Mark Lotterman "Funny"
Own label; 2012
I almost thought a Nick Cave song came on as this album started. Although this was mostly due to Lotterman’s deep vocal resonance, he also had some of that same intensity in the delivery. Musically, this is on the lighter side of the Bad Seeds territory and songs get far more into rootsy blues rock, but there is a bit more going on here than that of most indie rock bands. The breezy “November” reminds me of a Sadies song, which is always a good thing in my book. This is a solid album with a lot of interesting songs musically and lyrically and is well seeking out.
© David Hintz
Various Artists "American Songbirds"
Jaro Medien, 2013
Actually, there are four artists here… Kyrie Kristmanson, Ashia & the Bison Rouge, Rachelle Garniez, and Stephanie Nilles, respectively from Ottawa; Portland, Oregon; New York; and New Orleans. They all deserve mention, as they all are talented songwriters that present three songs each. There are vibrant and stirring moments throughout filled with gutsy folk and progressive music as well as lyrical intensity. I would happily hear and/or see any of these artists any time. And you have to like a rhyme where the songwriter (Garniez) is impressed by Jean Claude Van Damme’s muscles and they both have relatives in Brussels, yet moves on to a discussion of mental illness.
© David Hintz
Bourbon Boys "Hail to the Chief"
Despotz Records; 2013
Ah those Swedish rock bands… they can play about any style of rock and in the metal and hard psyche territory, they are some of the best bands in the world. The Bourbon Boys, like their name, keep it straight and hard, cut to the bone, and just let it rock. This is redneck US hard rock circa 1974 with a heavy dose of blues and the aroma of a rural bar a few miles outside of town, and miles from a real city. I thought I had my fill of this kind of music by the time Black Oak Arkansas came around when I was young, but these guys are actually quite good. That said, these lyrics are quite cringe-worthy and frankly, we have enough Texans already residing in Texas. We don’t need any more in Sweden. So if you want to turn off your brain and let the rock’n’roll commence, go for it.
© David Hintz
The Nutopians "Lennon Re-Imagined"
Red Engine Records; 2013
As you can easily glean from the title, this is an album of thirteen interpretations of John Lennon songs. As these things go, the Nutopians do a fine job of taking their breezy, friendly style of folk rock and applying it to a variety of John Lennon songs. The players are real pros featuring a wealth of experience as they include Rex Fowler of Aztec Two-Step. The songs from John Lennon’s solo career work better than the Beatles cuts in my view. I tend to like these tribute/theme albums as I listen to them, but don’t want to revisit them as a rule. I see no reason to violate my rule here, but Lennon fans who like this sort of thing, should come aboard.
© David Hintz
Henry Priestman "The Last Mad Surge of Youth"
Proper; 2014
This name did not mean anything to me until I read the bio and found he was a member of the Yachts and the Christians. And he was a key songwriter in those bands as well, which is not too surprising as these crisp pop-rock quickly show off experience in the writing. There are folk and Americana moves in many of the songs along with that balanced singer-songwriter style rock. At its best, these songs offer some clever lyrics here as the songs cover some classic themes with stories and imagery that commands more attention than that of most folk rock songs. Other times, it is a bit too much of the same country folk music and lyrics that I have heard many times before. The highlights make this well worth listening to see how much of it, if not all, will resonate with you.
© David Hintz
The David Liberty Band "Chains and Bones"
Freudian Slip; 2014
If you like Billy Bragg, you may want to listen to David Liberty. The earnest intensity of protest rings out in these songs. They are not quite as subtle (a word not too often used with Bragg) both in lyrical content, but mostly in music. This is full band rock music that matches the strength and conviction of the lyric. The best songs grab you right away and stay with you, having you likely to join in the singing. There are enough good songs here to make for a fine album worthy of many return visits. Hopefully there will be a day when I can see if Liberty’s live banter is as good as Bragg’s.
© David Hintz
Heated Land "Heated Land"
K&F Records; 2013
This record is well named and it is a hearty excursion into the massive landscape of the road beyond. And there is heat as the band has a steady mobility where they don’t want to stay tied down in anyone place. Instead, the quality storytelling sits atop striking guitar notes, jazzy bass runs, quick percussion that all work together to create a lush atmosphere. There is space in this music, but plenty going on as well. The rich sounds are something that just about any folk rock fan should enjoy. The singer songwriter Andreas Mayrock (yes you may) is from Bavaria, but he conjures up music that works all over Europe, Australia, Canada, and the rural United States. Fine effort.
