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12.05.05
It's hard to describe Courtney Jaye's genre. She's a female
singer-songwriter with a modernized soft-rock vibe, but
it's hard to draw a comparison. Is she one part Sheryl
Crow, another the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and another Mindy Smith?
One can't tell, but it's evident that she's got a refined
sound, powerful lyrics and a feminine voice to match.
Important to note is the array of big names that worked
with her to produce and write songs. Nina Gordon (Veruca
Salt) for one; I'm a huge Gordon fan and could see some
resemblances to Gordon's style here. Some songs are softer
("Mental") while others like "Can't Behave"
feature a fun up-tempo. "Traveling Light" has
a Norah Jones feel to it, while Jaye's voice stays soft
and lush as she sings, "All my life I'm traveling
light/Been living in a sky/I'll float I'll fade I'll carry
away/Till you pull me down and think of me sometimes."
It's also clear that Jaye's songs have layered meanings
and go beyond pop rhymes. Put this CD in your car stereo
for optimal listening--it's best to drive fast and tap
your toe on the gas pedal with tunes like this.
Favorite Tracks: Love Me, Mental
Rating: 5 stars
12.05.05
These guys are an ideal DiscoveringArtists.com choice.
They've played with artists we love, but more than that
-- they have a great sound. There's a little Bleu in here,
some Ryan Adams tossed in for good measure, and a vibe
that's rock 'n roll yet alternative rock that I just couldn't
put my finger on. Didn't matter. I kept listening to find
gems like "Hollywood," a dreary, bluesy track
that captured my attention. Then it was back to rock in
"Who Cares?" and "Aftermath," two
songs that show alternative pop sensibility yet keep that
indie, progressive rock feel. These guys blend melodic
tracks that can sometimes get a little rambunctious into
truly unique tracks that blend thought with style. But
it was "California" that touched me most, a
song about dreaming as Tim Warren sings, "California,
can you hear me now?Sing me a song that I can feel somehow/Cause
I don't need another reason to turn it up too loud/Can
you hear me now?"
Favorite Tracks: California, Hollywood
Rating: 4.5 stars
12.05.05
He's got all the musical trappings of Ryan Cabrera and
Pete Schmidt, so it's hard to tell sappy singer-songwriters
apart from each other. But Jonathan Clay has an alluring
quality about him. It's definitely his voice, a sort of
grainy sound that resonates with honest lyrics. Sure,
there are songs that rhyme sort of sickly in a predictable
way like "Reality," but tracks like "A
Little Time" that bring in some beat and smooth sensibility
never hurt. This seven-track album shows great possibility
for Clay, though it is typical of many male singer-songwriters
in the indie circuit. Still, it's worth mentioning because
though there are plenty of them, only a few stand out.
Favorite Tracks: After All, A Little Time
Rating: 4 stars
11.17.05
It's been a while since we've heard from Megan Slankard.
She's dropped "Band" from her name and re-emerged
with a softer, more feminine collection here. That could
be from her "What Not to Wear" appearance, when
she got a makeover. Record sales soared for her, but most
importantly, her image softened. That's true with these
songs as well, from the opening "My Hallelujah."
But the song still has an electronic edge, while Slankard's
voice stays soft as a petal, similar to Maren Ord's. "Sails"
has a folk sound to it ala Ani DiFranco, while her soft
image remains ala Late Tuesday. But don't think Slankard
isn't still a bad-ass girl. She mixes it up in "Riley,"
returning to her roots as we heard on her previous album,
leaving the listeners wanting more. Including me.
Favorite Tracks: Sails, You Love Like
Rating: 5 stars
11.17.05
This album is by far one of my favorites so far. Maia
Sharp has a fresh voice, and a sound so crisp to match.
