ALBUMS 2014
week.50
Slowman "Happy Boy" (Slow Records/Plugged)
"We already knew that Svante 'Slowman' Törngren is a fantastic singer-songwriter and guitarist, but with his third album he really surpasses our wildest expectations, what a beautiful album he has made....."
- Benny Metten / Clrl Alt Country -
"Slowman, best known for rocking bluesy hits, is now on his 3rd album, and the single 'Happy Boy' is a surprising and promising foretaste. The electric piano by Mats Lundström delivers and the mournful cello of Anna Dager providesa and create the right atmosphere for this simple, melodic ballad with a heartbreaking guitar."
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords -
"It can be stated without any doubt that ‘Happy Boy’, the 3rd album of Swedish singer-songwriter Slowman, is his best performance ever. Contemporary pop and rock songs that can easily face the competition with internationally established artists. If there is still any justice left in this world, Slowman absolutely deserves international recognition."
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
”With his 3rd album ’Happy Boy’ Slowman makes the step from blues to radio friendly rock’n’roll in the wake of the big names in the 70’s…..”
- John Gjaltema / Alt Country NL -
"This is really well made pop music with rock’n’roll paint, and the mood moves between Bruce Springsteen’s tougher rock and Bruce Hornsby’s sophisticated pop….."
- Wolfgang Giese / RockTimes -
"Backed by a tight band and, notably on 'Into Gold', a stirring female gospel choir, Törngren delivers with fire and conviction in his voice, while his lyrics make his songs well worth listening to for what they say as much as how they say it. The autobiographical ‘Drowning Stones’, with its express train shuffling rhythm, saloon boogie piano and occasional vocal echoes of Bruce Cockburn, and the inspirational ‘beauty in unexpected places’ themed ‘Where The Roses Grow’ are particularly potent."
-Mike Davies / folking.com -
"The songs on Slowman’s new release has really nice melodies that stick like glue in your head....."
- Mattias Gustavsson / Ikon Magazine -
"Happy Boy offers of a bunch of great songs, with really good and recognizable lyrics. He has a very special talent, that's for sure. A true gold nugget in the Swedish flow of music that deserves much more attention than it probably will get. I really fall for the ballads, where Slowman's feeling and voice emphasizes the desolation and sadness of wonderful compositions like 'Nothing To Pretend' and 'What Do We Do Now?'."
- Per Wiker / Obladoo -
"'Happy Boy' hits you right in the middle of your heart, the right amount of airplay would undoubtedly involve a direct hit in the music heart of prospective fans who probably do not have a clue that he exists....."
week.49
Ani DiFranco "Allergic To Water" (Righteous Babe)
”This is one of Ani DiFranco's most personal and intimate albums, and songs like 'Careless Words', the title track and 'Rainy Day' go all the way.....”
- Karin Grönroos / Borås Tidning –
”'Allergic To Water' is Ani DiFranco's most focused album to date.....”
- Magnus Sjöberg / Gaffa –
”More glorious career highlights, such as the dark, jazzy 'Careless Words' and the stunning 'Rainy Parade'.....”
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon Magazine –
”This time, the music, rather than the politics, is in focus.....”
- Redaktionen / Kulturbloggen –
"With 'Allergic To Water' Ani DiFranco manages to make both one of her most intimate albums, while also one of her most musically varied , and it is not always easy to digest , but it is constantly very good."
- Pierre Eriksson / Lira Musikmagasin –
”Truly special.....”
- Roland Klinga / Norrköpings Tidningar –
" Like always, it’s only a matter of taste, as each tune on this new album is dedicated to quality, and perfectionism as Ani DiFranco's middle name."
- Mr Blue Boogie / BillyBop –
"One of Ani DiFranco's most adventerous work to date....."
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords –
“Like all her previous work, the latest record ‘Allergic To Water’ by Ani DiFranco, is extremely professional, although this time much more intimistic, lo-fi and soberly instrumented. But the quality of the songs and the variety in music styles still remains her highest priority. Album number 20 is again filled with songs that are growing upon you with every new listening.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime –
week.48
Brad Colerick "Tucson" (Back 9 Records)
"'Tucson' is Brad Colerick's 4th album and just like the previous ones, it's filled with westcoast country in Herb Pedersen & Chris Hillman's spirit with very nice vocal harmonies....."
- Anders Nordgren / Herring Brothers -
"The music is very melodic and easy to enjoy and mr Colerick has a lot of really interesting stories to tell."
- Mattias Gustavsson / Ikon Magazine -
"If you're looking for melodic folk-pop-country with a nice drive and just the right attitude, Nebraska-born, and now California-based, songwriter Brad Colerick is a good choice, because his new album 'Tucson' is a very tasteful 11-track CD."
- Björn Bostrand / Popgeni -
"Artist Of The Week!"
- Benny Sörensen / Musik Fra Kyst Til Kyst -
"Brad Colerick is very much a songsmith and the finely crafted material here comes from both workshops and commissions, the former represented by the superb statement of self, ‘This Is What I Do (Mighty Keeper)’, reflecting on choices made and opportunities missed, and the latter finding expression in ‘Hands Of Time (Nancy’s Song)’, a pledge of love written for a friend’s wife’s birthday, and ‘Mother’, which began life as a Mother’s Day commercial and ended up a moving, very personal number far beyond simple greeting card sentiments. As a successful advertising veteran, he patently knows how to sell a song, a story, a message. It’s about time more people started buying."
- Mike Davies / folking.com -
"This is solid album that covers different aspects of a general roots mood that shows Brad Colerick is an accomplished writer and singer who has delivered music that has potential to hit the spot for those who like their music free of too much grit and spit."
- Paul McGee / Lonesome Highway -
"'Tucson' is a fine example of a singer-songwriter-album full of roots and country influences."
- Mr Blue Boogie / BillyBop -
“Like with his three previously released records, also ‘Tucson’ from Brad Colerick aims to present the songs of a man that has nothing to learn anymore about composing strong lyrics, and even stronger melodies, for his pleasant tunes on this album. It is a true joy to listen to the storytelling stories and the music of this great artist.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.47
Achilles Wheel "Stones To Sand" (Achilles Wheel)
"From rock to latin, country to blues, gospel to folk, this new album by Achilles Wheel has it all, add to that a fresh, unique and energetic attitude, and you have the perfect combination....."
- Mr Blue Boogie / Billy Bop -
"Achilles Wheel is definitely a band not without merits, but perhaps they're even better experienced on a stage!"
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords -
“There is a lot of variation in the 14 tracks on the 2nd album by Achilles Wheel. The quintet plays their folk, blues, rock and gospel songs with an ease as if they have done it all their life. Our recommendation to the band is that they should consider to cross the big ocean and come to play their music live for a European audience which is known to be fond of this sound.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"I can only say that Achilles Wheel make great music and it would be ridiculous not to bring them over to this side of the large pond!"
