Paul Simon “Wristband” *Single Review* by Michael McKenna

Single Review by Michael McKenna

Nor'easter Entertainment Magazine

This iconic singer, songwriter and musician has returned in a big way with a brand new LP that is due to drop worldwide in June 3, 2016. “Stranger To Stranger” will be his 13th solo studio album and will be backed by a North American tour supporting the new album with nearly 40 shows slated across the United States and Canada.

The new LP was produced by Simon and his longtime musical partner Roy Halee. In a statement Simon described the LP, saying, "It's about getting you to actually hear something in a new way. It's about making music that sounds old and new at the same time; music with a sense of mystery."

“Stranger to Stranger” stems from experimental origins, including sessions channeling 20th century composer and theorist Harry Partch who made custom instruments in microtonal tunings, while working with a group of Flamenco musicians and Italian electronic dance music artist Clap! Clap!

"Sound is the theme of this album as much as it's about the subjects of the individual songs. If people get that, I'll be pleased," Simon continued. "The right song at the right time can live for generations. A beautiful sound, well that's forever."

The first single, “Wristband” opens with a stand-up bass and effects from young children in the background in the mold of “Me & Julio...” in that signature Simon fashion. The lyrics talk about a gentleman who has to have a wristband in order to get through the door so he can see Simon's show. Now that is something I can relate to!

The Flaminco influence as well as some soft EDM percussions carry on throughout this fun-sounding effort and have the listener toe-tapping from start to finish.

Tracks on the LP will include:

1.The Werewolf

2. Wristband

3. The Clock

4. Street Angel

5. Stranger to Stranger

6. In a Parade

7. Proof of Love

8. In the Garden of Edie

9. The Riverbank

10. Cool Papa Bell

11. Insomniac’s Lullaby

I look forward to hearing the rest of this LP from this Hall of Famer that has been a long time coming. MOR/CHR radio will grab this in a heartbeat! WELL DONE!

*SINGLE REVIEW* LIGHTS 'Meteorite' MIDNIGHT MACHINE LP - Acoustic Bliss

Single review by Michael McKenna

Nor'easter Entertainment Magazine

Lights (born Valerie Anne Poxleitner; April 11, 1987) is an Award-Winning Canadian musician, singer, and songwriter. She is well-known north of the border for her three EP's, “The Listening” from 2009, “Siberia” from 2011 and her Award-Winning LP, “Little Machines” in 2014. It is from the latter that she has released the new all-acoustic single, “Meteorite.”

“Midnight Machines”, the acoustic follow-up to “Little Machines”, released on April 8, 2016 and is from here, that this single is generated. This LP promises to be in a mold that is just a bit different for the singer. It is to be an orchestral-like mix of tracks off of the album. There will be 8 tracks from “Little Machines”, as well as two brand new tracks never heard before.

Valerie's powerful pipes are front and center and are nicely enhanced by the mild and laid-back orchestral accompaniment. This is a welcome change of pace and shows this writer her flexibility to recompose a song into a more mild manner. Her vocals remind me of a Sinead O' Conner in this acoustic flavored track. This is not her first foray into acoustic tunes as she released an acoustic version of "Cactus in the Valley" featuring Owl City as a single in the UK in 2013. I see this as Lights broadening her musical repertoire to cover both sides of the spectrum. It is very refreshing to see an established artist be able to be this flexible in their projections. KUDOS!

BLAKE SHELTON RELEASES POWERFUL AND INTROSPECTIVE SINGLE “SAVIOR’S SHADOW”

Latest single from If I’m Honest gives fans another glimpse of remarkable new album

 NASHVILLE, TN – (April 11, 2016) – Country music superstar Blake Shelton is releasing new single “Savior’s Shadow” this week, sharing one of his most deeply personal songs while giving fans another peek at his forthcoming new Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville album If I’m Honest due May 20.

“Savior’s Shadow” hit Shelton in a flash of unexpected inspiration and he quickly enlisted veteran Nashville songwriters Jessi Alexander and Jon Randall to help him flesh out the idea. The song, available now at iTunes and on streaming services, is as close to “The Voice” star’s heart as any he’s shared with fans before.

"At a very dark time in my life last year I dreamed the first verse of this song,” Shelton said. “I woke up and immediately wrote it down. Now, looking back, I know it was God’s way of telling me that he's here and things are gonna be OK."

