CD Review: Zebrahead - Phoenix

Zebrahead - Phoenix

2008, Icon Records

Zebrahead was something of a pioneer of rock/rap conglomeration, choosing this mix rather than the reggae-rock preferred by most other SoCal bands of that time. The band has maintained a strong presence on the national music scene and won significant critical praise. Zebrahead has also managed in that time to build a respectable, rabid following of fans. 2008 sees the release of Phoenix. A rebirth it is.

Phoenix is post-punk/pop nirvana. Zebrahead maintains the vivacity of early Green Day with great big hooks and power pop choruses. Mental Health is a potential smash hit, as is Hell Yeah! Death By Disco has a bit of that Beastie Boys machismo in the verse before resolving into a great rock and roll chorus reminiscent of 1980's rock and roll. Other highlights include Ignite; The Junkie And The Halo; Brixton and Two Wrongs Don't Make A Right, But Three Rights Make a Left.

Zebrahead rocks out on Phoenix. Phoenix is reminder of how much fun rock and roll can be. There's no pretension or false humility here, just good old fashioned blow out the speakers playing. Zebrahead has been doing this for quite some time without losing the energy and life they brought to their first record. That's rare in a band, and shows that Zebrahead love what they do just as much now as then they first started out. Phoenix is a must-hear.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Zebrahead at http://www.zebrahead.tv/, where you can purchase a copy of Phoenix. You can also find Phoenix at most major music retailers.

CD Review: Starsky - Everyone Has A Story...

Starsky - Everyone Has A Story...
2008, Starsky Music

Starsky is an Ayr, Scotland acoustic rock outfit cut from the same mold as The Pat McGee Band. Touches of Americana rise up here and there. Vocally he has some Fleetwood moments, particularly in the harmonies. Everyone Has A Story is a non-threatening pleasant listen with thoughtful lyrics and pleasant acoustic-guitar based arrangements. This is one of those albums that I enjoyed but at the end there aren't real particular high points or low points I can point to.

I did rather enjoy the songs Storm, Including Me and In The Morning. Going Nowhere injects some nice bluegrass fiddle into the mix, and Home might have the best staying power of songs on the album. The material on Everyone Has A Story is really decent, it just doesn't stand out the way it might. I can see where the material here has significant live potential, and it may just be a matter of the live energy not coming out in the studio.

Starsky is a talented lad. Starksy has an extremely pleasant voice to listen to. Everyone Has A Story... has good material that could/should be great and just doesn't quite get there. Nevertheless it's still good, and a pleasant listen.

Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Starsky at www.myspace.com/starskymusic. You can purchase a copy of Everyone Has A Story… at www.cdbaby.com/cd/starsky.

CD Review: Jeff Griffith - If It Ain't One Thing It's Another

Jeff Griffith - If It Ain't One Thing It's Another

2008, Arrowhead Records

Country radio went down the path to polished pop music perhaps fifteen years ago now. Banished were the banal whiny songs that dominated country music since the late 1970's. Long forgotten was the classic country sound of artists such as Vern Gosdin, George Jones, Waylon and Hank Jr. That classic sound resurfaces every so often, however, when an artist with the mettle to carry the mantle of classic country comes along. Jeff Griffith is just such an artist. His debut CD, If It Ain't One Thing It's Another is a paean to the great country sound of the past.

Produced by Nashville legend Joe Stampley, If It Ain't One Thing It's Another captures the warmth of Griffith's voice on material that is perfectly placed. Griffith is an engaging singer/performer who could an audience rapt with just the sound of his voice. The album opens with It Ain't The Clothes That Make The Man. This song is a perfect snapshot of the sound and style that Griffith puts forth on If It Ain't One Thing It's Another. This song would sound perfectly at home in a honky tonk or even on the Grand Ol' Opry stage. Other highlights include the tear jerker She Reminds Me of You, Holed Up In Some Honky Tonk, Fishin' Fever and the title track.

Jeff Griffith brings back a country sound that puts many modern country artists to shame. If It Ain't One Thing It's Another is a fun listen with great vocals and outstanding musicianship. If you like country music this isn't just a must have. If you've never really given country music a try this is the place to start. Jeff Griffith has that certain indescribable something that raises If It Ain't One Thing It's Another from a great album to the sort of album that gets declared a Wildy's World Certified Desert Island Disc.

Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Jeff Griffith at http://www.jeffgriffith.net/. You can purchase copies of If It Ain’t One Thing It’s Another at Best Buy or at Hastings Music.

CD Review: Gary Paul Bryant - WildLife

Gary Paul Bryant - WildLife

2008, Take Home Music

Gary Paul Bryant has developed a reputation as a top new age/jazz pianist. His music blushes with the grandeur of classical composition and rushes with the life-blood of jazz and New Orleans style blues. On WildLife, Bryant's 10th album, we are treated to thirteen tunes that would make the likes of Grusin, Isham and Lanz stand up and salute with respect.