- Ulrich Heiser / RockTimes -
"Achilles Wheel is definitely a band worth checking out!"
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon Magazine -
week.46
Christine Albert "Everything's Beautiful Now" (MoonHouse Records)
"Given the number of funerals that went into the creation of this album, you might have expected to come away feeling torn and desolate, but instead there’s a sense of peace, acceptance and hope that, greatly helped by Albert’s warm honey vocals, leaves you calm and ready to face whatever tomorrow brings....."
- Mike Davies / Folk Radio UK -
"The past few years were personally quite hard for Christine Albert. Hard in that respect , that Texas lost quite a few loved ones in a short time. You know, that phase where we all must pass and just keeps getting closer with aging. However, as befits a good songwriter, Albert took full advantage of the situation. As a tribute to those who went, she coped with her grief in some new, great songs, along with material by Russelll Shake, Dana Cooper, Tom Peterson, Jackson Browne and Warren Zevon, all ending up on her new, brilliant album.
- Benny Metten / Ctrl Alt Country -
"Exquisite songs with guitars, lap steel, mandolin and piano, topped off by Christine Albert's soothing vocals."
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords -
“On her latest album ‘Everything's Beautiful Now’, Austin songstress Christine Albert is paying tribute to all the beloved ones that she has lost during the last few years. Hopeful memories in intimate and emotional songs that are enriched with beautiful cover versions of great farewell songs are all to be found on probably the best album in her long lasting career”.
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.45
The Bunny Gang "Thrive" (Hardline/Membran/Naxos)
"There isn't a single bad track on this album, so you could easily believe that it's a best of compilation, but quite obviously it's not....."
- Kaj Roth / Palace Of Rock -
"Flogging Molly's Nathen Maxwell has a new, great band called The Bunny Gang...."
- Claes Olson / Musikindustrin -
"With Flogging Molly bassplayer Nathen Maxwell in front position, The Bunny Gang performs in the dividing lines between punk, rock'n'roll and reggae, and occasionally it is absolutely brilliant....."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon Magazine -
week.44
Sid Griffin "The Trick Is To Breathe" (Prima Records)
"Sid Griffin's new album has elements of all his finest moments, including a wicked sense of humour that weaves through like a silver thread....."
- Alan Harrison / No Depression -
"This entire album has an alluring, magical mood to it, poignant at times, wryly humorous the next, ultimately unmistakably Sid Griffin - Don't stay gone so long next time, Sid!"
- James Mann / Ink 19 -
“Almost ten years of waiting for a new record from ‘Long Ryders’ and ‘Coal Porters’ founding father Sid Griffin was a long time, but be sure that it was worth all this waiting for the twelve new songs which got a tailor-made interpretation by one of the greatest singer-songwriters of the last 3 decades.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"Artist Of The Week!"
- Benny Sörsensen / Skagensexpressen -
week.43
Fayssoux "I Can't Wait" (Red Beet Records)
"This is an album that will have a wide-ranging appeal, it's an album that is easy to listen to without becoming easy listening, it's thoughtful and timeless and well worth the wait....."
- Stephen Rapid / Lonesome Highway -
"Emmylou Harris has declared Fayssoux McLean to be one of her favourite singers and she’s earned similar praise from the likes of Rodney Crowell, Linda Ronstadt and Dolly Parton, and while the album may not set the roots-Americana world ablaze, it will most certainly kindle a warm glow in those who hear it."
- Mike Davies / Folk Radio UK -
"This is a lady not only able to count on Emmylou Harris as a fan, but many, many others. It is some list too, Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton, Rodney Crowell (who is a huge fan!), Ricky Skaggs and Buddy Miller....."
- Maurice Hope / Flyin' Shoes -
"I've now listened to this album about a dozen times already and each time I have heard something new, I am looking forward to the next dozen listens too!
- Rory Stranbridge / Fatea Magazine -
"Artist Of The Week!"
- Benny Sörensen / Musik Fra Kyst Til Kyst -
week.42
My Darling Clementine "The Reconciliation?" (Continental Song Service)
For those who enjoy June & Johnny, George & Tammy, Dolly & Porter, and Gram & Emmylou, British duo My Darling Clementine a given purchase....."
- Hans Bloom / Dalademokraten -
"This is done with so much passion that Lou and Michael actually convinces me time after time after time....."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon Magazine -
"Traditional and innovative country when it is at its most beautiful and touching, and best of all is that this just feels like the beginning....."
- Per Wiker / Obladoo -
"Two voices in perfect interplay that evokes a feeling of glowing love, even if the lyrics speak another language, music resistant to both laugh and cry to....."
- Jonas Öhman / Om Country -
"Finer bearers of tradition bearers may be hard to find, but My Darling Clementine is also clearly careful to anchor its expression in contemporary Americana....."
- Björn Bostrand / Popgeni -
"Sometimes you trip and fall on a new album which immediately becomes a favorite and a nominee for 'Best Right Now ' or 'Album Of The Year, this is such an album....."
- Rune Häger / Rootsy -
week.41
Ginger Baker "Why" (Motéma/Membran/Naxos)
"This is an instrumental album throughout, with Ginger Baker's brilliant drumming in the spotlight, and Pee Wee Ellis' pleasant saxophone as another distinguishing point....."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon Magazine -
"This recording from Real World Studios sounds and breathe live feeling, we get the room, we get the atmosphere, the musicians deliver and interact at a high level, although it is clear that mr Baker is the protagonist....."
- Timo Kangas / Lira Musikmagasin -
"The legendary drummer Ginger Baker - which story is depicted in the controversial movie 'Beware Of Mr Baker' - is releasing his first solo album in 16 years....."
- Claes Olson / Musikindustrin -
week.40
Cina Samuelson "Roots & Memories" (Cool Country Music)
"Cina Samuelson records a bunch of her favorite old country songs, and the results are very appealing, it's a fine album, and she should win many new fans with it....."
- Anna Maria Stjärnell / Luna Kafé -
"A good singer and a bunch of good songs doesn't make an album, there needs to be something more, and it surely is here....."
- Jonas Öhman / Om Country -
You can hear that this is an album that Cina has put her whole soul into doing, her singing is truly inspirational, and the choices of songs are really tasteful....."
- Håkan Persson / Perssons Musik -
"If Swedish country music sounds this good, it's quite a scandal that this music is as anonymous as it is....."
- Rune Häger / Rootsy -
"All of the tracks on this very varied album is extraordinarily good!"
- Robert Ryttman / Zero Magazine -
"Artist Of The Week!"
- Benny Sörensen / Skagensexpressen -
"This ethos is a million miles away from what the Nashville mainstream is producing these days, it's a simple, direct and very enjoyable album from a talented singer."
- Paul McGee / Lonesome Highway -
"I've never heard European musicians sounding so American authentic!"
- Wolfgang Giese / RockTimes -
"This is a wonderful example of pure and true 'old school country'!"
