Album Name: The Paper Raincoat
Artist: The Paper Raincoat
Year/Label: 2009 / Independent
[Download at Amazon]
[The Paper Raincoat on eMusic]

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

First up, my apologies to Amber Rubarth and Alex Wong. I got this album on Amazon right when it came out. Then I stuck it in my music folder and spaced it out. A month or so later I was all, ‘Oh I need to get the Paper Raincoat album soon’ not realizing I already had it. Luckily I also spaced on purchasing it (again) and I stumbled across it a month or so later. By this time it was too late it include it in my Best of 2009 list as it had already been posted. But is IS indeed one of my favorite albums, not only of 2009 or 2010 but all time. Seriously you guys, this is some yummy stuff.

So as you know I already loved some of these songs from the [EP] that they released awhile back. I actually first fell for some of these songs when Alex was here performing a house concert with Vienna Teng. One song* that was one of my faves at that time didn’t make it onto the EP so I had hopes it would be on this one but it didn’t make it here either (but I finally got it when it was on Alex’s Collaborations CD, which I picked up on Cayamo).

Moving on…so the album opens with some strings that are lovely and soothing and then *crash* comes the pop comes, then Alex’s melty voice, then Amber’s great harmonies and you know you’re in the land of the Paper Raincoat. These two make the most amazingly gorgeous pop music I’ve ever heard. And yes Matthew Sweet, I’m even including you.

What I like about this is there’s a goodly amount of classical stylings here with the piano, the strings, and the crescendo and decrescendo that they’ve got down perfectly. I mean, it’s emotional. Really emotional. Chill-inducing.

These two also have some of the greatest voices of all time. I mean, it’s not like they’re doing anything super wild, like some singers do nowadays. But they both are vocally very comfortable sounding, sweet, happy, sad, and are a perfect match for the music.

Brooklyn Blurs is probably still my favorite. I actually get chills listening to that song. Maybe it’s because when my dad heard it he said it reminded him of his childhood riding his bike around the city (though Minneapolis, not New York) late at night when he was the only one out. So now when I hear it I picture that. Also the harmonies are so gorgeous I get teary. Yes, I am that much of a music nerd, beauty in music makes me cry.

I also really like Rewind. I imagine it was done in one take, as she says in the song. I don’t want to know if I’m wrong.

Don’t be Afraid is also lovely.

I could go on all day about the songs I love (all of them) and why, but I will spare you.

Just know if you’re looking for the perfect pop album look no further. Until they put out another record that is.

*Oh and the song I wished was on here is In the Creases. I don’t know where you can get it as I can’t find the collaboration CD online. Alex?**

**See Karen’s comment below…
Karen, you are absolutely right! I even looked on that (I have it) but I didn’t see it. Thank you!
Folks, you can get that album [on Amazon] and other places.

Track Listing
1. Right Angles
2. Sympathetic Vibrations
3. Brooklyn Blurs
4. Rough Cut
5. The Same Old Things
6. Rewind
7. Don’t Be Afraid
8. Motion Sickness
9. January
10. Safe In The Sound
11. It All Depends

[The Paper Raincoat Official Site]

Album Name: Water Into Wine
Artist: Ellen Woloshin
Year/Label: 2010 / 58th Street Records

[Buy at Amazon]
[Download at Amazon]

Review by David Adair

It’s always a rocky, often long and drawn out road to tread, when a songwriter who has penned numbers for the likes of Dionne Warwick, sets out alone. New York resident, Ellen Woloshin seems to be making steady progress, as is confirmed in her new eleven track forage. Opening up with harmless and longing string spiked mini-epic, Making My Way Back (To Free) that’s friendly if a little unadventurous. More body and vocal echo that disperses a searching narrative with cold clarity is deftly applied for ‘Joanna’. A winding instrumental spread gives hope to cushion the delicately dealt blows of the fatalistic lyrics:

Something’s you just can’t change, you can turn every stone; you can try your hardest.

The tear in your soul remains and there’s nothing to do except cry your heart out.

Flitting from the haunting touch of Belinda Carlisle to the more colourful nod of Donna Lewis that is backed to the hilt, by an expressive and occasionally rising backing band, this album builds up in range, as the intrigue factor keeps on ticking over. Where Does All The Time Go, uses a partly harrowing and wandering key trickle to build up to the hovering alto vocals that speak of a worldly wisdom, promoting a positive outlook no matter what stage of life you’re in. Caressing backing vocals helps to make it warming, as well as serious and reflective. Pleading touches litter the album with a fleeting sense of urgency that contrasts with the often leisurely and composed vocal gait. A patting percussion pushed and stirringly charming run through The Beatles classic We Can Work It Out, illuminates Ellen’s ability to add life and her own slant to thoughtful numbers from bygone pop days.

Just Come Home, scatters out soulful defiance that seeps into the masterfully sung Let It Go Now, as a free spirit starts to grow. Woloshin is continuing to embolden in her song-writing flame that contains enough spirit, a little gusto, plenty of personality and a charming poetic resonance to help her make her own mark.

Rating; 3.5/5

Track Listing
1. Making My Way Back (To Free)
3. In My Dream
4. Round We Go Again
5. Where Does All the Time Go
6. We Can Work It Out
7. Don’t Talk to Me That Way
8. The Words
9. Just Come Home
10. Let It Go Now
11. You Break My Fall

[Ellen Woloshin Official Site]

[Why Does the Wind?] (Ewan Pearson Radio Edit) from the album Why Does the Wind? by Tracey Thorn.

[Dead Hearts] by Stars From the Album The Five Ghosts.

[Heart To Tell] by The Love Language From the Album Libraries

[Honest Face] from the album Champagne In Seashells EP by Liam Finn + Eliza Jane

[Beautiful People] by The Books From the Album The Way Out

[Stole My Heart] by Little & Ashley From the Album Stole My Heart EP

[Electrocution] by Nada Surf From the Album Electrocution

[Dragon's Song] by Blitzen Trapper From the Album Destroyer Of The Void

[Die] by Carissa’s Wierd From the Album They’ll Only Miss You When You Leave: Songs 1996 – 2003

[Oh bless it, here's the whole list...]

Free Gileah Taylor track and new EP
I just got word, from Gileah herself, that she’s releasing a new EP and in support is offering a free single on her website.
[Get I'm All In by Gileah Taylor]
I’ll write more about the EP once I get it :)

I Can See, from See Green
Also Courteney Green from See Green (who I reviewed recently) is offering a free single for you. It’s a cover of an LCD Soundsystem song.
[Get I Can Change by See Green]

The Brothers Young
The Brothers Young are, in fact, three brothers rounded out with the help of three of their closest friends. Dillon, Dustin and Michael Young are joined by Levi Cecil, Travis Girton and Trevino Brings Plenty for the follow-up EP to their outstanding debut, The Sun Says He’s God.
[Good Deeds by Brothers Young]

Red Wanting Blue
[Get Where You Wanna Go by Red Wanting Blue] from their record, These Magnificent Miles.

Guster!
On October 5, Guster returns with Easy Wonderful, their first studio album in four years.
[Guster's site] Note: you have to tweet or Facebook post in order to get the free song.

[Have some free music, on me!] from Emusic.

This Can’t Be My Life by Ruth Gerson is being released today!

Album Name: This Can’t Be My Life
Artist: Ruth Gerson
Year/Label: 2010 / Independent

[Download at Amazon]
[Ruth Gerson on eMusic]

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

The album opens up sound like she’s channeling Fiona Apple. Not the vocals so much, but the piano style. So obviously, piano-based pop. Just my thing.

