The post Best of 2008 first appeared on Collected Sounds.
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The post Best of 2008 first appeared on Collected Sounds.
]]>The post Album Review: Sick of Sarah by Sick of Sarah first appeared on Collected Sounds.
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Album Name: Sick of Sarah
Artist: Sick of Sarah
Year/Label: 2008 / Adamant Records
[Buy at Amazon]
Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds
Sick of Sarah is a band from my hometown, Minneapolis, MN. They have a cool rock edgy sound using interesting melodies and fun beats. The vocals are perfect for the songs, which are well-composed, and the musicianship is first rate.
The name comes from a band member’s roommate who was sick of her name (Sarah, obvy). So no one is actually sick of someone named Sarah, though that would be funnier.
Daisies is a great way to open the album. It’s jumpy and energetic and makes me want to move, though my co-workers may frown on that. Probably better to listen to at home. And also listen at a higher volume level than I am allowed in my cubicle.
Not Listening is also a stand out, it seems to be one that catches my attention frequently.
Paint Like That is really cool. It’s a nice folky pop song, simpler with mostly vocals and guitar (and a titch of reverb) that really shows of the fantastic vocals of Abisha Uhl.
Breakdown reminds me of Tegan and Sara
They’ve represented a few styles here, showing that they’re very good at all of them. I am proud and happy that they’re in Minneapolis and hope I can see them live soon as I am sure they will rock my socks.
Track Listing
1. Daisies
2. Bittersweet
3. Not Listening
4. Give Me A Reason
5. Fall
6. Hardest Part
7. Common Mistake
8. Mr. Incredible
9. Paint Like That
10. Breakdown
[Sick of Sarah on Adamant Records Site]
[Sick of Sarah on My Space]
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]]>The post Album Review: Never Just a Dream by Emma-Lee first appeared on Collected Sounds.
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Album Name: Never Just a Dream
Artist: Emma-Lee
Year/Label: 2008 / Independent
[Download at Amazon]
Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds
I reviewed Emma-Lee’s previous release, The Waiting Room in 2004 and I really liked it. I just wished it was longer. We now get a full length recording and it’s as good as I had hoped.
She has a very nice, pure voice that strong without being overpowering.
That Sinking Feeling is fantastic. It’s catchy and fun, her voice just weeps and swoops and it’s great. This has caught me at least 3 times while on shuffle and made me look to see what it was (yes, it took me 3 times to know fro sure, I’m slow, OK…I have 60 some cds in there right now!)
Jealousy is also a stand out, it’s kind of swingy, and old tyme. Fun.
This is a great album that nicely shows off Emma-Lee’s talent which is in abundance. Another great album from another great Canadian artist.
Track Listing
1. Bruise Easy
2. That Sinking Feeling
3. Never Just a Dream
4. Jealousy
5. Flow
6. Isn’t it Obvious
7. Mr. Buttonlip
8. An Older Man
9. Where You Want to Be
10. Until We Meet Again
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Album Name: Bird’s Eye View
Artist: Amy Kuney
Year/Label: 2008 / Independent
[Buy at Amazon]
Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds
I reviewed Amy Kuney’s [EP] back in 2006 and I adored it. So much so I referred her to an industry friend of mine who was looking for new artists for his label. It also made it to my best of the year list. So I was very happy to learn that Amy had a new full length record out.
For starters she has a unique voice. It’s got a great quality that I am having a hard time describing. Maybe a little smoky, little deep, soothing but perfectly poppy as well.
She is also a fantastic songwriter. Everything I’ve heard from her not only has infectious catchy melodies, but snappy, clever lyrics. Her music is very fun to sing along with.
Stand out songs (though this is hard because all of them have caught my ear at one point): Angel Tangled in the Telephone Lines, Thank You For Last Night, Love is Trippy should be on the radio NOW.
I can’t say enough good things about this record and this artist. If you like pop music without the sugar but all the class and intelligence, you will want to check out Amy Kuney.
Track Listing
Listen to track samples
1. Simple Things
2. Rocket Surgery
3. Angel Tangled in the Telephone Lines
4. Would You Miss Me?
5. Thank You For Last Night
6. Love is Trippy
7. Appreciate Your Hands
8. Time Machine
9. Under My Bed
10. Bird’s Eye View
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]]>The post Album Review: Sweet Life by Catie Curtis first appeared on Collected Sounds.
