Music Reviews

HOZIER: Singer/songwriter

2014-12-04T21:19:00.002-08:00

Another winner from across the pond.
Andrew Hozier Byrne, aka, Hozier, the Irish lad has a major hit on his hands with 'Take Me To Church'

'Take Me to Church'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYSVMgRr6pw

'Sweet Thing' (Cover)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAbs_PYfpvQ

'Whole Lot of Love' (Cover)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J0uAPipJ7QA

Tunedin4u2.blogspot.com

Jack Savoretti: Singer /Songwriter

2014-12-04T20:59:00.000-08:00

Jack Savoretti: Released his latest EP with a powerful song 'Solitude'

The new "TIE ME DOWN' EP, by Savoretti is one you will not soon forget. The voice is a little more gravely, but probably his best work so far, and he just keeps getting better.

'Solitude'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70b-S-8yMpI:

'Back to Me"
https://www.youtube.com/user/JackSavoretti

'Tie Me Down'
https://soundcloud.com/jacksavoretti/last-beat-1

MAKE IT RAIN - Singer/Songwriter Ed Sheeran

2014-12-04T20:30:00.001-08:00

The best thing to come out of the FX Series 'Sons of Anarchy'

'Make it Rain'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrYA9dLxXf0

Live Perforamce:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yhbYWk03aI

http://communityvoices.post-gazette.com/arts-entertainment-living/get-rhythm/item/38576-sons-of-anarchy-s-red-rose-ed-sheeran-s-make-it-rain

Tunedin4u.blogspot.com

ED SHEERAN: SINGER/SONGWRITER

2014-06-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

Ed Sheeran, released his 2^nd Studio album X (Multiply), out on iTunes June 23, 2014. Hard to believe it is only his second, because he seems to be everywhere. Sheeran has released 12 EP’s, 8 Singles, and 6 Music Videos, which may account for his visibility. I confess I liked some of his stuff, but I was not a fan until his single ‘SING’, the video produced by Pharrell Williams (The Happy Song guy), and now I want to hear more of his stuff. The new album seems to be more mature, and appeals to a wider audience, and it is packed with great melodies: ‘Bloodstream’, ‘The Man’, ‘One’, ‘Thinking Out Loud’ and ‘Sing’, plus many more.

See review posted by the Guardian:

http://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jun/19/ed-sheeran-x-review

Sheeran the song writer, has been busy writing for/with Olly Murs, One Direction, Taylor Swift, Naughty Boy, and more. He also performs with various artists, and collaborates with them on their albums.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlYcUqEPN58

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TqGEbROFd4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIJHg1XWR7o

Tunedin4u.blogspot.com

SAM SMITH: SINGER/SONGWRITER

2014-06-19T19:46:00.000-07:00

Sam Smith, the 22 year old from London England, is debuting his first studio album ‘In the Lonely Hour’. He is all over the radio stations playing POP music.

Released May 26, 2014 by Capitol Records, and to iTunes on June 17, 2014. He previously released singles ‘Latch’, ‘ Money on My Mind’, ‘Lay Me Down’, and ‘Stay with Me’. Also included on the album is ‘La La La’ featuring Sam Smith with Naughty Boy.

The album is basically one ballad after another, with only a few upbeat tracks. The soulful singer reflects his lonely hour with music and his fabulous voice and frame of mind. Smith equates his feelings to not having reciprocated love from those he cared about. While he sings beautifully, it is kind of a downer, but very good overall.

Smith confesses he struggles with OCD, and cannot leave the house until he performs his checking routine. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD, is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors. He appears to do just fine while performing. His singing voice will see him through

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93ASUImTedo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=182TRJq9Zt8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB-5XG-DbAA

SNL: Debut

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/sam-smith-dazzles-in-snl-debut-20140330

Tunedin4u.blogpsot.com

SHOOK TWINS: SINGERS/SONGWRITERS

2014-05-02T20:47:00.000-07:00

Katelyn & Laurie Shook, identical twin sisters from Sandpoint Idaho, released their 4^th studio album ‘WHAT WE DO’ April 8, 2014. The Shook Twins are not widely known and primarily perform the festival circuit on the west coast.

The twins are known for their unique layering of instrumentation, melding acoustic banjo, guitar, upright bass, mandolin, and ukulele, with a distinctive use of a looping machine and the ever present ‘green egg’ (percussion). All Incorporated with electric creating an eccentric mix of folk, roots, pop and sometimes ‘Quirky Folk’ music that is catchy, blended with the melodic twin harmonies for a hypnotic sound they call their own.

The Shook Twins are refreshing, not the same old thing, they are creative, sound good, and I want to hear more when I listen to them. They may never be the “Pop” sensation of the moment, but they certainly are entertaining, and if you dare to try something new, this may be it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvkMDvVjQ5U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEUGMq7EA6U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_8_lfR-VUQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMg3Y9x3-5Y

Tunedin4u.blogspot.com

PAOLO NUTINI: SINGER/SONGWRITER

2014-04-18T19:54:00.002-07:00

Paolo Nutini: Singer/Songwriter/Musician, released latest EP out 4/15/2014 ‘IRON SKY’. The prelude to his 3^rd Studio Album CAUSTIC LOVE, released in Ireland 4/15 and United Kingdom 4/14/2014, and to be released in the US on 4/22/2014.

His first album ‘These Streets’ brought hits like ‘Jenny Don’t Be Hasty’ and ‘New Shoes’. His second album not so much, but this album brings him back in the spotlight with the single ‘Scream’ (Funk My Life Up) released in January 2014.

The 27 year old Scotsman, known for singing with his eyes closed during his entire performance, sports a new hair style, and seems to have opened his eyes, (Maybe not). With his knack for catchy-off beat melodies, Nutini enhances his raspy vocals, and highlight his mature songwriting skills with a charming ambitious album which is likely to sport more than one hit single.

The unique thing about Nutini; is you cannot peg him to be one specific type of artist, he can incorporate many different styles of music into his album, which makes him more universal than just a pop singer, he is more like a world entertainer who appeals to a variety of genres and fans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZswz64dFlw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELKbtFljucQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nsx-JVymaGk

Tunedin4u.blogspot.com

NICKY EGAN: SINGER/SONGWRITER

2014-04-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

Nicky Egan released her 2^nd studio album ‘The 45 Homestead Project’, 4/1/2014 which is a series of releases. The unique series will be comprised of three “digital 45’s” that will be released over a three-month span. Each “digital 45” will have an A/B side with a music video accompanying each a side track and a live performance at the Rockwood Music Hall in New York City. At the end of the third release, the singles will be combined to create one complete 7 song EP that will include an unreleased bonus track. The structure is designed to resemble the old soul-music model of releasing single 7” records with a modern visual twist.

The first release will feature the single ‘Made A Fool Of Me’, which evokes the spirit of 1960’s era soul legends, and the jazz tinged B side ‘I Tried.’ Each of the accompanying videos will be released on the same day simultaneously. All three videos are directed and produced by Little Lou Productions with Thin Edge Films contributing to the September video release.

Egan, from the Berklee College of Music, Boston MA, is a powerful soulful singer with a melodic tone that creates a specific individuality to her voice that can only propel her into the same league as some of the best. Her vocals are sure to get your attention as she performs her original tracks with mesmerizing lyrics. This girl has got it goin’on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpFieoP3JEc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APkhfH4DOQs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6o8ekQhfro

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MevMARBzrvc

Tunedin4u.blogspot.com

MIKEY JUNIOR: SINGER/SONGWRITER/HARMONICA

2014-04-02T17:09:00.001-07:00

Mikey Junior released his latest album ‘TRAVELING SOUTH’ out 3/25/2014. Junior has been traveling the East Coast blues circuit for a decade or so, and finally he has released an album that has my attention. The original tunes are well written and his harmonica is all fired-up and making my harp pump wildly as his lips blow riffs and hooks that make my hips sway.

