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10.27.04
Produced in their own live studio, this album has a professional
sound in the vein of Moby. It's a great backdrop for writing
or chillling out, because of its loose vibe. Great industrial
sounds and rhythms that echo the group Delirium with the
vibe of Frou Frou. Vocally the lyrics are simple but complex
in meaning and some highly emotional. In the upbeat pop-new
wave gem, "Shine", Van Christie and Jim Marcus
sing, "How do I even learn to listen/To hear the
sound of you/How do I begin to imagine/A day outside of
you". Not our usual style, since there are many non-acoustic
sort of studio sounds going on, but the album contains
a rich blend of industrial pop with dreamy vocals overlaying
it.
Favorite Tracks: Shine, Curious
Rating: 3.5 stars
10.27.04
With the twists of a dark alternative rock band but the
vocals of a singer-songwriter, Matt Boroff comes across
well in this album. Some songs have a finger-picked entry
("Everything is Breaking Down") while others
("Tightrope") go a little heavier. Simple lyrics
here, perfect for those who like the Kurt Cobain sound.
The lyrics didn't do much to lure me in, but the sound
was nice.
Favorite Tracks: You Don't Need It, Take It Down
Rating: 3.5 stars
10.21.04
Her father would be proud. Visit the site and listen to
some of her famous 60s hits ("These Boots")
and be amazed because she's getting great reviews for
this jazz album. She's got the stylings of Norah Jones,
but the age of a generation that invented good jazz, not
to mention the blood. But it's not all daddy's jazz —
she's got some of that Pretenders rock stuff going on,
too. Proving she's not to old to get down with today's
younger rock scene, she's done a good job of creating
this well-versed album.
Favorite Tracks: Let me Kiss You, Two Shots of
Happy One Shot of Sad
Rating: 4 stars
10.21.04
I was falling asleep to the radio one night when I heard
her song, "Somebody", so I had to request this
album. Glad I did—it's a blend of girl pop with
some serious acoustic mastering. I won't lie — some
of it is not my style...a little to pop princess for me.
But gems such as "Honey" and "Marble Steps"
resonate swiftly with me because they're meaningful, acoustic-based
tracks. She even goes a little bluesy in "Green Grass",
which was a good contrast. These songs are crafted with
such beautiful, flowing honestly. In "Someday"
she sings, "I take a walk/The streets are busy tonight/And
I am searching for you/Watiing to brush your shoulder."
She's sort of Maren Ord with a twist of Toby Lightman.
Favorite Tracks: Someday, A Voice that Carries
Rating: 4 stars
10.21.04
In the vein of Mary Beth Mariarz and the rest of the Dawson's
Creek artists, Annie Keating fits in. This is meaningful
acoustic rock, slow good stuff that is simple in sound
but never in context. She tells stories through her songwriting
and honestly describes feelings with that uplifting Catie
Curtis or Lucinda Williams sort of sound. This is mature
music, suitable for those who aren't about studio-ridden
tracks, and prefer music that reflects simplicity and
a beautiful discord. Don't buy this album if you hate
banjos. There are some bluegrassy undertones here that
give this album the alternative country sort of edge.
Favorite Tracks: Riverboat, The Bearer
Rating: 3.5 stars
10.17.04
Honest, beautiful acoustic rock from another Texan, this
album features band members from Vertical Horizon, Jackopierce
and Thicke and was produced by the ever-talented Cary
Pierce. Imagine all your favorite acoustic rockers in
one — that's the essence of Williams, but he has
this mature edge that really appeals to the masses (okay,
at least me). This is thoughtful music arranged in an
alluring way, with melodies that vary in perfect proportions.
In "How Does it Feel", he sings, "In between
and broken down/From down here is so profound/I'd rather
kneel than get knocked down/Spirit's sending the sound."
"South of Me" has this murmur sort of baseline
and these valuable, brutally honest lyrics that really
dug deep. Amazingly harmonic, these songs will really
resonate, especially with fans of Counting Crows.
Favorite Tracks: Shoreline, South of Me
Rating: 4.5 stars
10.17.04
A great alternative rock band with a promising future.
They just have that easy sound that has radio written
all over it, with the sensibilities of an indie rock band.
"Minneapolis" is a song about a place I've never
been, but I'm still lured because of this amazing song
they sing, complete with a Guns n Roses sort of guitar
interlude. If you like Buddahead, Blink 182 or Graham
Colton Band, definitely pick up this EP. This is the sort
of band that you're amazed hasn't made it big yet. Give
it time.
