Reviewed by Harry Kaplan
Don’t adjust your set! Almanack is not spelled incorrectly. The more common spelling is almanac, but this one is correct as well. Portions of this album are very reminiscent of the golden age of Neil Young. Somewhere in the Harvest and After the Gold Rush realm. That is definitely my sweet, sweet spot. (more…)
Reviewed by Harry Kaplan
This in an absolutely phenomenal album! I will scream that from the rooftop if I have to. What a refreshing mix of blues, soul, rock and roll, country, and punk. Emily is a star already as far as I am concerned. Her material is impeccable and she has a very versatile voice. As I stated, she can sing blues, soul, rock, country and punk. She is a rocker like Joan Jett and Lucinda Williams and has the talent and music to hold her own in those circles. This album should be a smash hit, but were are in the days after radio. If this were 1995, there is no question that this album would be at the top of the charts. (more…)
Reviewed by Harry Kaplan
The gospel according to Ray Wylie Hubbard. It’s time for your Sunday sermon delivered by none other than Mr. Hubbard. If Ray Wylie Hubbard were my preacher, I would never miss a week. Heck, with this album I have a built in service when I need a little religion. I am listening to every word. This album is gospel. blues, and some raw, down and dirty folk music. Blues is certainly the backbone. After all, RWH is a bonafide blues man. (more…)
Reviewed by Harry Kaplan
This Shoddy fella is one hell of a writer. He wrote all of the songs on this album, and all are extremely well written. The words of a real songwriting pro. I am listening to the words, which are thought provoking and awe inspiring, and Shoddy’s singing and it really gets me emotional. This is the real deal folks. These songs give me chills. These are the kind of songs that could be major-major hits. (more…)
The Grateful Dead used to peg the concert length to the duration of an acid trip. The reason that Dead shows got shorter wasn’t because the band personnel got older and out of shape, but because the strength of the acid was diminished over time. We shouldn’t have asked for a better Dead, but stronger acid. (more…)
Reviewed by Harry Kaplan
Sometimes you can just tell when a band is a cut above. That means that if The Yawpers were a quarterback, they would be elite with Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. It’s hard to articulate exactly what makes a band elite, but it has something to do with the great singing, great playing, and just a tightness and chemistry that is palpable. The Yawpers have got it going on. (more…)
Reviewed by Harry Kaplan
It’s pretty clear that Hoge knows what he is doing. This is his tenth studio album and he has learned a thing or two about songwriting, singing, and recording. The writing is the work of a pro. Someone with great command of the English language and the ability to phrase words in a novel way. I was truly moved by Hoge’s writing on more than a few occasions while listening. (more…)
