New Releases Celebrate Returns From Musical Legends by Robert Kinsler

First ever Blu-ray release featuring Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark and a new film looking at the history of The Rolling Stones highlight a roundup of new releases and reissues. Artist: Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (OMD). Title: Live - Architecture & Morality & More (Eagle Rock Entertainment). You might like if you enjoy: Pet Shop Boys, Depeche Mode, Thomas Dolby. Tell me more...

Rod Clemmons – What’s Up? It’s Me

“I guess there are some built-in challenges, but I’m a pretty independent guy. I just kind of do my thing. The only thing I don’t do is drive (laugh),” jokes contemporary R&B artist Rod Clemmons. The Arkansas native has been blind since birth from congenital glaucoma, but that hasn’t kept him from releasing his debut album on his own New York City label, Verdict Records. “What’s Up? It’s Me” offers eleven tracks produced and arranged by Clemmons, ten of which are self-penned. A seasoned...

The Dutch Woodstock – Various Artists

In August 1970, a three-day pop festival was held in the Netherlands with about 100,000 showing up to hear Santana, Jefferson Airplane, Country Joe and other acts that had played at Woodstock a year earlier, as well as some acts that hadn’t. Now a DVD and a 2-CD set of the event is available, and for anyone born before 1955 or so who was into the culture of peace, love and dope, The Dutch Woodstock deserves a look and a listen. The 97-minute DVD is a badly-filmed (though probably...

Infinite Design - Fragments

Let me start by saying that I'm an avid listener of any and all kinds of music. I have a soft spot for metal, and a weakness for strong guitar and powerful vocals in just about every genre. I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of this album and I was very impressed. The title track has an incredible intro, with aggressive vocals and and what I can only call an authoritarian beat. I listened to it while working and caught myself banging my head at my desk. I had the urge to fist-pump in the middle...

Robin Meade - Count On Me

I'm going to start this review off with full disclosure: Robin Meade is a friend or mine. This would make you think I'm biased, and I guess I am. However, I'm also going to be brutally honest about her new CD, Count On Me... It is simply phenomenal. As you may well know, Meade is the morning show host on HLN's Morning Express with Robin Meade. Too often in this industry, movie and TV stars make attempts at becoming singers and performers when, in all honesty, they should stick with their day jobs (William Shatner and his numerous record releases

John Fogerty - Wrote A Song For Everyone

Whatever the definition for Americana music is, I wouldn't be too surprised if there wasn't a illustration of John Fogerty on the page. His songs have helped to define and influence so many different artists ad genres - all over the musical map. Nowhere is that fact more apparent than on this enticing new disc that pairs him with many of today's top stars as well as a few legends thrown in for good measure - helping to remind...

Flash - Featuring Ray Bennett and Colin Carter

After a four-decade hiatus, British prog-rock band Flash is back with some new musicians and new music. Led by original frontman Colin Carter and guitarist (formerly bassist) Ray Bennett, the band really delivers here, with pieces that are expertly arranged and executed, as one would expect from these veterans of the genre, and that also highlight the exceptional work of keyboard player Rick Daugherty. Cuts include one remake (of "Manhattan Morning," from the band's 1973 album Out...

Trinity River Band - Today Don't Look Like Rain

Callahan, Florida is located in the extreme northeast part of the Sunshine State - less than a hour from Jacksonville. It was in that town that the Harris family - Mike, Lisa, Sarah, and Josh began to hone their musical skills - with the first results being this bouncy and fun debut album that is sure to make them more than a few fans. This album is a strong collection of vocal and instrumental performances - headlined by daughter Sarah on...

Tim Mahoney Band – Shine Through

Season I of reality TV show “The Voice” put a spotlight on – albeit for an all-too-brief period of time – Minneapolis singer/songwriter Tim Mahoney. His vocal chops advanced him all the way to the dreaded battle rounds, and he’s once again one more break away from making impact at radio with the release of his first studio album in five years, “Shine Through.” This twelve-track project was recorded live to tape by Mahoney and his band, showcasing the artist’s clear tenor that could be described as smoky...

The Music Of Nashville: Season 1, Volume 2

What I am about to say is going to be not liked by everyone. But, the second half of the inaugural season of “Nashville” kind of lost me a little bit. Maybe, it’s because I sometimes lose sight of the fact that it is a drama and not a documentary. Then again, maybe I just got too caught up in my other TV pleasure, TNT’s “Dallas,” this winter and spring. But, for some reason, I just kind of lost interest – that is, until the past couple of...

Popa Chubby - Universal Breakdown Blues

On his latest album Universal Breakdown Blues, Popa Chubby blends influences from numerous electric blues/rock greats to create a mostly solid album. As is the case with most blues guitarists, Chubby is no great vocalist, with well-intentioned vocals and lyrics usually serving as a break between guitar solos. But those solos are usually pretty blistering, and fans of Bluesbreakers-era Clapton, Gary Moore, Johnny Winter, Danny Gatton, or maybe the great Stevie Ray Vaughan without the angst, will like this ...

Trace Adkins - Love Will

Trace Adkins has always had a knack for a romantic ballad. His 2010 hit "This Ain't No Love Song" has always been one of my favorites. But, as great as he handles songs like that one, he is also known for a series of novelty records like "Swing" or "Brown Chicken Brown Cow." Nothing against those records, as they do show his humorous side, but I've always thought if he could string three or four of those ballads in a row, he could make...

Poco – All Fired Up

Since the late 60s, country rock band Poco has been on the road performing their California ear-candy harmonies, but it’s been eleven years since their last studio album. The new twelve-track release by the group is “All Fired Up,” and Poconuts are sure to be just that over this record. Back in April, original member and frontman Rusty Young blogged on their website journal: “…the REALLY great news is that the CD has gone platinum…at ‘Pucky Huddle.’ If you sell 50 CDs down there, they certify it platinum...

Matt Maher - And All the People Said Amen

From its rousing, reggae-inflected opening title track, contemporary Christian artist Matt Maher's new album is a welcome arrival on the scene. A combination of live and studio tracks, And All the People Said Amen is less bland and formulaic than a lot of what pervades the CCM market these days, and Maher doesn't sound like he really cares; he's just doing what he's doing, worshiping the Lord his way. Maher is an accomplished musician whose vocal delivery is more soulful than many...

Restless Heart: Playlist – The Very Best of Restless Heart

2013 marks three decades since the group Restless Heart formed. Their success in the industry speaks for themselves, with close to twenty top ten hits and an Academy of Country Music trophy for Top Vocal Group. One of the elements of their sound that really set them apart was that spellbinding harmony. As the group celebrates their milestone together, Sony Music Nashville dusts off twelve of their biggest hits – along with two never...