Hillbilly Voodoo
A Farmers Prayer
Stonehouse Records
A few years ago, a movie called O’ Brother Where Art Thou made us
aware of the simple power and poetry of roots music. Some people may
not remember the film, but the music left its mark on many. Roots music
is truly an American treasure. It demonstrates the simple power and
beauty of America’s folk music. Hillbilly Voodoo captures that power and
its essence perfectly in A Farmers Prayer. Their songs are soulful and
rich, sung beautifully with emotions that convey hard times and coping
with life’s heartbreaks. The music, rich in Anglo-Americana roots (guitar,
banjo stand up bass) weaves a dominant country melody around the
lyrics, but it’s the lovely vocals that breathes life into the words. You
can conjure up a Tom Joad - Grapes of Wrath vision of America while
listening to A Farmers Prayer. If you like down home country / folk
music, Hillbilly Voodoo is for you. Favorite songs: Flowers, Your Smile,
Can’t Believe – just to name a few.
A Farmers Prayer
Stonehouse Records
A few years ago, a movie called O’ Brother Where Art Thou made us
aware of the simple power and poetry of roots music. Some people may
not remember the film, but the music left its mark on many. Roots music
is truly an American treasure. It demonstrates the simple power and
beauty of America’s folk music. Hillbilly Voodoo captures that power and
its essence perfectly in A Farmers Prayer. Their songs are soulful and
rich, sung beautifully with emotions that convey hard times and coping
with life’s heartbreaks. The music, rich in Anglo-Americana roots (guitar,
banjo stand up bass) weaves a dominant country melody around the
lyrics, but it’s the lovely vocals that breathes life into the words. You
can conjure up a Tom Joad - Grapes of Wrath vision of America while
listening to A Farmers Prayer. If you like down home country / folk
music, Hillbilly Voodoo is for you. Favorite songs: Flowers, Your Smile,
Can’t Believe – just to name a few.
| ©Indietude.com 2010 |
Brandi Carlile
Give Up The Ghost
Sony Records
Ok, Brandi Carlile technically isn’t an indie artist, but I don’t care.
She doesn’t get nearly the attention she deserves in mainstream
media so it couldn’t hurt to spread a little BC news and this is my
web site after all. Give Up The Ghost is Carlile’s third studio
release. Normally every artist stumbles a little after the first. But
that isn’t the case with Carlile who followed her initial release with
The Story. Well her third is just as strong as The Story. Carlile
and the twins (Tim and Phil Hanseroth) continues to hone their
songwriting and musical skills into an artistic force. Carlile also
continues to grow as a singer. With all the touring she’s done in
the last few years her vocal abilities just keep getting stronger.
The entire CD is solid, but I do have a few favorites: Pride and
Joy, Dreams. And the last two: I will, and If There Was No You
(dedicated to a dear friend of mine). In short, Buy this CD!
Give Up The Ghost
Sony Records
Ok, Brandi Carlile technically isn’t an indie artist, but I don’t care.
She doesn’t get nearly the attention she deserves in mainstream
media so it couldn’t hurt to spread a little BC news and this is my
web site after all. Give Up The Ghost is Carlile’s third studio
release. Normally every artist stumbles a little after the first. But
that isn’t the case with Carlile who followed her initial release with
The Story. Well her third is just as strong as The Story. Carlile
and the twins (Tim and Phil Hanseroth) continues to hone their
songwriting and musical skills into an artistic force. Carlile also
continues to grow as a singer. With all the touring she’s done in
the last few years her vocal abilities just keep getting stronger.
The entire CD is solid, but I do have a few favorites: Pride and
Joy, Dreams. And the last two: I will, and If There Was No You
(dedicated to a dear friend of mine). In short, Buy this CD!
Amy Ray
Didn’t It Feel Kinder
Daemon Records
Didn’t it feel kinder, marks Amy Ray third solo release and
her second solo collaboration with Kaia Wilson on guitar and
Melissa York on drums (both formerly of The Butchies).
Teamed with Ray, they offer up a strong, yet playful rocking
sound that sets fire to Ray’s latest list of songs. In other words,
they play their asses off and have a damn good time while
doing it. Stand out tunes include: Cold Shoulder, Bus Bus,
Birds of a Feather, SLC Radio and Stand & Deliver.
Didn’t It Feel Kinder
Daemon Records
Didn’t it feel kinder, marks Amy Ray third solo release and
her second solo collaboration with Kaia Wilson on guitar and
Melissa York on drums (both formerly of The Butchies).
Teamed with Ray, they offer up a strong, yet playful rocking
sound that sets fire to Ray’s latest list of songs. In other words,
they play their asses off and have a damn good time while
doing it. Stand out tunes include: Cold Shoulder, Bus Bus,
Birds of a Feather, SLC Radio and Stand & Deliver.
