Album Review
Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number: Lolly Lee Delivers Debut Self-Titled LP
Lolly Lee’s self-titled LP kicks off with an energetic and infectious anthem, “Satellite,” setting the stage for what’s to come on this vibrant and dynamic album. With its driving guitar riffs, pulsating percussion, and Lee’s spirited vocals, the song immediately captures listeners’ attention and leaves them hungry for more.
Throughout the album’s 11 tracks, Lee showcases her incredible musicality and unwavering passion for storytelling through music. Her songs are a vibrant tapestry of rock ‘n’ roll infused with light Americana elements, creating a sound that is uniquely her own. From the upbeat and catchy “Great Crusade” to “Ave Mario Grotto,” each track on the album stands out on its own while still maintaining a cohesive sound.
What makes this album truly special is Lee’s ability to craft compelling narratives through her lyrics. It’s evident that each song is deeply personal to her, drawing on her own experiences of love, loss, and life in rural Alabama. In “Shot at the Devil,” the album’s closing track, Lee reflects on the uncertainties of life and the struggle to find inner peace. With her emotive vocals and haunting melody, she captures the bittersweet feeling of acceptance and letting go. As a listener, it’s hard not to be deeply moved by her vulnerability and honesty.
Collaborating with long-time friend and producer Anthony Crawford, Lee has created a mesmerizing sound that perfectly complements her songwriting. Crawford’s production expertise shines through on each track, adding layers of depth and texture to Lee’s already dynamic songs. Lee’s decision to also enlist the vocal powerhouse Savana Lee, Crawford’s wife and bandmate in Sugarcane Jane, adds an extra layer of richness and diversity to the album.
The standout single, “Great Crusade,” is a perfect example of the magic that happens when Lee and Crawford collaborate. The song is a rousing anthem that is equal parts fun and inspiring, with its kickass riffs and battle-inspired lyrics. It’s impossible not to feel empowered and ready to conquer the world after listening to this song.
Recorded at the renowned Admiral Bean Studio, the production on this album is top-notch. Each instrument and vocal is expertly mixed, creating a balanced and polished sound that perfectly captures the energy of Lee’s live performances. As a listener, it’s easy to get lost in the music and feel like you’re right there in the studio with Lee and her band.
In conclusion, Lolly Lee’s self-titled LP is a must-listen for fans of rock ‘n’ roll, Americana, and great music in general. Lee’s talent and creativity shine through on every track, making this album a true gem in the world of independent music. With its infectious energy, inspiring melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression on listeners and solidify Lolly Lee as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
-Chuck Rainey
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Album Review
“Big Colored Lights” EP Premier by Katie Curley delivers a sonic snow globe of heartfelt holiday memories
Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Katie Curley brings a fresh glow to the holiday season with her new EP, “Big Colored Lights.” This spellbinding collection comprises seven original tracks that seamlessly integrate Curley’s honky-tonk personal sensibilities with sophisticated sonic artistry, characterized by her gift for evocative storytelling. Recorded at Cowboy Technical Services under the skillful production expertise of Eric “Roscoe” Ambel (known for his work with Sarah Borges and the Bottle Rockets), the EP is a testament to Curley’s decade-long commitment to creating one Christmas-inspired song yearly. The resultant work offers a kaleidoscope of nostalgia, resilience, and the transformative power of music that extends beyond conventional holiday cheer.
“Big Colored Lights” invites listeners on an emotional odyssey, commencing with the poignant opener, “Christmastime Therapy,” which artfully navigates the bittersweet realities of family gatherings complemented by Curley’s crystalline vocals. The expressive piano work accompaniment by Rob Clores sets the stage for a heartfelt meditation on holiday complexities.
Subsequently, the soulful track “Closing In On December“ follows, featuring Mark Spencer’s pedal steel, which infuses the song with a timeless warmth. Meanwhile, the title track, “Big Colored Lights,” paints a vivid tribute to Curley’s childhood memories of her grandfather’s dazzling holiday decorations in the woods of Washington.
