Review: Alternate Routes "The Watershed EP"

It is with great pleasure I announce the return of The Alternate Routes, albeit in the form of an EP rather than LP. Anything is better than nothing but, as I predicted, this EP whets the appetite and leaves you wanting for more.

The EP finds the boys once again in top form, with new drummer Kurt Leon fitting in seamlessly. Listening to Tim's voice again, kind of a cross between Glen Phillips and Neil Finn, is most welcoming, like hearing a comforting friend. With "The Watershed EP", The Alternate Routes continue the quality found on "Good and Reckless and True": great hooks, intelligent lyrics, outstanding musicianship, and an awesome voice.

We start with "Love Me For Nothing", a wonderful acoustic-driven ballad that takes off gently and builds steadily, much like "Ordinary" from "Good and Reckless and True". "Shelly", my favorite track on the EP, is an ultra-catchy pop rocker with a big fat chorus hook and a remarkable vocal performance in the bridge. Tim is an impressive singer and should give us the pleasure of hearing him belt out sustained higher notes more often. "Louisiana" is a foot stompin' Cajun-flavored tune inspired by the spirit of recovery efforts. Tim's voice sways like the breeze over a chorus of harmonious winds in this one. "Asked You Twice" is laced with harmonica and has a bluegrass tinge, but is firmly rooted in pop rock sensibility with harmonies and hooks aplenty. The short 20 minute party ends with a straight up rocker a la "Are You Lonely", entitled "Good Time Gang".

As we mentioned in an earlier post, "Love Me For Nothing" is available as a free download right now on their MySpace page - go grab it if you haven't already! Better yet, support The Alternate Routes and buy the EP today and catch them on tour in a city near you.

iPOD-worthy: all tracks!

The Alternate Routes on MySpace. Official site.

Review: David Mead "Indiana"

"A guy in Chicago said I sing like a girl", David Mead laments in the title track to this fantastic 2004 release. David's voice is high, light, and smooth, but I wouldn't call it girly. On the contrary, it is a perfect fit for the breezy, acoustic-driven pop on this stately record.

David Mead has been critically acclaimed for years but has yet to break into the mainstream. It is a mystery to me - his songs are brilliant and "Indiana" is one of the most consistent records from track to track; gorgeous and engaging from start to finish. The relatively sparse and striped down arrangements really let his beautifully unique voice shine; and whether you think it sounds feminine or not it is great music, period.

While every song is good, highlights include the title track, "Ordinary Life", and "You Might See Him." There is also an intriguing cover of Michael Jackson's hit from Thriller, "Human Nature" worth checking out.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10

David Mead on MySpace. Official site.

Review: White Lion "Return of the Pride"

Here we go with another example making us contemplate "What's in a name?" Similar to Journey, how much classic White Lion is really in the new White Lion? In this case, the answer is just Mike Tramp. So does this new CD truly deserve to be called White Lion? In my opinion, no freakin' way. And I would have said that before even hearing a single note off the CD. White Lion - at a minimum - MUST include guitar wizard Vito Bratta.

I've spun this CD several times now and it only sounds like White Lion twice...on the two live bonus tracks "Wait" and "When the Children Cry". Even that is a stretch because no one can play Vito Bratta like Bratta. So pox on Mike Tramp for engaging in this cash cow nonsense. Why was he not content to just put out a fifth solo CD, which this truly is?

Anyway, sorry about the rant. And don't get me wrong...while I don't think he is a great vocalist, I still think Mike Tramp is a solid, prolific songwriter that continues to crank out some of the catchiest AOR of the day. Fans of classic White Lion are not going to get much out of this CD, but fans of Mike Tramp will love it.

The CD starts off with one of those epic 4-songs-in-1 that Mike Tramp used to write for White Lion, "Sangre de Cristo". Another one bores us later called "Battle of Little Big Horn". There are some interesting bridges in these tunes, and the politically charged lyrics are OK, but overall I can't get into them. In contrast, Mike Tramp's more simplistic songs that encourage listeners to keep dreaming and never give up ("Dream", "Live Your Life") come across rather well - it is his specialty. The upbeat father-son tune "I Will" is another highlight. "Never Let You Go" brings back memories of the superior love ballads on "Mane Attraction", but this piano-driven sap fest is pretty good in its own right. "Gonna Do It My Way" is an excellent rocker with a Def Leppard-style chorus and Van Halen inspired guitar work in the verses. "Finally See the Light" is also a cool track, with a groovy verse and sing-along chorus. They should have quit here, because the chorus of the final track, "Let Me Be Me", showcases how bad Mike Tramp can really sound.

