For Keller’s 18th album appropriately title Pick, singer/songwriter (and player of just about every stringed instrument he can find) he has joined forces with Nashville’s beloved bluegrass family The Travelin’ McCourys. The release was recorded at Music City’s famed Butcher Shoppe studios. Needless to say, the release relies on a lot of fiddle…
Category: REVIEWS
CD and DVD reviews
Mat Brandon, I Would Run
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I like to think that I know talent when I hear it and I have to say that Mat Brandon has got that “IT” factor. Music has been running through Mat’s blood since he was a kid where he started on classical and jazz piano at the very young age of five. Mat…
The Barrens, Self Titled
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“The Barrens” (2012) is their latest release and it has much to commend it. Admittedly, there is a whole lot of variety to these arrangements and performances. First: the impressive 5 piece line up featuring. Colin Fitzgerald (Vocals, Guitar, Bass), Debbie Chou (Vocals, Keyboard), Mike Koene (Guitar, Vocals) and Chris Gersbeck (Drums, Vocals. Jay Sharp…
Dani Raushi, High Tides Collide
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Raushi is a L.A. based band with a songstress rock n roller for a lead singer. It sounds like she has lived through one trial after another. The beauty of it all is how she always managed to come out ahead. This band continuously puts one foot in front of the other and collects more…
TWO CENT SAM, Songs from the Sandbox
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Band Members: Mike Logiudice (Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica, Bass), Jeff Burke (Guitar), Matt Shaw (Bass), Pete Bienkowski (Drums), Dan Hodgkinson (Keys, Vocals). Review: In this overly saturated genera/market a plethora of artists coming out of the woodwork, armed with nothing more than a PC, Microphone, a guitar and a crappy sounding CD. They manage push their…
T.O.N.E.Z., High Voltage
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Production credits: T.O.N.E.Z. Hopsin, Arjae Knox, Life & Death, JM730, Koncept, Tokerface, Eurostarz, Mr. Mikey, DJ JSI, Naydee & Julian. About the Artist: This is the latest release from Rapper T.O.N.E.Z entitled High Voltage. Reading now from his bio: Rooting back to the origins of hip hop as the younger brother of hip hop…
JOANovARC, Say Sayonara
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About the Artist: All female UK rock band JOANovARC just released their latest single: ”Say Sayonara” This is one band that’s been tearing up UK stages and has made a few stops in the US, recently performing at the Florida Music Festival. American fans can look forward to a full tour in the near…
Nomad Carlos, Live Good
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Newsflash: Jamaican born Hip Hop artists Nomad Carlos just released his latest single “Live Good” produced by DJ King Flow. This is not the first we’ve heard from Nomad Carlos. Raised in Kingston from the age of 5, he worked hard through the ranks of Jamaica Reggae and Dancehall music to become one of the…
JOE BONAMASSA, DRIVING TOWARDS THE DAYLIGHT
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Making 13 albums in 12 years, is a feat in itself, not considering the literally thousands of shows Joe has done in that time period. Joe and producer Kevin Shirley reunited to take a trip back through Joe’s blues roots, with a few originals added into the mix. Brad Whitford, Anton Fig, and…
Dirk Down, With a Vengeance
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Most would agree most popular artists out there have something truly special to give to their fans. This goes above the typical attributes like raw talent, amazing songs, nice voice, or even a very marketable look, sound & image. There’s something truly infectious at the core of these artists that simply makes us feel good…
Stereo Pirates, Self Titled
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Newsflash: Deep from the depths of the Twin Cities arises a 5 headed beast known as Stereo Pirates. Stereo Pirates just released their debut self titled CD in 2012. ARRRRRRRRRR 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.…
Shatterglass, Self Titled
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With all of the evolving rock genres out there trying to invent new sounds and new concepts, it is actually refreshing to get right back to good old rock ‘n’ roll. That is what Shatterglass brings to the table with their self-titled EP. Catchy hooks, driving leads, sing along lyrics and a great chemistry have…
TomkoMarsh, Slow Dancer
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About the Artist: This is TomkoMashs’s debut CD entitled “Slow Dancer” (2012). For those who may not know Larry Tomko and Peter March have over 60 years of musical experience between them. Larry Tomko came to France via San Francisco as a sax player, songwriter and backup singer. After contributing to acclaimed studio projects he…
ALIFIC, Dub in the District
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About the Artist: This is ALIFIC’s latest CD entitled “Dub in the District” (2012). ALIFIC is the creation of Brendan Dane who is based out of the DC area. He is the musical mastermind of ALIFIC and his cited influences include “Long Beach Dub Allstars, Slightly Stooped, and Sublime. Review: What does Crystal Method…
