Annie Crane - "Jump With a Child's Heart" (2011) [Album

By Whitney Lewis, Contributing Editor of Whitty With It Artist: Annie Crane Label: Constant Clip Records Release Date: 2011 Website: AnnieCraneMusic.com Annie Crane on Twitter Annie Crane on Facebook Annie Crane on MySpace

Album Review

Genre(s): Americana, Ballad, Blues, Folk, Indie music, Pop music, Singer-Songwriter Classically trained New York Folk artist Annie Crane has released her sophomore album Jump With A Childs Heart; an album blending Americana and Celtic sounds into tracks that explore what it means to come to the city with a dream and do what it takes to make it come true. Cranes songs often weave together classic 60s Folk, Indie Pop and Rock and traditional Irish music into songs often compared to artists like Sandy Denny and Joni Mitchell. The rst track on the album is the title track "Jump With A Childs Heart". This song opens with a classic Folk twang as Crane speaks to the dreamers. It encourages individuals to follow their dreams and work hard without complaining to de ne a future they desire. The song is full of mellow guitar ri s and vocal humming as Crane preaches to her listeners about the value of putting time and e ort into whatever you do. "Hells Gate" is a laid back song that tells the story of a creature who came up from Hells gate. This song has winding twangs, an upbeat tambourine and was written for a bene t compilation after the BP oil spill. It is about a Biblical creature called Leviathan who guards Hells gate and attacks ships at sea. Crane sings, She was born down deep / from a watery sleep she de ed her father with greed / and she stretched out her limbs / and in one big gulp she engulfed it all.

The album ends with a song called Lookin Out. This song has an upbeat vibe which display's Cranes voice as strong

and con dent while the guitar steadily strums in the background. "Lookin' Out" describes a woman returning home to see her grandmother lookin out like the old days. Crane sings In my reoccurring dream / cobblestone roadways lead me to my Grandma dear / made my turn at the old oak tree into the front door to my, to mGrandma dear / and across the Oriental rug into the kitchen / water on /to my, to mGrandma dear / back to the screened, screened in porch in the noon sun / we sat there lookin, lookin out. This song reminds listeners that no matter how far you move away from home to pursue your dreams, the memory is still alive.

Lynda Arnold and Daniel Berkman "Hammer Inventions" (2011) [Album Review]
Genre(s): Chillout, Classical, Electro, Electronica, Lounge music, Orchestral, Singer-Songwriter, Trance

Album Review

Composers and pianist extraordinaires Lynda Arnold and Daniel Berkman have released their debut album Hammer Inventions; an 18 track album layered with electronic sounds and original instrument compositions. The album has been considered enchanting with captivating piano excerpts from a variety of di erent pianos and engaging as Arnold and Berkman introduce their audience to new sounds. Hammer Inventions opens with an intro called "Into the Fold". The song opens with a hearty piano solo quickly brought to a smooth drum beat. As the track progresses, lurking sounds creep into the ears of the listener giving the song an ominous vibe with a warning tone. The song transitions back and forth between moments of tinkling, scratching and zipping sound e ects to moments of sweet melodic piano solos summing up the variety of music the listener will hear as the album continues. Halfway through the album we arrive at a song called Change Of Heart; one of the most heart-wrenching and honest displays of emotion on the album. This song is full of deep, solid piano arpeggios that might represent your gut telling you youve had a change of heart. At the same time a vulnerable layer of high-pitched piano verses are shedding tears. This song brings to life the emotions of a changing heart; the sense of intuition, sadness and re ection. The album comes to an end with an entirely re ective piece called Wherever You Are. This song sounds like the memory. It is laced with moments of re ective and hopeful piano verses and listeners can fathom themselves thinking of an old friend, imagining where they might be in the world. Each song on this album is beautifully honest and true to its theme. Arnold and Berkman have an amazing ability to not only layer piano verses and sounds, but layer emotions in their songs.

