Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

I am a sucker for a good cover song. Not just a copy, though. It has to resemble the original, but be distinctive enough to stand on its own. That can be a tall order for songs that are considered classics. That’s because we have these songs deeply etched in our memories and subconscious. When I hear such a song, it usually blows me away. That was the case with Full Moon Light’s version of Angel From Montgomery (Track 8). Everyone is familiar with the John Prine original and the Bonnie Raitt cover, but this version by Full Moon Light will give them a run for their money. The chorus almost has a heavy metal anthem feel to it, but it works oh so well. (more…)

Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

Wow! Mr. Jones is a heavy hitter. His music is sublime with very thought provoking lyrics being delivered by a raspy but tuneful voice. He is also a great guitar player and it really enhances his singing. Some of these solo troubadours play guitar just well enough to get by. But Mr. Jones is a very fine picker and his playing actually adds a very nice element to his wonderful songs. (more…)

Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

These fellas from New Castle – New South Wales, Australia have it down. They got the perfect sound and timing for this rockabilly thang they got going on. They play loud, fast, and clean. This music isn’t breaking new ground, but it sure is fun and enjoyable to listen to. You can certainly get that old rock and roll feeling but these guys have modernized their sound to make it a little edgier. You can definitely hear the Stray Cats in their music; however, the vocals are quite different. The playing is a little bit more aggressive as well. (more…)

Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

Every once in a while, music comes along that is a game changer. Something that is so unique and special that it actually rewrites the criteria of the genre or completely creates a new genre. I am not sure whether this rewrites Americana or creates a genre no one has ever heard of yet. Either way, this is a game changer. It is bluesy, “dirgy” (not sure if that is a word, but it is now), and just astounding.  (more…)

Reviewed by Jonathan DeWoskin

Oh man, I didn’t think I’d be back this quickly. Harry shot me an email. My mission, “if I choose to accept it”, is to review a new band out of Frankenmuth, Michigan that just dropped their new EP.  He said, “I think you will like this. Yes it sounds a lot like Led Zeppelin, but I actually like that.” I gave the tracks a listen and went to bed with Highway Tune lingering in my head.  A good sign. (more…)

Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

My kind of country music. Great writing, superb vocals, pitch perfect harmonies, and just the right amount of irreverence. Vandoliers know how to be rowdy without making the music too loud or too chaotic. They are experts at playing loud and fast while still keeping a good song structure and not sacrificing any music or vocal quality. In other words, these guys are consummate professionals. (more…)

Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

This is my second review of Fort Defiance. I reviewed Worry Has No Home in December 2016. I found them through a promotion I ran in ReverbNation and in both instances, Fort Defiance rose to the top as one of the best acts that submitted music. The Haunts of Youth is every bit as good as Worry Has No Home but the style has changed. This collection has a bit of a Gothic feel to it, probably because of the fiddles that seem to be playing some morose music. Don’t let that description dissuade you in any way. It is unique, well executed, and completely sincere. It is hard to ask for more from a band or artist. (more…)

Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

Another astounding release that came to me. I am doing a promotion on ReverbNation and The Lonesome Souls were one of the acts that submitted music. I was immediately floored by their songs. And lo and behold, they also have a brand spankin’ new album out called Wild Child that was just released on May 9. 2017. The Lonesome Souls hail from Cookeville, TN, which is 80 miles east of Nashville. Matt Mooney- vocals/guitar; Doug Cowan- vocals/harp; Brian Emerton- guitar; and, Geoff James- bass/drums are the blood and guts of The Lonesome Souls. 
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Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

This is the first Wooden Wand album since 2014. Wooden Wand is one of many projects by the prolific singer/songwriter and philosopher, James Jackson Toth. It’s hard to predict which genre Toth will adopt when he is in the concept phase of an album. One thing is certain, whatever direction he goes in, the album will be high quality and executed with the perfection of someone where “almost” isn’t in their vocabulary. Toth is one of the most prolific songwriters and composers I know. I don’t know when he has time to do anything except for write, record, and perform. He must never sleep.  (more…)