Even though this is his 6 or7th album, he is virtually unknown, except on the East Coast, his homeland. This album is worth the time it takes to listen to the blues, with blues harp, and bluesy vocals, while it may be a little more subdued than the live show, it is still very good.

Check out this bluesy guy with the big Harp.

“…If he keeps Blowing Harmonica like that, people gonna find out who Mikey Junior is real soon.”

— Sonny Rhodes, 2009

He attacks his diatonic with a demonic vengeance and is smooth as southern comfort on ice when playing the chromatic, Mikey Junior is a rapidly rising blue harp performer, and rightfully so…”

— Jeff Silverman, 2011

“…The legacy of immortals like Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson II, and Big Walter Horton lives on in the infectious harmonica blues of Mikey Jr., a true apostle of joy.”

— Thomas J. Cullen, contributing editor for Blues Revue and director/co-founder of the acclaimed Bucks County Blues Society 2013

"...the kind of stuff that could single handedly light the fuse on a whole nu blues revival."

— Chris Spector, Midwest Record 2014

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q-3_npKD3g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnGzgWc6wZU

http://www.mikeyjunior.com/

Tunedin4u.blogspot.com

SHAKIRA:SINGER/SONGWRITER

2014-03-25T20:35:00.001-07:00

Shakira released her self-titled 10^th studio album 2/24/2014. The Columbian born Singer/Songwriter, Record Producer, Dancer, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur, and currently coach on the NBC show “The Voice” is very talented. This is her best effort so far, with great melodies, dance and duets with Rhianna, and Blake Shelton. Her native language is Spanish and has included a couple of tracks in her native language. She speaks fluent English , Portuguese and some French, Catalan and Arabic. She is of Lebanese (father), Italian/Spanish (Mother) decent.

Shikira was listed in Forbes 2013 as one of the 100 most powerful women in the world and ‘Her Hips Don’t Lie’ as she puts her talent to work by sharing her wealth making a difference in the world.

A UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and in 1997 Shakira founded the “Barefoot Foundation” (Pies Descalzos Foundation), and has built six schools in Columbia, one in Haiti, and one in South Africa, with plans for 20 learning centers by 2016, accommodating 20,000 children under the age of five. “The Barefoot Foundation works to provide education to children across the globe. It supports practical and innovative education programs while promoting the importance of childhood education”. She was recently featured on the CBS Sunday Morning Show. See a portion of the interview with Lew Cowan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_AZchj7dYI

The 37 year old Shikira possesses a youthful appearance , but delivers a mighty impact as a multi-talented entertainer with an electric personality and the ability to make a difference in this world with her heart of gold.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3mP3mJDL2k&list=PL06-yyrG1OVcOU0KCJI_Bfy66i1Ak04CY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QapfTGTXbxc&list=PL06-yyrG1OVcOU0KCJI_Bfy66i1Ak04CY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUT5rEU6pqM

Tunedin4u.blogspot.com

WALK THE EARTH: ALTERNATIVE ROCK GROUP

2014-03-13T20:55:00.000-07:00

WALK OFF THE EARTH:

Canadian Alternative Rock Group released their 6th studio album in March of 2013 REVO.

This album has been out for a year now, and it is still going strong. The track ‘Red Hands’ is getting radio play on a daily basis even though it came out in 2012 on their R.E.V.O ‘EP’.

Walk Off the Earth mesh their sound between Alternative/Indie, Experimental Rock and Ska (Jamaican, Meto, Calypso, and Reggae), they are multi-talented, innovative, and they aren’t afraid to do covers of popular songs and put their own spin on them, with great harmonies and instrumentation that are as good as anything out there. I can’t wait for their next album.