Ten Year Vamp - "Lust" (2011) [Album Review]

By Whitney Lewis, Contributing Editor of Whitty With It Artist: Ten Year Vamp Label: Ten Year Vamp Music Release Date: 2011 Website: TenYearVamp.com Ten Year Vamp on Twitter Ten Year Vamp on Facebook Ten Genre(s): Pop music, Power pop, Rock, Rock and roll, Singer-Songwriter Female-fronted and high-energy rock band Ten Year Vamp has recently released their latest 5 track album Lust. The band is often described as a cross between Pink and the Foo Fighters and has become known for their charm and sex appeal. This new album is a ery collection of songs exploring everything lust and everything love. The album opens with a song called Got 2 Me. The track opens with a catchy, upbeat guitar ri and progresses into a full on rocknroll jam as lead singer Debbie Gabrione sings, I toss and I turn at night / trying with all of my might / cant get you out of my head. This song is about bumping into love unexpectedly and being consumed by its mysterious and gripping e ect. Gabrione sings, I never thought / this moment you would catch my eye / I didnt think youd be my type / is this right. No Risk is a mellow, re ective song about the choice to avoid love and an inevitable broken heart. This song has a catchy chorus as Gabrione sings, There is no games / no fears if you never start / and there is no pain / no tears/no broken heart / and there is no chance / no risk to be torn apart / oh love aint worth a broken heart. Despite the pessimistic attitude portrayed in this song, Ten Year Vamp ends the song reminding listeners to take the risk of a broken heart because there is a chance you can nd the one. The album ends with an attitude- lled song called Dont Be Alone With Me. This track is full of raging drum excerpts and bold vocals; listeners might compare it to a song by popular rock group Paramore as Gabrione sings the relenting and always catchy chorus, dont be alone with me. Ten Year Vamp plans to perform throughout the US during 2011-2012 and will soon be featured on an upcoming Playstation game, A Band.

Album Review

Tori Amos - "Night of Hunters" (2011) [Album Review]

By Whitney Lewis, Contributing Editor of Whitty With It Artist: Tori Amos Label: Deutsche Grammophon Release Date: 2011 Website: ToriAmos.com Tori Amos on Twitter Tori Amos on Facebook Tori Amos on

Album Review

Genre(s): Ambient, Classical, Meditation, Orchestral, SingerSongwriter, Sonata, World music This year platinum-selling singer-songwriter Tori Amos continues her legacy of ground-breaking recordings with her new album Night of Hunters: a 21st century song cycle inspired by select classical pieces spanning the last 400 years and drawing on themes of composers like Satie, Granados and Chopin to name a few. This album tells a modern love story unraveled after a journey to Irelands mythic past and features musicians like the Musagete Quartet and the Berlin Philharmonic as well as clarinet soloist Andreas Ottensamer. Night of Hunters opens with a song called "Shattering Sea". The track opens with a daring, ominous piano solo accompanied by tip toeing string plucks and repeatedly progresses into moments of eerie, twisted chaos and sporadic instrumental solos. Listeners will feel like Tori is whispering to them when she sings That is not my blood on the bedroom oor / that is not the glass that I threw before. This track feels like the set of a crime scene. The instruments are scattering, nervous and adrenaline- lled as Tori calmly analyzes the scene and sings the details to listeners. Halfway through the story, or album if you will, we skip to the scene of Job's Co n. This track has a remorseful, grieving sound as Tori sings Jobs Co n looks down / Jobs co n looks down / to see what man-kind is gonna do. If youre picturing an actual co n and feel a little confused, dont worry. I did the same thing. It turns out Jobs Co n is a constellation looking down on us watching the decisions we make. This track has a wise, fortune tellerlike vibe and is accompanied by uttering oat solos and calm piano excerpts as Amos constantly warns us we are being watched by Jobs Co n. The album ends with a song called Carry. This track opens with a delicate piano and violin solo as Amos enters the song with a lonely, calm and re ective tone. This song feels like a collection of memories: some faint and some bold and vivid. Amos sings you will not ever be forgotten by me as the song slowly becomes a faint memory in the minds of the listener.

