Artist Spotlight

A Timeless Voyage: Cliff & Susan’s “Into the Mystic” Reimagined

Cliff & Susan’s rendition of Van Morrison’s classic “Into the Mystic” is a beautifully crafted tribute that gracefully marries the ethereal spirit of the original with a rich, country-soul twist. Recorded at the legendary FAME Recording Studios, this single not only honors Morrison’s 1970 masterpiece but also introduces a fresh wave of emotive depth that speaks directly to the duo’s musical roots.

From the first strum of the guitar, Cliff’s warm and resonant vocals guide listeners through a familiar journey of nostalgia and yearning. His voice, steady and soulful, brings a comforting presence to the song, while Susan’s harmonizing vocals add a delicate layer of intimacy, wrapping the listener in a gentle embrace. Her Wurlitzer performance gives the track a soft, rolling current that flows seamlessly with Clayton Ivey’s understated yet evocative organ work.

The production is clean and crisp, allowing each instrument to shine without overshadowing the emotional core of the song. The subtle interplay between Scott Todd’s guitar and Justin Holder’s drums provides a rhythmic foundation that evokes the gentle sway of the ocean, perfectly capturing the imagery of sailing “into the mystic.”

In their interpretation, Cliff & Susan maintain the mystical, almost spiritual aura of Morrison’s original, but they infuse it with their signature country flair—a sound that is both tender and resolute. The choice to record at FAME Studios, a place steeped in musical history, adds an extra layer of authenticity and reverence to the project.

For those who cherish the soulful serenity of “Into the Mystic,” Cliff & Susan’s version offers a familiar yet refreshing take that is sure to resonate with both longtime fans of the original and newcomers alike.

For those intrigued by the deeper, more complex interplay of country and soul, Van Morrison’s *Moondance* album offers a lush, intricate soundscape that expands upon the themes explored in “Into the Mystic.”

Cliff & Susan’s heartfelt rendition of “Into the Mystic” is a standout cover that pays homage to the original while showcasing their unique musical identity. With a polished production and emotionally resonant performance, this single is a must-listen for fans of country and soul music alike.
Rating: 92/100

–Sam Sheppard

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Album Review

Paul Terry, Aptøsrs & Cellarscape unite on bold new album “Alternative Piano Club”

Combining his three artistic alter egos, Paul Terry presents an awe-inspiring new 12-track album, “Alternative Piano Club,” written in collaboration with Aptøsrs and Cellarscape. This is an album-length voyage of music that blends acoustic, rock, and piano-driven cinematic sounds.

Torn between this complex emotional spectrum, all the while the piano remains at its core throughout. Paul Terry opens his “Memento Mori (Chromogenic Phase)” contemplatively, creating a solemn, reflective mood. Cellarscape’s “Three Years Of Roses“ is warmer, whereas Aptøsrs’ “Questionnaires“ is much more textured as a large, sculptural post-rock.

“Dave’s Theme,” written by Paul Terry, musically expands the narrative with a touch of cinematic elevation that aligns well. “We Shape The Clouds” by Cellarscape is fluffy and heart-warming, “Writers Behind The Curtain” is somber, more narrative. We are all together in “A Place We Made,” an honest, intimate, emotionally grounded space.

The project contains vocal warmth and cultural depth in the song “This Is My Home“ by Silas Miami & Lana Crowster. Proceeding in a totally different direction is the stronger emotional clarity of Paul Terry’s acoustic storytelling on “Any Time You Want To Fly” and “No Sleep Has Come.” Cellarscape presents a wide, spacious atmospheric moment in “Cygnus,” while Aptøsrs ends with “Rust Mountain (Monochrome Piano Version),” a simple gem that brings the project full circle.

The mixing of Sam Okell and Adam Noble, the mastering of Alex Wharton and Robin Schmidt have, in many ways, brought their polish to it while still making it feel human. “Alternative Piano Club” is a work entity, where three musical personalities met and talk mind in the same emotional language.

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Artist Spotlight

LAST ALEX! balances precision and pulse on the electrifying track “Plus 1”

LAST ALEX!, a Chicago-based artist and producer, comes out with “Plus 1,” a high-energy release that combines technical prowess with an undeniable melodic instinct.

LAST ALEX! puts both craftsmanship and creativity on display here. The song’s strength lies in its balance, in detailed execution without sacrificing feeling, and in complexity without losing momentum.

LAST ALEX! doesn’t fully lean into the cold technique or loose emotion, but finds the sweet spot where skill and soul meet. This yields a polished, vibrant, and musically confident track.

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