It’s a cool record. I’m sorry if that sounds bland, but I the adjectives are just rolling off my tongue (fingers?) today.

The songs are interesting and filled with emotion and her voice is strong and powerful. It even straws into PJ Harvey territory on Black Water.

If you like this genre I think you’ll like this record.

Track Listing
1. Fresh Air
2. This Can’t Be My Life
3. Bulletproof
4. Stay With Me
5. Someday Soon
6. Don’t Go (For Em)
7. Does Your Heart Weep
8. Hazel
9. You Lie
10. Black Water
11. Take It Slow

Here’s the press release:

RUTH GERSON TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM IN JULY

Singer-songwriter Ruth Gerson will release her latest album, “This Can’t Be My Life,” on July 20th, 2010 via Wrong Records, her first release for the label. Recorded by Nic Hard (The Bravery, Jesse Malin) with additional recording and mixing by Daniel Wise (Scissor Sisters, Secret Machines), Gerson says, “Writing the album got me from nowhere to somewhere and through the second hardest part of my life.” Originally ready for a summer 2007 release (the album was recorded, mastered and pressed), Gerson held back “This Can’t Be My Life,” because of her divorce and newly-single parenthood. Three years later, Gerson is ready to share “This Can’t Be My Life” with the world.

During the period she went off the road, Gerson went from teaching part-time to teaching full time (Gerson taught at Princeton University and founded “The New & Used Songwriters Collective” in NYC). In 2009 Ruth moved to the Bay Area, and founded San Francisco Vocal Coaching. Vocal coaching and producing other artists led her to develop the SingingbeltTM – Gerson is the creator of the first bio-feedback device that teaches singers diaphragmatic breath support (www.singingbelt.com). “The SingingbeltTM is the reason I can go back to playing,” she says. “It makes it possible to be a musician and support my family. I’m in the best place of my life now. I wrote ‘TCBML’ in the worst of places.”

In the title track, Gerson writes:

I made two lefts, I shoulda gone right / If I made one more left, it woulda been right / It can’t be, can’t be my life.

“You think change is hard, but change is easy compared to not changing,” she says. In “Fresh Air” (finished on a New Year’s Day) Gerson writes:

You killed me once, you killed me twice, third time you killed me / I started to want back my light… / Must of lost my head somewhere / Now I’m opening all the doors / Gonna make this year my very best year / You and your fresh air, should be happy together.

Away from touring and performing, Gerson focused on writing and recording and made an album produced by Rick Chertoff (Cyndi Lauper, Joan Osborne) and William Wittman, with guests Suzzy Roche, Byron Isaacs and Jack Rose (who passed away this past December), called “Deceived.” Scheduled for release in early 2011, “Deceived” is an album of songs – ranging from traditional folk and blues to seventies pop – about the bad things that happen to “bad” girls. “The goal with ‘Deceived’ is to raise awareness and funds for domestic violence organizations across the country. I grew up in a violent house. DV victims need a place to go to create a safe life with their children.” [Greil Marcus has already called the album “a triumph.”]

A New York City native, Gerson is a product of the High School of Performing Arts and a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Princeton University. She has opened for many artists, including Dave Matthews, Suzanne Vega, Steven Wright and Roger McGuinn. Gerson has appeared at The Newport Folk Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage, SXSW, Pitea Dansar Och Ler (Sweden), ARTSCAPE, The Tel Aviv Annual Piano Fest, High Sierra Music Festival, Sotto Le Stella (Italy) & CMJ. In support of her EP “WISH,” Ruth appeared on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.” The album “Wake To Echo” was produced by John Cale collaborator Lance Doss, and the album “Fools and Kings” was produced by Don Dixon (REM).

Press has been lavish with its praise for Gerson in the past. Jon Pareles of the New York Times wrote: “With a voice that rises from tender endearments to a bluesy, impassioned growl, Ruth Gerson sings folk-rock songs that reach for the status of anthems; she’s a Bob Dylan fan… who can be as galvanic as Bruce Springsteen.” The Village Voice lauded her “huge, flawless voice [which] makes her ideas sing, and every word is welded to the beat.” And CMJ put her in excellent company: “The closest modern comparison would probably be Sarah McLachlan, but Joni Mitchell really comes closer…Hear her now, or hear her later; either way you’ll hear her and you’ll be moved.” And an early review from the Palo Alto Daily News calls “This Can’t Be My Life” a “rock-pop masterpiece.”

[Ruth Gerson Official Site]

Gregory Douglass, singer-songwriter and all around great guy is doing a series of House Concerts every Monday night and they’re webcast! It’s one great way to get folks interested in the new record he’s putting out. His last release Battler was largely financed by fans and friends and he’s going that route once again on his new one.

Having had the pleasure of hosting Gregory numerous times in my home for house concerts I can attest that he puts on a wonderful show full of funny stories and beautiful emotional songs.

So head on over to Justin TV tonight and watch. It’s on 9pm Eastern Time. (8 Central (US, please don’t make me do math to figure out when you in the UK can see it, but I believe it’s 6 hours later). [GO HERE] to participate.

Here’s one from last week (I’m having trouble getting this to embed, so if you can’t see it go to [here] and you can see it there.

UPDATE: I’m on right now, listening and this is so darn cool. People are requesting songs and he’s playing them along with Mo on cello. I was able to give a donation and say hi an chat and all. You guys have got to tune in next week!!!

Album Name: Hunting My Dress
Artist: Jesca Hoop
Year/Label: 2010 / Independent
[Pre-Order at Amazon]
[Pre-Order Vinyl! at Amazon] (not out til Aug 10)
[Download at Amazon]
[Jesca Hoop on eMusic]

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

I was late to the Jesca Hoop party on her previous record, [Kismet]. By the time I discovered it on eMusic, I came here to post about and saw that Anna Maria had already reviewed it like a year before. I submit that I have too much else in my very small brain to remember every review I’ve done let alone every one that Anna and the others have. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. But once I heard it I was in love.

Determined not to be behind again, I made sure I got a copy of her new one when it came out in Europe. So I’ve been listening to it for months now and am also in love with this one.

It’s become such a part of my daily soundtrack I couldn’t possibly pick out songs that are best or even my personal favorites because to be honest, I truly love them all. From the opening “oooh-uh oooh”s on Whispering Light to the beautiful and haunting title track you’ll be enrapt.

But since I’ve seen a video for The Kingdom that one always hits me as I remember the visuals she’s assigned to it.

Her signature voice and background chanting vocals is present here as it was on Kismet.

The songwriting is amazing and intricate and best of all, unique. This is one artist that always impresses me.

But the good news is that Hunting My Dress will be released July 27th, 2010 in the US. You can listen to it streaming now on
[NPR]

Track Listing (note: this is the track listing on mine, the US version looks to be a different order and appears to include some songs from Kismet as well. Guess I’ll be getting that version too!)
1. Whispering Light
2. The Kingdome
3. Feast of the Heart
4. Angel Mom
5. Four Dreams
6. Murder of Birds
7. Bed Across the Sea
8. Tulip
9. Hunting My Dress

[Jesca Hoop Official Site]

Here’s the UK artwork

Anyway,Tthe Mynabirds caught my attention because of their cool artwork (I saw it in a Ticketbastard ad) and their site has two free downloads.

[The Mynabirds]

I Likey!!

