Music Review: MAY'S

Earlier this year a Facebook friend living in Tokyo, Herb Q Kendrick, let me know that he'd just recorded a duet with his friend Maico, an up-an-coming J-pop singer. I felt his enthusiasm for supporting the project. He held high hopes for the release once the editing was done and the album released. I sat back and waited to hear more on the LP.
Well, he got back to me via PM and sent me some links along with an update on MAY'S (Maico's artist name) new release. And may I just say that we I have heard was mind-boggling. MAY'S voice is on par with any of the pop singers that I have heard in recent times, and given what Herb has told me, the new album, entitled My Everything, is doing very well in Japan at present. I am now officially a fan of her music, but if you'd like to hear it for yourself, then check out the clips for the title track, My Everything,, and her duet with Herb, Appreciation. If you'd like to learn more about this talented artist as well as many of the people involved in the project, then check out her official website.

Music Review: prePOPsterous by Papa Dada

A Jamendo contact sent me a recommendation for another album. I wasn't sure what to expect when I was sent a recommendation for this puppy, but after listening to a few tracks I had to download the torrent. Since downing the album I have listened to it non-stop. It is comical at times, but Papa Dada show that they are more diverse with Leave a Light on for Me, a lovely ballad. The album has consistently high quality recording, editing, instrumentation and lyrics. It is a beautiful album and a must-listen. Similar Bands: The Whitlams

Music Review: Ben Hammond

As many of my readers are aware already, I download a lot of music from Jamendo. It is a case of hit and miss most of the time, but yesterday I happened upon Ben Hammond, a very talented roving musician. He has two beautiful albums on Jamendo, [Reasonably] Honest features two tracks, whilst the No History Sessions EP has an offering of four tracks. I listened to [Reasonably] Honest first and was surprised by his smooth voice reminiscent of a young Stevie Wonder if he was merged with the likes of Michael Buble, acoustic work that rivals any high profile guitarist, high quality recording and editing. This was carried through to the other album as well, though it considered more mainstream pop than the previous. Some people might consider this a bad thing, but much of what pop music lacks in recent times is the credibility that an independent artist brings to the table.

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.