'HEART' of Alberta Band: THISTLE Launches NEW ALBUM 'Blood and Bone' | Album Review by CA Marshall

By CA Marshall

There something about that local band vibe that always connects me to my Folk Music roots and Alberta, Canada-based band THISTLE appeals to that very nature. I grew up in a home with Musicians for parents, and there was always the sound of an acoustic guitar playing at family holidays, or just because. I believe that THISTLE has this authentic, home-grown, infused Folk Rock sound throughout their new album ‘Blood and Bone’. Wicked guitar riffs throughout and intentionally nostalgic ‘Folk Rock’ lyrics pull this band together as a well-oiled unit.

The first single off the album titled ‘Big Sky Alberta’ is the kind of song you would hear on a warm summers eve at a busy outdoor festival. The guitar riffs in this are incredible and the energy of the song itself elicits that feel-good vibe only Albertans come to know as ‘home’. You don’t have to actually visit Alberta – you just have to listen to this song to know that it’s the happiest place on earth.

Going further into the album, the song ‘When It’s Gone’ catches your breath through heart pounding vocals for a 3 minute and three second whirlwind adventure comparative to something you’d hear The Road Hammers play. Its’ lyrics are fast, fun, and very catchy! Following suit is ‘Cause I Know’, a song about infidelity that is fierce in it’s presentation: this person knows they’ve been lied to and is about to give his ‘sweet angel’ a piece of his mind. Great concept in lyrics, the instrumentation is strong and back up vocals are brilliant on this one.

Transitioning further into the album, ‘Tonight’ is a song rich in Folk Rock sound and is probably one of my personal favorites off this album. Then I heard ‘Field of Heroes’, and my decision on a favorite became tough. ‘Field of Heroes’ is the kind of song that one might have heard at Woodstock 1969. This is a very powerful song that carries the heart-wrenching theme of young men and women (soldiers) ‘laid to rest’ with instrumentation that is supportive in it’s vintage Folk sound.

The sixth track is the albums’ title ‘Blood And Bone’ and is a MUST in terms of radio play. This is a song that needs to be on radio, and soon! I feel that this is a contagious and catchy summer song that listeners will gravitate to quickly. if any DJ’s are reading this now, they must know that I have been reviewing music for several years now and I am seasoned in knowing what listeners want to hear, and this song is it. In fact, one of my first album reviews was of Clayton Bellamy’s album ‘Five Crow Silver’ and this song compares in terms of having what it takes. It’s catchy, quick, and should be listened to at loud decibels. This great track is followed quickly with the song ‘First Bit Of Snow’, a great follow-up to ‘Blood And Bone’ in terms of keeping the vibe going and should follow suit to radio immediately. The beat in this one is what caught my attention right away and if we’re talking about a song that gets a crowd up and dancing, ‘First Bit Of Snow’ is that song.

Rounding up this fabulous set is ‘Last Dance’, a slower paced ballad that winds down the high energy as heard in the previous tracks. While this one isn’t my personal favorite, it is strong in it’s lyrics and instrumentation and is a nice compliment to the rest of this great album. The final song, ‘What Did I Do’ is absolutely brilliant in it’s sound, composition and instrumentation. You know how they always say, save the best for last? Well, that’s just what THISTLE did here. Well done!

This is an album you will want to plug into right away for some great weekend listening! Have a listen below to 'First Bit Of Snow'.

THISTLE is comprised of band members:

Trevor Henson - Bass and Vocals

Steve Findlay - Guitars and Vocals

Jason Frey - Drums

Kevin Frey - Guitar and Vocals

Tania Scott – Vocals

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To connect with the band, check out all their social media platforms below and be sure to hit ‘like’ or ‘follow’ on each!

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July Talk | Album Review| New Album has that magic 'Touch'

By CA Marshall

Canadian-born blues/alternative rock band July Talk, notorious for their epic contrast of dark and light lyrical ability, have dropped their Album 'Touch' today and it's FABULOUS! Lead vocalists Peter  Dreimanis and Leah Fay are a combined force unlike ANY we have heard on earth: a combustible energy not to be contended with when we also combine them with instrumentation that is cutting edge via band mates Ian Docherty (Guitar), Josh Warburton (Bass Guitar), and Danny Miles (Drums). 

