REVIEW: Neil Carswell - Good Man's Journey

Neil Carswell – Good Man’s Journey
2006 East Wind Records

Neil Carswell is no stranger to making great rock-n-roll music. As the force majeure behind 1990’s Southern Rock powerhouse Copperhead, Neil Carswell built a reputation for hard-driving rock. On Good Man’s Journey he takes a half-step back from his hard-driving Copperhead Days to reveal more nuanced song writing, but reminds us that he knows where the rock is on songs like “The Cain Preacher” and “Ruby Jane”.

“Edge of the Green” is the keeper of the album for this reviewer. Neil Carswell displays roots in rock, electric blues (ala Led Zeppelin) and even good old country music (Waylon, Johnny Cash). Good Man’s Journey is ultimately listenable and memorable. There is more subtlety and mind here than in much of the corporate rock you’ll hear on many hard rock stations. The songwriting and musicianship are top-notch, and the delivery is flawless. This is great music for a road trip or for when you just want to mellow out to some good old rock and roll.

Rating: Buy It Soon!

You can learn more about Neil Carswell at www.neilcarswell.com.

REVIEW - Oliver J - Demo

Oliver J – Demo

I will periodically come across a demo recording of an artist who is still developing their sound but may just be onto something. I've been trying for a while to come up with an accurate artist comparison for Oliver J. The closest I can come is to imagine a band where Right Said Fred is backed up by Information Society. This may sound like a nightmare scenario to devotees of those artists, but there is something infectious about Oliver J’s first Demo recording. Comprised of ten talk/sing songs backed up by programmed keyboards and percussion, Oliver J weaves entertaining songs around an infectious dance beat.

The material here is very raw, and would benefit from fleshing out with a band of live musicians, but Oliver J has got something. My impression from a running email conversation with the artist suggests that he is just starting to get himself out there, and hasn't really played live yet. Some seasoning (live performances) and the addition of some creative tension (live musicians) will flesh out the background.

So here's a chance to check out someone so new he's not even jaded yet! Check out Oliver J’s website for streaming audio. Who knows, he might even sell you a copy of his demo!

Rating: Buy It Soon (if he'll sell it to you).

You can check out Oliver J at www.myspace.com/OliverJmusic

REVIEW: Tracey Whitney - Love... A Fable In 9 Acts

Tracey Whitney – Love… A Fable In 9 Acts
2007 BabyDoll Entertainment

Tracey Whitney bears the burden of high expectations. Being chosen as one of Ray Charles' Raylettes can either be the stepping stone to a great career, or a nadir that an artist never again quite reaches. In Love… A Fable in 9 Acts, Ms. Whitney has made a solid R&B album. Honestly I was expecting to hear Tracey Whitney bust it loose on this album ala Aretha Franklin (one of her idols). This never quite happens on "Love". Tracey Whitney has a gorgeous voice, and offers faithful and safe renditions of the material here, but never takes the sort of chances that turn a solid album into a great one.

The vocals, harmonies and arrangements on "Love" are all pleasant, enjoyable, and safe. "Ordinary Day" was the standout track for this reviewer, as the acoustic setting seemed to bring out more of the artist's personality. The cover of "I'm Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby" is also a definite keeper. The rest here is pleasant, but nothing really stands out for me.

Tracey Whitney is worth paying attention to. She's paid her dues as a member of The Whitney Family and as a Raylette; and the voice and talent are very real. A live performance of this material where the voice takes precedence over production would likely be a more accurate reflection of the artist, but all in all a respectable recording.

Rating: Borrow it from a friend.

You can learn more about Tracey Whitney at www.myspace.com/TraceyWhitney or www.BabyDollEntertainment.com.