By Stacey Anderson of the ROLING STONE REVIEW:

March 25, 2013

Teamwork isn't a problem for these Canadians, as the 147 million people who saw their YouTube cover of Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know" can verify; in it, the five-piece hunch around a single guitar, subletting individual frets and strings. Their debut feels equally crowd sourced for maximum popularity, but fractures under its many moods: half heartedly scornful rap rock ("Sometimes"), teen-baiting party anthems ("R.E.V.O."), spare pop about breezy road trips and coconut cocktails ("Summer Vibe"). A handful of tracks are unified in their balance of plush harmonies and folksy guitar breaks – and the group, at last, seems to be in merry agreement.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bt-FHaFVH8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGIiYejABSQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqg_rb59WYE

Tunedin4u.blogspot.com

ROBBEN FORD: SINGER/SONGWRITER/MUSICIAN

2014-03-13T19:26:00.000-07:00

ROBBEN FORD: Released his 14^th Studio album A DAY IN NASHVILLE out March 4.2014. It may sound like it is a country album by the title, but it is not. It is a bluesy, jazz/fusion rock album for the ages.

Thom Jurek of ALL MUSIC says it best.

“A Day in Nashville isn't raw, but it is immediate and soulful. It is the sound class musicians make when they simply get down to doing what they do best: playing together”.

Ford has been around a long time; the native Californian is sounding better as time goes by and it may have to do with his collaborations with best in the business like Miles Davis, Joni Mitchell, George Harrison KISS, Larry Carlton, Sonny Landreth, Michael McDonald, plus many more and has been named one of the top “100 Greatest Guitarists of the 20^th Century” by Musician Magazine. Ford has played on albums with Bonnie Raitt, Charlie Musselwhite, Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Witherspoon, Rickie Lee Jones, Ruthie Foster, John Mayall & The Bluestreakers and more.

See Review by Jason Shadrick of Guitars & Gear

http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/20449-robben-fords-one-day-in-nashville-album-review

Album Preview:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mloEyQUhjL0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rWLvI7e7zE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZizhgWsDBA0

Previous Review:

http://tunedin4u.blogspot.com/2013/02/robben-ford-musiciansongwriter.html

Tunedin4u.blogspot.com

GARDENS & VILLA: INDIE ROCK GROUP

2014-02-26T20:01:00.000-08:00

Gardens & Villa, released their 2^nd studio album 2/4/2014 “DUNE”.

The American Pop Rock/Indie Rock group formed in 2008 in Santa Barbara, CA

Their sophomore album has a little more pizzazz with a few danceable melodies. The tracks are catchy, meaningful and should generate interest and promote fans to follow along.

The group puts an original twist on their Synths creating sonic perfection along with Chris Lynch’s falsetto blended to perfection with a sound of their own.

Review by Tim Sendra of ALL Music.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/dunes-mw0002602836

‘Colony Glen’

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNfERGRTw8c

‘Bullet Train’

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhm-7olas2A

’Thunder Glove’

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTB-INUWqPk

Tunedin4u.blogspot.com

NOEL GOURDIN:SOULSINGER/SONGWRITER

2014-02-21T19:51:00.001-08:00

NOEL GOURDIN released his 3^rd studio Album January 2014 out on iTunes 2/18/2014.

"CITY HEART, SOUTHERN SOUL"

city to the heart, but southern to the soul.

The classic soul singer brings it to the table with memorable soulful R&B soul, with a little bit of funk. Sexy dialog, sassy rhythms impacted with romantic connotation. Gourdin loves romance, and women and pays homage with each track. Noel Gourdin reminds me of crooners Sam Cooke, Anthony Hamilton, and R. Kelly. He has a little of each of those guys wrapped in his delivery, tone and swagger.

