Monday, October 26, 2009

"Endlines and Punchrhymes" by Blackbirds (Folk Artist from Illinois(IL))

"Endlines and Punchrhymes" is the latest release by the talented, Modern Folk group Blackbirds. Right from the start this album will take you to a place where you can relax and enjoy the emotive lyrics and soft percussive beats. Lead vocals are rich and pure as you can hear on songs such as "This Street, That Man" and "Can't Find My Way Home." Heartfelt lyrics reflect memories of times past on the song "Hometown Heroes" while acoustic guitar gently swirls around this interesting melody. As an added bonus, check out the terrific remakes of "The Mighty Quinn" (original by Manfred Mann) and "Cinnamon Girl" (original by Neil Young) as these songs offer a great nostalgic throwback. Superb production as the instruments come across clean and crisp and never overpowers the laid-back vocals. If you're a fan of Folk music, then take a ride and listen to the wonderful compilations of the terrific album, "Endlines and Punchrhymes."

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Blackbirds's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Salt of the Earth" by Mobetta Loretta (Folk Artist from Los Angeles, California(CA))

"Salt of the Earth," Mobetta Loretta's latest CD, would be best described as a modern folk album with a dash of southern rock. Yet it is much more than that because it is such an ambitious and creative work; it was recorded as a concept album with all the songs being inspired by the 1954 album also titled "Salt Of The Earth." In "Copper Pit Miner," Mobetta sings to us about being a copper miner in an upbeat, danceable folk-blues song that features great harmonica. "I Am the Salt of the Earth" is a song in which Mobetta opts to croon to us over a pleasant combination of acoustic guitar and string section. For "Local 809" she sings about antiquated union life over a more modern and toe-tapping blues beat. The songs on this album stand up on their own, as they are great contemporary expressions of a past generation; yet when one factors in that each song is part of an overall theme it really adds substance. So check out Mobetta Loretta's CD, "Salt of the Earth," if you want to hear great folksy blues stories of a day gone by.

-Sean B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Mobetta Loretta's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Thursday, October 22, 2009

"These Waters" by Jan Peters & The Monday Night Project (Folk Artist from Washington(WA))

From the very first song, "These Waters" the recently released album by Jan Peters & The Monday Night Project, promises a collection of light, poppy, and Progressive Folk/Bluegrass style album. Peter's vocals are well complimented by some sweet and charming female vocals throughout the album while the lyrics are vibrant and uplifting. Among other tracks, "Shaking Away" has some great use of harmonica during the solo. They break out of any single genre by changing the pace with tracks like "Drumming in the Night" that offers a Blues/Soul like quality and "Primera Visita" with a catchy "cut time" bouncy feel. "These Waters" is a catchy and well-made album and is definitely an album worth hearing.

-Matt M. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Jan Peters &The Monday Night Project's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Better Late than Never" by Ron Kemp (Rock/Acoustic Artist from Maryland(MD))

"Better Late than Never" is the newest release from the talented Folk/Rock musician Ron Kemp. The songs on this album for the most part just contain Kemp's warm and inviting voice and his sweet acoustic guitar which gives the production a nice clean and crisp clarity. On this album you can hear undertones of Folk, Bluegrass and Country in Kemp's acoustic styling. "Keepsake" is a slower moving love song in which we can hear Kemp's wonderfully talented guitar picking and strumming skills. On the song, "First-Sight Love," Kemp lets his voice get a little Country as he tells us another love story. "Crocabye Way" is a more fun and uplifting song in which Kemp lets his strumming get a little poppy. While the songs employ different sounds, the album throughout is relatively relaxed and calm. All in all, this entire album works if you are a fan of either love songs sung well or of acoustic Folk/Rock in the way of something like a James Taylor approach.

-Sean B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Ron Kemp's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

"We Are Not Kings Here" by Bird to Prey (Folk Artist from Australia)

Bird to Prey's latest released album, "We Are Not Kings Here" gives Indie music sharp songwriting and a new sultry voice Colbie Caillat should be worried about. Singer/songwriter Sarah Turk displays vocals that ooze the same beauty as her contemporaries Nicole Atkins, Feist, and Jenny Lewis. She avoids being too mushy or self-loathing by using a Folk flavor that's just delightful. Aside from the usual piano and clean guitar, she makes use of different instruments such as bells on the charming track "Sing a Lullaby." A recommended track: "Pepper Tree Road" as it features an easy flowing rhythm and catchy melody. "We Are Not Kings Here" is a strong, sweet album that will be enjoyed by fans who take pleasure in listening to a fusion of Country, Folk, Indie, and Blues music.

-Matt M. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Bird to Prey's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Check out Juliana McCorison, one of RadioIndy's favorite Folk artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Juliana McCorison

View Juliana McCorison Image

 

 




Band Name: Juliana McCorison
Band Location: Canada British Columbia
Sounds Like: Joan Baez
Visit Band's Website: click here

"Recipes for Modern Life" by Dizrhythmia (Folk Artist from New Zealand)

"Recipes for Modern Life" by New Zealand band Dizrhythmia is a psychedelic funk CD with a feel of Folk and a little bit of Country. All of the tracks utilize acoustic guitars put with trance-like lead vocals reminiscent of Woodstock singers of the classic sixties. On the track "Song for Nikki," harmony is employed with a violin which brings a really classy and truly sentimental element to the CD which is furthered by the articulate lyrics. The track of which the title was based, "A Recipe for Modern Life," is a "feel good" track that incorporates a fluid-sounding trumpet with the steady high hat and snare drum tempo that takes the listener for a walk on an easier side of life. "Burlington Street" is a groovy track that will get the listener moving to the catchy lyrics and sharp rhythm. All around, this album is excellent for those who enjoy easy listening music with good instrumentation and meaningful lyrics.

-Trent C. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Dizrhythmia's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Thursday, October 8, 2009

"Kärlekssånger I" by Göran Engdahl (Folk/Blues Artist from Sweden)

Göran Engdahl serves up some generous helpings of acoustic Folk/Blues on his latest album "Kärlekssånger I." As an accomplished classical guitarist, Engdahl brings to life his expressive songs of love with sweet and emotive tenderness. Although this CD is not sung with English words, you will still feel the relaxed and ambient feelings Engdahl offers. His vocals delight the listener with soft and delicate tonality while at times his vocal range reaches deep down to a lower register as you will hear on "Livets lycka med varann" and "Varhelst du går, din bild jag får." The vibrant and melodic melody of "Bit för bit" presents a wonderful acoustic guitar deftly fingering its way across the fret board. The clever electric guitar riffs on "Tröst i mitt hjärta" complement the upbeat and energetic vocals. If you're looking for some fresh new acoustic folk music featuring some finger-picked guitar, then check out the album "Kärlekssånger I."

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Göran Engdahl 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Sunday, October 4, 2009

RadioIndy is pleased to present Rick Parnell with a GrIndie Award for the CD "One Eye Open "

RadioIndy is pleased to present Rick Parnell with a GrIndie Award for the CD "One Eye Open "

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
Check out Rick Parnell 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites