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| Holy freekin´ messiah! Its time to listen up folks, cause here you have a BIG favorite in the making. This Australian guy has done a contender for the mighty "top 10 of 2003 list" that I will put together in the forthcoming December. It´s so well produced with a superb modern pop edge and the album has so well written material that I just wanna scream out a big YES all over. Add Charltons excellent voice and we´re up to where the guy belong. Yeah, I told you it was good! So what does it sound like you may wonder with your tongue outside the mouth with saliva all over? Well.. imagine a mixture between the melancholy in Travis and Coldplay mixed with an australian vibe a´la Rick Price and In Vertigo but all done with a modern touch a´la american guys like Gus and Train. All together an exceptional gratin of music. It´s quite unnecessary to say what songs that are the best when it´s good all through, but fourth out "In Too Deep" is one of the best songs I´ve heard in a long time. Holy moses what a track. I listened to it four times in a row when I first heard it. That´s what music is all about. |
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| Here you have a cool album if you like well done powerpop. Cliff Hillis collaborates with Danny Wilde (The Rembrandts) who plays the bass and sings harmonyvocals, Eric Bazilian (The Hooters and the melodic.net fave Kyf Brewer who plays the drums on the album. Danny Wilde is also co-writer on two songs and they "smell" The Rembrandts a long way. Kyf Brewer is also a co-writer on two songs and they're also really nice. And Cliffs own songs stands on solid ground as well. This CD is a pleasent surprise and if you like powerpop in the style of The Rembrandts you gotta check out this album. |
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| The Rising EP is David Hodges solo debut after being part of both Evanescence, Trading Yesterday, and later The Age of Information. He has also written hits for artists like Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry, Celine Dion and Anastacia Backstreet Boys, so he is a very competent songwriter. And this can also be heard on this four song Ep where we are given big sounding and at the same time simple modern rock / pop. Would even say that his style and quality has a lot in common with Vertical Horizon, which also is only hugely positive. The only negative I have to say about this EP is that it is too short, but more is to come from this hitmaker that with a little luck can have a really big hit as a solo artist very soon. |
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David Hodges with a past from Evanescene and Trading Yesterday has written a lot of hits and is for me one of the very best when it comes to melodic pop and rock.
Although he has had a great career, he has also had several setbacks and been dropped from major labels twice. So he is in an industry that is relatively ruthless and then very unpredictable where you’re hot one day and the cold the other.
He has like most realized that the music industry no longer generates the same amount of sold albums as before and that it is harder to get the music out. And although gets a number of tracks on albums each year so he sits on a lot of material that is not set for some reason. So he have now decided to open the treasure chest and regularly releasing albums with unreleased material on his label Sleepwalker Records.
This is the first taste and contains, of course a great collection of songs since he has a unique ability to create beautiful melodies. The format is relatively acoustically, but there is still some production with nice arrangements that makes it feel like a real product.
Is surprisedt hat tracks like "Never Thought To Look", "Returning To Sand" and "Tell Her Something" has not been released before, but are also very grateful that he has now chosen to release them on his own. Good album!
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| hmmm...I dont have much info on this girl as I only got an advance copy without info. But I know that Clif Magness has been involved in the songwriting on three songs. The opening AOR rocker "Island" (sounds like a young and horny Tina Turner tune mixed with Alanah Myles and Heart), the cool "My Bad" with an acoustic touch but also with a pure AOR refrain from the 80s (ala Witness/Saraya) and the rockier "Love Is Coming" which also is pure melodic mania with a bombastic AOR refrain believe it or not. Its also well produced but I have no idea whos behind the mixtable. What about the rest of the songs then? There are both ups and downs. The Magness tracks stands out but there are a few others not long after. The softer "Dont Ask" smells a powerballad from the mid 80s a long way and "Half A Mile Away" is another one that will satisfy all you AOR guys/girls out there. The album is a little shattered though with a few tunes that doesnt belong on the album in my point of view. The easiest way to put it is that is probably what Tina Turner would sound like if she was 25 years younger and hungry for rock with AOR flirts. The good tracks on this album is real damn fine modern AOR rock and I can only suggest that you check the girl out if you love AOR. |
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I?m not sure who many of you remember Deborah Holland, she was once a member of Animal Logic - the trio featuring jazzrock legend Stanley Clarke and The Police drummer Stewart Copeland.