"Red Dress" is the perfect album opener, about
beating out conformity and being different. The rest of
the album I enjoyed, including "Regular Jane"
in which she sings, "No one has ever looked to me
to save the world/And up to know I felt like just another
girl/but I could leap the tallest building or stop a speeding
train/If you love this Regular Jane." By the title
track, she blends in some jazz horns and goes more towards
an Ani DiFranco-esque spoken word. But it's clear Sharp
stands on her own, with soaring vocals that aren't necessarily
"pretty-sounding" but are more so "real
and down home." I think she should have titled the
album "Red Dress," more symbolic of the entire
album's ability not to conform and to stand on its own.
Favorite Tracks: Red Dress, Something Wild
Rating: 4.5 stars
11.17.05
In the vein of Alexi Murdoch, Josh Ritter and even Josh
Kelley, Scott Orr comes to the scene. His only problem
is that he only brought three songs, literally. I wanted
to hear more, especially after hearing the bluesy "The
Slightest View," which features female background
vocals. His style is tender and sweet, moving songs on
the country and folk border. And as Marc Broussard has
done, he gets soulful as well. In many ways I feel like
this guy could have done for "Dawson's Creek"
what Mary Beth Mariarz did with her many songs that were
in the show -- provide soothing, heartfelt songs -- but
from the male perspective. There is a full-length on the
way, and I'm looking forward to hearing it.
Favorite Tracks: The Slightest View, Next Year
or Next Week
Rating: 4.5 stars
11.17.05
It's hard to tell if Ryan Adams' style has changed from
his pop-culture debut song, "New York, New York."
Thinking back to gems like, "Harder Now That It's
Over," and then putting this CD into my player, I
see the change. I also see the maturity, which isn't a
bad thing. Because he's doing his own thing now, more
deeply entrenched in blues, and it works for him. "Hard
Way to Fall" is the perfect example of how Adams
has kept his songwriting skills intact. Actually, this
album is more so a continuation of his two-disc album,
"Cold Roses." That collection featured the seductive
track with the Chris Isaac sound, "Sweet Illusions,"
which was a stand-out song. It's not the "old"
Adams, but the one that's emerged is fully genuine, fully
comfortable in his own shoes. After all, we can always
pop in "Gold" for old-times sake.
Favorite Tracks: Hard Way to Fall, September
Rating: 4 stars
11.01.05
This guy just can't go wrong. He's back solo and doing better than ever with this toe-tapping folk rock release. It begins with "Crazy Love," featuring delicate piano keys as he mysteriously sings, "Come on crazy love / They say that you come in disguise from above / Now I feel you coming in close / If you think I'm crazy then come on." Douglass' voice is at its best here, multi-tonal, ranging up and down just about every note. "Goodbye" boasts an emotion-evoking acoustic sound, as he sings, "Don't worry yourself/Questions and doubts/Swing back and forth/You'll go where you want to go." It's kind of the overall message of this album, as Douglass says he went through a lot of soul-searching and parting ways during its making. "Better Tomorrow" ends the album on an upbeat note with compelling keys, and Douglass' signature songwriting that touches on emotions usually kept inward.
Favorite Tracks: Better Tomorrow, Crazy Love
Rating: 5 stars
11.01.05
I hate to say it, but I've always been honest with reviews so I won't stop now: This is a good band, but I don't get what all the hype is over. They pretty much sound like every Euro-laden group out there, except they are a little more reminiscent of New Order. This album continues in sound from the last, but has helped them get worldwide attention. "Summer Skin" starts off with some soft piano blending into a steady drum rhythm, while "Your Heart is an Empty Room" stood out to me for its soaring sound ala Coldplay. Lyrically, this album is very obscure, but the band has always been. Overall, I like their sound, but it doesn't do much for me meaning-wise. Pop it into a TV show or movie, however, because this would be great background music.
Favorite Tracks: Your Heart is an Empty Room, Someday You Will be Loved
Rating: 4 stars
11.01.05
It's probably ideal that Todd Martin has been touring
with Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers. Both have a similar
sound – dreamy acoustic rifts that sometimes tell
stories instead of presenting general emotion. This formula
works for Martin, and seems to continue with 12 more tracks.
