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I just say a five letter word... A W A R E... What a freekin label this is.
Cant they do anything wrong? Hell knows... I havent heard anything bad from
them for a very long time, and Kyle Riabko is sure no exception. He
is a great new discovery from the mighty Aware. A young guy with a voice
that other artists would sell their grandma for. And with a "guitar-groove"
that other guitar-players would sell their grandpas for... This is just a 6
track EP, but it is sure a joyful bit of plastic. Musically its a mixture
of styles. Its a little bit of powerpop ala Ben Folds, a little bit of Elton Johns early 70s stuff mixed with a more acoustic guitar driven
"normal" modern singer songwriters ala Howie Day. Add some cool
soul-influences from the 60s and quite a lot of Prince-flirts here and there and
were just about where Kyle parks his car. The result is some of the coolest
minutes of music released in 2004. The album opens up with "What Did I Get
Myself Into" with just Kyle and his guitar, and continues with the joyful
"Carry On" with a soul-groove combined with a powerpop edge. Third out
"Half As Much" is like a young and horny George Michael when hes in his
jazziest mood. Fourth out "Miss Behavin" is a cool Prince pop-pastiche.
Fifth out "Estrogen" is the only track that doesnt give me all that much. It is
sure impressive to hear the young lad playing his guitar with such finesse
and it is a cool tune... but not that good of a song. Sixth out - the last
one out - "I Dont Know" takes him back to the modern singer songwriter yard
with colleagues like Howie Day and Matt Nathanson mixed with a soul edge.
And phew... What a voice he has! Bloody marvelous. Here is star in the
making... Damn impressive stuff... And the guy is just 16 years old... Join the club all of you. |
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When I google Kyle Riabko´s name I end up reading he´s from Saskatchewan, Canada and he´s 21 years old (birthday on Sept.29th).
Kyle released his full length debut "Before I speak" in 2005 on Aware/Columbia records and it´s a mystery that Aware didn´t want to release the new album "The parkdale sessions" because we´re talking quality here.
You will find Kyle´s music somewhere between the soul of Prince and Roachford mixed with the singer/songwriter style of John Mayer and Howie Day.
Kyle is a very talented singer that will eat most idol contestants for breakfast, just soak in the beautiful "Set me free" and you will understand what I mean.
The groovy "The hunger" is my favorite here, you could say he´s a modern Terence Trent D´arby.
Get into the groove! |
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I´m not sure if there´s a genre called happy pop but I don´t mind creating a new genre for positive sounding pop that is a perfect cure for days when you´re down and need a bit of sunshine. Lindsey Ray puts a big smile on my face with her heartfelt melodies and warm voice, her debut "Goodbye from California" feels like a c-vitamin cure or why not a huge chocolate cookie when you´re in need of sugar rush.
The songs are remarkably strong from the opener "Goodbye from California" to the beautiful "Better off" that is the final track. Tim Myers (formerly of OneRepublic) is guesting on "Brand new day" that sounds like a future hit in my ears but the title track is the real pearl here, "Goodbye from California" goes straight into my heart. Super! Her sound can be described as a mix between Chantal Kreviazuk and The Corrs. |
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What do you get if you cross Shawn Mullins, Mitch Malloy, Brett Walker, Pat McGee and Highway 9? The answer is Marc Ribler. The legendary songwriter (who for example wrote "Anything At All" with Mitch Malloy and tons of other songs for majorartists in the US) and produced Helix (even if his music today has nothing to do with the good ol? "Rock You" guys...) among others has done a very nice album, which will suite the main part of our readers (except for the toughest guys). And the question is why? Well, it?s quite easy. If you?re such a good songwriter as Ribler you have that ingredients which is the most important called songs. And if you also have a good voice on top of that? Well... it?s not harder than that.
The first song on the album ?Identity Crisis? sets the tone and smells Shawn Mullins sort of harmonies all over, and third out ?Life Is But A Dream? sounds like it could have been on Mitch Malloy?s first soloalbum. The softer ?Prime Time TV? sounds like the perfect mix between Shawn Mullins and Brett Walker and another softie that?s very nice is the ELO-smelling ?It Ain?t Me?. The two last one I will mention for you is the rocker ?Learning To Laugh It Off? which is pure AOR-melodies with a little spice of Midwestrock and ?Watching The World Go By? which sounds like if Tom Petty joined Graham Colton Band or something. Two good tunes and there are a bunch more songs you will like. I?m sure. Is there anything to complain about then? Hmmm? not much really, but perhaps the little lack of own personality could be one point, and a few songs doesn?t grab me all the way, but that?s just a few (read 3) out of 13 and who the hell cares when the others songs are these good. Surf to his homepage and take a closer look. Or listen to the whole album at the great www.audiolunchbox.com where you can download the whole album for just a few bucks... |
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"Here I am" is the solo debut from 21 year old Marion Raven who was part of the Norwegian popduo M2M but has taken a more rocking approach on her own.
