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06.05.08
Expect more of the same chillaxed surf-tone tunes from
Prettyman with this album. She adds a dance vibe in "Echo,"
while she sings to her heart's content about changing
her mind on love in "Madly." I felt a strong
Fiona Apple vibe with her piano-driven, slow-paced song,
"In Bloom." But it was back to easy breezy sounds
with lesson-filled lyrics when "Don't Work Yourself
Up" came on. My favorite song on the album? "God
Gave Me Patience." It's a simple song, the kind that
Tristan does best, along with some really evocative lyrics
as she sings, "God give me time, time to think this
through/God give me something, something to keep my mind
off missing you." I love how Tristan put her stamp
on different styles throughout the album—she got
a little souled up with "A Little Bit," which
showed the range of her abilities as a songstress and
musician.
Favorite Tracks: Madly, God Gave Me Patience
Rating: 4.5 stars
06.05.08
With a refined rock and roll sound, Graham Colton's Here
Right Now offers an alternative sound that still makes
room for his signature emo lyrics and belt-out-perfectly
vocals. "You Find a Way" has a perfect blend
of electric guitar and pop sensibilities, while "If
Love Was Enough" brings a somber tone that showcases
the range of Colton's vocals. This album has gems, too.
In the vein of Counting Crows, where Colton grabs oodles
of inspiration, "New Years Resolution" offers
a similar vibe. But the lyrics in this song are rich and
poignant, as he sings about letting go. "Best Days"
stand out as timeless classic, the kind of song I wish
I had imprinted on my prom mug—it would have even
fit back in 1996 when I graduated. Old fans will love
the remake of "Cellophane Girl." Well, okay
it's got some differences than his coffee shop acoustic
sound when he was a starving artist in Texas, but I was
glad to see him stick to his roots.
Favorite Tracks: Best Days, New Year Resolution
Rating: 5 stars
08.17.07
This may not be like the Ari albums of the past, but I
enjoyed his latest release. While he’s not rockin’
out “Aberdeen” style, it is cool to see him
take a more mellow approach. The title track oozes of
Duncan Sheik’s sleek Drake-like haunting sound,
as does “Big Ben,” with its intricate strums.
Ari’s rustling, deep vocals are as textured as ever,
offering a truly delightful listen as he sings about life’s
details. Then comes “Just as Well” with a
more rhythmic touch as he tells a story of a simple girl.
“I’ve Got You” is the obvious love ballad
of the collection, while “So Slow” enables
the New Yorker to rock out. It’s the only track
that is reminiscent of his previous work, but that’s
not to say you won’t enjoy Ari’s more somber
sounds.
Favorite Tracks: Big Ben, So Slow
Rating: 4.5 stars
05.22.07
It takes a lot for a sophomore release to impress me from
the start, but Maroon 5 has done so seamlessly and to
perfection with this album. The harmonies in songs like
“Goodnight Goodnight” and “Won’t
Go Home without You” bring a pop tone that takes
on an alternative, rhythmic sound only this band can create.
Still, the magic lies in the feeling that with one listen,
these tracks are somehow familiar, and instantly likeable.
While their title track “Makes Me Wonder”
adds to the fabulous ability this band has to create an
upbeat tell-off song, it also introduces a harder sound
for the band with a retro disco-sounding background. But
I wouldn’t classify the whole album as “harder,”
as the band said it would be. “Back at Your Door”
and “Better that We Break” are true ballads
reminiscent of the ballads on the band’s earlier
effort, Songs About Jane. Lyrically, this album does it
all—tells about relationships and emotions bluntly
and honestly…thoughtfully and beautifully. Snaps
to Maroon 5 for another album that is sure to rise to
the top.
Favorite Tracks: Won’t Go Home Without You,
Makes Me Wonder
Rating: 5 stars
01.09.07
Alex Woodard has released yet another collection of endearing
ballads against a background of folk rock. By far, the
best song is "I Thought I'd Be There By Now,"
which features a precious melody and Woodard's rich,
grainy vocals as he sings, "Now I am up with the
sun/Am I the only one/Feeling a little undone."
All of the songs take the rock and roll of Tom Petty down
a notch into Woodard's truly unique menagerie of
acoustic guitar, mandolin, viola, organ and much, much
more. His most fabulous collection yet: Songs of longing,
songs that help you feel things you thought you had otherwise
bured, songs you need to hear.
