ALBUMS 2015
week.50
Hidden Treasures - Singer Songwriters From Home (Hemifrån)
"This collection is strongly recommended because it will give listeners an opportunity to discover some fine songwriters who sing wonderfully but seem to be in the shadows. These are the people famous singers listen to in an effort to find material. Now, when does the female singer-songwriter version project come out?"
- John Apice / No Depression -
"As well as a useful addition to the fans of any or all of the artists featured, it's also a useful showcase to illuminate the, as the title says, hidden treasures who, were it not for the breaks, could easily share the same spotlights as their better known contemporaries."
- Mike Davies / Fatea Magazine -
"Here’s a Swedish label celebrating the art of the singer-songwriter with the music of four US exponents, Greg Copeland, Keith Miles, Barry Ollman and Bob Cheevers, all experienced but not well-known outside their home country, hence the tag 'Hidden Treasures'."
- Dai Jeffries / folking.com -
"The Swedish label, Hemifrån, specialising in 'gut music for all people', uses this occasion to bring a new batch of 'hidden treasures' to a wider audience."
- Martin Raybould / Whisperin' & Hollerin' -
"50th anniversary tribute album from Hemifrån does the job."
- Samantha Baughan / Maverick Magazine -
“In these modern times of electronic noise music, it is a true relief to listen to the storytelling songs of four long established American folk singers and songwriters. They may still be called ‘hidden treasures’ but also all have their own style and sound, although the acoustic guitar remains to be the ideal vehicle to accompany them during their musical journey.“
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"'Hidden Treasures' needs no further explanation, The four here in the spotlight standing singer sonwritersprove that they went successfully through the evolution of the single guitar playing singer singwriter, to the one who is surrounded by a full band. Bob Cheevers, Greg Copeland, Keith Miles and Barry Ollman surely are 'Hidden Treasures'!"
- Lambert Smits / Keys & Chords -
"You’ll find many great tunes on this compilation, and that is what it is all about on Hemifrån, great music!"
- Mr Blue Boogie / BillyBop -
"Hemifrån pays tribute to both the phrase, and the classic and historic Elektra album from 1965, with 'Hidden Treasures - Singer Songwriters From Home'.
- Thomas Keller / FolkWorld -
"Folksingers, protestsingers, troubadours, singer songwriters, 50 years, this year, Hemifrån celebrates them all."
- Kenneth Bremer / Blue Desert -
week.49
Mikke Severinsson "Again" (Canamus)
"'Again' is the latest release from Mikke Severinsson, and you can sense the influence of Mark Knopfler and his Dire Straits in the quieter 'Break The Waves' and the beautiful guitar playing in 'The One Percent', solid pop-rock with a great live feel....."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ung Tro -
"The album 'Again' is the result of a couple of live sessions in the studio, trying to capture a live feeling, the music has been described as a mix between Dire Straits and Pink Floyd, kind of, well, grab a coffee, some earphones and judge for yourself."
- Kenneth Bremer / Blue Desert -
"'Nadine', my favourite cut on this EP, is full of convincing melodies and harmonies."
- Wolfgang Giese / Musik An Sich -
"This is westcoast-ish rock with Dire Straits-ish vocals a la Mark Knopfler, and also a little Dakota-ish AOR, reminding me a bit of Steely Dan, as well."
- Gabor Kleinbloesem / Strutterzine -
week.48
My Quiet Companion (My Quiet Companion)
"With 3 guitars, mandolin, dobro, stompboard and harmony singing, My Quiet Companion create a groovy intimate sound, where you can lean back and listen to the tales of the song, catchy americana with a Scandinavian edge....."
- Kenneth Bremer / Blue Desert -
"I would like to hear more from this trio, and this album whets the appetite as much as it is sated....."
- Lee Cuff / Fatea Magazine -
"The sound of My Quiet Companion is both intimate and light, with fine interplay between the musicians."
- Paul McGee / Lonesome Highway -
"Great singing, excellent instrumental work and fantastic melodies is what you get to hear on this debut album of My Quiet Companion.”
- Gabor Kleinbloesem / Strutterzine -
"This acoustic album, filled with beautiful folk songs, chansons and americana, is for this Swedish trio the most beautiful way to reach a wider audience....."
- Lambert Smits / Keys & Chords -
“Half of the songs on My Quiet Companion’s debut album originate from singer Sofia Ekberg’s solo EP ‘All The Small Details’, the remaining five tracks are new compositions which demonstrate the songwriting talent of Patrick Rydman and Henrik Cederblom, the two other members of this very promising Swedish acoustic folk trio.“
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"My Quiet Companion's eponymous full length debut album contains a selection of songs performed in their original style of americana, folk, pop and roots."
- Arnaud Leger / Westcoast Rendezvous -
week.47
Tom Freund "Two Moons" (Surf Road Records)
"You might say Tom Freund's songwriting is cool in the Tom Petty sense, each song dripping with hooks to die for, yet plenty of thought-provoking content beneath the gloss, Tom really can't go wrong....."
- David Kidman / Fatea Magazine -
"This is a solid set of songs and an enjoyable listening experience."
- Paul McGee / Lonesome Highway -
"Tom Freund's latest effort is 'Two Moons', a diverse record that combines elements of singer-songwriter and rock in a way we heard from Randy Newman in the past, a very nice 7th album from Tom....."
- Gabor Kleinbloesem / Strutterzine -
"On this new album singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Tom Freund knows how to build a bridge between folk and rock, with a voice that balances between Randy Newman and a Young Bob Dylan, he knows how to convey his thoughts in a clever way....."
- Lambert Smits / Keys & Chords -
“Tom Freud is a hard working singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, his first solo record dates back 17 years and his most recent 7th album is ‘Two Moons’, in the songs on this record, he is showing his more vulnerable side in heartfelt lyrics that are reflective and sometimes very nostalgic about his worried-free childhood years.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.46
Auburn "Mixed Feelings" (Scarlet Recordings)
"Liz Lenten is the frontwoman of UK band Auburn whose new album is a very nice effort, with Lenten's strong vocals, a band in perfect synch, all in all a really lovely album....."
- Anna Maria Stjärnell / Luna Kafé -
"On their 4th release, Auburn put together a handful of tunes that are definitely worth to add to your personal song collection, the album itself needs a couple of spins to fully grow on you, but I’m pretty sure it will do in the end!"