She has written most of the songs by herself except a couple of songs such as
"13 days" that was co-written with Chantal Kreviazuk and Raine Maida of Our Lady Peace,this is a huge sounding orchestral modern rocker with a mature chorus.
The music goes in the same vein as Kelly Clarkson and the Swedish new star Ana with a touch of Avril Lavigne,very predictable pop/rock where you can sing along in the choruses even before you heard them.
A song that stands out is "End of me" that actually contains odd harmonies and cool guitarchords.
I think it?s cool that Art Alexakis of Everclear sings duet on the piano ballad "At the end of the day",it reminds me a bit of something that Patty Smyth could?ve released on her "Never enough" album from 1987.
An ok album with a few real nice songs but maybe a little too nice as a whole album. |
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Norwegian chartclimber Marion Raven had quite a success with her solo album "Here I am" in 2005 so now it?s time to try her wings in the states with this new 6 track EP "Heads will roll".
This is a good time to promote Marion in the land of opportunity, she?s doing a duet with Meat Loaf on "It?s all coming back to me now" on his upcoming "Bat out of hell III" that will hit stores later this month so is this EP good enough to put her name high on the charts?
Both yes and no, the lead track "Heads will roll" which was co-written by Nikki Sixx of Motely Crue doesn?t have that direct chorus that is needed to charm the radio listener the 3 minutes it has on the airwaves but it grows.
If they?ll spin it many times enough, maybe people will start purchasing her music.
Another album track "13 days" is a real winner but not the right song to send to radio, the acoustic version of "Let me introduce myself" doesn?t match the full band version on "Here I am" so I don?t see the reason why it?s included here.
There are 3 new tracks only available on this EP and they are the catchy Joan Jett-ish "Good 4 sex" that should?ve been the opening track instead of the average "Spit you out" - it?s an ok rocker that more or less feels like a leftover off her solo debut.
The last new track "All I wanna do is you" sounds like Lillix doing a Katrina and the Waves cover, this is the upbeat track of the EP with a 60?s feel over it but there are far better songs on her LP that should?ve been on this EP like "End of me" or "At the end of the day".
Marion?s a talented singer and songwriter who deserves a breaktrough but will this release be the thing that makes her the overnight sensation? I?m not so sure but I hope I?m wrong. |
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>
Chicago based artist Mark Rose released 3 full length albums with the band Spitalfield between 2003-2007 on Victory Records, they sold more than 130,000 copies world wide but the band disbanded and Mark decided to go solo. The 6 track EP "Separate" is the first music creation from Rose as a solo artist and the sound is a lot different than his band.
We´re talking soulful pop in the same vein as Robbie Nevil, Phil Collins, St Paul and Kevin Paige so you can imagine a quite groovy and 80´s oriented sound here. It´s a rather comfy sound and I put on a smile on my face because I really listened a lot to those artists mentioned above back in the 80´s. There are no highlights lifting up this EP, but on the other hand, there are no fillers either. |
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| Does Marya Roxx name sound familiar to Melodic.net readers? Well, she is one of the girls that fronted the Estonian band Vanilla Ninja that played pop with catchy choruses, they recorded three studio albums. They also took part in the Eurovision Song contest for Switzerland and sang the song Cool Vibes. Now she stands on her own and has released her first solo album called Payback Time. An album produced by Kevin Shirley (Journey), Scott Metaxas (Prophet) and Paul Cook. It’s great to see the former Prophet singer/bass player Scott Metaxas name again. The sound is very different what she did with Vanilla Ninja, this is heavy hardrock with modern influences. She sing very good and so is the production. What this album misses is some killer tracks it’s solid straight ahead hardrock with plenty of riffs. The riffs feels like they have been played the same over and over again after couple of tracks. At the end of the album things start to get better with the song Loverboy. Yes, this is a damn good songs with nice melodies and a rocking chorus. Payback Time contains crunchy guitars and the chorus is smoking hot. Too bad that there’s not more of this because these two tracks are really good. An Ok debut solo album that don’t have the instant aha feeling. If your into Lita Ford and Doro, then you might want to try this. Not bad, but far from sensational. |
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To follow up Matt Redman?s last album "Where angels fear to thread" from 2002,Matt decided to record all new material Live instead of doing a new studio album and in one way-Matt did the right thing since this is a worship album and he really captured the intimate feeling you can get from being a part of such event. (speaking of similar events-I will never forget the amazing concert Tommy Funderburke and The Front gave my hometown audience of Orebro in 84)
While listening to "Facedown" you begin to feel like you?re in the crowd,the sound is perfect and big like it should be Live!
Chris Tomlin and members of Tree 63 are doing guest appearances on "Facedown",the album is very laid back but the songs are all performed in an emotional way and it?s real easy to be moved by many of the songs.
