Sell Out Records - A Music Review Blog

Robert Plant "Band of Joy" LP  You already know who Robert Plant is, and if you don’t, then you are way behind in your music history. Robert Plant was a member of Led Zeppelin. If you aren’t familiar with this hard rock world, that’s ok, he’s done a lot more than just throw down some serious musical moments. In his solo career, he has transformed musical genres and created compelling compositions with thoughtful lyrics, and beautiful musical arrangements. It’s with “Band of Joy” , that I really started to love the solo work of Plant. I loved Robert Plant as a kid, as I even named my first pet hamsters Robert and Jimmy. They both died. I have cats now, they are well taken care of, though, so no worries there. As for “Band of Joy”, I was floored by how I missed this record in 2010. I first started seeing this record out at Starbucks. I lived next door to Starbucks in Seattle for many years. I would drink it daily, and sometimes 3 times a day. I miss those days sometimes, ...

Into The Wild by Eddie Vedder Eddie Vedder’s voice is one of those iconic rock elements that you can’t really compare. I have heard a lot of bands try to emulate him, but no one has he’s garble at times, and strength at others. The lyrical elements that Vedder has been able to place through music is also grand. While I wasn’t the biggest fan of the movie “Into The Wild” , I did find it to be fascinating enough to pick up the soundtrack. Mainly for Vedder’s solo work, and I was blown away at the time. This is a very mellow Vedder at times, but the lyrical companions work towards pushing you into a Pearl Jam kind of mood. Over the course of several tracks, you swear that some of the songs must be Pearl Jam B-Sides, but I assure you, they are not. The lack of gusto in some of the rock compositions is proof of that. “Into The Wild” plays so well if you combine it to the movie’s central themes of adventure, isolation, life, and death. Without that companion piece in the back of my mi...

I don’t know one person that picked up the Jakob Dylan record from 2010. In fact, I have recommended it to a lot of people. “Women and Country” came out in 2010 and I was impressed with the change of pace for the singer. The band The Wallflowers being as big as they were, I figured that Dylan would be putting out another rock record, but that’s not the case with this one. This falls in line with the work his dad was doing, and really impressed me at first mention. I was really into Neko Case in 2009 – 2010, listening to anything I could get my hands on from her. I saw that Jakob Dylan had her singing on “Nothing But The Whole Wide World” live on late night , and I was immediately sold on getting the record. Dylan does well to promote that country vibe here, and the topics of “Women and Country” flow through the same kind of roots that you’d expect from Dylan, Cash, and Nelson. The laid back vocal style of Dylan works very well here, and the band is stellar backing his lyrical elem...

Philip Masorti is a name you’re going to hear come through a lot, because with “Into The Woods”, the singer songwriter is poised to become a big name in music. It’s with this release, that you get an incredible rush of emotions coming at you. This folk, country record is an outstanding release with a lot of lyrical elements to share. Masorti finds a way to tell you a simple story, and with each line, make it far more vivid, and at times more complex than anything you’re probably listening to right now. It’s a testament to the prowess he has as a song writer. It’s with “Bridges on 80” that the story telling really hits, and then never pulls away. The opening track “One World” is grand, but it’s the second track that you settle in to something altogether unique. With “Into The Woods”, you really have a cinematic story on your hands. If you let this come over you in the stillness of night, you’re going to find a lot of balance between emotional lyricism and great musicianship. The son...

It was last July that I first was introduced to Susto. If you didn’t read my review of their release from last year, then you need to go see it now. I’ll wait. Go HERE . I am a fan of music. I’m a fan of Susto, and now that I’m in the Midwest, I may be able to finally see them perform. But before I get to a show, I wanted to review their latest release. They have a live record out called “Live From The Australian Country Music Hall of Fame” and I love it. That’s right, this release came hitting hard, under the radar of most, but it’s such a powerful live performance. If you’re familiar with the songs from the previous record, then you already know some of these. However, there’s subtle touches, guest performers, and a live, living room feel to the record that makes you reminisce a little. You’re going to want to pour yourself a shot of whiskey, because this will put you in an introspective mood. When you hear the powerhouse of “Black Jesus featuring Johnny Delaware”, "County...

Best Album Art of 2015! As far as creative bands are concerned, The Bloody Jug Band just hit my radar with full force. This type of alternative rock music is one of the reasons why I love music in the first place. With their release of “Rope Burn”, they truly put down a record that is going to be on my top 10 records of 2015. It starts off a bit slow with “Volfkiller”, then it spirals out of control with some amazing elements. Mixing strong guitar driven melodies, interesting narratives in the lyrics, and strong vocals, this is a record that opens up like a horror movie and comes through with grindhouse precision, only a bit more polished. There’s a “country” vibe that you get from some of the tracks, but it seems to be more in the way the lyrics are delivered. Strong and story filled, you are going to want to close your eyes and pay attention to the words. There’s a lot going on here, a story that is very easy to follow with each hand. A strong blues and country mix with strong ...