Get their debut record (see I knew they haven’t been around forever!) at the following:

[Buy at Amazon]
[Download at Amazon]

Concert Review:
Artist: Vienna Teng, Alex Wong, Ari Heist, Melissa Tong, Ben Russell
Date: July 19, 2010.
Venue: Rockwood Music Hall
City: New York, NY

Review by [JoAnn]

Just got back from seeing Vienna Teng and friends at the Rockwood Music Hall, stage 2, in New York. Which means the trip home was just about as long as the set. Which is why I rarely go out to late shows (this one started shortly after I rrived at 10:42 pm). Which is why (or at least partly why) I haven’t gotten around to seeing Vienna in New York until now.

But I digress.

The show was wonderful. Great music, ranging from solo to quartet; charming banter. The musicians all seemed very low-key. Vienna has an easy, friendly manner with the audience. Her guests did too. The room was crowded, which was good considering this seems to have been a fairly last minute gig. Of course the room isn’t that big (neither is the stage). Still, I stood by the door.

Vienna started the show by asking the audience for requests. I only heard a guy shout, “Surprise us!”, but she said she heard Shasta and Gravity, and she did play both. Shasta was first, solo. It seemed there was an echo coming from the vocal mic, but it either got fixed during the night or I stopped noticing it. Next she played an unrecorded song, Everything’s Fine, which she said was written with Amber Rubarth as part of an unreliable narrator assignment.

Alex Wong joined her on guitar and vocals for Gravity , which was quite slow and delicate. Vienna added some minimalist electronics she controlled with a device on top of the piano.

Next up were a few non-Vienna songs. Alex introduced a song he’d written, saying that Vienna had yelled the first line (Don’t be afraid of what you want) at him during an argument. He sang lead vocals and played guitar, Vienna played piano and sang, and Melissa Tong added violin. I wrote down the lyric:

“and if you close your fingers, ghosts will pass right through / and I’ll be on the other side of the river waiting for you”

because I love the image.

Ari Hest made a different trio, singing and playing guitar for a song he said he wrote at the height of his Lost addiction, about the moment between inhaling and exhaling, between preparation and doing. It was the group’s second time playing it together. I’ll call the song Green Light Go for lack of a proper title. Alex switched to drums (or I think just one drum? a snare played with brushes?). Next was Ari’s Cranberry Lake, a sweet, folky song, done in the same guitar/piano/drum trio format. They had to restart the verse Vienna sang because Ari “forgot [she was] here” which made me laugh. I don’t really mind when musicians mess up. It reminds me that they’re human and that I’m getting something different from the album.

Melissa came back for Blue Caravan. Vienna wasn’t sure everyone on stage had played it all together before. She confessed a sudden urge to hear keys tinkling during the song. The audience was happy to comply, so we jingled our keys during the opening bars and later as directed by Vienna.

Ari’s last song was Sunset Over Hope Street from his forthcoming album done as Vienna/Ari/Alex trio. After Ari left, Melissa returned to the stage, bringing her friend Ben Russell, also on violin, who was playing with Vienna for the first time. They did a gorgeous version of Antebellum which Vienna called “glorious.” It really was.

After that, another unrecorded song, played solo. Pencil Sketch with the lyric: “dreams that want to be set down in charcoal and graphite.” Alex returned to the stage and shared the piano bench with Vienna for The Last Snowfall. He played piano while Vienna looped vocals and sang over them. I thought that would be the last song, but Melissa returned to the stage and Vienna asked the audience to clap for an energetic version of Grandmother Song that she clearly enjoyed.

After the set ended, I quickly wrote a note to Vienna thanking her for a great
performance and requesting a song for August’s Highline Ballroom show. She was hanging around talking to various people in the audience. When I gave her the note she asked if she should read it then or wait. I said it didn’t matter, but it was too dark to read, so she said she would read it later and gave me a hug. A wonderful way to end a beautiful night.

JoAnn

Amy’s Note: Thanks JoAnn, great review! I’ve seen Vienna and Alex together a few times now and they’re so great. I’m jealous I didn’t get to see this, but with your descriptions I almost felt like I was there.

The song you wrote the words down to is Don’t be Afriad and it’s available on the Paper Raincoat album (which is mucho fantastic). [get it here]

OR

[The Paper Raincoat on eMusic]

For the great live album Vienna adn Alex did together, The Moment Always Vanishing

[buy at Amazon].

[Vienna Teng Official Site]

[Yep Roc Records Sampler] has Nick Lowe, The Apples in Stereo, Nina Persson and others.

the next is an EP from Benjy Davis.

Album Name: Immaculada
Artist: Ion
Year/Label: 2010 / Equilibrium Music
[Buy at Amazon]
[Download at Amazon]
[Ion on eMusic]
[Buy at Equilibrium Music]

Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell

Duncan Patterson was once in the band Anathema, a hard-hitting metal band. Ion is a far calmer proposition; Patterson and various singers are making ethereal music with many roots. This is their second album after a strong debut.

The title song sees Veronica Neumann and Gina Rios adding siren voices to a dreamy tune. It’s all very suggestive and almost too lovely.

Adoration sees Vic Anselmo and Aoife Cuthbert singing to a folksy tune with a strong melancholy undertone.

Invida has a dreamy tone that Patterson uses well in his playing. It’s one of the many strong moments on this album.

The Silent Stars is another inspiring moment, where the lead vocal is strong yet sweet and the playing superb.

It’s another brilliant album by Ion.

Track Listing
01. Immaculada
02. Temptation
03. Adoration
04. Damhsa Na Gceithre Ghaoth
05. Invidia
06. Cetatea Cisnadioara
07. The Silent Stars
08. Return To Spirit

[Ion Official Site]

Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell

Jo Hamilton is a singer with roots in Kenya and Jamaica, but she now lives in the U.K. Her new album is a focused and intriguing effort. It’s both dreamy and strong, and she has a splendid voice.

Pick Me Up has a strong energetic tune, and a superb lead vocal that invites comparisons with Björk.

How Beautiful is another song to make you swoon, as Hamilton sings angelically to a rhythmic backdrop. The song steadily rises to an exciting crescendo. She’s really and expressive singer and it shows well here.

All in Adoration sees her muse over a lovely melody.

Think of Me closes the album on a great note, a soft yet urgent melody propelling the gorgeous lead vocal. Jon Cotton plays wine glasses for a unique sound.

It’s an album that deserves to win many adoring fans.

Track Listing
1. Exist (Beyond My Wildest Dreams)
2. Pick Me Up
3. There It Is
4. How Beautiful
5. Deeper (Glorious)
6. Paradise
7. All In Adoration
8. Liatach
9. Mekong Song
10. Winter Is Over
11. Think Of Me

[Jo Hamilton Official Site]

Album Name: Because I’m Not Myself You See
Artist: Goodbye Gadget
Year/Label: 2010 / MyShorts Records
[Buy at Amazon]
[Download at Amazon]
[Goodbye Gadget on eMusic]

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

My original notes on this one? “I like this one, it’s fun.”

And it is. The music has a bit of an 80s feel to it, with the keyboard/synth and the Go-Go’s style chirpy singing. I mean this in the best way possible. Remember I am a child of the 80s (well a teenager of the 80s). It makes me want to put my hair in a side ponytail and jump around.

But that’s not to say it’s outdated. There are a lot of bands now coming out with sort of a retro sound and there’s plenty of room for that I think. The songwriting here is great. The melodies are at times unexpected which is always welcome.

The title track (I feel the comma is misplaced, but perhaps that’s just me) is cool and a little more mellow than the others. The vocals show better here. Piano is prominent and the melody is cool.

I also like Let’s Go. It actually makes me want to dance. Almost nothing makes me want to dance anymore.

A look at their cover art and MySpace page show they’re a fun group. I bet they’d be great live!

