Cabin Dogs - Midnight Trail

Cabin Dogs - Midnight Trail
2011, Cabin Dogs

Twin brothers Rich and Rob Kwait found their muse in Mountain Cabins from Vermont to Tennessee in the late 1990's, taking in the grit and stubborn beauty of Americana and Appalachian folk from its homeland.  The Philadelphia natives would return home, under the name The Kwait Brothers would begin to find a sound that incorporates these styles into a sub-stream blend of folk/rock that is as close to original as anything in the public marketplace.  Later changing their collective moniker to Cabin Dogs, the brothers met producer Aaron "Professor Louie" Hurwitz (The Band, Rick Danko), who helped shape their debut album, Electric Cabin.  The band grew with time, adding Ira Race (guitar); Stephan DiVincenzo (drums/vox); Jeff Levinsohn (drums/percussion) and Jeanine Reed (percussion/vox).  With growth came success, including appearances at the Newport Folk Festival, Apple Farm Festival and Full Circle Fair).  Cabin Dogs gear up for great things with impending release of Midnight Trail on August 30, 2011. 

Midnight Trail is an intriguing listen from start to finish.  There aren't a lot of highs and lows here, but more of a steady ramble that runs the gamut from Folk/Americana to stylishly smooth rock and roll and even a touch of R&B.  "Blue Train" gets things started nicely, adding a modern twist to the folk/Americana blend that's Cabin Dogs' wheelhouse.  The vocal harmonies here are a thing of beauty, and add to the lonely tenor of the song.  Cabin Dogs build a solid groove on "Bloom", a low key rocker that's catchy and smooth and the same time.  "Out To The Country" is an old country waltz that box steps its way into your ears; a song that grows on you with successive listens.

"Twilight" shows a fine singer/songwriter style over a 1960's folk/rock style, as if Paul Simon were jamming with The Band or even Wilco.  Cabin Dogs even seem to take on Pink Floyd with the enigmatic "Dark Moon - Sunrise".  A funky bass line enlivens the minimalist arrangement, supporting a plaintive vocal that tugs at the ears.  Cabin Dogs gear up again with the Wilco-esque "Bringin' Me Down", a swaying mellow country/rocker that just sort of picks you up and takes you along for the ride.  Cabin Dogs close with the catchy, up-tempo folk/pop of "New Morning".  Everything here works, from the bright melody to the catchy arrangement to the intriguing vocal harmonies.  This is a great way to close an album that itself borders on greatness.

Cabin Dogs make a distinctive impression with Midnight Trail.  Gently rolling melodies and quietly distinctive arrangements make this an album that plays well the first time and gets better with age.  Some might argue that Cabin Dogs haven't 100% found themselves yet, but if true it only means they'll be scary good when they do.  The sound does bounce around a bit stylistically on Midnight Trail, but there's a flow here that belies the apparent gear shifts.  Midnight Trail establishes Cabin Dogs as a songwriting and performing force in an unmarked corner of the Americana super-genre.  It'll be interesting what sort of space they carve out for themselves over time.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Cabin Dogs at www.cabindogs.com or www.myspace.com/cabindogs.  Midnight Trail was released digitally in March of 2011, but gets its CD release on August 30, 2011.  The digital release is currently available from Amazon.com or iTunes.

Spin Doctors - Pocket Full Of Kryptonite (20th Anniversary Edition)

Spin Doctors - Pocket Full Of Kryptonite (20th Anniversary Edition)
2011, Epic/Legacy Recordings

If you were a denizen of commercial radio, circa 1991, you'll remember how wonderfully new and vibrant the Spin Doctors sounded.  Songs such as "Jimmy Olson's Blues", "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong" and "Two Princes" were an instant party.  Twenty years later it's hard to stand still when one of these songs comes on the radio.  The Spin Doctors were an organic rock n roll collective from Vermont, captured up in the major label machine, but never really belonging in the board rooms of NY or LA.  Still, their album Pocket Full Of Kryptonite was pure gold, and the labels couldn't walk away from such a musical gem.

Jump to 2011, and Epic/Legacy Recordings gives Pocket Full Of Kryptonite second life with a 20th Anniversary Edition release (due August 30, 2011), featuring a brand new disc that includes the original demos Can't Say No (1989) and Piece Of Glass (1990), which were only available at Spin Doctors' gigs before they were signed by SONY/Epic in 1991. 

The set is a gem.  Pocket Full Of Kryptonite never seems to get tired as an album, and the demos are vibrant and full of the rough and early life of a band on the precipice of that perfect sound.  Long time fans will be thrilled with two tracks not previously available anywhere.  A number of the tracks presented on disc two were later reworked for Pocket Full Of Kryptonite or one of the Spin Doctors' subsequent recordings, but "Can't Say No" and "Turn It Upside Down" make their appearance on an official recording for the first time.

Yes, it's a cynical attempt by Epic/Legacy Recordings to make more money on a classic album by expanding and re-releasing it rather than working on artist development, but it's hard to argue with this particular edition of Pocket Full Of Kryptonite.  The sound is crisp and clear on the re-mastered album, and the verve you hear on disc two is priceless.  If you're a hard core Spin Doctor's fan, this is a must have.  If you're a bit young, junior, and don't really know the Spin Doctors, then you need to become familiar with one of the bands that nearly saved the grunge generation from itself.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Spin Doctors at www.spindoctors.com or www.myspace.com/spindoctors.  Pocket Full Of Kryptonite - 20th Anniversary Edition  drops on August 30, 2011.  You can pre-order the album from Amazon.com as a 2-CD Set or Download.

The McClymonts - Wrapped Up Good

The McClymonts - Wrapped Up Good
2011, BSM Music

Brooke, Samantha and Mollie McClymont are three of the hottest names in country music, but don't worry if they're not on your radar just yet.  The McClymonts are the #1 country group in their native Australia.  The McClymonts celebrated 2010 with the release of Wrapped Up Good at home.  The album debuted at #1 on the Australian Country Music charts and #2 on the pop charts (behind Susan Boyle); producing four consecutive #1 singles.  The resulting tour sold out all over Australia, and the McClymonts became the first group to ever host the Australian Country Music Awards.  Turn the page to 2011, and The McClymonts have set their sights on America.  With their single "Wrapped Up Good" already storming the US Country charts, The McClymonts will celebrate the US release of the album Wrapped Up Good on August 23, 2011.

If you take three sisters with angelic voices, back them up with a first-class country music band, and provide rock and roll songs dressed up in country instrumentation and you have a sure-fire hit.  That's the formula that's fueled The McClymonts thus far.  Wrapped Up Good opens with "Kick It Up", a rambunctious rockin' country party tune.  The harmonies are fantastic, and the song is as catchy as anything you've heard on country radio in a long time.  "Wrapped Up Good" is radio-ready pop/country that celebrates one particular love.  The Wilson Phillips-style harmonies blends with a Dixie Chicks-on-steroids spunk to create a band persona and sound that's larger than life.

"He Used To Love Me" is either a determinedly optimistic love song or a stalker's anthem.  The tune feels fun rather than creepy, and the melody will stick in your mind.  "Boy Who Cried Love" is a generic pop tune with country instrumentation.  It won't stand out on its own, but Brooke McClymont's voice certainly does.  "Take It Back" is a brilliantly counterintuitive response to a relationship that's ending.  The song heavily borrows themes from Sting's "I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying", but is well written and entertaining.    "Rock The Boat" is an entertaining tune of incipient rebellion, a catchy non-conformist rock anthem dressed in a barely-country arrangement to make it convincing.  It's a great number, and the vocals are over the top. 

"I'm Not Done With You Just Yet" finds The McClymonts heading to the honky-tonk with a number that's certain to have pulling on your dancing shoes.  As usual, the vocals are primo, but the backing band will make a believer out of you here as well.  The McClymonts run into a slow patch as they head for the close on Wrapped Up Good, but recover nicely with the honky-tonk closer "Cannonball".  This might as well be the three sisters' theme song; a tale about a gal who's just too much to hold on to or hold down.