- Mr Blue Boogie / BillyBop -
"For the recordings of 'Mixed Feelings' British band Auburn once again travelled to Nashville. Singer of the band, Liz Lenten, is not only a fine singer-songwriter, she also has a very distinct voice timbre, which is characterized by an almost constantly present being tremelo. If you want to hear some americana and country as you've never heard before, 'Mixed Feelings' will surprise you!"
- Lambert Smits / Keys & Chords -
“For the recording of her 4th album with Auburn, ‘Mixed Feelings’, British singer-songwriter Liz Lenten moved once more to Nashville, TN, where she was supported by the best local instrumentalists one can find, the fine result of that cooperation can be enjoyed on this excellent album, full of brilliant and honest songs about life and all its emotions.“
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.45
Kevin Sekhani "Day Ain't Done" (Louisiana Red Hot Records)
"Kevin Sekhani is a formidable songwriter who sometimes reminds me of a young Steve Earle, and backed by excellent musicians on accordion, guitars, mandolin and violin, he makes 'Day Ain't Done' a very enjoyable country album....."
- Lambert Smits / Keys & Chords -
“Being active in different music styles for over 2 decades, Kevin Sekhani from Austin, TX, wanders through several styles on his latest album 'Day Ain’t Gone' with tex-mex, cajun, blues, folk and country rock, 5 years ago, he moved to Louisiana and the local music scene that is dominated by fiddle, mandolin and accordion has strongly influenced the songs on this excellent, fun and danceable album.”
- Eric Schuurmans / Rootstime -
"Now here we have a fantastic singer called Kevin Sekhani, who delivers his debut CD with 'Day Ain't Done', a surprisingly great album, so do not miss this gem!"
- Gabor Kleinbloesem / Strutterzine -
week.44
Selina Martin "Caruso's Brain" (Selina Martin)
"Sometimes very noisy and chaotic, other times ingenious and lovely, the sound of Canadian singer-songwriter Selina Martin is hard to categorize, reference artists could be Björk, PJ Harvey or Talking Heads, but probably this lady is better called unique....."
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"This post-pop album sounds great, profound and thoroughly, and sounds several times nice and original....."
- Philip Verhaege / Keys & Chords -
week.43
Tokyo Rosenthal "Afterlife" (Rock & Sock Records)
"With 10 songs in the americana and alternative country genre, eqipped with lyrical lyrics and beautiful melodies, Tokyo Rosenthal makes the accompanying soundtrack of his life....."
- Lambert Smits / Keys & Chords -
week.42
Millpond Moon "Time To Turn The Tide" (Tikopia Records)
“The 2nd release from Millpond Moon is subtly beautiful, sophisticated and nearly perfect with 7 self penned tracks, the traditional ‘Wayfaring Stranger’ and 2 magnificent covers of Bob Dylan’s ‘Forever Young’ and the Band’s ‘All La Glory’.....“
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.41
The Pinder Brothers "Melancholy Sea" (T.P.D.)
"Sacramento-based duo The Pinder Brothers are renowned for their songwriting and instrumental savvy, and have been compared to the likes of Crosby Stills & Nash and Simon & Garfunkel.....
- Arnaud Leger / Westcoast Rendezvous -
"The Pinder Brothers from California are two sons of legendary Moody Blues-keyboards player Mike Pinder, ‘Melancholy Sea’ is their 3rd full album and contains 11 self-penned pop songs, solid rock songs are mixed with almost full acoustic ballads, and also Mike is present as guest musician on the nostalgic and melancholic song ‘Summer Moon’, this is a promising young band with lots of potential to stay long term."
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"Melodic pop that proves that this is decent songwriting....."
- Patrick van de Wiele / Keys & Chords -
week.40
Barbara Blue & Memphis Blue "Sweet, Strong & Tight"
(Big Blue Records)
"This album literally took my breath away, this has everything you want from a lady singing the blues, Barbara delivers with great aplomb and style, and a depth of feeling that is rare....."
- Frank Leigh / Blues Matters! -
"The best blues album, of the year? Check it out, sure gets my vote!"
- John Knighton / Fatea Magazine -
"Let yourself be surprised by Barbara Blue's beautiful voice and blues sound....."
- Philip Verhaege / Keys & Chords -
"Barbara Blue can easily be called the reigning queen of Beale Street, where she is performing almost every evening, her latest album delivers all that is promised in the title, her soul, her strong voice and the true emotions in her songs really spoil the fans that are listening to this magnificent record."
- Eric Schuurmans / Rootstime -
week.39
Erik Sitbon & The Ghost Band (Erik Sitbon)
"Despite his French origins, songs like 'My Demon Down', 'Your Lies', 'Mary Go Round', 'Down The River' and 'Back To The Roots' are decent examples of the genre and could comfortably hold their own on any other country release.....
- Paul McGhee / Lonesome Highway -
"Lovers of Americana, buy this album or at the very least give it a serious listen, you won't be disappointed!"
- Vincent / Fatea Magazine -
"This double album recieved 'Country Music Awards' in France in 2014 for ’Best Male Artist’ and ’Best French Country Music Album’....."
- Kenneth Bremer / Blue Desert -
"Erik Sitbon writes strong and lovely country songs and folk music with catchy choruses, beautiful chosen instrumentation and divine vocal harmonies....."
- Peter Jacobs / Keys & Chords -
“French rocker Erik Sitbon mobilized the six members of his ‘Ghost Band’ to produce a new album on which he moves slowly away from pure rock songs towards more alt country, folk and americana, and the diversity of songs and music styles is the strongest achievement that can be attributed to this album.“
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime
week.38
Eight O'Five Jive "Too Many Men" (Red Rudy Too Tunes)
"Eight O’Five Jive redefines this essential genre and helps to keep it alive and vibrant, it stands as wonderful music for dinner and cocktails, eminently suitable for lively dance lovers and delightfully immune to passing time....."
- Paul McGhee / Lonesome Highway -
"Eight O'Five Jive is the best jump, jive, rock'n'roll, blues and swing secret of recent years, the music of postwar America gets a new life in their hands, a ripping sax, a solid rhytm section, a smooth sounding guitar, and of course the more than fantastic voice of Lee Shropshire are the ingredients of this super album....."
- Lambert Smits / Keys & Chords -
"The main focus of Eight O’Five Jive lies on their lead singer Lee Shropshire, their music on the debut album ‘Too Many Men’ consists of vintage rock'n'roll that is nicely blended with swing and jump blues, the listeners of this record will feel as having gone back half a century in time, and in 2015 that is for sure an unforgettable experience....."
