Monday, June 22, 2009

"Paul Estro" by Paul Estro (Country Artist from New York(NY))

Paul Estro's self-titled debut forges a new and delightful territory in the country gospel music scene. Estro's raw and witty lyricism, coupled with his intimate Southern backwoods-style vocal intonations, fuses to create a palatable and innovative collection unlike its contemporaries. Throughout the 8-song CD, Estro relies on twangy guitar and female Gospel chorus - not to mention the occasional power chord - to deliver songs that extol the virtues of his faith, while skewering the trappings of the modern church. Moreover, the musicianship of this work is exceptional in technique and caters well to the emotions each song intends to invoke. Highlights include the country shuffle, "The Church of McWill," a Guitar Town-era, Steve Earle-like rocker called "Welcome Home," and the catchy "Pastor Martin is Coming." Fans of country gospel marked by clever satire will find a humorous solace in this memorable debut.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Paul Estro's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Blue With Envy" by Tubie Pushe'e (Blues Artist from Texas(TX))

Tubie Pushe'e and his outstanding third release, "Blue With Envy," shines brightly with original and creative Texas-style blues. The first track, "Gimme Back My Car," leads off the disc with a flurry of good ol' blues. The vocals belt out the trials of love gone wrong, while the harmonica blows harmonious riffs and the walking bass line moves the steady and solid beat. Generous helpings of organ hooks and edgy guitar riffs heat up the bluesy tones of "Me and My Woman" which gives this song a deep, country roots feel. A bit of down home country flavor highlights the vocals while the piano complements the sweet guitar solo on "Home." "Skubie's Do 2" is a lush and lyrical guitar solo which is not only blues expression at its best but shows the great talent offered up on this disc. Pushe'e not only displays his love of the blues with engaging style but he also offers some diversity with tempo changes throughout the album. You can't go wrong listening to the well-fashioned songs of "Blue With Envy" by Tubie Pushe'e, as it is packed with terrific vocals, lyrics, and a solid support of instruments.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Tubie Pushe'e's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Sunday, June 21, 2009

"Time Is Fun When You're Having Flies" by Afterthem (Rock Artist from New Jersey(NJ))

What to make of the outrageous, quirky, mad, goofy, fantastic, funky, and unpredictable sounds of Afterthem? On their latest CD (the 8th since their '03 debut), the aptly titled "Time Is Fun When You're Having Flies," the 5-piece band serves up their brand of deranged psycho-savant-funk-jazz with all the subtlety of the proverbial flying mallet. The CD opener, "Misses Johnson" starts things appropriately enough with a discordant workout over a rhythm whose time signature would give Dave Brubeck a fit of rage. But like an aperitif before a grand feast, the fun is only just beginning. When not channeling the spirit – if not the voice – of mad genius Captain Beefheart (Don Van Vliet), the bulk of the 18 track album defies categorization or description. Part avant garde, part inspired lunacy, 2/3's part Tom Waits carnival barker's delirium and half sheer inscrutability, it's a veritable hall of sonic mirrors, casting strange and surreal sounds at the listener to confound, confuse, and - if patient enough, utterly floor. And while the singer warns, "just don't get too close" on the whacked-out funk jam, "Coolo Daddyo," my advice is – as to a boxer taking a pounding in the ring – get this album in a clinch and don't let go.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out afterthem's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Thursday, June 18, 2009

"Reheat and Serve" by The Leftovers (Rock Artist from South Carolina(SC))

Classic power-trio rock driven by the kind of fiery and blistering guitar flourishes that defines the genre is the order of the day on The Leftovers fine new CD, "Reheat and Serve." Alternately flashing the kind of licks a fan of Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, or Stevie Ray Vaughan would drool over, veteran rocker D. Logan Foster leads a 3-piece band through a 9-song workout of blues fire and rock dynamics with drama and flair. With wife Cassandra Roxanne (Bass) and Bennie Bee (drums) proving a rock-solid and inventive rhythm section, classic blues rock gets a makeover on the Santana-inflected "Simple Woman" while the Southern chug of "Your Eyes Give You Away" are right out of the Lynyrd Skynyrd playbook. CD-opener, "Let's Do It Again" surges with a Hendrix-like fury as Foster's slashing chops cuts through the song like lightning bolts. But in the best of power-trio traditions (e.g., Cream, Hendrix Experience, Blue Cheer), sheer sonic power is often tempered in service of the song, as on the closer, "Mississippi Blues," a blues shuffle that features Foster's earthy and down-home vocals to best effect. Classic by design and execution, The Leftovers CD, "Reheat and Serve" is anything but warmed-over: instead, it's a vibrant and charged tasting of blues-rock that will always have a place on the classic rock menu.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out The Leftovers's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