But "Out to Sea" brings in some core feelings,
as he sings, "I've been carrying around this heart/I'm
thinking it's not meant to heal." The somber track
"Rescue" also tugs a heart string, if you can
cope with some harmonica interludes. Much of Martin's
music sounds the same, but that won't deter his growing
fan base from picking up this album.
Favorite Tracks: Out to Sea, Strong
Rating: 4 stars
11.01.05
This 11-track album shows potential for a singer-songwriter that seamlessly blends his emotions into smooth acoustic rock tracks. The only drawback--he seems vocally to try too hard. Still, the songs are worth a mention, including "Ghost of Past Years." The sound was intoxicating and haunting, but he's talking about hearing and smelling the ghost of past years. So, he's being haunted by his past, we can assume. I've gotta hand it to this guy, his harmonies and melodies start off predictable and walk off their own edge. Take the duet with Preeta Carlson, "The One." It's sound is so unique, though the lyrics a tad too predictable. Again, the album was worth mentioning because of its edge.
Favorite Tracks: Alone, Falling from Grace
Rating: 3 stars
10.20.05
Cary Brothers returns after his super-successes on the
"Garden State" movie soundtrack with five more
songs equally as stunning. His sound is still dreamy,
a mix of trip hop and acoustic rock. Joshua Radin sings
backup vocals on "Forget About You," the last
track and certainly the best. It features Brothers' multi-toned
vocals in a soft menagerie ala Nick Drake and Alexi Murdoch.
"Wasted One" is just as dreamy as he sings,
"This is the moment/This is the wasted one/I had
a feeling/Now I am left with none." Once again, Cary
Brothers has proved to be self-motivated in getting the
word out about his music, and created sounds that are
buzz-worthy.
Favorite Tracks: Ride, Forget About You
Rating: 5 stars
10.20.05
Matt Santry has arrived. With a collection of six songs,
he makes a sparkling debut EP that easily will get him
noticed. Why? Easy--this guy combines pop-alternative
jams with catchy hooks geared towards guys and gals. While
other songwriters are just playing on the ladies, Santry
appears to have appealed to both sexes and done so on
so many levels. "Liberty" takes us on a journey
of sorts, with the violin to ease us into Santry's emotions
as he sings, "I've never seen your face/All the pictures
I've been shown/All the stories people told/I can not
help but be so bold to question all I've heard."
It's definitely the kind of song that leaves you thinking,
and can be interpreted in dozens of ways. Adding to the
mix are "Like You Believed," which sounds a
little bit like Seal's "Crazy" at first listen,
with a trip-hop sort of beat, while "Divine Tragedy"
has electric guitar pieces interlaced with an urban beat.
Then comes "Prove Me Wrong" with its semi-jazz
intro and simple harmony. In all songs, Santry remains
introspective and edgy at the same time.
Favorite Tracks: Liberty, She Said No
Rating: 5 stars
10.20.05
How on earth have these girls done it? They've created
a unique sound, complete with a haunting backdrop, simple
lyrics and mysterious vocals. The entire album is as cozy
as a cool fall day cuddled up inside with tea and a blanket.
The album starts about strong with "Not About You
(The Lament)" which begins with a piano interlude
and continues on with Shelby Earl singing, "And there
was one thing/One thing I never could explain Letting
you go, letting you go/Remorse was one thing/One thing
I never could control/Letting you go, letting you go."
In "Keep This for Me," Earl sings, "Your
last kiss drew more from me/Than I meant to give/How easily
we take away everything we live." Combining the sounds
of Katie Trotta, Imogen Heap and Maren Ord with a bit
of an old-time sound in parts like Billie Holiday minus
the jazz, Earl and Katie Freeze are a hot duo that deserves
to get noticed.
Favorite Tracks: Keep This for Me, Waiting
Rating: 5 stars
10.20.05
There's a vulnerability in James Blunt's voice. It's so
wondrous that when it combines with his blatantly honest
lyrics, you can't help but feel that this is a songwriter
worth listening to. Worth relishing and taking into thought.
