Tag: Honky Tonk

Wes Youssi and the Country Champs – High Diver album cover

Wes Youssi And The Country Chanps: High Diver Album Review

Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

Wow! What a great sound Wes Youssi and the Country Champs have created. These folks have created an incredible gumbo. I will try to pick out all the elements I hear: garage, psychedelic, rockabilly, blues, honky tonk, outlaw country, and early rock and roll. I’ll take a bowl for now and one for later. It seems like a lot of “stuff” to pack into an album, but Wes Youssi and company does a perfect job putting all of the influences and genres into one package that is cohesive and well played throughout.

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Nick Stockton – You Made Me Leave: The LA Demos album cover

Nick Stockton: You Made Me Leave – The LA Demos

Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

The idea that quantum theory suggests time is not linear means time is not a single, straight line moving from past to future, but may be a more complex, multi-dimensional landscape where past, present, and future are interconnected or can coexist. You Made Me Leave – The LA Demos by Nick Stockton may be the proof of this theorem. After giving this a few listens, I am firmly convinced that time is not linear or Nick has a time machine in his basement. If you told me that this album was written and recorded in 1959, I would believe you. There is nothing, other than the recording quality that would indicate that this collection was from 2025. It is authentic and genuine as possible and although conforms to old standards, sounds completely fresh and relevant today.

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Shinglers – Hit the Head album cover

Shinglers: Hit The Head! Album Review

Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

A fine release from Shinglers who hail from Austin, Texas. And it’s Shinglers, no “the.” Clearly, these fellas are very well-schooled in Texas country, rock, and blues music. All the boxes are checked: great vocals, pitch-perfect harmonies, and twang out the wazoo. You can definitely hear very strong flavors of Roy Orbison and Doug Sahm, as well as other Texas music dignitaries. Additionally, there is a strong swig of Tejano music that runs through this album like a main circuit cable, giving it a rich and diverse flavor that pays homage to the region’s musical heritage.

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Emily Love – Heart of a Fool album cover

Emily Love: Heart Of A Fool Album Review

Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

I just experienced the most incredible honky tonk tonight, and I must say it was a mesmerizing journey. The atmosphere was alive with twangy music that echoed through the air, inviting everyone to lose themselves in the rhythm. Alongside the captivating melodies, the venue offered an array of cheap American beer, enhancing the rustic charm. The smoky dance floor became a sanctum of joyous energy, where people moved in unison, swept away by the music.

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Dry Lightning – Bathymetry album cover

Dry Lightning: Bathymetry Album Review

Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

There are a few certainties in life: death, taxes, and if Patrick Storedahl is working on a musical project, it’s going to be great. Whether it’s solo work or collaborations, they are all top-notch. His latest project, Dry Lightning, is no different. I’m absolutely dumbfounded by how infectious and just flat-out beautiful this album is. Kate Masterson, the lead vocalist, has an amazing voice that is major label worthy. That’s no exaggeration. Kate wrote or co-wrote, with Patrick Storedahl, all of the songs on this release. All songs are crafted with the utmost precision. Many genres are represented on Bathymetry, from country to rock, rhythm and blues, and 90’s alternative, which creates a rich tapestry of sound.

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