
Thursday, April 29, 2010
This Weekend...The 2nd Cromwell Record Riot

Tuesday, April 27, 2010
CD Review: Everest Try To "Approach" The Top

The lead-off single, “Let Go” from the band’s new album carries a thumping beat that becomes the backbone of the song. The lyrics are simple and catchy enough to make an impact on alternative radio. Everest dive right off into the deep blues with “I’ve Had This Feeling Before” as the bass lines of Elijah Thomson jumps all around Dave Latter’s drumming. The band sways between radio friendly hits like “Keeping The Score” and “Tall Buildings” and the experimental rocker, ”House of 9’”. The songs “Dots” and “Unfortunate Sea” show a lighter side to Everest’s sound. The former song give off an almost a lounge-feel to the melody, while the latter’s acoustic harmonizing is a nice addition to the album. “Fallen Feather” shows another dimension to the band’s overall songwriting and how it's progressed since their debut album. The hidden gem on the album is the song “The Rush” with its storied lyrics and relaxed sound. The album closes with the pounding drums of “Catalyst” highlighted by some slide guitar.
“On Approach” will be released on May 11th. Vist everestband.com to find where to pick up the new album and for a complete list of tour dates so you can check this rising band when they visit in your area.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
CD Review: Sevendust Return With "Memory"

Sevendust come roaring right out of the gate with the album’s lead-off track “Splinter.” The heavy drumming and hard, crunching guitars prove why Sevendust is considered one of the best metal acts in music today. In the song “Forever,” Lajon Witherspoon’s vocals get pushed along by the drumming of Morgan Rose. The duel-guitar attack provided by John Connolly and the newly returned Clint Lowery along with it’s sing-along chorus and harmonizing is why “Unveiling” became the band’s highest charting single debut ever. The song “Last Breath” continues the formula that works so well for these hard rockers who have broken through to the mainstream. The power that Sevendust puts out is felt through the speakers during the songs “Ride Insane” and “Hear and Now.” Once again Lajon’s vocals shine through on the songs, “Confessions” and “A Better Place.” The closing song, “Strong Arm Broken” bookends the album with one of Sevendust’s heaviest songs.
Sevendust are currently on tour promoting their new album and are making their way up the east coast. “Cold Day Memory” is available now and comes with a DVD that includes some behind-the-scenes footage of the making of the album. For more information on Sevendust’s new album and tour, please visit www.sevendust.com.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Weekend Music At The Daffodil Festival

The weekend will be filled with over 30 bands performing on three different stages over the course of two days. Many bands are returning guests at the festival with a few new bands invited to keep the music scene growing. See the full schedule of bands performing below.
Also, tune in to Homegrown (WESU - 88.1 FM) this week as Rob DeRosa will be playing songs from many of this weekend's performers. Go to www.wesufm.org for a live webcast of the show. For full coverage of the weekend's events, please visit myrecordjournal.com and daffodilfest.com. Go out and support your local music.
Saturday April 24, 2010
The Jeff Crooms Welcome Stage
11:00-11:45 Big Fat Combo
12:15-1:00 Forrest Harlow
1:30-2:15 The Peacock Flounders
2:45-3:30 Dog Bite
4:00-4:45 The Down Fi
5:15-6:00 Kicking Daisies
6:30-7:15 The Seth Adam band
7:45-8:30 The Mold Monkies
The Food Tent Stage
10:30-11:30 Chico & Friends
12:00-1:30 The Gonkus Brothers
2:00-3:00 The Key West Trio
3:30-4:30 River City Slim & The Zydeco Hogs
5:00:-6:00 The Shiny Lapel Trio
6:30-7:30 The Michael Greenberg Band
The Bandshell Stage
12:30-1:15 Boxxcutter
1:45-2:30 The Frank Critelli Band
3:00-3:45 The Manchurians
4:15-5:15 Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez
5:45-6:30 River Street
7:00-8:30 The Bernadettes
Sunday April 25, 2010
The Jeff Crooms Welcome Sage
11:00-11:45 Baby G
12:15-1:00 The Jenn Hill Band
1:30-2:15 Closely Watched Trains
2:45-3:30 James Velvet & the Mighty Sparrows
4:00-4:45 The McLovins
The Food Tent Stage
10:00-11:00 The Citizen Spy
11:30-12:30 I.N.I.T.Y.
1:00-2:00 Jazz The Ripper featuring Sideways Jaye
2:30-3:30 After All
4:00-5:00 Sean, Kelli & Wayne
The Bandshell Stage
11:30-12:15 DuNovo
12:45-1:30 Pnut Butter Jam
2:00-2:45 Last Years Deal
3:15-4:00 The Zambonis
Monday, April 19, 2010
CD Review: Jonny Lang Comes Alive at "The Ryman"