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Album Name: Sweet Life
Artist: Catie Curtis
Year/Label: 2008 / Compass Records
[Buy at Amazon]
Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds
I have been aware of Catie Curtis for years, since I saw her open for Dar Williams in concert here in Minneapolis. But it wasn’t until her 2006 release, [Long Night Moon] that I got around to reviewing her. That album grabbed me by the heart and never let go. It made it onto my best of list that year and I still listen to it with some frequency.
There is something so homey and wonderful about Catie’s voice. It feels like a friend. I could listen to her for days.
She has such an amazing knack for writing lyrics that can make you smile and/or weep (sometimes at the same time…or I that just me?)
Sweet Life is a lovely love song about the loves of the past and the now. Not knowing what was missing until it was no longer missing.
If I had to pick a song that would be the hit it would be ‘Happy’. It’s very radio-friendly and well, just friendly in general.
What You Can’t Believe is interesting. Near as I can tell it’s about learning something really surprising about someone you love and/or thought you knew very well. To me it sounds like she just found out her partner doesn’t believe in god. There’s sort of that, “really? How come I didn’t know that? Really?’ Not judgmental at all, which I love, just surprise.
Though this album hasn’t immediately moved me the same way the previous one did, I think it will over time. There are some amazing songs here and if you like her style, and the style of the genre this is a must have.
Track Listing
1. Sweet Life
2. Are You Ready to Fly?
3. Everything Waiting to Grow
4. For Now
5. Happy
6. What You Can’t Believe
7. Lovely
8. Sing
9. Soul Meets Body
10. Fools
11. Princess and the Mermaid
12. Over
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]]>The post Album Review: Little Light by Allison Crowe first appeared on Collected Sounds.
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Album Name: Little Light
Artist: Allison Crowe
Year/Label: 2008 Rubenesque Records Ltd.
Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds
First of all, look at that cover photo…could she be any cuter?
Secondly, I don’t really know what else I can say about Allison Crowe that I haven’t said already in the 6 years I’ve been reviewing her CDs and listening to her music. She’s fantastic, I know it, you know it, and since she only gets better as the years progress you can probably guess what I think of this record. I am just having a hard time putting it into words. Luckily she is more creative than I and keeps putting out great records.
‘Disease’ is really cool. It is very dramatic. There is lots of banging on piano and weird rhythms. This is quite different for her. The piano is dizzying. Several times now, while it’s been on shuffle with others, it’s stopped me in my tracks. This is currently my favorite track.
While I am at a loss for new adjectives, she is always coming up with something new. Guess that’s why she writes songs and I don’t!
Another great one Ally!
Track Listing
Listen to track samples
1 Northern Lights
2 Angels
3 Disease
4 Time After Time
5 Little Light
6 Happy People
7 Hold Back
8 Choose to Be
9 Running for Home
10 When I’m Gone
11 Wedding Song
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Album Name: Joanna Erdos and the Midnight Show
Artist: Joanna Erdos and the Midnight Show
Year/Label: 2005 / Independent
Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell
Joanna Erdos and her band play a gorgeous hue of piano-dominated music with a slight theatrical bent. Erdos has a truly stellar voice and knows how to use it.
All the Water is a moving and inspiring opener, Erdos clearly dominating the song.
End is Near gorgeously paints an image of darkness but with bright spots. Erdos makes her song one of hope.
We’re Gonna Keep You is tense and has a lovely melody. Erdos’ gorgeous vocal creeps in on you. She reminds me of Fiona Apple here.
Green Eyes is a soft, reflective ballad that’s one of the best songs here.
This is a fabulous debut by any standard.
Track Listing
Listen to track samples
1 All The Water
2 I’m Not The Only One
3 The End Is Near
4 Sexy Secrets
5 We’re Gonna Keep You
6 Watch You Dance
7 Silver And Gold
8 Green Eyes
9 Why Can’t We Be Friends
[Joanna Erdos and the Midnight Show Official Site]
The post Album Review: Joanna Erdos and the Midnight Show first appeared on Collected Sounds.
]]>The post Album Review: Lobotomy Sessions by Alu first appeared on Collected Sounds.
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Album Name: Lobotomy Sessions
Artist: Alu
Year/Label: 2008 / Independent
Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds
I reviewed Alu’s previous album, Infomercial Gasmask in 2004 . I remember it being very unique and intriguing. I really liked it. I called it “beautifully atmospheric”. So I was very happy to learn that a new album was coming.