- Benny Metten / Ctrl Alt Country -
“I honestly admit that I truly enjoyed every single track of the 13 songs from the Swedish country singer Cina Samuelson’s cover album ‘Roots & Memories’, it brings back sweet memories of golden classics in this very typical American music style and the record also made me get acquainted with some songs that I never heard before but started to like immediately.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.39
The Fretless (Membran/Naxos)
"The Fretless' strength lies in the strong rhythms and in their safe, secure and strong way to bring together different kinds of folkmusic....."
- Gert Ove Fridlund / Hallands Nyheter -
"The musicians in The Fretless masters many styles and they also dare to do something really unique of its own material....."
- Gert Ove Fridlund / Hallandsposten -
"There are several beautiful melodies that faces the listener, often with interesting rhythms and really energetic passages, a great new acquaintance that I would like to listen more to."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon Magazine -
"The Fretless has undoubtedly developed the fiddle and string tradition with its new album."
- Staffan Solding / Rootsy -
"You can say what you will about The Fretless, but the music they make on their stringed instruments is clearly an odd bird in the flock among all these traditional folkrock bands.
- Robert Ryttman / Zero Magazine -
week.38
Bob Cheevers "On Earth As It Is In Austin" (Private Angel)
“Bob Cheevers' 10th album ‘On Earth As It Is In Austin’ is probably one of his most beautiful albums ever.....”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"Bob Cheevers 10th commercially available album is nothing short of a masterpiece....."
- Benny Metten / Ctrl Alt Country -
"In most peoples eyes and ears Bob Cheevers counts as a country artist, and don't let me stop you, but there's so much more in his music, all sorts of americana, right down to folk, gospel and jazz....."
- Rune Häger / Rootsy -
"Bob Cheevers album 'On Earth As It Is In Heaven' is a 'more-than-approved' new release....."
- Mattias Gustavsson / Ikon Magazine -
"Fifteen musician friends are helping Bob Cheevers on his brand new album and the result is a very nice, intimate, acoustic album....."
- Hans Bloom /Dalademokraten -
week.37
Reed Turner "Ghosts In The Attic" (Reed Turner Music)
"Reed Turner blends different musical styles like folk, country, blues and rock into an original personal sound, and I also have to admit that his vocal skills are equally exceptional.....”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"Young storytellers of this caliber you don't come across very often!"
- Benny Metten / Ctrl Alt Country -
"This is music that grows on you with repeated listening....."
- Wolfgang Giese / RockTimes -
"This is a voice that is completely magnificent for the kind of music that he writes and produces, a voice that you do not tire of, it's about songs that become entrenched, songs with lyrics that tell little stories, and even a ghost story, it's about a new way to make folk-rock the new, modern Americana genre with small, small hints of perfect pop."
- Rune Häger / Rootsy -
"Grounded in Americana and classic American roots music, Reed Turner has carved out a warm, modern troubadour album, that is enhanced by his own tender style, timeless and ostentatious and highly personal song material, and when it comes to a band that besides balanced guitars frames the songs with mournful steel, upright bass, cool, hot fiddle, moving drums and exquisite vocal embellishment, the end result becomes more than convincing."
- Björn Bostrand / Popgeni -
week.36
Brian Setzer "Rockabilly Riot! All Original!" (Surfdog/Membran/Naxos)
"Brian Setzer attracts with a retro rockabilly so stylish where his deft and nimble guitar playing, and clear as a bell ringing voice, convinces again and again and again....."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon Magazine -
"This could very well be a Stray Cats album, the band's distinctive voice is there, as well as the unique guitar playing, and the songs are built on the same foundation of tough, modern slapbassrock'n'roll that is Brian Setzer's hallmark....."
- Jörgen Holmstedt / Nostalgia Magazine -
"12 new original songs gives us a clear message, that this is not the beginning or end, but straight in the middle, music that will live for a very long time in me and my sweetheart's car, even though we drive four cylinder and a Swedish brand....."
- Jonas Öhman / Om Country -
"Brian Setzer is a trendsetter who is true to his reading and undoubtedly keeps the style, both as a guitarist and songwriter....."
- Björn Bostrand / Popgeni -
"As usual, Brian Setzers great lyrics has that 'twinkle in its eye'....."
- Jörgen Holmstedt / Rock'N'Roll Magazine -
"Rockabilly is fun, rockabilly is rock'n'roll where it is as much about the right haircut, the right clothes and the right instruments, as it is to deliver a punchy, hard rocking 3 minute song, and Brian Setzer does it all....."
- Rune Häger / Rootsy -
week.35
Jeff Larson "Close Circle" (NCompass Music)
"Jeff Larsson, with Scandinavian blood in his veins, is probably one of the best and most well-preserved secrets when it comes to sunshine pop from California....."
- Torbjörn Berlin / Allehanda -
"This music keeps me in a firm grip from the beautiful opener 'Rescue', to the heartfelt 'The Lay Of The Land' that closes this enchanting album."
- Kaj Roth / Palace Of Rock -
"The US singer-songwriter Jeff Larson leans against a voluminous discography, where he once again proves that he belongs to the elite range when it comes to songwriting, with songs that embraces you with its warm melodic grace."
- Björn Bostrand / Popgeni -
"Tastefully, evocative and every single song is of striking high class....."
- Tom Arvidsson / Thirsty Boots -
"This new CD is a blueprint of the early works of Jackson Browne, JD Souther and James Taylor - Jeff Larson is a brilliant singer-songwriter."
- Alfons Maes / Keys & Chords -
“In the tradition of the greatest Californian singer-songwriters, Jeff Larson has now delivered his 5th terrific album ‘Close Circle’. Not one weaker track can be detected and hence also no favourite song can be nominated. That is a luxury which cannot be granted to too many releases.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.34
Eddie Seville "Ragged Hearts" (Temple Ward Music)
"Eddie Seville is a natural country music story teller, he has done other things, but country music is calling him, this is where he should be, so what will this talented man do next....."
- Paul Riley / Country Music People -
"This is a seasoned session musician and sideman, and this, his 3rd full length album, is a solid collection of alt-country that is consistently very good in terms of both performance and material."
- Mike Davies / Roots & Branches -
“Multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer Eddie Seville steps up with a brand new solo album called ‘Ragged Hearts’, the successor to his 2012-record ‘The King’s Highway’. With the support of his ‘Bandoleros’ lead singer Frank Carillo and also ‘Texas Tornado’ Augie Meyers, these 11 self penned tracks are a 100% guarantee for pure entertainment and great music.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.33
Jacob Latham "Midnight Train" (Jacob Latham)
“The resemblance in the work from bands like The Decemberists, Iron & Wine and The Shins is strong, and these 5 tracks are forming an excellent appetizer for what to expect from Jacob Latham's future full-length CD.....”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"Given his young age, we can almost certainly expect more beautiful things from Jacob Latham in the future!"
