Christian D And The Hangovers - Shake It...Or Leave It!

Christian D And The Hangovers - Shake It...Or Leave It!
2009, Christian D And The Hangovers

From the dark underbelly of Toronto, where urban cowboys moonlight in the psychobilly clubs comes Christian D And The Hangovers. Mixing early rock n roll with punk, country and lots of beer, Christian D And The Hangovers do for rockabilly what Big Rude Jake does for big band music. After the well-received Life Gets In The Way EP, released in 2008, Christian D And The Hangovers had to go full length to build on their legacy. Build on it they have with the dynamic Shake It...Or Leave It! This is an album you can't put down.

Shake It...Or Leave It! opens with the demented surf rock of "Vampire Rocker", capitalizing on the current vampire mania inspire by Twilight and fed by shows such as True Blood. Christian D has a post-punk Big Bopper persona that works well in the fast and loose musical arrangements presented here. "Life Gets In The Way" is pure early rock n roll, complete with backbeat and snappy melody line. On "Shimmy Shorts" Christian D is part Elvis, part Jerry Lee Lewis and part Phil Ramone, barreling his way through an entertaining and danceable bit of rock n roll. Christian D And The Hangovers get down to some pure rhythm and blues on "Good Woman", celebrating his woman's best traits even while deriding his own.

"Sleep My Life Away" is a catchy call to get up and go; a rough musical sketch that works in spite of the messy arrangement. On "Child Of The East Coast", Christian D digs into a country/rock sound that's appealing and seems to fit him well as a vocalist. "Baby Jane" is a raucous bit of early rock n roll likely to inspire fits of dancing, and features some of the cleanest guitar work on the album. "Hot Mess" seems like it should be destined to become the theme song of a movie of the same name. Once again, Christian D And The Hangovers manages to craft an incredibly catchy tune from a rough musical sketch that's highly appealing. "Hillbilly Heroin" is dark and catchy, but can't hold a candle to "Cornfed Dames", a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the talents of the fairer sex. Mack Black sits in with Christian D And The Hangovers on the closing number, "Dime A Dozen", a highly entertaining tune that will certainly not be the lead-in for the next NOW conference.

Christian D And The Hangovers aren't into pithy nuance; Shake It...Or Leave It! has the bad-boy feel of early rock n roll updated for today without pushing the envelope too seriously. Rock musical arrangements are the order of the day in support of entertaining, hip-shaking songs that are likely to cross generational boundaries in appeal. This isn't the refined sound of The Stray Cats, but a slightly rougher musical feel that's likely closer to the rough demos you might have heard out of 1960's mainstays such as The Beatles, Chuck Berry or even Dick Dale. If that sort of music is in your wheelhouse, then you're bound to appreciate Christian D And The Hangovers.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Christian D And The Hangovers at http://www.christiand.ca/ or www.myspace.com/christiandesmond.  Shake It...Or Leave It! is available as a digital-only album through Amazon.com and iTunes.

Jaimz Woodard - Addiction

Jaimz Woodard - Addiction
2010, Jaimz Woodard

Jaimz Woodard is an up-and-coming songwriter, among other things. While in the process of writing material for what will be his debut album, Woodard was called to active duty in Iraq. On the verge of returning home, Woodard has not lost his muse and plans on continuing work on his debut album, Addiction. Woodard was nice enough to send along some of the songs he's working on for Addiction for review.

Woodard's title track, "Addiction", is an angry affair built within a spare arrangement. Woodard's voice isn't exactly what you'd call pretty, but he does bring a presence to the microphone that's undeniable; sort of like Trent Reznor without the histrionic sense of self. "The Cat's In The Cradle (2010 Iraq Deployment version)" is competent, although don't try to follow the melody line too closely, as Woodard has strongly reinterpreted it in post-melodic style or simply doesn't have a strong sense of pitch. "Hometown Blues" features acoustic guitar over the sort of canned electronic beat known to anyone who's ever owned a Casio keyboard; it's an ode to childhood friends and the tendency to lose touch with your roots as the tide of life carries everyone to their own destinations. "Rearranged" has a darker, heavier feel backed up against a programmed beat. The sound quality and composition is reminiscent of some of Steve Lieberman's lighter tunes, although Woodard's attempts at vocals can't match the yelled intensity of The Gangsta Rabbi. Woodard's demo closes with "Standing Here Today", the best songwriting on the album (thus far). Woodard still doesn't have a strong relationship with the melody line, or at least not one you'd expect. This is more of a distraction than anything.