Favorite Tracks: Minneapolis, Bonfire in the Sky
Rating: 4 stars
10.17.04
Yah! It's like The Donnas meets Liz Phair. A fun mix of
female-led tunes from chicks who know how to rock out.
A great fun rock-n-roll sound with a bit of a surf feel.
You won't find any depressing tracks here, just good old
tunes that make for an upbeat mood. They have a wonderful
professional sound, but it's not my preferred style of
music. Still, a good CD if you like that upbeat girl rock
with some boy back-up vocals.
Favorite Tracks: The Things That You Say You Do
Rating: 3.5 stars
10.17.04
Dreamy and obscure, this collection is Sheikesque, which
is what makes it a good listen. Elliot Smith fans won't
be disappointed, because this lush 5-track EP resonates
emotion with a dark undertone. A rainy day CD, this album
is one part Joseph Arthur and another Teitur meets Brian
Wilson and Chicago, with an adult spin placed upon it
that appeals to those rich in thought. The final track,
"I Want You to Know" is a sweet, enchanting
piano-based lullaby that almost bumped this album u to
4 stars.
Favorite Tracks: I Want You to Know, Tina
Rating: 3.5 stars
10.14.04
With a steady acoustic rock feel and a rhythm that seems
to enter your soul, these two New Yorkers have created
a 6-track album that contains songs that sound like a
mountainside drive on a sunny Saturday afternoon. With
cadenced guitar strumming backed up by smooth beat and
a layering of the duos' voices, "Jackie Louise"
is a soft toe-tapping Beatlesque crowd favorite, while
the melodies in "She's the One" are rich with
a coffeehouse sense that exudes a heartfelt feel. Vocally,
you can hear a lot of Barenaked Ladies going on, while
there's a strong sense of Jude underlying. A good acoustic
rock listen.
Favorite Tracks: Jackie Louise, Find Your Strength
Rating: 3.5 stars
10.04.04
With a mysterious, semi-sultry vibe, this New York native
sounds reminiscent of Lisa Loeb, Leah Morgan, Delirium
or Frou Frou. It's evident that this collection is rich
with talent — her band members have played with
Liz Phair, Macy Gray and Rufus Wainwright. Susannah Blinkoff,
the female vixen with the sweet, sexy voice leads the
way throughout the album that contains an industrial,
jazzy sound. A vivid songwriter, Blinkoff sings in "Talkin'
to Myself", "You're beautiful when you're broken/When
you don't know what to do/I still love you/There's a courage/In
your hopelessness/And there's radiance deep inside the
mess." This is a great album, full of that Tristan
Prettyman vibe...low-key and chill with enough meaning
in the song lyrics to hold intellectual interest.
Favorite Tracks: Fingers Crossed, Happy Today
Rating: 4 stars
10.04.04
Okay, so I'm not a fan of this Green Day/Blink 182 sort
of take over, but this band combines some fun guitars
with the quintessential whiney-yet-cool voice…and
some kickin' back-up vocals that swoon. The music has
been described as everything from a rock and roll Nirvana
to Cheap Trick. You've got some great guitar work that
compliments the harmonies, and lyrics that are both fun
and meaningful. The album sounds so professional and ready
to attack mainstream radio-- and it's nice to hear from
this SoCal band.
Favorite Tracks: New York Minute, Kill Your Radio
Rating: 4 stars
10.04.04
This quartet has the charm of Dave Matthews and Fooling
April with the gritty vocals of Averi and Alex Woodard.
The are somewhat simple in stature, but it's his voice
and the energy captured on this CD that make it stand
out. If you like that jammish thing with an eclectic Ben
Folds sort of key thing happening, you'll probably enjoy
this CD.
Favorite Tracks: Fear, Farewell Song
Rating: 3.5 stars
09.27.04
This is the kind of artist that exudes what our website
is all about. He has heart and writes powerful songs.
A home studio project that promises potential, Romney
tugs at the heart with these simple acoustic tracks. "I
Don't Know Me" is simple in its composition, but
the lyrics are compelling as he sings, "So don't
ask me to explain/As I start to leave/I don't know the
back of my hand/I keep looking at these scars you've made
in my heart/So don't ask me to explain/I'm not turning
around/I don't know you and I don't know me anymore."
