Saturday, July 25, 2009

"Friction" by Pitchblack-ltd (Pop/Reggae Artist from Sweden)

Sweden's Pitchblack-ltd serves up their own vibrant take on dance-oriented rock on their terrific album, "Friction". Unlike some recently successful bands of this genre, the success of Pitchblack-ltd's new release is due more to an age-old reliance on brilliant song craft rather than mere adherence to the revival of the once unholy alliance between Rock and Disco. Indeed, each of the eleven songs on "Friction" bristles with its own immediacy, tunefully melding R&B and Rock influences with equal command. The first track, "Trouble Skank," establishes their unique sound with an insistent groove and sing-along melody. Elsewhere, "Everybodys Monkey" and "No Riot!?" employ the same measures of dance-floor urgency plus garage band vocal inflections, while the more relaxed "The Late Mans Blues," and the jazzy atmosphere of "Rumours," are testament to the band's adeptness with a broader – yet entirely cohesive, musical vision. Pitchblack-ltd's second CD "Friction" is an outstanding collection of razor-sharp songs executed with precision and muscle, regardless of style or influences.

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

"Green Evolution" by Sudama Mark Kennedy (Pop/Rock Artist from California (CA))

Opening Sudama Mark Kennedy's new CD, titled "Green Evolution," is a relaxed, Brazilian-style slice of vocal jazz, "Your Heart Just Knows," serving notice that his Adult Contemporary-oriented and deeply spiritual music is as eclectic as it is accomplished. A guitarist and multi-instrumentalist as tasteful as he is skilled, Kennedy's laid-back style works to perfection whether exploring Indian melodies ("Mystical Envelopment"), mining James Taylor-like easy listening ("Hum Alla Allelujah"), or even creating improvised, ambient New Age soundscapes ("Healing Zither"). A soothing and tuneful singer himself, Kennedy's inventive use of female vocals to counter melodies, or flesh out the harmonics of otherwise spare arrangements, adds yet another dimension to this album's California polish. With a back story as intriguing as his rich, spiritually-based music, Sudama Mark Kennedy's excellent "Green Evolution" is sure to satisfy on many levels.

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

"Green Evolution" by Sudama Mark Kennedy (Pop/Rock Artist from California (CA))

Opening Sudama Mark Kennedy's new CD, titled "Green Evolution," is a relaxed, Brazilian-style slice of vocal jazz, "Your Heart Just Knows," serving notice that his Adult Contemporary-oriented and deeply spiritual music is as eclectic as it is accomplished. A guitarist and multi-instrumentalist as tasteful as he is skilled, Kennedy's laid-back style works to perfection whether exploring Indian melodies ("Mystical Envelopment"), mining James Taylor-like easy listening ("Hum Alla Allelujah"), or even creating improvised, ambient New Age soundscapes ("Healing Zither"). A soothing and tuneful singer himself, Kennedy's inventive use of female vocals to counter melodies, or flesh out the harmonics of otherwise spare arrangements, adds yet another dimension to this album's California polish. With a back story as intriguing as his rich, spiritually-based music, Sudama Mark Kennedy's excellent "Green Evolution" is sure to satisfy on many levels.

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

Thursday, July 23, 2009

"Nightlife; A Pop-Opera in Three Acts" by Navarro and Stamps (Pop Artist from Texas(TX))

Navarro and Stamps' intriguing album, "Nightlife: A Pop-Opera in Three Acts," with its random and all-too-real sound bites of desultory social intercourse interwoven between and within the framework of its 23 tracks, finds the musicians delving into the dullness of everyday life with sounds & structures that belie the banality of the "night of serious drinking" this album entails. Navarro & Stamps' vocal & instrumental pieces rely on electronic keyboards and sound effects to explore and delineate the moods and states of mind evoked in the erstwhile narrative. Musically, the soundscape ranges from the cartoon-like "Everything is Now," to the no-frills electro-pop "Life is Taking for F--king Ever," to the enigmatically dissonant "Reprise & Postlude," recalling artists as varied and diverse as They Might be Giants and Tom Waits. Taken as a whole, Navarro & Stamps' "Nightlife: A Pop-Opera In Three Acts" is both a provocative and satisfying piece of work that demands, and, more importantly, rewards multiple listens.