- Eric Schuurmans / Rootstime -
week.37
Jack Tempchin "Learning To Dance" (Blue Elan Records)
"Given Tempchin's background, it's pretty much what you might assume, with strong shades of California country-rock, his tenor sounding more varied and especially deep and rich on the title track, a strings and sax-enhanced, starry-sky ballad on which Tempchin's tenor is deep and rich, reminding me slightly of fellow Californian John Stewart's 'Gold' era....."
- Mike Davies / Fatea Magazine -
"‘Learning To Dance’ is silky smooth and would make ideal late-night listening, the overall sound and production sits nicely with Joel Piper adding some more modern bells and whistles to the country and folk songs for which Tempchin is best known, I initially thought it was a little one paced, but the songs grow on you, and the style wins you over and rewards repeat plays....."
- David Vousden / Red Guitar Music -
"'Learning To Dance' is a very low-tempo singer-songwriter album that occasionally checks in with the past but mainly focuses on today, and although it's a 100% americana album, I would certainly not classify it as folk or country at all, as a matter of fact at times you have the idea that you’re listening to a crooner instead of a singer-songwriter....."
- Mr Blue Boogie / BillyBop -
"Is it not everyone’s objective to spend intense and tender moments with your beloved one in a romantic atmosphere? The professionally created and performed love songs that Jack Tempchin has collected on his delicious latest album ‘Learning To Dance’ can be strongly recommended as the ideal soundtrack to your most romantic moments. Just relax, listen and enjoy!“
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.36
Paper Moon Shiners (Paper Moon Shiners Music)
"If nothing else, the Paper Moon Shiners have one of the best names I've encountered in a while, and as it happens, they do have a lot more to offer too....."
- Mike Davies / Fatea Magazine -
"Elena Antinelli sings like she means every last vocal inflection and trill, while her musical and life partner, Frank Meyer, adds plenty of character with his gravel voice and easy playing style on guitar, dobro, ukulele and steel body resonator guitar."
- Paul McGee / Lonesome Highway -
"With minimal instrumentation, and perfectly complimentary voices, Paper Moon Shiners gives a second life to the music of the delta juke joints, the medicine shows and nostalgic nightclubs in America at the beginning of the 20th century."
- Lambert Smits / Keys & Chords -
"It is a noble goal from the Paper Moon Shiners couple Elena Antinelli and Frank Meyer to initiate a revival on the sound of the early 20th century, a broad variety of music styles like blues, jazz, swing, ragtime and folk is passing by on their debut album, which is providing a perfect fit for nostalgics and vaudeville fans."
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.35
Whelan w/Fred Wesley "The Story Of Ike Dupree"
(Presidio Records)
"The great songs, the laidback voice of Whelan, the sensational horns, the wonderful backing vocals and funky guitar, will make this compete with any release by any contemporary blues artist....."
- Lambert Smits / Keys & Chords -
"'The Story Of Ike Dupree' is a very good blues album, with lots of references to our musical heroes, and on top of that Sid Whelan is not only paying tribute to them, but also working with one of them, Fred Wesley....."
- Mr Blue Boogie / Billy Bop -
“The love and devotion of Sid Whelan for the jazz and blues music that has always dominated the city of New Orleans, did lead him to write the songs for the fictive ‘Story Of Ike Dupree’, and the extra contribution of bandleader and legendary trombonist Fred Wesley and his funky horns section to these songs can be defined as a great and artful achievement."
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"Sid Whelan has an impressive guitar prowess, holding his own against a coterie of accomplished players....."
- Stephen Rapid / Lonesome Highway -
week.34
Jen Maurer & Paul Kovac "Boy = Girl" (Boy Equals Girl)
"Inevitably with pairings such as this, the Welch and Rawlings comparisons are duly trotted out, but for once, they may well be right....."
- Mike Davies / Fatea Magazine -
"Boy = Girl comes with a certain laid back atmosphere that I really can appreciate, and it's an album that I can strongly recommend to all of you....."
- Mr Blue Boogie / BillyBop -
"Jen and Paul are not only creative musiciansbut also impressive singers, in addition they are geniuses at writing songs in the most different styles of American roots music, such as Texas swing, western songsand country ballads, if one duo can keep this music in the spotlight, it surely is Boy = Girl....."
- Lambert Smits / Keys & Chords -
“On their mutual musical project ‘Boy = Girl’, Jen Maurer and Paul Kovac are exploring different music styles with country ballads, bluegrass tracks and carefully selected cover versions of Bob Dylan’s ‘Well Well Well’ and Amy Winehouse’s classic ‘Back To Black’, they've done this album in an excellent way and we hope that it will get a sequel real soon.“
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.33
Bill Gable "No Straight Lines" (Bill Gable Music)
“If you are a fan of jazz and world music, the latest album by Bill Gable can be warmly recommended, as his voice and laid back singing style sometimes reminds us of James Taylor or maybe a male version of Norah Jones.....
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"This is one of those albums you want to check out over and over again, because you can always find something new here and that makes this album a must-have!"
- Gabor Kleinbloesem / Strutterzine -
"Everyone with an open ear, and understanding of music, will not be disappointed in this great album!"
- Wolfgang Giese / Musik An Sich -
"It might have taken 12 years for the words and music to finally surface, but the wait is worthwhile, it’s easy to understand why Steely Dan’s Walter Becker called Bill Gable 'a great songwriter with a marvelous ability to incorporate exotic musical elements and seemingly disparate influences', not going in a straight line makes for a much richer journey....."
- Kenneth Bremer / Blue Desert -
week.32
Kim Erickson "The Raven's Wing" (Route 61 Music)
"The end result is really striking, Kim Erickson singing at the top of her game, this is surely an amazing album....."
- Anna Maria Stjärnell / Luna Kafé -
"Musically and lyrically this is great and quite enjoyable, it's well worked out, and it feels good in a nice kind of way....."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ung Tro -
"A bit unusual, take a while getting used to, but at the same time it is growing, it just goes deeper and deeper....."
- Wolfgang Giese / Musik An Sich -
week.31
Ted Russell Kamp "The Low And Lonesome Sound"
(PoMo Records)
"The highlights succeed each other, one by one, on this very, very cool EP....."
- Wolfgang Giese / Musik An Sich -
week.30
Mark Billingham & My Darling Clementine "The Other Half"
(Hachette Audio)
"The result is an engaging listen, perfect for a car journey or to savour at home, and it wets the appetite for the next full album from our very own first couple of country music....."
- Paul Kerr / Blabber 'N' Smoke -
"The new songs here are as good as we've come to expect from this great duo....."
