "In the End" as
Mishka and Grainger sing, "In the end when you're
really on your own, Everything you've been is the only
thing
you own." This music by this Australian band seems
to have resurfaced from the 90s in some ways, but says
fresh enough to have a spot in today's music
industry. It's not our normal cup of tea on this web site,
but it's completely worth a mention.
Favorite Tracks:
In the End, The Girl I Love
Rating: 3.5 stars
02.01.06
In his seventh album, David Gray shows us that his music
is certainly able to stand the test of time. This collection
of songs doesn't stray far from his beloved sound that
has captured audiences around the globe. But the tunes
do show that Gray has evolved from the days of "Babylon."
Not much, though. "Alibi" starts off a little differently,
showing a somber semi-electronica style. The track, "Ain't
No Love" is evident of this experimental sound with the
piano tossed in for the comfort of his religious fans.
"Lately" seems to capture the dreamy intoxication of Gray's
signature sound as he sings, "Someone tell me where did
it go/Darling I'm damned if I know/I seen that look in
your eye/No-one ever gave it a chance/I could have said
in advance/You saw it all at a glance/And goodbye." By
the time you get to "Disappearing World" it brings you
back to the tone of his famous track "This Year's Love."
Overall, a huge thumbs up for one of our favorite UK acts.
Favorite Tracks: Lately, Disappearing World
Rating: 5 stars
02.01.06
If her smashing hit, "Breathe Me" weren't enough,
Sia's album more than exemplifies that this young lady
is making huge waves in the music industry. Her industrial
sounds combine those of Charlotte Martin and Tori Amos,
while tossing in some Imogen Heap for good measure. Still,
it's a little lighter than that, mixing in some trip-hop.
Unlike the rest of those songstresses, however, Sia's
sound is more honest. More understandable. More relatable.
She used to be part of Zero 7, but obviously can stand
on her own just fine. In "Breathe Me" she sings,
Help, I have done it again/I have been here many times
before/Hurt myself again today/And the worst part is there's
no one else to blame." The rest of her songs and
lyrics are just as poignant.
Favorite Tracks:
Breathe Me, Don't Bring Me Down
Rating: 5
stars
02.01.06
It's good to hear from Ari Hest in this sort of grassroots
effort since his label debut, Someone to Tell. Guilty
Hearts gives us a bit of a less-studio-produced effort,
while it also introduces us to a bit of this New Yorker's
countryish sound, making use of the mandolin and banjo.
In fact the song, "Guilty Hearts" seems to take
on the tone of Ryan Adams but with Hest's deep vocals
on top, shining brightly to make the track worth listening
to. This is a bit of a different sound for Hest--less
hard rock and more of a softer tone, which is all the
more welcome for his truest fans. Onward, Ari!
Favorite
Tracks: Guilty Hearts, Sleep Tonight
Rating:
4.5 stars
02.01.06
At first listen, "Heard the World" made this
album sound like a downer. But by the second track, "Love
and Memories" it's clear to see why that track made
the radio and lifted the album further into more fans
arms. The band's signature sound continues through this
album, but I can't help but wonder if they rushed it.
There wasn't the same amount of umph as in previous works,
though "Lay Down" tried, but couldn't achieve
what past songs had done for the band. I feel like they
have one great hit per album, and then that's it.
Favorite Tracks: The Stranger, Love and Memories
Rating: 3 stars
01.06.06
Our N.J. buddies are back, this time with a sound more
refined, and a niche more define. They're one part Blink
182, another Third Eye Blind and another Green Day. A
pristine blend if you ask us, and this CD is a great opportunity
for this band to hit it big. Tracks like "Dear Urgency"
and "Can You Hear Me" feature stellar electric
guitar work and catchy lyrics and choruses that are more
alternative but still pop friendly. Then you go to the
lush, dreamy track "Paint Me Pictures" and you
also see that these guys have a soft spot with a track
slower and vocals that have been mixed to perfection.
Girls: Prepare to swoon for "Song for a Girl,"
a tender song with lead singer Steve Piperno's endearing
vocals that have a lot of heart. The songs are about romance,
growing up and remembering feelings and loved ones. Overall,
I'm amazed the album came out this good; I definitely
think these guys are well on their way to a growing audience.
And props: The band is donating all proceeds from "Prisoner
of War" to the National Military Family Association.
Hats off!
Favorite Tracks: Song for a Girl,
Dear Urgency
Rating: 5 stars
01.06.06
Can't wait for Pete Yorn or The Postal Service to put
out their next albums? This one will hold you over and
you'll enjoy the listen. Matthew Shaw has a voice that
expresses longing, and he's written lyrics that are honest
and straightforward. You'll probably enjoy "Deadlines
and Days Off" as much as I do; Shaw produced the
song (and the album) in his Seattle home studio. You'd
never know---the album is quality. A blend of electronica
sounds that is sure to delight and leave you wondering
why you just don't hear this great of music everyday on
the radio.
Favorite Tracks: Deadlines and Days
Off, Late Nights
Rating: 4.5 stars
01.06.06
The former singer with the U.K. band Catherine Wheel (I've
never heard of them either) has come out on his own with
this collection of rich, electric guitar-based tracks
that seem to soar in a light alternative rock menagerie
ala Duncan Sheik. The best song is what lured me to check
out the CD in the first place: "My Name is Love."