Let's begin with my fave 'Jesus Said So', a legitimate four minute twenty three second song/dose of reality: the worlds gone to shit, and Peter and Leah have no qualms about delivering this fact through carefully written lyrics delivered with their own unique 'let's do this/in your face' flair. It's genius and probably one of my most favourite July Talk songs to date. Why? Because these Artists aren't afraid to sing about the 'not so pleasant' things in life which the world needs right now: let's talk - not ignore the issues because only then can real change be made. 

Delving further into the album, we have previously released singles 'Push + Pull' and 'Strange Habit'. 'Push + Pull' became my go-to gym song, and we gym rats need something worthy of repeatable nature when we are in mid run and aren't able change the tunes for fear of falling face first into the machine - also, in this case, why would I want to? The song is highly addictive! It was inspiring enough to want to listen on repeat and the tempo throughout was consistent, fast paced and conpletely addictive. If 'Push + Pull' was the 'taste' of what's to come for the upcoming album release then 'Strange Habit' became its predecessor quickly leaving all July Talk fans wanting more, anticipating this albums release. 'Strange Habit' was a nice contrast and truly showed the diversity of what this band has to offer as far as style, composition, and creativity. 

The albums title song 'Touch' is a song which also harnesses humanity and all our idiosyncracies: the craving to be understood and loved while also not wanting to reveal too much for fear of being 'exposed' and 'vulnerable'. Another brilliant song. 

Going further still, songs like 'Picturing Love' (first track off the album) is a good dose of Peters gravelly vocals and intensity followed by 'Beck + Call', 'Now I Know', 'Johnny + Mary', 'Lola + Joseph', and 'So Sorry' lend vivacity, power, and balance to this already epic 10-track album. 

As a Music Journalist, I have to say that I am completely satisfied with this album in its entirety. There are no flaws here and I tip my hat to these Artists who have not only been consistently touring across country throughout the summer, but also charming and acquiring (and maybe even shocking? Just a little) a rapidly growing new fan base. Their onstage performances coincide with the powerful image and persona which they have engraved into the hearts and souls of their loyal fans. This album gets a Starlight Music Chronicles five out of five star rating! 

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Listen to the Album on Spotify here!

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*EXCLUSIVE REVIEW | INTERVIEW* Santana “Santana IV” by Mike McKenna

Review By Michael McKenna

Nor'easter Entertainment Magazine

It took them 45 years to do this and now it's here! Santana, originally came together in the summer of 1967 under the watchful eye of the legendary Bill Graham and went on to take Woodstock by storm. The years that followed are now rock history. To make things even better, the original cast from Santana 3, from 1971, are back and reunited on this new effort. Carlos stated, “I called all the original guys and said 'Let's get this thing together and do it'.” Michael Carabello states, “There's nothing like this team of musicians and I relate it to a baseball team, everybody has their position and when we go out and play, it's a very positive thing.” Benny Reitveld said, “This is like a garage band, a bunch of old friends in a garage, but it's on another planet.”

Fronted by multiple Grammy winner, Carlos Santana along with drummer Michael Shrieve, percussionist Michael Carabello, guitarist Neal Schon and vocalist and keyboardist Gregg Rolie, they will be making tidal waves with this new LP. Bassist Benny Rietveld, percussionist Karl Perazzo and special guest vocalist, Ronald Isley, are also on board to complete this All-Star cast of musicians.

With all of the issues fronting us today, Carlos needed to make a lasting statement with his new music and at the insistence of Neil Schoen, it finally has happened. Carlos stated, “It felt like it was the right time for us to partake in this chemistry that Santana is. It's really fun and a lot of joy because there is a lot of appreciation and we deeply value each other.”

This 16-track collection opens with “Yambu” that is a little bit jazzy, funky and Latin flavored all in one neat package. Gregg Rolie's heavy bottom on keys combined with Rietveld's, Santana's and Schon's signature guitar work reverberates and reprises the conga-fired soul that we heard on their 3rd LP. “Shake It” is Latin percussion and guitar heavy and kicks ass right from the door. Carlo's powerful vox dominate! The first single, “Anywhere You Want To Go”, is a monster. This killer cut has already made waves worldwide. The guitar and keyboard solos are banging! “Fillmore East” is an instrumental memoir of the legendary venue that launched many famous acts.