- Duncan Warwick / Country Music People -
"By its very nature, this is something to be listened to at one sitting, though you can always return to the songs separately, but it’s well worth setting aside an hour to share the bruised, broken and eventually redeemed lives the words and music so engagingly evoke, and now for the mini-series....."
- Mike Davies / Folkradio -
"King, Dalgleish and Billingham have already performed this live with the aid of a sideshow, and given their previous flirtation with theatre, it seems likely that 'The Other Half' will metamorphose into another even more extravagant whole, brave and imaginative....."
- Nick Dalton / Maverick Magazine -
"This is a quality piece of americana fiction presenting the very best of what these two performing entities have to offer....."
- David / Three Chords & The Truth -
week.29
Jack Tempchin "Room To Run" (Blue Elan Records)
"A rich layering of tones and colors, with a predominance of picking guitars and aeriel keyboards, this is surely an updated version of the great California sound from the 70's....."
- Mauro Eufrosini / The Music Bin -
"These great songs from a recently released four track EP has really wetted our appetite for the full length album to be released in late August....."
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"Jack Tempchin recently released a four song EP entitled 'Room To Run', and not only does it show that he has lots of great music still inside of him, it’s also a musical foretaste of more great music to come....."
- Kenneth Bremer / Blue Desert -
"These great four songs, from a just released EP, are heralding a new full length album, 'Learning To Dance', in late August....."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ung Tro -
week.28
Good Lovelies "Burn The Plan" (Six Shooter Records)
"The three ladies in Good Lovelies often shifts instruments with each other, and on this brilliant new album, they go directly for knockout with their wonderful voices....."
- Björn Bostrand / Popgeni -
"The heartbreaking 'Broken Hearted', the delicious 'Do Not Hold Back', and the electronic touch in the opening track 'In The Morning', gets you in a great mood, and works for most occasions....."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ung Tro -
"Slightly experimental mix of folk and charming pop from this cozy Toronto trio....."
- Robert Ryttman / Zero Magazine -
"'Burn The Plan' emphatically confirms a development that testifies to craftsmanship and unbroken ambition, also in terms of the lyrics , the charisma of the three ladies and their beautiful vocal harmonies....."
- Max W Achatz / Country Jukebox -
"The arrangements are surprisingly good, the songs fun and catchy, the lyrics better than you might think, and the singing is so great it's unbelievable....."
- Holly Moors / Moors Magazine -
"The three fantatstic voices of the Good Lovelies have more in their march than good old brave folk....."
- Lambert Smits / Keys & Chords -
"The three Canadian ladies are looking lovely and their long awaited new record ‘Burn The Plan’ is absolutely good, so, if you would want to enjoy the beautiful songs and voices of ‘The Good Lovelies’, there is only one strong recommendation, buy this CD and listen to the probably finest folk and country songs made in the last couple of years.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"What makes this album so special is that the band’s considerable strengths, winsome songwriting, impeccable vocals and triangulated charisma, don’t tell the full story, there’s a new spirit of adventurousness that gives 'Burn The Plan' an extra spark, the album is permeated with textures and tones from musical worlds away."
- Arnaud Leger / Westcoast Rendezvous -
week.27
Kaurna Cronin "Glass Fool" (Songs & Whispers)
"Australian Kaurna Cronin goes straight for knockout, a singer songwriter who combines folk, americana, pop, rock and indie, with great consummate sense and a fine musical balance....."
- Bjorn Bostrand / Popgeni -
"This is a really great singer songwriter that brings to mind a young Bruce Springsteen or a young Paul Simon....."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ung Tro -
"A must album to discover!"
- Mr Blue Boogie / BillyBop -
"This is fairly addictive stuff that will get you instantaneously happy....."
- Benny Metten / Ctrl Alt Country -
"Kaurna Cronin is a very skilled artist who harmoniously blends folk, country and rock in an extremely tasteful musical menu....."
- Lambert Smits / Keys & Chords -
“The label ‘surprise act’ would suit very well for this 21 year young folkrocker and singer-songwriter Kaurna Cronin, the ten tracks on his official international debut record ‘Glass Fool’ are all top songs which could all end up in the hitparades, if only the radio stations would be able to detect this still very much hidden young Australian talent, to be explored very fast!“
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.26
Annie Gallup "Ghost" (Gallway Bay)
"‘Ghost’ is another jewel in the crown of Annie Gallup, her partner-in-crime and ‘Hat Check Girl’-colleague, Peter Gallway has helped her to produce an album with only acoustic string instruments that fully supports her angelic vocal performance....."
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"On her 10th album singer-songwriter Annie Gallup proves that she is not only a great instrumentalist, but also an artist who writes excellent lyrics, 'Ghost' is simply poetry put to music....."
- Lambert Smits / Keys & Chords -
"'Ghost is an album to be quite lyrical over, a little gem that grows and grows with every listen....."
- Holly Moors / Moors Magazine -
"Eleven wonderful songs on one wonderful album....."
- Wolfgang Giese / Musik An Sich -
"An album that, like its title, offers a haunting listen....."
- Mike Davies / Folking -
"The music flows on very nicely, and the album also contains really good lyrics....."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ung Tro -
"The insightful tone, the sad melancholy, the atmospheric arrangements, and the emotional grip that has characterized Annie Gallup's career so far, reaches here another creative peak....."
- Staffan Solding / Rootsy -
"Annie Gallup builds a soulful and soothing folk and roots sound, with a high-class course, and with Gallup's voice as the given healer....."
- Bjorn Bostrand / Popgeni -
week.25
Peter Blachley "Nevada Sky" (Peter Blachley)
"Peter Blachley's 'Nevada Sky' is a very successful album by an earthy and seasoned debutant....."
- Robert Ryttman / Zero Magazine -
"'Nevada Sky' documents a life of inspiration, reinvention, and marks a profound coming together of many of the facets of Peter Blachley’s life....."
- Kenneth Bremer / Blue Desert -
"'Nevada Sky' is an album that is very worthy of your time....."
- David Vousden / Red Guitar Music -
"The end result here is that we have another great album in the americana genre....."
- Wolfgang Giese / Musik An Sich -
"Amongst the many genres I love, I’m still a sucker for good old country music, not the line dancing pop-tunes, but the really country sound from the west, and the south, and 'Nevada Sky' from Peter Blachley is such an album that really makes my day....."
- Mr Blue Boogie / BillyBop -
"Songs out of life, music without boundaries, and well presented with great musical skill....."