While I really liked Infomercial Gasmask, I haven’t listened to it in some time (so much music, so little time) so I had sort of forgotten exactly what it was I liked about her. But as soon as I heard the sound again, it kind of all came back to me.
The first song I heard from this (Martian Rendevous) first made me think of Kate Bush, then of Hannah Fury. Alu uses a bunch of echo on her voice and that tinkly piano is spooky…in a wonderful way.
Casket Salesman is a great song. It’s catchy and quirky and her voice is reminiscent of Tori Amos in some spots. I dare you to listen and try NOT to snap your fingers along with it.
Buzzin in my Brain has a nice syncopated rhythm that plays nicely with her wonderful vocals.
Actually the more I hear these songs, the more I fall in love with them individually.
I keep hearing her music referred to as ‘cinematic’ and I’d say that fits nicely. She has a way of evoking a mood with the sounds she creates.
This is fantastic record that grows on my more with each listen.
Track Listing
Listen to track samples
1. Buzzin in My Brain
2. Casket Salesman
3. Circus Cosmos
4. Recluse
5. The Metrosexuals
6. Black Cloud
7. Aahhh
8. Amy
9. Martian Rendevous
10. Luna
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]]>The post Album Review: Sonic Diary by Costanza first appeared on Collected Sounds.
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Album Name: Sonic Diary
Artist: Costanza
Year/Label: 2008 / Independent
Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds
Former Tricky vocalist, Costanza Francavilla has released this album which proves she is a multi-talented vocalist, instrumentalist and composer. I was surprised to discover that this is one person, doing it all.
The style is very chill, dreamy techno pop. Her feathery vocals float over (and under) pulse changing ‘n-sttt n-sttt n-sttt n-sttt ‘ drum beats.
God’s Gonna Cut You Down is originally a Johnny Cash song, but it doesn’t sound familiar to me. It’s possible that I just don’t know the original well enough or else she’s taken such liberties that she’s made it her own. Either way, it’s a great track.
Not surprising, her music has been used on television (CSI and The L Word) as it’s very mood setting and cinematic If you like Portishead and bands like that, this is a must have.
She is also a visual artist so as you can imagine, her videos are pretty damn cool.
Track Listing
Listen to track samples
1 Just Another Alien
2 I’ve Been Waiting for You
3 I Am Ready
4 Babilon Dream
5 God’s Gonna Cut You Down
6 50 Bullets Fired in Queens
7 Burqa
8 In the Sun
9 Where Have You Been
10 I Tuoi Occhi Sono Pieni Di Sale
11 Back Into My Mother’s Womb
12 Promises
13 Medicine
14 Silence
15 Coming Home
The post Album Review: Sonic Diary by Costanza first appeared on Collected Sounds.
]]>The post Album Review: Bittersweet Constrain by Jill Tracy first appeared on Collected Sounds.
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Album Name: Bittersweet Constrain
Artist: Jill Tracy
Year/Label: 2008 / 125 Records
Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds
Jill Tracy is one of the early-discovered artists on this site. I am pretty sure I would never have heard of her at that time if I had not been doing this. I’m so glad I did. I fell in love with her album, Diabolical Streak and listened to it constantly.
I would plop this record in the same vein as that one. It’s spooky, sexy, slinky, and has a transcendent old tyme feel.
She sings of dark things, and I guess the music is dark too, but in a clever, mischievous way rather than a slit your wrists way. It’s not depressing at all. Just a little sinister.
I don’t know why it’s taking me so long to finish the review of this record. I’ve been listening to it for weeks, maybe months. I really like it. I mean it’s classic Jill Tracy and that’s good. I guess it’s just hard to come up with things to say that haven’t already been said by myself or someone else.
I think this is a fantastic, mood setting record and if you’re into the darker, creepy sort of thing you’ll adore it too.
Track Listing
Listen to track samples while you read
1 Haunted By The Thought Of You
2 Sell My Soul
3 Room 19
4 The Water Flows So Slow
5 I Can’t Shake It
6 grey #11
7 In Between Shades
8 Torture
9 Where Shadows Fall
10 The Somnabulist Waltz
11 Petrified
12 Treasure
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]]>The post Album Review: Nine Heavens by Niyaz first appeared on Collected Sounds.