- Jan Janssen / Real Roots Café -
"Jacob Latham is a very hopeful and talented artist, and I don't doubt for a minute that we'll hear a lot more from him real soon!"
- Wolfgang Giese / RockTimes -
"19-year-old Jacob 'Jake' Latham, who calls Bloomington, Indiana, home, is not only a master of the mandolin, but also plays guitar, blows the harmonica and hammers away on the piano - An unquestionable talent!"
- Bjorn Bostrand / Popgeni -
"All 5 songs here are very good, and both the title song, 'Do Not Let Them In' and 'Pay Attention To The Rain' are terribly good and evokes a desperate need to instantly hear more."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon -
week.32
Barry Ollman "What'll It Be?" (Blue Colorado)
"Barry Ollman knows how to match an engaging lyric with a strong melody and deliver it with an appealing warmth and honesty....."
- Mike Davies / folking.com -
"As debut CD’s go, Barry Ollman's 'What'll It Be?' is a real treat!"
- Paul McGee / Lonesome Highway -
"Barry Ollman finally realizes his dream, with hard work, a couple of brilliant songs, some interesting guests, and offers up an impressive debut album."
- Fabio Cerbone / Roots Highway -
"This is a record that should be played over and over again!”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"A beautiful voice, a bunch of brilliant songs, played by some astonishing musicians, what more do you need?"
- Benny Metten / Ctrl Alt Country -
"What'll it be? The answer is easy; Excellent!"
- Holly Moors / Moors Magazine -
"If you, like me, is a sucker for folk influenced music with strong melodies and harmonies, this one surely is for you!"
- Wolfgang Giese / RockTimes -
"Artist Of The Week!"
- Benny Sörensen / Skagensexpressen -
"On 'What'll It Be?' Barry Ollman shows clearly that he is a warm, personal, musical mediator on the ten self-written songs with origins in roots, country and folk, with a highly competent band behind him, the involvement of pals Graham Nash and Gary W Tallent, and the reasons are numerous to put this CD in your CD- player."
- Björn Bostrand / Popgeni -
week.31
Joan Osborne "Love & Hate" (Membran/Naxos)
"'Love is always a risk, people in love can bring out the best in each other, but also the worst', Joan Osborne says of this album, but there's never any risk to buy this album, or any other in Joan Osborne's vast discography....."
- Björn Bostrand /Popgeni -
"The music on this album is catchy and fun to listen to, especially 'Mongrels', the best track on the album."
- Mattias Gustavsson / Ikon Magazine -
"After several close listenings to Joan Osborne's new album, I believe there's a serious hit potential in a track like 'Up All Night'."
- Alf Carlsson / Sveriges Radio P4 -
week.30
Kina Grannis "Elements" (One Haven)
"In our opinion, Kina Grannis' new terrific album is one of the biggest surprises of 2014.....”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"Light melancholic songs with pleasant melodies, a pinch of power pop, at times also done live and mostly acoustic, and production kept technically quite airy, only trimmed with an absolutely necessary degree of electronics."
- Ullrich Maurer / Gaesteliste -
"You can’t deny this is a very pretty confection."
- Mike Davies / Roots & Branches -
"Artist Of The Week!"
- Benny Sörensen / Musik Fra Kyst Til Kyst -
week.29
Robert Francis & The Night Tide "Heaven" (Membran/Naxos)
"There's a lot of passion in this album, where Robert Francis shows what a great singer he is, just listen to the mighty beautiful title track, one of many highlights here....."
- Kaj Roth / Palace Of Rock -
"Robert Francis proves that he's a brilliant songwriter who once in a while changes shape and do it in a very tasteful way."
- Björn Bostrand / Popgeni -
"The sound on Robert Francis' new album is very neat, and it's not hard to really enjoy Robert Francis and his music."
- Rune Häger / Rootsy -
week.28
Buford Pope "Sticks In The Throat" (Unchained Records)
"The title track is a definite highlight on an album that gets better with each spin, a fine follow up to the critically acclaimed 'Matching Numbers', Buford Pope’s 'Sticks In The Throat' rocks up a storm....."
- Robert Silverstein / mwe3 -
"Buford Pope have one of those scratchy, nasal voices that you either love or hate, me, myself, I love it!"
- Per Wiker / Obladoo -
"There is in fact a certain honesty you can´t deny here, this Swede does it well!"
- Kaj Roth / Palace Of Rock -
"As you might expect from someone named Buford, this is steeped in the South, a Southern country rock twang and drive permeating the album’s 11 cuts. Surprising, then, to discover he actually hails from Gotland, Sweden. Nonetheless, this sounds pretty authentic."
- MIke Davies / Roots & Branches -
"This is truly a brilliant, mature piece of work from Sweden!"
- Wolfgang Giese / RockTimes -
"In our opinion this is a man who can stand next to Springsteen, sublime classic rock which just gets better with age!"
- Holly Moors / Moors Magazine -
“Album number 5 for Swedish alt country rocker Buford Pope is his most solid rocking one. Nicely orchestrated and full of powerful self penned songs, ‘Sticks In The Throat’ might soon be remembered as his best record. Judge for yourself, spread the word and help this rocking artist become recognized all over the world.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"From an island in the Baltic Sea straight to the heart of rock 'n' roll!"
- Fabio Cerbone / Roots Highway -
week.27
True North "True North" (True North)
"This five song debut EP is a strong appetizer with songs performed in great vocal harmonies where the vocals are really close, and where the male voice is not allowed to take over, but three becomes one....."
- Hans Bloom / Dalademokraten -
"This is all very down to earth and what I class as proper folk music, not messing with any electrical equipment, just three people with guitars and percussion, and it sounds just perfect."
- Gemma Hirst / Fatea Magazine -
"Carried by acoustic guitars, a dry bass, percussion and very pleasant vocal harmonies, with a big emphasis on Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, this is a beautiful piece of art."
- Wolfgang Giese / RockTimes -
week.26
Victor Camozzi "Cactus & Roses" (Volco Records)
"What a terrific singer-songwriter this Texan artist is, who truly deserves to be positioned next to both Tom Waits or Bruce Springsteen.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"Big of drawling vocal, guitar twang and beard, Camozzi is firmly in the mould of Texas outlaw country rock with echoes of such names as Steve Earle, Robert Earl Keen, Kris Kristofferson and, on the title track, Tom Russell. It’s not going to elevate him to the ranks of those he calls to mind, but if any of them have a place in your collection, Camozzi will fit perfectly well alongside."
- Mike Davies / Roots & Branches -
"This is not an album that will be attractive to all, but to those acquainted with his previous albums, or who warm to honesty of his writing, then Victor Camozzi may well be a singer-songwriter to add to the list of those less known Texans (such as Calvin Russell) who haven’t quite reached the status of some of their more recognised musical alumni, but who are making records that have merit in their own right."