Miriam Crespo got me, right in the heart with this track. This folk, country, rock tune is such a good mix of music. It’s got a real folk sound, but with an indie push that reminds me a bit of Neko Case, but a bit more mature in sound. This is a very heart filled website, and it’s the first track from the artist’s upcoming record. This is a strong song full of emotion. It tells a story, and it paints you a picture. It’s as though someone is there with you, talking to you about the world around them. I found myself having to listen to this track several times as the overall emotion poured through the lyrics. There’s always something unique about folk and country singers, especially when you start to break down the overall flow of their vocals and connect the dots of their backing bands. Miriam Crespo’s vocals flow nicely over the eclectic band that gives you several notes to float on. I love the interludes, the notes, and the vocals which all connect to the soul. I love it. “Thi...

John Neal is an artist from Little Rock, Arkansas and upon listening to his latest self-titled release, I can truly say I’m a fan. His new record is out now and fuses together a southern rock gospel that is going to completely blow you away. (Not gospel as in religious, but you know the blues/rock sound) Whatever the case is, this is one hell of a release and it definitely deserves to get cranked up. It’s hard hitting from the opening track “Mexico City” through the last track of “Call on Me”. Diving into the roots of blues music and bring out some stellar rock is hard for even established artists, but John Neal makes it seem easy. Bring together the best parts of several genres, the presentation on the record is quite good. It has a country tinge, but it’s not country, it has a rock feel but it’s not just pure rock, it’s built on solid song structure, good lyrical elements, and just plays through like a crossover record right out of CMT. Don’t misunderstand though, there’s more ...

Joe Con’s latest effort “I Choose You” is an ep that mashes a lot of genres together to form one of the most satisfying records that I’ve heard in a while. It’s hard to fit this one into one area, but it’s definitely going to find fans across several genres. There’s a little bit of country, rock, alternative, hip hop, and other elements moving fast within the songs. It’s based on acoustic guitar entries, but it’s built and layered with more as the lyrics come in and the singing builds a bridge between the listener and the words that Joe Con illustrates. The lyrics are good here, they paint a good story, they are like country music’s finest in many ways. However, it’s not limited to that genre and it really isn’t the same as you would expect, even though you feel it at times, including during some of the parts of “Said and Done”. There’s a more contemporary feel to the tracks so it’s hard to place Joe Con in a box. Just when you think you’ve figured the work out, you get hit with a ...

Storytelling and music go hand in hand, especially when dealing with country music. Billy Roberts and The Rough Riders take that to a whole new level on their latest release, “The Last of the Originals”. From the opening lines and singing on this record, through some stand out tracks, you are going to be floored by the way things open up to tell you about a new world of ideas. This is not your grandfather’s country music, and it’s not what you hear on the radio, this is true storytelling and it’s done with such a flair, that you’re going to be kicking yourself for not listening to this sooner. The record starts out with a great rocking feel on “Mrs Jones” and it doesn’t let up. There’s a slight twang here and there, but for the most part, this is a rock record with country roots throughout. The storytelling really changes everything here and it’s something that you’re going to absolutely love when you listen up. The lyrics really compliment the song’s structures and gives you a goo...

There is a simplicity to the music that J.P. Kallio emerges with on his latest release “Tell My Darling”. The lyrics create a grand display, but the music is toned down, simple, and yet there’s a slow dichotomy, one that is complex in nature. The duality of complexity in imagery and musical inspiration collides to make a fascinating end result. I love the lines in the songs, including the track “They Don’t Make Them Anymore Like That”, as it is a stand out track that speaks volumes. The toned down nature of this record is introspective, almost like a worship album, tribute to art, it’s intriguing as you unravel the album as a whole. It’s on “Soul” that you have to turn up your speakers and really pay attention. The subtlety of the intro mixed with the moving lyrics begin to paint you the picture of a larger scale. It’s masterful in the way it’s presented, comes through to showcase the talent of J.P. Kallio’s guitar work, and melodies. This song truly magnifies the “Tell My Darling”...

There are a lot of country acts that try to put together music and most of it is awful. It’s one of the most oversaturated music genres, but when a star shines, they transcend the label and play music that is highly accessible beyond just the country moniker. That’s exactly what Doug Briney does on this record, which starts off with one of the catchiest songs I’ve heard in a while. “Super Country Cowboy” is funny, moving, and full of life. I found myself singing along by the second minute, and I’m not the biggest fan of country. There’s something to this, and I can even see myself doing a little dance to it in the shower, it has that kind of swagger, and yes, I amuse myself with these ideas. Briney’s flow of lyrics is iconic here, and it’s the type of song that is never going to leave your head once you start humming and singing along. From the opener that just rocks hard, you get 8 more tracks (9 total) of country music and rock and roll gusto. Doug Briney puts together stories an...

