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West Coast Reviews |
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If you want a track/album reviewed, see here
Artist: Sally Cooper Album: Perfect Universe Website: http://clix.to/sallycooper
The Apple of Temptation sets the tone as the first song on Sally Coopers new CD Perfect Universe. This bluesy jazz vamp showcases the strength and confidence of Sally’s voice as she seduces the listener with her sultry tone cradled by one of the finest combos you will hear anywhere. After this introduction to Sally’s world things really get rolling on the second track: Spreading That Stuff. Here you will find not only exceptional vocals with a range and control that is second to none, but some of the most playful lyrics ever written! God Bless The Child That Got His Own is an original yet familiar torch burner that will have you slow dancing even if you have to use a pillow for a partner. The fourth song Soon Enough starts out like June Christie with Latin guitar then breaks out into mature contemporary song that could find a home on pop charts. Although this song moves Sally away from her home turf of sophisticated blues, she rises to the occasion and proves her versatility. Sally’s cover of Bobby McGee is very competent but I found it disruptive to the flow of the mood of the record. Dr. Feelgood is an authentic blues song that brings Sally back to what she does best, her scat like vocals leave one in awe of her mastery of timing and phrasing. Take A Bite is also another of my personal favorites on the record. This modern Jazz standard is on solid footing with its classic predecessors. The title track for the CD is Perfect Universe which is the perfect vehicle for Sally’s incredible talent. In Dreaming Out Loud Sally shares the microphone with a very talented singer, the result is one of the warmest duets of our time. Sally finishes her CD with a simple acoustic version Waltzing Matilida, which I found a curious choice to end a otherwise brilliant jazz/blues recording. She does a good job of the folk songs, but she shines as a jazz singer. Reviewed by: ScottMac, West Coast Reviews
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Artist: Sean Mormelo Track: Is Anybody Driving You Wild Website: www.seanmormelo.com
Sean Mormelo is more mellow than most, ah but it works. Sean's song "Is Anybody Driving You Wild" lands in that sweet spot between Rock and Country where some of the best ballads are born. The song flows natural and easy with a simple but tight arrangement that focus the attention on the vocal and the lyrics. The story is not new, "boy loses girl", but despite Sean's lament you get the feeling he's going to be just fine. Served best with peanuts and a cold beer this is a spirited feel good song that will have you tapping your foot and smiling while she's walking out the door. I have to give extra marks for the B3! Check him out at www.seanmormelo.com Reviewed by: ScottMac, West Coast Reviews
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Artist: Eric Benson & Urban Legend Track: Beneath The Streetlight Website: www.ericbensong.com
If Eric Benson’s “Beneath The Streetlight” was a movie it would be a film noir with long shadows, high contrast and a touch of fog. With a palpable atmosphere of longing and regret, Eric gives us a five minute vignette that brings to mind the best of ballads of Bruce Springsteen and Don MacLean. A sparse and artful accompaniment of acoustic guitar, piano and voice reinforces the mood and brings the sorrowful lead vocal into sharp focus. The subject itself is drawn with broad strokes, not a lot of detail here to get in the way of the listener connecting to the universal feelings Eric describes. Well written and well executed, “Under The Streetlight” is truly one of the best indie ballads that I have had the pleasure to review. Reviewed by: ScottMac, West Coast Reviews
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Artist: Knuckleduster Track: Slept Slipped Split Website: www.realknuckleduster.com
I gave Knuckeduster’s “Slept Slipped Split” a spin and before I go any further I feel it is my civic duty as a responsible reviewer to strongly advise that you do not listen to Knuckleduster whilst operating a motor vehicle. The sound goes into your ear, slides down your spinal column and lands firmly on your right foot slamming the pedal to the metal! Ok ok you want a more traditional review? You want to hear about musicianship, how tight the band is, that kind of thing? Alright here it is: this is a very competent rock and roll band, they’ve been around the block a few times and they have the chops. Can you set them apart from all the other competent rock and rollers out there? Why yes you can! Although you can hear all their stated influences (most noticeably Pearl Jam) they display something many bands lack: ORIGINALITY!!! Lyrically and structurally Slept Slipped Split has to be one of the freshest songs I have ever heard from a band that pays homage to Seattle. I listened to this song six times in a row! I love the marriage of smart lyrics, rock and roll attitude and kick ass musicianship! (I guess that’s more of a threesome than a marriage) This song embodies everything I love about heavy music. Do yourself a favor and check this band out! Me, I am headed to the bathroom mirror to pose and lip sync to “Slept Slipped Split” !! Reviewed by: ScottMac, West Coast Reviews
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Artist: Garfield's Birthday Track: Mr. Newton Website: www.garfieldsbirthday.com
I’m a sucker for good British rock, with the emphasis on the word good and Garfield’s Birthday doesn’t let me down. From the moment it starts, to the last second at 3:09, this track keeps me involved and tapping my toe, and most notably, reminding me why I love this style of music. There may be some that say their sound is from days gone by, but the old saying ‘if it ain’t broke, why fix it’ comes into play here. I personally don’t believe in old and new… just good and bad…. and this track is good! I’d love to see this band play live, as I know it’d be a great fun-filled show. Reviewed by: RobV, West Coast Reviews
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