Mama Chill - Nobody Wants To Know Ya When Ya Nobody [Album Review] (2011)
By Whitney Lewis, Contributing Editor of Whitty With It Artist: Mama Chill Label: Self-Released Release Date: 2011 Website: Mama Chill on ReverbNation Mama Chill on Twitter Mama Chill on Facebook Mama Chill on MySpace Genre(s): Hip-Hop, Pop music, Power pop, Rap, Rock, Soul music Mama Chill, a UK rapper and storyteller has spent the last four years carefully crafting her new album Nobody Wants To Know Ya When Ya Nobody. In the process of putting together this album, she was told by doctors a career in music was unrealistic due to her medical condition (Scoliosis, M.E, Fibromylagia & Osteoporosis). She didnt listen to them. The result: this amazing new album blending elements of rap, hip hop and indie with a touch of 80s are. The rst track on the album is called LowDown Dirty Raw N Street. This track is an electric, in-your-face biography about Mama Chill as she takes listeners on a journey through her past and makes it clear she is unafraid to let it all out and share who she is with the world. Listeners might nd it easy to compare Mama Chill to pop artist Pink. She sings a series of con dent verses like by the time I was walking / I was walking with a strut and constantly bursts into the unforgiving and catchy chorus I like it lowdown dirty, raw n Street. LionHart opens with a sweet guitar arpeggio. Mama Chill enters the song with a series of spoken word verses. She recites, I come across as arrogant sometimes / Im aware of it / got other stu inside / just dont wanna share it / dont matter now / the damage is done / just gotta get over / whatever / move on / all got stories to make another shed tears. This track is intimate and full of completely raw and honest poetry laced with a sweet melodic chorus behind calm humming and string excerpts. The album comes to an end with a chill song called Say, featuring the Watford Gospel Arts Manna Community Choir. This is an inspirational song that encourages listeners to say what they want to say before it's too late. Mama sings Dont stay tough forever / its never weak to show you care / its alright to feel like a failure / so if you got a brother or someone else you call blood / go tell em just how much theyre loved. This song is full of love and soul and listeners will be left feeling thankful and touched. All Mama Chills songs are beautiful and empowering spreading the message that anything can be done.

Album Review

CSS - "La Liberacion" (2011) [Album Review]

By Whitney Lewis, Contributing Editor of Whitty With It Artist: CSS Label: Cooperative Music Release Date: 2011 Website: CSSHurtsSuxxx.blogspot.com CSS on Twitter CSS on Facebook CSS on MySpace

Album Review

Genre(s): Chillout, Club, Dance, Electro, Electronica, Pop music, Power pop, Reggae, Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Synthpop On August 29th Co-Operative Music released CSS long awaited LP La Liberacin. CSS is a Brazilian rock band from Sao Paulo consisting of 5 band members: Lovefoxxx, Adriano Cintra, Luiza Sa, Ana Rezende and Carolina Parra who are known for blending elements of club music, reggae and funk. La Liberacion is a diverse and energetic collection which was written while the group was on tour. The album opens with a song called I Love You. This track is set behind a constant electric tick tock beat and full of back-up vocal sound e ects as Lovefoxxx breaks through chanting I Love You. It is laced with winding, spinning electro verses and has that daydreaming in the 80s vibe. You know what Im talking about, right? If not, just listen and youll feel it; that oating, careless, on the verge of being hypnotized electric power! You Could Have It All has a very lighthearted, tip-toeing vibe as it opens with a sweet calm piano verse and develops into a sweet melody as Lovefoxxx sweetly sings You could have it all / you could have it all / but then whats left of me? This bi-polar song jumps back and forth between moments of sweet humming and high pitched vocal verses to hard hitting, forceful excerpts keeping listeners on their toes. We couldnt resist ending this review with an analysis of the song Fuck Everything. This song has that pissed o , fed-up, I dont care tone staying true to its title. Lovefoxxx spits relentless vocal lines outlining all the things she could care less about: being high, being a pig, being lazy etc. Listeners will feel wound-up angry as they slowly concede to the urge and join in screaming Fuck Everything with the band.

Smoke Fairies "Through Low Light and Trees" (2011) [Album Review]
By Whitney Lewis, Contributing Editor of Whitty With It Artist: Smoke Fairies Label: Year Seven Records Release Date: 2011 Website: SmokeFairies.com Smoke Fairies on Twitter Smoke Fairies on Genre(s): Country, Folk, Indie music, Lomusic, Singer-Songwriter

Album Review

Smoke Fairies is a British folk-based duo made up of Jessica Davies and Katherine Blamire who are known for creating dark, acoustic songs with elements of bluegrass and Appalachian Folk. The duo has released a new two-disc album called Through Low Light and Trees which was recorded during a 10-day session at Cornwalls Sawmills Studio. This album sounds like autumn. Davies and Blamire were inspired by the e ects of changing seasons as they recorded this album in a secluded studio only accessible by boat. The rst track on the album is Summer Fades, which captures the transition from summer to fall as the world and all things living prepare for a cold and bleak winter. Listeners will feel excited and anxious as this calm, enchanting song summons feelings of nostalgia and new beginnings. The track is full of delicate guitar solos and beautiful harmonious vocal duets that will have listeners feeling like the leaves are already falling. Strange Moon Rising has a unique twang-like sound. The vocal lines in this track sound ominous and chant-like behind a winding guitar solo laced throughout the piece. Ghostly back-up vocals add a strange element of mystery and fantasy emerge as the piece embodies the presence of a strange moon in the sky and its odd e ect on the world. After the Rain is an acoustic song laced with trickling minimalist guitar excerpts and a hauntingly sparse vibe. It captures the anticipation and nervousness one would feel after stepping outside into a new, clean fresh world full of possibilities. The album comes to an end with a somber, lullaby-like song called Human Concerns. This track has deep comforting vocals slightly accompanied by faint background vocals and daydreaming guitar ri s. Listeners will start feeling drowsy after hearing this track. All Smoke Fairies songs summon a powerful sense of imagery and have the power to put listeners into a nostalgic, pensive and observant mood.