- Alfons Maes / Keys & Chords -
“Inspired by events from his own life, Peter Blachley himself wrote 9 songs for his debut album ‘Nevada Sky’, and he also added a pleasing cover version of Willy DeVille’s emotional love song ‘I Call Your Name’ to the track list, and being joined at recording this album by some excellent musicians, this country and americana CD absolutely deserves your attentive listening.....“
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"Artist Of The Month....."
- Gerard Vieules / W.R.C.F. -
"Peter Blachley is emerging as a captivating singer-songwriter with his debut album, 'Nevada Sky'....."
- Arnaud Leger / Westcoast Rendezvous -
week.24
Odi "Maslow's Songbook" (Songs & Whispers)
"A few more songs with the same immediate impact as 'I'm Done' plus the really beautiful title track, and this could very well be a five star record....."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ung Tro -
"Stunning vocals, incredibly engaging, with an underlying bittersweet edge, I love it."
- Sarah Champion / Absolute Radio -
"ODi makes beautiful, beautiful music....."
- Bob Harris / BBC Radio 2 -
"ODi's new album is a beautifully honed presentation of folk simplicity....."
- Siobhan Maguire / The Sunday Times -
"The complete outcome of 'Maslow's Songbook' is a solid album that toys around with the classic interests of songwriting."
- Mr Blue Boogie / BillyBop -
"ODi is clearly one of the better singer-songwriters in a crowded genre, and I'd love to see her tour in our part of Europe!"
- Lambert Smits / Keys & Chords -
week.23
Elliott Murphy "Aquashow Deconstructed"
(Blue Rose/Last Call/ Route 61)
"By combining the strength of his youth, with the experience accumulated in more than forty years, Elliott Murphy has never before been heard so strong and poignant."
- Leonardo Follieri / JAM Magazine -
"Maybe fans would have preferred a historical deluxe edition, with demos and unreleased stuff, or perhaps with an attached live disc to re-read the entire album, but there was no anniversary to celebrate, rather the true and deep desire of Elliott Murphy to donate new life to the very first chapter of his discography, sharing this act of love with his son Gaspard."
- Salvatore Esposito / Blogfoolk Magazine -
”After 4 decades in the music business, Elliott Murphy once again reaffirms his mastery of music on ’Aquashow Deconstructed’, his latest CD with his son Gaspard as producer. He had long proved that he can write great songs and play them with passion and skill. The consistency and high quality on display here is simply stunning, as if Murphy has gathered up every iota of experience he’s earned over the past 42 years and channeled into 10 re-recorded songs. If you want further proof that age and maturity can be assets in rock'n'roll, check out ’Aquashow Deconstructed’.”
- Freddy Celis / Rootstime -
"This is a very welcome remake of a long forgotten classic."
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords -
"'Aquashow Deconstructed' is indeed another jewel in Elliott Murphy's crown, nothing less than an instant classic!"
- Benny Metten / Ctrl Alt Country -
"Elliott Murphy's style is classic delicious, like a shiny Cadillac with Springsteen and Dylan in the back seat, and although Murphy still is the successor to Lou Reed, his status as an artist is always fairly recognized, and fortunately, it now seems to work a little in his favor!"
- Maurice Dielemans / Kinda Musik -
"These new recordings, with new arrangements and still very exciting songs, is rich, constantly growing and of the highest quality."
- Wolfgang Giese / RockTimes -
"Once again we find a great album from Elliott Murphy, simply a perfect vehicle for some of the best songs from of one of our best troubadours, which are not commonly found in today's music."
- Epi Schmidt / Hooked On Music -
"He may not be the last of the rockstars, but he is the one who has lasted."
- Stephen Rapid / Lonesome Highway -
"Elliott Murphy is a wiser, older man nowadays, and with a steady hand he refines this ancient treasure he wrote in blood in his early 20's, and it strikes me that I was just 16 when I heard 'Aquashow' the very first time, now I am 50, and 'Aquashow Deconstructed' will be my first choice for a long time ahead, that's how successful this remake really is!"
- Pål Hilmar Sollie / Musikkbloggen -
week.22
Kyle Carey "North Star" (Americelta Records)
"Kyle Carey has put the bar high for her 2nd album, but thanks to her great voice, brilliant songs, choice of producer, and selection of musicians, she passes with flying colors....."
- John Smits / Johnny's Garden -
"This is definitely one of the best folk albums of the year....."
- Pieter Wijnstekers / Muziekwereld -
"Highly recommended for fans of the material of female singer-songwriters such as Nanci Griffith, Laurie McClain and Diana Jones, if you ask us....."
- Benny Metten / Ctrl Alt Country -
"Kyle Carey's new album 'North Star' is a collection of self penned traditional folk songs and celtic inspired music, that is played only with acoustic instruments, her angelic voice and emotional singing reminds us of the work of the Irish singer-songwriter sisters Mary and Frances Black, and her cover version of the Kate Wolf song 'Across The Great Divide' is the ultimate cherry on the cake."
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"Kyle Carey's influences are diverse and have a very unique style, produced and presented with a very soft, warm and harmonious voice, full of emotional expression....."
- Wolfgang Giese / Musik An Sich -
week.21
Geyster "The Knight Games Trilogy" (Somekind Records)
"It's remarkable that 29 songs didn't feel like a marathon of music at all, listening to these 3 albums felt like watching the 'Lord Of The Ring' movie for the first time, time passed by so fast....."
- Kaj Roth / Palace Of Rock -
"This is a great release which brings many positive vibes....."
- Mattias Gustavsson / Ung Tro -
"Geyster expresses his wide and paradoxal personality and takes us on a rich, magical and unexpected ride, reflecting the image of an artist who keeps doubting and exploring within himself....."
- Kenneth Bremer / Blue Desert -
"This is a very interesting release by a one man band that sound more like a group effort than anything else....."
- Marcus Kerren / RockTimes -
"Nostalgic, yet a very current sounding album....."
- Cis van Looy / Keys & Chords -
“A musical trilogy called ‘Knight Games’ is the outcome of the hard labour that French multi-instrumentalist, arranger and producer Gaël Benyamin, aka Geyster, is offering the fans of electronic pop and rock music....."
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"A singer- songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer who embodies the spirit of the 'westcoast' sound through some pop-jazz-rock music, filled with sensations and aerial harmonies mostly heard back in the 70’s....."
- Arnaud Leger / Westcoast Rendezvous -
"This is a disc with a rich vintage sound that often refer to the great Californian productions of the 70's and the 80's....."
- Boris Plantier / Yuzu Melodies -
week.20
Johanna Börjeson "bara är" (Dwarf Records)
"This is a great debut if you're into singer-songwriters in the Swedish language with really strong lyrics....."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ung Tro -
"Johanna Börjeson is a singer and musician from Stockholm, Sweden, who writes music in the field of folk-country-rock, through her songs Johanna tells stories about her life as a young adult, as well as everyday life with her husband and three children....."