In it, he sings, "When everything inside/Ups and
changes allies/When everything else has died/My name is
love." The music is kinda "dreamy" and
lush in sound, with Dickinson's grainy vocals as a beautiful
focal point. Fun fact: This guy's cousin is Iron Maiden
singer Bruce Dickinson.
Favorite Tracks: My
Name is Love, Bad Beauty
Rating: 4 stars
01.06.06
Appropriately named, it's nice to hear an indie artist
who can question things. She does so in "Breaking
Point," a rhythmic tune that's simple in stature
with some overlapping vocals and a sound reminiscent of
Tristan Prettyman's SoCal tone. The rest of it combines
folk and a bit of jazz into an album that stands out because
its fresh and real. It'll be good to hear more from her;
with a little refinement, she will go even further.
Favorite Tracks: Halfway There, Hello Beautiful
Rating: 3.5 stars
12.21.05
It's so good to hear from Beth Orton again. Her sound
hasn't changed much, though there's a little more percussion
in this collection. But we still have the great simple
lyrics that make Orton an amazing songstress, and her
signature voice still conveys warmth and simplicity. "Conceived"
is a top track because of its soaring piano-based backdrop
while Orton sings, "Some of the time the future comes
round to haunt me/Some of the time the future comes round
just to see/That all is as it could be/Like it's there
to remind me/We've got to wait and see." The title
track is equally impressive, a somber menagerie about
being in the comfort of strangers and exploring having
love from people you don't know as opposed to being hurt.
Overall, bravo to Orton for continuing her style and keeping
it balanced. We didn't need a flashy album much different
from her previous works to veer us off her course.
Bonus Time: Orton put out a masterful bonus disc in a
limited edition. It's got an extra five tracks that are
lush, acoustic ramblings with a sound that is solely hers.
Definitely for the die-hard Orton fans, this bonus disc
is exquisite.
Favorite Tracks: Conceived,
Pieces of Sky
Rating: 5 stars
12.21.05
It's been a long time coming. That's what her first song
says, and appropriately so. Kristin Diable's released
EPs and assorted recordings, but it's this one that seems
to be the one that will get her on the map. We've been
following her career for a while now, and it's hard to
remember that this seductive songstress was once a long-haired
blonde who moved to New York City somewhat wide-eyed.
Her she is, singing her heart out with sounds so mature
that it's like listening to a different person. She somewhat
mimics the John Butler Trio's "Zebra" in "Black
Plague and Dynamite" but keeps this soft and comfortable,
an indelible, refined blend of acoustic rock, soul and
semi-country throughout the rest, especially in "I'm
a Woman." She is, alright. And we've enjoyed watching
her get here.
Favorite Tracks: Long Time Coming,
Circumstance
Rating: 5 stars
12.21.05
What a unique blend of stylings somewhere between Charlotte
Martin and Aimee Man. This chick has lungs that can pack
a punch and a sound but she somehow makes a semi-industrial
tone sound feminine. She sings about looking for "something
higher" and exploring spirituality in "Angel
for Tea." In "Boxed Butterfly" she sings
about being wrapped up and trapped in someone and being
left alone and fearing she has no one to "fly to."
Very creative and sounding like Jewel here. You really
have to listen to this album or check out her web site
to "get" her music---somehow she's mastered
such a unique sound that even I struggle to put it into
words.
Favorite Tracks: Boxed Butterfly, Dead
Gorgeous
Rating: 5 stars
12.21.05
You may not be hearing Coles Whalen on the radio any time
soon, but coffeehouse acts belong among the java-ridden
music diehards, anyway. This acoustic-based album features
sturdy arrangements as the backdrop to Coles' feminine,
gentle voice. She's got the quality of Late Tuesday or
Annie Bethancourt, and has a message with her music. Whether
singing about the pressures of being “perfect”
or reminiscing about a lost love, she conveys a beautiful
vulnerability, yet resounds with strength. It's good to
hear from a new folk artist that can stay away from a
country undertone while bringing forth a unique sound.
Favorite Tracks: Pretty Kids, Manhattan
Rating: 4 stars
12.05.05
Somewhere between Alexi Murdoch, Ryan Adams and Teitur
is a place for Griffin House. The melancholy singer-songwriter
has a wealth of lush arrangements in "Amsterdam"
with electric guitar, bass and keys ala Duncan Sheik.
Then it goes up-tempo ala U2. Definitely a bright track
with simple lyrics. The rest of the album is just as endearing
with the toe-tapping track "Ah Me," in which
House sings, "But I couldn't take the plane 'cause
I wanted to stay/I was hopin' we could work it out some
way/But she had enough/So I took the diamond ring to the
shop downtown/I left the ring in the glass, he left the
money laid down." Though the rest of the tracks are
mostly somber, they're beautiful and simple with pure
lyrics conveying House's honesty about relationships.
Favorite Tracks: Amsterdam, New Day
Rating:
5 stars
Reviewed by Kristen
Fischer
DiscoveringArtists.com
|