Wrapped Up Good is the sort of pop/rock album that would have been a huge hit in the 1980's.  The fact that it's presented essentially as a country album is ingenious marketing of a talented trio who perform at a very high level, mixing high polish with a down-home flavor that connects with country music fans.  The McClymonts are destined to have their stars shine as bright in the US as they have Down Under.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about The McClymonts at www.themcclymonts.net or www.facebook.com/themcclymontsau.  Wrapped Up Good gets its US release on August 23, 2011.  You can pre-order the album from Amazon.com as a CD or Download.

Arrica Rose & The ...'s - Let Alone Sea

Arrica Rose & The ...'s - Let Alone Sea
2011, pOprOck Records

You might say that performing is in Arrica Rose's bloodline.  Her great uncle, Lou Monte, was responsible for such novelty hits as "Pepino The Italian Mouse", "Dominick The Donkey" and "Lazy Mary".  Her father was a character actor in a series of mob films, including Mario Puzo's The Godfather.  Arrica Rose first picked up a guitar at the age of fifteen, cutting her musical teeth in L.A. area punk rock band Uxby and sharing the stage with acts such as Commander Venus, Still Life and Jimmy Eat World.  A detour through film school found her delving more into sound production and scoring, but Arrica Rose was destined for the stage.  Upon graduation, she formed her new band (the Dot, Dot, Dots).  Rose has continued to develop her sound.  The latest step in that development on August 22, 2011, when Rose's own pOprOck Records releases her third full-length album, Let Alone Sea.

Let Alone Sea blends ethereality and melancholy in pulsing doses of sound, with Arrica Rose's unique voice undulating across the soundscape like a wayward shooting star.  Sonically she's an intriguing blend of Tori Amos and Kate Bush, but stylistically she has a great deal in common with Hope Sandoval.  Rose shows a definite pop sensibility on the opening track, "Everybody", while offering up a pouty, sometimes sexy vocal line.  Her alto voice is both formless and distinct, undulating like a wave form coming in and out of phase.  This effect within the song's lush arrangement is intriguing.  "Sail Away" is a pretty ballad, set in the tones of an oil painting with ethereal brush strokes of sound set as highlights.  "If The World Won't Bend" is either a distinct show of faith or a disturbing subservience, dashed off in a pretty, languorous melody over yet another lush landscape of sound.

Rose changes pace with "Summer's Gonna Burn Me (So Are You)", blending elements of jazz, folk and ethereal pop.  This is the most intriguing work on the album, with Rose's blend of smooth sound and rough textures keeping the careful listener on edge throughout.  "Riverbed" flows like its title implies, while "Nothing Nada Nothing" and "Pot Of Gold" give solid structure to the back end of the album without standing out on their own.  Arrica Rose wraps up with a contemplative and halting medley entitled "Video Killed The Radio Star (Wonderful World)", which intermixes passages from The Buggles 1980's hit with Louis Armstrong's signature song.  It's an odd marriage that works almost in spite of itself.  Rose's voice is at its most enchanting here, and the gorgeous arrangement makes the whole affair seem like a dream you'll try to recapture once you wake.

Arrica Rose isn't going to appeal to everyone, but those who listen deeply and appreciate her almost other-worldly sound will be absolutely enchanted.  Let Alone Sea shows a musical vision that is far from highways and byways of pop radio, yet retains a deep pop sensibility that's inescapable.  Let Alone Sea is an album you can listen to a hundred times, each time picking out new layers and textures to discover.  You don't want to miss this one.

Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Arrica Rose & The ...'s at www.arricarose.com or www.myspace.com/arricarose. Let Alone Sea drops on August 22, 2011.  Keep checking Rose's website for availability.

