Gladys Knight - Before Me (CD/DVD)

Verve/Universal

Gladys Knight, the woman who has been one of the most recognized, revered and consistent vocalists for over four decades, has put out her first album for Verve Records. Turning her attention to sharing with admirers some of the passionate songs that inspired her, she pays tribute to some of the most influential blues/gospel/jazz singers of all time. Artists like Billie Holiday, who she chose three songs to cover; one of which being God Bless the Child that she has also done with Fozzy the Bear from The Muppet Show and happens to be one of her favorite songs of all time. Other artists she showcases includes Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, George and Ira Gershwin and Duke Ellington.
Gladys has a past steeped smoothly in music. She is the daughter of two gospel singers, and a former member of The Pips; who had record breaking singles such as "Heard it Through the Grapevine," "You Need Love Like I Do (Don't You)" and "Midnight Train to Georgia."
After leaving The Pips, Gladys could only build upon a reputable career. She has touched the lives of many, and she shows that her heart has also been touched. "Before Me" is a beautiful compliment to a lady whose career has been so far stretching. It is an album that sensuates the tones of sorrow and love; a definite must buy for anyone who is a lover of fine music.

Michael Schenker Group - Tales of Rock n' Roll: Twenty-five Years Celebration

Armageddon/Locomotive

Michael Schrenker, German lead guitarist, has recorded over thirty three studio albums with ten different bands, including Scorpions and UFO. Adding to that is eight live albums and five compilations. That's a staggering 47 albums. Hot Damn!
"Tales of Rock n' Roll was self produced at the artist's own recording studio in Germany. It contains his signature Power Metal riffs and new songs featuring an all-star assembly of singers, who have recorded with Schenker over the past twenty five years. Classic Metal fans should check this one out!

John Coltrane - Lush Life

Prestige/Concord

Jazz sweet Jazz. Second only to Miles Davis is the one and only John Coltrane. One of the greatest saxophonists of all time, he had a career that got its kick off by being in the Dizzy Gillepsie band until Miles Davis scouted the 28 year old tenor sax player.
From there on Coltrane developed and improved his unique sound under Davis' supervision, until Davis fired the man due to a heroin addiction. He kicked the habit permanently the same year he was playing with the Thelonious Monk Quartet. He rejoined the Miles Davis Band in '58 and prospered there until he left to pursue a career as leader and be able to build his sound with less resistance. From there his career carried on and today almost any recording he ever made is available on CD.
These recordings bring you to a time almost forgotten. I encourage you to brew a cup of tea, open a window and spend a Sunday morning in another world. Go on, you know you want to slip away.

The Sons of the Pioneers - Classic Cowboy Songs

Soundies/Varese Sarabande

Legends in their own right The Sons are the longest lasting most influential Western music band. More important than their longevity, however, the greatest accomplishment of this band is their consistency of producing outstanding cowboy songs. Leonard Slye, guitar, singer and yodeler was forced to leave the band when he became Roy Rogers and started to star in western movies.
To a younger generation this is definitely not the most exciting times. I personally can respect the songs on the level of I grew up in an environment heavily influenced by this stuff. Still, "Classic Cowboy Songs" is definitely a musical accomplishment for the time. Most of these songs were never released until now. Yehaw!

Damon McMahon - Mansions

Astralwerks

I really knew nothing of Damon McMahon until I was handed this CD and told to write a review. This is an album of beauty. McMahon's song Paradise Vacation touched me and reminded me of parts of my life where I struggled to live in the here and now.
Damon McMahon, a songwriter who has always written for himself, not because he dreams of becoming a star or aspires to impose his thoughts on the masses, was in the band Inouk. Inouk, though short lived played with the likes of Modest Mouse, the Secret Machines, the Double, White Magic and more. The CD is mostly his guitar playing and solo vocals. Aptly put, "the sounds of inner troubles turned outwards and transformed in the process."

Various Artists - Pickin' on Shania Twain:In Her Shoes

CMH

The take-charge glamour girl of country pop, Shania Twain is a multitalented, mega-platinum phenomenon. Songstress, temptress red-hot mistress of music video, Twain combines the groove of country and rock. With husband/muse Robert John "Mutt" Lange she crafts crossover chart-toppers that always hit our music sweet spot. From the lovers warning of "Don't Be Stupid (You Know I Love You)" "Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under" she proves again and again why she only needs one name to inspire the devotion of her fans.
This album celebrates a small town girl's rise to fame. Number one smashes like "That Don't Impress Me Much" and "Any Man of Mine" are done with banjo and fiddles to compliment the flair of Shania. This is truly an acoustic tribute to the heart and style of country music's biggest female star.