Track Listing
1. Sugar & Sinnamon
2. Bitter Freedom
3. Because, I’m Not Myself You See
4. Let’s Go!
5. Dealbreaker
6. Missing

[Goodbye Gadget Official Site]

So they let me know that they are releasing a free track and said I could share it with you lovely readers.
[Go here]

[Mr. Meeble on YouTube]

[Download at Amazon]

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

Really like this. Seems like I’ve been getting a lot of male-dominated shouty rock material lately. So this is a welcome reprieve.

Sofie Livebrant is Swedish (no wonder I like her). Her website is in Swedish, but if you have Chrome it will translate it if you like. I should note, she sings in English.

Her voice is soft and sweet and it matches the piano-based lullaby-type music well. There are also some nice backing vocals that add to the sleepy effect. (From Here to Here and Helicopter most noticeably)

Mandy and Wanted both has a little twang to them and are a little more upbeat. But I still wouldn’t call it country. She has a nice lilt to her voice that shows on Mandy in particular. Some nice strings on Wanted as well (fiddle, I believe).

Really nice stuff by yet another good Scandinavian artist.

Track Listing
1. From Here to Here
2. Mandy
3. Helicopter
4. Wanted
5. Honey
6. No 976 Death is a Dialogue

[Sofie Livebrant Official Site]

Album Name: O My Heart
Artist: Mother Mother
Year/Label: 2010 / Last Gang Records
[Buy at Amazon]
[Download at Amazon]


[Mother Mother on Emusic]

Review by David Adair

Naturally, it is always difficult to review a foraging and sun-kissed indie album from a Canadian act, without considering Arcade Fire. Mother Mother, in the title track, do have a lush and uplifting touch akin to Winn Butler and co, at times, but there’s also a splattering of Hal and The Delgados, as well as some yearning interludes and a touch of desperation is also chucked in for good measure. This second album soon shapes up into a ranging release, toying with emotions whilst retaining some playfulness.

In Body, a slight falsetto hold grips onto the vocals of Ryan Guldemond that is stretched out when his sister Molly joins in the act. Creating a beleaguered, yet strangely comforting pop epic that builds from an almost eerie, grinding bass led intro. This is also returned to for a bluesy outro, sandwiching the reflection and heart with grit and grime. It’s juxtaposed by a tender and slow yearning ballad, Try To Change. That sees the two vocalists digging deep for some heart-wrenching, covering a thorny topic that is the futility of trying to change. Molly’s vocal versatility is laid out to bare, when she provides for a mild soul infusion towards the end of this engaging snippet.

Through Ghosting, Mother Mother instils some spindling folk to slow things down, providing for some meditation and respite, as Ryan’s vocals unveil a positive and warm streak. It is another track demonstrating that backing vocals can add potency and pull to a song. This element is certainly no mere afterthought to this Vancouver quintet. The racing Placebo veined instrumental build up in Hay Loft, initially bolsters a track that soon morphs into a snazzy NU rave and New Wave conjoining razzle-dazzle. A forage through history shows that the true genius of pop is in the ability to deliver simple melancholy with melodious catchiness and sincerity. This is easily achieved through Arms Tonite, whereby Molly’s stern, but comforting vocal touch starts to take over. She indulges in a warming, yet darkly blurred exchange with Ryan. Easily giving The Magic Numbers a run for their money and somebody-else’s too!

Mother Mother have produced one of the freshest pop/indie conjoining albums of the decade so far and, it will take something special from the earlier mentioned fellow Canadian, euphoric pop darlings to top this.

Rating: 4.5/5

Track Listing
1. O My Heart
2. Burning Pile
3. Body of Yours
4. Try to Change
5. Wisdom
6. Body
7. Ghosting
8. Hay Loft
9. Wrecking Ball
10. Arms Tonite
11. Miles
12. Sleep Awak

[Mother Mother Official Site]

Album Name: My Star
Artist: Marina V
Year/Label: 2010 / Independent
[Buy at Marina's Site]

[Marina V on Emusic]

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

I’ve reviewed Marina V several times in the past. I’ve had this one in my rotation for a few months now and perhaps I haven’t moved on it because I don’t want to have to remove it.

This is one of those albums that’s hard to review but that doesn’t mean I don’t love it. I do. And I adore Marina in general. It’s just that I’m not sure what I can say that hasn’t been said by me or someone else. Her releases are always lovely.

She opens with You Make Me Beautiful which is classic Marina. Catchy and massively appealing while still having an edge.

Her voice is just so warm and comforting. It always makes me smile.

Unbalanced is almost orchestral. It’s upbeat, but there’s a lot going on.

Tonkaya Ryabina is in Russian as you may have guessed. It’s a capella so her voice really shines.

Magical Christmas is sort of cabaret-ish with heavy showcase on piano, it sounds like we should be in a lounge sipping a peppermint martini. And it’s a lovely way to end the album.

Track Listing
1. You Make Me Beautiful
2. Thursday Song
3. Blue for You
4. My Star
5. Killing My Dream
6. Don’t Cry
7. Unbalanced
8. Weight of the World
9. Tonkaya Ryabina
Bonus track
10. Magical Christmas

[Marina V Official Site]

Album Name: Heavy Rotation Vol. 7 – Dorm Sessions
Artist: Various Artists
Year/Label: 2010 / Independent

[CDUniverse]

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

I’ve reviewed Heavy Rotations’ compilations before and it always seems like a mix tape a cool kid would make for me. Some of it I really like and some of it I really….don’t. It’s made by music school students at Berklee.

In an attempt to be kind I will refrain from talking about ones I didn’t care for and just concentrate on a few that I did.

Each artist on this project gets two songs each.

I really like Ann Driscoll’s two songs, I Wanna Be Your Zombie gets a tad goofy (as you may guess by the title). But Ringmaster is really cool and quirky with some echoey vocals and interesting melodies.

I really like Julia Eassterlin’s Mild Response. And Render is even better. She does some cool vocalizing at the end.

Black Kettle’s I Don’t Want to Know is nice.

In all, it’s a fun record to have with some real gems on it.

Track Listing
1. I Wanna Be Your Zombie – Ann Driscoll
2. Ringmaster – Ann Driscoll
3. 64 Dollars – Jordan Tarrant
4. Im A Loser (But You Love Me)- Jordan Tarrant
5. When I See Your Face – Liz Longley
6. AnnaBelle- Liz Longley
7. October – Tin Soldier
8. Hat Song- Tin Soldier
9. A Mild Responce – Julia Easterlin
10. Render – Julia Easterlin
11. Dangerous – Liptease
12. Ooh Al – Liptease
13. King And All His Horses, The – Black Kettle
14. I Don’t Want To Know – Black Kettle
15. Trafego – Tais Alvarenga
16. Nem La Nem Ca- Tais Alvarenga
17. Homicide – KR & the Future
18. Figure It Out – (featuring Tay Montana)- KR & the Future

[Heavy Rotation Official Site]

[EW.com]

You’re welcome. Here is another goodies:

Now today they announced that Kelly Clarkson backed out of the our date. It seems to be lack of sales. I just saw this article on the fabulous, [Wears the Trousers] which says that a bunch of the dates have been scrapped all together.

I think also the variety of acts is probably not a selling point like they thought it would be. There aren’t many folks who are fans of both, for example, Mary J Blige AND Kelly Clarkson. And how many people would want to spend a lot of money (in tough times) when there are only maybe 2 artists they like? I think it made more sense it when it was based on folk. OR base it on R&B and have no folk. But the mixture? Doesn’t seem to work.

To be honest, I’m part of the problem. I didn’t get tickets. You all know how much I love my Sarah. But I didn’t care for the other artists (except for Metric and maybe Kelly C) and the last few times we went it was so hot and crowded and uncomfortable that the last time we left before Sarah even started (*gasp* I know!).