Michelle Malone
Debris
SBS Records
Michelle Malone is in a class all her own. To her fans, she’s awesome
and she just keeps getting better with every passing year. Her latest
release, 'Debris' kicks you in the ass from the git with ‘Feather in a
Hurricane’. Feather is a primo driving song. It doesn’t matter if you
own a muscle car or a hybrid – it freakin rocks. After ‘Feather’, Debris
wraps around some heavyweight themes: love, betrayal, breakup,
heartbreak and survival. Two songs that capture these themes
perfectly is ‘Undertow’ and ‘Marked’. ‘Undertow’ is full throttle rage
with a driving southern rhythm and blues style. This song captures
the emotion one feels when you realize your lover has been stepping
out on ya. This rocker kicks ass – southern style. Every time I listen
to this tune, I shake my head in wonder as to why this song isn’t in
heavy rotation on every country and western radio station. After the
rage comes resolve. ‘Marked’ captures the pain of breaking up and
moving on with lines like: “This one’s gonna leave a mark like a rusted
knife in surgery.” Or, “I’ve been poisoned by a toxic tattoo.” Anyone
who has had their heart stepped on can relate to that kind of pain.
And if that isn’t enough, ‘Restraining Order Blues’ should cover it.
But there are also songs for good times too (i.e. Yesterday's makeup)
Malone has given us a solid menu of songs to choose from with
Debris. There’s something here for everybody. So, If you like
your indie rock southern style with a healthy dose of attitude,
than Michelle Malone is your ticket to ride.
Debris
SBS Records
Michelle Malone is in a class all her own. To her fans, she’s awesome
and she just keeps getting better with every passing year. Her latest
release, 'Debris' kicks you in the ass from the git with ‘Feather in a
Hurricane’. Feather is a primo driving song. It doesn’t matter if you
own a muscle car or a hybrid – it freakin rocks. After ‘Feather’, Debris
wraps around some heavyweight themes: love, betrayal, breakup,
heartbreak and survival. Two songs that capture these themes
perfectly is ‘Undertow’ and ‘Marked’. ‘Undertow’ is full throttle rage
with a driving southern rhythm and blues style. This song captures
the emotion one feels when you realize your lover has been stepping
out on ya. This rocker kicks ass – southern style. Every time I listen
to this tune, I shake my head in wonder as to why this song isn’t in
heavy rotation on every country and western radio station. After the
rage comes resolve. ‘Marked’ captures the pain of breaking up and
moving on with lines like: “This one’s gonna leave a mark like a rusted
knife in surgery.” Or, “I’ve been poisoned by a toxic tattoo.” Anyone
who has had their heart stepped on can relate to that kind of pain.
And if that isn’t enough, ‘Restraining Order Blues’ should cover it.
But there are also songs for good times too (i.e. Yesterday's makeup)
Malone has given us a solid menu of songs to choose from with
Debris. There’s something here for everybody. So, If you like
your indie rock southern style with a healthy dose of attitude,
than Michelle Malone is your ticket to ride.
| Pick List: Undertow Marked Feather in a Hurricane Yesterday's Makeup Restraining Order Blues Chattahoochee Boogaloo Candle For The Lonely |
| http://www.michellemalone.com/ http://www.myspace.com/michellemalonemusic http://www.daemonrecords.com/ |
Arizona
Glowing Bird
Echo Mountain Records
After listening to this band when they opened for Amy Ray, I was very
impressed. They’re music is a bit hard to describe. Primarily, Arizona is a
rock band, but with a very progressive aspect to their sound. They are all
fine musicians utilizing a variety of instruments to hone their musical vision
into something very pleasing to the listener. The only possible weakness
might lie in their lyrics, which will improve over time and experience.
Favorite songs: Whiskey or Wine, Balloon and Glowing Bird. Arizona is
worth your time and attention.
Glowing Bird
Echo Mountain Records
After listening to this band when they opened for Amy Ray, I was very
impressed. They’re music is a bit hard to describe. Primarily, Arizona is a
rock band, but with a very progressive aspect to their sound. They are all
fine musicians utilizing a variety of instruments to hone their musical vision
into something very pleasing to the listener. The only possible weakness
might lie in their lyrics, which will improve over time and experience.
Favorite songs: Whiskey or Wine, Balloon and Glowing Bird. Arizona is
worth your time and attention.
Street Sweeper Social Club
Street Sweeper Social Club
Warner Music Group
One day listening to the radio, I heard an incredibly angry song related to
the filthy rich and the working poor. The song – 100 Little Curses. I loved it!
I could not wait to get my hands on the first release of Street Sweeper Social
Club featuring Tom Morello (RATM) and Boots Riley. It packs a hard punch
for anyone enjoys their music with a hard edge and a message. Killer
Tracks: 100 Little Curses, The Squeeze, Promenade, Clap For The Killers
and Nobody Moves.