Justine Dorsey, Unsaid (EP)
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About the Artist: This is Dorsey’s latest EP entitled “Unsaid” released in 2012. Venture to the internet — it will reveal an amazing musical career thus far for this rather young and up and coming female singer/songwriter. Based out of Southern California Dorsey is a 2012 LA Music Award Nominee for Best Female Singer/Songwriter. Review:…
Buddy Guy, When I Left Home
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The 75-year-old blues legend has decided it was time to recap his lengthy trip from helping his parent’s toil on others farms in Lettsworth, Louisiana, to learning blues guitar on the job in Chicago. David Ritz lends his biographical talents here, leaving Buddy language and stories untouched. Buddy takes you on his…
Erik Lamberth, Three Guitars
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About the Artist: This is Lamberth’s latest release entitled “Three Guitars” released in 2011 and certainly does not disappoint. Venture to the internet — it will reveal an amazing musical career thus far for this gunslinger form Philadelphia. A guitarist for nearly 30 years, he has performed with numerous ensembles, including The Haverford College Jazz…
RED9, RED9
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Not many people outside of Orange County, California remember a 2-piece act named Roqbot. However, anyone familiar with the OC’s rock scene should know that they were the seed from which the fruitful tree had grown to become what is now RED9. This self-titled full-length is the second offering from the band, but the first…
LexRox, Go All In
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Have you ever wondered how many pop stars it takes to change a light bulb? The answer, in case you are wondering, is that it doesn’t matter as there will never be a shortage of pop stars. Of course, being a Pop Star isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you are actually capable of delivering…
Beer, Guts & Glory, American Pride
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Upon first hearing the name of the band and accompanying music CD, I was immediately intrigued by Beer, Guts & Glory and “American Pride”. I was not surprised at all to hear that the band truly lives up to their name. In judging a book by it’s cover, so to speak, I pictured a punk,…
James Moore, Your Band Is A Virus!
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For the first time ever I am doing my first book review, so I am definitely excited right from the start! James Moore is the author of “Your Band Is A Virus!” and he is an independent music promoter/CEO of Independent Music Promotions (www.independentmusicpromotions.com). This book can help Indie artists & bands gain…
Rick Shaffer, Idiot Flats
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Until the release of his debut solo venture, I had never heard of Rick Shaffer. I am proud to say that ever since that initial review, I’ve never forgotten him and apparently he’s never forgotten me either. So when I was asked to review this latest dose of Rick, I happily obliged. See, to me…
Farehaven, (EP) from the album Upside-down
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Have you listened to the Radio lately? Is it me or is something going horribly wrong with today’s music. Do you remember when music actually had real instruments in them with real people playing them? How about good songs written by the artists themselves. How about live performances that where these artists poured their heart…
The Daydreamers, With Your Love
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The Daydreamers put you in a trance with their latest release, “With Your Love”. This eclectic band stands out above your regular radio norms. They set new standards for refreshing and different. They have created a genre of music that should be labeled simply, “really good!” There is a smooth groove that starts your…
Derek Stroker, Love and Colour
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Derek Stroker’s new release, “Love and Colour” is a new kind of vibe. It awakens your senses and makes you feel like you have an extra sense no one else does. It tickles your ears with such style and grace and sets a calm sobering mood. Derek’s voice is smooth and engaging. He has…
Fiona Joy Hawkins, Sensual Journeys
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The first time I heard pianist/composer/vocalist Fiona Joy Hawkins was back in 2009 when I reviewed her album ‘Blue Dream’ (http://skopemag.com/2009/01/23/fiona-joy-hawkins-blue-dream). Fiona’s classy approach at the piano continues to stand out on this new release. Hawkins plays with such elegance and her compositions hold much feeling. Fiona says herself that “Sensual Journeys is…
Rachel Maddow, Drift (Book Review)
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Ah, an amusing house wine of liberal punditry, full of cutesy language, tidbits about Ronald Reagan (did you know he was never in any real danger when he “served” in the military?), and etc. Maddow has a doctorate in politics, which is arguably more useful than possessing the ability to change a catalytic converter…
RANDOM STABBINGS & ARTLESS CRITIQUE, JUNE 2012