All in all, one of the better and more rocking Mike Tramp solo CDs under the guise of White Lion. There is plenty on this CD to delight most AOR fans if you don't mind the thin and raspy vocal styling of Mike Tramp.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9

White Lion (?) on MySpace. Official site.
Vito Bratta on MySpace.

Review: Zion "Zion" (2006)

OK, I admit it. I was a fan of "When I'm With You", Sheriff's one big hit in the 80s. I was thrilled to hear the awesome vocals of Freddy Curci once again in Alias, who scored several moderate hits a few years later. To my dismay, Alias died a quick and merciless death during the rise of grunge, and I've gone a long time without any new Freddy Curci. Imagine how happy I was to hear he released a new CD (well, 2006) as the front man for an AOR band named "Zion". And to boot, the Zion project features other Alias members and Bob Marlette of The Storm.

Maybe I was expecting too much, but I was not enthralled by Zion. I should like it...nice thick guitars, traditional AOR sounds, Freddy still sounds great, etc. But the songs just lack the hooks and instantly memorable melodies that made me a fan of Alias. I've given the record more than its fair share of spins now, and it should not be this hard to like a CD. So as surprised as I am to say it, Zion just doesn't take me to any promised land.

But it is not a complete washout. "I'm Running Home" is a fine tune in the AOR ballad tradition. "The Sky Is Falling" is my favorite track of the bunch, with a big meaty chorus and upbeat rhythm driving the meaningful lyrics. Freddy sounds his best and hits some amazing notes. This one is followed by "The Devil's Dance", a terrific acoustic-driven mid-tempo rocker. Unfortunately, the upswing of the Zion pendulum quickly goes back in the negative direction and the CD fizzles out with a couple more duds.

I realize Freddy Curci released a number of solo CDs in-between Alias and Zion, but I've yet to check them out. Pretty expensive!

iPOD-worthy: 5, 8, 9

Freddy Curci on MySpace.

Review: Journey “Revelation”

Is Journey really Journey anymore? The band changes lead singers like it changes underwear, and has now passed Van Halen with the number of guys who have fronted the band. The list of current and former members of this “band” is almost as long as the list of people who hate Clay Aiken.

The most interesting thing about Schon and Cain is that they have an uncanny talent of finding Steve Perry clones. The latest lead singer, Arnel Pineda, is a dead ringer for Perry – no surprise he came from a Journey tribute band. The tactic has worked surprisingly well…despite the revolving door of front men, Journey has been able to sustain itself as an AOR recording and touring giant. In fact, “Revelation” debuted at # 5 on the Billboard Album chart, the best since their final release with Perry, “Trial by Fire,” in 1996. I guess they can finally dedicate "I'll Be Alright Without You" to Steve Perry.

“Revelation” is also bolstered by a bunch of goodies that come with the 11 track CD. For less than $12, you also get a CD containing many of Journey’s greatest hits recorded live with Pineda, and a DVD too, all in an impressively handsome digipak. This is an incredible bargain, especially when you consider that the live CD is very well done.

But let’s get down to business: are the new Journey songs any good? Hell, yes! I would argue that “Revelation” is a true sequel to “Frontiers”. Ironically, the current Journey sounds more like 80s Journey. So yes some of the songs sound dated, but they have recaptured the sound and energy that made them kings of radio in the 80s. They won’t be kings of radio again, but they will rule on my stereo. They still do plenty of ballads, but it would not be a Journey record without them. Fortunately, they are some of the better ballads the band has turned out in the new millennium. Lyrically, Journey keeps it simple and stays on familiar ground: lots of “Don’t Stop Believing” and “Be Good To Yourself” themes in the rockers, lots of gooey “Faithfully” and “Open Arms” in the ballads.

Some tracks did not grab me at first, but the hooks started to sink in quickly after a second listen. The musicianship is top notch and Pineda is fantastic…don’t get of him! I am -ahem- "Happy To Give" this one a big thumbs up.

So is Journey really Journey anymore? We can debate this all day, but I doubt a consensus will be reached. So forget about it and just enjoy the music.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10

Journey: Official site.

Free mp3 - Alternate Routes

GO GET IT!