The New Rochelles - It's New

The New Rochelles - It's New!
2011, Bright And Barrow Records

Long Beach, New York punk power trio brings their love for three chord pop punk to light on their album It's New!, due out on August 16, 2011.  Hailing from the same stomping grounds as The Ramones, The New Rochelles aim to mix the passion, energy and raw sound of punk with shiny pop hooks and refrains that get stuck in your noggin.  Building on the roots of New York style punk, The New Rochelles shred through songs with abandon on It's New, showing the sort of vibrant energy on the album that is generally reserved for the stage.

It's New opens with "Go Go New Ro!", a musical call to battle for the band that's aurally appealing but overly simplistic.  The band dives into "This My L.J.", a bouncy, high energy punk/pop blend that gets your feet moving.  "Did Something Bad" is of similar musical ilk.  The vocal harmonies here are impressive, and fill in ably in The New Rochelle's semi-frenetic arrangement.  "Watch For Skunkape" is a modern day horror story in song; entertaining and fun.    The New Rochelles go full throttle on "Quit Givin' Me The Stinkeye" while maintaining close coordination.  This high energy call out carries all of the energy of classic punk rock.

"Who Will (I Will)" displays a distinctive pop sensibility alongside a heavy rock arrangement that's relentless.  This is a pure marriage between pop and punk that should be a hit.  The New Rochelles get a bit more aggressive on "Static Shock", hanging loose with all the chutzpah punk rock requires.  Things stay pretty steady through the end, although "Tina's Got A Toothache" comes across as a bit inane.  "It's Really Hard To" is a great recovery, however, and a perfect close an energetic and well-intended effort.

The New Rochelles show a talent for writing great pop songs and wrappng them up in the vestiges of punk rock on It's New!  That's not to say everything on the album works perfectly well, but there are more than enough highs here to make the occasional low more than bearable.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about The New Rochelles at www.facebook.com/thenewrochelles or www.myspace.com/thenewrochelles.  It’s New drops on Tuesday, August 16, 2011.  Order your copy on Vinyl, or download from Bright And Barrow Records.

Shayna & The Catch - Lighthouse

Shayna & The Catch - Lighthouse
2011, Shayna & The Catch

Shayna & The Catch seems to be on the sort of slow, steady rise that one day breeds seemingly overnight success.  After catapulting into national awareness in a Ford commercial in 2010, Shayna & The Catch have gone on to reap the sort of attention and critical appreciation that should turn them into stars.  Shayna Zaid has been there before; a television star in her native Malaysia before coming to the United States; Zaid is perfectly at home on the stage or in the studio.  With a musky voice that avails itself equally well to jazz, folk, blues or pop, Zaid lights up the stage whenever she sings.  Shayna & The Catch even scored the 2010 Song Of The Year on Wildy’s World with their joyous anthem “Fireflies”.  Not ones to sit still, however, Shayna & The Catch return in 2011 with their full length debut album, Lighthouse.

Lighthouse opens with "Talk", a catchy country-tinged folk/rocker that you simply won't be able to get out of your head.  Shayna's wonderfully textured voice is a treat, as always, and The Catch is the perfect complement to her quirky/sexy sound.  "Lighthouse" explores the difficulty that those who are the rock for everyone else can have in letting themselves go.  The song is an invitation, delivered in an active folk/rock arrangement decorated with gypsy violin runs ala Stephane Grappelli.  The melody here is a standout, and "Lighthouse" has real hit potential, although it's uncertain what commercial demographic it might fit into.  Shayna & The Catch reprise "Morning Sun", which entered the national spotlight in 2010 in a Ford Edge television commercial.  The Lighthouse take is a bit more organic in sound, browning down the smooth pop edges for a warmer take.

"Pinched" is an edgy, acoustic rocker featuring the band's trademark Grappelli-style violin work.  The frenetic flavor of this tune will keep you on your toes; there's no way to sit still in spite of the dark sound.  The song is a true "Wow" moment.  "New York Love" opens in simple fashion, rhythmic notes repeated on guitar with a simple beat.  Violin gives the arrangement texture, and serves as a counter to Zaid's impassioned and compelling vocal.  The song is an ode to New York City; full of the power of real emotion.  "Ships" explores the after-effects of a failed romance with an almost stream of conscious lyrical style.  The busy acoustic arrangement can't hide a discreetly lovely melody, and the chorus is outright brilliant.