Favorite Tracks: I Thought I'd Be There By
Now, Open Road
Rating: 4.5 stars
01.09.07
Although the first track isn't her best, one need
only go to Track 2 to start to enjoy the sounds of Julia
Othmer. She's a bit reminescent of Julia Darling
with a sultry tone to her vocals. She's got the
edge of Charlotte Martin with an edge all hewr own. "Darling"
has a back-and-forth rocking rhythm that helps it stand
out, while she tones it down a bit in "Help Me."
This song is the gem of the album, a songwriting masterpiece
with a story to be discovered inside. Her rich piano playing
and soft vocals hold a sense of mystery and beauty at
the same time. Check out Othmer's long list of celebrity
producers on the album—kinda puts her on an elevated
plane in the emerging music industry.
Favorite Tracks: Help Me, Canyons
Rating: 3.5 stars
01.09.07
With a name like Dimestore Dandelion, I wasn't sure
what to expect when I put this in my CD player. It definitely
has a local vibe, straight from Virginia. The melodies
are good and hook you in, but I'd say that vocalist
Chris Settimo needs to refine his vocals. They sounded
a little deeper contrasted to the high-pitch piano background
in "Daisy Chained." The track sounds a little
like Jason Mraz's music, with a rumbling and rhyming
menagerie of lyrics. By the time I hit "Please Don't
Go," I kind of knew this CD wasn't going to
be a favorite. Though the opening riff in "Oil and
Water" struck me with a sultry Maroon 5 vibe. The
band does have some promise, though, and I'd certainly
take a listen to their next album.
Favorite Tracks: Daisy Chained, Oil and Water
Rating: 3 stars
01.09.07
Lights, camera, Natalia! This album sounds like something
that would play as the models hit the runway on Project
Runway and the designers look on blissfully at their sometimes
awful creations. Luckily, the album isn't awful
at all. Though it's not something that I'd
normally listen to, it was worth a mention. Though the
sound is nice, the vocals are all about fashion, which
doesn't strike an emotion in me. But like I said,
the music is fun! Natalia's vocals are sultry and
almost whispered along the backdrop of strong electric
guitar-based power rock. Fabulous for your next party—with
hipster martinis, of course.
Favorite Tracks: Lipstick Gun, Fashion
Rating: 3 stars
12.05.06
From the first listen, I fell in love with Holly's
eerie, mysterious voice. Her lyrics are pretty direct,
though they leave a lot up to interpretation, but it's
her voice that is the draw. With a piano-driven sound
similar to that of Charlotte Martin, I also felt a little
Maren Ord in here. In "Wanted," she sings,
"I will be wanted/I will not fall from grace/Daylight
has waited just to live upon your face/I won't be
haunted/I will not sleep to bleed/All that I wanted/Has
been right in front of me." There is so much honesty
in songs like "What I Wouldn't Give,"
as she sings, "Feeling like I can't forgive,
but I want to/It's like I don't know how to
live, I'm afraid to." Every song on this album
is exceptional, which makes Holly one of the best discoveries
of this year for me.
Favorite Tracks: Giving It Up for You
Rating: 5 stars
12.05.06
This recording is a brilliant rendition of a live show;
with the acoustics so crisp and the sound so…live.
It was recorded at a bunch of venues and features Julie
Loyd's sultry, powerful vocals that sound a lot
like those of Jonatha Brooke. Her music exudes meaning,
chock full of intelligent lyrics and lullaby rhythms.
In "Secret of Your Own," she sings, "On
a New York night/You tasted someone else's smile/Once
you crossed that line/You couldn't help but kiss
her twice." Loyd is a power-folk songstress that
exudes strength and beauty in her songs, which are a reflection
of a strong woman within. A fabulous live album that will
send you back to her site to buy the studio versions of
the songs on her previous albums.
Favorite Tracks: Being Home, Normal
Rating: 4.5 stars
12.05.06
In the vein of Josh Kelley and Marc Broussard comes Ernie
Halter, who possesses refined vocal capabilities atop
a varied collection of jazzy blues and soul tracks. This
guy pours his heart and soul into tracks like "When
the Lights Go Down" as he sings, "I don't
want to be alone, it's wearing on me/I don't
want to find out that fate can't be found/When the
lights go down." Then there are other tracks like
"Love, Look at Me Now" where he brings in
a modern electric guitar edge. If you're looking
for a professional recording with plenty of soul, check
this one out!
