http://www.shorenewstoday.com/snt/news/images/stories/00-downbeach/Shaun_Notes-Logo.jpg Samantha Crain exhibits youthful innocence and mature songwriting on her fifth album, “Kid Face,” released Tuesday, Feb. 19 on Ramseur Records. A skilled guitarist like Joni Mitchell with the unfiltered expression of Regina Spektor; […]
Category: Music Reviews
Album and song reviews
A journey into darkness with Nick Cave
http://www.shorenewstoday.com/snt/news/images/stories/00-2012/35/eht/Shaun_Notes-Logo.jpg Nick Cave leaves no psychological stone unturned on his most recent album “Push the Sky Away,” released Tuesday Feb. 19. The 15th studio album by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds released by the […]
My soundtrack for the weekend is “A Wasteland Companion”
By SHAUN SMITH
Blogger-in-chief
M. Ward will not disappoint fans of his stripped down, reel-to-reel sound on his latest album A Wasteland Companion.
Ward (Matt Ward) has obviously been influenced by his musical relationship with Zooey Deschanel and it shows on the upbeat piano-laded “Beautiful Girl,” which stands not as a detachment of his signature style but an expansion of his talented reach. Fans of the doe-eyed hipster wonder will enjoy her standing beside Ward on “Sweetheart” and “Me and My Shadow.” Recording with Ward on this record makes her Patsy Cline style and hand claps sound authentic rather than retro.
“Boys and Girls” blends talent and emotion
By SHAUN R. SMITH
Blogger-in-chief
The Alabama Shakes has filled a void in my musical world. Blending a groovy bluesy motown sound with the sultry voice of singer/guitarist Brittany Howard, the band’s debut album “Boys & Girls” is a unique, emotional and danceable.
‘Be the Void’ doesn’t lose appeal
By SHAUN SMITH
Blogger-in-Chief
Dr. Dog unleashes its potential on the band’s latest record, Be the Void. The Pennsylvania-based folk-rock band’s sixth album (released Feb. 6 on Anti-) reaches deep with a beautifully woven arrangement of songs showcasing blues, roots, and acid-rock jams that create a unique, bombastic folk-rock sound.