She has released 4 solo albums including this new one "Bad girl once", Deborah is also a full-time professor of music at California State University in L.A and also scores music and writes songs for film and television.
Her first 3 albums came out during the 90?s so the new album is the first album in 7 years, her songs draw elements from different genres such as folkrock, jazz and
singer/songwriter rock.
Carly Simon and Suzanne Vega are 2 names that pops up in my head while listening to this record, I think Deborah is a great vocalist and fun lyricist with songs like "Bad girl once,soccer mom now" and "Chain stores,malls and restaurant" which is the highlight on the album.
But the annoying "Song about sex" is horrible and the album cover is just dreadful - that will keep away many buyers I?m afraid.
Ok, nothing more. |
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| Oh man, Oh Man... Phew - Is this a killer record or what! What a discovery... I´m stunned. I came across a recordlabel called Silent Planet a month ago and they sent me 4 albums and one of them was this guy. Never, ever heard of the guy before and I just put him (or atleast the CD) into the CD player and out it came... The music... Like a great acoustic version of Jars Of Clay mixed with bands like Five For Fighting and that sort of rock. Yepp, just like that. Marvellous. First out "G.M.O.L" have one of the best refrains of 2002 and third out "And There Where Three" is not far after... And in that way it continues. Brilliant produced by Rob Burell who produced Michael W Smith and Chris Rice among others. Then I haven´t mentioned "AC#4" which delivers a bombastic superb refrain... And "Multitune" sounds like a great Jars-tune... Yeah all here is true so what are you waiting for? Surf away and buy a cd at once, or start checking him up at his homepage. Marvellous stuff. |
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| Just a quick note about the new Henley album I just got a copy of last week. The new album is far more softer than I expected and contains some damn nice moments like "Everything Is Different Now" and "Taking You Home". The best voice in the world have done it again. Not a classic album like his last one but still - phew - heck yeah - a freekin great album you all have to check out. One song suck though - For My Wedding" which is far too wimpy |
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| What should I write about this album then? Well, the production is intimate and beautiful somewehre quite close to Tom Mcraes sound and the songwriting is also solid. But for some reason I don´t really like this album. And the answer is Dougs voice that doesn´t suite me at all. This is of course my personal taste, so if you like melancholic sounding singersongwriters - surf to his homepage and listen yourself. Perhaps his voice is more your type. |
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I'll be honest; I've never heard of Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors before I listened to this album. A big mistake!
However, they have been in business since 2005 and this is the fourth studio album excluding one live and one Christmas album. However, the band worth checking out if you like Train when they were good or bands like Augustana, Crowfield, and Needtobreathe. We get folk rock in a muscular package that is perfect for the stadiums or in smaller and more intimate venues. What makes the band a bit more exciting is that they also have a female singer Ellie Holcomb, which make me think of Scars Of 45.
Highlights are "Fire And Dynamite," "Anywhere But Home" and "Miracle", but if you like this kind of soulful rock, you will find more gems for sure!
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Ed Harcourt is the man you may know from Sussex. He has been compared to artists such as James Blunt a lot but I´m gonna take it a step further and explain his new album, The Beatuiful Lie. Ed is one talented man. From the opening track of the album Whirlwind In D Minor, which is very Radiohead-like with the swirling delay and reverb on the vocals, which offers a very promising start to the album. The album reflects ambience, piano-driven moderate paced songs, underlying a wonderful, delicate vocal performance. The rawness of the album is the best addition and the eye opener in the beginning.
The main comparisons I can draw up would be Radiohead, Coldplay, Matt Costa, Damien Rice and maybe a little Bono as you will see in Revolution In The Heart. Ed is not that mainstream of the artists listed but has that unique sound and voice of his predecessors. The majority of the album keeps the same moderate type of songs but he does mix it up well. From a little more upbeat tunes to slower piano driven ballads, Ed proves he is a powerful songwriter. The vocals are reminiscent of Damien Rice, as more on the production side with the soft vocals over the very quiet music (if you know Damien Rice, you’ll know what i´m talking about).