"Extinct Is Forever" by Cody & Bj Productions (Kids Artist from Virginia(VA))

Entertaining and educational, "Extinct Is Forever," by the talented Cody & Bj Productions, is comprised of catchy lyrics and beats with pop style. What better way to teach young children about saving wildlife and rainforests than using the gift of music. Hear the sounds of the wild on "Enter the Rainforest/Song of the Rainforest" with the soft and gentle voice of poetry. There will be a smile and happy feeling when you hear "Beautiful Macaw" as it gently moves with tropical flair. Kids won't be able to keep from singing to "Let's Be Friends With The Animals" with its sing-along style and bouncy beats. Sincere and heartfelt lyrics shine on "Imagine" as the vocals gracefully flow over the tender melody. "Extinct Is Forever," is just the right album to promote awareness of the rainforests and saving wild animals to families/young children through these enlightening and charming songs.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Cody & Bj Productions's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"The Long Way Home" by ETx (Spiritual Artist from Connecticut (CT))

What do you get when you cross the genres of Gospel, blues, and rock? A delightful and warm spiritual album called "The Long Way Home," by the outstanding group ETx. Overflowing with heartfelt lyrics that are set to the tone of life's ups and downs, this group really brings it all together. You can feel the focused chemistry and dynamic balance between vocals and instruments. Thought-provoking lyrics on "Eternity" awakens the soul with uplifting and joyous emotions. Sweet rock guitar licks and classic organ tones complement the emotive lyrics on "Babylon." The laid-back and bluesy "I'm Sorry" and the upbeat rocking blues of "Thank You Jesus" will impress listeners with the versatility this group offers up. The overall mission of ETx is to spread inspirational words through the gift of music, and they have indeed accomplished this. Listeners will be inspired by Etx's "The Long Way Home," as it serves up enjoyable tunes in memorable style.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out ETx's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Pick Your Poison... Hip-Hop by Pedro el Poeta (Rap Artist from Florida(FL))

No stranger to the music scene, the talented Hip-Hop/Rap artist Pedro el Poeta sets in motion a compilation of beats and grooves with his latest release, titled "Pick Your Poison… Hip-Hop." Poeta's spoken words are poetically infused with colorful instrumentation blends which give a cohesive and consistent sound. His voice is strong and rich and he reveals his abilities as an easy flowing rhymer. The language voiced throughout this collection is both English and Spanish, as listeners will hear on "El Problema." Smooth and silky word play is heard on "What Better Time (feat. Manny)" with soft drums beats and synth sounds. Mysterious tones swirls around the harmonious poetry with style and ease on "Unheard" and "Para Mis Padres." "Pick Your Poison… Hip-Hop" by Pedro el Poeta is Hip-Hop/Rap with artistic poetry that pulses with upbeat energy and demonstrates the talents this performer has to offer.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Pedro el Poeta's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Just Can't Believe It" by Tubie Pushe'e (Blues Artist from Texas (TX))

Tubie Pushe'e and his blues album "Just Can't Believe It," is entertaining and fun with its versatile rhythms and well crafted melodies. Pushe'e has a gifted talent with his vocals that are deep and rich and shine with full-bodied flavor. Not only is Pushe'e a talented singer but his guitar performances stand out as well. Listen to the catchy riff on "Alibis your lies" with a straight up feel or "709 blues" as the guitar rocks with an edgier touch. Right from the start, the title track "Just Can't Believe It" overflows with driving beats and catchy lyrics. "Share" puts out a touch of country flair when Pushe'e vocals demonstrate the familiar, down home country twang style. Taking the tempo to a slower bluesy beat, "A candle" and "Voices" offers smooth and tender guitar strumming, while the vocals are strong yet sung with emotional clarity. Blues fans won't be disappointed when listening to "Just Can't Believe It" by Tubie Pushe'e, as it is blues versatility at its best.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Tubie Pushe'e's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"The Full Moons" by Stephen W. Duncan (Classical Artist from Georgia (GA))