Favorite Tracks: Into this Life, When the Lights
Go Down
Rating: 4stars
12.05.06
At first listen, I couldn't quite place this girl.
She's got that oddball nature of Bjork and the grace
of Heather Nova's vocals. But you really have to
listen to all the tracks to appreciate her sultry, soulful
sounds. I think her sound is more appealing than her vocals,
however, which had the same tone throughout most of the
songs. The tracks, however, are all quite obscure. In
"Long Distance Summer" she sings, "You
brought me beyond my situation/Now I'm laughing
like a butler on vacation." If you like the dark
stuff with a soft voice, you'll like K. Page. Otherwise,
pull out your Heather Nova until she releases her next
masterpiece.
Favorite Tracks: Beyond Right and Wrong, Sleepwalker
Rating: 2 stars
10.26.06
In the vein of Pete Yorn, Howie Day and Coldplay, Landon
Pigg's songs tackle life's confusions and
triumphs. While "Can't Let Go" soars
with lyrics like "It's not that our love died/It
just never really bloomed," tracks like "Last
Stop" and "Just Like I Am" pick up the
subtle variances in Pigg's dreamy, folkish voice.
But there's nothing folky about his smooth rock
sound. In a nutshell, Pigg is a fresh face and voice on
the music scene. There may be nothing "new"
about his sound, but his songs are chock full of introspective
lyrics and they sound just wonderful.
Favorite Tracks: Can't Let Go, Last Stop
Rating: 5 stars
09.01.06
Listeners will really get an impression of who Alice Peacock
is with her latest release. It's full of simple harmonies
and her raspy voice coupled with overlaying piano trappings
that bring these acoustic-folk songs to perfect fruition.
Think Alice Peacock on the musical drug of Carole King.
She's dropped a lot of her country tone here and picked
up a more simple sound throughout the majority of the
songs. She sings candidly of relationships in "Time"
as she sings, "And so I wept and raged and cried/And
came through on the other side." This album is much
softer than her last album, and there's nothing pop-friendly
ala her hit "Bliss" with John Mayer. Her title
track is compelling, softer, more true...a glimpse into
her emotions instead of a catchy sound. But the lyrics
in the track unveil the motive behind this collection:
to be true to herself, share herself and inspire others
to do the same.
Favorite Tracks: Who I Am, Only a Memory
Rating: 4.5 stars
09.01.06
Leah Morgan returns with a new collection of songs that
feature her angelic vocals. While she doesn't sound
as much like a female Ben Folds as she did with her previous
album, this collection showcases a different side of Morgan—more
feminine, with a wider range of vocals. "I Still
Miss You" demonstrates her vocal capabilities best,
as her voice elegantly dresses up a song about longing.
The rest of her songs have her signature sound, a soothing
menagerie of vocals, piano, bass and even cello.
Favorite Tracks: I Still Miss You, London
Rating: 4 stars
09.01.06
Toby Lightman has done it again. Much like her last collection
of soulful pop, her latest release Bird on a Wire will
have you groovin' out—diva style. It's a little
more organic but has a lot more soul. Call her the female
version of Marc Broussard--this girl has got an innate
styling for sultry music. Lightman worked with producer
Bill Bottrell (Sheryl Crow, Shelby Lynne) and Patrick
Leonard (Madonna, Jewel, Natasha Bedingfield) to weave
Lightman's sultry style into a collection of 13
more stunning songs, including the hip "Hold Me Down"
and the ever-soft melodic "My Sweet Song," I
think you'll like this if you've got the hots for Sonya
Kitchell, Corinne Bailey Rae or Norah Jones.
Favorite Tracks: Slipping, My Sweet Song
Rating: 4 stars
09.01.06
Michael James has a sound that isn't all unique, but he's
got a good sound. With honest sounds in a menagerie of
acoustic strummings, this guitarist, keyboardist, producer,
singer and songwriter uses all of his talent throughout
this album. But I feel his vocals have to be more refined,
as does the recording. "Lost in You" is a great
opening track, but "Perfect Disagreement" makes
me disagree with the semi-whine of his vocals. Things
clear up by "Room With a View," as the Sister
Hazel sound weans down into a soft composure as he sings,
"I've gotta find a way to get to the top/Cuz I feel
myself slipping away."
