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Album Review

Taydem Shoesmith Lives Up to the Hype with Upcoming Single “This, That”

The current state of the music industry is a kaleidoscope of genres and styles. There’s something for everyone. But in this eclectic panorama of sound, jazz, a genre historically rich in emotion and complexity, often gets overlooked. It’s a niche genre, enjoyed by a select audience. But here’s the deal. We’ve been introduced to a singer-songwriter who’s challenging that niche status – Taydem Shoesmith.

Taydem hails from Iowa and with her new single “This, That”, she’s pushing the boundaries of what jazz can be. Her work is robust, layered, and carries a certain sophistication that’s characteristic of the best jazz pieces. But there’s a twist. She’s seamlessly blending traditional jazz with a modern streak, making it accessible to the 21st-century listener.

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The result is a stunning single that’s got everyone’s attention. Taydem Shoesmith’s “This, That” promises to be a melodious journey into the world of jazz. It’s not just a song, but an experience. An experience that takes you on a ride through melody and lyrics, punctuated by Taydem’s enchanting vocals.

The song unfurls like a story. It’s sophisticated and timeless, yet relatable. The instrumental arrangement creates a mellow atmosphere and sets the stage for Taydem’s introspective lyrics.

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The opening notes are soothing, enveloping the listener in a cozy cocoon of melody. As the song progresses, the instrumental elements rise and fall seamlessly, creating an engaging soundscape that keeps you hooked. Despite its laid-back tone, the song maintains a sense of playfulness that’s absolutely delightful. It’s a treat for the ears, and a testament to Taydem’s musical prowess.

Taydem Shoesmith is a true vocalist. Her voice is the life of the track, gliding effortlessly over the instrumental backdrop. It’s controlled yet emotive, a rare combination that adds depth to the song’s narrative.

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So does it live up to the hype? Absolutely. “This, That” is a triumph for Taydem Shoesmith. It showcases her prowess as a songwriter, a singer, and an artist who’s redefining jazz.

She’s set to drop “This, That” on November 5th, 2023. You’ll want to mark your calendars. It promises to be a treat for fans and newcomers to the genre alike.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Album Review

Belle Lundon Gets Emotional and Existential on “Space Cadet”

Belle Lundon is a multifaceted artist excelling in music, acting, and songwriting. Raised in New Orleans and now based in Houston, her artistic journey blossomed at the California Institute of the Arts. In 2016, Belle won a Coca-Cola music competition, leading to a performance at the Apollo Theater in New York where she captivated audiences with “He Wants It All” by Forever Jones. Beyond covers, Belle’s original song “My Soul to Keep” earned her the W.A.M. Award for Best Gospel Song in 2020. Belle’s passion lies in sharing her music globally, with dreams of embarking on international tours, always striving for authenticity, success, and happiness in her artistry.

Her latest single, “Space Cadet” captures the internal struggle of feeling overwhelmed and seeking redemption and support. It conveys a narrative of personal turmoil, mistakes, and the human desire for a sense of upliftment and understanding. The recurring motif of drowning and being lifted up symbolizes the search for hope and assistance in times of despair.

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The lyrics delve into themes of vulnerability, redemption, and the human condition. The repeated lines “Feels like I’m drowning, grab my hands and lift me up” suggest a plea for help and connection, emphasizing the universal need for support and understanding. The contrast between “giving up” and “not giving up” reflects the internal conflict between resignation and resilience. The mention of “Subliminal like haiku” indicates a nuanced and profound communication of feelings, akin to the brevity and depth of haiku poetry. The invocation of “Chrios” could symbolize a call to a higher power or inner strength, adding a spiritual dimension to the song’s exploration of seeking guidance and clarity.

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For further thematic exploration, artists like Sufjan Stevens, with his introspective and often spiritual lyrics, and Florence + The Machine, known for their poetic and metaphysical themes, would resonate with the mood and style of “Space Cadet.”

“Space Cadet” seems to be a richly textured song that weaves together themes of struggle and resilience with a musical backdrop that spans pop, R&B, and electronic genres, infused with elements of dream pop and synth-pop. The song’s narrative centers on the journey through hardship, underlined by an emotional plea for support and the hope for a brighter, more euphoric future. Its lyrics reflect a deep sense of being overwhelmed yet underscore a strong will to persevere and overcome, making it a poignant anthem for those facing their own battles.

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The combination of hopeful, resilient, and determined moods with the thematic focus on struggle, resilience, and support creates a compelling contrast against the relaxed, dreamy, and ethereal tones provided by the music’s instrumentation. The use of synth, drums, guitar, and piano, alongside the subgenres like chillwave and lo-fi, suggests a sound that is both introspective and uplifting, capable of transporting the listener to a state of contemplation and solace.

This duality between the song’s thematic depth and its sonic atmosphere might be what Belle Lundon aims to convey: a message that even in the depths of adversity, there is a space for dreaming, hope, and finding support, whether through personal connections or the universal experience of music. “Space Cadet” appears to be an invitation to acknowledge our vulnerabilities and struggles but also to remember the strength and resilience within us that helps to navigate through tough times.

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–James Watkins

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