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Album Name: Nine Heavens
Artist: Niyaz
Year/Label: 2008 / Six Degrees
[Buy at Amazon]
Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds
I first heard Niyaz a few years ago when reading a friend’s blog. She mentioned that she was listening to them and since I have always appreciated her taste in music, I checked them out.
While I do like a variety of music the genre that I think of as “world” is not one of the ones I listen to the most. So, much of it sounds similar to me (just as people who don’t listen to much pop music think that any woman who plays piano sounds like Tori Amos.)
So it’s so shock that this record sounds very much like Niyaz’s previous release to my ears. But that’s not to say it’s not lovely. It is, it’s enchanting, in fact.
What I enjoy about this band is that I can listen to them as background music at work, or I can crank it up and just close my eyes and daydream, soaking it all in.
Azam Ali’s voice is an amazing instrument. She does things with it that I’ve never heard anyone else do and it’s fascinating.
What is different about this release is that it’s a double disc set. The first disc is pretty straightforward, but the second is the same songs from the first, but in an acoustic format. You might think this would not work, but you’d be wrong. These songs are equally as gorgeous without all the bells and whistles. Well, there still are a lot of these things involved. The sound is just a tad more sparse.
So if you are not familiar with the music of Niyaz, but you like ambient, atmospheric music with a sort of Middle Eastern/Indian twist, you owe it to yourself to pick this up. If you are already a fan, you’ll love it I’m sure.
Track Listing
Disc: 1
1. Beni Beni
2. Tamana
3. Feraghi: Song of Exile
4. Ishq: Love and the Veil
5. Allah Mazare
6. Iman
7. Molk-E-Divan
8. Hejran
9. Sadrang
Disc: 2
1. Allah Mazare [Acoustic]
2. Beni Beni [Acoustic]
3. Sadrang [Acoustic]
4. Tamana [Acoustic]
5. Feraghi: Song of Exile [Acoustic]
6. Hejran [Acoustic]
7. Ishq: Love and the Veil [Acoustic]
8. Molk-E-Divan [Acoustic]
The post Album Review: Nine Heavens by Niyaz first appeared on Collected Sounds.
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Album Name: Chandelier
Artist: Rachael Sage
Year/Label: 2008 / Independent[Order from Amazon]
Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds
I know I’ve said this before about Rachael’s music, but since I have seen her live a number of times (in my living room) generally when a new CD comes out I am already sort of familiar with many of the songs. I actually love that feeling.
Opener Vertigo is a real standout. The piano is very intricate and reminds me a little of Shauna Burns. The melody is very appealing and memorable (sticks in my brain).
My Word is already very familiar to me, and I love it. So either I heard it live last year, or it’s just one of those songs that is immediately your friend upon first listen. She’s such a good songwriter, it could be either scenario.
Her piano playing is stellar as is her voice. She just keeps getting better. The production and instrumentation are phenomenal as well.
I could go into why I really like every song here, but I won’t bore those of you who have not heard it yet. I will say that it seems every time Rachael puts out a new record I like it more than the last. She’s a fantastic artist and I always look forward to what she will come up with next.
*Note: Collected Sounds favorites Gregory Douglass and Noe Venable also appear on this record. Also, the copy I have, has a different cover. So keep that in mind when shopping. The one above is what Amazon has, the one I have looks like this:
Posted on April 22, 2008
Track Listing
1. Vertigo
2. My Word
3. Blue Light
4. Invinvible
5. Angel in My View
6. Wishbone
7. Mexico
8. Corinne
9. Moonlight & Fireflies
10. Site-Seeing
11. Hunger in John
12. Beloved
13. Chandelier
The post Album Review: Chandelier by Rachael Sage first appeared on Collected Sounds.
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Album Name: The Moon and the Fire Circle
Artist: Shauna Burns
Year/Label: 2008 / Red Rock Music
[Buy at Amazon]
Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds
I’ve been a fan of Shauna Burns since I first heard Castle In My Cloud from her first CD, Every Thought. I have even hosted her at my home.
So I may be a bit biased, but I still think this record is beautiful. Yes, it’s similar to her others. Her sound is quite distinct and therefore when you hear a Shauna Burns song, you know it’s just that. And her songs have a tendency to be (to borrow a term I heard recently) ‘samey’ but when they’re all gorgeous I think it’s perfectly acceptable.
That said, I do think the opening track, Bloom, is a stand out. It’s orchestral, ambient, ethereal and a great composition.