He seems to try a little too hard vocally, but a second
album should refine his sound. When I heard that he's
played with Cary Judd, I was even more intrigued. That
must have made for some amazing live sets, though what
he's got going on with this collection is equally impressive.
Potential surrounds this hearty singer songwriter, and
this mellow listen was a treat.
Favorite Tracks: I Don't Know Me, After All
Rating: 4 stars
09.24.04
I hope Edwin McCain is nice to Marc Broussard if they
haven't already met. Broussard is on his way to overtaking
the soulful, heartfelt acoustic rock scene and he's either
going to outshine McCain (is that possible? maybe...)
or add more notariety to the musical genre. Make sure
to listen to the secret song, a brilliant, heartwrenching
acoustic track in which Broussard sings, "I wish
you wisdom, I wish you years/I wish you armies to conquer
all your fears/I wish you courage, for all that life demands/I
wish I could be there, but I can't." The song has
the message of a father leaving or passing away, leaving
a goodbye note to a child. Gripping, to say the least.
"Where You Are" is the first single, a poppy
acoustic track featuring Broussards gritty, soulful vocals.
A masterful CD of rich melodies, enticing vocals and sweet
lyrics.
Favorite Tracks: Where You Are, The Wanderer
Rating: 5 stars
09.24.04
Drawing strong comparisons to Creed and Staind, Jason
Permo crafts songs of simple stature that leave lasting
impression. His vocals are rich and deep, yet they exude
the emotions in his songs. In Stay Away", Perno sings,
"If you could see what I see, under the clouds what
the spider weaves/And if this web can be spun in a storm,
imagine how strong it could be in the sun/Stay away/It's
so much easier to stay away from you." I think this
guy is one to watch. Although I'm not into the alternative
grunge rock thing, he's good at it.
Favorite Tracks: Stay Away, Sometimes I Wonder
Rating: 4 stars
09.24.04
All of those grieving Elliot Smith fans can rejoice —
Itai Faierman has created a lush, dreamy meld of acoustics
and San Diego-inspired rhythms to please. Simple yet meaningful
lyrics add to this raw spectacle of Buckley-inspired tunes.
In "When You Wake", he sings, "When you
wake/I will be there to tend your needs/And your burns/I
will leave them lovingly." It's rare we hear music
this distinct; soak it up over the course of a romantic
evening or a solo chill day.
Favorite Tracks: When You Wake, Part of the Ocean
Rating: 4 stars
09.17.04
It seems that this band effortlessly crosses musical genre
boundaries of classic and modern rock, blended alternative
style, and takes your mind on a bit of a mystical voyage
– all while providing thoughtful lyrics. They're
a little Moby, a little Duncan Sheik and a smidge of Coldplay
in this depth-focused album – but they're so much
more at the same time. You can even sense a Pink Floyd
vibe in this album, which sends off a Radiohead signal
too. Lyrically, the album contains a simple stature with
audible delights of instrumental tracks as well.
Favorite Tracks: Born, Fake
Rating: 4 stars
09.17.04
Just when you thought smart folk-pop was dead, here comes
Mara Levi with her folkster sounds and powerful messages.
She's one part Indigo Girls, another part Aimee Mann,
and a smidge of Leah Morgan. Her voice can go from plain
to soprano, as her earthy guitar rambles on ala folk fingerpicking.
In "Take the Blame" she sings, "I will
take the blame/ and I will let you have your way/But it
should still suffice to say/that it was yours as much
as mine, and in the end it's not a sign/it's just a light
along the way." Her lyrics are more poetic than anything
else, and she is a songwriter who can craft a poised tune.
Some voice layering adds to the acoustic touch. She's
goign to be a staple in the folk scene.
Favorite Tracks: Take the Blame, Better Days
Rating: 4 stars
09.17.04
Leslie Clemmons sounds vocally like Jessica Simpson with
an adult rock edge. Her voice is feminine and her sound
crosses the boundaries of pop and seems to venture into
a modern jazz. Sultry and heartfelt, her voice glistens.
I didn't like her first song "Duplicity"; it
wasn't definitive of her sound, which is more of an edgy
soft rock. But by "Stop the World", the second
track, I felt a strong Emm Gryner/Deb Ferarra/Jem (not
the cartoon!) connection as her voice sweetly lifted.
A cover of Carole King's "So Far Away" completes
this feminine album, and she sings it with style and class.