See Previous Review:

http://tunedin4u.blogspot.com/2011/04/noel-gourdinsingersongwriter.html

This album is the most diverse so far, and I think his work will become more recognizable than the previous 2 albums, the third time may be the charm he is looking for to make him a household name in soul. He has great vocals and the album is enjoyable and makes you move to the tracks. It was a definite download for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4z3fZIS0Bc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gISnljwQCIk

Tunedin4u.blogspot.com

BASTILLE: ALT ROCK GROUP

2014-02-13T20:10:00.000-08:00

BASTILLE: Alternative Rock/Indie Rock group formed 2010 in London.

Bastille released their debut album in the United Kingdom in March 2013 ‘BAD BLOOD’ they later released ‘ALL THIS BAD BLOOD’ in the United Kingdom in November 2013, and to iTunes January 2014, which includes all the tracks of 'Bad Blood', plus new songs and demo's.

Somewhat similar to ‘Bon Iver’, they are a talented group:Dan Smith – lead vocals, keyboards, percussion, string arrangements, Kyle Simmons – keyboards, percussion, backing vocals, Will Farquarson – bass, keyboards, acoustic guitar, backing vocals and Chris "Woody" Wood – drums, backing vocals.

The group is skilled at layering digitally altered harmonies and thick synths with exact implementation of instruments as in drums, or guitars or keyboard, whatever is called for in specific hooks and runs. They bring all the modern day gimmicks with vocals that create memorable melodies.

They recently appeared on Saturday Night Live (1/18/2014), Jimmy Kimmal and Conan, performing their hit ‘Pompeii'.

They are hugely popular in the United Kingdom and the United States. Currently ‘Pompeii’ is the number one single on iTunes a year after its original release. They are currently working on their 2^nd studio album and touring around the USA.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F90Cw4l-8NY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGR4U7W1dZU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCTDKLjdok4

tunedin4u.blogspot.com

AMERICAN AUTHORS: ALTERNATIVE ROCK GROUP

2014-02-07T19:26:00.001-08:00

AMERICAN AUTHORS:

The American born group came together via Brooklyn NY/Boston MA, in 2006 as ‘The Blue Pages’, but soon changed their name to the

'American Authors’, and off they go. They are enjoying the good life, with their best selling single ‘Best Days of My Life’ with several commercials airing their anthem, and it has also been added to movie trailers, and with non-stop radio play, this song is destined for only good things to come.

Zac Barnett: Lead Vocals, Guitar, James Adam Shelly: Lead Guitar, Dave Rublin: Bass, Matt Sanchez: Drums, have been together since the beginning, and while they profess to be ‘College Dropouts’ they are definitely talented and maybe college isn’t for everyone, at least for now. Their music has substance, and I can’t wait for their debut album

“Oh What A Life” to be released on March 4, 2014. If you haven’t heard them before, click on the links below and see for yourself.

The American Authors recently appeared on the ‘Ellen’ Show and have been added to ‘One Republics’ 2014 summer tour as the opening act.

“Crafting their own story line: "We tell stories, so we look at ourselves as authors, and we're from all over the country, so that's where the American came from," says Barnett. "I'm from Minnesota, James is from Florida, Matt from Texas and Dave from New Jersey." The songs are all based in their experiences, so fans should consider the music a peek into their lives. "Two songs off our (self-titled) EP, for example. Luckis about moving away from family and having to miss big events and making those sacrifices," says Barnett. "Home is about how going home always turns out to be harder than you think it will be." While they call themselves alt-pop rock, the band pulls from wildly different styles. "We add our own flavor; we use EDM, hip-hop, Irish folk songs," he says. "We like everything from Jimi Hendrix and Motown to The 1975”.

Read the entire article by Korina Lopez in USA TODAY

http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2014/02/02/on-the-verge-american-authors-write-their-own-ticket/4964219/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y66j_BUCBMY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCbpHtoKiVw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqFLBLsSbvM

Tunedin4u.blogspot.com

ALEX CLARE: SINGER/SONGWRITER

2014-01-24T13:21:00.000-08:00

Alex Clare

The 28 year old British singer/songwriter released his debut album 7/11/2011 in the United Kingdom.

