Pat Zyduck - I Never Wanna Meet Another You
2008, Pat Zyduck
Pat Zyduck hails from Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, and is the son of a professional guitar player. Listing Chet Atkins as one of his greatest influences, Zyduck has a sense for well-crafted and intricate guitar playing, particular in the finger-pick style. 2008 sees the release of Pat Zyduck’s debut CD, I Never Wanna Meet Another You. Make sure you’re sitting down.
I Never Wanna Meet Another You is a fine folk album full of some well-written songs, great musicianship and some out-of-sight finger-pick guitar playing. Zyduck has this great gravelly voice without significant range, but he manages all he needs vocally with what he has. Despite any limitations its a very comfortable voice to listen to. The CD opens with Yesterday, a memoriam that is starkly beautiful and unsettling. I Never Wanna Meet Another You is full of regret at the time spent in a broken relationship. Rain is a beautiful musical metaphor that is impressionistic in its color and timbre. Other highlights include Why, Jammin' in "D" and Make It Out Alive.
I Never Wanna Meet Another You is the sort of folk album that inspires unusual fervor in that particular musical community. Zyduck combines a fine lyrical sense with outstanding guitar workmanship and a "comfort food" voice. I Never Wanna Meet Another You is recommended listening for all of my readers, but particular for fledgling songwriters. Pat Zyduck writes with grit and a sense of reality that folks like Bob Dylan and Ron Hawkins are known for. Don't pass this by.
Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)
You can learn more about Pat Zyduck at www.myspace.com/patzyduck. You can order a copy of I Never Wanna Meet Another You through Pat Zyduck’s MySpace page. Instructions are here.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
CD Review: Paul Stephens - Windshield Memoirs
Paul Stephens - Windshield Memoirs
2008, Woodshed Recordings
Paul Stephens plays a feel-good brand of country that is refreshing and familiar. It reminds me of recordings released several years ago by Paul Gross (Due South) and David Keeley (Broadway's Mama Mia). Stephens even sounds a bit like Gross vocally. 2008 sees the release of Stephens' Windshield Memoirs on Woodshed Recordings. Get your kickers on and get ready to whoop it up!
Windshield Memoirs opens with the rockin' Small Packages, a testament to the idea that opposites attract. This is a radio-ready hit waiting to happen. Nashville Rain sticks to the country formula, but as played by Bruce Hornsby. Cowgirls and Cowboys has some of that southern rock feel to it. It's a little more rock and roll than country, but quite enjoyable. I highly recommend Catching Feelings, which is another strongly commercial song on Windshield Memoirs. Other highlights include Nothing I Can Talk About, Herrin, They Have It All and the tearjerker Annie's Ashes.
Paul Stephens has a pleasant voice with a medium timbre that is easy to listen to. He's a plus songwriter who has a keen ear for melody. In Windshield Memoirs he has released a solid debut with a couple of strong commercial possibilities. I strongly recommend Windshield Memoirs in part because of what it is, but also in part because of where I think it might lead. Stephens has the makings of a great songwriter about him, and a delivery and style that will endear him to audiences in person or otherwise. Windshield Memoirs might just be the start of something wonderful.
Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)
You can learn more about Paul Stephens at http://www.paulstephens.com/. You can purchase a copy of Windshield Memoirs at www.cdbaby.com/cd/stephens4.
Paul Stephens plays a feel-good brand of country that is refreshing and familiar. It reminds me of recordings released several years ago by Paul Gross (Due South) and David Keeley (Broadway's Mama Mia). Stephens even sounds a bit like Gross vocally. 2008 sees the release of Stephens' Windshield Memoirs on Woodshed Recordings. Get your kickers on and get ready to whoop it up!
Windshield Memoirs opens with the rockin' Small Packages, a testament to the idea that opposites attract. This is a radio-ready hit waiting to happen. Nashville Rain sticks to the country formula, but as played by Bruce Hornsby. Cowgirls and Cowboys has some of that southern rock feel to it. It's a little more rock and roll than country, but quite enjoyable. I highly recommend Catching Feelings, which is another strongly commercial song on Windshield Memoirs. Other highlights include Nothing I Can Talk About, Herrin, They Have It All and the tearjerker Annie's Ashes.
Paul Stephens has a pleasant voice with a medium timbre that is easy to listen to. He's a plus songwriter who has a keen ear for melody. In Windshield Memoirs he has released a solid debut with a couple of strong commercial possibilities. I strongly recommend Windshield Memoirs in part because of what it is, but also in part because of where I think it might lead. Stephens has the makings of a great songwriter about him, and a delivery and style that will endear him to audiences in person or otherwise. Windshield Memoirs might just be the start of something wonderful.
Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)
You can learn more about Paul Stephens at http://www.paulstephens.com/. You can purchase a copy of Windshield Memoirs at www.cdbaby.com/cd/stephens4.
CD Review: Michael Stollaire - Holy Avenger
Michael Stollaire - Holy Avenger
2008, Platinum West Records
Michael Stollaire has a late 1970's/early 1980's flair about him. He writes songs with a great classic guitar rock sound and awesome guitar solos. His 2008 release, Holy Avenger is very representative of this. Its 16 chunky songs of great classic guitar rock sound.
Stollaire is not my favorite vocalist, but his voice is sufficient for what he needs on Holy Avenger. The songs themselves are musically well written, and will attract guitar aficionados like honey attracts bees. Lyrically Stollaire is a little more challenged, as occasionally the lyrics will sound more awkward than at-ease. In general everything flows pretty well. Highlights here are Little Princess, One Love and Here Comes The Light.
If you are a guitar player or guitar fan who likes classic/arena rock sounds, or even some of the 1980's hair bands then you'll probably like Holy Avenger. It's enjoyable music that fits perfectly into a road trip or backyard barbeque. It's not my favorite CD, but it's not trade-in material either. Michael Stollaire is trying very hard to chase a dream with Holy Avenger, and his work is a reminder that the journey is more valued than the destination.
Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)
You can learn more about Michael Stollaire at www.myspace.com/theankhproject. You can purchase a copy of Holy Avenger at www.cdbaby.com/cd/mstollaire2.
2008, Platinum West Records
Michael Stollaire has a late 1970's/early 1980's flair about him. He writes songs with a great classic guitar rock sound and awesome guitar solos. His 2008 release, Holy Avenger is very representative of this. Its 16 chunky songs of great classic guitar rock sound.
Stollaire is not my favorite vocalist, but his voice is sufficient for what he needs on Holy Avenger. The songs themselves are musically well written, and will attract guitar aficionados like honey attracts bees. Lyrically Stollaire is a little more challenged, as occasionally the lyrics will sound more awkward than at-ease. In general everything flows pretty well. Highlights here are Little Princess, One Love and Here Comes The Light.
If you are a guitar player or guitar fan who likes classic/arena rock sounds, or even some of the 1980's hair bands then you'll probably like Holy Avenger. It's enjoyable music that fits perfectly into a road trip or backyard barbeque. It's not my favorite CD, but it's not trade-in material either. Michael Stollaire is trying very hard to chase a dream with Holy Avenger, and his work is a reminder that the journey is more valued than the destination.
Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)
You can learn more about Michael Stollaire at www.myspace.com/theankhproject. You can purchase a copy of Holy Avenger at www.cdbaby.com/cd/mstollaire2.
CD Review: Kick In The Eye - Sea Of Bitterness
Kick In The Eye - Sea Of Bitterness
2008, Aftersound
Vancouver, BC seems to have a very dynamic live music scene that is capable of producing all styles of musical expression. Kick In The Eye is a glorious marriage of punk rock music with hippy counter-culture themes. Throw in the occasional modern rock confection and you have Sea Of Bitterness, Kick In The Eye's 2008 release.
Sonically Kick In The Eye is closer to punk than anything else. Melodies and vocals prize authenticity over accuracy and the songwriting is just a bit bumpy at times, but that's where the punk comparison ends. Punk Rock is based in profound rejection of authority and assimilation, whereas Kick In The Eye seems to embrace the modern dogma of Politically Correct rebellion. This contradiction is found a in a lot of pop culture at the moment and undermines the punk spirit and rebellion that is rock and roll.
That being said, Kick In The Eye makes enjoyable music, but are perhaps not as nearly counter-culture as they might think. Highlights include Red Army Overdrive, Back Off, Anytime and Bounty Killer Blues. Marian Lochrie's vocals sound like those of a young child, adding an ironic bite to the songs here that is not intended but is nevertheless notable.
Kick In The Eye presents themselves as being thoroughly anti-establishment, and yet site influences or beliefs that are as stringently marketable fascist movements as the movements they aspire to contain or sabotage. While much of the message Kick In The Eye looks to convey has merit, the arguments themselves are often built on the same marketing tactics and half-truths that they deplore. This takes power from the music and leaves us with a pleasant album that is vaguely impotent in message.
Rating: 2.5 Stars (Out of 5)
You can learn more about Kick In The Eye at http://www.kickintheeyemusic.com/. You can purchase a copy of Sea Of Bitterness at www.cdbaby.com/cd/kickintheeye4.
