This new release covers the Newfoundland trio GBS’s 20 years in the biz, with 40 tracks (including six new ones) on two CD’s. The discs are divided in two categories, the Pop songs, and the (traditional and folk) Folk Songs. A box set with a DVD is also due to be released. …
Category: REVIEWS
CD and DVD reviews
One Son, Canvas
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While the music industry is in dismay it’s always a breath of fresh air to hear an artist that’s not afraid to take chances. With his fourth solo offering Canvas, ONE SON has surpassed what we consider as the usual rap release. From the beginning O-La-A gives you an anthem that keeps the listener on…
Review of Barley Station’s “After All” LP
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From the first lines of the album, “Thirteen steps to the gallows/These are the roads that I take” you can tell that the members of Barley Station have done some living. The album, After All, is a 12-song collection of emotions: love, loss, hope, and heartbreak. The honesty in the songwriting blends perfectly with the…
Autumn’s Mutt, Snowflakes
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From the semi-arctic region of Quebec comes the appropriately titled EP Snowflakes, brought to you by the one-man entity known as Autumn’s Mutt. Having been inspired by the burgeoning and seemingly ubiquitous indie scene, he began composing songs in 2008. Snowflakes, consisting of four tracks, is the ‘Mutt’s second EP. Though some winter imagery exists,…
L’illon, I’m In Love
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Why not ring in the New Year with the Angel Warrior herself L’illon! The diva is back after releasing her debut album ‘Warrior Angel’ back in 2009 which I had the pleasure of reviewing for Skope (http://www.skopemag.com/2009/12/08/l%E2%80%99illon-warrior-angel). I knew then that this music artist had that special something or IT factor if you…
The Perfects, Sudden Victory
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This band sounds like it comes straight from the eighties. That’s not a bad thing. Actually what comes to mind is Duran Duran but more modern and with a bit more edge. Hailing from Baltimore Maryland they started in 2008. Though they haven’t been around for that long, they have a distinctly polished sound. They…
Ozonna, “Me & You On Topâ€
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London Electronica artist, Ozonna has released “Me & You on Top.” Opening to piano and organ tandem, the track is rife with deep synthy soundscapes over a tight electronically generated beat with intermittent click and clank fills. https://soundcloud.com/ozonna/me-you-on-top The track finally crescendos into the chorus of what is a mid-tempo Electro Pop track with technically…
RANDOM STABBINGS & ARTLESS CRITIQUE, JANUARY 2013
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El Perro Del Mar, Pale Fire (Memphis Industries Records) Back in 2006 my CD reviews were always looking for trouble. Any fight I could pick with slack-jawed tastemakers was an opportunity for me to add a scalp to my snark-pelt, thereby inadvertently exposing how awesome I was, which, looking back, wasn’t very. Even…
Tread Lightly, We Are Voices
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I’m going to start by saying that once you really listen to these guys, there’s something there for sure: They are more than just simple voices. They are awesome, they are fun, they are catchy… and that’s just the first song. Tread Lightly by Kansas City’s We Are Voices is something like Coldplay and Explosion…
Retro, Aequus1
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If there’s anything that surely will never be lost in our own days or in the future, it’s old things. The past always manages to influence society, especially when we are talking about art. This is something that can be heard — appreciated, shall I say — in Aequus1′ s last record, Retro, to…
The New York Flamenco Jazz Project, Mosaico (CD)
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Andreas Arnold is a professional guitarist that hails from New York. Arnold is one of those artists whose been punching all the right tickets during his musical career which spans over 20+ years and several albums to his credit. This latest collective led by guitarist/composer Andreas Arnold will present its new album ‘Mosaico’. Recorded over…
Tim Ryan O’Kane, Chaos and Blue
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This is the latest release from Tim Ryan O’Kane entitled Chaos & Blue (2012). O’Kane hails from Brooklyn New York and on this 4 song EP he wrote all the music and even plays piano and signs. “Chaos and Blue” 4 song EP is O’Kane’s latest release and the result though far from a self-indulgent…
Skittish, The Five Stages EP
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About the Artist: I love this description on the URL: “Band bio’s are insulting to write, and more insulting to the reader. ‘Gut busting rhythm sections’ and ‘confessional, straight-from-diary lyrics’ would mean more if the phrases weren’t seen in every band biography. But alas, here we go: I’m Jeff Noller. I am the band Skittish.…