- Stephen Rapid / Lonesome Highway -
"This is the 3rd album by Texas singer-songwriter Victor Camozzi, who's a troubadour and songwriter of the old school manner, and his songs has a recognizable atmosphere and emotionalities. He possesses a deep powerful voice, and most of the tracks were done in the country-americana style."
- Branimir Lokner / Stereo Sun -
week.25
Doug Ingoldsby "I've Got A Picture" (Doug Ingoldsby)
"A collection of nine, relaxed songs, that sometimes makes me think of a more stripped down Eagles, and on the album's best song, 'Vegas', you can almost imagine Pink Floyd and David Gilmour as a reference....."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon Magazine -
"Doug Ingoldsby moves within the folk rock territory and he proves to be both an exquisite songwriter and a brilliant singer."
"'Doug Ingoldsby has a heart and he has the gift, a songwriter's job is to make you feel, and Dougie definitely does the job', David Crosby once said. A more accurate description is hard to find!"
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords -
“Nine inspiring and emotionally touching songs have been recorded for Doug Ingoldsby’s new album ‘I’ve Got A Picture'. This great songwriter who writes for many others, excels also as a singer on his own solo album, which was created in close co-operation with a lot of good friends in music.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.24
West Of Eden "Songs From Twisting River" (West Of Music)
"West Of Eden has never sounded as good as on their 8th album, recorded in England with producer Damien O'Kane and great guest spots on banjo by Ron Block (Union Station), flute by Michael McGoldrick (Mark Knopfler) and vocals by the great Kate Rusby....."
- Ulf Johansson / Göteborgsposten -
"'Spelling Song' is a great, up-tempo song with a lovely lead vocal by Jenny Schaub. 'Song For A Rover' laments things lost, but is hardly downcast. Jenny's vocals have a warm timbre throughout. 'The Bee That Stung' is a suitably dreamy song that benefits from Kate Rusby's lovely vocal. Her and Jenny's duet is a thing of beauty in a song that sounds like a folk classic."
- Anna Maria Stjärnell / Luna Kafé -
"Adopting a generally reflective tone, they do playful and melancholic romance with equal conviction, and while I confess I find Jenny’s pure vocals just have the edge of Martin’s more robust, slightly nasal tones, they meld together perfectly. Superbly sung and played throughout, Broman’s fiddle work and Ojerot’s acoustic guitar particularly fine, while on a couple of tracks Michael McGoldrick contributes flute and tin whistle, respectively, both album and band stand shoulder to shoulder with the best that today’s homegrown folk scene has to offer."
- Mike Davies / Folk Radio UK -
“The Swedish roots of West Of Eden is nowhere to be heard in the very traditional Celtic songs that Jenny and Martin Schaub wrote for their 7th album, ‘Songs From Twisting River’. Their music deserves a firm spot in the British folk scene, as well as the acknowledgement for keeping this culturally very rich and stone old music alive."
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.23
Ollie Vee "Lonesome Girl" (Ollie Vee)
"If you happen to be a fan of twangy country guitars, upright bass and vocals schooled in the Elvis, Buddy and Orbison textbooks, you’ll be glad you put this CD in your player."
"With not even 33 minutes running time, this disc is a bit on the short side, but you'll enjoy every minute of it, I'm sure!"
“This Canadian band found their name in a Buddy Holly-song from 1956. The tracks on their live on tape recorded album ‘Lonesome Girl’ are unpolished and pretty much impressive and overwhelming. There are several future classics to be found here and fans of the nostalgic music of the 50's and 60's will truly enjoy every single song, whether it are the ballads or the guitar based rock songs.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.22
Elliott Murphy "Intime" (Elliott Murphy Music/Last Call)
"The final track of 'Intime', wherein destiny is pondered as a question of 'would you rather be happy or be right', I’d rather be happy, and this small slice of Murphy does just that, it keeps you satisfied until the next full album comes along....."
- Stephen Rapid / Lonesome Highway -
"Artist of the week!"
- Benny Sörensen / Musik Fra Kyst Til Kyst -
"I've not been impressed by Elliott Murphy previously and stating that expectations were inflated by this 5-track EP recorded in Paris would be to be dishonest. But then, he strikes like a bolt from the blue with the truly amazing 'Benedict's Blues'. Desolate and dark, and he sings terribly good. The song is followed by 'Sweet Honky Tonk' and it's really sweet honky tonk all the way. Basically as good as the first song. 3rd track, 'Blissed Out In The Land Of Nod' is a little quieter but still in the spellbinding atmosphere."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon Magazine -
"Elliott Murphy's 'Intime' is not a full-length album, but a 5-track EP, but still, new songs with Elliott Murphy is always a great event. In my opinion, the EP format is underestimated , although I am pleased to note that it is on the rise again. Murphy himself has gilded this market over the years , including 'Affairs' in 1980 and 'If Poets Were King' in 1990."
week.21
Melanie Dekker "Distant Star" (Elephant Ears)
“Qualitative easy listening pop songs are the core business of Canadian singer-songwriter Melanie Dekker on ‘Distant Star’, and as usual, this is once again a good album with good songs from a good artist....."
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"11 nice pop songs, yet Melanie managed to ensure that her songs are not becoming annoying. The necessary variation is present in each song and they all have their own story to tell. A CD which I really recommend to every music lover, and not because of Melanie psychical attraction, but we can say that her songs are this too. Definitely a CD that very often will end up in my player."
- Alfons Maes / Keys & Chords -
"Melanie Dekker sets with "Distant Star" her consistently continued musical course; Pleasant and very tastefully designed music."
"Artist of the week!"
- Benny Sörensen / Musik Fra Kyst Til Kyst -
week.20
David Serby & The Latest Scam (David Serby Music)
"Sounding like Al Stewart’s country brother, David Serby releases his 5th album which takes him away from his previous honky tonk sound, this 2CD contains 20 tracks and according to Serby should be played loud and filed under 'double crossed'....."
- Phil Edwards / Americana UK -
"A set of songs played with a sense of fun that seems imbedded into the heart of the music, the skill is obvious and the sound infectious, especially to anyone who remembers Rockpile's similar energy and enterprise."
- Stephen Rapid / Lonesome Highway -
"David Serby majors in polite pop-rock with plenty of crunchy choruses."
- Sean McGhee / R2 Rock 'N' Reel -
"David Serby has 20 original songs he wants you to hear and has released them on this 2CD set, it's a lot of music, but it never gets boring, as the Americana rock mixed with honky-tonk beats and spirit will keep toes your tapping and your head bobbing."
- David Hintz / FolkWorld -
week.19
Martin Lorentzson "Together" (Bamalama Recordings)
"Martin Lorentzson's new album shows that his warm voice, paired with strong melodies and detailed, dreamy arrangements, is a winner....."
- Arnaud Léger / Westcoast Rendezvous -
"Intriguing, atmospheric, melancholic, melodic; all are perfectly fitting definitions for the 8 terrific songs on Martin Lorentzson’s 3rd album ‘Together’. This Swedish singer-songwriter surprises pleasantly and his work deserves to be heard by an audience all over Europe and America.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"This Swedish songwriter is clearly taking another big leap forward with the rock solid 'Together'."