Jaimz Woodard deserves all credit for the sacrifices made to go so far from home and fight for a much maligned cause in difficult times; he and his brothers and sisters and arms deserve all credit and support for standing up each day for an ideal of peace and liberty, regardless of what you might think of the political motivations of those who direct the war in which they fight. As a musician, Woodard is competent on guitar, and does show flashes of songwriting skill. The mixes presented on the early demo for Addiction are quite rough and may not be reflective of the planned full length album; an eventuality that would benefit Woodard greatly. The mixes offered here are FAFO (friends and family only); not really worthy of being put out as a commercial endeavor. That being said, "Addiction" and "Standing Here Today" both show real promise as a songwriter. The disparity in styles can be both positive and negative in a post-modern, post-genre music world, but these songs do suggest Woodard at least has real potential as a songwriter. Vocally, Woodard is closer to Wesley Willis than John Mayer; able to present only ghostLes of the fine melodies I'm certain he hears in his head. Addiction may turn out to be something good, but it's going to take a lot of work.

Rating: 1.5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Jaimz Woodard at http://www.jaimzwoodard.com/ or www.myspace.com/jaimzwoodard.  Addiction will not be ready until late 2010 or early 2011, but you can download a handful of Woodard's songs from Amazon and iTunes.

Drive Like Maria - Elmwood

Drive Like Maria - Elmwood
2009, Play It Again Sam

Belgian/Dutch trio Drive Like Maria came together quickly and with great sparks, winning the Dutch finals of the Global Battle Of The Bands only weeks after meeting. The band went on to place in the international finals and have been on the road or in the studio ever since. In 2009, Drive Like Maria released their self-produced debut album, Elmwood, earning rave reviews and appearances at major festivals in Europe. Elmwood features folk singer Janis Ian on two tracks and introduces to the world one of the most promising young female guitarists in rock n roll, Nitzan Hoffmann.

Elmwood opens with "So", a post-punk progressive rocker that's full of catchy pop hooks. It's a great introduction and sets the tone for the rest of the album. "I'm On A Train" is a ridiculously catchy rock track. A bit free-form lyrically, Drive Like Maria uses a delicious heavy-pop chorus and a rhyming scheme to keep things moving. "Talk To Me" is pure, unadulterated pop/rock joy; vibrant rock n roll built around a big chorus and bigger guitar riffs. Folk/rock legend Janis Ian sits in on "Sure Enough", "Here Comes The Night" and "Die A Little More", adding a complementary voice to that of lead vocalist Bjorn Awouters. "Sure Enough" in particular is a treat, as Drive Like Maria strips things down to play a deft acoustic blues/folk style.

Seven songs in and it looks like Drive Like Maria has a breakthrough album on their hands, but things get a bit bland thereafter, spiced up only by the instrumental "Elmwood 6h25/Born On The Fourth Of July". This is one of those occasions where a (7 song) EP might have been a better choice, as there is a distinct fall-off in the quality of songs at the end.

That being said, Drive Like Maria swings into Elmwood showing heavy punch, an ability to rock, and the deftness to pull back and deliver a well-crafted song in gentler surroundings. Elmwood is a great start that should lead to even better things down the line for Drive Like Maria.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Drive Like Maria at http://www.drivelikemaria.com/ or www.myspace.com/drivelikemaria.  Elmwood is available digitally from Amazon or iTunes.  Elmwood is available on CD directly from the band at http://www.drivelikemaria.com/. 

The Problems - Powder Blue Bone

The Problems - Powder Blue Bone
2010, The Problems

New York City's The Problems have done a lot of work below the radar since their critically acclaimed self-titled debut in 2001. While accolades piled up, The Problems moved into scoring films and writing for other artists. In 2007 the band decided to pursue the writing and release of a rock record, but it wasn't meant to be. The effort wasn't in vain, however. After meeting Eddy Goldberg (banjo, harmonica, keys, accordion, vox) and Kate Kilbane (bass), founding members Frank Caiafa and Barbara Corless reworked the album and re-imagined their sound. The resulting album, Powder Blue Bone, sets fans expectations on their ears, and is bound to raise the expectations bar the next time around.

Powder Blue Bone opens with "June", a stripped-down singer/songwriter tune with elements of blues and roots guitar work in the seams. It's a nice, low-key arrangement that adds in some interesting synth work to flesh out the sound. "Roses" is catchy and smarmy without trying to be, like Ron Hawkins jamming with Moxy Fruvous in a song about falling love with someone who appreciates the simple things. It's the first of several love songs on Powder Blue Bone, which turns out to be the antithesis of a breakup album. "Last Dance Mine" is a simple request made without inhibition or fear, out of hope and little else. "The Other One" is a love song written from the third party trying to cut in. It's upbeat and charmingly well-written, like the modern version of an old MGM-movie love song of similar ilk.

"Together" finds the narrator viewing a relationship with the future in mind. This upbeat and happy tune isn't quite a marriage proposal in song, but hints at all a proposal might bring. "When We Met" looks back on the roots of love in a sweet duet that's laid back and very much at peace. "Ran" starts out with Mark Knopfler-style guitar work and songwriting but fades a bit into a solid country/rock/roots arrangement. The approach again is low-key, and it works well with this song. The Problems stay on the same trajectory throughout the final four songs, a slow fade that seems them slowly decline into a bland landscape but never entirely losing the rootsy energy that drives Powder Blue Bone.

The Problems trip themselves up a few times on Powder Blue Bone but never lose balance. The songwriting is generally quite solid, although it's clear that the band's energy level fluctuates a bit throughout the album. Powder Blue Bone is a solid entry that tells you enough about the band to make you interested in what they'll do next.

Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about The Problems at http://www.theproblems.com/ or www.myspace.com/theproblemsny.  Powder Blue Bone is available from Amazon.com as a CD or Download.  The album is also available from iTunes.

Terry Holder - Ticket To The Moment

Terry Holder - Ticket To The Moment
2008, Saffron Blonde Records

Terry Holder found her musical calling late in life. A stay at home mom for many years, Holder's youngest child left for college around the time her own mother died. These radical changes enveloped Holder in an emotional whirlwind from which she escaped through writing songs. What started out as catharsis quickly turned to career. Holder's debut album, 2001's Am I Here Is This Me, garnered critical acclaim and notable sales from an independent folk release. Her second album, Colored Rooms, furthered Holder's reputation as an honest songwriter who built stories out of human events and human emotion. Holder returned with her third album in 2008. Ticket To The Moment represents a step forward for Holder. Several years on the road have seasoned her songwriting abilities and helped her develop a story-teller's touch to go with her honest, emotive folk songs.

Ticket To The Moment opens with "Cross Your Mind", a gentle pop song with a bit of backbeat. Holder has great energy here, mixing tough and vulnerable and a pleasantly earthy voice that's a pleasure to listen to. "In God's Eyes" is a song of existential angst & a call to begin living life as opposed to simply letting it happen. "Wrecking Ball" is a brilliant performance that Holder wears as if it were her own story. On "Satellite", Holder captures the act of falling in love in meticulous and poetic grandeur. It's a tremendous example of deft songwriting as Holder brings you into the moment.

"Turn The Car Around" is a dynamic rocker about finding love when you least expect it and when it's least convenient. It's a wow moment; an amazing bit of songwriting that's destined to be covered by others. "When Will I Be Loved" is a melancholic turn with a great melody that shows off Holder's voice in very positive light. "Don't Forget" is a solid love song with a memorable melody and arrangement; the sort you'll be humming along with the first time you hear it. Holder hits a social justice theme with "Crack In The Sidewalk", a song bemoaning society's failure to care for its weakest members. The song has an almost martial air at times, an interesting mix within the country/rock arrangement Holder has crafted. Holder closes with a pair of low-key tunes, "Let's Go Away" and "Sail Goodbye".

Ticket To The Moment is a solid effort with a couple of bright, shining jewels in the crown. Holder's is the sort of voice that quietly catches your attention and holds it. She's not flashy, but her warm, earthy voice and subtle delivery have a way of sneaking up on you. If nothing else, Terry Holder has written some material here that will be revived again and again by other artists over the years. But if there's justice, there's a hit or two on Ticket To The Moment for Holder herself.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Terry Holder at http://www.terryholder.com/ or www.myspace.com/terryholder.  Ticket To The Moment is available as both a CD and Download from Amazon.com. The album is also available from iTunes.

Bob Pressner - Honor Among Thieves

Bob Pressner - Honor Among Thieves
2010, Bob Pressner

Bob Pressner returns in 2010 with Honor Among Thieves, a song cycle driven by his double life as a commodities trader and a working musician. While working in New York City in 1993, Pressner was injured in the World Trade Center bombing; an experience that drove him to pursue his musical interests with greater passion. That passion has paid off in rave critical reviews and the opportunity to play with some of the world's top musicians. Honor Among Thieves explores some of the darker aspects of humanity, but looks for the positive points in even some of mankind's darker tendencies.

