Month: March 2012

Posted on: March 7, 2012 Posted by: John B. Moore Comments: 0

Game of Thrones – The Complete First Season (DVD)

Who would have imagined that a drama set in a medieval fantasy world would have any appeal beyond the Lord of the Rings obsessive’s and those guys playing Magic in the back of the comic book store. Based on a series of fantasy novels by George R.R. Martin, the series, quite possible the best thing to come out of HBO in over a decade (and yes, I know about The…

Posted on: March 7, 2012 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Newcastle Winter Ale (Beer)

Newcastle’s unique flavor is something that has to be present in any seasonal effects from the brewery. This IPA variant is able to build off of this unique mantra and provide imbibers with an experience that is unparalleled. Newcastle has provided individuals with a blend of Super Styrian and Styrian Goldings hops. This has the effect of inserting a little bite to the subtle smoothness that exists. This is assertive…

Posted on: March 7, 2012 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Nine Nation Animation (DVD)

  There are a number of different animation traditions to be had I the world, and I believe that those living in the United States have largely been limited to a select few of these (domestic animation and Japanese anime, for example). New Yorker Films has picked a number of the strongest representations of these different animation styles, and has placed them in an easy to view format. While there…

Posted on: March 5, 2012 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

No Subtitles Necessary (DVD)

It is important to know humanity’s history, and although the Soviet Union has not been a force for nearly 20 years, the stories that individuals have about the former behemoth are legion. Laszlo (Kovacs) and Vilmos (Zsigmond) are able to provide their story, one that parallels that of countless other individuals under the Soviet regime. While the United States put forth its own propaganda as part of the Cold War,…

Posted on: March 5, 2012 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Mountain Fever Records Releases New CD From Sweet Potato Pie

Mountain Fever Records is proud to announce the release of Brand New Day, the latest CD from North Carolina-based Sweet Potato Pie.     Sweet Potato Pie has been entertaining audiences for over a decade with their classy blend of bluegrass, country and gospel music mixed together in a style called “sweetgrass”. Comprised of Sonya Stead on guitar; Chrystal Richardson on banjo; Katie Springer on fiddle; and Sandy Whitley on…

Posted on: March 4, 2012 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Act Thirt33n – Salute and Smile EP (CD)

Shine is an immediate introduction to the band, and it will be what keeps one listening in. This is due to the fact that the band is able to fully insert themselves into this track. This emotive rock contains high energy and smart musicianship. While the genre seemed to be on its last legs a few years back, Act Thirt33n may single-handedly promote its revival. One need only listen to…

Posted on: March 3, 2012 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Defending the Realm – The Battle of Britain (DVD)

I believe the most interesting thing about war is how different battles and events are construed by other cultures. While the Battle of Britain was an important battle no matter where one sat in World War II, I feel that it is much more important in the eyes of individuals that were directly impacted. This documentary does well in describing the importance of the battle to American viewers, while keeping…

Posted on: March 2, 2012 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Orly – Orly (CD)

My Oh My is a track that spreads out over a number of different genres. There are hints of country, Broadway musicals, and the up-front vocals will draw listeners’ attention. The eclectic opening to Orly leads into Boy On A Hill. This track is more introspective and pensive; the pre-grunge created by Neil Young has a referent in the overall tack the song takes. The harmony between the instrumentation and…

Posted on: March 2, 2012 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Matthias Sturm – Blood and Thunder (CD)

It is rare to hear such a narrative-heavy album. Hints of Donovan, Phil Ochs, and Simon & Garfunkel can all be heard in Blood and Thunder’s first track, Mister D. The instrumentation on the track has a similar gravity to it. Strum takes an interesting tack during this album; rather than having the instrumental arrangements continually red-line a listener’s speakers, there is a careful consideration for how each part fits…

Posted on: March 2, 2012 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

FlyPaper – FlyPaper (CD)

The guitar work is what will immediately bring listeners in to FlyPaper’s self-titled release. The titular track is the perfect introduction to the band, as this guitar is found alongside a rich and emotive set of vocals and utterly on point drum work. Taken together, what listeners will find is something unique, while still touching upon blues and rock. Is It Just Me slows things down, and allows FlyPaper to…