I’m ten years older now and even less able to handle extreme heat, sparse bathrooms, $9 water, and rude people than I was then. So I decided not to go. I actually reconsidered when I heard it had been moved. But Target Center? The sound is dreadful there. If it’s Target Field, I may be up for it. Waiting to hear which one it is, but I’ve a feeling it’s the indoor one. Which is all kinds of wrong.

I wish them luck, I’d hate to see this not be a success.

Album Name: Turning Point
Artist: Side FX
Year/Label: 2010 / Realize Records
[Buy at Amazon]
[Download at Amazon]
[Side Fx on Emusic]
[Side FX on iTunes]

Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell

I’ve reviewed Side Fx’s previous album recently, and am pleased that their new offering is just as good. Kim Cameron’s in fine voice and the band support her well.

Are You Thinking of Me? sees her sounding both vulnerable and tough as the band play a rockin’ backing. Her assertiveness as a frontperson is very sympathetic and easy to hear.

Stories is a soft, yet urgent tune that allows Cameron’s vocals to shine. The guitar parts by Marco Delmar are sensitively played. It’s a neat jazzy tune that appeals greatly.

Rainy Days and Mondays is a Carpenters cover that works really well and shows the band’s playful side. Cameron adopts a kittenish coo that really works for the song.

It’s Not My Time is an atmospheric, slightly mystical song that they do really well.

It’s another great album by Side FX.

Track Listing
1. Timeless
2. Are You Thinking of Me
3. Magic Lands
4. Stories
5. Simple Touch
6. Rainy Days and Mondays
7. Let’s Paint This Town
8. Amazing Dreams
9. It’s Not My Time
10. Broken Heart
11. Contradictions
12. Stories (dance)
13. Are You Thinking of Me (country)

[Side FX Official Site]

Happy Friday everyone!
I have some free tunage for you.
Awhile back I reviewed See Green’s album, [Violet].
I’m now happy to be able to offer you a free track from it!
[Think Twice] by See Green

Have a great weekend!!

1. Record Collector
2. When I’m Alone
3. In Sleep
4. Bully
5. Little Lovin’
6. Stranger
7. Loosen The Knot
8. Cuckoo
9. Everywhere I Go
10. Worried About
11. Look Away
12. Oh Mississippi

Sarah releases Oh Little Fire, her first album in almost 5 years!
Oh Little Fire is available here: Oh Little Fire – Sarah Harmer on iTunes

Or Amazon

Track list:
The Thief
Captive
New Loneliness
One Match
Careless
Washington
Late Bloomer
The City
Silverado
The Marble In Your Eye
It Will Sail

Tour Dates:
More to come…check out [Sarah Harmer Official]

JUNE:
June 22 – Toronto, ON – Palais Royale – SOLD OUT
June 23 – New York, NY – City Winery
June 25 – Pittsburgh, Pa – WYEP Summer Music Festival
June 26 – Philadelphia, PA – World Cafe Live
June 27 – Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere

JULY:
July 1 – London, UK – Trafalgar Square
July 2 – London, UK – The Borderline
July 4 – Belfast, UK – Auntie Annie’s
July 5 – Dublin, IE – Academy 2
July 6 – Glasgow, UK – King Tut’s
July 9 – Newburyport, MA – The Firehouse
July 10 – Newburyport, MA – Riverfront Festival
July 11 – Winnipeg, MB – Winnipeg Folk Festival
July 13 – Ottawa, ON – Ottawa Bluesfest
July 14 – Chicago, IL – Schubas
July 15 – Detroit, MI – The Magic Bag
July 17 – Vancouver, BC – Vancouver Folk Festival
July 24 – Guelph, ON – Hillside Music Festival
July 31 – Montreal, PQ – Osheaga Music Festival

AUGUST:
August 6 – Regina, SK – Regina Folk Festival
August 7-8 – Edmonton, AB – Edmonton Folk Festival
August 10 – Banff, AB – Eric Harvie Theatre, Banff Centre
August 17-18 – Woody Point, NL – Writers At Woody Point
August 21 – Owen Sound, ON – Summerfolk
August 22 – Huntsville, ON – Algonquin Theatre
August 23 – Parry Sound, ON – Stockey Centre

SEPTEMBER:
September 4 – Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON – Jackson Triggs Winery
NEW DATES:
September 17 – Saskatoon, SK – The Odeon Events Centre – on sale June 25
September 18 – Red Deer, AB – Red Deer Memorial Centre – on sale June 25
September 19 – Calgary, AB – Jack Singer Hall – on sale June 25
September 21 – Kelowna, BC – Kelowna Community Theatre – on sale June 25

and let’s hope we can add to that, February Ships and Dip. Note I said HOPE, I don’t have a clue if she’s booked or not. I’m just hoping!

First up…Kathryn Williams has signed a new deal with the One Little Indian and will release The Quickening on July 6th in North America. [Little Lesson] by Kathryn Williams.

Julie Ann Bee is an epically rare musician who has crafted three CDs, with the kind of intuitive knowing and organic talent that defies logic and defines great artists.
[Marmelade] by Sea of Bees.

[Ghost of an Earthworm] by Loch Lamond from their new, Night Bats.

[Legionnaire] by Abandoned Pools. Tommy Walter used to be in The Eels.

[Do Right] by Megan McCormick from her album, Honest Words (out in August).

Visit [Kill Beat's Site] for Rae Spoon and get a handful of MP3s there.

Gaelic Storm is a Celtic inspired, bluegrass rooted rock outfit. Their newest album Cabbage will be released on August 3.
[Raised on Black and Tan]

She suggested I write honest reviews of stuff I don’t like. She used Pitchfork as an example of a highly respected review website because they don’t sugar-coat anything and they are downright scathing (and often funny). That if Pitchfork likes a band, then that band has made it. She wanted that sort of industry cred (and pull) for me.

I thought, I can do that. I can be snarky as hell when the feeling hits me. (You should have seen the review I wrote about the woman whose vocal stylings resembled a dying cow. I’m not even kidding. It was a weird painful moaning, lowing sort of thing.*)

So I started writing what I felt about the music whether I liked it or not. Sometimes this made for a funny post, sometimes it was just mean. Most of the time, these posts never saw the light of day. Some even got so far in the process to be posted to the site, just not published, waiting for the day I have the guts to hit the publish button.

Some reviews I wrote were positive for the most part, but if there was something I didn’t care for, I mentioned it. Then I’d get nasty emails or comments from the artist or I’d find out they trashed me on their website (Google Alerts is my friend). ‘Screw ‘em!’ I’d say, ‘They asked for my opinion by sending me their music.’ I even went so far as to dedicate a whole post to “If you don’t want my opinion, don’t ask for it and save your postage”.

But the bottom line is, it’s not nice and it’s not what I wanted to be when I started this site. Also, I’m finding that I have less and less time to spend on this site. I calculated that when I do a review I generally spend at least 8 hours per CD. It’s just not worth it to spend all that time, and do all that work to just send negative shit out there.

Also, I see Collected Sounds as not just a review site. Many of my posts are giving you free music, or sharing industry news, or videos, or listing concert dates. Reviewing is not my main goal. Mostly the reviews I do write end up being for the artist more than the reader/listener anyway.

So from now on, I am only writing about music that I find exceptional. If I am listening to a submission and all I can think to write about it is “she has a nice voice”, or “it’s ok” it’s not going to make it past a third listen and will not make it to the site. From now on, only gems.