Michael Hall - The Song He Was Listening to When He Died

Freedom/TMRU/City Hall

Michael Hall is best known from the band Wild Seeds, which included Kris McKay and Joey Shuffield of Fastball. He has just released an easy listening melodic record that is full of nostalgia and whimsical lyrics of love had and lost.
The record is definitely enjoyable. Even though it isn't hyped up and full up catchy tunes, it echoes simplicity. My head could be spinning and I could pop this in and it would soothe a headache better than a tylenol. It even has a quirky tune or two that makes you grin and hum. Hmm... "the song he was listening to when he died... Captain, captain." Oh no! I really like this one. We also dig the song "My World, You're Welcome to It." Happy songs shouldn't be this sad. Or is it the other way around?

Lloyd Banks - Rotten Apple

G-Unit/Interscope/UMG

"Rotten Apple" is the personal success and showcase of Lloyd Banks, the man. As the follow up to "The Hunger For More," this is the attempt to get fans in touch with Banks; who he is, and where he comes from. The CD's original title was going to be "Shitty City," a title inspired by how the artist was feeling at the time of recording. Instead here it is, and the G-Unit member's ecstatic to have everyone hear it, "Rotten Apple."

OPM - California Poppy

Suburban Noize

This is a better noise compilation than I am used to hearing from these boys. With a dance beat, reggae undertones and matured vocals complimenting the strong drumming, the guys of OPM have evolved into a band that I could see spreading out of their California mass fan base and become a well known band nationwide.
In California Poppy it is nice to see that they haven't sacrificed their creativity for a project that would be more consumer friendly. They have put together a sassy album; from the appropriate title "California Poppy" to the beautiful cover art and flowing with the uplifting affirmations of songs like Love Don't. This is a great work of art.

ASV - Goin' to the Dance

Bless Your Heart

Alice Vestal has such a beautiful voice that whether or not you like the style of folksy jazz country rock they brandish you kind of sink into yourself for her voice. The banjo just flows through the songs as a welcome addition.
Upbeat and positive, the couple are bluegrass genius'. I haven't heard a modern band that could blend so many elements into a song. The instrumental composition is strong and never takes a step back. The lyrics are easy flowing and tell you stories. And the chemistry these two have is wonderful to witness.

From A Second Story Window - Delenda

Blackmarket/Metal Blade

If you pop in this record and start listening to the first song you are going "huh, isn't this pleasant." Don't think too fast there; you will definitely be thrown across the room with the slam metal sound of the appropriately named From A Second Story Window.
I laugh at bands that have such poetic titles, and then I cry if the words of their songs are actually worth hearing; for lack of understanding them. Why all the screaming? Well this is one of those instances that I will stay confused, asking many questions that will never be answered. I could easily sit hear and say justly that, even though no one understands you, it doesn't make you an artist.

Elizabeth Mitchell - You Are My Little Bird

Smithsonian Folkways

Elizabeth Mitchell, from the New York City based band Ida, has released a beautiful compilation of traditional songs previously done by great artists such as Lou Reed, Neil Young, Woody Guthrie and Bob Marley.
Making her debut as a Smithsonian Folkways artist she displays outstanding vocal skill. The way she performs, and with the children singing supportive vocals, these songs and this album becomes uplifting and enjoyable. She has done a great job of proving that she is a wonderful children's artist. My son was dancing and laughing through the entire record, and that is good enough for me.

Gil Scott-Heron - The Mind of Gil Scott-Heron: A Collection of Music and Poetry

Rumal-Gia/TVT Classics

With all songs being written during the seventies you would begin to judge this album by its cover, literally. Which is humorous, considering that the political messages that are woven deeply into the music of Gil Scott-Heron are just as legitimate today as they were in yesteryear.
Gil is one of the most notable influences on urban-message music, mixing spoken word, funk and jazz. Being a pianist, composer, poet and author he pushed literacy, and the power of being informed. Taking a realist approach to politics, he helped a generation understand that they needed to demand a functional government, not a petty, potsy, deceiving government that places unrealistic expectations on its citizens while refusing to assist those who cannot help themselves.
Editor's Note: Gil Scott-Heron is the Godfather of modern day rap music, who created powerful songs and poems which live on today, and captured all the eras that have ever been. Where is Gil now? We need him in a bad way.

Taking Back Sunday - Louder Now

Warner Bros.

These guys keep on winning the hearts of the high school girlies all across the states. It seems like I can't go to any state to get away from TBS, and listening to their newest release, "Louder Now," I can understand why there is such a hullabaloo. With Infectious rhythms and riffs, and songs that are, well, catching a lot of MTV and radio airtime.
I am not a great lover of Taking Back Sunday, but that is due to the teeny-weenies who blast it out of their refurbished Mustangs pointlessly cruisin' the strip. I can say that they are building on some good foundation. The lyrics making these songs are strong, bold, honest and I dig that. The boys are pushing themselves to be better, rather than relying on the success of the last two records to buy more success. Good times.