What makes his music most relatable, as evident in "Cry,"
is his ability to dissect emotions by asking questions
as he sings, "I have seen peace. I have seen pain/Resting
on the shoulders of your name/Do you see the truth through
all their lies/Do you see the world through troubled eyes?"
The songs are piano based, with nothing heavy in the background
because Blunt's voice belongs in the forefront. His track
"You're Beautiful" is getting rave reviews with
its already national stardom, and Blunt is sure to follow
with his Euro appeal.
Favorite Tracks: You're Beautiful, Goodbye My Lover
Rating: 4.5 stars
10.09.05
Lesley has the voice of an angel, literally. With intricate
tones and an almost operatic sound, she weaves that into
honest prose and delicate piano-driven tunes. Figures,
she does have a degree in classical music. She's not as
edgy as Tori Amos, but certainly delivers a little more
of a punch than Sarah McLachlan. In the first track, "This
Fire," she sings, "I will go into this fire/With
my head held high/And I won't look behind me/I won't wonder
why/I will do what I can." One can assume for a delicate
sound that this is a tough woman. She reveals her vulnerabilities
in "Holding On" as she bravely sings about being
mistaken and deceived. "Rather Be" has a trip-hop
remix sound, gentle vocals and a sound in the vein of
Imogen Heap. This is another album that pays homage to
the goddesses that come out of Canada. Pike remains at
the top of the list.
Favorite Tracks: Holding On, This Fire
Rating: 5 stars
10.09.05
She's the closest thing that I've heard similar to Beth
Neilsen Chapman in a while. So it's no wonder that these
simple folk strums are all that was needed to lure me.
Ilsabe has an intoxicating voice, though all the lyrics
aren't as catchy, they tell stories instead. Still, this
soft-spoken vocalist has a gift for the simplistic style,
and does so in the vein of Catie Curtis. It sometimes
got a little too countryish for my liking, but still an
interesting listen.
Favorite Track: All That's Left
Rating: 3.5 stars
09.27.05
He rocked us with his last EP, and this one surpasses
even that. Fabulous hooks musically and lyrically. He's
rhyming a lot more, especially in Holler Hermosa. But
by the time you hit "Six Miles," it's clear
to see that this boy has soul to him, and that's alluring.
As the album ventures on, he gets into the mode of a softer
singer-songwriter ala Stephen Kellogg with "The First
Place." Akiva's style is sort of all over on this
six-track EP, but that's representative of him, personally,
going from college scholar to coffeehouse sensation. Overall,
this album will propel his career even more, and is a
dazzling collection of tracks that take us from the sounds
of Marc Broussard, Jason Mraz and Dave Matthews in one
album.
Favorite Tracks: The First Place, Bandage on My
Brain
Rating: 4.5 stars
09.27.05
This is an eclectic mix of acoustic jazz, if there ever
were a genre. Gabriel James is a Minneapolis singer-songwriter
who brings a Midwest flavor to the crowded singer-songwriter
realm. I suppose you could call him a male Ani DiFranco,
with melodies that are somewhat random and vocals that
range up and down in a single verse. His songwriting depicts
attitude and edge, though. You won't get any sappy Mayeresque
tracks here, but it's refreshing. "You know I'd give
the world to you/If the world was mine/But you know the
rules," he sings in "In the Hands of Fools."
He's got the guitar antics of Ari Hest ala "Consistency"
here, and through many of the tracks. As the album goes
on, it only gets better as we slow down in "Maybe"
and a little rhythmic in "Pretend." Overall,
this was a refreshing listen.
Favorite Tracks: In the Hands of Fools, Maybe
Rating: 4 stars
09.27.05
With only four songs on this EP, it is a good sampling
of Steve Northeast's style. It's rigid rock with thoughtful
lyrics. And it revives the Pearl Jam sound, vocally and
in sound. Yes, there's a little bit of Hootie and the
Blowfish's Darius Rucker in Northeast's vocals. In "Open
Up Your Heart" the sound softens as he sings, "You've
got to believe/You've got to have faith/You've got to
give/When you want to take." The album reveals a
softer side as it progresses, and seems to get better
by "Everything to Me," which is the last track.