- Kenneth Bremer / Blue Desert -
"This debut from Sweden contains folk and country rock from an unknown singer-songwriter....."
- Patrick van de Wiele / Keys & Chords -
week.19
The Great Dictators "Killers" (Royal Toad Records)
"The Great Dictators, with their 2nd album ‘Killers’, are going to become part of the absolute topsheet in the contemporary rock and pop scene in Europe for several years ahead.....“
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"A kind of hybrid between americana and rock'n'roll, with some electronic elements, where Dragut Lugalzagosis' dark voice works really well to the relaxed music....."
- Mattias Gustavsson / Ung Tro -
"Danish americana upstarts continue in their obscure musical landscape with sheer elegance....."
- Finn P Madsen / Gaffa -
"The Great Dictators, and their new album 'Killers', are a strong proof that Danish music can be so much more than just the Olsen Brothers....."
- Björn Bostrand / Popgeni -
week.18
Lynn Jackson & Chris Boyne "The Acoustic Sessions"
(Busted Flat Records)
"I do hope this isn't the last we hear of Lynn in purely acoustic form, for 'The Acoustic Sessions' has given us some beguiling music....."
- David Kidman / Fatea Magazine -
"An impressive americana folk pop release!"
- Chris Beck / Maverick Magazine -
"Songs like 'Paper Airplanes' and 'Scarecrow' definitely marks the spot for me, but leave it spinning and you’ll discover some other pearls as well."
- Mr Blue Boogie / BillyBop -
"Beware, you’re in for a real treat!"
- Benny Metten / Ctrl Alt Country -
"Canadian singer-songwriter Lynn Jackson has recorded acoustic versions of her best songs taken from her previous albums, where she's joined by producer and multi-instrumentalist Chris Boyne and together they deliver pure and sober interpretations in a setting without any special effects or fancy instrumentation, 'The Acoustic Sessions' are simply just as the album title predicts."
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.17
Ryan Boldt "Broadside Ballads" (Dahl Street)
"He married and moved to Victoria, BC, Canada, where the Deep Dark Woods' lead vocalist Ryan Boldt found quiet and peace and transformed these moods into modern acoustic versions of traditional folk songs that appear on his first magnificent solo album....."
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"Ryan Boldt's vocals are surprisingly strong, and everything fits together perfectly well....."
- Wolfgang Giese / RockTimes -
"This is an album of rustic, melancholic traditional ballads from the Deep Dark Woods main songwriter Ryan Boldt, and it has an immediate understated attractivness than centers around Boldt’s voice which is totally suited to delivering these nine songs that deal with love, life and death....."
- Stephen Rapid / Lonesome Highway -
"This album turns out to be a appealing disc that I shall be returning to rather often, I suspect, but please don't dismiss its charms out of hand on one hearing through harbouring loftier or great expectations....."
- David Kidman / Fatea Magazine -
"It's the atmosphere and the stillness that I fall for, just like small, tiny friends in the dark....."
- Robert Ryttman / Zero Magazine -
"A sense of harmony....."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ung Tro -
"This is what I call singing with great conviction, emotion and empathy....."
- Tom Arvidsson / Thirsty Boots -
"Ryan Boldt digs deep into the music history to find and capture the essence, and few have succeeded so well....."
- Staffan Solding / Rootsy -
"Listening through the album is like sitting within an arm's length to Ryan's captivating voice and his cautious fellow musicians....."
- Björn Bostrand / Popgeni -
week.16
Whitehorse "Leave No Bridge Unburned" (Six Shooter Records)
"This is a must have for everyone with just the slightest interest in alt country, americana and rootsy kind of rock....."
- Mr Blue Boogie / BillyBop -
"OK, I compare this to the Beatles, but it really is that good....."
- Lambert Smits / Keys & Chords -
"Let this be perfectly clear, that this is a musical adventure of the highest excellency....."
- Benny Metten / Ctr Alt Country -
"This band belongs to the group of musicians who are Canadians, but seems to be better at playing American music than the Americans themselves....."
- Mattias Gustavsson / Ung Tro -
"Whitehorse's music is based on opposites, it's simple and it's complicated, it's messy and it's soft, it's harmonious and it's restless. Does that sound like muddled thoughts of a confused soul? I'm just trying to explain that this is great, just insanely great....."
- Tom Arvidsson / Thirsty Boots -
week.15
Jimmy Somerville "Homage" (Jesse E Musique/Membran/Naxos)
"All in all, Somerville and his producing partner John Winfield has managed to make a really successful and diverse album that can withstand repeated listenings....."
- Robert Ryttman / Zero Magazine -
"I note that the new album swings healthy, is straight through very danceable, and that the combination of stylish horns and Jimmy's high vocals, actually makes a perfect combination".
- Roger Bengtsson / Ung Tro -
week.14
Astrid Young "One Night At Giant Rock" (Astrid Young)
"It becomes pretty obvious to think of a young David Bowie, a little bit of Black Sabbath, Kate Bush, Karen Carpenter and a whole lot more, when you travel on this really inviting, comfortable and varied musical rollercoaster....."
- Björn Bostrand / Popgeni -
"If Astrid Young comes up with something with a little more consistency, there's a big reason to believe that the next musicial project will strike some serious sparks!"
- Roger Bengtsson / Ung Tro -
"Artist Of The Week!"
- Benny Sörensen / Musik Fra Kyst Til Kyst -
"Astrid Young has produced an epiphonic installment to what may be best described as ‘psychedelic ccid folk’, from song to song, this insidiously catchy album straddles many genres, but taken from start to finish it’s a destination, 'One Night At Giant Rock' is a night of nights."
- Kenneth Bremer / Blue Desert -
“It took over 12 years for Astrid Young to come up with a new album, but it was all worth the wait, the 11 tracks on ‘One Night At Giant Rock’ are presented in a broad variety of music styles and they all are of superior quality, one could easily say that this album can proudly stand next to the work of her famous brother Neil, but it surely also demonstrates the terrific qualities of Astrid Young, both as singer and as composer of great songs.“
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.13
Gang Of Four "What Happens Next" (Gill Music Ltd/Membran/Naxos)
"This album is an interesting creation, often very interesting, especially in the rockier moments , where the more electronic elements really come into their own....."
- Mattias Gustavsson / Ung Tro -
"You don't have to be a diehard fan of Gang Of Four's gloomy dance rock to find that the new album is absolutely right on certain occasions......"