2 The Nines, Oblivion
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About the Artist: 2 the Nines is a fascinating musical project based out of Southern California. Band members consist of TJ Runnells (vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, ukulele and beatbox), and Nick Midulla (lead acoustic and electric guitars, bass guitar synths and organs, drum programming and percussion). Reading from their bio: “Primarily an acoustic-based endeavor,…
Lynn Schriner, Amazed
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From Colorado comes a fresh female artists known as Lynn Schriner who just released her latest CD “Amazed” (2012). I always listen to the opening track extremely carefully. It’s the opening track the artists has selected to hit your ears first and foremost. The opening track “I’m Okay” sets the stage rather well for a…
Jimmy Marin, Something True
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Having once fronted a band called Liquid Phoenix, Aussie singer-songwriter Jimmy Marin now fronts himself. Something True is his debut album; written, recorded, and produced on his own, it covers five years’ worth of compositions. Track 1, “Fly Away,” has a sprightly intro. The speaker expresses a desire to “fly away,” and seems…
2FOUR, Long Hair Don’t Care
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Hailing from the famed land of country music, Nashville native De’Andre Davis a.k.a. 2FOUR ain’t singing much country. But he is an ex-football star who ditched the gridiron in college to pursue his musical passion. Now resulting from this choice is his debut EP, Long Hair Don’t Care, a touchdown’s worth of tracks that pack…
Quinn Hedges Band, Step Outside
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From California comes an amazing male artist/band known as The Quinn Hedges Band who just released his latest effort “Step Outside” (2012). Hedges is strongly established in that region and this latest release is a collection of 10 amazing songs. I always listen to the opening track extremely carefully. It’s the opening track the…
Your Future Lovers, Eat. Play. Leave.
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L.A. Pop quartet, Your Future Lovers finally have things in place. After myriad of the typical band shakeups, they have released their debut album in honor of three simple tenets of their daily life: Eat. Play. Leave. Though touted as “the three things this band does when we get together” but that quote belies the…
Yochanan Sebastian Winston, The Kabbalah Suite
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With smooth Jazz, New Age and classic composition as vessels, Dr. Yochanan Sebastian Winston has rendered a 10-track album of musical interpretations of the teachings of Kabbalah on his album, The Kabbalah Suite. Each track corresponds to one of the 10 Sefirots (attributes) of the mystical Jewish sect. Originally commissioned by a Rabbi friend in…
Your Band Is A Virus – Expanded Edition, James Moore
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James Moore is a Music Promoter and founder of Independent Music Promotions http://www.independentmusicpromotions.com/ . He is currently celebrating the release of his book, “Your Band is a Virus”. It is an extensive look at marketing and promoting in the independent artist’s world. The book is straight forward and to the point. It gets right to…
Ugly N**ga Featuring Eye’z, I’m Hot
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Fatimah Verrell better known as, Eye’z is a seasoned artist that has been making her presence known one fan at a time. She is a singer, songwriter, producer and actress. This quadruple threat is blessing us with her voice on this latest single, “I’m Hot”. Eye’z teamed up with Ugly N**ga and her voice solidifies…
The Silver Thread – In the Deepwater Midnight (EP)
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This is the latest 6 song EP from Pittsburgh based Alt-Rock band The Silver Thread entitled “In the Deepwater Midnight.“ (2012) I always listen to the opening track extremely carefully. It’s the opening track the band or artists has selected to hit your ears first and foremost. The opening track “In the Deepwater…
Flowerland, The Caffeine Disk (EP)
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4 piece Hard Rock act Flowerland just released their new The Caffeine Disk (EP) in 2012 (Gypsy Garden Records). This is a band that’ not only beena round since the early 890’s but has an extensive touring history. Flowerland performed in 56 cities in 12 States opening for such notable acts as: Frank Black, Bad…
Working Class Hussys, Diary of a Working Class Cracker
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A listen to the Working Class Hussys’ new album, Diary of a Working Class Cracker evokes a melding of vintage Chicago, ELO-like melodies and a tinge of quirk a la Weezer. The sound as a whole is slightly nostalgic… a sort of “I’ve heard this before” Je ne sais quois. The lyrical matter ebbs towards…
Crankshaft and the Gear Grinders, What You Gonna Do?