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The Walkmen, Heaven (Fat Possum Records) This band — at one time a loud, angular hot-mess — is, officially as of this LP, content to sip cappuccinos at NPR and chuckle at their oldness. This album seems a continuation of their last one, Lisbon, in which they’ve gotten off the plane from Spain, hung…
Flowerglass, The Lions
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Over the years we’ve seen pop, rock, and even alternative rock bands slowly erode into over-commercialized, corporate puppet shows. Talking to many music fans out there, the response is overwhelming. Give me something new, something that makes me feel good. something that’s pure and is going to kick start my heart. Something that doesn’t sound…
Sophist, The White EP
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Tim Palmer brings us his music performed under the name Sophist. He has poured his heart into this latest release, “The White EP”. This is a 3 song EP that appeals to your senses through his six string combined with emotionally poignant words. Palmer tickles your intellect with strong lyrical content. Even if you…
sMALLTIME, Self Titled EP
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sMALLTIME’s debut self titled CD is big music in a little package. This band consists of four guys with a religious message that appeals to the secular world. The Lead singer has a huge voice that is backed by some rockin music to create the fusion of inspiration and rebellious rock n roll. These guys…
Doug Ratner and the Watchmen, Lessons Well Learned
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Doug Ratner and the Watchmen are making their presence known with their latest release, “Lessons Well Learned”. It looks and sounds like they have learned their lessons quite well. This latest release is full of heavy hitting rockers that are sure to satisfy. They open the CD with their critically acclaimed single, Bomb in the…
Doug McCurry, Romance Like It Was
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Doug McCurry is back for more with his brand new release titled ‘Romance Like It Was’. Last year I had the pleasure of reviewing McCurry’s solo album called ‘Seven Songs About Leaving’ (http://skopemag.com/index.php?s=Doug+McCurry) and I knew then that Doug McCurry was an extremely unique artist. The music was original and the sound was like…
The Pels Syndicate, Chemical Inconveniences
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Atmospheric, multi-layered soundscapes is the hallmark facet of The Pels Syndicate new album Chemical Inconveniences. Think a down tempo, mellow version of The Crystal Method meets Mark Farina-style Acid Jazz. The tracks wax and wane from dreamy and ethereal to groovy drone electronica and leave almost no electronica subgenre unrepresented. The brainchild of Dutch keyboardist/sound…
Petrel, Bombshell (SINGLE)
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Over the years we’ve seen rock and even earthy Pop slowly erode into over-commercialized, corporate puppet shows providing music that is extremely sing songy, predictable, popish and highly corporate. I hereby call this new breed of music “Poser Rock” and I want to personally thank all the corporate giants for successfully transforming “Sex Drugs &…
Abandoned Faith, Self Titled
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Upon hearing the first track put forth to me by Abandoned Faith, “The Underlining Truth”, I immediately pictured a West Coast USA band. With a blazing guitar classic rock feel and pulverizing drumline, I have to say I was quite surprised to learn the band hails from South Yorkshire, England’s burrough of Sheffield. Lead singer…
Transcend The Fallen, Between Perception and Regret
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“Do you Transcend?” That is the question put forth by Nashville, Tennessee’s 5-piece Melodic Hard Rock band Transcend the Fallen. I received TTF’s debut full-length CD “Between Perception and Regret” having only been offered that one sentence about the band. So I set out to find an answer to the ambiguous question. What I found…
Frostbite, Valentine and other Stories of Hope (CD)
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Over the years we’ve seen Rock and even Hard Rock and Heavy Metal slowly erode into over-commercialized, corporate puppet shows providing music that is extremely sing songy, predictable, popish and highly corporate. I hereby call this new breed of music “Poser Rock” & I want to personally thank all the corporate giants for successfully transforming…
Richard Anthony, Love is Power (2011)
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Over the years we’ve seen pop, rock, and even Ambient Pop slowly erode into over-commercialized, corporate puppet shows providing music that is extremely sing songy, predictable, popish & highly corporate. I hereby call this new breed of music “Poser Rock” & I want to personally thank all the corporate giants for successfully transforming “Sex Drugs…
Tony DeSimone, As We Go ‘Round The Sun
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Well I never knew it took a rocket scientist to make great music until now. Tony DeSimone broadens his talents from the science realm to the music world. “As We Go ‘Round the Sun” is a melodic display of awesomeness. This 5 song EP is an expression of DeSimone’s musical visions. He has soothing vocals…