Knowledge Lives Forever - "Hate Me Now" (2011) [Album Review]

By Whitney Lewis, Contributing Editor of Whitty With It Artist: Knowledge Lives Forever Label: Self-Released Release Date: 2011 Website: KnowledgeLivesForever.com Knowledge Lives Forever on Twitter Knowledge Lives Genre(s): Electro, Electronica, Hip-Hop, Psychedelic, Rap, Rhythm and Blues (R&B), Rock, SingerSongwriter, Soul music

Album Review

Knowledge Lives Forever is a local Reno Nevada Hip Hop group known for harmoniously blending elements of Rock, Acoustic, Soul, Funk and Electronic. The group, who now consists of Chari "Knowledge" Smith, Asa Dakin, Kris Stosic, Kim Radzik and Vanessa Rodriguez recently released a new album called Hate Me Now featuring bassist Gia Torcaso. Hate Me Now is full of catchy tracks that explore topics from love and hate to Proposition 8. The rst of a future trilogy, it represents of the growth and unity the band has developed since their birth. Fallen For You is a smooth, sexy track full of electric twang behind a chill drum beat. Dancing piano verses lurk in the background as Chari spits heart-felt verses about falling in love. She raps, Juliet could never love like you / Romeo never felt like I do / one thing that I do know is true / my world minus me equals you / like BB King with no blues / like Michael Jackson without boos / like CSI without clues / thats how I be without you The track is laced with a distorted feel-good chorus featuring Reno, NV soulstress Whitney Meyer. Listeners will feel touched by the raw honesty and thoughtfulness. "Gone" is a piece full of trembling electronic sound e ects with a psychedelic funky vibe. Charis energetic verses are on the move in this track as she con dently breaks through electronic chaos to spread the message dont make me say it again / dont ever question my name / dont need no more excuses / I know whats really goin on. This track will have listeners hearts beating a little faster. The album comes to an end with a song called Hate Me Now. Chari enters the song with an in your face, braggadocios tone that says "I have arrived and Im not going anywhere. This track constantly bursts into an energetic, climactic chorus as Chari spits you can hate me now, but youll love me later, take my hat o , throw the deuces to the haters. This anthem to the haters is spilling with raw verses about Charis musical journey and fused with scandalous guitar solos that will ring in the listeners ears. Hate Me Now is full of honest vocals and lively instrumentals. With catchy hooks coming from all directions, listeners will enjoy listening to this timeless album over and over.

Alessi's Ark - "Time Travel" (2011) [Album Review]

By Whitney Lewis, Contributing Editor of Whitty With It Artist: Alessi's Ark Label: Bella Union Release Date: 2011 Website: Alessisark.com Genre(s): Folk, Indie music, Pop music, SingerSongwriter

Album Review

Alessi Laurent, one of the UK's most charming indie folk-pop singer/songwriters, has released her debut album under Bella Union called Time Travel. Although she is only 21, Time Travel showcases Alessis blossomed and mature new sound proving age is just a number. Her folk-pop charm is laced throughout this dreamy and timeless sophomore album and listeners will appreciate an exquisite sound beyond its years. The album opens with short and sweet song called Kind of Man. This track is minimalist with moments of wondering guitar twangs and introduces Alessis quiet, delicate vocals as she sings only a kind of man can do this / and do it again / make you feel like hes true / like all he loves is you". This track feels like the innocent and sweet daydream weve all experienced imagining the perfect man/woman. The Fever is a short, but extremely interesting interlude dancing with trickling piano verses. It blends elements of Jazz with a somewhat Asian vibe, yet stays true to Alessis childlike, sweet essence. Listeners will be touched by this extremely fragile and fantastical track. The album approaches an end with a cute track called The Robot. Alessis vocals take on a life of their own in this track as they jump from interval to interval. Listeners might imagine a little child playing with their favorite doll or buddy as they listen to this playful, sweet love song about a robot. Alessi sings And though his body is sti / thats nothing like his kiss. All Alessi's songs are full of refreshing, innocent moments and touching lyrics that will have listeners feeling playful and uplifted.

