ENJOY, EXPRESS, EMBRACE / ENJOY, EXPRESS, EMBRACE / ENJOY, EXPRESS, EMBRACE / ENJOY, EXPRESS, EMBRACE / ENJOY, EXPRESS, EMBRACE
By Mike Himes
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SCOTT MORGAN SCOTT MORGAN ALIVE (NATURALSOUND) 2010 The Alive label has been the most consistent over the past few years. Scott Morgan has been one of Scott has been turning out soulful rockers since his time with the Rationals. Morgan has been with many bands since the Rationals. Scott Morgan's voice and songwriting are as good as ever on this recording. Morgan's band is made up from a collection of fantastic Half the album is made up of classic soul “cover” hits, like the Four Tops “Something About You” that starts off the album. Another Motown classic on the record is “Since I Lost My Baby”, and there is a great rendition of “Bring It On Home To Me”. The originals like “Summer Nights” and “Highway” are my favorites. I hope Scott tours with this band; there’s an excellent chemistry here, and as the label states - it is truly “Alive”. The man with the hat is back! THAT’S ALL I NEED BLOODSHOT RECORDS 2010 The 73 year old Detroiter, Andre “Mr. Rhythm” Williams has certainly seen a lot in his time. Williams' new album is loaded with observations, insights, and opinions that only Andre could tell. This is the life of Andre Williams put to music with simple chords, honest rhythms, and a soulful back beat. Andre sings as if we are all sitting on his front porch; telling tales about where he has been, how he feels, and what he needs. It is a simple, yet effective session letting Andre remain out front, so he can express these tales. The band is made up of some of the best players “Just Call Me” is a stand out song here, a bluesy simple track with underlying guitar that begs to be cranked at top volume. I also enjoyed “Cigarettes and My Old Lady”; which Andre explains are “going to drive me to my grave”, expressing his daily battles with both vices. On the title track, Andre sings “One step above the ghetto, just enough to get by, I don't need much, that’s all I need” and if you desire a great album this is all you will need!
ANDRE WILLIAMS
THE BROUGHT LOW
THIRD ALBUM
SMALLSTONE RECORDS 2010
Tight, straight ahead, no-nonsense rock is what the Brought Low serves ups on their obviously titled third record, and they get it right!
With classic rock sensibilities, this 3 piece ensemble delivers a solid album that any fan of real rock should enjoy. Although the vocals are reminiscent of Van Zandt/Lynyrd Skynyrd fame; by all means, this is not a southern rock record. The drums are top notch, and there is a cohesiveness to the album that shines on the track “Slow Your Row”. "Slow Your Row" is an instrumental rocker, with killer organ tossed over some tight jamming, by far the stand out here. I also liked “My Favorite Waste Of Time”, a head bobbin’ mid-tempo rocker.
These New Yorkers have been together for 10 years, and sound as though they are reaching their prime. Overall this is a great retro-rock sounding album, and will get many plays in any rockers system.
BLITZEN TRAPPER
DESTROYER OF THE VOID
SUB POP RECORDS 2010
The trouble I often have with young bands is that they are usually - well young! Typically not mature enough for my liking. So I tossed this CD into the player, going through the motions for the hell of it. After three songs, not once touching my forward button, I was saying “what the….” This is an excellent surprise for my jaded senses, having spent 31 years in the music business. Once again, I learned never judge a book (or CD) by its cover. There is no artwork here, so the cover was not an issue either (but, I’m getting off track here).
What I heard was some very nicely crafted, well written, well performed songs. Some mellow, some poppy, and a bit flowery, but all good. Yeah, I will admit I have missed the boat on these guys. They’ve been around for 10 years, and it is never too late to get excited about a band!
The music is a fit for radio stations like 93.9 The River or music programming on WDET. The acoustic guitar recording is driven with "nice" soft vocals, and toe tapping rhythms. The title track “Below The Hurricane” could have been a song from
FLAMING LIPS / STARDEATH AND WHITE DWARFS
THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON
WARNER BROTHERS 2010
I love the Flaming Lips, but was hesitant to try this out. It is weird, how can anyone even attempt to remake one of the greatest albums in rock history.