Honor Among Thieves opens with "Afterglow", a great 1980's-style power ballad with a majestic chorus that resolves in to dark, uncertain verses. It's an intriguing opener that will inspire listeners to dig a bit deeper. Pressner quickly changes gears on "Honor Among Thieves" crafting a Beck-gone-retro blues/rock number that's catchy and danceable. All of this is tied up with a great pop chorus that will rattle around inside your brain for a good while. "Angels In The Wind" sounds like March Cohn and Dan Fogelberg got caught in Jeff Goldblum's teleportation device as they were writing "Walking In Memphis" and "Leader Of The Band", respectively. The sentiment is nice, but the Cohn-ic opening melody line and Fogelberg sentiment run together is a bit unsettling. Pressner goes for an alt/modern rock sound on "Bleeding My Dry", using a wall of sound to overpower what is essentially a non-committal melody line married to a spoken-word verse.

"Breakin' My Fall" is a love song written to a partner after years together, written from the perspective of all they've been through together, and all she's saved him from. It's a sweet song that will be familiar with those who have survived twenty years or so with the same partner. Pressner closes with "Independence Day", a great rock tune with a hook-laden, guitar-filled chorus that's irresistible.

Bob Pressner doesn't sit still on Honor Among Thieves, bouncing from style to style and sound to sound as his whimsy calls for. It's an enjoyable effort, although at times dizzying for the sudden turns Pressner engages in. If you like an artist to have a consistent sound then you may not enjoy Honor Among Thieves. If you're more the adventurous sort, then Pressner is worth checking out.

Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Bob Pressner at http://www.bobpressner.com/ or www.myspace.com/bobpressnerband.  The tracks from Honor Among Thieves are available on Pressner's website, but no purchase points could be located online.

Maddam Ink - Inklination

Maddam Ink - Inklination
2010, Allure Media

Maddam Ink is an Allentown, Pennsylvania rock quartet that’s been kicking around The Queen City since 2004. With their roots planted firmly in classic hard rock music, Maddam Ink greets the day with an eclectic and satisfying mix of classic and modern alternative rock sounds. This blend comes blasting out of your speakers on their debut album, Inklination.

Inklination falls somewhere between pop/metal and grunge with a mix of sharply written and slickly produced songs. This blend works well at times and falls short at others, but the overall impression left by Maddam Ink is of a competent heavy rock band with decent pop credentials and the ability to fill up a space with sound. "Carry Me Home" is highly enjoyable heavy rock that's a bit reminiscent of Pearl Jam and is the most likely single on the album. "Believe" is perhaps the best songwriting on the disc; he's caught her cheating but he's caught in his need for her. It's an exploration of conflicting emotions and the webs that bind people together sometimes against better judgment. "Touch" is essentially a musical request, nay demand, for felatio, while "Innocence is an angry admonition of a woman who has used her seductive power to rob the story-teller of his naiveté.

"Speak" finds Maddam Ink entering the power ballad market with a disaffected song about love gone sour. The mix of acoustic and electric sounds helps freshen up a genre and sound that can be very stale at times, and Maddam Ink injects some serious vocal harmonies into the mix. "Coletrane" finds Maddam Ink driving back into their heavy rock sound once again with a vengeance in a song about the conflict of wanting someone but knowing you aren't right for them. "Save The World" is a more typical power ballad with a distinct pop sensibility that makes it a candidate for pop radio. Maddam Ink closes with the big sound of "Special", a crunchy guitar-driven tune ruminating on a relationship on the sour. It's a big bang of a close for a dynamic and enjoyable rock album.

Maddam Ink brings the rock n roll on Inklination, a solid and entertaining rock album that features some of the grunge-edge of 1990's Seattle bands but includes some of the big rock glam of the 1980's. Maddam Ink makes a couple of attempts to appease programmer's commercial instincts, but most sticks to what they do best. If your tastes run to the heavier side of rock n roll but no quite into Screamo territory then Maddam Ink will be right up your alley.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Maddam Ink at http://www.maddamink.com/ or www.myspace.com/maddamink.  Inklination is available as both CD and Download from Amazon.com, and can also be acquired digitally via iTunes.