Shauna’s music is sort of transcendent. It is really great to listen to when you want to ‘get away’ but can’t. I find it helpful on those stressful days. It has a wonderful calming effect.
If you’ve liked her past releases bets are you’ll like this as well.
Posted on March 25, 2008
Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell
Shauna Burns’ debut album Every Thought was a wonderful record and her second album is fine too. The singer and pianist had written some stunning songs and her delivery is sharp.
Desert Sun is a subtly orchestrated song with a lovely melody.
Chamber is a lushly produced, beautiful number with some of Burns’ best singing.
Tumbleweed muses about full moons and lost love even as Burns’ turns in some fine piano playing.
Around You is an up tempo very radio friendly song that retains an artsy integrity.
Shauna Burns continues her artistic journey and it’s one worth following.
Posted on April 19, 2008
Track Listing
1. Bloom
2. Desert Sun
3. Comet
4. Out
5. Chamber
6. Starfish
7. Tumbleweed
8. The Caribbean Sea
9. Failed You
10. The Slow Process of Shutting Down
11. Around You
12. Magic
13. And Fire
14. When the Rain Comes
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Album Name: The Silent Parade
Artist: Sydney Wayser
Year/Label: 2008 / Independent
Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell
Sydney Wayser has lived in Los Angeles and Paris and that influences her album. She has a cool style and reminds me a little of Sarah Slean in her early days.
Misplaced Games is a piano and vocal tour de force with a fluid grace.
Carousel is graceful and full of subtle drama. Wayser is clearly a talented songwriter since she can write songs like this.
Place de la Bastille was inspired by the film Amelie and really nails its kooky Parisian charm. Wayser’s vocal set against an accordion is enough to make it irresistible.
Sydney Wayser’s debut makes her a name to remember.
Posted on April 5, 2008
Track Listing
Listen to track samples while you read
1 Papa Don’t Worry
2 Misplayed Games
3 Crumpled Paper
4 Carousel
5 Unwanted Visitor
6 Place De La Bastille
7 Greylights
8 View From Behind Your Glasses
9 Ode to a Frenchman
10 Grenadine and Cigarettes
11 Untitled 21 Juillet
12 Outro
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Album Name: Safe in the Sound
Artist: The Paper Raincoat
Year/Label: 2008 / Independent
Ordering Information: If you are willing to sign up for their mailing list, you can download it [HERE]
Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds
In November of 2007 I hosted a two day series house concert with Vienna Teng and Alex Wong. I was not previously familiar with Alex’s work, but he blew me away. He’s a musical genius for one, fantastic musician, writes the most amazing pop songs; but then also has a great voice and is as charming as can be. So when I heard he was working on this project with Amber Rubarth called The Paper Raincoat I knew I’d like them.
This EP arrived just a few days ago and my normal routine is to put it in the pile of the CDs I am reviewing, but today I decided to bring it with me in the car and pop it in. First off, it’s exactly the length of my ride to work. It ended the second I pulled into the parking lot. Secondly, what a way to start the day! Beautiful, fun, catchy, pop music to start your morning on a good note.
I had heard a couple of these songs at the house concerts. Motion Sickness being the most recognizable with its catchy, ‘it just takes some getting used to’ chorus.
But I dare you not to sing along and bounce in your car seat with the opening track, Sympathetic Vibrations, when she sings, “oh- oh, oh-oh…”
Really all these songs are winners, I just wish the record were longer. Oh and I wish they’d included, In the Creases as that was one I loved at the shows.
We’re hoping to host The Paper Raincoat at the house this year so stay tuned for that. I’m looking forward to that possibility even more after hearing this.
Posted on March 28, 2008
Track Listing
1. Sympathetic Vibrations
2. Brooklyn Blurs
3. Motions Sickness
4. Safe in the Sound
Visit Paper Raincoat on MySpace
The Paper Raincoat Official Site .
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Album Name: Mouthfeel
Artist: Ben Arthur
Year/Label: 2008 / Independent
Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell
Well, I’ve been smitten with Ben Arthur since I heard his song Keep Me Around from his previous release, Edible Darling. I reviewed that back in 2004 and have been eagerly awaiting more songs since then. But what is it with the ooky album covers? Tomatoes with teeth? I don’t even know what to make of this one. Is he barfing up a rat…or eating one? The art is cool, I just don’t think I get it.
His style is sort of jangly pop with an Americana edge. The songs have a good dose of humor or at least cleverness to them. Last Goodbye, for example, is pretty funny.