Jes - "Unleash the Beat" (2011) [Album Review]

By Whitney Lewis, Contributing Editor of Whitty With It Artist: Jes Label: Magik Musik Release Date: 2011 Website: PlanetJes.com Jes on Twitter Jes on Facebook Jes on MySpace

Album Review

Genre(s): Chillout, Club, Dance, Dubstep, Electro, Electronica, Pop music, Singer-Songwriter, Trance Jes, also known as the Queen of Electronica is a New-York native who is known to create tracks that blend Rock, Trance, Emo and Poptronica. She recently released her 4th album, Uleash the Beat, which is a fresh mixed album containing previously unreleased remixes and brand new songs that can be taken straight to the dance oor. The album opens with a mix of the Taxigirl track High Glow. This track is full of echoes and funky electric beats behind Jes smoothly owing, sweet vocals. It has a muted vibe that will have listeners daydreaming as they are carried from interlude to interlude and their minds are in ltrated by todays newest sounds. N.Y.C is a track Jes recorded with Richard Durand. This is an upbeat, bass heavy track full of repetition, rewinds and solid beat solos that slowly and continuously come to life as new sounds attach themselves to the beat. Jes repeating vocal line never get enough is cleverly laced throughout this track, which seems to o er more and more. The album ends with a track called Back to You, which showcases the direct, more articulate and straight forward tone of Jes voice. Although there are moments of dreamlike vocal moaning, Jes voice becomes extremely crisp and present in this track as if the dream is over and were back to real life. She remixes the catch vocal verse I keep running to get back to you throughout the track behind a somewhat playful and carefree electronic verse that is repeated throughout the song. Unleash the Beat stays true to its title. All songs are full of the newest most exciting and unleashed beats today and accented with Jes owing and refreshing vocals.

Boy Plus Kite - "Go Fly" (2011) [Album Review]

By Whitney Lewis, Contributing Editor of Whitty With It Artist: Boy Plus Kite Label: Self-Released Release Date: 2011 Website: BoyPlusKite.com Boy Plus Kite on Twitter Boy Plus Kite on Facebook Genre(s): Indie music, Lounge music, Pop music, Singer-Songwriter If the band Boy Plus Kite didnt start in a garage, where did they start? If you guessed hot tub you got it! Darvin Jones and Beth Puorro birthed the idea for their debut album Go Fly while lounging at a spa in the outskirts of Austin. One night while discussing band break-ups in their their bathrobes, they realized a mutual understanding of music and decided to collaborate. The result: Go Fly, which was released on July 26th, 2011. This album showcases an e ortless blend between Jones love for experimental sounds and Purros pop twist. It has been deemed the perfect summer blend; exploring relationships in their many shapes and forms and incorporating feelings of bitterness, raw energy and honesty. The album opens with a song called Neighbors. This track has that cool, laid back summer vibe with streaming guitar ri s and a chill drum beat as Jones and Puorro explore the nature of a relationship with ones neighbor. Puorro sings black and white / my strange neighbors / curtains block the windows / all alone / Still around / putting up with everything. The song develops into a vocal duet as Puorro and Jones plead Come down / Come down. The instrumentals are pleading as well with straining guitar ri s that beg please as Puorrow and Jones reach a continuously stronger and more insistent tone. Think In Stereo has emerged as one of the most catchy tunes on the album for a good reason. The track opens with a ridiculously catchy guitar ri laced throughout the song. Listeners will constantly anticipate the repetition of this feel-good verse accented with Puorro and Jones up-lifting, laid-back vocals. Listeners might nd it easy to compare this song to Jack Mannequins hit Dark Blue. The album ends with a tracked called Satellite"; which opens with rippling sound e ects and progresses into a smooth, walking-paced track with Jones vocals front and center. This track has an electric, static feel adding a more futuristic tone to this sweet summer collection.