Now, I do get submissions of already-written reviews from other contributors and I’ll continue to post them, but they’re generally always positive anyway.

What I’ve done in the past and what I may continue to do, is grab a whole bunch of the “good, but not great” ones and do one post mentioning them all but will still keep it positive. Not sure yet about that. What are your thoughts?

OK now to go to my ginormous stack of CDs, give them all one more listen and start paring down. Whee!

*And no I won’t mention the name of the artist who sounded bovine. You wouldn’t know her anyway. It’s not like she “made it” big.

Sarah McLachlan’s Laws of Illusion is being released today!
get your here: (if you haven’t already)

Amazon has lots of choices:
[Buy physical] (just the simple 13 songs)
[Physical] Deluxe CD and DVD
[Vinyl]
[Download at Amazon]

ITunes:
Regular:
Deluxe:

I have heard the whole thing once streaming on Facebook, but haven’t heard enough to be able to say much yet except that I do really like it.

June 9, 2010 (LOS ANGELES, CA) – It is with great regret that the Go-Go’s announce today the cancellation of Happily Ever After, their summer farewell tour. The tour was scheduled to kick off July 7 at Lilith Fair San Diego, and conclude in Austin, TX on July 27. The band will also be unable to perform live on Good Morning America, scheduled for July 16 in New York’s Central Park.

The news comes as a result of guitarist Jane Wiedlin injuring herself after a 20-foot fall while hiking near her home in Northern California a couple of weeks ago. Jane is scheduled for ACL replacement surgery for her knee in the coming weeks, with a prognosis of up to a year recovery time.

The band is heartbroken and hopes their fans will send best wishes for Jane’s speedy recovery. In the meantime, tickets can be refunded at point of purchase.

[Listen here]

Order below:

[Deluxe CD/DVD]

Album Name: Throwing Stones
Artist: Cory Joseph
Year/Label: 2010 / Independent

[Download at Amazon]

Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell

Cory Joseph’s new record is an ep of six tracks of energetic pop/rock with some great tunes.

The opening title song rocks out pretty cunningly and has a dynamite chorus. It reminds me of Ryan Adams a bit.

She Deserves to be Happy is a nice look at his softer side, an empathetic ballad with some terrific vocals. Joseph’s really good at that and the Americana feel fits in well.

Till You Come Back Around gets a little funky and Joseph’s well up to that task as well. He has a distinctive voice and it sounds cool here.

Better This Time is tougher and Joseph wears the confidence well. It’s one of the best cuts on this promising ep.

Track Listing
1. Throwing Stones
2. She Deserves To Be Happy
3. Till Ya Come Back Around
4. On Your Side
5. Better This Time
6. Come To Me

[Cory Joseph Official Site]

Photo by Kate Elson

I had some downloads to use up on Emusic so I was browsing the recommended artists and came across Karen Elson.

I loved it immediately and downloaded it right away. I’ve been lsitening to it for a couple of days now and really like it.

I was looking her up to find out more about her, and found some interesting tidbits.

She’s also a fashion model famous for her shaved off eyebrows.
She married Jack White (White Stripes) in 2005 and they have 2 kids!

Some links:

[Karen Elson on Emusic]
[Buy at Amazon]

[Supermodels] (outdated, says she’s expecting child #1)
[Karen Elson Official] (you have to scroll all the way to the bottom to enter the actual site–DOH!)
[Karen Elson MySpace]

Check her out!!

Karen Elson performing “Cruel Summer” (Live Acoustic) from Karen Elson on Vimeo.

Remember Sheila Nichols? Man I loved her albums, [How strong] and [Wake].

So I was beyond thrilled when I saw that she’s got some new stuff coming our way! I’ve been allowed to share a couple of songs with you!

Click the links, then on the name of the song, Right click and choose save link as…
[Bardo]
[Natural Law]
OR
If you’d rather just listen:
[Bardo]
[Natural Law]

Damn, it’s good to hear that voice again!

Press Release:
Sheila Nicholls’ first new release in 7 years, Songs from the Bardo, is an interesting combination of genres. Shifting easily from acoustic singer-songwriter to studio trip hop grooves.

“Songs from the Bardo is an exploration of what interlaces the personal with the universal. What we experience individually, that ultimately makes us the same.”

Since moving to the US from England, Sheila has performed with NY-based group Splendid Frock, recorded 3 solo albums and started her own label, Essex Girl Records.

“After releasing two albums with Hollywood Records, I decided to lay low for a minute. I built a studio, bought equipment, and taught myself ProTools. I really wanted to expand my abilities and have more creative independence. Consequently this record took a while because I did it myself, with some help from friends. Oh and I also had a baby.”

Available now on iTunes, ‘Songs from the Bardo’ delivers an LP experience in which Sheila co-produced as well as wrote the entire album.

It says Video too, but my download didn’t come iwth any video. Let me know if you experience differently.
[Download Forgiveness by Sarah McLachlan]

Note: this is only good today, I believe. So act now.

Other cool ones:

[February Snow by Peggy Sue]
[Hinterland] or [Intro #3] by Aim
[I'd Rather Be Your Enemy by Gemma Ray]

Of course, you don’t need me to tell you what to like.
[Check out the list for yourselves.]

Review by David Adair

To mark her first European tour since 2003 the former 10,000 Maniacs singer and songwriter, Natalie Merchant flanks herself with two plug-in acoustic guitarists and affords herself the luxury of an adept double bassist, from time to time. The most unique feature of evening is a slideshow at the back of the stage. It displays nonsense verse, quirky images and pictures of the mixture of well known and obscure British and American poets. Whose work she has spent six years researching and has adapted into a stirring 26 track new album, Leave Your Sleep.

Merchant’s infamous, slightly eccentric, endearingly quirky and moment grabbing stage presence still illuminates the set as much as the theatrical neon lights. Merchant and her guitarists are tight and focused as they run through material from the latest album. Each song is preceded by a brief, concise and authoritative biographical introduction on the artist in question and the significance of the piece being performed. Of course, Edward Lear needs no introduction, but was given a suitable and charming one anyway. Before the country and Celtic folk flavoured Calico Pie, is sung with flightiness and abandon. There’s a subtle forlornness attached to it, tonight. Making you take the song, original poet and tonight’s performer seriously.

A hollow string laden run through Arthur Macy’s Peppery Man, is underlined by the achingly sombre delivery, as a poignant moment falls upon the full venue. Various emotions and genres are explored jumbled together, then punctuated by a bracing narrative introduction. e.e. cummings’ charming maggie, millie, molly and may, possesses innocence and a serenity that defies the worldly and well travelled reputation of tonight’s heroine.

Native Names, adds another strand to the serious veil that covers the simplistic base and format of some of material on display. It cuttingly, yet stirringly covers the prickly topic of the perceived desecration of the Native American culture by modern American society.

An off-the-cuff strut and stroll through some of Merchant’s older and popular material, gives the encore some freshness, whereas the vitality is provided by the performers. Tell Yourself, is as gripping as ever and has a new wave twang to it this evening. Potent lyrics that lash out at society for the ills that it has caused, like anorexia, are playfully delivered.

Despite the fact that Natalie Merchant is now in the fourth decade of her music career, each tour is given the same energy and heart that most acts reserve only for their first tour. Also, each album is given the attention to detail, thought and injection of spirit as though it were a debut album.

Rating; 4/5

[Buy at Amazon]
[Download at Amazon]
[Natalie Merchant on Emusic]

[Natalie Merchant Official Site]

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

Oh thank god, someone who’s not country…or Americana…or blues…or bluegrass…or country-folk…I’ve been inundated lately. So this album is more than music to my ears. It’s instrumental. But very melodic. It made it onto my sleepytime playlist.

