Ravishers - Ravishers

The Ravishers - The Ravishers

2011, Timber Carnival Records

Portland, Oregon rockers TheRavishers are about to invade your ear space. Catchy tunes, well-honedsongwriting and an acute attention to detail help The Ravishers grab yourattention; the energy of their lives shows maintains that attention and turnsit into ardor. It's no surprise that some of that energy should carry over intoThe Ravishers, the band's full-length debut album. Comprised ofwriter/vocalist Dominic Castillo, guitarist Jonathan Barker and a rotating castof characters, The Ravishers appear ready to turn the Pacific Northwest upsidedown and head out to conquer America.

The Ravishers set out with "I'm Him"; a song sounds like itcould have been co-written by Lyle Lovett and Elvis Costello. Low key butcatchy, the song mixes a vague Americana sound with distinctive popsensibility. "You Have It" mixes a quiet, singer/songwriter stylewith wonderfully jangly guitar-rock sounds. Don't expect to escape this songfor the rest of the day once it's entered your brain. "The Chase"gets caught up in its own repetition, while "Cruel Love" is a bedrockalbum track dealing with the cycle of being lost in unrequited love."Underachievers" is an intriguing musical allegory of itself. Thearrangement is almost haphazard and messy; not ambitious enough to be calledGarage Rock but certainly showing the intent.

"Keep You Around" is ahalf-enthused love song, with an intriguing alto voice joining the mix. The mixof voices works well over the minimalist rock arrangement. "My Thoughts OfKillers" are a catchy, yet low-key bit of anti-pop madness. The guitarpart becomes more and more disconnected as the song progresses, with the entiresong deconstructing into disparate parts at the end. "Lesson InLeaving" features an anachronistic arrangement that intrigues with strongguitar work. The Ravishers plod their way through "How I Feel AboutYou", but recover with the impressive pop song craft of "Nobody FallsIn Love Anymore". The chorus here is absolutely amazing, and the melody ofthis hidden gem shines. The Ravishers close solidly with "Happening",an intensely driven yet reserved rocker that's big on energy but constrained indelivery.

Mainstream media and pop outletstend to ignore Indie pop and rock acts in favor of the canned drivel that isoften the result of major label recording contracts, but The Ravishers aregoing to be hard to ignore. The Ravishers put a bit of the fun back into rockand roll, and as musical talents they are definitely on the map. TheRavishers has its moments of musical pleasure and pain, but this is thesort of debut that builds anticipation for the future.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more at www.ravisherstheband.com or www.myspace.com/ravishers. 

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Spectacle: Elvis Costello With... Season 2

Spectacle: Elvis Costello with... - Season Two
2011, MVD Entertainment Group

Music fans unaware of Spectacle: Elvis Costello with... are missing out on one of the best music oriented shows on television.  Currently shown in Canada, Spectacle has consistently drawn big name artists to the small screen for sit down chats and memorable performances, both solo and with Elvis Costello and the Imposters.  MVD Entertainment Group recently released Season Two of Spectacle in the form of a 2-DVD set.  Season Two features interviews with and performances by such artists as Bono and The Edge, Sheryl Crow, Bruce Springsteen, Lyle Lovett, Richard Thompson, Nick Lowe, Ray LaMontagne, Neko Case and Mary-Louise Parker.

Spectacle has been honored with an EMMY nomination and a Gemini award as the Best Talk Series, and it's no surprise.  The artists who appear on Spectacle let down their guard speaking with Costello in a way that rarely happens on traditional talk television, and the musical performances are a real treat for fans.  Season Two features a special double episode Bruce Springsteen.  Special features include a special behind the scenes feature entitled Elvis Costello With... Inside Notes, and four bonus performances from Elvis Costello and his guests.  Costello is an engaging host throughout season two, keeping the format fresh with offbeat conversations and some truly wonderful musical moments.  Costello has managed to create a near-perfect television forum for music makers and music fans.  This is the rare television series you might find yourself actually watching again and again.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Spectacle at www.spectacletv.com.  Spectacle: Elvis Costello With...  Season 2 is available from Amazon.com on DVD and Blu-ray.