Favorite Tracks: Room with a View, Empty Bed
Rating: 3.5 stars
08.01.06
Wow. A stunning collection of acoustic-based songs with
JP Hoe's magical vocals. You can feel his pain and joy
in each line of "Always," which kicks off this
live album. Hoe sounds an awful lot like David Gray, but
his songs are more simple and honest. Still, you have
the backup of a professional band with a sharp sound as
his voice soars. Things get soft and sweet in "All
of a Sudden," a song sure to make the ladies swoon.
If you ask me, he has a brilliant career ahead of him,
and this live recording will one day be a savored gem
when he hits it big. I love that we heard him first.
Favorite Tracks: All of a Sudden, Always
Rating: 5 stars
08.01.06
Turn up the voltage--The Mains are here blending a pop-friendly
and classic rock sound that is destined for success. "Tonight"
boasts a radio-friendly tone, and "Last Goodbye"
retains the same sound -- the entire album has a soaring
blend of smart, thoughtful songs that don't sound much
different each other. That's not necessarily bad. They
sound like a blend of Oasis and Ashley Parker Angel's
new sound, with smart lyrics that exude wit throughout.
Things slowed down in "Two in a Million," as
they sing, "I believe in love/I believe in you/If
you believe in me/That's all we'll ever need." Kind
of predictable lyrics there, but it's a song that could
be remembered as the next great rock ballad if it got
enough shining time. The rest of the tracks break through
with honesty ("I Threw It All Away") -- hey,
at least they admit it all and do so with a resonance
that makes the album sparkle.
Favorite Tracks:
Two in a Million, I Threw It All Away
Rating:
4.5 stars
08.12.06
It's not the usual Canadian sound we usually report here,
but Anthill made a good mark on me with this album. Their
sound is a cross between Counting Crows, Coldplay and
Oasis, the most distinctive thing on this CD is lead singer
Mark Osachoff's vocals. They're amazing--fresh and unique,
a combination of sturdy expression and grainy emotion.
In "Waiting for the Sun" his vocals soar and
tell a story about not knowing why a struggle occurs and
not letting anyone close. I liked all of these tracks.
They had a great acoustic background and a studio-refined
sound that you'll most likely enjoy.
Favorite Tracks:
Waiting for the Sun, Believe
Rating: 4.5 stars
08.01.06
It sounds like another All-American Rejects, but this
band maintains a good sound overall. A little heavier
on the electric guitar than I normally like, but they
have a pop quality that works to their benefit. "Making
Promises" has a quick sound, as does "Before
the Words Are Spoken." What drew my attention is
that they're another Jersey band in the vein of Val Emmich,
and have the potential to do great things with this album.
By far, the best track is "Here's Your Song You've
Always Wanted," mostly because it gave my ears a
rest -- they make good music but it's a little too hard
for my taste. Still, this CD was worth a mention.
Favorite Tracks: Here's Your Song You've Always
Wanted, Making Promises
Rating: 3 stars
07.02.06
I don't think Ingrid Michaelson can make a bad album.
She's returned with more of the same here—piano-driven
tracks that exude meaning and a unique sound somewhere
between Ani DiFranco and the Late Tuesday girls. "Die
Alone" features an electric intro that lures you
in while her soaring voice carries you into a tune so
whimsical in sound but meaningful lyrically. In it she
sings, "I never thought I could love anyone but myself/Now
I know/I can't love anyone but you/Make me think that
maybe I won't die alone/Maybe I won't die alone."
The morbid theme of death her is underlying--she sings
so honestly about not wanting to die alone. Her songs
are kind of simple yet edgy. I love the way she accentuates
every word in her tracks with this girlish simplicity.
Her rumbling piano harmonies and angelic voice atop of
them give Michaelson a sound all her own—and another
smashing album under her belt.
Favorite Tracks:
Die Alone, Breakable
Rating: 5 stars
07.02.06
With more harmonies just as glorious as they've portrayed
on their previous albums, this Northwestern trio has done
it again. This time, though, the songs are a little more
subdued in sound. With the exception of "Obvious
Like Gravity," which features some up-tempo piano-driven
beats in the band's typical whimsical fashion, the rest
of these songs show the maturity of these gals...and their
passion to continue making great tunes. In "Anyone
But You," they get serious about moving on from love,
singing, "I just can't get over it, I still
can't get over it – not that I want to/And
you just can't get over me, it's so darn encouraging/As
long as I fall for anyone but you." Overall, another
great album with plenty of meaning and some fun, engaging
tunes that will keep you uplifted.