Not that it will put you to sleep. But it’s very chill. And beautifully done. It’s very lush with piano, strings, and more.

Joel Styzens used to be a drummer until he developed an ear problem and had to stop. He actually woke upwith the pitch A sharp ringing in his ears one day (hence the record lable name as well as track 1 ) He discovered a whole other world of music. And it is indeed relaxing. I really do love the sound of the cello.

My favorite tracks are: A-Sharp, Life Line, and Unaware (which reminds me of Radiohead).

Lovely album that I’ll be listening to for some time.

Track Listing
1. A-Sharp
2. As You Are
3. For You
4. Life Line
5. 7 8 6
6. Unaware
7. Reflection
8. It Was
9. Viv
10. Humboldt
11. Take Anything
12. Memento Mori

[Joel Styzens Official Site]

Album Name: Cardiac Malformations
Artist: Thus:Owls
Year/Label: 2010 / Hoob Records
[Download at Amazon]
[Thus:Owls on Emusic]

Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell

Thus:Owls have a weird name, and a sound to match on this starling debut recording. It has something of the Tiny’s classicism tempered by Björk’s restless spirit.

Singer Erika Alexandersson has a terrific, if untamable voice and she uses it well.

Opener Yellow Desert sees her reach untold heights to a good backdrop that’s ever shifting. Her delivery has a little of Karin Dreijer Andersson’s strangeness.

Climbing the Fjelds of Norway has a playful; intriguing sound that suits the song well. Alexandersson’s vocals sound just beautiful here.

The Sun is Burning Our Skin is a ballad that allows the band’s sensitive side to take over. The vocal is set against a soft and supple backing.

A Volcano in My Chest is a little bit dissonant at times but has a good tune to go along with it. Alexandersson wails in a P.J Harvey fashion and it’s fun to hear.

This debut should hopefully win them many fans.

Track Listing
1. Yellow Desert
2. Eagles Coming In
3. Climbing The Fjelds Of Norway
4. Sometimes
5. The Sun Is Burning Our Skin
6. When She Arrived
7. Let Your Blood Run
8. My Thoughts Ain’t Lovely
9. A Volcano In My Chest
10. You Arose To The Gods
11. The Atlantic

[Thus:Owls Official Site]

Album Name: Eleven. Revert and Return
Artist: Midas Fall
Year/Label: 2010 / Monotreme

[Buy at Amazon]
[Download at Amazon]

[Midas Fall on Emusic]

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

This one’s hard to write about. It’s really very cool, I’m just not sure what to say about it. So I’ll start by just describing it. Kinda echoey dreamy pop, but harder than regular dreamy stuff. Maybe it’s more fuzzy than dreamy. Really nice though, I’ve been digging it for months.

Midas Fall are from Edinburgh, Scotland (one of my favorite places on earth). The female lead, Elizabeth Heaton has a wonderful voice. It’s soft and luscious, but can also wail and reach (and I mean that in a good way). Maybe a little like Bat for Lashes, or someone else I can’t quite place. Help me out!

My favorite tracks are Moviescreens, Nautical Song (I wish I were on a sailboat listening to this), and 17 (some lovely piano).

This is the kind of music one can fall into.

Here’s a video which will give you an idea:

Track Listing
01. MovieScreens
02. Century
03. Bright Lights Will Harm No-one
04. Nautical Song
05. My Radio Star
06. Half Horizon
07. War Pigeon
08. Fog Sky Nun
09. 17
10. Stalking Moon

[Midas Fall Official Site]

Album Name: A Flutter and Some Words
Artist: Ingrid Chavez
Year/Label: 2010 / Independent
[Buy at Amazon]
[Download at Amazon]
[Ingrid Chavez on Emusic]

Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell

Ingrid Chavez was the artist who once made an album for Prince’s Paisley park label, then collaborated with David Sylvian who she was married to. A second album has been a long time coming but now it’s finally here.

Chavez’ intimate spoken-word lyrical style and strong songs are intact, and this collaboration with Lorenzo Scopelliti is just what the doctor ordered.

The title song is sensuous, and sees her doing her poetic whispery thing with relish. The backing is gorgeously evocative.

Back Roads continues the calm, yet urgent tone and sees Chavez at her most expressive, with a lovely backing.

“I just have to do it my way”

she sings as if regretting it.

By the Water is more effortlessly sensuous yet restrained fare, with her singing of love by the water to a barely present backing.

No Goodbyes is a scene of farewell between a couple that’s very civil, set to a piano backing. Chavez as ever understates her emotions, but delivers with a great deal of weight.

Her album’s well worth investigating.

Track Listing
1. Wing Of A Bird
2. Mine
3. Exhale
4. A Flutter And Some Words
5. Ameera-The First Darshan
6. Back Roads
7. By The Water
8. Path Of Rain
9. Returning To Seed
10. Tightrope
11. No Goodbyes
12. Terrible Woman
13. Isobel
14. A Flutter Coda
15. Dreamland

[Ingrid Chavez Official Site]

Album Name: Forgive and Forget
Artist: Jenny Whiteley
Year/Label: 2010/Black Hen Music

[Buy at Amazon]

[Jenny Whiteley on Emusic]

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

Jenny Whitely has a nice comfortable voice that glides along nicely to her sorta twangy Americana style. I used to strongly dislike this style of music. Then Beth Amsel’s music got me into it more. Lately, I’m kinda over it (though still love Beth’s music). Maybe it’s that I was really hoping to go on That Cruise again next year, but now they’re announcing all these twangy artists and I’m disenchanted and sad that I’m probably not going. Anyway, I digress…and that being said, this is a good record if you like Americana.

As I said, her voice is nice and pleasing, though I can’t say it’s anything I haven’t heard before.

The songs are well-written and catchy. They mostly have a waltzy feel (and I love a waltz).

Stand outs for me are: Kind Love, The Truth and the Eyes of the Dead, and There Was Love which is probably my favorite.

If you dig the twang I think you’ll like this one a lot. It really is very well done. And her album cover matches my site very nicely!

Note: you can get the Black Hen Sampler by visiting their site [here]

Track Listing
1. Raining In My Heart
2. There Was Love
3. Day Without Words
4. Final Season
5. Truth and the Eyes of the Dead
6. Ripple Effect
7. Kind Mirror
8. Cold, Cold Kisses
9. Slack
10. Half Life

[Jenny Whiteley Official Site]

Album Name: Under
Artist: Kenny Schick/Basement 3
Year/Label: 2010 / Basement 3

[Buy at Amazon]
[Download at Amazon]

Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell

Kenny Schick is one half of Artemesia Black, but the records solo also. He has a rather sparse, but intriguing sound on this effort.
His voice is well up to the task.

Ghost is a soft yet haunting song where his guitar does a few neat things. It’s kinda bluesy and has a lot of charm.

He covers Gillian Welch’s The Revelator nicely and it gets a good reading. Artemesia Black has also done a Welch cover so clearly he likes her stuff.

Opposite is calm and well played, Schick getting some vocal support by Sabiné Heusler. It’s an appealing song in all.

Back Home is a slow song that really shows off Schick’s skill with the guitar.

This is a very nice little album.

Track Listing
1. Bottom of the World
2. Ghost
3. Summer
4. Revelator
5. Rain
6. Kiss
7. Opposite
8. Calling You
9. Go
10. Sun Goes Down
11. Play
12. Back Home
13. Black and Blue
14. Sweetest Sting(Beena)

[Kenny Schick Official Site]

Well, not quite yet, but soon!

