Archive for January, 2010
THE MAGNETIC FIELDS >Realism
THE MAGNETIC FIELDS Realism (NONESUCH) Rating: While the cover art is simplistic—with a brown paper bag-colored background—Realism is far from the traditional folk album. For the final disc of the Magnetic Fields “no-synth” trilogy (following 2004’s i, and 2008’s Distortion) songwriter Stephin Merritt was inspired by the variety-folk stylings of Judy Collins records. Merritt mixes [...]
I SEE HAWKS >Shoulda Been Gold
I SEE HAWKS Shouda Been Gold (AMERICAN BEAT RECORDS) Rating: The popular Los Angeles band I See Hawks has released four CDs to critical praise but received little recognition at large; however, this self-described “greatest non-hits” collection should improve on their current cult status. This expansive 17-song set of album tracks, unreleased material and new [...]
PATTY GRIFFIN > Downtown Church
PATTY GRIFFIN Downtown Church (CREDENTIAL) Rating: This we’ve known since her debut album: Patty Griffin puts real feeling into singing the songs she writes. Downtown Church, comprised mostly of generations-old songs, with just two originals, was her chance to put her expressive gifts to the test. That the songs are religious in theme and origin [...]
LADY ANTEBELLUM >Need You Now
LADY ANTEBELLUM Need You Now (CAPITOL NASHVILLE) Rating: After winning three CMA awards and selling over a million copies of its self-titled 2008 debut, Lady Antebellum returns with an uninspired sophomore effort that is a prime example of style over substance. One of country music’s most hyped new acts, the trio (comprising singers Hillary Scott, [...]
Legends: Bobby Braddock
In Nashville, most successful songwriters have a fairly short run. One hit, one year, two years, five years. Occasionally, we get one whose career approaches the length of a real career or, more often, one who has a few years of success, then slips into oblivion, only to emerge again for another brief era of hit-making.
Ask NSAI: How Do I Get My Song To A Publisher Or Artist?
How can I get my song to a publisher or an artist? Most publishers and labels do not accept “unsolicited material” (material they have not requested). Publishers will normally listen to something only if it is recommended to them by an individual or organization they already trust in the industry or it is material they [...]
Behind the Song: “Suzanne”
“Suzanne” Written by Leonard Cohen Once created, a great song can exist independently of its creators, taking on a life of its own as it rises to iconic status within the cultural landscape. Such is the case with “Suzanne,” the haunting composition that has become one of Canadian singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen’s best-known works. A look [...]
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