John Shipe - Villain

John Shipe - Villain
2010, Involushun Records

Villain opens with "Lion", an interesting reflection on culpability, responsibility and choices.  Delivered in a folk style, Villain displays a story-teller's flair and an aurally pleasing voice that calls to mind thoughts of Paul Simon and Elvis Costello.  "Villain" finds Shipe exploring the human tendency to root for the bad guy, whether in romance, movies or real world events.  It's a cute bit of songwriting, displaying a sense of wit that will appeal to fans of Lyle Lovett and Randy Newman.  "Love Belongs To Everyone" invokes images of a melancholy Elvis Costello, as Shipe engages in a good old fashioned dose of mutual self-pity.

Shipe entertains guest, and 2010 Wildy's World Artist of the Year Halie Loren in a duet on "Hard To Believe", an intriguingly sad love song.  Shipe sticks to his easy-going vocal style, while Loren offers a gorgeous husky alto sound to the mix.  The best moments come when Shipe and Loren blend their voices in harmony; the dichotomy of their respective sounds blends almost in spite of their distinct differences.  "What Right Do We Have To Fall In Love?" finds Shipe exploring the dysfunctions of love from the other side of the looking glass.  It's a unique perspective that works well.  Shipe deeps dig into romantic dysfunction with "Another Disaster", creating an incredibly catchy pop song in the process.  The comparisons to Costello are never stronger than they are here, and never more well deserved.  You'll be hearing this one in your head at inopportune times for days.

"No Use Crying Over A Spilt Life" blends apt, intelligent, lyrical prose with a thoughtful singer/songwriter arrangement that waxes and wanes with the emotional angst of the song.  This might be Shipe's finest songwriting to date.  "Dead Kite" is an emotional still life, a musical monologue written from the edge of a relationship's abyss.  Shipe examines the carnage from outside for the first time, waxing poetic on what drew him and what finally drove him away.  Villain closes with "Feel Good Song", a subtly cynical exploration of humanity's ability to make themselves feel better by burying themselves in ideas and reminiscences of the past and using them as an excuse for inaction in the present.  Shipe's focus here is religion, but may not be an outright attack on faith so much as an attack on people's desire to hide behind it.

John Shipe attacks social constructs with shadows and light on Villain, exploring the human weaknesses that drive mankind to do bad things rather than berating humanity for being anything other than it's cut out to be.  Shipe mixes cynicism and hope in unlikely measures while invoking thoughts of Paul Simon, Randy Newman, Lyle Lovett and Elvis Costello across the eleven songs presented on Villain.  The album is somehow more than the sum of its parts.  While Shipe's songwriting and musicianship are worthy of note, he possesses a quiet cult of personality that occasionally raises his performances to sublime.  There are certainly some quiet moments on Villain, but those quiet moments fade with successive listens.  This is one Villain that will grow on you.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about John Shipe at www.johnshipe.com or www.myspace.com/johnshipemusic.  Villain is available from Amazon.com as a CD or Download.  The album is also available from iTunes.

Bradford Monk & The Foggy Hogtown Boys – Bradford Monk & The Foggy Hogtown Boys

Bradford Monk & The Foggy Hogtown Boys – Bradford Monk & The Foggy Hogtown Boys
2011, Bradford Monk & The Foggy Hogtown Boys

Bradford Monk is a Canadian-born singer/songwriter known for his depth and honesty.  Monk has three albums under his belt, playing in the realm of Americana (rock, traditional country and occasionally gospel).  Like many who travel this path, it’s only a matter of time before they stumble into bluegrass.  Monk doesn’t so much stumble as dance through the door in early 2011, teaming up with Toronto’s The Foggy Hogtown Boys to release the appropriately named Bradford Monk & The Foggy Hogtown Boys. 