The spare, simple song is carried along on a solemn pedal steel line and builds to strings as Shelton shares the emotions he felt during a difficult time in his life. The response to the song has been strong and positive, and gives another look at the much-anticipated If I’m Honest, an album Shelton believes is special.

Fans reacted immediately to news of the release, sending first single “Came Here to Forget” into the Top 20 upon debut. The video for the song debuted in conjunction with the season premiere of Discovery’s “Deadliest Catch.”

Shelton’s in the midst of his 10th season as a coach on The Voice with fellow stars Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine and Pharrell Williams. He’s also looking forward to the career-spanning exhibition at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee. Blake Shelton: Based on a True Story, which opens May 27, will examine the star’s road to success, from his childhood to his move to Nashville as a teen, and from his multi-platinum recording breakthrough to becoming a national celebrity. A range of artifacts, including stage wear, instruments, song manuscripts, photos and personal items will help tell the story of Shelton’s struggles and triumphs.

For the latest news and information, be sure to follow Shelton on Twitter @blakeshelton and stay tuned to www.BlakeShelton.com.

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!!

'We Are Alive' by Dani Rosenoer, Sam Cross & AL'sic is Tropical Masterpiece!

By CA Marshall

So, it took me a moment (a day) to let this one really sink in. I was having a tough time trying to figure out whether the new single ‘We Are Alive’ was a short promotion for a new website or a new single released by my friend Dani Rosenoer (Keyboardist/Vocalist, Three Days Grace). All I know is, I wanted to hear more! I only caught a glimpse of it in the video first promoted on The Golden Reef’s Facebook page yesterday so hearing the song in its entirety today was like a warm: ‘Welcome! Summer is coming!’ And that’s just what this collaborative effort is: Summer Sounds, or as The Golden Reef’s page suggests: Music beyond the Golden Reef and a 'Tropical Masterpiece'. (see below)

AL'sic & Sam Cross - We Are Alive (ft. Dani Rosenoer)
We're so proud to release this exclusive premiere: AL'sic & Sam Cross teamed up to release this tropical masteripiece featuring vocals from Dani Rosenoer. The right vibe to escape to paradise! Music beyond the reef <3Full Song: https://soundcloud.com/thegoldenreef/alsic-sam-cross-we-are-alive-ft-dani-rosenoer
Posted by The Golden Reef on Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Rosenoer leads the vocals in this magical number alongside Producer Sam Cross of Peru, and French Musician AL’sic. Since Rosenoers’ release of his album ‘Monkey Prison’ earlier this year, I have been a huge fan of his sound – enough so, that we launched an article about him in our December 2015 Magazine (click here to read). So, it wasn’t a huge surprise that this new single was a light-inducing ode to the mighty sun and surf scene in the wake of his single ‘Place In The Sun’ from Monkey Prison.  (Seriously, I’m ordering my surfboard now!)

The collaborative team along with Engineer Mat Keselman (who missed the track) provide instrumentation that is exultant and upbeat like a pleasant walk on the beach or even a video playback of an epic World Surf League clip. The fact that there are literally three ethnic backgrounds and styles of music here combined makes is a truly brilliant piece. Have a listen to it here (see below) on SoundCloud and see what we mean!

Well done Gentlemen! 

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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Olivia Penalva | *NEW* Single 'Outshine The Stars' is GOLDEN

by CA Marshall

When I first heard of Canadian (Vernon, British Columbian) based Recording Artist Olivia Penalva, it was for a Reverbnation contest that Starlight Music Chronicles (SMC) and Bongo Boy TV (www.bongoboytv.com) hosted. Suffice to say, her charisma and charm was noticeably effortless on camera and off: this is a genuinely talented young songbird who carries each lilting note through carefully thought out lyrics and melodies that define her as soulful, classy, and incredibly centered (almost) 16 year old (Psssst...her birthday is in April).

March 21^st will launch the release of Penalva’s new single ‘Outshine The Stars’, a deeply moving ballad about remaining positive even when the world challenges you and leaves you broken. The cleverly written lyrics matched with her powerful vocal ability warms the heart similar to her earlier single ‘Ferris Wheel’ except to say that audibly our little girl (SMC’s January Artist of the Month winner) is growing up. And, I’m not being sarcastic when I say this: I know that Olivia’s vocal ability currently at the age of 15 is just as supreme as it will be in a few weeks, it’s just that time has allotted this young talent even more expression and range and it is evident in this single.