"Handshake" is an intriguing album track, catchy, with a reserved pop sensibility that will keep pulling you back.  The song grows on you with time, but may not make a big impression on first blush.  "It's You" gets second life on Lighthouse, in a beautiful rendition that is more fluid and fuller than the original.  This is a great love song, and Shayna & The Catch has made it even better the second time around.  "Taking Chances" has an island feel, sketched out in acoustic folk instrumentation to create a compelling listen.  Building for the future is the theme here, buoyed on a melody that you'll find yourself humming along to.  "Open Your Heart" is a mid-tempo acoustic rocker about creating a better world.  The catchy chorus has an almost disco beat to it, and you could picture this song going electric and having pop sensation potential.  The formal closing track is "Blue Waltz", which ironically spends its first two minutes in 4/4 time.  It's a solid, emotive song of melancholy that resolves into a lyric waltz.  Lighthouse also has two unlisted tracks; the first more of a study in undulating voice and instrumentation.  The second, which might be called "If You Need Me", is a stripped down song of love that is compelling in its simple power.  Shayna Zaid's voice shines in this contemplative moment; a brilliant afterthought.

Shayna & The Catch show a distinctive talent for crafting folk/rock arrangements with distinctive pop sensibility on Lighthouse, a tendency noted in the past.  The band has raised the collective bar this time around, however, offering a full-length collection of material that should include several potential hits.  While Shayna & The Catch don't match up well to the pre-packaged slots that are commercial radio in 2011, there is a universal appeal to the sound on Lighthouse that should ensure Shayna & The Catch continued exposure over the next year or so.  Many bands get a big break (like a national commercial placement), and fumble the next step.  Shayna & The Catch didn't fumble; they took a shot at the end zone.  And it's good.  Lighthouse is a winner.

Rating: 4.5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Shayna & The Catch at http://www.shaynaandthecatch.com/ or www.facebook.com/shaynazaidmusic.  Lighthouse was released independently in March, 2011, according to some sources, but is impossible to find.  Zaid's website indicates an October, 2011 release date.

See Green - Ultramarine [EP]

See Green - Ultramarine [EP]
2011, Courtenay Green

Until about three years ago, Courtenay Green was an active part of the East Village music scene in New York City, playing in a string of bands.  Her own personal muse wouldn't leave her alone however, and Green kept writing songs on the side.  Green finally made the break, swapping coasts and landing in West Hollywood to pursue her own project.  Green's musical alter-ego, See Green, was born to give voice to her distinctive fuzzy-pop style songs.  See Green's latest EP, Ultramarine, blends pop and new wave with electronic influences to create a distinctive sound.

Ultramarine opens with "Are You Happy", a quirky and vibrant pop/rock number that shows off Green's unusual and interesting vocal textures.  The song is exceedingly accessible, an obvious choice as a single with it's urgent, driven feel and catchy melody.  "The Neighborhood" is a soliloquy dedicated to change; lightweight and fun.  With a chorus that errs on the side of repetition, the song has sufficient pop sensibility to pique your attention.  "Closer" is a catchy modern rock/dance hybrid that's musically apt but lyrically stilted and awkward.  Green stumbles enough here to distract from the quality of the music.  Ultramarine closes with the bland modern pop of "I Meant It", dropping an anti-climactic curtain on an EP that starts strong but quickly fades.

Ultramarine shows both the distinctive potential of See Green and the pitfalls of trying to create a longer release out of two very good songs.  The gap in consistency and quality on Ultramarine between the first two and last songs is significant, and is likely to encourage many listeners to just download the two tracks rather than pay for the whole EP.  Courtenay Green obviously possesses talent as a songwriter and performer, but Ultramarine seems as if it was rushed on the back of two good songs.  At their best, See Green is definitely worth spending some time on, however.

Rating: 2.5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about See Green at www.seegreenmusic.com.  Ultramarine is available digitally from Ultramarine and iTunes.