© David Hintz
Akasa "Portal"
Own label; 2014
Although this music clearly fits squarely in the new age category, there is a nice array of styles from the expected airy moodiness to some strong rhythmic shifts. I always enjoy at least one listen to almost any new age album, but this one is worth many more. There are elements of Dead Can Dance here, which is what should be the goal of anyone trying to create ethereal music. Doubters to the form should give this a listen and see if Akasa has successfully achieved her goal of creating healthy transformative music that will create some good in the world. I say she has done exactly that here.
© David Hintz
The Coals "A Happy Animal"
Own label; 2013
This band offers a gutsy take on snappy American based rock music. There is some country, some blues, some folk basics, and decent songwriting to keep it all together. The vocal work is strong and the arrangements tight. It is not at all surprising that they are from California, which is a place where this alchemy of musical genres comes together pretty consistently and has since the days of the Byrds, Jackson Browne, the Burritos, and beyond. This is a snappy album that is well worth your time.
© David Hintz
James Crawford "James Crawford"
Go it Alone; 2013
This started off as a pleasant little bluesy singer songwriter outing. The second cut, “Too Scared to Runaway” locked in with me as it added a classic folk styled vocal with some fine guitar textures. After this lovely song, it is a mixed bag. There are bluesier cuts and folkier songs, with some headed toward easy listening and others quite intricate and meaty. The talent is here and it is well worth a listen to find the highlights. Nashville’s James Crawford is talented enough to have come with some songs that you will remember well long after the first listen.
© David Hintz
Emily Herring "Your Mistake"
Own label; 2013
This starts out with a heavy country and western twang, but since the first song is about Emily Herring’s hometown of Austin, it clearly heads more western than Nashville. That makes for more Americana and rock influences, which you hear in the vocals and some of the guitar work. They are a bit heavy with the pedal steel, but the rhythm section keeps it rocking and Herring has a way with a song. And the twelve songs here flow by like the Rio Grande with just enough turbulence to keep listeners on their toes.
© David Hintz
Karyn Oliver "Magdalene"
Buxom County Records; 2013
This is a lightly likable album in the country music style. Not much rip roaring honky tonk, but more delicate folk qualities are the fabric of these ten songs. Actually, there are 12 songs, but two are repeated in acoustic arrangements, which definitely will appeal to folk fans. I could have done without the Hall & Oates cover of “Baby Come Back”, but it was well done and most listeners will probably disagree with me. I enjoyed the slightly tougher tones of “My Paper Friend”. I do like the subtle variety of softer and harder vocal approaches as each song successfully establishes a mood. If you like this style, this album is worth spending some time with to see how deep it will reach you.
© David Hintz
Bernard Brogue "Trick of Light"
Own label; 2013
This is a rock solid entry in the singer songwriter rock genre. There are clearly folk roots apparent along with plenty of acoustic guitar, but the music is lightly flowing folk rock music. The band whips up some intriguing sounds and atmosphere quite often which keeps the interest up the whole way through these twelve songs. I particularly like Brogue’s voice as he reminds me a lot of Irv Mowrey of Subway and Mowrey & Watson. And at times, the songs live up to those lofty standards as well. This is really good… really good. I would write more, but I would rather listen again and just drift away.
© David Hintz
Alec Morrison "Nowhere is the Place for Me"
Own label; 2013
This is a tale of two albums. The opening cut, “Past the Point of No Return” sets the tone for some strong acoustic guitar work and gutsy vocals like a Billy Bragg (or a converted punk rocker playing folk, which is what this basically is). The second cut “2 A.M. Toast” sets the tone for several songs that have plodding guitar and awkward phrasing that would be better in a blog than in front of music. After these two cuts, the remaining songs veer in either direction with some having a little bit of both at work. The heart is evident in this music and the highlights are really good. I just wish this had been edited down into something that works on the whole.
© David Hintz
Rónán Ó Snodaigh & The Occasionals "SOS"
Kila Records, 2013
I am not sure where to begin with this record, other than to say it is fabulous and music lovers of all kinds should give it a listen. I think of him as the Thomas Mapfumo of Dublin, as this is world music, highly unique, and singular in vision. I read that he is in the band Kila,[44] and to no surprise to me whatsoever, toured in the band Dead Can Dance. That should be sales job enough to get you to listen to this, as Dead Can Dance has long been a shining beacon of brilliance, while playing in a few different genres within their vision. Not only will this be replayed many times in my household, it should be a favorite for a long time.