"Love Me For Nothing Download

Today is the release day for the EP!!!
....and alas it is not available on Itunes as of 5:01pm.
You're guess is as good as mine, but we are working on it.
In the meantime we have made the first track "Love Me For Nothing" available to download for free here on our myspace page.
All we ask in return is that you pass it along to anyone that you think will dig it. Send some people our way for some free music.

happy release day
eric"

Review: Christopher Cash “Invisible”

“Invisible” is the sophomore effort recently released by Christopher Cash - who has not been heard from since “Hollywood Mirage” in 2005. “Invisible” continues Cash’s penchant for setting stories and philosophy into succinct pop songs.

Cash is a seasoned songwriter and performer, even promoting his music as "Adult rock that rocks". If you like a little musical complexity and wit on your iPOD rather than generic progressions and bland lyrics, then you should invest in some Cash. Listening to this CD brings several artists and influences to my mind, including Elvis Costello and John Wesley Harding. Cash sounds like them vocally, but at times also sounds like Jim Peterik (check out "Tangled in Wire") and Pat DiNizio (The Smithereens). Cash enunciates his lyrics clearly, and even though he stays in a comfortable low to mid-range tone, his voice is charming and warm.

While Cash’s talents are too broad to pigeon hole him into a single genre, there is a subtle yet unmistakable 80s vibe in the music akin to Joe Jackson's material then. Similarly, for listeners who are near religious about hooks and melodies, Cash is probably not going to interest you on the first listen. There are some standout cuts that should make anyone happy, including the brightest spot on the CD, "Morning Star", complete with some tastefully placed sitar and wonderful lala harmonies. "Blistering Velvet" and "Coming Home" are some of the more instantly catchy pieces. "Not Going Back" has a marked Neil Diamond feel to it, and the title track is another favorite of mine - a solemn tune fitting to the longing in the lyrics, accented with some excellent guitar work. "Empathy" is a bluesy rock commentary on our society's shortcomings, rooted in a lack of empathy. If you dig acoustic-driven ballads, you will be pleased with "Eloquence" and "Three Minutes Late". The latter reminds me of a Harry Chapin tune.

Overall, "Invisible" is a versatile blend of jangle pop, sizzling blues, and folk rock that gets better with repeated listens.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 6, 11

Christopher Cash on MySpace. Official site.

Free mp3 for July

Here we are folks, the FREE and LEGAL mp3s for the month of July! Access through the File Factory widget on the right side, or direct links here. Tell all of your friends! Thanks again to the generous arists contributing:

Adam Marsland - My Kickass Life [2007]

Box Social - Big T

Brigadier - This Is Why

Campbell Apartment - Addicted to MySpace

Craig Marshall - I Know What It's Like

David Brookings - I'm Not Afraid

Galaxies - Here We Go Again

Open Cage - Call It a Night

Shake Some Action - Get It Together

The Simple Carnival - Caitlin's On the Beach


Please note that File Factory removes files after 7 days; I will repost but there may be a day or two when the file is gone and/or link is down. Anyone know of a better way to share files for free???

Rare CD: Lisa Dominique "Rock N Roll Lady"

"MEGA RARE AOR/ MELODIC HARD ROCK from UK Rocker "LISA DOMINIQUE - ROCK N ROLL LADY" released in 1989 on FM Revolver Records.
Very Hard to find on CD, In the style of The Runaways, Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Warlock, Doro."

Sold for $91.00 on ebay (13 bids)

Rare CD: Beau Brummels "Magic Hollow" 4CD set

"This auction is for the Rhino Handmade Limited Edition CD Box Set from The Beau Brummels entitled "Magic Hollow". This set is WAY out of print and will only become rarer as it was produced in a very limited quantity (only 2500). This CD boxed set is BRAND NEW and still FACTORY SEALED. This is a serious collectible"

Sold for $91.00 on ebay (3 bids)

Rare CD: Hayley Westenra "Walking in the Air"

"HAYLEY WESTENRA - WALKING IN THE AIR - MADE IN NEW ZEALAND 2000. ONLY ABOUT 1000 OF THESE WERE EVER MADE. RARE CHANCE TO OWN THIS BEAUTIFUL GEM."

Sold for $1092.00 on ebay (33 bids) !

Rare CD: "Goo Goo Dolls

"Up for sale today is the self-titled Goo Goo Dolls CD.

ORIGINAL ISSUE on Mercenary/Celluloid Records (MERCD-2102). First pressing with original red cover and band photos on the back cover."