Monk opens with the solid country/bluegrass tune”Suzanne”, an attempt to ply a lady away from her beau.  The song is sweet in its approach to a love unrequited.  “Maybe Baby” is a charming love song with a melody that will sneak up on you and get stuck in your grille.  The gentle country arrangement and backing vocals are all perfect touches.  “Hold On Darling” will get people out of their seats.  Monk explores a relationship that continually falls apart because he’s in love with the girl but doesn’t know how to be in love.  The picking and fiddle work here are dizzying.  “Rosie” is a touching number from a man who has seen his wife pass on.  It’s a love song and a prayer asking to join his one true love even it means passing beyond the veil.  This is an amazing bit of songwriting; emotionally moving and insightful beyond words.

“I’m Alright” is raucous bluegrass that’s danceable and even mixes in a bit of gospel feel in the process.  The song is about getting back to the simple and important things in life.  Fiddler John Showman and banjo player Chris Collins turn the world upside down on this tune.  “Bringing Coal” is a story-song about love, allegiances and even adultery.  The vocal harmonies show a touch of high lonesome sound in a more modern setting; the sound is stunning.  “The Cowboy And Pearl” is the story of a rodeo rider and his second love; the one who becomes the most important in his life after his career is ended by a tragic injury.  Chris Coole’s guitar work adds a mournful that’s starkly beautiful.  “Titanic (When The Great Ship Goes Down)” is a classic shipwreck tune done in traditional bluegrass/gospel style.  The song is a fun listen in spite of the dark subject matter, and sits well alongside traditional bluegrass material. 

“Love And War” sticks to a simple form that allows The Foggy Hogtown Boys show off their instrumental genius around and between Monk’s lyrics.  This is one of those tunes you simply can’t still for.  “Remember Everyday” is a down-home love song about the deepest of devotion.  Don’t be surprised to hear “Remember Everyday” used as a country wedding song, whether in movies or in real life.  “Sweet Mary” is a minimalist love song; an outstanding bit of songwriting laced with hints of innuendo.  Monk may remind you a bit of Lyle Lovett here; and it’s a comparison that will hit home with real weight.  While Monk’s sense of humor isn’t, perhaps, quite as bizarre as Lovett’s; there are certainly parallels in their ability to craft a story or bring a character to life in their songs.  Monk closes with a live take on “Too Much Talkin’ Not Enough Drinkin’”, a song that explores being with a girl who talks too much.  A pure blend of honky-tonk and bluegrass, “Too Much Talkin’ And Not Enough Drinkin’” is pure fun, and The Foggy Hogtown Boys go to town on this one in support of Monk.

Bradford Monk continues to develop as an artist; broadening the scope of his songwriting without losing the essential character of his music.  Bradford Monk & The Foggy Hogtown Boys is inspirational, keeping a traditional bluegrass sound alive in modern songs that sit well in any area.  After hearing Bradford Monk And The Foggy Hogtown Boys for the first time you’ll run to your computer and check to see if they’re coming to your town.  If you’re lucky, they will be.  Bradford Monk is the sort of songwriter we’ll still be talking about twenty years from now, and The Foggy Hogtown Boys are one of the finest bluegrass outfits in North America.  This album is a match made in heaven.

Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Bradford Monk at http://www.bradfordmonk.blogspot.com/ or http://www.bradfordmonk.com/.  Bradford Monk & The Foggy Hogtown Boys is available digitally from both Amazon.com and iTunes.

Jason D. Williams - Killer Instincts

Jason D. Williams - Killer Instincts

2010, Rockabilly Records

Jason D. Williams has been making hit records out of other people's songs for fifteen years.  Going into the studio with producer Todd Snider in early 2010, Williams was initially content with the same old approach.  When he and Snider got together something magical happened.  Snider was so impressed with Williams' ability to create spontaneous songs and poetry that this ability became the central focus of their time together.  It wasn't long before the covers were out the window and an album of nearly-improvised original work was in the works.  Joined by The Georgia Satellites' Dan Baird and Keith Christopher, Jason D. Williams has turned out the most inspired work of his career.  The resulting album, Killer Instincts, drops on October 26, 2010.