“Love Makes the World Go Round” featuring vocalist, Ronald Isley from the Isley Brothers, takes the listener back in time to the track “Everybody's Everything” from their 1971 LP. Isley's powerful pipes are like a good wine, they got better with time! Rolie's key solo is off the charts! “Freedom In Your Mind” takes you hostage from the first note! Shades of “Oye Como Va!” Neil Schon riffs are powerful and Ronald Isley nails this perfectly. “Choo Choo” features Greg Rolie on vox where he gives it to you low and strong. This track is bound to be one of my favorites on this effort! MASTERFUL!

“All Aboard” takes things down a bit on this touching balladic number that will end up being the wedding dance song of the decade! The deep feeling that oozes from this track is angelic and inspiring. “Suen Os” is a rock-infused jam which has a hypnotic sound that will take hold of the listener and keep them riveted. The verse, 'Let it roll, let it roll' brings that groovy retro flavor to the forefront and one can hears parts of “Caravanserai” here. “Caminando” is a mid-tempo bluesy number that reminds me a bit of the late, great BB King! Carlo's vocals are on point and he gives this so much of that Mississippi/Delta sound.

“Blues Magic” kicks things up a few notches on this instrumental that espouses Carlo's roots from his early days. The guitar work is spot on and touches the ear with sheer perfection. “Echizo” is beyond description, it's that good! “Leave Me Alone” is another killer cut. This should make programmers soil their shorts in a heartbeat! This track is ready for mainstream radio! This is the equivalent of “Evil Ways.”

“You and I” is a guitar-driven instrumental with just the right touches. The solos go back to the 2nd LP where those long riffs were the norm. “Come As You Are” will make the top of the charts on Latino based radio. This fun-filled track makes one just want to dance their ass off! The final track, “Forgiveness” is a seven-minute workout that can be described as a spaced-out artsy track in the mold of what Pink Floyd did in their heyday. The guitars take one to a place where they have never been before. The lyrics are totally out of the box cool.

In closing, Carlos Santana said, “You take people's attention from whatever they though was important and then the sound resonance and vibration makes them feel what's really important in their lives and what's important in your life is to value yourself from the point that there is a lot of wisdom and grace in you....get ready to partake in something that is supremely delicious. I look forward to giving the people of Allentown a show they will remember..”

I would have to say that this is the BEST that I have ever heard this awesome collection of musicians sound. The creativity, talents and mind-blowing sounds that emanate from this effort are mesmerizing and warrant exceptional kudos.

This LP is a MUST LISTEN and MUST BUY! On the Nor'easter Storm Scale, I give this my highest rating, a FORCE 5! WELL 

DONE!!

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Santana Social Media Links:

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The Lumineers “Cleopatra” LP Review - Way Over The Top!

LP Review by Michael McKenna

via Nor'easter Entertainment Magazine

The Lumineers are one of the unique success stories of the past few years. A down-to-earth independent Americana trio hailing from Denver, their banging anthem “Ho Hey” took the world by storm in 2012, followed by a second #1 single “Stubborn Love” and their third charting single “Submarines”, all carrying them on a journey from the Grammy's, to the top of the charts, to the Hunger Games, all in a short period of time.

Their self-titled debut album became a multi-million seller as they stormed stages around the world and legions of new fans fell in love with the emotional and philosophical range of their pointed, lyrical songwriting. Now, at long last, they are back with their second album, Cleopatra, a collection of such depth and texture it affirms The Lumineers as a band in for the long haul, with a growing canon of songs that stand comparison with the best America has to offer.

The Lumineers consist of Wesley Schultz on vocals & guitar and Jeremiah Fraites on drums & piano. They are joined by the renowned cellist and backing vocalist Neyla Pekarek. “Cleopatra”, is the culmination of three years of non-stop touring, six months of secluded writing in a small house in Denver, and two months of recording in the rural isolation of Woodstock. “I think the old fashioned way is the honest way,” says soft spoken singer Wesley. “We wanted to take our time, strip it right back to its raw and honest essentials, and make an album we believe in.”

