Album Name: Right on Time
Artist: Ellis
Year/Label: 2010 / Rubberneck

[Buy at Amazon]

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

Well, I’ve sure known about Ellis for years. I think every single person who’s come to my house to do a living room concert has asked me if I know her, and I, myself, am surprised I don’t. But alas, I never heard her music until this album showed up in my mailbox.

Now I’m bummed that I’ve been missing out. I didn’t realize how sweet her music was. Maybe that’s a bad description, but I guess I was expecting more Melissa Ferrick (whose music I should like, but I just can’t connect with). But this is just somehow, I don’t know, just more appealing. She actually reminds me at times, of Brandi Carlile.

The songwriting is superb and her voice is a lovely blend of folksy and pop.

Coming Home to You is wonderful. It’s catchy and feels very comfortable.

I also really like Without a Compass, and Close to You. But in going through this album again to pick my favorites I realize I really do like them all.

Since I’ve not heard her other stuff I am unable to compare this release to her others. Maybe you, reader, can help out with that. But I’ll just say this is a great album and I’m really enjoying it.

PS sorry this review is so late. You have no idea how long it takes to find “Ellis” music/buy links on my various affiliate pages. Search engines are for sh*t and bring up every conceivable “Ellis” except her. Plus nothing was available online until today.

Track Listing

[Ellis Official Site]

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The post Album Review: Right on Time by Ellis first appeared on Collected Sounds.

Album Name: Good People
Artist: Brothers Young
Year/Label: 2010 / Independent
[Download at Amazon]

Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

Brothers Young really are brothers, at least three of them are. Their style is somewhat ambient, with a dose of folk. They tend to sing along together (as opposed to having a lead singer) giving a sort of choir like sound.

Guitar based and well written the songs are easy on the ears and even catchy at times.

Good Deeds is one of the more ear-wormy ones and luckily, it’s one they’re letting me share with you!
[Download Good Deeds]

Track Listing
1. True Shape
2. Good Deeds
3. The Roman Sun
4. Gold
5. Disorient the Night
6. Devon’s Song

[Brothers Young Official Site]

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The post Album Review: Good People by Brother’s Young first appeared on Collected Sounds.

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

The post Album Review: My Star by Marina V first appeared on Collected Sounds.