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Scott Grimes is an American actor/musician perhaps mostly known for his career on the popular TV show ER, in 1989 Grimes released a self titled pop album on the A&M record label and 3 years ago in 2005 he released this 80´s rock oriented album "Livin on the run".
Scott scored a Top 20 hit on the Billboard adult contemporary chart with the song "Sunset Blvd" in 2005, the ballad "I saw you" brings back memories of the heydays of AOR when Survivor and Journey had huge hits with this type of songs.
The style on this album can be described as AOR the New Jersey style where my thoughts go to Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Davis and even Bryan Adams (80´s era).
Grimes constantly writes and records music at his home studio, and was recently requested to write and perform the back-up vocal harmonies on Russell Crowe´s personal album.
Bon Jovi would be proud of "Rocknroll girl" and no AOR fan can complain about Scott´s fine voice.
The title track "Livin on the run" opens the album in the finest 80´s soundtrack style and my first comment while digging this song is "Those were the days".
Recommendable! |
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Here comes another huge music talent. Seth Glier is only 20 years old, but has already shared stages with acts like John Mayer and Martin Sexton. He has also written and co-produced the debut album. An album packed with piano based pop songs.
One thing that you need is a standout voice, and that is something that Seth has. He has been compared to Mick Hucknall of Simply Red, but I can also hear some James Blunt in his voice.
Seth is treating us to solid songs, the sound can be compared to the slower songs of Jon McLaughlin´s Indiana album. The songs are well composed, and the lyrics are interesting. And the voice grabs your attention from the start and keeps it throughout the album.
Some of the songs are just beautiful. For example, Julie´s Song is a very nice song and probably my favorite on the album. Other nice songs are the title track The Trouble with People, Nervous Laughter and the closing track, I Just Want to Make My Daddy Proud.
The only negative I have to say about this album is that the songs tend to sound a little bit too much like each other, it is almost the same tempo throughout the album. I would have liked a few more up-tempo songs to balance the slow songs.
If you are a fan of James Blunt, Jon McLaughlin and Mick Hucknall, this should be an album for you. Also if you are into piano based songs. Impressive debut. |
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Seth Glier returns with his second album, The Next Right Thing. I remember thinking that Seth's first album was good, but lacking in some departements. I was excited to see what had happend during the time from the release of the first album and this one.
The album starts off with the title track, which is a soulful bluesy song, a bit reminiscent of the opening song "Home" from Marc Broussard's Carencro album. It shows that Seth can indeed handle songs that are a bit more up-tempo. Overall I think that there are more up-tempo songs on this one which gives a better balance of the record.
The standout track for me is a song called "Beauty in the Breakdown". A truely great pop songs, with piano, strings and great vocals. It starts slow but builds up to a great chorus that sticks to my head like glue. Further, I like songs such as "I Don't Need You", "Book of Matches", "Soul, Skin & Bones" and "Walk Katie Home".
This is a great album overall. A superb pop album. Seth has grown as a singer since the last album and delivers a great collection of songs. The album is called "The Next Right Thing" but throughout this review I find myself writing "The Next BIG Thing". Maybe that is because Seth Glier might be just that! |
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2013 may have just began, but I didn't have to wait long to discover what is no doubt one of the best albums I have ever heard. Period.
A Grammy nominee (2011's exquisite "The Next Right Thing"), young 24 year old Seth Glier has already honed his gift for songwriting more than most do in an entire career. Often compared to the likes of Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen, Seth Glier's style can be considered a unique blend of piano-pop, folk, and rock , but these songs do more than just cross genres; "Things I Should Let You Know" plays from top to bottom brilliantly as a COMPLETE album - No fillers here (although I do admit I find myself skipping "Down To The Wire", it is by no means a bad track). Seth has a true gift for constructing brilliantly sophisticated pop music - an art that continues to be disappearing more and more every day amongst our currently saturated "bubblegum-pop turning EDM" radio. "Things I Should Let You Know" is filled with songs that not only could be playing on radio stations everywhere, but should be. Tracks like the country tinged "Avery" and the hook laden "Man I Used To Be" are more than radio ready. "Poppies On The Table" is also a stand-out track as well as a fan favorite, with its unique structure, sweeping chorus, and driving tempo. Also standouts are "Everything Beautiful" and "Good Man" - two achingly intimate acoustic tracks.
Although a plethora of tracks deal with love, relationships, and self-reflection, Seth certainly isn't afraid to treck into heavier political themes, as shown on the incredibly poignant and touching Woody Guthrie inspired tune "Plastic Soldiers", as well as on the anthematic "Stars & Glitter".
But the highlight track for me has to go to "Too Hard To Hold The Moon", a chilling piano ballad that talks about the story of Seth's mother standing by his father through his battle with alcoholism. The vulnerability Seth displays on this track, in both the vocal performance and the lyrical content, are a rare gem to experience as a listener.
"Things I Should Let You Know" shows a maturity not only beyond Seth Glier's 24 years of age, but beyond most songwriters of any age. Regardless of where this album takes him, you'll be hearing more big things about Seth Glier sooner than later...
Much bigger than even a Grammy nomination.
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Lion Music is a nice little label indeed. They do not stick to one of two music categories, but instead they explore anything from AOR, though hard rock, progressive rock to – as in this case – jazz/fusion and rock/fusion. The man in question is STEEN GRÖNTVED, a Danish guitar player who’s done something quite unique with his guitar: from what I’ve heard it’s tuned in a pretty odd way, and he sort of had to “learn to play guitar a second time” because of this.
Stylewise we find him in between JOE SATRIANI’s and MEZZOFORTE’s alleys, as in the opener “Timber” where there’s also a vibe of JANNE SCHAFFER. The following tune, “The worm”, makes me think more than a little of ALAN HOLDSWORTH and LOS LOBOTOMYS. Talking Los Lobotomys and such bands/artists – there’s a lot of STEVE LUKATHER’s style of playing in several songs. One fine example is the fast and intense “Run”. Most songs on this CD is quite commercial in their overall production and performance, while there are one or two songs recommended for professional musicians only, like “Home planet”. It gets too complex for the average melodic fan, I’d say. Instead you should check out “Secret Lab” with awesome playing by Steen. Fast and whirling melodies with a wonderful attack and sharpness. This guy can really play! In spite of this song’s intense and complex features, it’s still somewhat easy-listenable! STEEN GRÖNTVED could easily get 4 out of 5 on his next CD, as long as he remembers to think in a “less is more” kind of way more often. He’s got the playing, the songs and the right ideas. Good work! |
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| Only a few years back most people in Sweden didn’t know who Stefan Gunnarsson was. Only die hard fans of westcoast pop like me, and a number of first class session musicians knew of his fantastic skills as a musician. This changed almost instantly as he took place in the TV show “Så ska det låta” (“That’s the way it should sound!”) where two teams compete around one piano player each. Stefan was one of them. This solo album however, has been in the making for many, many years. Maybe we should be happy of Gunnarson’s fame, ‘cause this may have speeded up the finishing touches and the release of this CD. So what do we have here then? Well, if you are a big fan of soft AOR and artists like MICHAEL RUFF or TIM FEEHAN – this one’s surely for you. Don’t get me wrong; I am not saying Michael Ruff means soft AOR – no no. But most of the songs on this CD are more light AOR oriented than I expected, while the ones filled with some soul/westcoast vibes do remind me a lot of Ruff. A perfect example is “Let the Gods do their work”, where the verse could’ve been taken from the “Full contact” album by Tim Feehan, whereas the chorus is prime time Michael Ruff. It also has a nice jazz vibe at the end. All of you who bought the ANDREAS ALEMAN album last year will feel at home in “As you go along”, where there’s also some AIRPLAY and EARTH WIND & FIRE influences as well. Other recommendations are “Reflections” (like Warren Wiebe meets SADE) and the wonderful upbeat tune “Fine day” (lots of Tim Feehan, Don Henley and CHICAGO here!). There is not one single weak track here. The list of musicians will not bring you any names you recognize – but do not fear. These are all Swedish super players, and Gunnarsson is actually involved on ALL instruments you can think of, with the exception of horns. I love this CD. It is more pop/AOR oriented than I had would have guessed in advance, but this is Springtime music that will warm you after this long and pretty cold winter. And if you aren’t convinced yet – Stefan is an excellent singer too! |
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| This is a cristian indie record with an unknown guy for me.But there are sure some great players on the album who has been helping groups like Jars of clay,Plumb and Caedmons call.Musically its pop/rock with a mix of U2,Radiohead and Jars of clay.Its a quite good album with a good production and some nice tunes but nothing to cry over if you cant find it. |
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| Heres the debut solo album from the Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard. And this is not what were used to hear from him. Gone is the grunge and instead he delivers quirky rock with influences from 70s like Neal Young and Eric Clapton. The fave guy Pete Droge is helping him out with various of instruments and has also produced it which has given the album similarities from his own sound. The level of the album is a little bit up and down and I must say that Stone is a better guitarist than a singer. But if youre into a little bit more odd rock you will definitely like "Unhand me" and the Neal Casal alike "Anchors", plus a couple of more cool ones. Different! |
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17 year old Teddy Geiger is extremely talented coz he handles piano,guitar,bass and drums like they were all his main instrument and above all - he also sings really good with a nice raspy voice.
