Archive for the 'Folk Rock' Category

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Album – Tenebrae – Mike Mangione

Posted by admin on 25th September 2007

A real folksy, soul sound, with just a hint of the blues, is probably how I’d best describe this offering from Milwaukee based Mike Mangione. The opening track “Waiting for No One”, has that kick back and relaxed style, very reminiscent of the Commodores, “Easy”, which is a great way to open an album and certainly made my ears prick up, when I first heard it. “It’s Me Not You” develops things further, introducing a delicate balance of strings, which I think are either cello or fiddle, or perhaps both. Laid over the music, is a voice of earthy charm, with a hint of bluesy roughness, think a more Joe Cocker than BB King, but not quite so harsh.

The more I listened to the album, the more I kept coming back to the track “The Killing Floor”. At a tad over 6 minutes, it’s one of 3 lengthy tracks on the album, but it really engages and is probably the quickest 6 minutes you are going to encounter in a while. Many times, especially recently I’ve mentioned albums, that lack that killer track, but here it’s almost the total opposite. Every track has Mike’s hallmark firmly placed on them, but they all have that certain something, and more exciting, that something is different on nearly every track.

“You Don’t Wanna Leave” has a sound that conjours memories of Dire Straits in the 80’s, more album track, than single, but that’s not to say it doesn’t hold up as a great song. After all, I tend to find, many of a bands best songs tend to be album only tracks, as opposed to singles.

Picking killer tracks, proved relatively easy for this album. The opener, “Waiting for No One” is definitely up there and also “Great Divide” and “A Requiem For The Trash: Damnatio Memoriae”.

As the album reaches the end with “Mama, Be Not Afraid”, I can’t help feeling that there’s rockier side of Mike, waiting to be unleashed. I can just imagine his vocals, blasting with some wailing electric guitar. Don’t get me wrong, I love this album, but would love to maybe hear something else with a bit of a kick.

Conclusion : A phenomenally great album, from an artist I’m sure is going to go far.

Posted in Acoustic, Folk Rock, Soul | No Comments »

Album – The Flame You Follow – Jason Spooner

Posted by admin on 16th August 2007

I first heard this album while wearing my review headphones. Those are the big bulky kind, that used to be popular in the 70’s. Whilst they’re no match for the epic 70’s proportions, they do have a deep rich sound and compliment this album very well. The album opens with “Black and Blue”, and I was immediately struck by Jason’s voice. I have to be honest, male vocalist, don’t have the same kind of impact on me, that their their female counterparts do, but there’s something about Jason’s voice that really held my interest.

Musically the album has a very Paul Simon feel to it. Vocally it’s a lot richer, but there’s no mistaking, the musical genius that lies beneath. “All That We Know”, has a very bluesy/rock feel to it. Most of this comes from the double bass that drives the beat along and man does it get my toes going. “Spaceship” for me is a truly magical track and probably the highlight of the album. It’s while listening to this track, that I really became aware of how good the production of this album is. Everything about it is well balanced and you can’t help but feel that a lot of hard work has gone into it.

The title track on the album, while a good track, doesn’t have the fire in it’s belly that I expect a title track to have. Not that it has to be fast paced, or in your face, but I always expect it to be a track that should showcase the album. This seems to be something that’s happened quite a bit lately, especially on the albums I’ve reviewed.

The album rounds off with “Hover”, a wonderfully laid back, that serves as almost a lullaby, putting the album to bed. Fantastic. Another unsolicited gem, that was thankful thrust under my nose by my old friend Jeffrey at Crash Avenue. Cheers mate.

Conclusion : This is one of those albums, that I’ve played to death, since I got it in. Pure gold.