Marshall Dane comes out swinging with his latest release “One of These Days” and it’s a powerful record from start to finish. The mix of country and rock is definitely felt with the opening track, and definitely catches you off guard. The opening song, “Take You Home to Mama” really is a powerful punch of a song, and it just gets better. It’s a hefty mix here, you get both country and rock themes, with a powerful pop sensibility that you don’t always get when you mix the genres. I haven’t heard a mix this well in a long time, and I’ve heard a lot of attempts recently. The stand out opening track opens up to more with “Stay Up Late”, “One of These Days”, “Living It up”, “Why Can’t I Leave”, and more. The 12 songs that make up this record really flow well, and while I picked out those tracks in particular to mention, I can truly tell you that this is a record you want to listen through whole. I love the individual tracks, but there’s something absolutely compelling about the story te...

Traditional country sounds aren’t always booming through my speakers, but when an artist comes around that catches my attention, I don’t discriminate. Susto does something that few artists manage to do today, and that’s release a crossover album that is absolutely stunning. Susto’s self-titled album is one of the best things I’ve heard that mixes genres from rock to country in a very interesting manner. It reminds me of Hank III mixed with 238 and it’s a solid album that features some great sing along lyrics, and some interesting compositions. The first song captured my attention right away, and I was thrilled to hear the rest. “Black River Gospel” immediately became part of my daily rotation as it is by far one of the best opening songs on any release I’ve heard so far in 2014. I love the lyrics, I love the message, and I can envision the story that is presented through the song. It’s a catchy tune, it’s one of my favorite songs from Susto or any other artist thus far this year. ...

 Ed Roman’s record caught me off guard. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the release of “Letters From High Latitudes” and was pleasantly surprised with the record. The latest release from this talented singer/songwriter flows through a variety of moods as it pens out a mix of songs that can easily be tagged as country, folk, and even some alternative rock vibes. From the moment you hear the rattling of your speakers to “Better Day Blues” to the moment you finish the record at “World Keeps On Turning”, you will be completely bound as a fan of Ed Roman’s mix of songs. Roman’s lyrics make you think, and if you pay attention you will catch a lot of cool references. “Electric Beauty (Distant Gods)” has to be my favorite of the tracks, including a little nod to Nikola Tesla. The whole record, however, is accessible, triumphant and definitely something that I can see myself and others appreciating over and over again. I especially like how it all flows, and is mixed together. It’s a ...

I get tired of modern music. It’s evidenced by my playlists and constant search for new records to listen to. I like old and new, but a lot of the modern stuff is boring and well, overplayed. I’m always delighted by hearing people working on music that is inspired and creative, and that’s exactly what came across my desk today. The F5 Four has released a record that is downright one of the best appealing records I’ve heard in a long time. The band’s release “Tornado Breakdown” creates a perfect summer record to share with family friends, or to put on during the holiday weekends when you’re cooking out. The musical style here is what is called prairie jazz, mixing elements and creating a rich tapestry of sound. You have solid acoustic guitar work, incredible strings, and jazzy interludes that will fit with any jazz record you have heard. The vocals make this one stand out, as they are laid back and brought together with sheer balance. In fact, there is an incredible balance to this ...

I admit, I’m new to the country world, but not as new as some of my compatriots in the alternative music world. I guess I started my journey into that market from the beginnings, and if you track it along music history you’ll find that out of jazz and blues, comes rock and country. Or rather folk, or something along those lines. To me the genres are somewhat uncharted territories, but not to say that I don’t have my favorite country albums. Mixing the two is hit or miss for me, but when it works, it really works. Mike Z Band on “Talk To Myself” does what most can’t, makes a compelling mix of genres that is rooted in blues, has country feel, and still rocks. In fact, it’s a surprise how interesting the Ep actually flows as a whole. I immediately thought Bryan Adams, but that’s because I always try to compare and contrast vocal and music styling, and that’s kind of what you get on this release. The songs are well structured and offer something for everyone. Opening up with “Wrong W...

Independent music is hit or miss a lot of the times. However, I have come across yet another incredible piece to consider. The band PHD from Northwest Georgia have put together an interesting sound. One that is not only vibrant, but eclectic all in the same breath. You’ll find that their latest release “Christmas in Dixie” is a fine example of musicianship. The group has managed to record the essence and spirit of Christmas into 5 tracks of bliss. There is a great deal of joy found here, and it shows with every strum of the guitar, and sound that you get moving through. In traditional style, but with a twist, the band produces a collaborative effort that is definitely worth a listen. Stand out tracks include “Christmas in Dixie” and “Blue Christmas” but the whole thing is definitely worth a listen. It brings up the standard of Christmas music to another notch, without being too far gone. Many times when country, rock, or even pop acts do this type of music, they change the whole sc...