Street Sweeper Social Club
Warner Music Group
One day listening to the radio, I heard an incredibly angry song related to
the filthy rich and the working poor. The song – 100 Little Curses. I loved it!
I could not wait to get my hands on the first release of Street Sweeper Social
Club featuring Tom Morello (RATM) and Boots Riley. It packs a hard punch
for anyone enjoys their music with a hard edge and a message. Killer
Tracks: 100 Little Curses, The Squeeze, Promenade, Clap For The Killers
and Nobody Moves.
Indigo Girls –
Poseidon and the Bitter Pill
Vanguard Records
The Indigo Girls deliver another solid gem to their fans.
This time, it’s a double CD set, broken into two categories,
songs featuring the girls with a full band and the second,
feature songs with just the girls and their guitars. Either
way you win! Some of the stand out songs include: Sugar
Tongue, Driver Education (Originally offered on A. Ray’s
solo CD Prom) and I’ll Change.
Poseidon and the Bitter Pill
Vanguard Records
The Indigo Girls deliver another solid gem to their fans.
This time, it’s a double CD set, broken into two categories,
songs featuring the girls with a full band and the second,
feature songs with just the girls and their guitars. Either
way you win! Some of the stand out songs include: Sugar
Tongue, Driver Education (Originally offered on A. Ray’s
solo CD Prom) and I’ll Change.
Alison Pipitone
Tiger Babies (2006)
Slice Records
Alison Pipitone always delivers solid rock n’ roll (usually to an east coast
crowd ) and Tiger Babies is no exception. Pipitone offers up a few
rockers and a few mellower tunes – just to give you a little rest in
between. Solid favorites: Sunshinestar, Good People, Dirty Lives and
Honey Do.
Tiger Babies (2006)
Slice Records
Alison Pipitone always delivers solid rock n’ roll (usually to an east coast
crowd ) and Tiger Babies is no exception. Pipitone offers up a few
rockers and a few mellower tunes – just to give you a little rest in
between. Solid favorites: Sunshinestar, Good People, Dirty Lives and
Honey Do.
Catie Curtis
Hello Stranger
Compass Records
Catie Curtis has released a compilation of songs from various past CD’s
with a couple of new ones to boot. But this time, the arrangements offer
up a little bit more of a country flavor in with the folk. The results are
delightful and intimate. It’s almost like she’s playing in your living room
with a few close friends. Favorites include: 100 Miles, Walking On A
Wire, Be Sixteen With Me, Dad’s Yard, and Passing Through. Definitely
worth your attention.
Hello Stranger
Compass Records
Catie Curtis has released a compilation of songs from various past CD’s
with a couple of new ones to boot. But this time, the arrangements offer
up a little bit more of a country flavor in with the folk. The results are
delightful and intimate. It’s almost like she’s playing in your living room
with a few close friends. Favorites include: 100 Miles, Walking On A
Wire, Be Sixteen With Me, Dad’s Yard, and Passing Through. Definitely
worth your attention.
Jason Yudoff
Tragic Hero
Jason Yudoff
Jason Yudoff has been around the indie circuit for a while, 'Tragic Hero' is his
third CD release (second studio effort) and the experience shows. He is both a
talented musician, singer and songwriter in a genre reminiscent of Billy Joel's
early days. He has a talented mix of musicians on this CD and the end results
is impressive. His songs are geared more for an adult crowd. The songs are
not just about falling in love, but about the ups and downs of love and
relationships trials and tribulations. The opening track 'Good Enough' sets
a playful musical tone that builds into a jazzy rock balance throughout the CD.
There aren't any throw-away songs here. Yudoff delivers the goods on tragic
hero and I'm sure we will see and hear more from him in the coming years.
You need to check this artist out. Favorites: Good Enough, Personal Addict,
One More Try, and Five More Minutes
Tragic Hero
Jason Yudoff
Jason Yudoff has been around the indie circuit for a while, 'Tragic Hero' is his
third CD release (second studio effort) and the experience shows. He is both a
talented musician, singer and songwriter in a genre reminiscent of Billy Joel's
early days. He has a talented mix of musicians on this CD and the end results
is impressive. His songs are geared more for an adult crowd. The songs are
not just about falling in love, but about the ups and downs of love and
relationships trials and tribulations. The opening track 'Good Enough' sets
a playful musical tone that builds into a jazzy rock balance throughout the CD.
There aren't any throw-away songs here. Yudoff delivers the goods on tragic
hero and I'm sure we will see and hear more from him in the coming years.
You need to check this artist out. Favorites: Good Enough, Personal Addict,
One More Try, and Five More Minutes