The British Mercury Prize nominee recorded the bulk of the album on an eight-track in his grandmother´s house in Sussex - the rest done in East London´s Toe Tag studios, where The White Stripes recorded Elephant. Graham Coxon (Blur) lended his guitar for Visit From A Dead Dog, BJ Cole´s pedal steel makes appearances on various tracks and The Magic Numbers performed backing vocals on Revolution In The Heart. This isn’t your average mainstream modern singer/songwriter album filled with hooks and radio friendly jams. The 14 track album is a perfect mix of light songs that can be the soundtrack over a fire or just relaxing on the deck with some friends, which is what the music industry needs. Of Course there are songs on the album that may not please everyone, but the majority of the record is what is outlined.
The passion and actual songwriting elements minus the bland hooks that just repeat in your head like some singer songwriters we know. The emotion and delicacy of the instruments in the background and the ambient sound of the instruments fill the album with clarity and atmosphere. To name a few stand out tracks on the album, Whirlwind In D Minor, You Only Call Me When You’re Drunk, Late Night Partner and Rain On The Pretty Ones. |
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Yihaa!! Here is finally a new sign from one of the best voices in the modern rock business – Emerson Hart. Ehh – who.. Some of you might think, but if I say that Emerson used to sing in one of the best bands in the genre – Tonic – I think you all get a point. And if I to that add that it is none less than Bob Rock who’s the man behind the production it starts to get really interesting doesn’t it? And the answer is a big freekin’ Y E S! It sure is.
His 12-song debut disc is a cathartic journey and intimate lyrical portrait that includes irresistible, melodic songs all over. The music is a little softer than Tonics but that is not a problem. Just take alisten to songs like third out “If You’re Gonna Leave” with a monster refrain the single “I Wish The Best For You”, the soft an intimate “Green Hill Race For California” and the epic “When She Loves You. It is as I wrote a softer album than we’re used to with Tonic’s music, but for my personal taste it doesn’t matter one cent. It is his magnificent voice and the production signed Bob Rock that sets the tone together with a bunch of great written tunes.
The album will be released in June |
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Erik Hassle is one of the most popular artists in Sweden today with the hit single "Hurtful" spinning on radio everyday.
His debut album "Hassle" was released on Aug 19 in Sweden and his first U.K single will be out on Aug 24.
It´s tough to break through in England but Hassle got what it takes with a bunch of mega strong Arena pop songs where he line up one future hit after another.
Imagine a mix between ABBA, Robbie Williams and Coldplay and we´re close to the sound of Hassle.
How can you not love this? |
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| Swedish pop sensation Erik Hassle way to the top feels in today's music environment pretty unique. He has actually gone the old way without the participation of Idol, and other TV competitions. Instead he worked hard through the Internet and touring, which also resulted in a fantastic contract with Island Records. And I understand why since he has all the stuff that could make him a great pop star, larger than he is today. "Pieces" is filled with smart pop pearls as the singles "Hurtful" and "Do not Bring Flowers" where Erik shows what great songwriter he is. Although he has been worked with big names as Max Martin, Tysper, Mack and Grizzly, Eric have found an own and unique musical style. Ok, the only drawback that I have with this disc is that it is a bit too pop orientated since the electronic components make it a bit thin. Amore organic sound would have given him more soul and personality in my opinion. But this is only a parenthesis, since "Pieces" is an great debut from an awesome talent that puts Sweden on the pop map once again. |
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| Ernie Hendrickson is a new artist for me although he released his debut "Down the road" already back in 2007 and he has shared the stage with artists such as Jerry Garcia and Jon Scofield. Ernie´s new album "Walking with angels" is a musical portrait of a singer/songwriter that shows his love for folkrock as well as blues and country music. His songs sound like they´re coming from a man that has been around as long as Neil Young and Bob Dylan, you could easily think that Ernie has released 30 albums from the early 70´s up to now. His music feels honest and soulful, that´s what makes this album so strong because when the music gets too laid back and almost sleepy, Ernie´s voice saves the day. My favorites are the Tom Petty-like "Hold on to hope" and "Young man". But also the beautiful ballad "Candy´s song" is very enjoyable. |
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