This 10-track CD opens with “Sleep On the Floor” which grabs one right from the first note. The lyrics relate to the ups and downs of ones daily life and are powerfully projected by Wesley in a very hypnotic fashion. “Ophelia” takes you to the core of very deep feelings. Jeremiah's piano work sets the pace for this entire piece. The title track, “Cleopatra” features Wesley's picking on his signature Guild guitar and his telling vocals. The timeless Lumineers sound permeates throughout this wonderful tune.

“Gun Song” is about Wesley's father and the gun he found laying in a drawer after he passed away. This pulsating composition will raise your blood pressure and take one to another place immediately. “Angela” takes me back to a day when music told a story that had a deep, heartfelt meaning. This track will hold you captive! One of my favorite tracks on this LP! “In The Light” is an Americana monster, hands down! The projection is so smooth and makes one want to hit replay numerous times! The acoustic guitar just talks and is so fluid!

“Gale Song” reminds me of some of the greats from the good old days in the way this song is performed. Ballads are where an artist is defined and the feelings they give to their listeners. “Long Way From Home” tells of a personal journey that one takes from their youth to adulthood. This track is finely detailed in every sense and is accentuated by tender guitar picking. “Sick In The Head” tells a poignant story of those who were there and now are gone. Touching! The final track, “My Eyes” is so powerfully expressed and touches the listener in places we thought no longer existed. This song will give you goosebumps in short order. I replayed this track numerous times to get that deep feeling that exudes from it.

I can honestly say that this effort goes 'way over the top' and will be Platinum in its first month of existence. This IS the best I have heard from The Lumineers and will be a staple in my catalog for many years to come. BRAVO!!

This LP is a MUST LISTEN and MUST BUY! On the Nor'easter Storm Scale, I give this my highest rating, a FORCE 5!! WELL DONE!!

ARTIST ALBUM REVIEW | Ana Free 'The Weight Of The Soul' Bliss

By CA Marshall

*Previously posted to Indie Habit*

British-Portuguese (originating in the UK), Los Angeles based Folk Pop Artist Ana Free has been introduced to my music library as of this very moment. No joke. I have downloaded her latest album ‘The Weight Of The Soul’ released December 4^th, 2015 and find myself playing it on repeat for its soulful and uplifting vibe.

Free is not new to the music scene. In fact, the songbird has been songwriting since the age of 11 and has acquired over 600 original songs in the span of her career. The majority of her music relates to her own life experiences and that is reflected not only in the lyrics in her songs, but also in the melody and vocals: this is an Artist who has a very positive and real-life presentation.

In researching her social media, it is safe to say that Free has accumulated a massive fan following globally with at least 20,000+ Twitter followers, 96,000+ facebook fans, and over 100,000 YouTube subscribers. In addition, the Artist has performed in over 60 venues in the span of her career in conjunction with being music Ambassador for a global digital campaign for Volkswagen in 2013. She has earned the respect of Billboard Magazine and has opened for Prestigious Artists such as Shakria, James Morrison, and Ronan Keating to name a few. Free has also performed at the Rock in Rio festival, Meo Sudoeste, and the Miami Reggae Festival. Most recently, she has been chosen as the voice of the grid for the new Disney interactive game TRON.

The ‘Weight Of The Soul Album’ is a seasoned reflection of this Artist and her ability to deliver a truly unique and ‘pleasant to the ears’ sound. The instrumentation throughout is atmospheric and uplifting. The song ‘Killing Kind’s title may suggest a rather bleak track but upon the first few chords and verses, there is no mistake that this sets the aforementioned presence for the remainder of the album. ‘Say It To Me’ is yet another pleasant surprise to the ears: it is a song with an upbeat vibe and catchy lyrics. ‘Remember Me’ is a little more deep. The song speaks of a longing and the lyrics reflect this. Free’s distinctive vocals truly pull you into her heart in this song and you almost feel her pain. ‘City Lights’ is a really fun and exciting ‘summer song’ with instrumentation and lyrics suggesting that ‘new love’ spring feeling followed by the final song on the album called (fittingly) ‘California’, a truly reflective song about life and being brave to make choices despite the odds. This is a song that has a true folk vibe and is supported by Frees proficient acoustic guitar playing heard throughout.  