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords -
"Ultimately, straightforward and very pleasant music can be found on 'Together'."
- Wolfgang Giese / RockTimes -
"8 songs in 30 minutes and enough quality to hint at greater success ahead for this Swedish singer-songwriter. With 2 previous, self-released CD’s, 'Together' represents a step forward in that it was created while working with 7 separate song-writers. Produced by Carl Granberg, the overall sound is based in a folk-roots genre, but there are many nice soundscape touches in the arrangements to keep everything interesting and flowing in a positive direction. Some very nice harmony vocals by an unidentified female voice add a certain mystery and the restrained playing creates an atmospheric mood to the experience. Less is more!"
- Paul McGee / Lonesome Highway -
"Martin Lorentzson's 3rd album is showing both class and style....."
- Björn Bostrand / Popgeni -
"The first track 'The Road' completely knocks me out, the slightly awkward 'Winter Heart' I really want to hear many, many times more, and the muffled 'Butterfly Girl' I go around humming on, all day long - A strong album, indeed!"
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon Magazine -
week.18
Jeanette Åkerlund "En Egen Plats" (One98One Music)
"After listening to this fine debut album repeatedly, the big question that arises is why it's been delayed nearly forty years....."
- Hans Bloom / Dalademokraten -
"Great voice, excellent musicians and elaborate lyrics!"
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon Magazine -
"With her professional background Jeanette Åkerlund knows how to work with her gentle and harmonious voice in different appropriate moods, and the end result is a very accessible blend of country, pop and singer-songwriter stuff."
- Wolfgang Giese / RockTimes -
"With her debut album ‘En Egen Plats’, the Swedish singer and songwriter Jeanette Åkerlund has convinced us of her strong abilities to compose heartfelt and touching songs....."
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.17
Bo Ahlbertz "Lazy Afternoon" (Art CD)
“Americana and tex-mex music created on a small Swedish island in the middle of the Baltic Sea is what singer-songwriter Bo Ahlbertz offers in the twelve songs on this new album.....“
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"Bo Ahlbertz grapples or cuddles next to his acoustic guitar or Irish bouziki, a tool that is ubiquitous, and its characteristic tone contributes to the unique atmosphere that prevails on 'Lazy Afternoon'."
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords -
"The singer of the week!"
- Benny Sörensen / Skagensexpressen -
"Great variation, lots of joy and brilliant efforts excels 'Lazy Afternoon' from start to finish."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon Magazine -
week.16
The Accidentals "Bitter Sweet" (Savage Kittens)
"So far, 'Bitter Sweet' has proven somewhat addictive, so me thinks I need to hear that aforementioned Accidentals debut rather soon now....."
- David Kidman / Fatea Magazine -
"These two young girls graduate in May, after which time they’ll be setting off to spread the word with a summer tour of Europe and I’d recommend keeping a sharp eye out for the dates, as they are going to become very much in demand."
- Mike Davies / folking.com -
"'Bitter Sweet' is an apt description of these talented young girls, as is strikingly illustrated in the wonderful title track."
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords -
“Still amazingly young teen girls, the two ladies from the acoustic folk duo The Accidentals have already released their 2nd album ‘Bitter Sweet’ with 15 songs that vary from melodic, catchy to experimental. After leaving school soon, they can both start to launch their international career and work on a long and bright future in today’s musical landscape.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.15
Home Is Where The Heart Is (Hemifrån/Paraply Records)
"The somewhat unexpected starting point to gather distinctive musicians from and around the city of Borås in Sweden in genres like country, folk, pop, rock and singer-songwriter gives us this seventeen songs long collection....."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon Magazine -
"Imagine if everyone who releases and markets music would be as brave as Peter Holmstedt, then the Swedish music scene would look rather different. Let's say that there would be one person each, in the ten largest cities in Sweden, who each drew their bit and revealed the unknown musical life, what would happen then?"
- Jonas Öhman / Kountry Korrall / Om Country -
"The Swedish small label Hemifrån has set a fine example on how to present local talents on an album in the 2000's. Hopefully other cities in Sweden, and other countries, will follow this initiative. This album, entitled 'Home Is Where The Heart Is', brings 17 bands or artists in various melodic pop-rock genres.
- Ola Gränshagen / Melodic Net -
"The previous 'Music From Home' compilations featured both European and American artists, while the brand new compilation 'Home Is Where The Heart Is" only contains Swedish artists from the city of Borås in Sweden. I like the variety of genres as always with these collections, from 70's pop to country and folk rock. Thumbs up!"
- Kaj Roth / Palace Of Rock -
"If you're one of those who constantly gets kicks from new music, and preferably from unknown artists and groups, then the collection 'Home Is Where The Heart Is' a 17 track of a small gold mine to discover. Great idea! The city of Östersund should also make one!"
- Björn Bostrand / Popgeni -
"What was true of the previous collections, also applies to issue number five from Hemifrån, recommended for all 'curious' fans with a very wide variety of taste in music".
- Max Achatz / Country Jukebox -
"New music from the Swedish city of Borås, former textile industrial city and ugliest town in Sweden, embossed by anglo-american pop-rock-country artists, such as Citizen K, Mikael Persson, Cina Samuleson and Rambling Nicholas Heron, performing music that could help them get out of the identity crisis....."
- Thomas Keller / FolkWorld -
"Like a declaration of love to Borås, all participants are linked with the town and the surrounding area, and this is dedicated to a town that tautingly was named 'the most ugly town in Sweden', but, as stefan eklund, editor-in-chief of borås tidning, wrote, 'this album is all about heart'. Like all other compilations from Hemifrån this one, too, sparkles with the great spectrum of styles, including folky sounds and rock and pop and country. This album is not only a very good overlook on the Borås music scene and surroundings, but a basic statement of the actual Swedish music scene covering the presented styles, varied, of high quality and excellence. Continuation required!"
- Wolfgang Giese / RockTimes -
"Again a fine sampler from Hemifran, Peter Holmstedt's Swedish rootsy oriented record label. ‘Home Is Where The Heart Is’ focus on lesser known Scandinavian musicians. A musical trip that results in a very fine sampler of unexpected beauty and quality."
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords -
“With a unique focus on the promotion of artists that are homebased in and around the Swedish city of Borås, this delicious compilation is a must have for all music lovers that want to be on top of what kind of music is made today by an extensive range of creative Swedish musicians.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"Anyone who wants to get a taste of what Hemifran represents in the musical world, and who yearns for a bit of great music, then this is the perfect choice!"
- Czékus Mihaly / Gondola -
week.14
John Zipperer "Full Circle" (John Zipperer)
"John Zipperer has a strong soothing voice and his songs are generally very uplifting....."