Whoever knew Jason D. Williams would sound like Lyle Lovett with a mean streak?  Williams touches on early rock n roll, rockabilly, rhythm and blues and gospel in one of the most surprising and original releases of the year.  Killer Instincts opens with "Just Like Jerry Lee", casting aspersions on rumors about Williams' being Jerry Lee's son.  It's a humorous rhythm and blues/early rock turn that plays off of Lewis' signature piano style.  "Big Red Green One" was inspired by a random phrase written on tape in the studio and finds reality and fantasy blending in Williams' off-center recounting of his touring life.  It's great songwriting that plays on the edge of madness, taunting the tendrils of insanity with each leap and bound.  "If You Ever Saw A Baby With It's Pud" was written on a dare from Snider that challenged Williams to write entirely freestyle (like in rap music).  The tune is fragmented and funny, mixing irreverence and respect in head-spinning fashion.

"You Look Like I Could Use A Drink" is snarky and fun; an entertaining and danceable bit of rowdy, barrelhouse rock n roll.  "Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee" is a drinking tune done in an old-school rock n roll style that's perfect for last call.  "Daddy's Lil Punkin" is a cute riff on a dysfunctional father-daughter relationship that leads into the entertaining caricature "White Trash Wife".  Williams slips into his boogie-woogie shoes for "What Am I Gonna Do", a love song that will have you wishing you knew how to jitterbug.  It's a great tune, virulently catchy and certain to get stuck in your noggin.  "Really Really Pretty" is pure braggadocio, with Williams mooning/boasting over his girlfriend.

"Sanctified" blends gospel and rock, a crazy song of irreverent reverence with a classic-style call-and-response chorus.  It's highly entertaining and very above-board on the face, but there's a rebellious undertone here that becomes more glaring on "Mr. Jesus".  Here Williams offers an irreverent-bordering-on-blasphemous prayer from a sinner who is down to his last straw.  Williams takes listeners on a neo-classical excursion on "Yes I Can", an inspiring and magical solo-piano rant that will remind you (in case you forgot) just how talented the man is on the keys.  Killer Instincts closes with "To Hell With You", a love song to drinking buddies and reminder that the road to depravity is a slippery slope best enjoyed with friends.  It's a great closer, certain to be repeated at bars and clubs all over the map.

John Steinbeck said "the best laid plans of mice and man sometimes run amok"; sometimes it's these moments that create the greatest flashes of inspiration and magic.  Jason D. Williams proves the point on Killer Instincts, his most impressive and noteworthy album to date.   In spite of the novel approach and Williams ever-present sense of irony, Killer Instincts is anything but a novelty record.  This is rock n roll, raw and pure, with the energy that early purveyors of the genre found and a modern irreverence and sensibility that thumbs its nose in the face of expectations.  Williams mixes up styles, sounds and expectations with Killer Instincts, but in the process, at least for a short time, Jason D. Williams is rock and roll.  Killer Instincts is a Wildy's World Certified Desert Island Disc.

Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)

 Learn more about Jason D. Williams at http://www.rockinjasondwilliams.com/ or www.myspace.com/rockinjdw.  Killer Instincts drops October 26, 2010.  You can-preorder the CD from Amazon.com.

David Silva - Moorpark Oasis

David Silva - Moorpark Oasis

2010, Moorpark Song

David Silva was on a path to a career in music in 1985 when he became a father and his priorities changed.  Living in New York City at the time, Silva returned to his native California with his burgeoning family and pursued the American dream.  Twenty years later Silva heard the call, and pulled his guitar out to play.  He hasn't looked back, playing at numerous venues in northern California over the past five years.  Now comes Moorpark Oasis; Silva's debut album is a collection of songs he's written over the years.  Silva's songwriting style and smooth delivery have garnered him comparisons to artists such as John Prine, Lyle Lovett and Loudon Wainwright III. 

Moorpark Oasis opens with “Guitars & Shady Ladies”, Silva’s take on the good life.  The song is entertaining, autobiographical and funny; a look at how he got to where he is in life.  The song is catchy with a great melody.  “Garlic” looks back on a relationship past with longing and regret.  It’s a paean to the little things we carry away from us, and the things that can touch our lives even years later.  “Coffee Shop” is a love song full of deep experience and emotion.  Silva’s arrangement is haunting and lovely.  “September Bride” is a wonderfully descriptive vignette, almost a Rockwellian perspective in music.  Silva’s words craft images that live in your mind.  “Blessing” is a song about the gifts that fill our lives, many of which we never realize.  “It Will All Be Perfect” offers the stark perspective of one in an abusive relationship.  The song is a bit unsettling in its honesty and well written.  Silva closes with “Life Is Good”, the celebration of the end of a relationship where she tried to change him. The song is funny and entertaining, turning anger into comedic commentary.

David Silva combines humor and honesty on Moorpark Oasis, wrapping them up in catchy and memorable folk arrangements.  Silva entertains without histrionics or flash; just a guy and his guitar and a wealth of life experience delivered with a twist of wit and a mischievous grin. Moorpark Oasis comes with high recommendations.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about David Silva at www.daveworldonline.com

dave@daveworldonline.com.  Moorpark Oasis is available as a CD or Download from Amazon.com.  A digital version is also available via iTunes.

Gilli Moon - The Stillness

Gilli Moon - The Stillness
2010, Warrior Girl Music

Gilli Moon started down the Indie Path ten years ago, when few knew what that meant. The Italian Born, Australian-raised Los Angeles resident started her own label, Warrior Girl Music, and has made a career not only of her own music but by producing and releasing the music of other prominent young artists. Along the way, Moon has released a number of highly-lauded albums on her own. 2010 sees Moon return with her sixth, The Stillness, a highly personal and melodic set of tunes about learning to live with yourself and the world around you.

The Stillness opens with "A Conversation With Me", a son of self-assurance and perspective. The song reflects a realization that we have all the tools within ourselves to become what we want to be. Moon's voice is lovely, blending textures and colors with tremendous tone and a soulful feel. "Be" is an idealist pop love song about giving yourself completely. Moon's performance here is splendid, but the spoken word/rap added messes with the song's mojo and sounds horribly contrived. "Outside In" explores intertwining your life with another in trite terms and has an almost whiney feel that seems to run counter to its message.

Moon takes on an R&B vibe on "The Stillness", a song of distinctive melancholy that revolves around a highly repetitive chorus. "Moon" goes for an ethereal air, recalling artists such as Enya or Maryen Cairns. Things get a bit surreal on "Days In November", a song of remembrance built in layered electronic instrumentation. While expecting some emotional content, the listener is greeted with a flat, low-energy recitation that is hard to square with the lyrics. "Moon" gets it right on "Cling On", stripping the arrangement down to herself and her guitar in one of the best performances on the album. Moon's style here is unaffected; pure communication in song via a simple and pretty melody line.

"Secret Of My Heart" shows a balladeer's touch in a song seeking truth and love. This sounds like the sort of song Celine Dion likes to claim for her own. "Silent Prophet" seeks the counsel of that still quiet voice that dwells in each of us, whatever you may choose to call it. This quiet moment of introspection opens into the final tune "I Can Touch The Sun". Moon closes on the same positive plane she opened with, emphasizing the melody line and vocal harmonies amidst scant instrumentation.

Gilli Moon has a very enjoyable voice what works best in open arrangements. When she sticks to this approach The Stillness shines. Moon appears to have embraced the post-genre ethic however, and some of the musical sidebars she takes here are less than optimal for her voice. On the whole, The Stillness is worth spending some time on. There may be an occasional song to skip, but her voice alone is worth the trip.

Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Gilli Moon at http://www.warriorgirlmusic.com/ or www.myspace.com/gillimoon. The Stillness is available on CD from Warrior Girl Music.  Amazon.com has the album as both a CD and Download.  Digital copies are available through iTunes.