Steeped in historical rock, gently tossed with pop melody goodness, and carefully served with attention to detail, Steve Stoeckel’s debut LP, The Power Of And (February 2023), is a careful look at what rock music can be in the age of overproduction. From the lead-off track, Laura Lynn, to the finale, Whistling Past Graveyards, each song is crafted with a simple story, a good melody, Stoeckel’s imperfect but infectious vocals, and instrumentation that offers just enough, without being too much. From start to finish, The Power Of…
Read MoreNote: Vodka is on vacation and will return to regular posting on January 18th, 2023. Have a great holiday season! I’ve been a fan of Courtney Barnett for a very long time. Her most recent LP, Things Take Time, Take Time, came out almost a year ago, and somehow I missed posting If I Don’t Hear From You Tonight. Enjoy it now. You can find more information on Courtney Barnett by heading up to her website or find Vodka’s…
Read MoreFilmed during soundcheck, at De Boerderij, Zoetermeer, the Netherlands back in September, Big Big Train’s Snowfalls at De Boerderij shows off Vodka’s favorite progressive rock band at their very best. The new lineup since the passing of multi-instrumentalist and vocalist David Longdon is strong and seamless. While no one will actually replace Longdon, Alberto Bravin adds his own special style to the lead vocals and does a magnificent job! Snowfalls, with its swirling instrumental fills and glorious harmonies, it feels like you are…
Read MoreVodka has had this track in the queue for a while, trying to put the right words to it. Sometimes you just don’t get the inspiration you need when you need it! That said, it’s time that this track made it as a post. For those of you with young children that might be hovering over your shoulder, Vodka warns you that you might not want them watching. Think of the content here as PG-13. Funky, sexy, dance groove-laden, Whatcha Doin’ To Me…
Read MoreAs far as Vodka is concerned, every summer needs a rock and roll anthem that signals it’s time to party. For the summer of 2022, that is going to be provided by The Faves, with the dance-party rocker Here Comes The Rain. Yes, these guys are old-at least as old as Vodka-but they can still rock, and the lead vocals from the long-time drummer of The Greg Kihn Band, Larry Lynch, are solid and tuneful. My old voice is craggy these…
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