Originally published by L.S.Media. October 25th 2009.
If there is a band that has been under the music radar for too long then it has to be Birmingham based extreme metal band Esoteric. Having been around since the early days of 1992 it is interesting to hear the last album that was released by the band on the Seasons of Mist label.
Originally published by L.S. Media. November 6th 2009.
I don’t often claim to be fairly ignorant about a band or music, unless it is something I have gone completely out of my way to avoid such genres as opera or ballet or even most of the 90’s pop scene, but to my shame one band that escaped and passed me by was the Saw Doctors. It is with regret that this happened as I find myself really enjoying the brand new album To Win Just Once-The best of The Saw Doctors.
Originally published by L.S. Media. August 31st 2012.
L.S. Media Rating ***
Say what you like about Alanis Morissete, most people do have an opinion on the Canadian singer/songwriter, however the music world is better for her being in it, even if it with the odd song or quirky look at life in which inhabits. From Jagged Little Pill to the new album Havoc and Bright Lights, she remains someone eminently listenable to and as desired as well made Sunday dinner, even if you can’t stomach it all because there is too much stuffing served alongside it.
Originally published by L.S. Media. November 27th 2009.
After what seemed an eternity without a new Tori Amos album, two come along within a year. Midwinter Graces is Tori’s first attempt at a seasonal offering and in her usual way of doing these things, it works. It is a return to form after her disappointing debut album for Universal Republic, the critically loved but fan- slated Abnormally Attracted To Sin earlier in the year.
Originally published by L.S. Media. November 27th 2009.
The ultimate good time band from Texas have once more come up with the goods and delivered an album that will make music critics cringe but delight their legion of fans around the world.
Unashamedly entitled Sorry For Partyin’, the album contains thirteen normal tracks and five bonus ones, just in case there isn’t enough Soup in the bowl for you.
The band have been around for long now that it could be considered impolite to say boys when referring to the foursome but there is something rather charming and cool about this band and their ways that boyish suits them perfectly.
Originally published by L.S. Media. November 30th 2009.
The new studio album by Welsh rockers Stereophonics, Keep Calm and Carry On should be just another album title in the annals of rock history, a very good record that deserves much plaudits and admiration but has been unfairly been dismissed by some music critics. However the band deserve sincere praise for their skill and tenacity in recording an album that is eclectic, heart-warming and full of hidden back stories which seem very personal to the band .
Originally published by L.S. Media. January 26th 2010.
Great Things is the new and aptly named studio album by the likeable and genial Liverpudlian, Ian Mcnabb. In the four years since his last album, much has changed for his beloved city during that time and it se
ems that the change has rubbed off on Ian’s music and lyric writing.
The new album is an enjoyable treat of eclectic songs that cross over several different styles in a very easy and effortless way. Opening with the title track Great Things, Ian takes the listener on a detailed tour of his thoughts and musings. It certainly is simple to see why Ian’s music has continued to be popular as his use of comfortable guitar playing belies the emotions that are always just below the surface.
Originally published by L.S. Media. February 1st 2010.
After an absence of more than two decades away from the music scene, Jimmy Rae has returned with a debut solo album and has hit gold. Wonderfully titled Deliverance, Jimmy seems to play on his time away and has recorded an album that is strong, sincere and a joy to listen to.
For those who have not heard of Jimmy Rae, the last time he graced our ears was when he was part of the Reverb Brothers, a band who were highly rated by radio’s Janice Long at the time.
Originally published by L.S. Media. February 3rd 2010.
When good things come round, they tend to come round in pairs, cup final tickets, bacon and eggs for example but in the case of music it can only be a new album and a tour at the same time. This mouth watering prospect is on offer from the stalwarts of the business and all round good guys The Stranglers.
With the exception of Chicken Foot they don’t tend to make super groups of note anymore, but in Transatlantic and their new studio album The Whirlwind, the rock world can breathe a sigh of relief.
Drawing on the strengths of Neil Morse (ex Spocks Beard), Dream Theater’s drummer Mike Portnoy, Roine Stolt from the Flower Kings on guitars and Marillion’s bass player, Pete Trewavas, the band’s first album in eight years is an recording that screams excellence.
From the opening track of Overture/Whirlwind, music lovers are treated to 77 minutes of interesting musical arrangements, genuinely thoughtful lyrics and desire to please fans, old and new.