Simon and the Bande À Part. Blinking and Breathing. Released on Bandcamp, 2013. http://www.simonvangend.com Simon and the Bande À Part hails from Cape Town, South Africa, a country that (if it isn’t yet) really, really needs to be on your radar for hot …
Tag Archives: album review
Robert Ellis – Lights from the Chemical Plant – Quintessential country music with authentic voice and lyrics
Robert Ellis has the quintessential country music voice. With a southern pedigree and a knack for writing clever lyrics over catchy melodies, Ellis is a sure fire country music star. His timeless sound is one that ought to be more prevalent in Nashville, …
The Emerald Armada – The Emerald Armada – The Irish music for St. Patrick’s Day you didn’t know you needed
This is really excellent music on the debut EP from the Emerald Armada. And yes, if you’re wondering, the “Emerald” part of their name refers to their Belfast, Northern Ireland origins. This album has gang vocals, exciting harmonies, and a fun vibe great …
Sixteen Sparrows – 16 Sparrows EP – Good, authentic modern folk music
Although this EP is nearly a year old, but it is really good modern folk music by a group that has a wonderful, authentic sound. Piano, guitar, and accessible vocals, 16 Sparrows are a classic American folk band. This introductory EP is a …
We Died at Sea- The La La Bird
We Died at Sea. The La La Bird. We Died at Sea/Bandcamp, 2014. https://wediedatsea.bandcamp.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/WeDiedAtSea I’ve covered We Died at Sea previously, and they even made my year’s top list, so it should be no surprise that I jumped when I saw …
David Benedict – Into the True Country – Rich, endearing mandolin bluegrass album
There are probably really technical terms to define the kind of music that David Benedict makes, but to the lay music fan (and even some of us critical types), I can think of a few good words – relaxing, endearing, and rich. By …
Jamestown Revival – Utah – Bluesy Folk Done Exactly Right
What I look for on an almost daily basis is that folk artist/band that really knows how capture me. Usually it’s a band that isn’t necessarily doing anything particularly well or different, but doing exactly what they are best at. The Lumineers, John …
Juliana’s Daughter – Lions+Tigers+Bears – Beautiful, sweet singer-songwriter album seeks to understand love, life, and innocence
I ate a cupcake last week that was not for the faint of heart. It was easily the most wonderful cupcake I’d ever had. Light, fluffy, vanilla-strawberry cake with a huge swirl of champagne, butter-cream frosting on top, a sprinkling of glittery vanilla …
The Blushin’ Roulettes: Old Mill Sessions- No gambling here, just good tunes
The Blushin’ Roulettes. Old Mill Sessions. Cinnamon Bones Music, 2014. http://www.blushinroulettes.com It was a friend’s daughter who brought drew my attention to this band’s crowd Kickstarter campaign, and I fell in love. The campy silent film music video, the “very spooky Halloween countdown,” …
St Paul and the Broken Bones – Half the City – Soulful new album channels classic Motown sound
Horns? Check. Rhythm section? Check. Soulful lead vocalist? Check. A neo-retro soul sound that will inspire listeners and bring heartbreak? CHECK. This is St. Paul and the Broken Bones, an incredible emerging band with a sound that is polished, authentic, and inspiring in …
