Delightfully listenable and a great bit of positive energy, here is the fun I Am Who I Am from the folk-popsters Buckeye Knoll. I have to say that I laughed out loud when during the video, a man looking strikingly like Bob Ross, the long dead painter, held up a sign that read, “I Am Not The Bob Ross You Are Looking 4.” I Am Who I Am comes from the long-player, Lovecreek (April 2013), and all of Buckeye…
Read MoreScottish band Dropkick have a new three-song EP, appropriately titled Style (November 2013) which includes the song Style as the single-and what a single it is. Dropkick shows off their tight melodic hooks and their propensity to harmonize. Formed on the East coast of Scotland in the late 1990’s by brothers Andrew and Alistair Taylor and friend Ian Grier, the band has transformed itself over the years from punk-pop, to power-pop and alternative country after being influenced by the likes of The Jayhawks and Tom…
Read MoreUpdate: The original video does not appear to exist. There is a studio-quality audio-only version here: The Parlotones make a pop-rock with an eye towards progressive rock. Here on Stand Like Giants, the title track to the band’s 5th studio long-player (September 2013), the band takes aim at what can be a thorny subject-our own feelings of inadequacy. When we understand that we are not alone, that there are others like us, and that everyone has these feelings, we can tap that energy to…
Read MoreThis guy has been on my radar for awhile. I’ve checked out some of his songs, and even purchased some digital content. Marijn writes largely dreamy pop music that insinuates itself into your sensibilities. Often lyrically melancholy, his words tell stories of pain, loss or introspection. Here on Sailing South the title song for the 2013 movie, Valentino, you get a little more up-beat taste of Marijn. You can find plenty of good information on Marijn by visiting his web site, which includes most of…
Read MoreThere have been many times where a singer has flown under the radar (at least my radar) until suddenly making a big name for themselves. I’m hopeful that this is Kaz Simmons time, with the release of the wonderful long-player, Signs (October 2013). For The Love Of Big L is from Signs and highlights the blending of so many styles, vocal jazz, 70’s pop and more. Kaz Simmons loves Brazilian rhythms, and those are here too. Late, the lead…
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