Favorite Tracks: So Far Away, Interpret the Sky
Rating: 3.5 stars
09.13.04
She can rock out on her acoustic or twinkle her fingers
into those rolling folk rumbles we all adore – whatever
she does, she should keep on doing it because this album
is acoustic rock magic. Splashed with the thought-provoking
lyrics that exude femininity and edge, catchy rhthms and
a pure voice, Gretchen Witt has captured my attention.
She's got the flair of Mindy Smith and Alison Krauss mixed
with a little Catie Curtis and Jewel. "Smiling for
Me" has some quaint piano mixed in with a dainty
side, while she heats up with some acoustic rock riffs
in "Criminal". Her jazzy track "Over and
Done" left me bewildered because of the deep bass
sounds and blues vibe. Is there anything this woman can't
do musically? I doubt it.
Favorite Tracks: Criminal, So Called Bliss
Rating: 4.5 stars
09.13.04
For a truly unique sound, check out Tegan and Sara. These
two Canadian sisters just released this, their second
album. Chock full of poppy industrial punk acoustics (they're
that diverse), the album offers deep lyrics in a whimsical
wrapping. They're the kind of duo that sounds indie. And
a few songs also sound a little 80s, which fits our times
perfectly since that punk-pop is coming back. "Wake
Up Exhausted" features simple-styled lyrics about
disagreements, while "I Can't Take It" is a
slower song with more of an electric guitar vibe and lyrics
with more depth. "Walking With a Ghost" opens
up with some catchy acoustic riffs and the sisters singing
distinctly in front of spaced out guitar riffs. The song
comes together well, sort of a modern-day female David
Bowie kick. They may never see mainstream radio because
of their truly unique sound, but they're definitely worth
checking out if you like something a little off base from
time to time.
Favorite Tracks: Walking With a Ghost, I Won't
Be Left
Rating: 4 stars
09.13.04
Combining the folk tone of Leonard Cohen with the whimsical
keys of Fooling April, Pete Muller explores many facets
of life in this album. "Almost" resonates with
urgency and rambling piano notes as he sings, "Don't
want to stay but somehow you can't leave/Passion calls
gently you often ignore/Stuck inside something that's
no longer yours/I almost made my escape." This is
the kind of album that gets better as it goes, because
by the time you hit "The Ghost or the Fear",
you're mystified and taken into a Toriesque sort of industrial
sound. The title track is crisp with vocals ala Josh Ritter.
If you don't dig abstract folk, you won't like this -
but it was too original not to give a mention.
Favorite Tracks: Iceberg, Til it's Time to Leave
Rating: 3.5 stars
09.09.04
Inspired by Matt Nathanson and Angie Aparo, Todd Martin
has managed to incorporate facets of their musicianship
into his own sound. Emotionally-apt lyrics combined with
simple yet compelling acoustics make this CD a great choice
for a thoughtful yet chill listen. He's the closest thing
to Nathanson that I've found, and embellishes on Nathanson's
earlier, raw sound. "October" shouldn't have
gone first on this album because it doesn't display Martin's
best vocals, so skip the track and you'll probably enjoy
the rest. In "My Most Myself" he sings, "I'm
my most myself around you/I love you better still/Can't
see myself with no one else/Don't think I ever will."
His lush acoustics drew me in from the first track and
resulted in my adoration of this album. Martin has refined
his gritty, heartfelt vocals and maintained a professional
acoustic studio sound. For those who enjoyed his first
album, Visions, be sure to check out Live from My Hometown,
which features more of Martin's acoustic sounds in their
natural settings.
Favorite Tracks: My Most Myself, Down the Charts
Rating: 4 stars
09.09.04
With a hearty alternative and acoustic rock sound, Chris
Graham steps out with this poignant album. He has the
spiritual vibe we love in Switchfoot and Mark Philpot,
and manages to rock out like the rest of the mainstreamers
we like. Vocally similar to Josh Kelley, Graham blends
soft acoustic rock tunes with his harder edge. In "All
Split Up" Graham sings, "Well I wanted you to
be there in the morning/But instead you left without warning/Now
it’s time to face the day." Chock full of deep
meanings, Graham retains the ability to rock and turn
up rhythm - and he rocks for it.
Favorite Tracks: All Split Up, Every Day Has an
End
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Kristen
Fischer
DiscoveringArtists.com
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