- Hans Bloom / Dalademokraten -
"After a few listens 'Full Circle' really sinks in with me. John Zipperer tries on both folky country, more quiet moments and a lot of strong, stable singer-songwriter stuff."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon Magazine -
"Energetic, enthusiastic and excellent lyrics!"
- Holly Moors / Moors Magazine -
"I may be wrong, but I feel that John Zipperer proves that he has mastered the art of singing and songwriting as equally good as his method acting."
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords -
“Bad luck through a traffic accident has driven John Zipperer towards a career as singer-songwriter. The marvellous quality of the 12 songs that he composed for his album ‘Full Circle', as well as the surprisingly beautiful slowed down cover version of Van Morrison's hit record ‘Brown Eyed Girl’, tell us that he should completely forget about being an actor and continue to please his audience with more of these great songs.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.13
Sons Of The Sea (Membran/Naxos)
"The new release from Incubus singer Brandon Boyd is nothing more than a masterpiece, it's artsy, progressive, superclassy and hi-tech, Brandon has never sang this good before, or perhaps he has, it's just the heavenly melodies that feels overwhelming, I'm stunned....."
- Kaj Roth / Palace Of Rock -
"Incubus singer Brandon Boyd album debuts his new project Sons Of The Sea produced by Brendan O'Brien, who had not only produced Incubus, but also among many other things, Stone Temple Pilots, Audioslave, Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen and AC/DC."
- Claes Olson / Musikindustrin -
"When singer Brandon Boyd from Incubus recruits Brendan O'Brien to produce his first solo album, the result is very impresssive."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon Magazine -
week.12
Tia McGraff "Break These Chains" (Bandana Records)
"The strength in this album lies in Tia McGraff's voice, pure and gentle, similar in tone to Matraca Berg or a mellower Patty Griffin, and the musicianship is unquestionable....."
- Alison Stokes / Country Music People -
"I reckon that this CD may well bring the name Tia McGraff to even more people's attention and deservedly so."
- Helen Mitchell / Fatea Magazine -
"McGraff’s been around a while, releasing albums and writing with such names as the late Andrew Gold and Randy Bachman, building a solid fan base but without ever really breaking through into mainstream awareness, but this, her sixth album, could be the one to finally do it."
- Mike Davies / Net Rhythms -
"You will find 'Break These Chains' quite enjoyable if you like polished folk-country with a strong message."
- Alan Cackett / Maverick Magazine -
"A marvelous album!"
- Johan van Zundert / The Country Startpage -
"Probably her finest album to date. The fans will be pleased!"
- Patrick van de Wiele / Keys & Chords -
“Canadian singer Tia McGraff and her husband Tommy Parham know how to write songs that will make their listeners feel involved. Their uptempo songs and folk ballads are at one time sweet and mellow and at other times criticizing social injustice, but they are always pleasant to listen to. ‘Break These Chains’ is Tia’s 5th album, but it will certainly not be her last.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.11
Maria Solheim "In The Deep" (Membran/Naxos)
"On Maria Solheim's new album, you notice that she has a lot to say, the music is varied, from quiet songs, simple guitar based melodies, rock and pop, and the vocals are as always beautiful and personal, a very nice return to from, indeed....."
- Mattias Gustavsson / Ikon Magazine -
"Maria Solheim is a musical flower from Norway, who goes out in bloom on her new album, 'In The Deep', that takes the listener through a journey of songs in the singer-songwriter style, indie rock and pop. Maria has an irresistable voice that works for the best in acoustic songs, but we also get Patti Smith-like rock in 'Song Of Forgotten Songs' that I dig a lot. The highlight however is the upbeat 'Run Away', we´re talking Britpop-euphoria here. Great song! The catchy 'Dance With Me' should be released as a single, as this one gets stuck like superglue in the head. Me like!"
- Kaj Roth / Palace Of Rock -
"As it's time Maria Solheim's new album, she is already a respected musician and songwriter here and there on our globe. Also an enticing such, that does not compromise her musical profile and therefore shamelessly throws herself between different musical expressions. A strength and freedom from contradictions from any artist."
- Björn Bostrand / Popgeni -
week.10
The California Honeydrops "Like You Mean It!" (Tubtone Records)
"From this vibrant album I get exactly the same pleasant feeling in my body and mind like when Ray Charles was at his very best....."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon Magazine -
"On this album you'll find eminent musicians in top form in an ultra-stylish mix of blues, cajun, jazz and r 'n' b."
- Kenneth Hammargren / Nerikes Allehanda -
"A glorious rootsy stew with playfulness, sophistication and an indispensable sense of blues, gospel, r 'n' b, soul and some pinches of jazz."
- Björn Bostrand / Popgeni -
"I think the new album should be sold in pharmacies, for it is probably more effective than many prescription anti-depressants."
- Rune Häger / Rootsy -
week.09
Katey Sagal "Covered" (Membran/Naxos)
"One of the highlights here is Steve Earle's 'Goodbye', where she is joined by Jackson Browne in a lovely duet, but Katey´s version of 'Free Fallin'' is even better than Tom Petty's original, what a great voice....."
- Kaj Roth / Palace Of Rock -
"This is a very pleasing disc, and as usual with cover albums you wants to listen to the originals to compare. It's always nice to do some revisiting and rediscoveries, and when you also resort to the risky comparison between original and cover song, Sagal's versions are really, really good. Her musical deed will always be overshadowed by the fact that she really is an actor, but that's a pity, because 'Covered' deserves all the attention it can get!"
- Per Wiker / Obladoo -
"Katey Sagal's latest album, after a fairly long break, is just as the title suggests, a cover album, and although I tend to think these things pretty overrated, this one works very well. Most of the songs here I'm not familiar with from before, but some of the more familiar ones are terribly good in Sagals versions. An unexpectedly good album!"
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon Magazine -
week.08
Hat Check Girl "Goodbye Butterfield" (Gallway Bay Music)
"This calm, almost monotone, album, becomes very pleasing, not least Peter Gallway's voice that has that sort of life experience that makes it cringe inside your skin, Hat Check Girl feels a bit like the counterpart to Low....."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon Magazine -
"A liberating, ghostly and hypnotic delivery from the roots-tree's most gnarly branch that offers music for the soul."
- Björn Bostrand / Popgeni -
"'Goodbye Butterfield' is Peter Gallway and Annie Gallup's 4th collaboration since 2010. A collaboration that with each new album seems to be developed and strengthened. I was impressed by the former one, 'The Road To Red Point', and I am even more impressed by this new one, 'Goodbye Butterfield'!"
-Staffan Solding / Rootsy -
"Magnificent arrangements and stunning, lonesome guitar playing from a duo with a superior bond, with music that gets into your soul."
- Holly Moors / Moors Magazine -
week.07
Ulrik Arturén "Watch My Show" (Paraply Records)
"Genre-bending music, very well produced, with an underlying hard rockish feel, filled up by strings, bombastic sounds and Ulrik Arturén's strong vocals that really stand out....."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon Magazine -
"Ulrik Arturén's new EP 'Watch My Show' is a disc that is created to convey joy....."