Sold for $104.00 on ebay (21 bids)

Rare CD: Genesis "Studio"

"Genesis - "Studio" (Not a commercial release)
Label: Chapter One -- CO 25202

Tracklisting:
1) Dancing With The Moonlit Knight (second part)
2) Only Your Love (rehearsal)
3) Only Your Love (Finished version)
4) Master Of Time
5) Happy The Man (clean mix)
6) The Reaper
7) For Present Friends
8) A Child's Song
9) After The Ordeal
10) Silver Song (rehearsal)
11) Silver Song (finished version)
Outro: Dancing With The Moonlit Knight (2nd part)

Outtakes and rough mixes were recorded 1972/1973
Tracks 2, 9, 10, 11, have Phil Collins on Vocal.
Tracks 4 & 8 have Anthony Phillips (the 1st Genesis Guitarist) on Vocal.

Notes: In addition to five Genesis tracks this release includes five tracks produced by Anthony Phillips in the last few months before he left the band through 1973;

It is not believed that either Silver Song or Only Your Love (both Phillips/Rutherford compositions) were ever introduced to Genesis to consider for recording."

Sold for $152.50 on ebay (10 bids)

Rare CD: Wicked Lester "Better Off Dead"

"Now this cd seems to never show up, the only one I have ever had available....WICKED LESTER - BETTER OFF DEAD, 1998, 10 TRACKS...excellent hair metal for fans of Malice, Lizzy Borden, & Leatherwolf....this cd was dediciated to the singer Joel Finna who passed away for the completion....only a handful were made....cd and inserts are in excellent, used condition.....great collectors item...."

Sold for $202.50 on ebay (19 bids)

Review: Jonah Matranga "And"

Jonah Matranga has been around the block, honing his craft for years under the name Onelinedrawing. His latest (2007) release, "And", is a testament to the rich rewards that come with patience and persistence. Jonah is at the top of his game vocally, musically, and lyrically.

Jonah Matranga is one of those rare singer/songwriters that I imagine has the ability to bring a noisy coffeehouse to a -ahem- grinding halt. You could probably hear a pin drop when this guy takes the stage...his intimate and heartfelt songs are delivered with unbelievable sincerity. This type of "bring the coffeehouse down" feel permeates "And".

Fans of Matt Nathanson, Shawn Mullins, and Rhett Miller take note: Jonah Matranga will be a new favorite of yours. "And" is comprised of 10 very catchy, acoustic-driven folk rock songs. His smooth voice easily escalates into an angelic falsetto and back again. It works best on his sparse ballads, where the tenderness reaches out to knock on your heart, but it is strong enough to rock out on tracks like "So Long" and "Not About A Girl or A Place".

While I love the rockers, the standout track for me is "Every Mistake". His gentle delivery exudes a sincerity rarely heard in music these days, and lines like, "I'm gonna love you while you make every mistake", would make anyone feeling blue feel better.

Another cool feature - Jonah wrote out the chords above the lyrics, making it easy for you to learn these songs for open mic night at the local coffeehouse.

"The best things in life are lost, then found," Jonah softly sings on the closing track. Indeed...go find Jonah Matranga.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 4, 5, 8

Jonah Matranga on MySpace. Official site.

Free mp3: Jeff Scott Soto

Exclusive offering from Melodicrock.com:

Jeff Scott Soto: Time To TestifySpecial Feature: Exclusive Interview / Full Length MP3 Download / Track By Track

Artists launch new albums all the time, but at certain points in any artist's career, there comes a time when a particular release marks an important milestone in that career. A statement of intent. A rebirth. A defining new chapter. This is all of the above for artist we have all come to know as JSS...MelodicRock.com is very proud to present an exclusive JSS feature - a brand new interview in which JSS talks in depth for the very first time about his upcoming new solo album Beautiful Mess. And online today - the world premiere of an advance preview track from the album. The song Testify is available for full length download right now.And finally, JSS has also delivered a Track By Track commentary on the songs that Beautiful Mess is comprised of.

Feature Page

MP3 Download

Free mp3 files from BMF!

I am very excited to announce that the response from independent artists to donate a free track for readers of BMF has been AWESOME! You can download the free (and legal) mp3 file for your listening pleasure using the "File Factory" panel on the right. Click on the track you want and choose "Download with FileFactory Basic". Pardon the pop-ups, input the code, and you are ready to rock. These are full-length tracks from releases we have reviewed, not samples and certainly not garbage! Each track has received the BMF stamp of approval and is sure to please fans of rock and power pop.

Songs will not be available forever, so get them while you can and be sure to check back for fresh cuts later.