Album Review

Alyson Green eld - "Rock Out With Your Glockenspiel

By Whitney Lewis, Contributing Editor of Whitty With It Artist: Alyson Green eld Label: Roc-elle Records Release Date: 2011 Website: AlysonGreen eld.com Alyson Green eld on Twitter Alyson Green eld on Facebook Genre(s): 90's, Hip-Hop, Indie music, Pop music, Reggae, SingerSongwriter

Album Review

On July 19th, 2011 Alyson Green eld of Brooklyn released her EP Rock Out With Your Glockenspiel Out on Roc-Elle Records. This EP is a short sweet compilation of coves of classic songs like "Gangstas Paradise" and "All That She Wants" and has already began to create an online buzz in BK and Austin. Rock Out With Your Glockenspiel Out showcases Green eld's unique solo vocals and instrumental skills as she brings solos to life with the experimentation of instruments like the piano, guitar, autoharp, synthesizer, glockenspiel, chord organ, drums and guest beatboxers. The EP opens with a cover of Ace of Bases 1993 hit, All That She Wants. The cover opens with a twinkling piano solo echoing the original melody and transitions into Green elds eclectic renovation laced with accented vocal verses, ooh's, aah's and la la la's. This track has an improvisational vibe as Green eld carries the song up, down and back and forth, while staying true to the original melody. Gangstas Paradise is a lyrical rendition of a Coolio classic. Although Green eld stays true to the lyrics of the original, she breaks through with a completely new melody. The track opens with the playful sound of bells as Green eld spits conversational vocal verses on verge of spoken word. Sweet glockenspiel arpeggios add a charming touch to this unique poetic rendition. The track ends with a version of the hit Milkshake by Kelis. Somehow, Green eld has made this song classy. The track opens with a lively piano intro which dances throughout the entire piece as Green elds wholesomely deep vocals add elements of depth and a jazz-like energy to the song, which in its original form, can be considered quite shallow and trashy. Now that takes skill. Other covers on this EP include Inner Circle's Bad Boys (COPS theme song) and Mama Said Knock You Out by LL Cool J.

By Whitney Lewis, Contributing Editor of Whitty With It Artist: Hiromi Kanda Label: Music Gate Inc. Release Date: 2011 Website: HiromiKanda.com Hiromi Kanda on Twitter Hiromi Kanda on Facebook

Hiromi Kanda - "Days of Yesterday" (2011) [Album Review]

Genre(s): Blues, Classical, Improvisational, Singer-Songwriter, Smooth jazz

Album Review

When Hiromi Kanda of Japan was exposed to American music via the armed forces, she began to develop a true love and passion for many forms of music. After moving to Osaka at age 8 she became familiar with artists like Sinatra, Cole Porter, The Monkees and The Supremes and vowed to become a professional singer. She succeeded. This September Kanda will release her latest album Days of Yesterday, which is a compilation of classic American jazz renditions and original pieces. Kandas silky, smooth and deep vocals are accompanied by classic jazz characters: the piano, Sax, trumpet and trombone. Days of Yesterday opens with a rendition of Cole Porters "I Love Paris" and is laced with sassy Alto Sax solos by Mat Catingub. This classic track is full of the infamous care-free French attitude. Listeners will imagine themselves indulging in delicious pastries, strolling around in the most fashionable out ts and taking midnight strolls under the Ei el Tower. By the end of this track, listeners will love Paris too. Im Through with Love is a Gus Kahn rendition laced with heart wrenching Trumpet solos as Kanda spills her heart into the hopeless lyrics: Im through with love / Ill never fall again / Said adieu to love / Dont ever call again This song is lonely. Listeners will hear Kandas voice and the instruments screaming I give up. One of the last tracks on the album is a Kanda original called "Dreamers". This track has a big band vibe and will have listeners feel the urge to snap to the beat. Kandas voice is energetic and strong in this track with back-up vocals by Linda Harmon. This track contains playful lyrics as Kanda sings Look at me / Tick-tock-tick-tock / Like a clock in my heart All Kandas tracks radiate with love for classic American jazz. From Cole Porter to Charlie Chaplin and Gus Kahn, Kanda brings these classic songs to life with her smooth, passionate and silky vocals.

