Norman Collins: I Must Be Dreaming

Mixing rock with country is nothing new, but it’s always good. That’s the first thought you have with that and also with Norman Collins’ “I Must Be Dreaming.” The record opens up with “6th and Mission.” Here the story of a man really takes the forefront takes listeners for a nice ride. Things slow down a but with “Get Back in the Car.” Again, the words are telling but there’s a different feel with this one; more heartfelt. In “Practical Home Rule” we get the pep back in our step as we tell the tale of the common man and his wages. Towards the end of the record, we have a firm grasp over who Norman Collins is and what he’s all about. He’s the common man strapped with a guitar. He sings what he knows, what he sees, and what he wants in life and that’s something we can all respect. If you’re a fan of country that has a rock base and a folky feel, check out “I Must Be Dreaming,” out now. (https://normancollins.bandcamp.com/releases)

The Radio Hour - Radio Power

Primary URL: https://theradiohour.com/ 

Alternative Rockers Tim Hort and company under his musical moniker “The Radio Hour” just released his latest CD entitled “Radio Power” in 2015. Hort hails from Chicago of all places. He brings a dark yet comical spin on life, and we all know how well music reflects life. With this kind of comical approach to modern day alternative rock we’ve seen similar bands like The Horrors, Wall of VooDoo, Stan Rodgeway, Miles Kane and Manic Street Preachers achieve huge scale success. On “Radio Power” you’ll hear the A-typical Punk/Americana concoctions with a hint of Alternative Folk Rock via some enticing piano/guitar driven groves. I like to call this kind of genera mind numbing rock. Personally it’s my favorite style of music to listen to. Hort combines all of the above with an above average vocal style and a solid signature sound. A highly anticipated CD from a singer songwriter, featuring all original heartfelt songs via standard 4 piece delivery. Hort began focusing his already dramatic, moody and emotionally charged material in a theatrical format. Hort then switched playing live, being recognized as “Best Live On-air Performances,” by 95.1FM WILL, appeared on Chicago’s Q101 and as a live performance finalist for Billboard Music/Discmakers Independent Live Music Showcase. “The Radio Hour” has scored several full theater productions including Chicago DanzThatre Ensemble as well as many other choreographed productions, voiceovers and soundscapes.  

Andria Simone - Evolve

URL: https://www.andriasimone.com/

Rating: 8/10 Stars

Artist Andria Simone releases Evolve in 201 5 (SPECTRA MUSIC GROUP). Andria Simone is a vocalist is an accomplished singer/songwriter recording artist originally from Canada but has roots in Manchester, England and Lviv, Ukraine. Some notable things I saw in her bio: In June 2014, Andria Simone and Those Guys won the Hennessy Talent Quest, a prestigious international competition for new musical talent. The prize was an all-expenses paid week in Cognac, France, during which the band performed several shows at the Blues Passion Festival, a star-studded fest that featured such names as Robert Plant, George Benson and Lily Allen. Andria and Those Guys opened for major French soul star Ben l’Oncle Soul as well as playing their own headline show.

Ryan Carver: Illusions of Sanity

Ryan Carver has a new album out and “Illusions of Sanity” is ready to rock for the Lord. “Lost and Found” brings it pretty heavy. When you hear “Christian Rock” you don’t imagine something like this, so it’s a nice change of pace. Rock on and head into “Thunder Roll” and feel like you’re at a metal show for sure, only headbanging in a positive nature of course. The rock only continues to intensify with each press of play as “Leap of Faith” blasts into the picture alongside the title track actually slows it down and offers something completely out of left field. Carver really tosses in a wildcard with that one. Lastly, we end this wild ride with a simple “Shine On II.” It doesn’t burst like the start, but I feel like Ryan Carver has created a well rounded record that rocked and rolled the whole way through. If you’re in the market for some Christian rock that really does so, check out “Illusions of Sanity,” out now. (https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ryancarver7)

Jouly Has You Covered

Jouly is an R&B artist hoping you take notice. “Girl Where You At” has a strong beat and the lyrics are on point. He just needs to bring the vocals a bit harder to the overall track to make it pop more. In “I Failed Your Love,” again - the music would be ready for the radio yesterday and this time his vocals come across better than before. It’s like he found his footing. Instead of letting the music take the lead as in the last two, Jouly really makes his voice the star in “We Covered.” Then in time for the holidays, we end with “Merry Christmas.” While Starbucks is getting hate mail for their lack of holiday cheer, Jouly is picking up their slack with his tune. If you’re a fan of Akon and Ne-Yo, check out Jouly today. (https://www.reverbnation.com/ruddcharles)

Michael Ryther: Kids of the Earth - Songs for the Green Generation

Michael Ryther’s “Kids of the Earth - Songs for the Green Generation” dropped earlier this year in April and it’s still making waves. The record opens up with the title track, “Kids of the Earth.” It’s a happy little ditty that’s also that intertwines the environment with folk rock. How many of you remember playing outside in the dirt as a kid? Well “I Love the Dirt” will take you back to those days, and if you have kids - this is a good clean (ironically) song for you to sing together. The album just continues to get cuter as “Gimme a Car That Runs on Sunshine” rolls through into “The Great Outdoors.” This sounds like the musical child of Rivers Cuomo and PBS. It’s got this indie feel, but at the same time could be played on the set of “Sesame Street,” no problem. If you like folk with an environmental twist, check out Michael Ryther’s latest, “Kids of the Earth - Songs for the Green Generation,” out now. (https://michaelryther.bandcamp.com/releases)

We Want More Jayson Camp

Jayson Camp leads us down a surprising road. Not knowing what to expect from the picture alone, the long lead in of “Escape” finally started with a great vocal performance. The melody played perfectly with the music and his style would fare well with fans of Ryan Cabrera and Teddy Geiger. With “Walk Slow” Jayson gets a little edgy with the music and in “Yosh” the piano really takes things to the next level. Then we’re taken back to that sincere singer-songwriter we first met as “Lay Here” embraces us in an instant. There was no question that Jayson is a man who can not only construct a hit, but really makes you feel every word that escapes his lips. The only question left after listening, is why isn’t this guy on the radio already? Make him a household name by checking him out and spreading his talent. (https://soundcloud.com/jayson-matthew-camp)

Highland Kites – All We Left Behind

URL: https://www.highlandkites.com/

Score 10/10 Stars

Music is moving. Sometimes it can bring one to tears and other times it can cause one to think more deeply. It can bring about feelings of rage or despondency and it can strip layers off your armor, casting you closer to the matters of the heart. And then there are times when music is so sonically and physically powerful that it is tectonic in its movement. LA based band “Highland Kites” led by female vocalist Marissa Lamar possesses a sound that is somewhat mesmerizing. Whether this band is a perfectionist or whether this was truly a labor of love of all things pop that needed time to perfect, the end product proves its worth in just how well structured it is. This is a heartfelt musical project that isn’t going to be taken down easily and in fact is probably just getting started – very much like the power of music - it all a bit uncontrollable.