- Björn Bostrand / Popgeni -
"The music on Gang Of Four's new album 'What Happens Next' gives a new meaning to the word cool, a little warning, though, it might make you a musical addict....."
- Kaj Roth / Palace Of Rock -
"Gang of Four, who with dedication and sharpness, created public interest in their jerky rhythmic avantgardepop 35 years ago, and at times again manage to recreate almost the same level during this decade's reunions and comebacks....."
- Patrik Forshage / Nöjesguiden -
"At their very best, Gang Of Four manage to accomplish hair-raising synthesizers robotic rhythms and cocky guitar loops....."
- Patrik Svensson / Gaffa -
week.12
Naama Kates "Souled" (Naama Kates)
"On her latest, and so far best, album 'Souled', Naama Kates great singing is as impressive as the voices of Tori Amos, Fiona Apple and Regina Spektor....."
- Cis van Looy / Keys & Chords -
"Naama Kates latest release ventilates her small and large frustrations about everyday life, where hate and love are close nearby in some of the songs, and her playing with words and emotions show a vulnerable lady, yet with a strong character and clear mind about her way forward.....”
- Antoine Légat / Rootstime -
"It is clear that Naama Kates does not want to be categorized and that is perhaps the best way to describe her music, her voice is really great and I feel that in a live setting she might be a very interesting act to check out....."
- Gabor Kleinbloesem / Strutterzine -
"The new album is an ethereal reflection on life, love and longing in Los Angeles, and the thoughtful lyrics showcase Kates’ sultry voice and genre-bending arrangements....."
- Kenneth Bremer / Blue Desert -
week.11
Fraser Anderson "Little Glass Box" (Membran/Naxos)
"Brittle, beautiful and strong for those of you who are in love with the likes of Nick Drake and Van Morrison....."
- Per Wiker / Nya Wermlands Tidning -
"There's not a weak track here, and one rarely comes across an album that evokes so much emotion, that refuses to let go, you just wanna keep playing the disc again and again and again, from start to finish, and that's exactly what I will do, for a very , very long time to come......"
- Per Wiker / Obladoo -
"Peaceful easy feeling all throughout the album, and it's hard not to think of Nick Drake, both here and there....."
- Björn Bostrand /Popgeni -
"Fraser Anderson sings quietly and sincerely about both love and breakups, at times a bit faster, but it's in the quiet moments we find Anderson at his very best....."
- Mattias Gustavsson / Ung Tro -
"If you enjoy calm folkpop with numerous and distinct elements of jazz and soft soul , there is a big chance that you will appreciate 'Little Glass Box' very much....."
- Robert Ryttman / Zero Magazine -
week.10
Hat Check Girl "At 2 In The Morning" (Gallway Bay)
"If you haven't yet understood, that in the company of Annie Gallup and Peter Gallway you're always in for a real treat, as this is an extraordinary album....."
- Benny Metten / Ctrl Alt Country -
“Peter Gallway and Annie Gallup from ‘Hat Check Girl’ refer to Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell as the sources of inspiration for their own compositions, and these musical influences can easily be heard back in the intimate, emotional and passionate songs which they are bringing on their 5th album ‘At 2 In The Morning’, another proof of their extraordinary great class.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"Haunting and spare, just 2 voices and 2 instruments....."
- Kenneth Bremer / Blue Desert -
week.09
Fuzzbee "Dreams & Other Living Things" (Fuzzbee Music)
"Fuzzbee Morse is a musical genius, and hopefully concert and festival promotors will finally wake up, when they hear this awesome album....."
- Alfons Maes / Keys & Chords -
"We hear a very pop-oriented sound that is presented in a highly professional style....."
- Wolfgang Giese / Musik An Sich -
"Artist of the week!"
- Benny Sörensen / Musik Fra Kyst Til Kyst -
"The music is varied, it's rock, often of a classic cut, it's sometimes funky , it's sometimes soul influenced , but all of the time with an amazing guitar playing....."
- Mattias Gustavsson / Ung Tro -
"All in all a really good album, musically fantastic, and very well performed stuff....."
- Pär Winberg / Melodic Net -
week.08
Almaz Yebio "Down To Earth" (Deliberate Music)
"Almaz Yebio's new album is a richly orchestrated, with many great musicians, demanding production, and it's not difficult to predict that this album will find a home with a lot of fans all over Europe....."
- Czékus Mihály / Hi-Fi Piac -
“Swedish jazz singer, with Zambian roots, Almaz Yebio has recorded a very pleasing album in ‘Down To Earth’, on which she has combined her own composed original songs with jazzy and very respectful interpretations of classics from the songbook of Peter Gabriel and Paul Simon, it results in a very enjoyable album that is perfectly suited for late evening twilight hours.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"'Down To Earth' could easily as well have been titled 'Great Things From Sweden'....."
- Wolfgang Giese / RockTimes -
"The combination of Almaz Yebio's strong voice, Krister Jonsson's great guitar and a little saxophone tone, now and then, gives the album a cool atmosphere in a pop genre that meets jazz and elements of soul....."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ung Tro -
week.07
Eric Schwartz "Better Man" (Claritone Music)
"In all of Eric Schwartz album ‘The Better Man’ you can hear an excellent singer and a great songwriter of touching lyrics and melodies.....”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"This album has some beautiful passages and constantly leaves this writer wanting more....."
- Markus Kerren / RockTimes -
"Eric Schwartz impresses with some really catchy tunes where the brass section makes a sharp job and his resourceful elaborate lyrics gives it all an extra lift....."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ung Tro -
week.06
Miriam Jones "Between Grace & Gone" (Miriam Jones Music)
"Miriam Jones' songs are sleek, efficiently arranged, and filled with those discrete, but quite surprising, key changes that I'm so fond of....."
- Per Wiker / Obladoo -
"You'll get both warm in your heart, and totally empty in your head, when you first encounter a so stylish and fullblown artist as Miriam Jones."
- Björn Bostrand / Popgeni -
"I really enjoy Miriam Jones' well-written lyrics about love and relationships, and her warm voice comes into its own, both in the quiet songs, as well as in the more rock oriented stuff."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ung Tro -
"Benefitting from an ever impassioned voice and a bunch of cleaverly written songs, you instantly wanna hear more of Miriam Jones."
- Benny Metten / Ctrl Alt Country -
"This is an intriguing new work by an exciting artist."