His voice is deep, smooth and comfortable. His voice is very distinctive. You know a Ben Arthur song when you hear it. That’s a good thing. It’s hard to be unique in a world so full of musicians. But he does it.
I love how the songs are generally mixed with his voice right up front so it sounds like he’s singing right in your ear.
Sun Also Rises is a duet with Rachael Yamagata. Their voices sound lovely together. It’s a great pop song.
Another stand out for me is Ever Since September (featuring DJ Big Wiz); mostly because it’s quite different from what I am used to with him.
He’s also got a revamped new fangled website that’s pretty dern cool, go take a look.
Note: Ben played two shows in Minneapolis: a house concert at Collected Sounds and a bar show at Aura May 3 and 4, 2008.
Posted on March 25, 2008
Track Listing
Listen to track samples while you read
1 Tattoo
2 Sun Also Rises (featuring Rachael Yamagata)
3 Psalms of War
4 Ever Since September (featuring DJ Big Wiz)
5 Exit Wound
6 Last Goodbye
7 On a Sunday
8 Beautiful Day in LA
9 I Told You I Love You (Now Will You Leave?)
10 All Along (live in London)
The post Album Review: Mouthfeel by Ben Arthur first appeared on Collected Sounds.
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Album Name: A Broke Machine
Artist: Terami Hirsch
Year/Label: 2008 / Madstone Records
Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds
It’s no secret I am a big fan of Terami Hirsch. She’s one of the first artists I featured heavily on this site, and for the sake of disclosure I will admit I consider her a friend (and not in a stalker way). But that does not taint my judgment of her music. I promise. I was a fan first.
To be completely honest, my first thought was, huh? The opening song, Back to the Start, while a really freakin’ cool song, does not sound like My Terami to me! If someone would have played it for me and made me guess, not in a million years would I have guessed it was Terami. But like I said, it’s a really great song.
Her voice is noticeably different on this release. Where her voice used to do this sort of quirky, crackly (endearing) thing it’s now very full and clear. It sounds more mature I guess. Less girlish.* It’s an interesting and unexpected change but I like it. A lot. And I loved her voice before too.
The music, of course is stunning. I’m forever blown away by someone who can create such intricate sounds. Where do they come from? Are they in her head and she just figures out how to make us hear it too? Genius, I’m telling you.
The songs have a new bolder feel to them as well. She’s taking chances that I haven’t heard her do before and it’s paying off ten fold.
Another thing different this time is that she’s making use of some background vocals. She hasn’t done that so much in the past, but on Fable Moon there’s a great chorus of swooping and swelling backing vocals that adds a really neat touch.
There is something in her “new” voice that is reminding me of those old torchy songs that I love. I can imagine her singing an old Peggy Lee song or some such.
On What I Didn’t See there is some fabulous fast and furious piano that is making my head spin…in a good way of course.
I am really enjoying this record and I’m sure it’s one that will grow on me ever more with each listen.
*I spoke to Terami about this and she said that she’s been taking voice lessons for the past few years to make her voice stronger. Id’ say she’s done some great work!
Posted on March 25, 2008
Track Listing
Listen to track samples while you read
01. Back to the Start
02. Help Me
03. Fable Moon
04. Chains of Andromeda
05. A Broke Machine
06. What I Didn’t See
07. Diagram of Love
08. The Collector
09. Battle for Infinite Time
10. Better Times
11. Wasteland
12. A Hundred Flowers
13. I Am Going to Sleep
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Album Name: Count to Ten
Artist: Tina Dico
Year/Label: 2008 / Defend Music
Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds
I’ve been listening to this record in my car for the last week and with each listen I enjoy it more. I know this is going to be one of my favorites this year.
Upon the first few listens, the song that grabbed me right away was Sacre Coeur. It’s a beautiful song written when she was in France.
Right now the song that keeps creeping into my brain (even when I am sleeping) is the title track, Count to Ten. The message being that sometimes you have to take a deep breath and step back a moment in order for the world to make sense. I love this song. It’s burned in my musical brain forever.
Tina Dico has one of those voices that just feels so comfortable to me. My ears really love it.
She’s also a great songwriter. I mean, really all these songs are pop masterpieces. There’s not a clunker on here. Any one of these songs would be a radio hit…the right station of course.
This is a fantastic pop-rock record and I hope it makes more people here in the US aware of this great talent.