Curley’s versatility is evident in “A Very Texas Christmas,” a modern take on classic holiday melodies that blends emotive guitar strumming with rhythmic piano chords. “Extra Happy Holidays“ delivers a buoyant exploration of new relationships, celebrating the optimism intrinsic to joyful festivities.
Infusing a touch of country flair, “Shotgun Wedding In Bethlehem“ reimagines the nativity narrative, enhanced by the gorgeous angelic harmonies from fellow artists Drina Seay and Shanelle Jenkins. The EP closes on a high note with “New Year’s Too,” a soul-stirring duet with powerhouse vocalist Lizzie Edwards that profoundly impacts the listener.
Katie Curley’s “Big Colored Lights” transcends the limitations of typical holiday tunes, offering deep reflections on shifting landscapes, cherished traditions, and the unyielding pursuit of light in life’s darker moments. Supported by her core band, including her husband Brendan Curley on guitar, Max Newland on bass, and Kenny Soule on drums, the EP resonates with authenticity and warmth. This EP is essential listening for those seeking revelatory holiday charm with meaningful and uplifting music that promises to light up the heart and soul. Set to become a treasured addition to festive playlists, “Big Colored Lights” solidifies Katie Curley’s emerging status as an enchanting voice within Brooklyn’s music scene.
For more information about Katie Curley, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Katie Curley’s EP “Big Colored Lights“ on Spotify.
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Album Review
Gitkin unveils an afro-latin blues with sonic psychedelia in his recent Album “Golden Age”
The undisputed king of modern cumbia and master of genre fusion, Brian J. Gitkin, unveils his latest 10-track masterpiece, “Golden Age,” released under Wonderwheel Recordings. This wordless sonic adventure transcends borders, featuring a guest appearance by multi-instrumentalist and producer Assaf Spector, delivering thrilling depths of Afro-Latin, desert rock, and blues with heavy doses of psychedelia. Rooted in the musical heartbeat of New Orleans, “Golden Age” offers a mesmerizing exploration of culture, rhythm, and electric guitar brilliance. This primarily instrumental experience enthralls audiences from start to finish.
Gitkin, a New Orleans-based multi-instrumentalist, channels the rhythmic soul of the Crescent City through the hypnotic twang of his signature Silvertone guitar. The album commences with the dynamic title track, “High Noon,” setting the tone for its adventurous spirit, a far-reaching sound exploration. Fans are treated to a dazzling mix of intoxicating African and Latin American influences, spiced with the desert rock of Mali and the electrified chicha style of Peru.
The second track, “Cumbia-ya,” exudes celebration with its infectious beats as the album continues to break boundaries with “Delta Mystic,” along with “Iced Coffee” and “Go Time,” the 5th composition featuring the expertise of Simon Moushabeck on the keyboard and Washington Duke on drums, which seamlessly blends jazz, funk, and Afro-American Mardi Gras roots into a jubilant groove.
Subsequently, “The One,” the eighth track, presents a hypnotic blend of classic Sudanese influences, Tuareg-style guitars, and Black Sabbath-inspired heaviness. The composition is propelled forward by a Giorgio Moroder-esque bassline, combining ’70s disco energy with soulful guitar motifs, showcasing Gitkin’s versatility and fearless approach to creating fresh, boundary-pushing music. The album’s standout track, “Tall Oaks Drive,” takes listeners on a cosmic ride with its psychedelic sitar riffs and melodic cinematic atmosphere reminiscent of a vintage spy thriller. The album concludes with the soul-stirring final track, “Golden Age,” providing a sense of closure and triumph.
Throughout “Golden Age,” Gitkin’s guitar melodies convey stories without words, evoking emotions of contemplation, joy, and spiritual upliftment. His ability to weave together global sounds with New Orleans’ rich musical heritage establishes him as a visionary in the global music scene. This album is essential for fans seeking adventurous, deeply reflective, and genre-defying sonic experiences.
For more information about Gitkin, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Gitkin’s Album “Golden Age“ on Spotify.
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