BIG thanks to all of the fine artists participating...now be a sport and promise to go buy their CD if you like what you hear!

These are completely safe and legal to download...we have obtained permission from each artist to post their mp3. If you are an artist and there has been a miscommunication, please let me know and I will remove the track in question immediately. If you are an artist and want us to audition a track for posting, send us an email.

Call for mp3

We're working on an exciting new feature here - making free mp3 files available for our readers. If you have recently been reviewed and have a file you'd like to share, please send us an email giving us permission to post the file - whichever song you choose. We'll "change our tunes" every 2-4 weeks. If you have not been reviewed yet, what are you waiting for? Contact us for an address and get ready to ship your CD!

Review: R.E.M. "Accelerate"

I was in no rush to get my hands on "Accelerate", since R.E.M. appeared to put the brakes on writing quality alternative ROCK. It is no secret that somewhere around the time of "New Adventures in Hi-Fi" and the unfortunate loss of Bill Berry from the band, R.E.M. morphed into a lumbering, sleepy, and unmelodious snorefest.

So like many fans, I agree that "Accelerate" is the long-awaited "return to form" - the R.E.M. record we've been waiting for since "Monster" in the early 90s. I am not going to exaggerate and call this a masterpiece or perfect record, but I can honestly say that I could not be more happy with what R.E.M. has done here. By and large, the record rocks from beginning to end, and the few ballads even have a gritty or dark edge. Stipe's intelligent and poignant lyrics are still omnipresent, but finally backed by music that makes you remember the words, and thus the message.

The record opens with more of a 1-2-3 punch than any other R.E.M. release in recent memory. "Living Well is the Best Revenge" sets the stage for what is to come, and will forever be remembered as the first song ever to rhyme apostles with nostrils. Next up is the best track on the record, "Man-Sized Wreath", which features a brilliant chorus with signature harmony vocals. Most of you have heard the single by now, "Supernatural Superserious", another solid pop rock track. "Hollow Man" is notable for tricking you into thinking R.E.M. is going back to sleep, but then a change of pace with a kicking chorus brings it home and makes the song noteworthy. The CD fizzes a little in the middle, but roars back to end on a very strong note with a pair of garage rock tunes: "Horse To Water" and "I'm Gonna DJ".

Stipe sounds like he warmed up for most of these tracks by screaming for 5 minutes straight before recording, and it suits the tone of this music well. Buck's distorted guitar tones are some of the best and most modern-sounding he's recorded in a long time. "Accelerate" has put R.E.M. back on the fast track to being a band that is still relevant and not just spinning their wheels. The guys sound like they are inspired and having fun once again - finally - and you can't help but want to cheer them on.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 10, 11

R.E.M. on MySpace. Official site.

Check out the video for "Hollow Man":

Review: Richard Snow “Richard Snow” (2002, reissue)

Time for a little Snow in June! Richard Snow, whose SideBMusic label sent me the reissue of his self-titled 2002 CD. SideBMusic, who was also responsible for the awesome “Modulations” by Chewy Marble (reviewed on this blog here) is quickly becoming my one stop shop for great power pop. Now that is a rhyme I should have left behind.

Richard Snow is recommended if you dig Brian Wilson, Elvis Costello, and R.E.M. I can’t fault these comparisons, and would venture to add John Wesley Harding to the list. Or at least what would happen if John Wesley Harding had a passionate love affair with a harpsichord, handclaps, and thick heavenly harmonies. Richard’s comfort zone is in the cool and breezy pop of the late 60s and early 70s, so fans of this genre had better keep an eye out for Snow.

This release is an extra treat when listened through the headphones. You'll pick out even more instruments and vocal parts that testify to how well crafted each song really is. After being primed with the lush, multi-layered harmonies of "The Sweetest", Richard takes us back in time with harpsichord laden "Coming Soon (Going So Fast)" - an excellent tribute to his late 60s influences, yet still so enjoyable to hear today. But he is a man of many talents and musical styles, as evidenced by how easily he hops from the lingering acoustic ballad, "Attention Not Required" to the surf punk blend of "Girls on the Tube" to the jamming funk and fuzz rock of "Hand Me Down My Sunglasses", which incidentally is one of my favorite tracks. Another great one is the upbeat track "Red Song", which dares you to resist snapping and clapping along to the beat.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10

Richard Snow on MySpace. Official site.

Check out a music video for the track “Real”, which was featured on the 2004 Brian and Dennis Wilson tribute CD "Two Steps Forward":