Dan Wilson – Re-Covered (CD)
Dan Wilson is probably best known by most as the front man for Semisonic, and Trip Shakespeare before that. But, he’s been anything but taking it easy since Semisonic stopped recording and touring in 2001.
Category: Features
The Raspberries – Pop Art Live (CD)
England may have had Badfinger, but we had The Raspberries. Up there with Big Star and The Hollies in terms of their lasting influence and simply how tragically underrated each band ultimately was, in 2004, The Raspberries treated a hometown Cleveland audience to a remarkable reunion show to open the local House of Blues. The show, captured in this two-CD set from Omnivore, prompted a short tour the following year.
Silver Citizen “Why We Plunder”
Silver Citizen’s single “Why We Plunder” is sure to make waves in the rock genre. Their sound is reminiscent of earlier 90’s rockers such as Stone Temple Pilots or Rage Against The Machine , but that’s not to say they don’t have their own sound. The guitar riffs are edgy and fast, accompanied by deep thick bass, and resounding vocal ranges giving Silver Citizen a hard rock back bite with…
Jane’s Addiction – Alive at Twenty-Five (DVD/Blu Ray/CD)
A lot has happened in the 25 years since Jane’s Addiction last released their fantastic, one-time swan song Ritual De Lo Habitual: The band split up and got back together several times; Front man Perry Farrell invented the modern-day touring rock festival with Lollapalooza (an unfortunate side effect, we also had decades of marketing folks tacking the suffix -palooza onto any event in an attempt to make it hip) and…
Fogcutter Double IPA (Lost Coast Brewery)
Fogcutter is Lost Coast’s Double IPA, pouring with a dark yellow to brownish coloration. There is a fair amount of whitish head that leaves lacing as one continues to drink a glass. There is a sharp, piney initial flavor that opens up gradually. A hint of sweetness works with more floral and fruit elements, making for a double IPA that hits the hoppy and fruity sides of the style. While…
Silhouette Rising “Technicolor” and “Won’t Be Young Forever”
Silhouette Rising’s “Technicolor” is a tender track that provides a bit of tender Americana/folk into a Goo Goo Dolls sound. The focal point held by the vocals distinguishes Technicolor from other rock / alt-rock efforts. The deliberate sound of the band ensures that fans will stick with the single until the song’s final notes. Won’t Be Young Forever is our favorite from Silhouette Rising. The track brings a bit of…
Matt LeGrand “All Good”
Matt LeGrand’s “All Good” a perfect example of a single that one can keep on repeat. The catchiness of the vocals, the multiple-layered instrumentation, and a perfect production makes All Good into one of those efforts that you’re only fortunate to find every few years. There are bits of 2016/2017-era Justin BIeber and Shawn Mendez here, but part of LeGrand’s allure is the unique take that he has when compared…
Ivy Layne “One You Love”
Ivy Layne’s “One You Love” is a bouncy, hopeful dance track that blends more tropical sounds with a unique set of vocals. Ivy Layne is able to slot her latest single in with EDM and pop radio artists, while having a bit more thought but into her composition. The dynamic that is presented between the vocals and backing instrumentation pushes each to an entirely higher plateau. Furthermore, the depth of…
America 51: A Probe Into the Realities That Are Hiding Inside by Corey Taylor
In a sentence that should be a surprise to many, Corey Taylor – best known for his metal bands Slipknot and Stone Sour – is a published author. Let that one sink in for a moment.
Angelica Joni “Exhale”
Angelica Joni’s “Exhale” a fantastic effort that builds upon the dance style of the late 1990s and infuses it with current EDM sensibilities. The progressive house and trance that comprises the backing arrangements pushes Joni’s vocals to a whole new plateau. There is a good momentum that is propagated through the single which ensures that listeners will get out on the dance floor. Angelica Joni’s vocals on Exhale adopt hints…
DeCarlo “Lit Right Now”
DeCarlo’s “Lit Right Now” begins with a slow, sultry sound that is punctuated well with hints of a falsetto. The dynamic between the instrumentation and DeCarlo’s vocals makes for a track that will bury itself deep into the minds and hearts of fans. The sheer range that is achieved during Lit Right Now is no mean feat; this performer is able to make a unique sound that hits all of…
Ivan Keith ft. Dre Butterz “Get It Together”
“Get It Together” is a track that ties together a hard-hitting rap flow with an erudite, smart R&B-inspired hook. A piano line inexorably entwines these two elements. With nods to performers like Outkast, Big K.R.I.T., and Kendrick Lamar, the intricate and thoughtful rap style that dominates Get It Together is of a class all its own. The harder/softer approach first came to prominence with Tupac’s “Dear Mama”, but I feel…
justdoitBRISK “Flashin’”
justdoitBRISK’s “Flashin’” is a rapid-fire rap track that will have listeners on the edges of their seats. The backing beat provides just enough in the way of flash to highlight justdoitBRISK’s vocals at all of the right points. Bits of Young Thug and Jaden Smith can be picked up here, but Flashin is a track that is uniquely justdoitBRISK’s own. The production of the single is on point, with every drum beat…
Kemmyé “Forever”
Kemmyé’s “Forever” is a slower, more introspective R&B track that succeeds because of top-class vocals that do more than tell a story – they provide further depth to the instrumental side of things. There are a number of inclusions to Forever that push this track to a higher plateau; a clap-track here, a bit of backwards masking there, to make for a fully-formed effort. Kemmyé is able to shatter any conception…
DJ Polique “Dimes Only”
On Dimes On, the latest DJ Polique single, a sunny summer sound is bolstered through the inclusion of Snoop Dogg, Jacob Luttrell, and Follow Your Instinct. The track’s sweeping synths and reggae influence will tattoo the vocal hook deep into the minds of listeners.
Justina Valentine “Sunlight”
Justina Valentine’s “Sunlight” is a refreshing pop/rap track that brings back the synth-pop of the 1980s. Good wordplay keeps the momentum high before Justina tattoos her unique melodies deep into the hearts and minds of fans. The rising and falling action of Sunlight keeps listeners on the edges of their seats. The sparkling sound of the synths on Sunlight distinguish this effort from other songs on the radio. There is…
White Reaper – Judy French
White Reaper’s Judy French is one of the best songs we’ve heard this August. The track looks back to the power pop and indie rock of the late 1990s and early 2000s. A robust bass line, emotive guitars, and slightly-nasal vocals make for a tremendously taut cut. Particular kudos has to go to the fuzzy guitar solo that starts off the two-minute mark. Splashy drums build up the tempo after…
Tru Tipton – Type of Girl
Tru Tipton’s Type of Girl is a tremendously emotional track. The slow, intimate sound of Type of Girl brings a considerable gravity to R&B. The production of this single is immaculate, allowing both Tipton’s voice and the instrumentation ample to shine alone or when combined into a comprehensive sound. Tipton’s vocals are distinct while working perfectly alongside a piano and sweeping synthesizer. For fans of Ne-yo, Jason Derulo, and Trey…
The ORG – Assemble (The Body’s the Church)
The ORG begins their single Assemble with a flow that draws heavily on the 1990s NYC rap scene. The backing flow pulls deeply from soul and funk sounds to imbue Assemble with a timeless sound. The variation presented in the flows of each member of The ORG further increase the replay value of the track.
Alex Chilton – A Man Called Destruction (CD)
Throughout his solo career, Alex Chilton was in the unenvious position of having to compete with his work in Big Star. Despite only putting out a few albums, Big Star, even decades later, is one of the most influential power pop bands to ever come out of the U.S. and all three of their official studio albums are undeniable classics. So, anyone having to follow that track record was bound…