Stephen W. Duncan has ingeniously and eloquently mirrored the episodic events of the moon with his expressive and appropriately named album, "The Full Moons." Duncan has created an atmosphere of beautifully orchestrated compositions using various types of instrumentation with tones of classical and New Age finesse. Stunning and powerful, "Snow Moon," casts out a luscious melody highlighted by dazzling dynamics as the strings swell only to gently recede ever so softly. A bright and crisp piano cascades across the keys on "Flower Moon" while the Eastern tonality of various instruments gives way to a charming melody. Upbeat and lively, "Harvest Moon" impresses with country style with the banjo plucking away, while the percussion taps to a steady beat. The motif of Stephen W. Duncan's "The Full Moons" holds thought-provoking melodies with wonderful instrumentation of classical/New Age flair and would be a great addition to anyone who likes to hear and feel the sounds of tranquility.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Stephen W. Duncan's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Monday, June 15, 2009

"Elliptical Motion" by Planetary Nights (Rock Artist from New York City, New York(NY))

Leading off with the jaw-dropping, adrenaline-charged rocker, "Road Trip," Planetary Nights sets the bar pretty high on their debut CD, "Elliptical Motion." What follows is a further 14-track exploration of rock styles fused by spot-on instincts and flashes of potent song craft. Built on a classic rock attitude of tuneful and engaging hooks, "Elliptical Motion" is jam packed with songs of raw intensity such as "Luck Runnin' Out," or "Release The Peace" and soulful balladry of "If Ever" or "Hide Away," as well as radio-ready fare defying the constraints of categorization "Don't Hold Back," and "Ebony Eyes." "Countin' On You" features some fine Southside Johnny-style harp licks, while "Starting Over" sways with a mean Clarence Clemons-style tenor sax part that's both gritty and urbane. Regardless of influences, though, Planetary Nights' "Elliptical Motion" is a cohesive and sparkling CD that succeeds because it blazes its own path of genuine fire and passion; a trail that starts and ends at the heart of rock 'n' roll.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Planetary Nights's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

"500 Miles" by When Thunder Comes (Rock Artist from Washington DC)

A big part of the appeal of the New Wave movement back in the early 80's was the shift away from the bloated AOR sounds dominating airwaves to a simpler, '60's-oriented approach to songs and melody, albeit filtered through a new attitude - as well as a new sonic template, that would eventually shape much of the legacy of '80's rock. On "500 Miles," the latest CD from When Thunder Comes, New Wave is the order of the day in a 12-song collection that is, however, no less contemporary for all of its retro embellishments. On songs like "Good Ole Days" and the title track, "500 Miles," keenly balanced lead and harmony vocals are set off against tasteful synth incursions to flesh out rockers that are both catchy and provocative. Other tracks evoke different sounds of the New Wave era, like "See You In My Dreams," with its almost U2-like slice of ethereal pop, and "Endless Seas," reminiscent of classic Talking Heads. Throughout, though, the band plays with fire and precision, delivering up a set of infectious originals that mark When Thunder Comes' "500 Miles" CD as fitting in this era as it would have been 25 years ago.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out When Thunder Comes's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Sunday, June 7, 2009

"Lovers Groove" by Kearon (R&B Artist from South Carolina(SC))

The debut album "Lovers Groove" by the talented singer/songwriter, Kearon is full of smooth and soulful R&B. Kearon is no stranger to the music world as he started singing at a young age and pulls his artistic flair from the influences of great artist of the past, such as O'Jays and Marvin Gaye, to current artists, such as R. Kelly and Ne-Yo. Utilizing these inspirations to create a unique and diverse quality, his vocal abilities shine as they spill out with expressive and melodic tonality. With vocals that are right on the mark, Kearon inspires and moves the listener with his suave and emotive lyrics. "Good Loving" carries a soft and silky feel while the instruments flow with ease and style. An infectious beat on "On The Floor (feat. Butta Banks)" keeps the rhythm pumping while the cool and crisp synth tones balance well with the intimate vocals. Chill out to the thoroughly enjoyable disc "Lovers Groove" as it will move you with its soulful, fashionable style.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com reviewer team
Check out Kearon#39;s music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Saturday, June 6, 2009

"Big Blue Sky" by Doug Swindell (Blues Artist from Okalahoma(OK))