- Ann Leijon / Boråskuriren -
"I must say that it's rare these days to stumble on a new release within pomp oriented westcoast music, but Swedish artist Ulrik Arturén has created an impressive EP of 70's pomp and 80's westcoast. I hope Ulrik doesn't settle with just this EP and instead give us a full LP soon!"
- Kaj Roth / Palace Of Rock -
"Ulrik Arturén, you're always welcome, my friend!"
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords -
"On his new EP ‘Watch My Show', Swedish singer-songwriter Ulrik Arturén perfoms four bombastic and etheric pop and rock songs which strongly reminds us of the exciting 80's. We do, however, dare to doubt if this music will still be able to attract the spoiled youth of the 21st century, but for sure the nostalgic music lovers will herewith find new food for joy.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.06
The Perpetrators "Stick 'Em Up" (The Perp's)
"Sometimes a song sticks to your brain immediately, The Perpetrators, from Winnipeg in Canada, has such a song on the group's first album since 2009....."
- Hans Bloom / Dalademokraten -
"This is a blues album with great inspiration, both musically and lyrically, and in addition to the blues, we're also treated to some brilliant parts country and rock'n'roll."
- Mattias Gustvasson / Ikon Magazine -
"The glowing riff in 'I Must Be Crazy' bring thoughts to early Led Zeppelin, while 'Tired Of Tryin' To Keep My Cool' should make ZZ Top real proud, thumbs up!"
- Kaj Roth / Palace Of Rock -
"A greasy and dirty blues album that will without doubt please tons of people! A simply must have album!"
- Mr Blue Boogie / BillyBop -
"Inspired classic blues with an unmistakable hard edged approach. Stick 'em up and play it loud!"
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords -
“The Perpetrators are playing a broad range of styles with blues, rock, funk and boogie on their latest album ‘Stick’Em Up’. The high energy level of this trio during their live performances is also reflected in the songs on this record, which is released more than five years after their last studio album ‘Tow Truck’. But at the very end, it was more than worth waiting for!”
- Marcie / Rootstime -
week.05
Brian Kramer "Full Circle" (BKB Music)
"Brian Kramer has a way all of his own, a soft-spoken style with such an expressive voice, in deep personal colored songs....."
- Hans Bloom / Dalademokraten -
"The music is pleasant and real close, often mediated in a pretty calm pace, with lyrics that encourage and delight."
- Mattias Gustavsson / Ikon Magazine -
"On his new CD Brian Kramer shows what he can do when it comes to finding a common thread in the music. Lyrics and melody grow together, Kramer sings with an experienced voice that is easily recognizable. He has a bunch of Swedish musicians and vocalists that binds together the entire package. Especially harmonica player Mats Qwarfordt have the ability to provide Kramer's tracks with the correct spark."
- Rune Häger / Rootsy -
"In 'Full Circle' Brian Kramer has created a strong roots soaked singer-songwriter album that should absolutely please the worshipers of this genre."
- Michael Masuch / Hooked On Music -
week.04
Jenai Huff "Grace & Elbow Grease" (Jenai Huff Music)
"The supporting ensemble, comprising a handful of hand-picked musicians, is most sympathetic to the mood of Jenai’s lyrics, and their gentle and slightly jazzy ambience is perfectly contoured to Jenai’s deep and soulful voice....."
- David Kidman / Fatea Magazine -
"Words like timid, laidback, relaxing all comes to mind, but also interesting, fascinating and captivating are quite good words to describe the sound and music on this EP."
- Mr Blue Boogie / BillyBop -
"This new EP has already opened more than a hopeful perspective for the new year."
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords -
“Jenai Huff discovered her talents as a singer with the release of her debut album ‘Transitions’ in 2012. With the six tracks on her EP ‘Grace & Elbow Grease’, she now also discovers her abilities to compose heartfelt and intimistic songs, of which we hope to hear many more on a future, full CD.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.03
Eastwick "Beyond Reason" (U.D.)
"Might just as well define it right away; Eastwick from Östersund offers up Swedish Americana in absolute world class....."
- Hans Bloom / Dalademokraten -
"Jämtland rules! This interesting quartet, derived from Östersund, features both a cello and a violin in the line up, and Jens Ganman, the group's leadsinger and chief songwriter, is emerging as a Swedish counterpart to Mike Scott of the Waterboys."
- Håkan Pettersson / Håkans Pop -
"In 'Beyond Reason' Estwick takes a giant class leap, and show us that this musical collective can shape songs that cuts right through, with both a strong and sweet identity of their own."
- Björn Bostrand / Popgeni -
"Eastwick continues to make me happy!"
- Rune Häger / Rootsy -
"Eastwick's debut album was hailed by many major music magazines and blogs outside of this country's borders.This followup is actually even better, so Eastwick should be able to get a big audience all around the world."
- Christer B Jarlås / Östersundsposten -
"A very lively and catchy album with strong lyrics and many lovely melodies."
- Per Dyrholm / Rootszone -
"Hailing from the Northern parts of Sweden, Eastwick consists of four very different musicians, citing such separate influences as U2, Def Leppard, John Mellencamp, Willie Nile, Hooters, Robert Fripp and Stanley Brothers, they manage to blend their efforts into something truly original."
- Mr Blue Boogie / BillyBop -
"On their 1st album ‘A Moment From Now’, the Swedish folkrock quartet Eastwick covered 7 famous and less known songs. Their recently released album ‘Beyond Reason’ delivers 11 own compositions. Several tracks on this record have a high hit sensibility and demonstrate the international class of this band.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.02
Lisa Lim "Lisa Lim" (Spin Dog Records)
"Lisa Lim may not be the most prominent voice in the blues universe , but her musicianship and her real-life songs witness such enthusiasm that you can not help yourself 'push play' again and again and again....."
- Steph / Beale Street -
"If Lisa Lim should come to a Belgian festival, I can assure you that success is guaranteed!"
- Ivan Van Belleghem / Keys & Chords -
“Lisa Lim is a rough diamond with a true rock and roll mindset and tons of talent, which is here translated in twelve entertaining songs.”
- Eric Shuurmans / Rootstime -
"Not many artist can claim that their debut album immediately gets nominated in the best blues album of the year award, but this is exactly what happened to Lisa Lim."
- Czékus Mihaly / Gondola -
"It is filled with energy, easy to listen to and very catchy with a lot of focus on the guitars, a great, great album."
- Mattias Gustavsson / Ikon Magazine -
"All in all, this is a high class recording, with great players and a crunchy and melodic production."
- Ola Gränshagen / Melodic Net -
"You can't beat the feeling of hearing a real band play and Lisa is treating her guitar like a baby, with much tender and care."
- Kaj Roth / Palace Of Rock -
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