THE LATENESS OF THE HOUR, was released to iTunes in May 2012. The album produced three singles of which the second ‘Too Close’ peaked at #4 in the UK and #7 on the USA Billboard Top 100, and it has lots of radio play on alternative music radio stations to this day.

I love the tune, the melody, the voice, the quality of the song. I am not sure if this is a ‘One Hit Wonder’, but the quality of Clare’s voice makes me think he has staying power.

The first released single from the album is ‘Tightrope’ and the 3^rd is ‘Treading Water’.

Probably the highest claim to fame was his link to Amy Winehouse, whom he dated for about a year before it fizzled out. I think he has an interview or book about the relationship somewhere, I’ve heard, but have not actually read, which is really irrelevant, when talking about his talent.

Clare is very secular and does not perform or travel on the Jewish Sabbath, or religious holidays, which has cost him a gig or two. A man of conviction, but will it have an unfavorable effect on his career? Only time will tell.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYXjLbMZFmo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4wiPneqVyU&list=RDzYXjLbMZFmo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwWjPO0PhyI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOsl5wOsQRM

Tunedin4u.blogspot.com

JOHN NEWMAN: SINGER/SONGWRITER

2014-01-17T18:27:00.001-08:00

John Newman released his debut album “TRIBUTE” October 14, 2013 in the UK and 1/7/2014 to iTunes.

‘LOVE ME AGAIN’ his single is hitting the charts at record rates. It was released in May 2013 in the UK and became number one by July. He also had success as the featured artist on the 2012 Rudimentals album which he had 2 chart topping hits before his own single, The British pop singer is neo-soul to the core. He blends R&B with club music, infused with gritty vocals and danceable melodies. Similar to the orchestration of Avicci, but Newman sings/performs his own stuff.

The idea of Tribute is that nothing is really original and his music is a blend of what he grew up with listening to his Mom’s music by Otis Redding, Led Zeppelin and Marvin Gaye, and the music of today by Adele, and other great artist.

At the age of 23, the baby-faced, tall drink of water not only writes his own music, but he produces, performs and remixes it and, and he designs his own clothes.

Read Review of TRIBUTE by Johnny Biggs of Sputnik

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/60183/John-Newman-Tribute/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfihYWRWRTQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ7dpIwrs2w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiNhXjkFVpo

Tunedin4u.blogspot.com

SERENA RYDER:SINGER/SONGWRITER

2014-01-10T20:30:00.001-08:00

Serena Ryder released her 5 th studio album ‘Harmony’ 11/27/2012 and on iTunes in August 2013. With her single’ Stompa’ earlier in 2013. The Canadian born Serena Ryder has been around since 1999, releasing 6 EP’s, 4 Live Performance Albums and now her 5^th Studio album. The Folk/Indie Rock singer is currently getting a lot of radio play right now with her catchy single ‘Stompa’.

Ryder has a 3-Octave range, and is considered a mezzoo-soprano (middle female voice), with a slightly raspy lower register, who has toured with Areosmith, Melissa Etheridge, and the first time I saw her in concert , she was the opening act for Paolo Nutini in 2008, where I purchased her EP ‘Told You In A Whispered Song’ .

Honestly I forgot about her until I kept hearing ‘Stompa’ on the radio and decided I needed to look her up, and was pleasantly surprised she was the same person I saw in 2008, who I thought at the time was very entertaining. Her last hit was from here previous album “IS IT OK” with the song ‘Weak In The Knees’ , which was released on her EP ‘Told You In A Whispered Song’

Ryders voice is not unique, but her song writing is, and I think we will hear from Ms. Ryder for years to come, with her catchy lyrics and the know how when delivering a memorable tune.

