"One Eye Open" by Rick Parnell (Folk Artist from British Columbia, Canada)

Despite the almost lo-fi, demo-like feel of Rick Parnell's "One Eye Open" CD, the strong 6-song debut from this Canadian singer-songwriter has a primal immediacy often filtered out of big-budget, major label projects. And that's good. What Parnell offers are six stripped-down, completely engaging contemporary folk songs featuring his sometimes raspy vocals over the sparest of guitar strumming. In its directness and simple arrangements "One Eye Open" recalls Bon Iver's breakthrough in '08 as well as the songs and performances of such troubadours as Richard Buckner or Jeff Buckley. But Parnell is an original, and on tuneful songs like "Everybody's Wrong" and "I'm Coming Home" his rough-hewn voice is as evocative as the words that spill out in his soulful delivery. "Come Saturday," has a bit more edge, thanks to a slyly subdued slide accompaniment, but it is no less pleasing, and the last track, "One More Song" offers just the right touch of melancholy to close the CD. Rick Parnell's "One Eye Open" CD is a cross-generational work that owes a debt to classic singer-songwriter stylists, but is also completely right for contemporary listeners of any generation.

- Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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Check out Judy Fjell, one of RadioIndy's favorite Folk artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Judy Fjell

 

 

Band Name: Judy Fjell
Band Location: Montana
Sounds Like: Holly Near
Visit Band's Website: click here

"Another Way to Say Human Race" by Bold Monkey (Folk Artist from Alberta, Canada)

Bold Monkey's, "Another Way to Say Human Race," CD is a collection of contemporary folk songs from a singer-songwriter with a keen and well-honed sense of song craft and the voice to put them over. Employing only the sparest of guitar phrasing, Bold Monkey achieves a stripped-down, open mic coffeehouse intimacy to showcase compelling songs full of wry and incisive observations. Recalling the wordplay of an Elvis Costello or Joe Henry on songs such as "If You're Lucky" and "Enlightenment Is In Question," Bold Monkey's Dylan Joshua Edmiston successfully navigates the demands of the nowhere-to-hide song arrangements with a deft touch. On the Dylan-esquely titled, "Navigably Subsequent," comparisons to Costello is also deserved for the constricted and breathy vocal delivery that snakes in and out of light-as-air guitar fills and tastefully understated vibes accompaniment. While "Another Way to Say Human Race" is utterly contemporary in approach and sensibility, Bold Monkey's fine CD nevertheless resonates with the timelessness that true craftsmanship always renders.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Bold Monkey's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Niceness" by Niceness (Folk Artist from San Francisco, California(CA))

A distinctive treasure of entertaining folk/pop songs is what you'll hear on this self-titled CD "Niceness." This entire disc is comprised of witty and magical lyrics and displays the colorful use of instrumentation. Kim O'Connor, who is a composer, vocalist, and performer, instantly introduces the listener to her expressive vocals on the very first song "Butterflies." Her vocals are crystal clear and have a stunning and unique vibe. She also has a great vocal range, as you can hear on "Shanghai," which shows off the versatility of her catchy melodies. "Fake Lake" is a vibrant and energetic tune splashed with those bright and brilliant lyrics. "Niceness" is a unique, creative, and humorous collection of easy listening folk/pop songs.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com reviewer team
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"Lucky Guy" by Roy Jay (Folk Artist from Florida(FL))

Who said you can't judge a book or CD by its cover? Roy Jay's debut album "Lucky Guy" embodies the relaxed beach tone feeling depicted in his cover artwork. There are twists on this traditional upbeat folk music throughout this disc with tracks like "In and Out of Dreams" where hand-percussion and acoustic guitar are complimented by harmonious background vocals with sing along style. Although mostly leaning towards lighter atmospheres, "Time's Page," takes a ballad approach where subtlety and style come into play nicely. The musicianship is sophisticated and mature, but Jay doesn't take himself too seriously during "Prettiest Girl in Wal-Mart" with a comical trip to the super-store. Get out your sun block as "Lucky Guy" is Americana wrapped up in a beach towel and ready to hit the sand.

-Max B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Roy JayE's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Featured Single

Band Name: Max Tosi
Featured Single: I've Been Waitin' For A Long Time
Album: Let Me Ride
Genre: Folk
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