Doug Swindell presents an outstanding collection of rich and soulful blues with a jagged-edge taste of rock on his recent release "Big Blue Sky." Swindell is a one-man band whose talents shine through, as he not only wrote these memorable pieces but also performed each track. His melodic vocals are strong and solid and the lyrics are heartfelt with tales of life and love. Not only will you hear blues on this album, but there are some country-embellished songs, like "Dead Man Walkin." On the title track "Big Blue Sky," Swindell makes all the right moves with his soulful bluesy guitar and slow and steady drums. "Train of Thought" with its rock-solid beat, has some great power chords on guitar with an ambiance that will leave listeners grooving all night long. Doug Swindell's "Big Blue Sky" is well worth hearing, especially if you like some down home blues with a tang of rock and country.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Doug Swindell's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Friday, June 5, 2009

"These People Aren't You" by Kid Goat (Rock Artist from Washington DC)

Tom Petty once proudly sang about the southern accent where he came from. Well, despite Kid Goat's eastern (DC & PA) origins, that accent imbues everything about Kid Goat's excellent "These People Aren't You" CD, an exploration of roots and alternative country-leaning rock that adds up to Americana at its finest. With Matt Aquiline and Belen Pifel trading off lead singing duties, Kid Goat strikes a nifty balance over 13 guitar-driven songs that alternately rock, swing, and sway. A jangle guitar underpins the hook-filled opener, "Must Be Blind," as the duo harmonize in the best southern tradition, while on "From You," Pifel's delicate country-tinged voice, which is reminiscent of Tift Merritt's, is the perfect vehicle for an memorable, pretty tune. Elsewhere, Aquiline's voice calls to mind the breakthrough BoDeans debut LP, with songs like "Pennsylvania" and "Working World" capturing the rawness at the heart of great rock 'n' roll. All told, "These People Aren't You" is a solid debut CD for Kid Goat; one that knocks down borders in the service of terrific Americana rock.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Kid Goat's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Thursday, June 4, 2009

"Happy Talk" by Andrea Hopkins & Jonathan Katz (Jazz Artist from Japan)

Twirling Jonathan Katz's nimble and deft piano accompaniment around her finger like an alluring chanteuse, Andrea Hopkins explores Vocal Jazz styles in a voice as emotive as it is beguiling on their engaging and very fine CD, "Happy Talk." Tackling a collection of primarily Great American Songbook standards – from Hoagy Carmichaels' "The Nearness of You," to Harold Arlen's immortal "Over the Rainbow," to Ray Noble's "Cherokee," Hopkins & Katz neatly strike a balance between provocative interpretations and familiar readings, proving how much life is still left in these old warhorses. Nevertheless, covering such standards as these (as well as "Bye Bye Blackbird" or "Misty") can be a double-edged sword for performers, exposing - as it does, new renditions to the harsh glow of comparison (i.e., to the Sinatra's, Fitzgerald's, and Garlands et al whose voices defined the songbook.) To their credit, the duo handles the challenge with assurance and no lack of self- confidence. Hopkins' voice is equal parts sultry, evocative, and pitch perfect, while Katz' keys delve the melodic and harmonic possibilities of these classic tunes with intelligence and nuance, but always in a manner that allows Hopkins room to interpret. In sum, the combined talents and sheer musicality of Andrea Hopkins & Jonathan Katz make "Happy Talk" an endearing and completely satisfying CD.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Andrea Hopkins & Jonathan Katz's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

"Left for Dead" by Refracture (Electronic Artist from England)

House music is a mystifyingly multitude of Electronica / Dance music with numerous degrees of specialization and nuances. Beats Per Minute (BPM), textural definition and use / non-use of vocals are but a few of the defining characteristics that divide such subgenres of House as Dirty House, French House, and Electro House. Refracture's 3-song CD EP, "Left for Dead," blends elements of different subgenres - most notably Electro House - meaning, the music has the requisite BPM's, is anchored by propulsive bass lines, and features the sonic balance / blend associated with the House styles. All 3 tracks are catchy, infectious, and danceable as all get-out (i.e., very danceable indeed!). The title track, "Left for Dead" kicks things off with a slow-build synth swirl that hesitates before exploding into an irresistible groove punctuated by sonic squeaks and squalls that drop out of nowhere, keeping the mix continuously fresh. "Space Riot" and "Energy Flow" are both more immediate and insistent, but no less engaging, and each makes a case for being the best of the 3 mixes on the CD. If you're a House music connoisseur you will make up your own mind about the House attributes and qualifications of Refracture's "Left for Dead" EP, but if you're an Electronica music fan I think you'll find this CD delivers where it counts: on the dance floor.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Refracture's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites