Good morning, and happy Monday!
We at Wildy's World want to take a moment to congratulate all of the recently announced finalists in the 2012 International Songwriting Competition. The list is long and lengthy, and you can view them all here, but the nominees include Wildy's World alumni such as Gina Sicilia, Carrie Rodriguez, Thomas Calder (The Trouble With Templeton), The Trews, and TAT.
This is one of many contests out there for songwriters, but is among the most prestigious. Anyone who has gotten this far is worthy of attention. You'll also note that the list includes a couple of bigger names, such as Jane Siberry and Missy Higgins.
Judges for this year's competition include Tom Waits, Jeff Beck, Kelly Clarkson, Ozzy Osbourne, Tori Amos, Lucinda Williams, Tegan and Sara, John Mayall and Massive Attack. The music industry is well represented on the panel as well, so this year's winners could be tomorrow's stars.
In sadder news, the music industry said goodbye this weekend to The Monkees' Davy Jones as well as to legendary guitarist Ronnie Montrose. Jones' passing at age 66 of a heart attack came as a suprise, as a recent check-up had shown him to be fit. He leaves behind a wife, four daughters, and a legacy of bright airy songs that will keep his memory alive for generations to come.
Ronnie Montrose, the iconic 1970's rock guitarist played with a list of names that could form their own rock and roll hall of fame (Sammy Hagar, Van Morrison, Edgar Winter Group, Boz Scaggs, Gary Wright, Herbie Hancock, The Neville Brothers, and others. His group Montrose continues to be a favorite spin on classic rock/AOR formatted stations. Montrose is believed to have died from Prostate Cancer.
On a brighter note, former teen idol Jon Bon Jovi recently turned 50. Hard to believe, isn't it?
Showing posts with label The Trouble With Templeton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Trouble With Templeton. Show all posts
Monday, March 5, 2012
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Wildy's World Sunday Singles: June 12, 2011
Charlie Major - Through God's Eyes
2011 Charlie Major
2011 Charlie Major
Charlie Major's "Through God's Eyes" is an easy-going country/pop ballad that bemoans the state of mankind and the world around us, calling on the classic theme suggested in the title. While a bit cliché, the song has a solid melody and a chorus that's easy to sing/hum along to. It's the sort of song that's very palatable to country music radio programmers and will also appeal to the Contemporary Christian crowd. At the same time, this theme has been done so many times it may just disappear after a few spins.
Rating: 2.5 Stars (Out of 5)
The Trouble With Templeton - Bleeders
2011, The Trouble With Templeton
2011, The Trouble With Templeton
Neat acoustic-guitar based song, with tortured vocal style and nice accents in the form of minimal vocal harmonies. Gorgeous guitar work forms a warm core from which the desolateness of this song can grow. This is a compelling little number, and for all of the roughness of Thomas Calder's voice, his is an intriguing sound that fits perfectly here.
Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)
Teleprompter - Banshee
2011, Teleprompter
2011, Teleprompter
Teleprompter's "Banshee" is a violent throwback to the New Wave era, soaked in synthesizer and distorted guitar. Mitch Exton wails the vocal line in a frenetic performance that gets points for enthusiasm and energy. This is an entertaining number with the brash energy of punk rock; easy to dance to and lose yourself for three-and-a-half minutes.
Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)
Millions - Those Girls
2011, Millions
2011, Millions
"Those Girls" is a catchy alt-rocker with a 1980's feel and a bit of funk in the bass line. It's a highly entertaining number that rarely slows down. Shades of U2 can be heard in the vocal line and the utter dark/light juxtaposition of the song.
Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)
Kristin Chenoweth - I Want Somebody (B!tch About)
2011, Masterworks Broadway
2011, Masterworks Broadway
Kristin Chenoweth is a musical chameleon. The TONY and EMMY Award winner has recorded performed or recorded pop, Broadway and even sacred music. With "I Want Somebody (B!tch About) she moves firmly into the country music realm. The first single from her upcoming album, Some Lessons Learned, is simultaneously one of the most honest songs about love to come out of the pop/country spectrum and as campy as can be. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the vocals here; Chenoweth can sing absolutely anything, but the brief spoken word intro is a distraction that may make it harder for some listeners to take the song seriously. The song itself is wonderfully written and performed, effectively straddling the lines between country and rock. Don't be surprised if Chenoweth flirts with the top of the country charts with "I Want Somebody (B!tch About)".
Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)
Randy Travis - He Walked On Water (feat. Kenny Chesney)
2011,
Randy Travis re-works "He Walked On Water" as a duet with Kenny Chesney for 2011. The ode to Travis' great-grandfather is touching and well-written, and delivers a dose of old-school country charm, ala George Jones. This song is a winner all the way around, from sentiment to melody. Chesney and Travis pair together well, reflecting two generations of country stars coming together in the balladeering roots of the genre.
Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)
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