Review: Stark - Put It To Your Head

Stark – Put It To Your Head
2007 Kicking and Screaming Music

What is a mild-mannered traffic reporter to do? A certain amount of angst builds up delivering the same messages of gridlock day-in and day-out in a major metropolitan area such as New York. Stark leader Lani Ford takes out her frustrations on the New York City Indie scene with great effect. Stark’s 2nd studio release Put It To Your Head evokes Courtney Love at her finest as well as the finely tuned angst of Green Day. Ford is joined for this release by guitarist Josette and drummer “Sweet Rob” Endemann. The sound morphs from CBGB era Punk to straightforward rock without losing a single identity, which is quite an accomplishment.

“18 Again” is a fun romp that will get your feet moving and looking for the pit. “I Pay” is the track that most evokes Courtney Love, and is a highlight. Other highlights include “Nothing’s Wrong”, “This Day”, “Disturbed”, and the acoustic version of “Butterfly”. The secret if Stark is that if strip away the amplifiers and attitude, they can really play and sing. This is a very talented young power trio who with the right breaks are destined for big things. Check them out, and if you’re in the city go see a show!

Rating: Buy It Soon!

You can learn more about Stark at www.myspace.com/Stark or www.starknyc.com. You can purchase Put It To Your Head at www.cdbaby.com/laniford.

REVIEW: Various Artists - Trucker Tracks, Volume 1

Various Artists – Trucker Tracks, Volume 1
Spec Records

Trucker Tracks, Volume 1 is billed as “Dedicated to all the men and women who move the heavy loads down the highway and the families that they leave behind…” It is a collection of country-rock tunes from the likes of Johnny Neel, Mike Cullison, Joe Durham, Greg Crowe, Rodger Mason and Bob Rea. The CD itself is a little uneven, as often happens with such multi-artist collections, but there are several high points. Most of them coming from the incomparable Johnny Neel (“Led Foot Boogie”, “Blindside”, “Saddle Up And Ride”, and “Folded Flag”). Mike Cullison provides a moving “Goin’ Up The Country” which may well be the cornerstone of the CD.

Rodger Mason is also a pleasant find on this disc, with “Trucker’s Son” and “West Coast Run”. All in all this is a solid collection with will appeal to those in the profession, country music fans, and some fans of blues-oriented rock. That being said, it’s more of a niche album rather than one that will have widespread appeal. It’s definitely worth the listen.

Rating: Buy It Eventually.

You can learn more about Trucker Tracks, Volume 1 at www.truckertracks.com.

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.