Posted on March 20, 2008
Track Listing
1. Count to Ten
2. On the Run
3. Open Wide
4. Night Cab
5. You Know Better
6. Sacre Coeur
7. Craftsmanship & Beauty
8. My Business
9. Cruel to the Sensitive Kind
10. Everybody Knows
11. Night Cab (Epilogue)
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Album Name: The Return of Eve
Artist: Devil Doll
Year/Label: 2008 / Independent
[Buy at Amazon]
Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds
a Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds
I reviewed Devil Doll’s previous album, Queen of Pain in 2002 and have been looking forward to more from them.
This album does not disappoint. It’s got the same class and sexy attitude that the previous release had shown so well.
Colleen Duffy’s voice is still in fine form. It’s got just the right amount of grit to give these tunes the distinct Devil Doll feel. It doesn’t stray from what you know of Devil Doll, but we don’t want it to. There aren’t that many bands out there performing this type of music (at least that I know of). I know there’s a big underground Rockabilly Culture and I hope that Devil Doll is in the forefront.
Sweet Lorraine is so catchy you’ll be humming it for days. As well as Lord’s Prayer (which is great, just try not to sing the lyrics aloud at work they are NSFW).
They also do a cover of one of my favorite all time songs, Fever. Most people muck this up badly and Devil Doll do change the lyrics, but the greatness of the song is still in tact.
I have a hard time finding things to say about this record, which just shows that this doesn’t always mean I don’t like it. I love this. Devil Doll is one of those bands that I had never heard of until they sent me their first CD and I’ve been hooked ever since. This band is an example of why I keep doing this. I never would have heard of them had it not been for this musical journey.
If you’re sick of the pop and rock music that’s out there now, give these guys a listen. I think you’ll be amazed, as I am, that they’re not more famous.
Posted on January 31, 2008
Track Listing
Listen to track samples while you read
1 The One Who Got Away
2 Doreen
3 Gypsy Bitch
4 Man in Black
5 St. Patrick
6 Sweet Lorraine
7 The Curse
8 Tortured
9 The Way You Do
10 Lord’s Prayer
11 Sexy
12 Queen of the Road
13 Heads or Tails
14 Fever
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Album Name: Lost Men and Angry Girls
Artist: Audrey Auld Mezera
Year/Label: 2007 / Reckless Records
[Buy at Amazon]
Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds
The cover art makes me think I am going to be hearing some sort of ethereal lushly layered, ambient pop. But surprisingly, this is really pretty country. I love the cover, don’t get me wrong, I just don’t think it matches the music all that well. But it’s lovely. Who cares?
Knowing I am not a huge fan of country (tho’ I do surprise myself sometimes) there was a little note on my copy saying “Warning! There are a few country tracks on this album…but not exclusively!” which made me smile. But luckily, it’s the kind of country I like.
I find that with each listen I gain more fondness for this record. It’s really getting into my brain. I wish I had heard it sooner, because I am sure it would have made it onto my year-end list for 2007.
I sort of want to call her Americana but she’s Australian. She sure has an ear for American music, however. She refers to herself as Ameri-kinda, perfect!
I love the song Buck Hungry. It’s fun and clever. And Very catchy.
Not I is sort of cruel, but then again, we don’t know who she is singing this to, likely someone who has hurt her greatly. ‘who will mourn you when you die? Not I, not I’ But it’s beautifully written and heartfelt and is lushly layered and dirgy and very very cool. (Note: a blurb on CDBaby says the subject is a stalker).
I do love Dublin Boy, which is a nice sort of Irish jig. I feel like I want to sing along with a big beer in my hand.
I can’t believe this is her seventh record and I’ve only just heard of her. Now I have to go back and order all her previous ones! If you like your folksy music with a bit of a twang check this out.
Posted on January 29, 2008
Track Listing
Listen to track samples while you read
1. Bolinas
2. Morphine
3. Last Seen In Gainesville
4. Buck Hungry (with Bill Chambers)
5. Looking For Luckenbach
6. Half A World Away (with Nina Gerber)
7. We Cry
8. Clinch Mountain Prayer (with Bill Chambers)
9. Down In A Hole
10. Not I (with Raechel Lee)
11. Self-Help Helped Me
12. Dublin Boy (with Karl Broadie)
13. Lullaby For Baby Taylor
[Audrey Auld Mezera Official Site]
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