My mind most often goes to another worship artist:Michael W.Smith when I listen to Matt Redman?s beautiful music,the uptempo track "Praise awaits you" plus the midtempo tracks "Nothing but the blood" and "Seeing you" opens the album in an unforgettable way.
The ballad "Gifted response" has a warm melody that will keep you warm inside when you?re alone or on the coldest winter day.
I?m not aquinted to Matt?s earlier works but according to the label-"Facedown" is probably his best album up to date,it?s up to his fans to decide but I think of it as a very nice experience. |
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Its called “Beautiful news”, the new album of the British worship artist Matt Redman. He offers us a good mix of Brit pop/rockers and beautiful ballads. Bands like Coldplay and especially Delirious come to mind after giving this album a couple of spins. A few songs are also co-written by Martin Smith from Delirious so the comparison to this band isn’t accidental.
The twelve catchy songs will surely give you a good time. The songs are not as “slick” as their American counterparts, but they are perhaps even more satisfying.
Matt Redman is one of the main figures in the Christian worship circuit for years now and this one only confirms his position.
An inspiring album from an inspiring artist.
Songs:
1. Beautiful news.
2. You never let go
3. Shine.
4. Take it to the streets.
5. Yes and amen.
6. A greater song.
7. Blessing.
8. Thank You for healing me.
9. Fearfully and wonderfully made.
10. All over the world.
11. When all is said and done.
12. If you know you’re loved. |
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After the very good album "Beautiful news" in 2007 Redman is back this year with an even better album called "We shall not be shaken". This one takes him to the next level.
Still the songs are catchy, easy to remember and sing along.
A good example is the beautiful opener "This is how we know" with great backing vocals and the familiair voice of Matt. The titlesong is an uptempo rocker filled with catchy hooks. Robert Marvin gets a thumbs-up for the production.
"Through it all" is a semi-ballad with beautiful instrumentation. After the first chorus you will be singing along, garanteed.
"You alone can rescue" builds up to a massive chorus and ends as it began subtle. The mid-tempo rocker "The glory of our King" continues strong and reminds me of Hillsong United rockers.
The rest of the songs you have to check out for yourselves, but theres plenty to enjoy. So surf the net and grab yourself a copy of this album.
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For over a decade Matt Redman is one of the leading figures in the Christian musicscene. His songs are sung all over the World inside and outside churches.
The thing with this type of music is that it tends to sound all alike and so often the thought comes to mind: “haven’t i heard this song before..?”. It seems very difficult to be original in this genre. There are bands like David Crowder Band, that take the lead in making original albums in this genre but there are also many that try to ride the bandwagon.
Though the songs of Matt also have elements we have heard before, still the songs have a fresh and positive feel about them. This recording before a live audience has a great sound and is produced by Nathan Nockels. The songs make you joyful and after a few listens you can’t keep yourself from singing along. Uptempo songs are in the minority, but the mix is okay.
Redman again succeeded in making a good album, that will find it’s way to the public. So for fans of bands like Chris Tomlin, Hillsong United and Kristian Stanfill this one is a welcome addition to your collection. |
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| I really liked the debut album from Matthew Ryan called "Mayday" from 1997. Its a great Midwest rock album that every Midwest rocker definitely should check out. This one from 2000 he goes on in the same direction with a great portion of nice harmonies combined with sadness and melancholy- He starts the album with a high-energy rocker, which is one of his best songs so far. For those who liked his slower ones from the debut you wont be disappointed, cause we got a handful of high quality acoustic based ones. My favourite ones in that bag is the melancholic "Sunk" and "Time and time only" which reminds me of Pierce Pettis. This is a nice album, but it doesnt come up in the same level as the debut. |
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| A few years back I went to see this guy live in Stockholm. We where perhaps 100 persons at the concert and can tell you that all of us went home with one of the best concerts from that year. A brilliant liveartists! And here is a new album with the guy, and its sure a brilliant moment of laidback singer songwriter-esque thoughtful pop. Musically it sounds like If Tom Waits had a good voice and was produced by Daniel Lanois or something. Get it? Anyhow - I love this sort of music. Listen to it folks, and Im sure youre gonna love it to. |
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Matthew has been a hero since his majorlabel debut a couple of years ago. I saw a gig in Stockholm together with Magnus Magwire S?derkvist and perhaps 20 other people in 1998 and that gig was nothing less than superb. It was Matthew, a voice and a guitar. Telling stories so important that time stopped. He didn?t care that we were just 22 people in the club. He talked to each one of us. Magic. These days he?s independent and releases his albums on a small label. Himself recorded this album at home in his basement, and plays all instruments. It?s naked, dirty and tons of nerves. Screaming distorted guitars combined with his close voice. Beautiful acoustic guitars with thoughtful lyrics and a man with hundreds of things he need to tell us. Best is a cover though? It?s the Springsteen tune ?Something In The Night?. It?s so beautiful. This man need some time to get into ? and are you willing to give him that you will have a new friend for life. Ryan is a true hero.
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