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Though rooted in “ago” artists the likes of Carl Perkins and Sam Philips; Rockabilly is still alive, well and significant. And within the 12-tracks of the new Crankshaft and the Gear Grinders album, What You Gonna Do?, it also happens to be contemporary. Though the LP may contain some of the same hard luck scenarios…
The Parachuting Apostles, Dish Pig (EP)
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The Parachuting Apostles are an Alternative Rock band that comes to us from Philadelphia, PA. Right from the starts I can tell “Dish Pig” is one release that certainly doesn’t disappoint. This is one band that brings to the table effective songwriting via a highly passionate musical delivery. And elite level musicianship. This meshed with…
Bobby Jo Valentine, Home
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On the heels of his debut album, A Place To Belong, it seems singer/songwriter Bobby Jo Valentine found what he was looking for considering the recent release of his sophomore effort, Home. After enjoying a burgeoning fan base and several accolades over the past year and a half, Valentine proves that he is not only…
Addison Station, Suit Up
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More launching pad than interim project, Connecticut’s Addison Station is set to release their new EP, Suit Up. The album and a corresponding East Coast tour will serve as foreshadowing for the spring release of their full-length, Unplug and Run. Founding member and lead vocalist Trent Gerbers has described the thematic ethos of the album…
Music Industry Management & Booking Directory
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C. Cirocco Jones & Music Powers present the e-book Music Industry Management & Booking Directory. It’s a 2012-2013 edition. So despite the vicissitudes of the music industry, one can be confident that the vast majority of this information is accurate and relevant. From Hip-Hop to Country to Pop, whether you are a performer, producer, or…
Rodney Patterson, Love > Fear
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Love > Fear is the debut album of Dallas native Rodney Patterson, who has spent years refining his piano chops since his beginning at age 11. Now arrives the work of his creative passion. Patterson says that he strives to bring relaxation through his music. In this effort, he is successful. However, there are also…
MARK HUMBLE, One Centre Street
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Who can forget the greatest Rock n Roll party of all time? Fortunately I am old enough to remember some of it. Trust me when I say being in London in the early 60’s and late 70’s was the place to be as bands like The Beatles, The Who, The Rolling Stones and Led…
Deborah Henriksson, The Heart’s Cry
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Deborah Henriksson is an American native, now living in Sweden, who makes music filled with Celtic sound and soul. Her songs are authentic to the point that one wonders if Henriksson’s original name was Irish. Or perhaps she was among those Vikings who shipwrecked off the coast of Donegal. This Irish spirit is not of…
RANDOM STABBINGS & ARTLESS CRITIQUE, DECEMBER 2012
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Culture Queer, Nightmare Band (self-released) This Cincinnati 4-piece comprises a couple of filmmakers, a chick drummer and a lot of chain-yanking, not to Weird Al levels but on the border, like if The Darkness were trying to be the Beatles, or if OK Go were trying to edge out Scissor Sisters for a residency at…
Hunter, “Dancin’ Manâ€
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About the Artist: Hunter is a stepping stone into the future of pop music. With his distinct R&B/New Wave sound, Hunter is sure to please the ears of all who listen. His debut solo album Pressure is out , so log in daily for updates and to hear new material…
The Mighty One, Shift
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Some may fear 21 December 2012 as an apocalyptic day. Some may view it with indifference. Vancouver-based Tim Steinruck a.k.a. “The Mighty One” views it as an “opportunity to remember who we truly are and why we are here. Because we are all Mighty and we are all One!” He believes that there is a…
Toxic Lab Rats, Pandemic Alert
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Toxic Lab Rats is a Swedish punk band formed in 2008. They remind me a little of Green Day but with rougher more punk vocals. That lands them closer to true punk than the emo of groups like Green Day. The song “Mama Tried” is an old Merle Haggard song. They did a fantastic job…
Shauna Burns, A Winter Gathering
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Intro: About the Artist: Burns hails from Las Vega Nevada. This is her latest release entitled A Winter Gathering. Burns describes her latest musical venture, the Celtic flavored A Winter Gathering, as a new journey for her–a collection of newfangled holiday carols and original songs performed by her with her husband, drummer James Clark…
Norman Lamont, Anywhere But Here
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Norman Lamont comes to the airwaves from Edinburgh, Scotland. He has been playing the songwriter scene since 1990 earning his fan base one song at a time. His latest release, “Anywhere But Here”, does not disappoint with an eclectic mix of thought provoking tunes that spin in your head like a vivid dream. This CD…
Drew Schultz, Back to Class
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Drew Schultz comes by his funk and soul credentials through years of experience. He got his start with the Four Tops. That experience allowed him to work with a lot of greats in the industry. When it came time to do this disc, he got quite a few of them to guest here. Some of…