Tidelands - "If..." (2011) [Album

By Whitney Lewis, Contributing Editor of Whitty With It Artist: Tidelands Label: Self-Released Release Date: 2011 Website: TidelandsMusic.com Tidelands on Facebook Genre(s): Ambient, Experimental, Indie music, New Age music, Singer-Songwriter

Album Review

On July 26th, 2011 San Francisco Duo Gabriel Montana Leis and Mie Araki, also known as Tidelands, will release their debut album If...; a colorful mix of guitar, ugelhorn, drums, keyboards and pure poetry. With sharp and poignant lyrics, beautiful harmonies and back up instrumentals contributed by the Magik*Magik Orchestra, Tidelands picks up their listeners and takes them on a unique journey through the album. If... opens with sweet bells in the track "Holy Grail". This song is full of uplifting and inspiring orchestral excerpts and laced with bells behind Gabriels running, almost breathless vocal lines. It features moments of powerful horn solos and climactic instrumental phrases that will have listeners tingling and excited as their energy levels rise with anticipation. "Letter To A Young Soldier I Love" is a sweet track with heart-wrenching arpeggios and a slow-jam-style drum beat behind smooth, pensive lead vocal lines and faint back-up vocals. It contains moments of quiet melodic solos and slightly southern home-style guitar lines that will have listeners feeling extra cozy and relaxed as they open their hearts to the honest, raw vibe of this track. It is a love letter brought to life. The last track on the album is "Marigolds". This track alternates back and forth between Gabriels soft, smooth signature vocal lines and a colorful variety of horn solos mostly likely inspired by Araki, who discovered her unique ability to write horn melodies after attending the Manhattan School of Music. This song feels like a summary. Listeners will feel re ective, as if remembering all their favorite moments of the journey theyve experienced listening to the album. If... contains a truly unique blend of instrumentals. Not many bands are brave enough to adopt a horn as one of their main instruments. Tidelands, however, brings this instrument to life and demonstrates an impressive ability to blend instrumentals and vocals into deep, wholesome tracks. By the end of this album listeners will feel emotionally connected, as though theyve been on the Tidelands bandwagon since day one.

Caits Meissner - "The Wolf & Me" (2010) [Album

By Whitney Lewis, Contributing Editor of Whitty With It Artist: Caits Meissner Label: Caits Meissner Release Date: 2010 Website: Caits.Mvmt.com Caits Meissner on Twitter Caits Meissner on Facebook Caits They dont call her a magic maker for nothing! In her 9 track album The Wolf & Me, Caits Meissner embraces music, visual art and poetry to remind the world there is nothing that does not make us feel alive. Caits is a multi-disciplinary, award-winning poet and storyteller from Brooklyn, New York who has performed from the street corners of Columbia University to the 2008 inaugural Pan-African Literary Forum in Accra, Ghana, where she studied with Pulitzer Prize winner Yusef Komunyakaa. Her work creates a spark of anticipation and provokes deep thought about the most ordinary moments of life, like when the ceiling catches your attention or when you notice the shadows created by the sun shining through your window. After listening to her album, the small complexities of life are clearer.

Album Review

The Wolf & Me is split into three sections following the traditional beginning, middle and end storytelling format. Caitss intro encourages her listeners to lie down, stretch, relax and never stop seeking as the combination of smooth drums beats, utes, long stringed notes and spoken word inspire a hypnotizing feeling of curiosity and anticipation within. One of the most musically diverse and unique songs on the album is called The Blackest Blood. The piece begins with a catchy ute solo, lively drum beat and light energetic vocals which eventually transition into the spoken word style that characterizes Caitss album. A Song for the Ordinary is a track that encompasses Caitss unique ability as an artist to bring light and thought to the most mundane, average moments in ones life. The track features brokeMC and takes the listener on a trip through one's own mind by creating images of moments we all experience; like laying on your bed staring at the ceiling and realizing that the person youre laying to is not the person you want to be laying next to. The middle interlude is lled with long, repetitive stringed notes and an ominous solo which creates a strong sense of anticipation and nervous energy leading into the nal stretch of the album. This is music you can think to. The last half of the album comes to a calming nish, leaving the listener with a feeling of resolution and closure as the tacks gradually become shorter, softer and eventually come to an end with a short, sweet outro.

Electron Love Theory - "Blue Sky Vertigo" (2010) [Album Review]

By Whitney Lewis, Contributing Editor of Whitty With It Artist: Electron Love Theory Label: Electron Love Theory Release Date: 2010 Website: LoveTheory.com Electron Love Theory on Twitter Electron Love Theory on Facebook

