DO YOU WANT TO BE ON THE 1st PAGE OF WE’LL MAKE YOU A ROCKSTAR ON GOOGLE ? We’ll SHOW you how to get there for $249 FREE for Readers FREE WEBSITE TRAFFIC ANALYSIS 951-777-2508 SCAN OR CALL Menon “MUSIC CONNECTION” <strong>www</strong>.localmarkengauthority.<strong>com</strong> February 2013 <strong>www</strong>.<strong>musicconnection</strong>.<strong>com</strong> 49
CD REVIEWS In order to be considered for review in the CD Reviews section, you must have a record deal with a major label or an independent label with an established distributor. If you do not, please see our New Music Critiques section. Dropkick Murphys Signed and Sealed in Blood Born & Bred Records Producer: Ted Hutt ijklmnopqrs A$AP Rocky Long Live ASAP Polo Grounds/RCA Producer: Various ijklmnopqrs Taddy Porter Stay Golden Primary Wave Music Producers: Various ijklmnopqrs Tegan and Sara Heartthrob Warner Bros. Records Producer: Various ijklmnopqrs Fresh off Going Out In Style, Boston’s notorious punks with bagpipes drop the pretense and execute a rock & roll mission of the purest kind—have maximum fun. It’s a shift audiences will appreciate. There aren’t any dreary, introspective dirges to detract from the genial debauchery, and the sharp lyrics paired with rollicking hooks will ensnare the most jaded music snobs. Nearly every track hits its target, the best being “The Season’s Upon Us,” a <strong>com</strong>ical take on dysfunctional family Christmases. None of this negates the reality that their self-referential genre has grown long in the tooth, but Signed and Sealed proves that impactful music doesn’t necessarily prioritize seriousness. ——Andy ——Andy Kaufmann Kaufmann While an onslaught of producers and guest performers—Drake, Kendrick Lamar, YelaWolf, and Santigold among them—guests with A$AP Rocky, he cannot be overshadowed. As the swaggering overlord who boasts “I thought I’d prolly die in prison,” Rocky rules the roost of sparkling synths and sleek beats. Bridging bravado and humor (“But our roaches ain’t respect us,” he remembers about his childhood in “Suddenly,”) economic aspirations are defined by “Goldie,” and the wardrobe name check in “Fashion Killa.” The hypnotic “Hell” featuring Santigold is the standout with layered, dispassionate female vocals injecting harmonious counterpoint to the martial snare and Rocky’s facile lyricism. ——Dan Kimpel One of Oklahoma’s finest return with their sophomore effort. The title speaks to remaining true to one’s self in the face of change. And that’s exactly what this band have done—embracing their classic rock roots and, essentially, avoiding convention. Just give a listen to the anthemic ‘60s aesthetic of “Changes” or the spaghetti western meets surf guitar wall of sound on “The Gun (Part 1).” These guys immersed themselves in the culture of Haight Ashbury and the British Invasion groups. Of note are the distinctive vocals of frontman/guitarist Andy Brewer. His style is every bit as unique as luminaries like Johnny Rivers or Alex Chilton. Derivative, yes, but still original and fun! ——Eric A. Harabadian Upon first listen, longtime fans may write Heartthrob off as just another ode to the ‘80s record. However, like some pieces of fine art, the beauty lies in the finer details only found with multiple observations. After 13 years of songwriting, Tegan and Sara Quin have decided to shake it up with polished production, little-to-no guitars (<strong>com</strong>e again?) and large doses of dance pop. And with the current trend of underground ‘80s synths (M83, Kavinsky), why shouldn’t they? The sexual pop single “Closer” starts this dance party, with “Goodbye, Goodbye” and “I Couldn’t Be Your Friend” keeping the hips in motion. Don’t worry, emotion still plays a heavy part in this record, just as expected. Tegan + Sara + major production - guitars = Heartthrob. ——Andy Mesecher Tune In To Mind Radio Kelly Keeling Surgeland Records Producer: Sandy Serge ijklmnopqrs Coheed And Cambria The Afterman: Descension Everything Evil/Hundred Handed Producer: Various ijklmnopqrs The London Souls Here Come The Girls Soul On 10 Records Producer: Various ijklmnopqrs Samantha Crain Kid Face Ramseur Records/Sony/Red Producer: John Vanderslice ijklmnopqrs Keeling is one of those rare artists who can enter any type of musical situation and make it his own. He has done it in projects by Blue Murder, Yngwie Malmsteen, Trans-Siberian Orchestra and so many others. This disc is a tribute to Keeling featuring <strong>com</strong>positions written or inspired by him. And some of Keeling’s frequent collaborators, like Appice, bassist Tony Franklin and guitarist Marty Paris, show the love on this <strong>com</strong>prehensive and eclectic mix. “Perfect Day” spotlights soaring harmonies by Anthony Z’sler and “Rising of the Snake” is a Dokken-like track featuring Park Sipes. There is also a funky world-beat offering and new age-type ballad that suggest Keeling’s work reflects more than just a one trick pony. ——Eric A. Harabadian The Afterman: Descension marks Coheed’s seventh studio album and the conclusion to the Afterman concept (and double album). Just as with Ascension, this record tugs at the heart strings with seasoned bluesy guitar leads, powerful vocal melodies and a damn depressing story—words used to describe just about any Coheed album, right? Where Claudio and <strong>com</strong>pany really show their artistic growth is in the fourth track, “Number City.” It begins like any other prog-rock bit: distorted bass, effected vocals; but before you know what hit you, you’re snapping your fingers to a groovy, ‘70s influenced guitar line backed by full brass. Hooks are apparent, influences are vast and no doubt, the <strong>com</strong>ic will keep Everything Evil nerds occupied. ——Andy Mesecher Here Come The Girls is an inspired concoction of roots, pop, and rock. From the Beatle-esque ‘60s pop of “When I’m With You,” the rootsy grit via The Band of “Bobby James,” to The Zombies influenced “Alone,” the band crisscrosses through a myriad of classic tropes. One might appreciate this more if you’re a twenty-something unaware of the aforementioned bands, but to older listeners it’s pleasingly familiar. Their passionate set intertwines earthy production, crunchy guitars, and dynamic shifts for acoustic <strong>com</strong>positions. The band rocks on “Steady Are You Ready” and “All Tied Down.” The London Souls wear their influences on their sleeves, but they know their way around a good song. ——Oscar Jordan This autobiographical indie/folk timepiece is a fearless ride, with the ravenhaired acoustic songstress totally in her element. The arrangements are somewhat open and spare, but chock full of truth and emotional depth. “Taught to Lie” finds Crain addressing her years on the road and the resulting difficulty in maintaining honest connections with people. “Paint” is stark, haunting and further drives home the feelings of detachment, with her naked and introspective delivery. Perhaps her most self-effacing moment can be found in the title track where, in Crain’s words, she considers public perceptions of her and balances asymmetries “between the age I look, the age I am and the age I feel.” ——Eric A. Harabadian 50 February 2013 <strong>www</strong>.<strong>musicconnection</strong>.<strong>com</strong>
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