Well, it’s getting close to the end of the year and I still have stacks and stacks of CDs on my desk. The goal was to get them all off before the new year begins. Hah. Not going to happen unless I just sweep my arm across the desk.
I get mostly female musician submissions, but I do get some guys too. I do state in my policy that I will certainly listen to all the CDs I get, I always give preferential treatment to the ladies. Once all the female fronted CDs are off the desk, then I look to the guys. Well, that time never came. So over a couple of days a week or so ago I sat down and listened to (almost) all the CD submissions from the guys. The ones I really liked, I wrote full reviews which will go up on the main site, the others I made quick little notes and will post them here.
This will be in at least two parts. Here’s Part One:
Now’s the Time by BC Campbell:
[Listen/Buy]
It’s like classic rock kind of 60s feeling. I don’t really care for it. My hubby kind of likes it. Maybe I’ll give it more time. It gets better.
Out of the Woodwork by Lawrence Blatt
[Listen/Buy]
Instrumental guitar. I am not a fan of instrumental music and even the stuff I do like I really only like piano, so I am not qualified to write a review of this.
Reach by Michael Paul
[Listen/Buy]
His voice is cool. It reminds me a little of Jeff Buckley. Not quite that fantastic, because that’s pretty damn fantastic, but still. Actually now that I think about it, he sounds a little like Rufus Wainright.
It’s piano based which is a step in the right direction for me. But I do think it needs a little more instrumentation. Some of the songs are fine with just the piano, but some need some swelling orchestration to really round it out.
Cast Iron Letters by Adam Zwig
[Listen/Buy]
The lyrics to ‘Who Killed Michael Vaughn’ are pretty simple. It’s very repetitive and boring to me. I think the songs all sound alike.
Since this is his 4th release I am sure he has fans out there. I just don’t get him I guess. I don’t mind his voice, it’s nice. But the songwriting, the melody in particular bores me.
Wear My Hands Out by Nebulai
[Buy/Listen]
I expected to hate this. I thought it would be gangsta or hip hop judging by the cover art. But I admit, I think it’s pretty cool. It’s really more like funky soul.
Since I am not well versed in the genre I am a little afraid to try and act like I know what I am talking about so I will just say that while it’s not my usual fare, it’s good.
…more at a later date….
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