WildLife opens with the title track, a taut and uptight new age bit of expressionism that explodes into jazz glory halfway through. Elephant In The Room explores Eastern sounds and rhythms in a composition that is sonically interesting even if quite limited. The fabulous No Possum In My Pond sounds like Herbie Hancock on a mind-altering substance, and Cue The Moose is a pleasure. Other highlights include the expressive Licking A Low Tide, the dark Storm On Sucia and The Grand Stampede.

WildLife is a dynamic collection of new age/jazz that is rewarding for the listener. This is not your typical dinner music, but is as intellectually stimulating as it is pleasant to listen to. Gary Paul Bryant has created a memorable album that should not only hold a prized place in your collection, but may well spawn several licensed movie compositions as well.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Gary Paul Bryant at http://www.garypaulbryant.com/. You can purchase a copy of WildLife at www.cdbaby.com/cd/gpbryant9. You can also find the CD at Walmart Stores or as a download on iTunes.

CD Review: Derek James - Stray

Derek James - Stray
2005, Derek James Music

Derek James started out in Australia, and made it to Manhattan by way of France, all as part of his dream of being a performer. He is an eclectic songwriter who crosses musical boundaries as easily as crossing the street. He is often compared to the likes of Jack Johnson, Coldplay and Tom Petty. James’ 2005 debut CD, Stray, is a wonderful debut and introduction.

Stray is a bright, breezy breath of fresh air that deserves greater attention that it has received in the 3+ years since its release. My favorite song here is What's That Sound, a Beatles-esque silly little love song. Summer is a gorgeous bit of musical poetry that is as lyrically expressive as it is lovely. Pretty Lady is mix tape material and would be a great pick for a movie soundtrack. Stray closes out with There Is The Sun, an upbeat, breezy folk-rock tune that will get stuck in your head and stay there.

Stray is the sort of album that makes you want more from an artist. Derek James has this easy voice that is a pleasure to listen to. He is a strong songwriter and performer, and I strongly recommend Stray for my readers' listening pleasure.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Derek James at http://www.derekjamesmusic.com/, where you can purchase a copy of Stray.

CD Review: Woodfish - Breathe

Woodfish - Breathe
2008, Meanfish Records

Woodfish is one of the more unique bands I've heard this year. Mixing jazz and funk with straightforward rock and the occasion Zeppelin-esque turn, Woodfish has an incredibly dynamic sound that makes you look forward to Saturday night. Woodfish's Breathe EP is sharp and funky and full of great songwriting and tight, tight, tight musicianship.

Bamm Diddley opens the set with a cacophony of sax, strings and percussion only to resolve into a funky/jazz mix that is incredibly addictive. Love Another takes a slightly darker turn into P-Funk Category with a guitar opening that would make Jimmy Page weep with envy. In My Eyes is a soft ballad in the vein of Edwin McCain. Losing My Mind opens with some of the hottest bass playing you'll find south of Jim Creeggan, and Breathe is a rump-shaking party machine packed into 3 minutes and 15 seconds. There's a slight resemblance in substance and style here to another one of my favorite bands, Cowboy Mouth. The attitude and musicianship are there, and the frantic musical style is ever-present.

Woodfish might be the hottest party band you could ever hope to find. These guys could light up a dance floor like no one you've heard or seen. Forget the DJ. Woodfish has got the mojo for Friday and Saturday night. Chalk Breathe up as a party favorite, or an anytime favorite. If it were longer I'd call it a Desert Island Disc. Either way, it's 5-Star material.

Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Woodfish at http://www.woodfishmusic.com/. You can download a copy of Breathe through iTunes.

CD Review: The South - You Are Here

The South - You Are Here
2008, Bluehammock Music

Classy Brit-Pop isn't dead after all. South's 4th album, You Are Here is a breath of fresh air amongst all of the post-punk pulp that masquerades as modern rock. The South manages to make music that is firmly routed in the styles of disparate influences while embracing a modern edge. Shades of The Moody Blues, The Kinks, Badly Drawn Boy, and The Beatles waltz through You Are Here and hang out for moral support along the way.

You Are Here is a study in mellow rock with an edge. This is a very difficult dynamic to pull off -- most bands fail horribly. The South seem to be the exception however, having crafted perhaps one of the finest pop/rock albums of 2008. Highlights include the symphonic mélange of Wasted, lead single Better Things, the headphone phonics of Tell Me and the highly danceable She's Half Crazy.

The South returns Brit Rock to the lofty place it held in the 1980's, with economical and memorable melodies, profound harmony and a mellow yet energetic vibe. You Are Here is one of the better albums I've heard in 2008, and should make end-of-year lists on both sides of the Atlantic. Put this on your to-do lists, folks.

Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about The South at www.myspace.com/southofficial. You can purchase You Are Here at Amazon.com.