2008, Aftersound
Vancouver, BC seems to have a very dynamic live music scene that is capable of producing all styles of musical expression. Kick In The Eye is a glorious marriage of punk rock music with hippy counter-culture themes. Throw in the occasional modern rock confection and you have Sea Of Bitterness, Kick In The Eye's 2008 release.
Sonically Kick In The Eye is closer to punk than anything else. Melodies and vocals prize authenticity over accuracy and the songwriting is just a bit bumpy at times, but that's where the punk comparison ends. Punk Rock is based in profound rejection of authority and assimilation, whereas Kick In The Eye seems to embrace the modern dogma of Politically Correct rebellion. This contradiction is found a in a lot of pop culture at the moment and undermines the punk spirit and rebellion that is rock and roll.
That being said, Kick In The Eye makes enjoyable music, but are perhaps not as nearly counter-culture as they might think. Highlights include Red Army Overdrive, Back Off, Anytime and Bounty Killer Blues. Marian Lochrie's vocals sound like those of a young child, adding an ironic bite to the songs here that is not intended but is nevertheless notable.
Kick In The Eye presents themselves as being thoroughly anti-establishment, and yet site influences or beliefs that are as stringently marketable fascist movements as the movements they aspire to contain or sabotage. While much of the message Kick In The Eye looks to convey has merit, the arguments themselves are often built on the same marketing tactics and half-truths that they deplore. This takes power from the music and leaves us with a pleasant album that is vaguely impotent in message.
Rating: 2.5 Stars (Out of 5)
You can learn more about Kick In The Eye at http://www.kickintheeyemusic.com/. You can purchase a copy of Sea Of Bitterness at www.cdbaby.com/cd/kickintheeye4.
Monday, September 1, 2008
CD Review: Erick Macek - Just Right
Erick Macek - Just Right
2008, Erick Macek
Erick Macek is a great pop songwriter. It's clear from the opening notes of Just Right, his second CD due out in September 2008. Depending on the song Macek can sound like a 1970's Singer/Songwriter or a current day troubadour. Apparently one of the adherents top a modern less-is-more school of songwriting, Macek uses bare arrangements to display fine lyrical ability and strong melodies.
Hard To Call My Home is a great, upbeat tune. Aries Man is a songwriter's song. Macek is apt at developing a compelling narrative in under four minutes. Home Is A Sweet Song and Be My Answer are major mix tape material. Also be sure to check out Just Right, Papa, Be Mine and Live, Love and Learn. Just Right certainly is. Erick Macek has crafted a powerful and beautiful album that should be a harbinger of great things to come.
Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)
You can learn more about Erick Macek at www.myspace.com/macek. You can download Just Right for the ridiculously cheap price of $2.28 at http://amiestreet.com/artist/erick-macek/.
Erick Macek is a great pop songwriter. It's clear from the opening notes of Just Right, his second CD due out in September 2008. Depending on the song Macek can sound like a 1970's Singer/Songwriter or a current day troubadour. Apparently one of the adherents top a modern less-is-more school of songwriting, Macek uses bare arrangements to display fine lyrical ability and strong melodies.
Hard To Call My Home is a great, upbeat tune. Aries Man is a songwriter's song. Macek is apt at developing a compelling narrative in under four minutes. Home Is A Sweet Song and Be My Answer are major mix tape material. Also be sure to check out Just Right, Papa, Be Mine and Live, Love and Learn. Just Right certainly is. Erick Macek has crafted a powerful and beautiful album that should be a harbinger of great things to come.
Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)
You can learn more about Erick Macek at www.myspace.com/macek. You can download Just Right for the ridiculously cheap price of $2.28 at http://amiestreet.com/artist/erick-macek/.
CD Review: Daniel Christian - I Am Merely Sand
Daniel Christian - I Am Merely Sand
2006, Popidirigible Recordings
Cornhusker Daniel Christian has a smooth, clear pop voice that is an absolute pleasure to listen to. His songwriting explores themes of faith, humanity, philosophy and loss. I Am Merely Sand is a collection of ten thought provoking songs that are as marketable as they are substantial.
I Am Merely Sand opens with New Rising Sun, an guitar-based story song that shows off Christian's voice and apt songwriting. ...Unto Herself has a quirky new-wave feel to it that is quite enjoyable. Estella is a lovely piano ballad with a very old fashioned manner to it. There is a Beatles feel to this song that is undeniable, and it may be the class of the album. Daniel Christian certainly finds ways to surprise you along the way.
Take Oceans, for example; a light and lilting pop tune that sounds like it could be a theme song for the upcoming season of the television series Lost. Other highlights include Flashlight Tag, Sometimes It's Time, Lazarus Man and Picture Me. Also be sure to check out Water From The River, a step into a more modern sound for Daniel Christian.