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

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Check out Willem van Leeuwen, one of RadioIndy's favorite Pop artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Willem van Leeuwen

View Willem van Leeuwen Image

 

 




Band Name: Willem van Leeuwen
Band Location: Netherlands
Sounds Like: Michael Buble, Robbie Williams
Visit Band's Website: click here

Check out Jackson Garrett, one of RadioIndy's favorite Pop artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for jackson garrett

View jackson garrett Image

 

 




Band Name: jackson garrett
Band Location: California Los Angeles
Sounds Like: michael franks
Visit Band's Website: click here

Check out Jay Arseno/Jonathan Adam, one of RadioIndy's favorite Pop artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Jay Arseno/Jonathan Adam

View Jay Arseno/Jonathan Adam Image

 

 




Band Name: Jay Arseno/Jonathan Adam
Band Location: Texas Houston
Sounds Like: Matchbox 20
Visit Band's Website: click here

Check out A Secret Sense, one of RadioIndy's favorite Pop artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for A Secret Sense

View A Secret Sense Image

 

 




Band Name: A Secret Sense
Band Location: Germany
Sounds Like: Geroge Winston
Visit Band's Website: click here

Check out Spinous, one of RadioIndy's favorite Pop artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Spinous

View Spinous Image

 

 




Band Name: Spinous
Band Location: England London
Sounds Like: Prince,Sting,Bowie,Seal
Visit Band's Website: click here

Check out Fools & Horses, one of RadioIndy's favorite Pop artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Fools & Horses

View Fools & Horses Image

 

 




Band Name: Fools & Horses
Band Location: Unknown
Sounds Like: Foo Fighters, The Who, Coldplay, Travis
Visit Band's Website: click here

Check out Boon, one of RadioIndy's favorite Rock artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Boon

View Boon Image

 

 




Band Name: Boon
Band Location: South Africa
Sounds Like: Coldplay, Seether, Three Doors Down
Visit Band's Website: click here

Check out Jurassic Dave, one of RadioIndy's favorite Pop artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Jurassic Dave

View Jurassic Dave Image

 

 




Band Name: Jurassic Dave
Band Location: England London
Sounds Like: Lost prophets, The Ataris, Fallout boy
Visit Band's Website: click here

Check out Jennie Mortimer, one of RadioIndy's favorite Easy Listening artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for jennie mortimer

View jennie mortimer Image

 

 




Band Name: jennie mortimer
Band Location: Australia
Sounds Like: what do you think?
Visit Band's Website: click here

Monday, July 20, 2009

"Almost Got Reel" by Douglas Coleman (Classic Rock Artist from New Hampshire(NH))

Inspired by classic '70's Soft Rock stylings, singer-songwriter Douglas Coleman captures the spirit of the times on his excellent CD, "Almost Got Reel." Channeling the sounds of Gerry Rafferty, Al Stewart, and Chris Rea (among others), Coleman avoids all the pitfalls of the genre (i.e., sappy, cloying) with his original mid and up-tempo piano-led pop songs. CD-opener and title track, "Almost Got Reel," nails it with its minor key melody and a moody after-midnight ambiance that recalls the spirit of "Baker Street," but with its own unique and original flair. "Almost Got Reel" is also reprised in a terrific acoustic guitar-backed version at the end of the disc. Elegant, similarly '70's-influenced harmonies help set the tone on other album highlights as well, with "Blue Anime Eyes," "Night in Montreal," and the power ballad-like, "Gone More Slow," finding Coleman at his most tuneful and engaging best. These days Soft Rock is better known as Adult Contemporary, but the strength of Coleman's music is that he hasn't forgotten the Rock: although there are no screaming guitar solos or over-the-top production flourishes, nonetheless the vibe on "Almost Got Reel" is hardly laid-back. Like the above-named singers best works, Douglas Coleman's "Almost Got Reel" CD strikes a smart balance between folk and pop melodies on this timeless collection of well-crafted and well-executed songs.

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

"Christ VS Krishna" by Christ VS Krishna (Rock Artist from Ontario, Canada)

Whether building off a Velvet Underground with Strokes-style riff or plying a decidedly UK-influenced pop-rock sensibility and even experimenting with electronica dance grooves, the 5 songs and self-titled CD, "Christ VS Krishna" proves it has original and substantial musicality. Toronto based Pank Bagga is the singer/songwriter behind the moniker, and his unique sound succeeds not in spite of these different influences but, rather, because he blends them so seamlessly. So, while CD-opener, "Hollywood Torpedo" is raggedly insistent like the best of Strokes songs, and "Lemonade" features the kind of instantly hummable hook worthy of The Cure, neither detracts from the other-worldly dance rhythms of the synth-driven "Sub-crack Waves." The other 2 tracks, "At the End" and "Demons in the Church" lean more to the VU / Strokes influence, particularly in their effortless rhythms and irresistible melodies, but each is stamped with Christ VS Krishna's utterly original vision. As debuts go, Christ VS Krishna's self-titled CD is a memorable and provocative outing that delivers much, but promises even more.

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

Thursday, July 16, 2009

"Touch Me" by Vaughn Hemingway (Pop Artist from Missouri(Mo))

Vaughn Hemingway's compelling debut CD, "Touch Me," finds the singer-songwriter experimenting with form and delivery in a provocative 9-song collection that is just elusive enough to defy easy description, but more than potent enough to command deeper scrutiny. Shifting between straight synth-drenched pop "Touch Me," to lo-fi expressionism "Emma," to sprawling, multi-dimensional scores "I Want To Be Your Angel," and "Jerrylin," Hemingway's mainly synthesizer, guitar, and drums backing makes for a stylized, indie map of his musical explorations. The intensity and characteristic quality of Hemingway's performances and unique vocals transcend mere considerations of production or audience formatting. For instance, "Bring Them Home," is a solemn piano-based tune that feels like nothing that came before it, and yet it does not feel out of place on an album bereft of artificial boundaries. The CD "Touch Me" by Vaughn Hemingway will find ready ears with music lovers who appreciate an artist's vision and individualism.

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

"Love Revue" by Love Revue (Pop Artist from United Kingdom)

Smart and catchy pop/rock with decidedly Power Pop leanings is the order of the day on the very fine new self-titled CD from Love Revue. Boasting a post-Beatles-inspired sense of melody and pop precision, Love Revue's irresistible hooks have an altogether classic feel despite the contemporary production values that make this 11-song collection a natural for multiple radio formats. CD opener, "Cooking for One," a low-key gem built on a piano and acoustic guitar backing, sets the bar pretty high for the rest of the disc as it recalls the charms of Badfinger at that classic band's best. "Looking for the One" and "Soothe My Soul" more than ably demonstrate Love Revue's rocking side, while "Strip Me" and "Release" is love ballads of the first order. With the triumphant song "Get Along," Love Revue really proves its mettle with a spirited ELO-influenced creation tailor-made for summer radio and summer fun. Love Revue's CD impresses as an album that succeeds on its own merits: a collection of pure pop songs that will sound as good on the car radio as they will at home.

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

Thursday, July 9, 2009

RadioIndy is pleased to present Michael Behm with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Saving America "

RadioIndy is pleased to present Michael Behm with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Saving America "

Talented artist Michael Behm, no stranger to the music scene, has released his fifth album, titled "Saving America." A Canadian, Behm projects his insights about his neighbors that are south of the border through his music. This album offers up a collection of some power pop/rock tunes with creative lyrics and song titles. There is a hint of influences of band greats such as the Beatles on tracks "The Art Of Letting Go" and Danger Boy." Not only does Behm have strong and solid vocals, but he gives listeners a taste of his guitar abilities with clean-cut power chords on "Honesty." The ballad "Lincoln" presents another side to the range this album has, as the piano highlights a rock solid accompaniment. Look no further than "Saving America" by Michael Behm if you want to hear some fun and enjoyable pop/rock music.

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

RadioIndy is pleased to present James McKenna with a GrIndie Award for the CD"I Am "

RadioIndy is pleased to present James McKenna with a GrIndie Award for the CD"I Am "

Sheer entertainment describes James McKenna's first full length album, "I Am." McKenna has creatively taken pop/rock music and splashed country ambiance into it. His vocals are strong and polished with lyrics that are straight from the heart. The tracks on this CD are full of energy and enthusiasm, and nicely delivered with high quality production. Catchy and upbeat, "No Remedies" is a pop/rock track with a powerful, sing-along chorus. "Seven Cigarettes" is a poignant and exquisite composition brimming with acoustic country flair. If you are looking to hear intelligent music that merges pop/rock and a little country, then look no further when you hear "I Am."