In December 2015, our Contributing writer Randy Wayne Belt wrote a very in depth and insightful interview and review of the young Artist for our second magazine issue, and I encourage anyone wanting to learn more to have a read. (click here). He was right on the mark when he said (quote): ‘As a Singer, her voice has a timbre and character that make one think of a voice like that of Andrea Wittgens, Nora Jones, or Colbie Caillat.

I had the opportunity to meet up with Olivia in Edmonton while she was in town on a Radio tour earlier this month and sadly wasn’t able to but I can assure you that if ever she crosses my path again I will not miss her nor should you! Check out her new single by clicking the SoundCloud link below.

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BLAKE SHELTON SET TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM IF I’M HONEST ON MAY 20

from Warner Music

NASHVILLE, TN –(March 8, 2016) – The much anticipated new single from country superstar Blake Shelton, “Came Here To Forget,” premiered March 8^th, 2013 and immediately raced to the No. 1 spot on iTunes’ Country Chart. The track is the first single off his forthcoming 12th studio album, 'If I’m Honest', set to release on Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville May 20. “This is the most excited I’ve been about a new album since the release of my second record,” said Shelton.

Written by Craig Wiseman and Deric Ruttan, “Came Here To Forget” is an intimate snapshot of a couple’s encounter at a bar. “I’ve had a lot of music over the years,” Shelton continued, “but I don’t think I’v

Shelton recently performed to two sold out crowds at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena with The Tennessean noting that Shelton reinforced “he is one of country music’s most skilled song men and reliable, identifiable voices” and further adding that “his delivery of “Goodbye Time” [was] one of the finest country music moments on Bridgestone Arena’s stage in recent memory.” His ‘Blake Shelton 2016 Tour Presented by Gildan’ concludes next weekend with stops in New York and Pennsylvania.

Slime-filled fun is set to take center stage this Saturday, March 12 as Shelton prepares to host Nickelodeon’s 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards. Super-sized surprises will take over this year’s awards honoring favorites from the worlds of film, music and television, and giving kids a front-row seat to slime, stunts and celebrities. The show will roll out on Nickelodeon’s more than 180 countries and territories around the globe.

Shelton is currently coaching for his tenth season of NBC’s two-time Emmy Award-winning musical competition series “The Voice.” A four-time champion coach, Shelton is re-united with Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, and Pharrell Williams.

 Winter Tour Presented by Gildan dates:

3/17/2016​ - Buffalo, NY - ​First Niagara Center

3/18/2016​ - Wilkes-Barre, PA - ​Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza

3/19/2016​ - Pittsburgh, PA - ​CONSOL Energy Center

Canadian Summer Festival dates:

July 9       Cavendish Music Festival - Cavendish, PEI

July 30     Big Valley Jamboree - Camrose, ALTA

August 6  Boots & Hearts Festival - Oro-Mendonte, ONT

DAVID BOWIE FANS GET RECORD STORE DAY TREATS

from Warner Music 

March 8th, 2013

Record Store Day, 16th April, 2016, brings two very special limited DAVID BOWIE picture disc releases, the 40th anniversary edition of TVC15 and the alternative German only cover artwork of THE MAN WHO SOLD THE WORLD.

Originally released 1976 TVC15 was the second single to be taken from the album STATION TO STATION with GOLDEN YEARS being the first at the end of 1975. For this special Record Store Day release it will be a double A side with the 2010 single edit of ‘Wild Is The Wind’ which is making its vinyl debut.

Also released on April 16th for Record Store Day is the limited edition vinyl picture disc version of the classic 1970 album THE MAN WHO SOLD THE WORLD. This new version features the alternative original German LP artwork which features a winged creature with Bowie’s head and hand for a body, preparing to flick the earth away.

20th May, 2016 marks forty years to the day that David Bowie's first ever best-of compilation, including songs from 1969 to 1976, CHANGESONEBOWIE was released. To mark this anniversary the album is being reissued on 180g heavyweight vinyl, cd and digital formats including Mastered for iTunes. Half of the limited vinyl will be pressed on black vinyl whilst the other half will be pressed on clear vinyl, this will not be mentioned on the sleeve so it will be completely random as to which one you receive.