© David Hintz
Craig Gerber "Leaving Tonight"
Own label; 2013
Craig Gerber has a lilting, easygoing folk rock style. There is a touch of pedal steel guitar, but this never really heads too deep in the country rock territory. There are also fine electric guitar leads, while a rhythm section keeps things under control and usually in mid-tempo. The vocals are pop-catchy, but in a sincere creative manner that makes these songs easy to start singing along with. This is one likable record that covers a lot of ground for a lot of listeners. Hopefully it will find its audience. They are out there.
© David Hintz
Brother Dege "How to Kill a Horse"
GolarWash Labs; 2014
From the title, it does not take too wild a guess to figure this out to be on the darker side of folk. It is a fine companion piece to that of ‘the Denver sound’ bands like Woven Hand, Slim Cessna, Munly, and others who do murder ballads, dark explorations into Americana, and serious soul reaching. Dege Legg comes from the deep south of the USA, so he knows these types of stories and sounds well. He does a great job here to match the intensity of the mostly acoustic music to that of his pointed lyrics. This is not for the faint of heart, but if you have a strong stomach, you will reap strong rewards with this excellent album.
© David Hintz
Sweden has given us some brilliant music in many genres. The Men offer up rock music in the style of REO Speedwagon, Rex Smith, and Bon Jovi. This is not exactly what I look for these days (nor did I look for this in the 1970s for that matter).
© David Hintz
Esquela Band "Are We Rolling?"
Bovina Records; 2013
This had the look and initial sound of being a good bar band, maybe a really good bar band. But after a few songs went by, it is clear that Esquela has a firm grasp of the sound of the American heartland and can play roots rock with the best of them. Rebecca Frame’s lead vocals stand out nicely as her strength is not as overt as a Joplin (whose is?), but she has a quiet power that resonates with the crisp attack of the guitar work on top of the punch rhythm section. This music goes down smoothly and satisfyingly without a lot of frills. This is rock music of any age and it would be hard not enjoy this band on a stage in a club near you. Being that they are not too terribly far away from me, I hope that happens for me some day soon.
© David Hintz
Seoirse "Windmills of the Mind"
Errigal; 2013
Wow a cover of “Windmills of the Mind”, which is surprisingly effective as Seoirse (pronounced SHOR-sha) manages to infuse some classic folk moves with creative interpretations. I generally sense a vibe similar to that of Tir Na Nog and at times Magna Carta, with plenty of individuality here. And there are some adventurous arrangements in some songs, which is helpful as there are a lot of covers here… Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Bob Seger (?), etc. This is a double LP on one CD with eighteen songs and there are several traditionally arranged classics as well. Seoirse is Belfast born but spent most of his life in Donegal town. Like Tir na Nog, there is an Irish feeling here that does not dominate the songs but stays in the mix.
© David Hintz
Johnny Duhan "Winter"
Bell; 2013
This is a lovely release of some very lovely folk music. Johnny Duhan is a long time musician from Limerick, Ireland. He was with the group Granny’s Intentions, but has long been singing folk songs with his fine guitar accompaniment. Although this is the first album of his I have heard, I realize that I know his music well as Mary Black has covered many of his songs over the years. His songs are spare with voice and guitar and the occasional vocal harmony. This is strong but delicate material delivered flawlessly. The CD release is enhanced with a DVD including videos of all the songs along with Duhan introducing them with his thoughts on the song and how they came about. Folkworld readers should all want to give this record a listen (and a look).
© David Hintz
Tim Snider "Let Go, Jump in the River"
Own label; 2013
This is a set of songs balanced between folk, rock, country-rock, and big sounding full studio singer songwriter ballads. There are lovely quiet moments of voice and guitar, hard rocking moments, and timpani and strings thickening the stew. Time Snider has the songs to keep it all together. His voice also has just the right amount strength to stay the point of focus, while keeping a warmth throughout. Tim Snider tours the world, so I am hoping he comes to my town some time soon.
© David Hintz
Jens Lysdal "Easy Heart"
Own Label; 2014
There are several subtle shifts on this easy-going album that make things interesting. Lysdal starts with a breezy toe tapping song that is strong on rhythm, but focuses more on melody. He then goes a bit bluesier, folkier, and even adds some country touches as the songs roll out. This all holds together pretty well, as Lysdal has some decent songs and creates a welcome atmosphere through carefully managed guitar tones much of the time.
© David Hintz
Yagoda Galo "Polar"
Sketis, 2013
This album contains music that lives up to the magical imagery on the mystically attractive cover. This band interprets northern Russian folk music in a modern folk rock setting. They work the same way as the Ukranians do, although the folk music source point is different and this band does not go quite as hyper fast as the Ukranians. But they do have pace and many wonderful instruments working their way into these fascinating arrangements. The songs are Russian, but the enclosed booklet has Russian language lyrics and English descriptions of the songs’ origins and meanings. This is vibrant music that has some depth as well and should appeal to most adventurous world music lovers.