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

RadioIndy is pleased to present Jay Arseno with a GrIndie Award for the CD "From the Ashes"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Jay Arseno with a GrIndie Award for the CD "From the Ashes"

Highly talented artist, Jay Arseno, gives us a huge taste of his musical abilities on his latest CD "From the Ashes." Right from the start, the melodies and rhythmic beats are infectious to hear. Arseno delivers these catchy melodies within pop/alternative rock tracks that flow smoothly from one song to the next. His versatility to cover these styles with strong vocals makes this a truly enjoyable album. The production on this CD is top-notch and mainstream radio-ready. Vibrant and upbeat, "Shine!" will want to lead your tapping feet to the dance floor. Then take a trip to the edgier, alternative rock side as you hear "A Pretty Truth." If you want to hear pop music that is well blended with alternative rock, then "From the Ashes" is an album definitely worth adding to your collection.

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

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

"Wave It In" by Red Directors (Pop Artist from New York City, New York(NY))

If you like pop/rock with bigger-than-life hooks and sing-along choruses that stick with you long after the last note has drifted off into the night then, Red Directors, delivers the goods on their latest CD, "Wave It In," a ten song collection of highly polished power pop gems. "After Sunday" kicks things off with its infectious, era-spanning sense of melody and drive. It's only one of several highlights though. "Been Around" and "Pretty Good Odds" demonstrate the band's ballads are no less formidable than their best rockers, despite such defining up tempo performances as "Naked in the Kitchen" and "Woken Eye." Elsewhere, they more than ably show they can cover that middle ground between rocker and ballad too, offering up the terrific "Spin" and the endearing "Amazing," each with the same post-Beatles flourish that infuses the entire CD. With such a solid multi-format, pop/rock approach to their sound the "Wave It In" CD by Red Directors is sure to please across generation lines, a tribute to their talent as well as their influences.

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

"It's Time" by Lisa Hugo (Jazz Artist from United Arab Emirates)

In the tradition of such venerable performers as Karen Carpenter and Eva Cassidy, Lisa Hugo straddles the boundaries of jazz and pop with equal ease and finesse on her fine new CD, "It's Time." With her supple, three octave vocal range and the instincts of a seasoned vet, the Australian born and world-traveled, pianist and singer/songwriter simply delights on this 11-song collection of pop, jazz, and easy listening songs. Backed by a small combo with exemplary taste and feel, Hugo's piano sets the tone on jazzier numbers like the CD opener, "With You I Can Be Me" and "Oh My Baby," while the subdued, "Please Try to Understand," finds Hugo delivering an emotion-laden confessional with only the leanest of guitar, bass, and sprinkling of cymbals. Although very comfortable and adept with the jazz-pop style, the real highlight of the set is "Butterfly," a wonderfully melodic pop tune as engaging as it is uplifting. Lisa Hugo's bio is one filled with musical accomplishment all across the globe, but her new CD stands on its own merits. Fans of adult-oriented, tuneful jazz-pop will thoroughly enjoy the perfect blend of polished and sophisticated easy listening music on "It's Time."

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

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

"Mark on the Stage" by Graham Gorrie (Rock Artist from Australia)

Graham Gorrie refuses to be bound by convention or stylistic constraints on his fine debut CD, "Mark on the Stage," instead carving out a rock 'n' roll path that emphasizes smart songcraft . Like his brilliant fellow Aussie singer-songwriter, Paul Kelly, Gorrie's originality is borne out over 13 rock / folk-rock songs that are as meaningful as they are satisfying. Songs like CD-opener, "Closing My Eyes," with its alternating guitar and harmonica fills or "Hard to Do," with its effective female-lead interpolations, each display a deft touch for finding the right textural context for the composition at hand. On "Red Wine Dreams" Gorrie offers up a rare jazz-like ambience while the socially-conscious "Resistance," with its engaging melody, calls to mind yet another Australian act, the great Midnight Oil. Throughout the album, though, Gorrie's songs resonate with conviction and true-believer passion, making "Mark on the Stage" not only a particularly noteworthy debut CD, but one that will likely be a jumping-off point for an artist of considerable talent.

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