I feel confident in saying that after listening to this Artist, I am disappointed.....not because of the quality or her sound or her album, but that I want to hear MORE! 

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*SINGLE REVIEW* Simple Plan “Opinion Overload” | Album Launches Feb 19th!

by Michael McKenna

(Nor'Easter Magazine Contributor to Starlight Music Chronicles)

Hailing from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, the award-winning act, Simple Plan, has made waves internationally with their raw, in-your-face, energetic, high-energy Pop/Punk sound. Born in 1999, they have risen to one of Canada's most recognizable acts. Their latest LP, “Taking One For The Team” features appearances by New Found Glory singer, Jordan Pudnik and The Voice runner-up from Season 2, Juliet Sims, has spawned the first single, “Opinion Overload.”

The band consists of Chuck Comeau on drums and back vox; David Desrosiers on bottom and back vox; lead guitarist Jeff Stinco; Pierre Bovier on vocals and Sebastian Lefebvre on guitars and back vox. The guys are now back on tour to promote this new effort in Europe.

This single is one of those tracks that combines a very commercial Pop/Punk feel with an Alternative/Indie Rock flavor. The band describes the tune as “A song about following your heart and not letting anyone tell you that you can't.” They go on to say, “For us, writing it was about getting back to our roots and reminding ourselves and everyone else what this band is all about. We wanted to make a video that strips everything bare and lays it all on the table; go back to the basics and focus on what we love the most: playing shows for you.”

The track opens with pounding percussion, banging guitars, right from the door, that seque into the powerful vocals and harmonies in a perfect sync. The animated moves, and that hellacious chant “HEY” just kick things up to the stratosphere in short order. The awesome amount of the power projected throughout generates a kick-ass energetic flavor that just tickles the ear. SHIT HOT!

If this is a sample of what is to come from the new LP, I would not be surprised if it gives birth to numerous singles that will take Alternative formats by storm worldwide. This track is a MUST LISTEN! On the Nor'easter Storm Scale, I give this a FORCE 4! WELL DONE!

Single Review by Michael McKenna

Nor'easter Entertainment Magazine

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From Warner Music Canada

ALBUM RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 19, 2016

Just after wrapping up a two-year-long tour in support of 2011’s Get Your Heart On!, multi-platinum-selling pop-punk band Simple Plan spent another two tireless years creating a follow-up album that captures the classic Simple Plan spirit but boldly stretches the limits of their sound. “One of the reasons we’re still here today is that we’ve never done just what people expect us to—we’ve never been afraid to try something different,” says drummer Chuck Comeau, who co-founded the Montreal-bred band in 1999. “We’re proud of our pop-punk roots and we we’ll never turn our backs on them, but we also like to take chances, surprise our fans, and always keep them guessing on what we’ll do next.”

The result: Taking One for the Team, Simple Plan’s fifth full-length and most ambitious album so far, offering hard-hitting punk-fueled tracks alongside songs that delve into everything from reggae to delicate acoustic balladry. “We’re a pop-punk band at the core and we’ll always want to create those big, anthemic rock songs, but there’s also a part of us that loves other types of sounds, other types of music,” frontman Pierre Bouvier points out.

The band’s long awaited new release marks the group’s first new full length since 2011’s ‘Get Your Heart On!’. The new album is preceded by a trio of new songs, all featured on the forthcoming release.  “Boom,” “I Don’t Want To Be Sad,” and the album’s lead single “I Don’t Wanna Go To Bed (feat. Nelly)”. Taking One For The Team is set for release on February 19th.

Album Track Listing

Opinion Overload

Boom

Kiss Me Like Nobody's Watching

Farewell

Singing In The Rain (Feat. R. City)

Everything Sucks

I Refuse              

I Don't Wanna Go To Bed (Feat. Nelly)

Nostalgic

Perfectly Perfect

I Don't Wanna Be Sad    

P.S. I Hate You  

Problem Child   

I Dream About You