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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

  1. “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.
  2. “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.
  3. 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.

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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

  1. Margo Price – “Hands of Time”
  2. Brandi Carlile – “The Story”
  3. Jason Isbell – “Something to Love”
  4. Chris Stapleton – “Starting Over”
  5. Lucinda Williams – “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road”
  6. Patty Griffin – “Heavenly Day”
  7. Kacey Musgraves – “Rainbow”
  8. Sturgill Simpson – “Keep It Between the Lines”
  9. The Highwomen – “Redesigning Women”
  10. John Prine – “I Remember Everything”
  11. Miranda Lambert – “Bluebird”
  12. Ryan Adams – “Come Pick Me Up”
  13. Sheryl Crow – “Redemption Day”
  14. Gillian Welch – “Everything Is Free”
  15. Bob Dylan – “Not Dark Yet”
  16. The Avett Brothers – “No Hard Feelings”
  17. Willie Nelson – “Ride Me Back Home”
  18. Emmylou Harris – “The Road”
  19. Tom Petty – “I Forgive It All”
  20. 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

Album Review

Big O redefines artistic evolution with “When it’s Not Said, But Done” album

Big O

Big O’s “When it’s Not Said, But Done” is a whisper of transformation narrated through rhythm, texture, and space. Across its fifteen tracks, spanning just under forty-seven minutes, Big O sacrifices flash for feeling and ego for essence.

The production feels like an artist who has finally quit chasing something external and is instead listening inward. The flow of the album is methodical but organic, with each track leading into the other as if they were diary entries. On “Free Spirit,” Big O creates a soundscape that embodies freedom in action, with rhythms that propel you forward. It’s one of those rare songs that can be at once contemplative and propulsive, with a slow revelation. And also, “New Found Joy” is an anthem for rebirth.

Big O’s production vision here is sweeping and cinematic, but also intimate. The presence of live musicians gives an organic texture. Jeronimo G’s xylophone on track nine tolls like an intimate conversation, while IB Delight’s saxophone on track ten blows satisfying warmth and longing into the mix. These collaborative moments are the crucial parts of Big O’s unfolding language.

Every choice, from the minimal artwork by Andriyan Robby to the in-house mixing and mastering by Big O himself, is consistent with the album’s spirit of transformational thought. In “When it’s Not Said, But Done,” Big O has created a statement on silent courage. It is an album for those who know that, in reality, real change does not need to be shouted from the mountaintops, but only heard, felt, and lived.

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Album Review

W.C. Beck delivers a balance of stillness and introspection on ”A Mostly Quiet Life”

W.C. Beck

Singer-songwriter W.C. Beck has long been admired for his reflective storytelling and innovative approach that transcends traditional musical genres. His latest album, “A Mostly Quiet Life,” invites you into a realm where quiet moments possess considerable significance. The album spans slightly over 35 minutes and comprises eight tracks, offering a delicate yet bold exploration of life’s softer spaces, infused with subtle rock undertones amidst Beck’s signature mellow vocal style.

At first listen, two tracks prominently establish the thematic duality of the album: “Every Drop of Water” and “Blue Umbrella.” The former features a slow-burning intensity, built around subtle guitar textures and Beck’s emotive vocal delivery. It captures the essence of meditation, reminding us that even the smallest gestures and overlooked moments shape who we are. Conversely, “Blue Umbrella” introduces a different shade of his artistry, filled with wistful imagery and an almost cinematic essence, blending melancholy with underlying hope.

While firmly rooted in folk traditions, Beck incorporates elements of Americana, indie-rock, and singer-songwriter balladry, resulting in a sound that feels both timeless and uniquely his own. Unlike many records that tend to emphasize either softness or grit, Beck creates an atmosphere where both can coexist, allowing for reflection without losing momentum. With this release, W.C. Beck not only strengthens his reputation as a master storyteller but also reminds us that even in a fast-paced world, there is profound power in living quietly.

The album fosters introspection by exploring themes of solitude, ephemeral love, and the beauty that can be found in stillness. It transcends the notion of a collection of songs and is more akin to a journal, a quiet yet deeply expressive chapter in Beck’s musical journey. “A Mostly Quiet Life” serves as a compelling offering, ideally suited for late-night listening or those moments when life slows down enough to be genuinely appreciated. Beck illustrates that quiet doesn’t equate to stagnation; rather, it is within these hushed intervals that music can resonate most powerfully.

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