Music Review: Blacklight Skies by Neil Leyton

The other day I received an email recommendation from a friend at Jamendo saying that Neil Leyton had released a new album via the website. I was excited to say the least, but the download was delayed due to website maintenance. Today Jamendo was up and running, so I downloaded the torrent and gave the EP a listen. I was not disappointed either. Neil delivers rebellious Brit-Rock that will start your feet a-tapping, all the way up and into the brain. His songs are fun and as always touched by his own political message. Well worth a download!

Music Review: A Simple Life by Josh Woodward

A while back I stumbled upon Josh Woodward's official website. After listening to some of his tunes I downloaded some albums and have became a fan because of it. I am continually lurking around the website, downloading new tracks and albums as they become available. Singer/Songwriter Josh Woodward is a talented musician in his in own right, strong both vocally and instrumentally. His work on the guitar is simply gorgeous and rivals many of the more publicized rock groups today. His vocals are quite strong, though the occasional earlier recording has caught him after a long, throat-destroying set, and does not do justice to his wonderful voice.
Woodward has produced many good songs over the past few years, and with the more recent February Album Writing Month he has undoubtedly produced his finest work yet, with a double album entitled The Simple Life. As usual the music has strong acoustic roots, but there is something different about this compilation. Josh took time off of performance before he started, recharging his batteries and enjoying the well-needed break. In this album his songs are more relaxed, and are in essence, an extension of his soul. This might sound over-dramatized, but if you listen to his songs over the progression of time, you will the evolution of a boy to a man-sician. The songs show Woodward's gift for storytelling and showcase what is yet to come from this talented musician from Findlay, Ohio.