His own compositions unites the world of John Mayer?s singer/songwriter rock,Maroon 5?s pianodriven pop and Train?s radio ready modern rock.
The first single "For you I will" (Confidence) has every chance on taking the world by storm coz it?s addictive like coffee but my personal favorite is the romantic "Look where we are now",a song that any singer/songwriter would love to have written!
Teddy Geiger will be the name of many lips in 2006,the Maroon 5 sounding "Air dry" is a sure candidate for the next single - smells like a smash hit for miles!
Recommendable! |
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To be honest, I have never heard of this band before and because of that reason quite surprised that this 6 six song live Ep would be their major label debut.
But I was wrong, after some easy surfing on the web I found out that they did a full length album back in 2001 entitled ?On a Rolling Ball? so there was some logic in the end.
There might be several reasons why we haven?t heard more about these guys, but one thing is for sure, they have qualities that could take them far. Imagine a mix of Billy Joel, Pat McGee and some Ben Folds and we have a really nice musical mix.
And if their musical approach is good with it?s laidback and groovy style - I have to give even more credit to the songs here that are on top.
The soulful opener ?Five More Hours? is a real gem, which Billy Joel would have been very proud of if he had written it. It?s like a fresh wind blowing in your face when driving your car in the summertime, lovely is the word!
?More Than It Would Seem? from their debut and ?Shallow?, both with 70?s soul influences ala Steve Wonder are other highlights on ?Live At World Caf?? that will make any fan of this type of music more than satisfied.
This type of music might not be that hot these days, but it?s on the other hand timeless and will work for all ages, so if these guys have some luck, I think that they could go really far. If John Mayer did it, why can?t Gabe Dixon? We?ll see what will happen with the band, but hopefully we will see a new full length album out soon filled with som more jazz and soul inspired pop/rock.
Highly Recommended |
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At the first listen to The Gaslight Anthems sophomore album The ’59 Sound, I was very impressed. The band has had a great underground following and I have been hearing things but finally got as round to checking the album out. Man this is a good one. Think Against Me! meets the vocals of Bruce Springsteen mixed with a little Rise Against. You probably thinking huh? But really its like that.
The band gives you hard rocking tunes with killer production and powerful vocals. The raspy vocals can sometimes be compared to the early punk movement with the raw power echoed vocal lines. The musicality of the disc is what is prominent the most. Their sound is recognizably from New Jersey. Their driving punk rock owe a great deal to the New Brunswick hardcore scene and acts such as The Bouncing Souls. The Gaslights Anthem´s influences go beyond New Jersey and punk and pay homage to acts from Tom Waits to Wilson Pickett and Joe Strummer, who was the subject of the track "I´da Called You Woody, Joe," the band´s second single from their debut Sink or Swim. So you will find a lot of old school rock n roll behind the sounds of this band.
The album finds guest vocals from the Mighty Mighty Bosstones´s front man Dicky Barrett on the track The Patient Ferris Wheel. There’s also some enchanting references to some other songs on the album. On the song High Lonesome you will hear references and familiar lyrics to the song Round Here by Counting Crows in the lyrics, “And Maria came from Nashville with a suitcase in her hand, I always kinda sorta wished I looked like Elvis,” and also references to Southern Accents by Tom Petty and The Heartbrekers. The band’s song, Even Cowgirls Get The Blues has another yet another reference to Petty as well with the lyrics, “Can I get a witness pretty baby, I still love Tom Petty songs, And driving old men crazy, And all while little lita is waiting.”