REVIEW: Johnny Neel & The Criminal Element - Volume 1

Johnny Neel And The Criminal Element - Volume 1

Johnny Neel knows how to make good time, feel-good party music. His latest offering with The Criminal Element, Volume 1 builds on the success of Gun Metal Blue. Volume 1 isn't as straightforward, taking off into the occasional jazz/blues inspired jam session ("Slap It On Ya", "Funk Pump") but does hit the straight ahead rock sound fans will be familiar with ("Toasted", "Temperature"). Throw in the occasional ballad ("What Am I Gonna Do", "Find My Way") and you have a well-rounded musical experience.

Volume 1 is a solid rock album that would be a good fit in most music collections. The infectious feel-good vibe will have you coming back to listen again and again, and the variation in styles throughout the album will keep it new for a long time.

Rating: Buy it Eventually

You can learn more about Johnny Neel at www.johnnyneel.com.

REVIEW: Johnny Neel - Gun Metal Blue

Johnny Neel – Gun Metal Blue
2004

Gun Metal Blue opens with "Cross My Mind", which sounds like it might have been penned by Bruce Springsteen at his best. It's an opening salvo from this music industry veteran that could either be the high point of the album or a harbinger of what's to come. In this case it's both. Johnny Neel has created a gem of an album that runs the gamut from straightforward rock to roadhouse blues. At times he'll remind you of Springsteen, Bob Seger and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Alternating from ballads ("Carolina", "Love Ain't A Bad Place", "Sure As The Day Is Long"), to incredibly infectious tunes ("Cross My Mind", "Not This Time", "My Little Feel Good", "Gun Metal Blue"); Johnny Neel knows how to keep the party moving. This is good time music, meant to be shared with friends over a beer in a dirty little roadside bar, or at a backyard barbecue on a warm summer day.

I highly recommend that if you're in the vicinity of a Johnny Neel show that you go. The only thing that could improve this music is to hear it live. You'll have a blast.

Rating: Buy It Now!

You can learn more about Johnny Neel at www.johnnyneel.com.

Reviews

I should be posting some more reviews this weekend. Oliver J, Johnny Neel and Neil Carswell coming up, among others. Stay tuned!

If you are reading this and wondering, "how do I get my stuff reviewed on Wildy's World?" It's easy. Or even if you know an artist who wants some free publicity, or needs some, or who could just use a good review to sell some of their CDs. It's easy!

We accept submissions in the form of CD or DVD, along with any promotional materials you feel appropriate. (If you happen to sign the CD on the front insert we won't complain, but it's not a requirement). We only do reviews from hard media, as I like to live with the music for a few days before writing about it. We will check out myspace/facebook/sonicbids and other web pages, but will not write reviews on virtual material.

You can feel free to eMail me at wildysworld@gmail.com for a submission address.

Reviews generally take one to two weeks from receipt, depending on how many I have in queue. Review materials will become the property of Wildy's World and will not be returned.

Wildy's World has a different philosophy on reviews than most reviewers. We do not believe in writing negative reviews. We have no problem with being critical in a constructive manner regarding material or an artist/band who has promise, but if we can't find anything good to say we just won't review the recording. We at Wildy's World understand that just because we might not get it doesn't mean a recording is bad or without value. We're not here to trash anyone's muse, but we're happy to promote what we like.

So send your CDs, demos, DVDs, etc. today! We're busy at Wildy's World but we can always use more to do! There's a lot of great independent music out there, and we've just touched the tip of the iceberg!

Sincerely,

Wildy
Wildy's World

Thoughts on humor

I am not funny.

I was once told by a director of a play I was auditioning for that I have great comic timing, but that's far from the same thing. Give me good written material and I can be funny with it. I can deliver it in a funny fashion.

I amuse the h-e-double hockey sticks out of myself, but most people seem to think my humor is bizarre. Or sometimes I'll say something(s) that are actually funny, and then realize it, and then try to be funny. This is where I fall on my face.

Luckily, my wife is funny.

If you want to be amused, check out her blog here. Admission is free, and if you don't like it, you're guaranteed a refund.