I Am Merely Sand has strong religious overtones and a philosophical bent that are undeniable. There is significant substance in the songwriting here that is reminiscent of some of the best songwriters in pop/rock music. Daniel Christian is a musical voice in the wilderness, leading an inquiry which is its own reward.
Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)
You can learn more about Daniel Christian at www.myspace.com/danielchristian. You can purchase a copy of I Am Merely Sand at www.cdbaby.com/cd/danielchristian.
CD Review: Inca Maya - Inca Maya
Inca Maya - Inca Maya
2008, Inca Maya Music
Inca Maya can't seem to figure out if they are The Ramones, The Bee-Gees, Parliament, Extreme or Robert Cray. The Jacksonville, Florida band is relatively new, just starting to play live in the last year. Nevertheless singer/songwriter Matt Grondin and drummer/lyricist Michael "The Sultan" Cansler have been writing songs together for five years. Bringing Shane Platten (bass), Andrew Block (guitar) and Chris Spies (keyboards) into the fold, Inca Maya had a significant amount of material to work with. Inca Maya's self-titled debut is a bit of musical ADD, running all over the musical map at a moment's notice.
Inca Maya is a provocative and creative success, yet stylistically is something of a nightmare. Inca Maya try to appeal to everyone on their self-titled debut, and unfortunately may end up appealing to few because of this. It is admirable for a band or artist to be able to play anything well (and Inca Maya does), but it makes it difficult to build a band identity or a consistent sound that fans will identify with. It's unfortunate that this is true, because the album is quite the masterpiece. Opening with the tantric rocker Where You Are, Inca Maya starts us down a road of musical discovery so vast it loses cohesion. Moving through reggae/rock (Insomnia), 1970's jazz/soul rock (Destinado), Crunchy punk (Let It Roll) and sonic layered mellow rock (Temple Of Stone), Inca Maya makes more stylistic changes in the first five songs that most bands make in five albums. Highlights include Where You Are, Ghosts, Salvation and The Simple Things.
Artistically and musically Inca Maya is a great album. Musicians will love it. Many people will have a hard time listening to it as an album because of the grossly disparate styles. I would think that significant critical acclaim is due Inca Maya, followed by less than stellar sales. It's just too good and too varied to be too commercial. I am not sure if this was the intent of Inca Maya, or if it was an attempt to please everyone. If it was the latter then I am afraid it may have failed. If the intent was to create an artistic and musical masterpiece, then well done. You nailed it.
Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)
You can learn more about Inca Maya at www.myspace.com/incamaya. You can purchase a copy of Inca Maya at www.cdbaby.com/cd/incamaya2.
2008, Inca Maya Music
Inca Maya can't seem to figure out if they are The Ramones, The Bee-Gees, Parliament, Extreme or Robert Cray. The Jacksonville, Florida band is relatively new, just starting to play live in the last year. Nevertheless singer/songwriter Matt Grondin and drummer/lyricist Michael "The Sultan" Cansler have been writing songs together for five years. Bringing Shane Platten (bass), Andrew Block (guitar) and Chris Spies (keyboards) into the fold, Inca Maya had a significant amount of material to work with. Inca Maya's self-titled debut is a bit of musical ADD, running all over the musical map at a moment's notice.
Inca Maya is a provocative and creative success, yet stylistically is something of a nightmare. Inca Maya try to appeal to everyone on their self-titled debut, and unfortunately may end up appealing to few because of this. It is admirable for a band or artist to be able to play anything well (and Inca Maya does), but it makes it difficult to build a band identity or a consistent sound that fans will identify with. It's unfortunate that this is true, because the album is quite the masterpiece. Opening with the tantric rocker Where You Are, Inca Maya starts us down a road of musical discovery so vast it loses cohesion. Moving through reggae/rock (Insomnia), 1970's jazz/soul rock (Destinado), Crunchy punk (Let It Roll) and sonic layered mellow rock (Temple Of Stone), Inca Maya makes more stylistic changes in the first five songs that most bands make in five albums. Highlights include Where You Are, Ghosts, Salvation and The Simple Things.
Artistically and musically Inca Maya is a great album. Musicians will love it. Many people will have a hard time listening to it as an album because of the grossly disparate styles. I would think that significant critical acclaim is due Inca Maya, followed by less than stellar sales. It's just too good and too varied to be too commercial. I am not sure if this was the intent of Inca Maya, or if it was an attempt to please everyone. If it was the latter then I am afraid it may have failed. If the intent was to create an artistic and musical masterpiece, then well done. You nailed it.
Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)
You can learn more about Inca Maya at www.myspace.com/incamaya. You can purchase a copy of Inca Maya at www.cdbaby.com/cd/incamaya2.
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