© David Hintz
Dave Goodman "No Rest for the Wicked"
Acoustic Music Records, 2013
Well what do you know--a guitarist who likes the music of Jimi Hendrix. Hardly a surprise, as there are few axe slingers who do not. But Dave Goodman appreciates the songwriting and is happier reinterpreting these songs for the acoustic guitar rather than stack his Marshalls and dig out his wah-wah pedal. Of the ten songs with five originals, he covers “Manic Depression”, “The Wind Cries Mary”, and “Little Wing” which are excellent choices as they translate well. His own songs are also enjoyable and his stinging proficient guitar work shines throughout. He moves around the blues as well as folk and offers up some decent singing along with his strong fretwork. And he is not the Dave Goodman that produced the Sex Pistols as he is a little too young (and too alive, sad to say for the other Dave Goodman). Acoustic guitar fans should check out this album and Dave Goodman’s catalog.[29][49]
© David Hintz
Colin Gilmore "The Wild and Hollow"
Woobietown; 2013
This is all perfectly agreeable indie rock closer to folk rock than that of anything too heavy. The spirit is there and the songs are decent, but a Nick Lowe cover at the end only reminds one of the higher quality songwriters out there. But not everyone is Nick Lowe and Colin Gilmore and his many, many musicians conjure up some decent material here.
© David Hintz
Joseph Parsons "Empire Bridges"
Meer Music; 2014
Joseph Parsons may be recording in Germany with European musicians, but his Philadelphia roots shine through. The accent is American all the way and he has a thoughtful approach to indie rock that has traces of Bob Mould in a couple of songs when this works best. Other times, it is decent quality roots blues based rock that is good enough, but more commonplace. The songs are likable with an earnest professionalism, but they did not quite get me there the full time. There is enough quality where this should find an audience. Although that may happen one single at a time or through the best way, live gigging, of course.
© David Hintz
Lisa Lim "Lisa Lim"
Spin Dog; 2013
If you like your blues loud, rocking with throaty guitar, tough vocals and a band locked in a groove, you will want to listen to Lisa Lim. I hate using silly overdone clichés, but somehow I doubt she would mind if I said this music had balls. It is heavy, hard rocking, and the guitar work is as tough as steel with crunching chords and molten lead guitar runs. The songs are all pretty basic straight-ahead rockers and there is little wrong with that if the sound and playing are strong enough. They are here and there are just enough arrangement variations to keep things pretty exciting, such as Hammond organ and backing vocals. No pretense needed here. If you want your blues-rock to rattle your bones, then lend an ear to Lisa Lim.
© David Hintz
Wolf in Loveland "Wolf in Loveland"
Artfull Sounds, 2013
This is all rather pleasant singer songwriter material delivered by a capable band fronted by a smooth sincere vocalist. I think Felice Brothers fans would like this, as would people who like Bon Iver, John Grant, etc. However, I am not sure the lyrics are quite up to the levels of the other artists I mention. But the delivery is all good and some people will connect this more than I did. I did enjoy the surprise of “Reprise” with its heavy electric guitar freaking rock-out moves in between the lighter songs.
© David Hintz
Eric Scott "Where the Water Runs Deepest"
Itzall Goode; 2012
I just realized after years of doing this and thousands of reviews, I have never used the words “adult contemporary” (at least together) to describe an artist before. Well, it is time for the trend to come to an end. There are times were music that fits a light rock, smooth jazz, contemporary singer songwriter combination of sorts and this album has all of that. It is well executed, but it is hard for me to be too terribly moved by anything in this style. Which may explain how a musician in my hometown of Washington DC has escaped my attention during the ten years I’ve been here. If you like this music, you have a new way to expand your collection right here.
© David Hintz
La Chiva Gantiva "Vivo"
Crammed Discs, 2014
Let me see if I have this right… three Colombian students meet in Brussels and decide to make some music. They recruit people from Belgium, France and Viet Nam to join them. This is truly world music, but more of a world collision. I always welcome collisions when they produce super-atomic results and these guys do manage to combine lots of world sounds and beats and play the hell out of it throughout their album. I do not particularly care to dissect where the sounds come from. However they come up with it, they keep my feet moving and my head bobbing. So have some fun and bounce off a few walls while you are at it.
© David Hintz