Review by: Matt Collar of ALLMusic

Serena Ryder's sixth studio album, 2013's Harmony, showcases the Canadian singer/songwriter's soulful and bluesy music mixing Dusty Springfield-esque '60s R&B with a contemporary pop aesthetic. Ryder has a huge following in Canada, where her albums have gone gold and platinum and earned her several Juno awards. Prior to the release of her single "Stompa" -- included on Harmony -- she was not as well known in the United States, but the release ofHarmony will probably go a long way toward raising her profile outside of Canada. Ryder possesses a powerful voice with a throaty timbre and a nasal resonance, making her the perfect vehicle for her brand of soulful rock. Not surprisingly, she's drawn favorable comparisons to both Melissa Etheridge and Adele, and Harmony will do nothing to dissuade such allusions. Admittedly, Ryder fits snugly into the post-Amy Winehouse crew of female vocalists with songs that oscillate between moments of Southern soul, contemporary R&B, and mainstream melodic rock. If Ryder's voice weren't so engaging, or if she weren't so emotionally believable on Harmony, some of the Winehouse/Mark Ronson-esque production via Jerrod Bettis and Jon Levine might cause the average listener, bombarded with a slew of Winehouse-wannabes, to tune out. However, Ryder is such a compelling singer and her songs are, by and large, so catchy that such generalities are easy to dismiss. Primarily, Ryder avoids the retro-tag by delivering a handful of gutsy, organic torch songs like "Please," "Heavy Love," and "Mary Go Round," all of which owe far less to the stylized production and more to the unique sound of her voice and the quality of her songwriting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzsWJ8Ub_D4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppi1uDvc44w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5weM0ATrdY

Tunedin4U.blogspot.com

NORTH MISSISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS: BLUES GROUP

2013-12-26T18:20:00.000-08:00

North Mississippi Allstars released their 6^th studio ablum ‘World Boogie is Coming’ out September 2013. The album was named in memory of the legendary music producer Jim Dickinson. It is a phrase he used often, and his sons Luther and Cody, who formed the North Mississippi Allstars in 1996 are paying tribute to dad, along with R.L.Burnside, whose sons Duwayne & Garry perform on the album as does Sharde Thomas (Vocals, fife) whose grandfather is Otha Turner, all legends of their time.

The Allstars: Southern Rock, Blues Rock, Jam Band, Alt Rock, Mississippi Folk-Blues band had an education in the blues from their parents, and they have turned it into a sound of their own, with swampy rootsy power blues. The rocking duo Luther Dickenson (Counting Crowes lead guitarist on albums 2008-2010) with brother drummer Cody (Hill County Revue) along with Chris Chew, bass put together songs of R.L. Burnside, Otha Turner and Jim Dickinson, and various others. Robert Plant plays Harmonica on tracks one and two, and together they have created a dynamic masterpiece, of old and new music to enjoy.

The band does back-up and tours with John Hiatt. They released an album with him entitled Master of Disaster. All members of the Allstars have teamed up with Robert Randolph and John Medeski to form The Word.

The Grammy nominated band (3 Nominations, previous albums) have opened for Robert Plant (2011) and Dave Matthews (2013)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0JsmXJoNcc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lnYLmn0lDg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCDYjAZrB9s

Tunedin4u.blogspot.com

2014 GRAMMY NOMINATIONS: RECORD OF THE YEAR

2013-12-26T09:12:00.001-08:00

Get Lucky: Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams

Radioactive: Imagine Dragons

Royals: Lorde

Locked Out of Heaven: Bruno Mars

Blurred Lines: Robin Thicke featuring T. I. Pharrell

2014 Grammy Nominations: ALBUM OF THE YEAR

2013-12-26T08:53:00.000-08:00

2014 GRAMMY NOMINATIONS: ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Brave: Sara Bareilles

Random Access Memories: Daft Punk

Good Kid, M.A.A.D City – Kendrick Lamar

The Heist: Macklemore and Ryan Lewis

Red: Taylor Swift

Tunedin4u.blogspot.com

2014 Grammy Nominations: SONG OF THE YEAR

2013-12-22T20:17:00.001-08:00

To be presented January 26, 2014

Just Give Me A Reason – Pink feat. Nate Ruess

Locked out of Heaven – Bruno Mars

ROAR by Katy Perry

Royals by Lorde

Same Love, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis

MAKUA ROTHMAN: SINGER/SONGWRITER

2013-12-12T20:43:00.000-08:00

‘Soundwave’ out December 10, 2013

is native Hawaiian Makua Rothman’s latest passion. The 29 year world renowned ‘surfer’ has a new passion, singing and playing his ukulele, creating a sound that is up lifting, and fun that makes you smile and enjoy your day.