Various Artists - Why the Hell Not... The Songs of Kinky Friedman

Sustain

Kinky Friedman sang songs of a different color. One of the best satyrical artists in music history, his humorous approach to political issues of these days has won the hearts of many people. With titles like "Get Your Biscuits in The Oven (And Your Buns in The Bed)" and "They Ain't Making Jews Like Jesus Anymore," you really get your sides splitting while your mind gets thinking.
"Why the Hell Not..." features artists like Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, Kevin Fowler, Todd Snider and more. Kinky is more than just a musician; he is a literary genius and politician; and by politician, I don't mean professional bullshitter. Kinky is a cigar chompin', trash talkin', purveyor of the truth. So whether you are looking for a new CD to add to your collection or a new governor you must ask yourself why the hell not Kinky Friedman?!
***So Nice, Gotta Do It Up Twice (Created by the Original NYC DJ, Jocko, 1955)***

Grand Mal - Love is the Best Con in Town

New York Night Train

Grand Mal has spent a decade putting out albums with ingenious lines about bail-jumping ex-wives, mustachioed fascists and endless misadventures. They have evolved, fashioned and refashioned themselves so many times that you really have no idea what to expect out of these guys.
The title "Love is the Best Con in Town," is really just the beginning of a classy whino album. I get tired of hearing songs about Not a Penny To My Name, People Change (Maybe They Don't) and World I Thought You Turned Your Back. Why not do something about the dreariness rather than bringing up another generation to "not give a damn about the way that they feel?" Please remember that not everybody can put a beautiful piano accompaniment to some words and have it shoot them to the top of the pops.

Def Leppard - Yeah!

Mercury/Island Def Jam/UMG

I am literally screaming at the top of my lungs "Yeah!" Not only is there a new Def Leppard CD, but they are paying tribute to some of the best of the 60's and 70's. They managed to pull together a kick ass selection that includes some of the gods, like ELO, Bowie, Thin Lizzy, Free and so many more.
If that weren't already enough to make you cream in your jeans, they keep their sound, making these songs their own. I get turned on when a band doesn't "cover" a song but instead personalize it. It's like saying, 'hey, you really did something that inspired me to add upon it.' And they did a great job.

Paula DeAnda - Doing Too Much

Arista

This young lady is on her way up. Not only is she rising, she has a story unlike any other. She is sixteen years old and has moved to Corpus Christi five years past to pursue a music career. Her life became a whirlwind when she put out 'Doing Too Much,' and was asked to audition for Steve Ferrera, Senior VP for Arista, who insisted that she perform the same day for Clive Davis who signed her immediately.
Paula is eternally grateful; she tells about being supported by her family, and how she started performing and was touched to hear that her songs had such a powerful impact on people. She says that she may not have lived through some of the things she writes about, but she has friends who have persevered, and she draws inspiration from them. She maintains that she is still a normal teen and is just taking everything in as she learns to balance all the new things in her life. I really look forward to hearing more of her artwork in the near future.
Editors Note: Paula is keeping in touch with her Tejano roots. Which is great. Let's not hide the fact that much of the USA was stolen from Mexico.

Tab Benoit - Best of the Bayou Blues

Vanguard

Tab Benoit, the bayou man himself, a native to Houma, LA, is a modern blues gem. His guitar skill has been compared to three blues guitar legends: Jimi Hendrix, Albert Collins and Albert King. His voice is velvety rich. His lyrics are poetic tragedies. His guitar whines and belts out heartbreak after heartache.
"Best of the Bayou Blues" is a compilation of the best from his five Vanguard records. It includes favorites like Cherry Tree Blues, Drownin' on Dry Land and Mother Earth. Brings you right back home after a stressful day out in babylon. Nothing touches the soul worse than the cry of a blues guitar.

One More - Music of Thad Jones

IPO

A note on Thad Jones; he was a trumpeter/coronetist with a distinctive sound during the 40's through the 80's. He played with many major names of the time. He also composed a mighty handful of jazz ballads. He was the brother of Hank and Elvin Jones, noted musicians/composers themselves.
IPO wanted a performance compilation of some of Thad's best work, which led them to Mike Patterson, who was thrilled to take on the project. With the help of the individually talented musicians from One More, Patterson has arranged some easy listening melodies for a jazz lover's ear. The album is just a little too elevator style for my taste; still it is a good piece of work.

Dirty Pretty Things - Waterloo to Anywhere

Interscope

With punk thrashing vocals and an intriguing album title, Dirty Pretty Things are an oxymoronically disaster of semi political good tunes.
I really get into the song You Fucking Love It and If You Love A Woman. One song describes how society has just up and said 'here, even if you don't want it we're gonna bring it straight to you.' The other is such an eerie expression of the lack of coping skills we have and how we get stuck in a distrustful spiral of sabotage, wrecking everything we need and care about.

Artist: Billie Holiday
Song: Strange Fruit