One great slower song in the mix as well. Harmonicas are in full effect in some tunes and great production all the way through the album especially on the drums from Tedd Hunt. A great album in the rock genre if you looking for some old school punk/rock mixed with flavors of New Wave. This album will be a delight in your collection. Thank god for bands like this breaking up the mold of today’s music. Its very refreshing to hear bands take from the old and even reference old songs. Being a big fan of Counting Crows (older material) and hearing that reference was a delight. |
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After the release of the "The 59 Sound" I became a huge fan of The Gaslight Anthem. The way the production was and the unique sonic elements that made up the album, this will stand as a classic record in my collection. I cannot say this about many albums in my collection now, but that is one of them. So comes my anticipation for the newest release "American Slang." I will say that this album still has the grit and the vibe of the bands live sound but is a little more modern sounding on the production style. Even though they have the same producer, Ted Hutt, it sounds a bit different. Not so music of the reverbed-out vocals and drums and more clarity, which could be a good thing but I thought that vibe was most fitting for the band on record.
"American Slang" sees Brian Fallon (vocals/rhythm guitar), Alex Rosamilia (guitar), Ben Horowitz (drums) and Alex Levine (bass) delving further into their punk-inspired discussion of crumbling blue-collar ideals. There is one thing you can´t deny this band and that is ... soul. The passionate lyrics and the rasp on the vocal delivery will remain as a compliment to the bands lasting sound. Many of the songs on the record remind me of the previous and some take a step into a new direction, or older direction if you look at it that way. The band keeps the faster, catchy tracks as well as slowing down a bit. I wasnt the biggest fan of the first title track released on the bands myspace. Getting to track 3, "Bring It On" has a big vocal chorus as the music stays behind adding a more older doo-wop r&b vibe. The most Springsteenian song on the album is "The Queen of Lower Chelsea." The bass is the most prominent and the driving drums over the anthematic chimes and chorus. "Old Haunts" is a very classic Gaslight sound. "We Did It When We Were Young" ends this album very well and compliments the actual album as a whole. The low-fi production on this one creates a haunting vibe and the ending is perfect and a new refresher to their music.
June 15th marks the release of this 10 song album via SideOneDummy. I will say this album is not as good as "The 59 Sound" as a whole, but does still have some great stand out tracks. I´m not sure if they rushed it or not, but "The 59 Sound" will still mark a classic album for this bands entire career.The Springsteenian punk-rock foursome stadium-ready anthems follow Fallon´s belting lyrics in his gritty, stentorian baritone about striving for an American Dream |
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| The Godz from Ohio didn't even had a recordcontract when they went on tour with Kiss and Cheap Trick back in 1977. But after that tour they got a deal with Casablancas offshot Millenium Records and recorded this - their debut album. And musically we're in the land of Kiss, Ted Nugent, Blue Öyster Cult and Angel. That without saying that The Godz was as good as the just mentioned artists. They were not, even if the album contains some really good classic hardrock tracks like their only radiohit "Gotta Keep A Runnin" which is a killer-tune in a classic Kiss-costume and "Under The Table". The sound of the album is good and it is produced by Don Brewer from Grand Funk Railroad. As usual a very nice booklet a remaking from the guys at Rock Candy and it's fully remastered in 24 bit system. At last - a little trivia.... The band thought the album should be named "Rock'n'Roll Machine" but the title was taken' by another band... Which band? Well think about it... |
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he Granfalloons is a new band out of Georgia. The members are Matthew Williams (guitar and vocals), Tommy Somerville (keys and vocals), AJ Adams (pedal steel, lap steel, and guitar), and Seth Hendershot (drums and vocals). Matthew, Seth, and AJ are all former members of the national touring band Blueground Undergrass. Tommy is a member of the jazz/ latin ensemble from Atlanta GA known as Squat. Together they are joined on stage by Chuck Bradburn on bass. Fiddler David Blackmon often joins The Granfalloons on the live stage as well as in the studio. Collectively the band has played thousands of shows for thousands of people.
Musically the band is somewhere between The Jayhawks, Golden Smog, Texas Tornados and Wilco and there is not much to complain about. It's well done americanan alt country with cool harmonyvocals between the guitarplayer Matthew and the pianist Tommy.
It's definately worth a check out if you like the bands I just mentioned. |
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| Ex - Frozen Ghost man Arnold Lanni have produced this awesome album. Awesome it is. A freekin monster CD with12 killers. You have to buy this album if you like modern melodic rock with acoustic traces. Like Goo Goo Dolls at their best moments. Like Crowded House at their rockiest moments. Like Semisonic when theyre at their most melodic mind. Well I dont wanna go on telling you superlatives. This is MORE than a must. Probably Top 5 in 99, when we sum it up. |
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Did you know that?
Keith Moon´s famous quote when he auditioned for The Who was "-I´m better than the one you have"
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latest reviews
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