On "Live at the Ryman," Jonny Lang comes roaring out of the gate with three songs from his Grammy winning album "Turn Around." The songs don't stray much from their studio versions, but Lang's voice gives off more passion for the lyrics in this live setting. His five-man backing band polish off the songs nicely with their harmonizing background vocals. Lang settles into the deep blues on "A Quitter Never Wins", before slowing things down with the 10-minute run through "Red Light." Chants of "everything's gonna be alright" provoke an electrifying solo from Lang. The funk sound of "Don't Stop (For Anything)" brings the tempo back up and continues into "Thankful" as Lang trades vocals with percussionist Jason Eskridge. The gentle acoustics of "Breakin' Me" show off Lang's softer side before finishing with an fiery version of his hit song "Lie To Me."
Jonny Lang just finished a month of shows in March on the Experience Hendrix Tour, playing along side Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. His live album will be released on Concord records and will be available in online and in stores on April 20. Visit www.jonnylang.com for more information.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Record Store Day 2010

Record Store Day takes place once a year when all of the independent record stores in the country have sales and offer special releases. Some of these releases are rare, one-of-a-kind items from bands like the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and many more. You’re probably thinking, so what, I can get my music cheaper at Wal-Mart, Best Buys or even online, but Records Store Day is more than that. It’s a day for music fans to interact with other music fans, it’s a day to pick up some new virgin vinyl or to scoop up some of those ”one-time” goodies, but most importantly it’s a day to support your local record shop.
Two record shops in-particular to this area are Redscroll Records in Wallingford, CT and Newbury Comics in Manchester, CT. Redscroll Records is already celebrating its 3rd anniversary with a 20% off everything sale. Their doors open at 10am on Saturday so come early if you want to get your hands on some free goodies. While, Newbury Comics will be offering 30% off all their used CDs & DVDs and 20% off their vinyl throughout the day.
If you’re looking to participate in Record Store Day as a consumer, but not sure what stores are in your area, check out www.recordstoreday.com to find a store in you. Support your local independent record store today.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
CD Review: Welsh Singer Steff Adams Gives Us His "Pathway"

The album does not stray far from his comfort of an acoustic guitar, overdubbed harmonies and minimal drums. His songwriting is the key ingredient that makes these songs more than just a one-off listen. "Misunderstood" follows in the footsteps of Crosby, Stills & Nash, while "Gonna Have To Last" shows some signs of influences from The Kinks. You can feel the gentleness in his voice in the songs "Too Long Losing" and "A Little Bit Of Something Else". The songs "Into Orbit" and "That I Have Found" show off Adams' talent for portraying the different moods of his lyrics.
For more information on Steff Adams, please visit www.steffadams.net.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
CD Review: The Greening Arrive With "Midnight"

The overall sound of the new album reflects what Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys were attempting to achieve with their experimental sounds and harmonies. On the album's opener "Black Lotus", the band tries to throw in everything they know to play to see what sticks. The song seems more like just a collage of sounds to grab the listeners attention. The aspirations of "Belong With Me" sound like a valid attempt of a timeless love song. The Greening's strongest talents are their clever song-writing (The Tangerine Floating In Ink) and their strong harmonies (Winter Sunshine). It's unfortunate that their best songs are near the end of the album. The single "Sunday Afternoon" has all the makings of a radio hit, with its steady beat and catchy lyrics. "(She's So) Electric" is the best rock song on the album. The lyrics and music just blend perfectly together. The album closes with the slow moving, 11-minute "Thought I Told You" which displays a Pink Floydian sound. Another great song, but seems a bit out of place on this mostly pop album.
For more information on The Greening and their new release, visit the band's website (www.thegreening.com) and myspace page (www.myspace.com/thegreening).
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Concert Review: David Gray Returns To The Oakdale Theater

The acoustic rarity "From Here You Can Almost See The Sea" was a welcome addition, but it was the outstanding, epic version of "Nemesis" that stole the show. Gray himself said that this song "grew bigger" as the tour went on. Closing his set with "The Other Side" brought the crowd to their feet hoping for more.
The encore was near-perfect, beginning with "Life In Slow Motion" which started softly before the full band raised the volume. The addition of "We’re Not Right" from Gray's album "White Ladder" pleased long-time fans. David Gray finished the evening with a powerful version of "Please Forgive Me" as Gray conducted the audience to clap along. Hopefully the warm reception will entice Gray to return again sooner than another seven years.
Setlist:
Fugitive
Draw The Line
You're The World To Me
Sail Away
Full Steam
Now And Always
Harder
The One I Love
Nemesis
From Here You Can Almost See The Sea
This Years Love
Jackdaw
Babylon
Be Mine
Stella The Artist
The Other Side
Encore:
Life In Slow Motion
We Ain't Right
Please Forgive Me
Sunday, April 4, 2010
CD Review: White Dice Return With "Better Than Wednesday"

This 3-piece band from South Wales seem to have the right formula for success. The album begins with a couple of modern rockers "Good Enough" and "3:24". Right from the beginning, you'll get hooked to their pop sound. "Silver" is a radio hit just waiting to be discovered. The album closer is a gentle acoustic song appropriately titled "Grand Farewell." All the songs on White Dice's new album fit together perfectly to keep the listener's focus on their music.
White Dice are currently on tour in the U.K., but you can check them out online at www.whitediceonline.com. Both of their albums are available on their website as well as on iTunes.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
CD Review: I Yahn I Arkestra Start Their "Love Mission"

The band has a great reggae sound, I only wish more of the music was heard without any vocals as the vocals seem to overtake the song's vibe. I Yahn I Arkestra are currently promoting their music around the Philadelphia, PA area. Check out the band's website www.iyia.com for more information on upcoming shows and music.
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