Here’s an article about the US release of Sarah Blasko’s latest, As Day Follows Night.

It will be out August 10.

[read story] and listen to a [track]from it.

[Visit Sarah Blasko's site]

Here’s a cool video from it. I can’t wait to get this!!

Album Name: Vonnegut’s Wife
Artist: Circe Link
Year/Label: 2010 / BlackWings Multimedia

[Download at Amazon]

[Circe Link on Emusic]

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

I’ve liked Circle Link since I heard the first song on her first record. Some of her songs have shown up in my Car CDs too. She has a great bouncy feel to her songs and her voice is a dream. This album, however is quite different and those who kept up with her via email list or website were fairly warned. I for one was excited to hear about the new direction.

I’m always nervous when an artist I already like goes off the beaten track, but in this case I’m all for it. This is harder, darker and more twisted than her previous stuff and I love it. Really.

Her voice growls and swoops to the twangy (yet not alarmingly so) melodies.

The title song is a haunting tune in minor keys.

Hungry Men has some frantic spoken word in layers and it’s making me szicho trying to hear it all, but it’s cool.

Jazz Noon is slinky and sexy and reminds me of Jill Tracy.

Jesus Drank All the Wine makes me want to dance.

This is a super fun record by a greatly talented lady.

Track Listing
1. Man or Mouse
2. Sex Crime
3. Hit me
4. Vonnegut’s Wife
5. Hard Act to Follow
6. Hungry Men
7. Friends Like You
8. Jazz Nation
9. Bad Taste
10. Jesus Drank all the Wine
11. Something’s Missing

[Circe Link Official Site]

Album Name: Alternative Gothic Swamp Lullabies
Artist: Artemesia Black
Year/Label: 2010 / Independent

[Buy at MySpace]

Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell

Sabiné Heusler-Schick and Kenny Schick make up Artemesia Black. They call their music “alternative gothic swamp lullabies” and that seems to fit very well.

Good Till Now is a successful cover of a Gillian Welch song that suits the duo well. Heusler-Schick’s vocals are splendid and the backing retrained yet urgent.

Beautiful is kinda folksy and Heusler-Schick’s singing is very nice in a whispered way.

Shipwreck does sound a bit dark, Heusler-Schick doing a convincing femme fatale bit on the vocals. She’s a very distinctive and fine singer.

The album closes with a version of P.J Harvey’s Angelene that suits the bands sound and demeanor well.

This album is a quiet treasure and deserves your attention.

Track Listing
1. Rosie
2. Good Till Now
3. Daisy Chains
4. Beautiful
5. Big Trees
6. Shipwreck
7. Mary Janes
8. Stutter
9. Love
10. Angelene

[Artemesia Black Official Site]

Here’s the official press release:

Hangout Concert For The Coast To Donate All Profits To Gulf Coast Relief, New Orleans Benefit Added For May 16th

The Hangout Beach Music and Arts Festival (May 14th – 16th) has teamed up with New Orleans concert promoter Stephen Rehage to create a two-city benefit event. All proceeds from the Concert for the Coast events in Gulf Shores, Ala and New Orleans, La will be donated to regional charities.

Gulf Shores, AL (PRWEB) May 11, 2010 — In light of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill affecting the Gulf Coast, the Hangout Beach Music and Arts Festival (May 14th – 16th) will be donating all profits to regional coastal cleanup and preservation. In an effort to expand awareness and increase donations, The Hangout, along with New Orleans producer Stephen Rehage, will expand the Concert For The Coast to New Orleans. This two-city concert experience features The Hangout Music Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama and a one-day concert event on Sunday, May 16th in downtown New Orleans. New Orleans Jazz pioneers Preservation Hall Jazz Band will be on hand at both events.

Hangout Beach Music and Arts Festival May 14th – 16th in Gulf Shores, AL. Presently, the stages are being constructed upon pristine beach, but the oil slick in the gulf threatens to endanger the wildlife habitats and livelihoods of those that live in the region. “The Gulf Coast is what makes the Hangout Music Festival so unique,” says Shaul Zislin, co-creator of the Hangout Music Festival. “It is one of the most pristine coastlines in all of America, and we will donate every penny above our costs to keep it clean.”

Stephen Rehage, producer of the Voodoo Music Experience and Essence Festival is working with the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation and Louisiana Film Office to produce the Hangout Concert for the Coast New Orleans benefit event on Sunday, May 16th. WWOZ New Orleans Public Radio will broadcast live from both events.

The Hangout Festival is expanding its three-pronged effort aimed at Gulf Coast recovery by organizing clean-up volunteers, raising public awareness, and fundraising for the families, businesses and habitats that have been affected by this catastrophe.

Leading the The Hangout?s mission for Gulf Coast awareness is national nonpartisan organization HeadCount. Festival attendees are encouraged to visit the HeadCount booth at The Hangout Concert for the Coast Gulf Shores to write their local senators and congressmen and to bring donations and supplies for Gulf Coast relief. HeadCount will host a panel with leading environmental activists and musicians on Sunday, May 16th. More information can be found in the About section at www.hangoutmusicfest.com, as well as on the Hangout Beach Music & Arts Festival’s [Facebook page].

Tickets are $159 for a Three-Day Pass and limited Day Passes are available for $79.

CONFIRMED ARTISTS: Trey Anastasio and TAB, Zac Brown Band, John Legend, Ben Harper and Relentless7, The Black Crowes, Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Gov’t Mule, The Roots, Ray LaMontagne, Jakob Dylan and Three Legs feat. Neko Case and Kelly Hogan, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Robert Randolph and The Family Band, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Funky Meters, Blind Boys of Alabama, Matisyahu, Girl Talk, Guster, Brett Dennen, Keller Williams, Jerry Jeff Walker, Papa Mali & Friends, North Mississippi Allstars Duo, ALO, The Whigs, Ozomatli, OK Go, Orianthi, Davy Knowles & Back Door Slam, Pnuma Trio, Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, Toubab Krewe, Needtobreathe, Jeff Austin & Friends feat. Larry Keel, Matt Hires, A.A. Bondy, Rachel Goodrich, Moon Taxi, El Cantador, Kristy Lee, Roman Street, Kirsten Price, Honey Island Swamp Band, Wild Sweet Orange, Rustlanders, Ben Arthur, Hightide Blues, Jon Black, The Cary Laine Band, and Rollin? in the Hay.

Album Name: Fourth, Part One
Artist: Deleyaman
Year/Label: 2010 / Equilibrium Music
[Buy at Amazon]

[Buy at Equilibrium Music]

Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell

Deleyaman are an ethereal band with a wealth of influences on this new album.

Singers Beatrice Valantin and Aret Madilian have lovely voices that compliment each other well. They use the duduk, an Armenian wind instrument that gives them a unique sound.

Stay On sees Madilian singing a soft tune and getting to a calm state easily. The song is just gorgeous.

Roses has Valantin softly evoking something like a calmer Dead Can Dance. The melody barely moves, but lingers like smoke in the air.

Jardin sung in French hardly advances the tempo, but has a light rhythm that makes the loveliness acquire an edge. Madlian’s brooding vocals briefly flirt with Brendan Perry’s sorrowful swoon.

Fill my Heart brushes past sort of barely there but is gorgeous also. It has a nice hymn-like quality to it.

A part two of this is promised and will be most welcome.

Track Listing
1. Book of Change
2. Stay On
3. Roses
4. Aravod Luys
5. Be Still
6. Temples
7. Somehow
8. Jardin
9. Fill My Heart
10. Traffic Lights
11. Arev Tibav

[Deleyaman Official Site]