TVC15 LIMITED EDITION 40th ANNIVERSARY 7” PICTURE DISC

A-Side TVC15 (Original Single edit)

Produced by David Bowie & Harry Maslin

Recorded at Cherokee Studios and Record Plant Studios, Los Angeles

AA - Side Wild Is The Wind (2010 Harry Maslin mix single edit)

Produced by David Bowie & Harry Maslin

Recorded at Cherokee Studios, Los Angeles

Remixed by Harry Maslin 2010

The image on the A side of the picture disc is a shot from long-time Bowie friend Geoff MacCormack. Taken on the set of ‘The Man Who Fell To Earth. The AA side features a Steve Schapiro image from 1975.

THE MAN WHO SOLD THE WORLD ALTERNATIVE SLEEVE PICTURE DISC

Side 1

The Width Of A Circle

All The Madmen

Black Country Rock

After All

Side 2

Running Gun Blues

Saviour Machine

She Shook Me Cold

The Man Who Sold The World

The Supermen

CHANGESONEBOWIE Track List

Space Oddity

John, I’m Only Dancing

Changes

Ziggy Stardust

Suffragette City

The Jean Genie

Diamond Dogs

Rebel Rebel

Young Americans

Fame

Golden Years

*ARTIST REVIEW* Phosphene | 'Phosphene' Self Titled Album is On Fire!

By CA Marshall

Editor | Starlight Music Chronicles

(previously posted on Indie Habit)

If I had knowledge of the self-titled album release for Chicago-based band Phosphene on March 19th of 2015, I would have definitely requested it as a birthday gift the next day. There are often many profiles of bands and Artists that cross my desk any given day and it’s not until I get a chance to sit and really listen to the music that I am inspired to write a review. This is the case with the female fronted band comprised of Jeni Leigh (Lead Vocals), Michael Slazar (bass guitar), Dan Bikar (guitar), and Andrew Cantore (drums).

The band debut in 2014 and since, has acquired the attention of several notable media platforms and press appearances such as Alternative Press and Revolver magazines to name a few. In fact, Lead vocalist Jeni was chosen as Revolver’s ‘Hottest Chick in Hard Rock’ shortly following the band’s album release. In addition, their album has been spun on notable radio stations throughout the USA and they have been invited to Vans Warped Tour in 2014 and 2015. Other notable appearances are on FOX News, ABC 7 NEWS Chicago, The Mancow Show, and ESPN’s ‘Friday Night Fights’ show hosted by Mike Tyson (Jeni sang the anthem). They have also toured with The Pretty Reckless, Lacuna Coil and Sick Puppies, Judas Priest, Breaking Benjamin, Foghat, and George Thorogood.

So all accomplishments aside, let’s get into the album review shall we?

Phosphene’s self-titled album is a 12-track Alternative Rock ‘golden nugget’: the tracks ‘Riot’, ‘Hold On’, and ‘Anti Hero’ are consistent in their composition and sound which is truly hard rock at its finest- the guitar riffs are a religious experience throughout the album, but especially in these three songs . The single ‘Scream’ is reminiscent is a mixture of delicate and powerful with Jeni’s vast vocal range followed by ‘Antidote’ which is also similar in composition and sound comparative to ‘Scream’. Going further into the album, ‘Warrior’ is probably one of the most captivating of this album with its powerhouse vocals and lyrics. Instrumentation in the song ‘Lock Me Away’ with piano woven throughout creates yet another layer of genius with this band’s ability to prove they are diverse in sound. Lyrics throughout the album as well as in previous content from the band are purposeful and intentional and support the overall ‘Hard Rock’ image that is portrayed.

Going further, I have taken a look at the band’s website and can see that along with strong affiliations and endorsements they have also acquired an equally strong fan base (120,000 and growing!) through consistent live performances that can be viewed on both photo galleries (website) and their YouTube channel. The kind of band that impresses the masses is the ones that truly remain humble in their approach and that is apparent throughout their connection with their fans. This is apparent with consistent communication with fan and industry feedback on their social media platforms and reflects a band that is willing to spend the extra few minutes a day responding to comments on their posts.

It is safe to say that for a band so early in its inception stages to have already acquired so many accomplishments in a relatively short period of time is indicative that they are going to go the whole distance with their career on all levels. Fabulous!

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