Overall, this was a good collection, though the sound
quality sounded a little muffled. He's got a fairly bright
future, but I don't think it will shine fully until his
next release.
Favorite Tracks: Land of the Living, Everything
to Me
Rating: 3.5 stars
09.27.05
Don't confuse these guys with a Hurricane Katrina charity
-- they're anything but. A rock 'n roll band with a lead
singer vocally reminiscent of the Crash Test Dummies lead
man, these four Nashville brothers keep the good tunes
all in the family. Songwriter and guitarist Steven Wolfe
leads the way throughout this collection of classic rock-sounding
tracks that manage to explore gentle emotions. The electric
guitar work is catchy, certainly standing out throughout
the album. It's kinda dingy alternative rock, too, when
Wolfe stretches his vocals to yelp a little. Still, a
decent listen if you're into Three Doors Down and similar
bands.
Favorite Tracks: Come Up, Forever 16
Rating: 3.5 stars
09.14.05
It's hard to ignore Mandi Perkins. She has a sexy but
eerie voice that bridges the gap between her sometimes-bluesy
pop rock. She's a meld of Plumb, Late Tuesday, and Leah
Morgan with more electronic guitar edge. And you can feel
a little Amy Lee ala Evanescence in here, too, as many
of the songs have a dark, alluring undertone. "Why"
was the best, as she sang, "You contemplated for
too long/I'm gone, I'm moving on/You can't keep doing
this to me." Her best music edge is when she's honest
and softer, as in "Broken Window Pane" when
she tells a story of two people going separate ways.
Favorite Tracks: Why, Broken Window Pane
Rating: 4 stars
09.14.05
Geoff Bock is a talented guy. Not only has he put out
an album that sounds different from the rest, but his
sound is amazing. It's somewhere between Moby, The Shins,
The Doves and Damien Rice. The words are meaningful; something
that is bound to up my ratings. Yet he doesn't just bellow
his heart out, he does it abstractly. The title track
has a little bit of an electronica sound to it, while
"Home by Now" has an upbeat sound that soars
as he sings, "If you lived here/You'd be home by
now." Isn't that from a movie? Who cares, this is
by far the most brilliant song on the album, which sounds
also like these guys somehow missed the boat on the "Garden
State" soundtrack.
Favorite Tracks: Home by Now, Absent Present
Rating: 4 stars
09.14.05
Steve St. Pierre's self-titled debut EP is set for release
on September 24th, 2005. The four songs that make up this
EP will have you tapping your foot and swaying with anticipation
of things to come from this Canadian singer-songwriter.
With his soft-spoken thoughtful lyrics that grab your
attention and folk-pop sound, I would liken St. Pierre
to that of a mellower version of Jason Mraz. Overall,
a decent debut from a country that keeps turning out amazing
singer-songwriters.
Favorite Tracks: Little Help, Dorothy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Erin Lynn Olsen
09.01.05
She's got a voice that crosses somewhere between Maren
Ord, Vanessa Carlton and Adrienne, that's why Michaelson
sits at the very top of our 'best discoveries' list. If
there's one song to listen to, it's "Morning Lullabies,"
a gentle piano track that rocks back and forth softly,
leaving a wide open space for Michaelson's voice to fill.
And boy, does it. Every tone shines, every note soars
as her simple voice resonates with a feminine touch. Her
sound is so intimate in, "A Bird's Song," while
her last track, "I'll See You in My Dreams"
features a country tone to it, an old-fashioned sound
that isn't a typical one I'd seek, but one that was nice
to hear. You really get the coffeehouse feel with this
one, and something about her voice really nudges at the
soul.
Favorite Tracks: Around You, Morning Lullabies
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Kristen
Fischer
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