Playing the ukulele since he was about 2 years old he is one of the most accomplished players around today, and his voice has a tone that is distinct and uniquely his own. He could be the next Bob Marley of today scattering cheer while pulsating the good nature and congenial hospitality of the Hawaiian people.

Rothman, winner of the 2002 Billabong XXl Big Wave Challenge Award and the 2007 O’Neill World Cup, and viewed by many ESPNer’s for the biggest wipe-outs, has a new direction and music is the where he should be.

The album is number one on iTunes World Music Scene, and sure to move into pop music category once it gets play time.

A simple man, with great passion for big waves and now music and a sound that speaks volumes for his talent. I hope you will give him a chance and listen. Check him out iTunes and Amazon to hear snippets from his album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHgq2NJqbuM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KnT-8oljQY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNaSpn-FRVs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIOyKC6tCsI

Tunedin4u.blogspot.com

AVCII: POP MUSIC

2013-12-10T19:22:00.001-08:00

AVCII: Released his first studio album September 13, 2013, TRUE. You have probably heard it on the radio as they are playing (Wake Me-Up, featuring Aloe Blacc) endlessly.

Tim Bergling is Avcii, the 24 year old from Sweden who has received international recognition as Avicii. Bergling is a DJ, remixer, and record Producer, who uses synthesizers, turn tables, PC’s Macbook Pro and various other electronics to make his productions stand out from the crowd and enlists specific artists to run the vocals. (See list of credit vocal on the album below).

It is amazing the guy is not the performer, he is the performance, the artist that creates the drama, the beat, and gets the masses moving off their feet. It’s a new sound of blended Folk, Dance, Country, Rock, EDM, Techno, and very popular. He has over 186 Million hits on ‘Wake Me Up’ on Youtube and counting. The sound is infectious, and you can’t help singing along or moving to the beat.

From Rollingstone Music: By Caryn Ganz

September 17, 2013

In March, Avicii made his reverse Dylan-goes-electric move at the EDM-centric Ultra Fest, inviting bluegrass musicians onstage during his set. The crowd was baffled, but the Swede's debut album picks up on this Mumford & Synths sound for a set of folk, soul and addictive house beats. Dan Tyminski of Union Station sings the grand Appalachian stomper "Hey Brother," and Imagine Dragons penned "Heart Upon My Sleeve." True saves room for two funky disco jams featuring banging diva vocals from Audra Mae and Adam Lambert. All of this proves that Avicii's new sound is much more than a page from Moby's Play book.

From Wikipedi: Vocal Credit

Salem Al Fakir (track 2) ‘You Make Me’
Aloe Blacc (tracks 1, 6) ‘Wake Me Up’ & ‘ Liar Liar’
Blondfire (track 6) ‘Liar Liar’
Sterling Fox (track 7) ‘Shame on Me’
Linnea Henriksson (track 9) ‘Hope There’s Someone’
Adam Lambert (track 8) ‘Lay Me Down’
Audra Mae (tracks 4, ‘Addicted to You’ 7, ‘Shame on Me’ 11’ Long Road to Hell’) (For Track 11, She did vocals for Long Road To Hell)
Mø (track 5) ‘Dear Boy’
Dan Tyminski (track 3) ‘Hey Brother

· http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQeKoaXMMh4

· http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmtWgBPoPVs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcrbM1l_BoI