Tag: pedal steel

Brother Townshend Heavy Hands album cover

Album Review: Brother Townsend (Heavy Hands)

Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

Four songs and the release clocks in at 24 minutes. Having four rather long songs is quite an undertaking, but Brother Townsend rises to the occasion. An unconventional melding of blues, pop, rock, cosmic country, and psychedelia is the signature of this release. What it may give up in quantity, it more than makes up for in quality. All four songs are expertly crafted. Discipline is also the operative word here. While the album is entitled “Heavy Hands,” the production, mixing, and engineering is surprisingly light and ambient. Lots of open space to let the listener reflect on the music without being overwhelmed with production gimmicks. All the instrumentation is spot on and the fills, while sometimes understated, are all in the right place at the right time. It is hard to keep a listener engaged for six-plus minutes of a song but Brother Townsend executes perfectly.

(more…)

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.

(more…)

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.

(more…)

Barry Walker Unit – At the 13th Moon Gravity Well album cover

Barry Walker Unit – At The 13th Moon Gravity Well Album Review

Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

Sun Ra exclaimed, “space is the place,” and I think he was on to something profound. The Barry Walker Unit seems to live in a realm that is not just physical but ethereal and nebulous. They challenge the very concept of structure in music and flirt with chaos; in doing so, they create new lines and new borders that have yet to be defined. Their sound, infused with unique twang and innovative use of pedal steel, offers a fresh take that is both avant-garde and deeply comforting at the same time.

(more…)

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.

(more…)

Love Rat – Southern Shaman album cover

Love Rat: Southern Shaman Album Review

Reviewed by Harry Kaplan

Birmingham’s Love Rat delivers an album that continues the rich history of Alabama’s irreverent and raucous brand of southern rock in the tradition of The Drive By Truckers and The Dexateens. Throughout its tracks, the band deftly navigates the nuances of the human experience, tackling love, laughter, and the occasional foibles. The musicianship on Southern Shaman is on display, showcasing the individual talents of each member. Mandi Rae Trott brings her unique flavor to rhythm guitar and vocals, setting a rich foundation for the songs. Warren Amos’s lead guitar work adds a layer of emotional depth, while Jon Breland’s bass provides a steady heartbeat throughout the album. The driving force of Brant Benefield’s drums and percussion propels the music forward, creating an infectious energy that is hard to resist.

(more…)