Album Review

Review of Pam Ross’ “When Therapy Fails” LP

Pam Ross’ debut album, “When Therapy Fails,” represents a vibrant foray into the music world with a compelling blend of rock, Americana, and country. This debut from the Fuquay Varina-based artist, affectionately enveloped in what has been termed “PamMusic,” strikes a resonant chord through its fusion of earnest lyricism and robust musicality.

The Sound

The album is framed by Pam’s dynamic vocal abilities that effortlessly transition from fiery rock anthems to tender country ballads. Her voice, characterized by its raw emotional depth, serves as the linchpin holding the varied styles together. The instrumentation across the album, particularly the guitar work, is robust and purposeful, complementing her storytelling prowess.

Track Highlights

“Fire In the Hole” starts the album with a rousing energy that’s both infectious and reflective of Pam’s known stage presence. The track sets a high bar with its spirited guitar riffs and anthemic chorus.
“Falling off the Merry Go Round” showcases Pam’s lyrical skills, weaving a poignant narrative about life’s unpredictability and the pain of letting go.
The chart-topping single, “Better Than a Good Thing,” encapsulates the album’s theme of finding joy and resolution amidst personal turmoil. The song’s catchy hook and heartfelt lyrics undoubtedly contributed to its success.

Lyrics and Themes

The album’s title, “When Therapy Fails,” hints at the deeply introspective nature of its content. Each song serves as a vignette, exploring themes of resilience, personal struggle, and the redemptive power of music. The lyrics are both clever and impactful, with songs like “Cornflakes and Beer” using everyday imagery to discuss deeper emotional truths.

Overall Impression

“When Therapy Fails” is an accomplished debut that firmly establishes Pam Ross as a significant new voice in her genre fusion. The album not only navigates the complexities of personal adversity but does so with an infectious zest and genuine artistry. Its blend of genres, compelling lyrics, and Pam’s vocal prowess make for a memorable musical journey.

In conclusion, Pam Ross’ “When Therapy Fails” is a robust introduction to her artistic vision, filled with tracks that are likely to resonate with a broad audience while earning her a spot among the notable newcomers in the indie music scene.

Recommendations and Playlist

For those drawn to Pam Ross’ style and themes, I recommend checking out the album “Midwest Farmer’s Daughter” by Margo Price. It shares a similar authentic narrative style and musical blend.

Here’s a playlist themed around resilience and renewal, inspired by the vibe of Pam Ross’ “When Therapy Fails.” This collection blends rock, Americana, and country, featuring songs that echo themes of overcoming and personal growth.

“Resilience & Renewal” Playlist

Margo Price – “Hands of Time”
Brandi Carlile – “The Story”
Jason Isbell – “Something to Love”
Chris Stapleton – “Starting Over”
Lucinda Williams – “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road”
Patty Griffin – “Heavenly Day”
Kacey Musgraves – “Rainbow”
Sturgill Simpson – “Keep It Between the Lines”
The Highwomen – “Redesigning Women”
John Prine – “I Remember Everything”
Miranda Lambert – “Bluebird”
Ryan Adams – “Come Pick Me Up”
Sheryl Crow – “Redemption Day”
Gillian Welch – “Everything Is Free”
Bob Dylan – “Not Dark Yet”
The Avett Brothers – “No Hard Feelings”
Willie Nelson – “Ride Me Back Home”
Emmylou Harris – “The Road”
Tom Petty – “I Forgive It All”
Ray LaMontagne – “Such A Simple Thing”

These tracks not only reflect the journey through struggles and the pursuit of peace but also complement the rich musical textures and emotional depth found in “When Therapy Fails.” Enjoy the music and the messages woven throughout this carefully curated playlist!

–Jamie Jones

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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.

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.