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords -
“The 3rd album ‘Between Green & Gone’ is Canadian born and England living Miriam Jones’ best album until now, it's very richly instrumented and consists of modern folk and pop songs which deserve to be heard by as many as possible fans of great contemporary music.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.05
Matt Woosey "Wildest Dreams" (Robar Music)
"The latest release from young UK acoustic singer-songwriter Matt Woosey, 'Wildest Dreams', is another positive triumph, so if you buy only one album this year, make it Woosey's....."
- Iain Patience / Jefferson Blues Magazine -
"What Matt Woosey delivers is 'acoustic americana storytelling blues', and he's doin' it good, nice songs, a cool vibe and good lyrics, not the least....."
- Pär Winberg / Melodic Net -
"Matt Woosey's music is diverse and energetic, the lyrics are about real life, about love and about sorrow, of good and bad times , the feeling is that Woosey's form of blues is a bit more modern than others, therefore, his music should fit a much larger listening crowd....."
- Mattias Gustavsson / Ung Tro -
"Matt Woosey’s refreshing musical song writing and playing style combines acoustic blues, folk and rock conveyed with an accomplished vocal delivery which has been defined as 'The Woosey Blues', his ability to combine originality with a broad musical knowledge has gained him praise from sources as varied as Paul Jones (BBC2) and Tom Robinson (BBC 6 Music)....."
- Kenneth Bremer / Blue Desert -
week.04
Kelley Hunt "The Beautiful Bones" (88 Records)
"If you like Bonnie Raitt's work, you should definitely check this album out, as the absolutely marvellous 'Miracle' sounds like a Raitt-tune produced by Daniel Lanois....."
- Pär Winberg / Melodic Net -
"Kelley Hunt’s new album, 'The Beautiful Bones', offers a dozen superbly crafted songs that blend timeless music with a contemporary perspective."
- Kaj Roth / Palace Of Rock -
"Genre-wise, Kelley Hunt is equally comfortable in early blues, r'n'b, roots- rock, jazz and gospel, and the eleven tracks form a stylistically tasteful smorgasbord."
- Björn Bostrand / Popgeni -
"Holy Christ, from the first time Kelley Hunt opens her mouth in 'This Time', until it closes on the disc's last tune, 'The Sweet Goodbye', we hear a full-feathered gospel soul singer who surrounds herself with a stunning band of top-notch musicians."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ung Tro -
"Clear as mud, here's another contender for album of the year!"
- Wolfgang Giese / RockTimes -
“Kansas City based singer-songwriter, piano and guitar playing, Kelley Hunt has for her own work on the latest album ‘The Beautiful Bones’ been influenced by the music and the artists that she learned to know during her childhood. It varies from gospel to r'n'b, blues, soul, jazz and roots-rock which she has enriched with soulful lyrics that are coming straight from her own heart.”
- Eric Schuurmans / Rootstime -
”Smooth, but not pandering, furrowed by classic r’n’b, and a vintage toned voice, the album convinces favorably to the quality of the repertoire.”
- Fabio Cerbone / Roots Highway -
week.03
Brant Croucher "Blanco County Lights" (White Cat Records)
"This is an album that stands testimony to high calibre songwriting, overflowing with engrossing songs, offering a surfeit of stunning melodies and replete with memorable hooks....."
- Tim Carroll / FolkWords -
"What distinguishes Brant Croucher from the square middle-of-the-road type of the Texas-based singer-songwriter, with a just too big cowboy hat, is his way of building his great songs and dress them in the just about perfect musical arrangements."
- Björn Bostrand / Popgeni -
"Is this a new star we hear/see lit? I definitely think that we may hear a lot more from Brant Croucher for many years to come after listening to his new album 'Blanco County Lights'."
- Staffan Solding / Rootsy -
"Brant Croucher's music is quiet, beautiful and easy flowing, the album is honest, and Croucher is a genuine storyteller with songs about real life."
- Mattias Gustavsson / Ung Tro -
"As a fellow DJ stated, 'it's surprising to see so much talent suddenly appear from out of nowhere!'. First of all, I immediately fell in love with Brant's beautiful voice. Let me think of comparisons for a little bit. Slaid Cleaves, circa my favorite album 'Wishbones', maybe? He brings the words with the right amount of convincing empathy."
- Johanna J Bodde / Insurgent Country -
“Texas-based singer-songwriter Brant Croucher is what one calls a true surprise, a newcomer in the world of music, his self-penned storytelling songs in folk and country style are all equally splendid. In case you like artists like Wyckham Porteous, James Yorkston or the poetic stories told in the songs of David Gray, then Brant Croucher and his debut album ‘Blanco County Lights’ will be a true pleasure to discover for you.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.02
Annie Keating "Make Believing" (8th Street Studios)
"'Make Believing' is a sweet eclectic mix of rural idealism and suburban endeavours confirming Annie’s status as a leading light on the North Eastern US indie-folk-Americana scene....."
- David / 3 Chords & The Truth -
"This prime purveyor of gently raucous Americana has been compared to the likes of Lucinda Williams,Emmylou Harris and John Prine over the years, and she's certainly an acoustic balladeer of rare warmth, intelligence and charm.
- Kevin Bryan / Bath Chronicle -
"Whilst I have enjoyed all of Annie Keating's CDs, it seems the sixth time is the charm. This is unquestionably her best yet. I am certainly not make believing when I tell you that this is definitely one which belongs in all music lovers' collections, whether you are familiar with, or new to, the sound of Annie Keating!"
- Helen Mitchell / Fatea -
"An opportunity not to be missed, ‘Make Believing’ is an impressive album from Annie Keating, overflowing with poignant and revealing, finely written songs."
- Tom Franks / FolkWords -
"The breezy acoustic sound is fresh and inviting, possibly due to the fact that much of the album was recorded live in just a couple of days, with the occasional strategically placed 'twang' just to remind us of Annie Keating's country sensibilities."
- Allan Wilkinson / Northern Sky -
"'Make Believing' was completed thanks to funding from a Pledge Music campaign, which shows there are plenty of people out there who already know and love Annie Keating, maybe now it’s time you added your name to the list....."
- Rich Barnard / Red Guitar Music -
"The first real winner for 2015 is already a fact!"
- Benny Metten / Ctrl Alt Country -
"This is the first time Annie Keating presents her fully indemnify artistic freedom and personality!"
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords -
“With her 6th album, ‘Make Believing’, the New York based singer-songwriter Annie Keating is once again offering us her best and most beautiful folk and Americana compositions. To make a selection of our favourite songs is an impossible task, all are of great beauty and value. Listening to her warm and lovely voice makes us completely melt away.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
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