Favorite Tracks:
Obvious Like Gravity, I'm Not Your Type
Rating:
4.5 stars
07.02.06
Though this album doesn't distinguish itself from her
previous one, maybe that's a good thing. Because all I
wanted was more of the same from Foster and I got it.
Her crisp hooks and distinctive voice with harmonious
melodies make this CD an easy play. And a new version
of her older track "In Between Poses" hit the
nail on the head. Even "Taking Bob Dylan" lured
me in, while "The Underdogs" moved me. Kudos
to Foster for making more great music that demands thought
and literacy.
Favorite Tracks: Everybody Goes,
Taking Bob Dylan
Rating: 4.5 stars
07.02.06
If you liked her catchy track "Girl Next Door"
as the credits roll on MTV's Tiara Girls, you'll enjoy
the rest of tshis album. The band sounds a lot like Plumb,
with some smart-ass, tell-off lyrics as in "Happy"
when lead singer Marti Dodson sings, "I'm so happy
for you/I could cry/I'm so elated/Cross my heart and hope
to die." The band has the bad-ass image of Evanescence
or Pink with pop-quirky tunes and softer songs ala Alanis
Morrisette or Avril Lavigne to make it big.
Favorite
Tracks: Reasons Why, Ordinary
Rating:
4 stars
05.23.06
Just as endearing as his first release, TwentySomething,
this one has a bunch of jazzy songs that all have Cullum's
spunk and musical refinement. Includes a cover of the
Doves song, "Catch the Sun," which was a very
pleasant surprise, as was the tell-off track "Get
Your Way," in which Cullum stands up to a brat of
some sorts. It's clear that his second release since hitting
the U.S. hard is more of the same--great tunes with nothing
lacking.
Favorite Tracks: Catch the Sun, Get
Your Way
Rating: 5 stars
05.23.06
If you're hearing a little Glen Phillips, Josh Kelley
or even some Nick Drake in this album, you're spot on.
This dude blends thoughtful acoustic tunes with a bit
of an alt-country twist (meaning if you hate country,
you still will enjoy this minus the harmonica twang in
"I Put My Time In"). I liked his rumbling guitar
and gritty voice that seemed to emulate his meaningful
vocals. Let's not mention the splendid rendition of Howard
Jones' song, "No One is to Blame." It's all
acoustic and brings a wonderful coffeehouse feel to the
track. "Sunday News" brings a barbershop background
vocal feel with Millar's lazy day vocals.
Favorite
Tracks: No One is to Blame, Intro (Stay Here)
Rating: 4 stars
05.23.06
If there's another resurgence of male singer-songwriters
in the vein of John Mayer's initial rein, or Teddy Geiger's
current one, then there is a place for the springy tunes
of Matt White. Though he's got a touch of Adam Levine's
vocal and an uber-poppy sound that forces your toe to
tap and your body to sway ("Anybody Else" is
good for this) you can't help but think you've heard it
before. It sounds like the same recycled tuneage that
we've heard for the past couple of years out of the "up
and coming" artists. Of course his sweet ballad "Paradise"
is easy on the ears and conveys a heartfelt message, as
"Wait for Love" did, White didn't stand out
to me. Nice sound, but nothing definitive that gives him
much of an edge.
Favorite Tracks: Wait for
Love, Anybody Else
Rating: 4 stars
05.23.06
So sue me...I want every Ben Harper album to sound like
the song "Diamonds on the Inside" because I
adore the song. That's why this two-disc album didn't
move me all too much. I liked the first disc but could
do without the second -- I'm a Harper "rock"
girl, not "soul." The title track brings forth
an uber-soul sound with some Zepplin tones mixed in. James
Brown would be proud of the second CD of this album. The
redeeming grace is the first CD which brings back some
classic Harper sounds. Overall? Skip Disc 2 and you'll
enjoy it.
Favorite Tracks: Reason to Mourn,
Waiting for You
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Kristen
Fischer
DiscoveringArtists.com
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