Posted in Acoustic, Folk, Folk Rock | No Comments »

Album – Stay Awhile – Paula Toledo

Posted by admin on 11th March 2007

When I find a female vocalist I like, one of 3 things usually happens. I wallow in the mood that’s set; I appreciate the vocal imagery; or I just totally get seduced by the vocals. Those of course are my primary reaction options, but of course they are usually backed up by one of many secondary reactions. So three guesses where Paula falls in that primary reactions. Yes, seduction it is, but this is by no means a syrupy, sickly sweet collections of songs. There’s certainly a number of harder edge songs, but even then Paula’s voice shines through. It’s not just her tone, it’s also her phrasing and annunciation, which is just great.

The album opens with “Pride”, one of the rockier numbers, which reminds me of a combination of Sixpence None The Richer and the Cardigans. It also has an almost Euro feel to it. “Joan” is a slower number, which with it’s mellow guitar, allows Paula’s voice to really shine. It reminds me a bit of Martika’s “Love Thy Will Be Done”, especially in the vocal harmonies. “If You Leave Me in a Hurry” and “Passport” are wonderfully mellow tracks, that again showcase Paula’s voice. Don’t get me wrong, the music is a perfect compliment, but it’s really hard to compete with a voice like this.

That’s not to say this album is without it’s flaws. “Tell me a Lie” is a faster paced track, which does little for me. As with many tracks on great albums, it’s not that’s it’s a particularly bad track, it just seems somewhat misplaced. I’m also not overly enamoured with the title track, but that seems to be a running theme with many of the albums I’ve been reviewing lately, so could just be me.

The album winds down nicely with “Fly Away” which is probably my personal favorite on the album. “Left to Stain” has some interesting vocal qualities that remind me very much of a modern day Mary Hopkins. The final track “Atmosphere” is one of those tracks that you feel is going to end like a cliff hanger, but instead it elegantly winds down.

Conclusion : A wonderful, well rounded album, from an outstanding female vocalist, who I am looking forward to hearing more from.

Posted in Acoustic, Folk Rock, Pop | No Comments »

Album – So Much More – Brett Dennen

Posted by admin on 2nd March 2007

Phenomenal is probably the most apt word that springs to mind, when I think of this album. From the opening few seconds, I knew this was going to be something quite special. There was also a little surprise for me, bit more of that in a bit.

I harp on, again and again about distinct vocals that engage and this was certainly the case with Brett. I read in a few places, that some people think his vocals have a very female sound, I disagree. Whilst his voice does have a certain softness to it, there’s also a real funky, almost reggae feel and that’s not just in the vocals, it’s also in the music itself, which balances on a line between Paul Simon and Bob Marley sung by Marc Bolan. Yes quite a combination, but it works oh, so well.

“Ain’t No Reason” opens the album and wow, the whole combination is just so mesmerizing. Lyrically there are many similarities to Bob Dylan in this and many of the other tracks on the CD. It’s not necessarily the content, but more in the phrasing and the rhythmic flow. “There Is So Much More” follows strongly and I can just sense while I’m typing this, that I’m coming across somewhat over enthusiastic, but I can’t help but get excited. Sometimes reviewing music is like watching the blazing trail of gunpowder and then finally you get the explosion, the 4th of July and Bonfire Night all rolled into one, musically speaking of course and this CD is that explosion.

“Darlin’ Do Not Fear” is where the Paul Simon influences surface and you get a fusion of calypso and that voice. Similarly “She’s Mine” shouts out like a homage to Bob Dylan. In fact it reminds me very strongly of the track “I Want You” I think it is.

And now we get to the surprise. Have you ever watched a TV commercial and heard a piece of music and thought “Wow that amazing”, only to forget it again? I did that when I saw an ad for Hilton Hotels. Imagine my surprise when listening to this album for the first time and the track “The One Who Loves You the Most” came on. Yes this track is the one used on the TV ad and here it was in all it’s glory. I can’t tell you enough how much I love that track. It’s an absolute sheer classic, killer of a track. Definitely my favorite track on the album.

Every song on this CD screams class. Every time I play it, I get that smug feeling of contentedness. An album well found.

Conclusion : Another member of the 9.5 club and deservedly so. With a swagger and confidence, this is a killer album and a must have in your collection. If Brett doesn’t explode all over the media, both old and new, I’d be extremely surprised.

Posted in Folk Rock, Pop | No Comments »

Album – This Place – Chris Ayer

Posted by admin on 1st March 2007

There’s no point beating around the bush. I hate Chris Ayer and I hate this CD. It’s everything I always wished I could achieve and more. This album has that controlled frantic pace, that almost feels like an album exploding from someones soul. “We are the Birds” with it’s wonderful guitar intro, really opens proceedings with a pow, but the lyrics really didn’t do too much for me. “Confidant” on the other hand, had the balance perfectly weighted. With regard to lyrics, I want to just mention what a great idea it is to have the lyrics for songs on the CD sleeve. I’m of the old guard, who used to voraciously buy old vinyl LPs and sit reading the lyrics, as I listened to my new purchases. This is something that fell by the wayside for while, but seems too be making a welcome comeback.

“Get Lost” is one of those tracks that you literally get yourself lost in. It also has a wonderful synth layer almost hidden and is probably one of my favorite tracks on the album. I was trying to think of an artist that this album reminds me of and I keep thinking of Paul Carrack, former keyboardist with Squeeze. The comparison is more musical than vocal, as Chris has a much smoother and lets face it, youthful voice. “Over and Over” sticks out as a bit of an odd track. It’s almost sophomore boy band, but interesting nonetheless.

My other favorite track has to be “Evaporate”. Just a sheer knockout, in both it’s musical simplicity and it’s lyrics. This is one of those tracks that you can’t help but play over and over again. The album wraps things up with “The Story”, which is unusual, as I’m usually a fan of the slower songs rounding things off, but here it just seems to fit very well.

Conclusion : A wonderful album, with some sparks of sheer creative bliss.

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Album – Footprint – Robin Tymm

Posted by admin on 27th February 2007

Sometimes I discover an artist, usually from hearing a single track and think, “Hey that’s neat”, request an album and enjoy it enough to review. Sometimes however, I find the album that’s presented to me, totally blows me away. This was the case with Robin Tymm. This is a guy that writes wonderful melodies, but has lyrics that really speak to me. I had a tortured love life until finding the one, and by listening to some of Robin’s tracks, I get the feeling it’s not all been plain sailing for him either. From his mySpace page as well, you get that feeling that he’s maybe lacking a little in confidence in the music he writes.

I’ll be honest, there is nothing musically astounding about this album. The music is well arranged and well played. The vocals are distinctive, but not faultless, but it’s the lyrics and the sincere delivery that just speaks volumes. It also speaks to me on a personal level. Nothing morbid or depressing, but just a knowing nudge from my past.

The albums opens with “Unrequited”, which sort of caught me off guard until the vocals began, with an unexpected drum track. It has a wonderful melody, which I can just imagine being used in some kind of Bridget Jones / Four Weddings and a Funeral kind of film. “Wrong Turn”, has a very Michael Stipe of REM, vocal feel to it and some great strings, lying subtly underneath. “Tears on the Table”, has a familiar feel to it and it took me a while to think of the artist it reminds me of and I sincerely hope Robin doesn’t take this as an insult, but it reminds me of Jimmy Nail. Yes, Oz from the British Comedy, Auf Wiedersehen Pet! He also sings and had several albums, which were surprisingly good. Anyway this has some of those qualities. “Human Nature” is a very simple song, with a basic arrangement, but it works very well.

“Little Pieces” for me is the track on the album that just shines. It’s a funny thing to say, when a track is so sad, but it’s just an absolute gem. I have to admit, I don’t read lyrics as much as I would like, Many times I don’t have the time, but all too often they do not get printed on the CD sleeve anymore. It was whilst reading the CD sleeve that I started glancing the lyrics and just got to “Little Pieces” as the song was playing on the CD. It’s hard to explain, but when I got to the chorus, my stomach sank and I had those old pangs of growing up, finding and losing love. Silly I know, but it really excites me, when a CD can evoke such powerful memories.

There’s a very strong Michael Stipe flavor on the album, but it’s softened with a dash of James Blunt. The remaining songs on the album are every bit as strong as the earlier songs and results in an an amazing album. I have to give a special mention to the final track, “The Best I Can Do”, which has has it’s tongue firmly in it’s cheek.

Conclusion : Just a wonderful, beautiful, sincere and honest album, that has become one of my firm favorites and one I find myself playing again and again.

Posted in Acoustic, Folk Rock, Rock | 1 Comment »

EP – You Are My Sister – Antony and the Johnsons

Posted by admin on 26th February 2007

Although I’d never heard an Antony and the Johnsons (AJ) track before, I was aware of them, having seen an article about them in Magnet magazine. I did actually approach the band, but didn’t hear back from them and thought no more, until I received the latest EP in the post, from their record company.

So here we go. I popped the CD in the player, but nothing could prepare me for one of the most radically distinctive voices, I’ve heard in a while. I have to admit, when I first heard the opening and title track, my knee jerk reaction was to say “Bloody Hell!”, I was basically stunned. The nearest comparison I could make at the time, was of a kind of mixture of Nina Simone and a kind of 1920 negro vibe. Yeah, not the best description, but it’s the best I could think of at the time. It was only listening to the title track a few times, that I noticed on the CD case that Boy George was a guest artist. As soon as I read this, I listened again, and yes, sure enough there he was. Sometimes it’s very difficult hear the wood for the tree, or is it clefs for the keys? The more I listened to this track, the more moving it became. And now anytime I listen to the track it gives me goose bumps.

With another 3 tracks on the EP, this is great value for money. The tracks are not just fillers, they all have merit of their own, which is always a pleasant surprise on an EP. “Poorest Ear” continues the style of singing and is just a wonder to behold. Rounding off with “Paddy’s Gone”, this is a deviation from the norm on the EP, but is a welcome change of direction and rounds the EP off nicely.

Conclusion : Simply stunning. Go forth an purchase forthwith! Yes that really is an exclamation mark there and deservedly so.

Posted in Experimental, Folk Rock | No Comments »

Album – Dreamers and Children – Cliff Rubin

Posted by admin on 24th February 2007

I essentially received this album in the middle of last year. Just when I was about to post the review, I sent Cliff an email to check on some details and he told me he’d signed to the Crossroads label and was going back in the studio to rerecord the album for his new label. I finally got the new album in a few weeks ago, thinking my original review would just need a tinker hear and there, but in the end, it was apparent that it was easier to just start all over again.

It’s hard to write this review without referring back to the album as I originally received it. This was an album that had a very personal feel to it. It was like being part of some kind of healing process. It was a much more raw and intimate album, but where the new one is more produced, it still has that intimate charm. Vocally, Cliff’s voice isn’t the greatest, but this isn’t an album that’s all about hitting perfect notes, it’s much more than that.

The album opens with “Love is Knowing You” and from the get go, you can’t help but like it. Cliff is one of those rare people, who comes across as a nice guy. Now I could be totally wrong, but I like to think the music speaks volumes. I’m not going to dwell at all on a track by track comparison between this and the original version of the album, but suffice to say, that warmth is evident on both. “Life’s a Mystery” has that wonderful storytelling quality, that makes it a pleasure to listen to.

If I were to pick out my favorite tracks, they would have to be “Love is Knowing You”, “It’s Her Smile” and “My Mom” which at the beginning bares a striking resemblance to that great Elvis track “Always on My Mind”. I’m not overly enamoured with the final two tracks, “Sweet Little Feelin'” and “Divine Guidance”, whose musical styles seem at odds with the rest of the album.

Conclusion : It’s not often I receive albums that have that real personal touch. It’s also not often that I receive an album and then another re-recorded one, but when comparing the albums, I think Cliff made the right decision, as this one is much more polished, without any kind of overkill.

Posted in Folk, Folk Rock | No Comments »

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