Album Review

What do you get when you take the melody of a classic rock song, turn it indie, have a woman sing it then add some electronic? Blue Sky Vertigo by Electron Love theory; a beautiful feminine twist on some of the most popular U2 hits. Award winning musician/producer and U2 superfan Je Leisawitz is responsible for crafting the album Blue Sky Vertigo. From covering his walls with U2 posters to writing positive reviews for almost every U2 release as a member of the press, with this album, Je might have become the ultimate fan. Blue Sky Vertigo is an emotional, soothing and nostalgic collection of songs laced with the electric & acoustic guitar and lovely voices of 14 female vocalists. It will make you want to dance and relax at the same time. The album opens with one of U2s classic hits I Will Follow. Instantly listeners will notice the same great melody with an upbeat, smooth electric vibe. The track features the soothing vocals of Allison Bazarko. It turns out electronic music CAN be tastefully done. This track gets the listeners energy owing and sets the tone for the rest of the collection. "Vertigo" is an energetic upbeat track featuring vocalist Lola Love, who has a rebellious catchy voice. Its the kind of song listeners can de nitely dance to with a steady, constant beat and funky bass line. One of the most tastefully produced tracks on the album is the infamous Sunday Bloody Sunday featuring the sweet, completely relaxing vocals of Emilia Sosa. This track is a beautiful feminine renovation of a classic listeners might remember sounding quite raspy, deep and RocknRoll. The album comes to a relaxing end with the track All I Want is You. This track feels like a Sunday night slow jam, putting the listener at ease with the deep unique voices of Bridgid Roney and Amber Flame. Its re ective vibe is a perfect way to end a beautifully innovative collection.

Bird Call - "The Animals Know" (2010) [Album

By Whitney Lewis, Contributing Editor of Whitty With It Artist: Bird Call Label: FHC Records Release Date: 2010 Website: BirdCallMusic.com 01 - Waltz in the Snow 02 - Berlin 03 - The Animals Know 04 Bye, Bye Honeymoon 05 - The Races 06 - The Battle Outside the Gates to Your Arms

Album Review

The Animals Know is a sweet and genuine 6 track album produced by Brooklyn based Chiara Angelicola aka Bird Call. Angelicola teamed up with famed producer Joel Hamilton to create an album laced with piano and orchestral solos conveying six honest, raw passionate messages like entries in a diary. Her strong, con dent voice is full of assurance, sophistication and trust. The album opens with "Waltz in the Snow", a playful piece with bouncing piano lines and upbeat, blissful stringed solos conversing with one another. Filled with nostalgia, this song will paint a picture of playing in the snow and spark the inner child with phrases like Theres no monsters around here. "Berlin" is a soothing piece that would go great with a warm cup of tea. Full of long, deep streaming stringed notes and calm piano, this peaceful, re ective piece will put listeners at ease. The third track The Animals Know, is one of the albums most lyrically insightful pieces about the unique ability animals have to sense situations before they happen. She sings, The animals know when to run from the re and it hasn't even started. Lyrics like these demonstrate Angelicolas insightful, down to earth nature, also expressed in the title of the album; The Animals Know. "Bye, Bye Honeymoon" is the most exciting, energetic song on the album. It is driven by a racing piano arpeggios and Angelicolas exciting vocal range. Fused with positive energy, this song summons a sense con dence and self- assurance that will leave the listener feeling accomplished. The album ends with the song "The Battle Outside the Gates to Your Arms"; a beautiful lullaby-like piece laced with peaceful humming and passionate instrumental solos. This emotionally raw piece is the perfect way to end an amazingly intimate collection of music.

Shunda K - "The Most Wanted" (2011) [Album Review]

Genre(s): Club, Dance, Electro, Electronica, Freestyle, Hip-Hop, Neo Soul, Rap, Rhythm and Blues (R&B), Soul music This New Year on on 1/11/11, Plant City, FL hip-hopper Shunda K is releasing her new album The Most Wanted. She is breaking free from the group Yo! Majesty for the rst time to release an exciting 20 track album laced with musical genres including Rock n Roll, R&B, Electronic and Soul. The album is full of powerful lyrics about love, art, money, religion and sexuality with empowering beats and messages, funky bass lines and an energetic upbeat energy. It features a variety of Ks personal artistic connections and collaborators; secret ingredients if you will.

Love Me features Pumpsta and Ms. Tedra and explores all the facets of love; its presence in the past, present and future, its visibility/invisibility and its in nite forms. K raps about the phases of falling in love to a funky bass line and bongo-like drum beat. Regardless of the message that love has many forms and identities, the track is one listeners can relate to. Ks lyrics describe the journey of falling in love everyone experiences and things we all say when we think were in love: Youre the one for me Ill give you what you need We can be more than just friends I got just what you need "Its Time to Get Paid featuring Snax will have listeners re-living the last time they cashed in! It has that beat that will make ANYONE want to get up and start dancing. Dont know what beat Im talking about? Give it a listen and you will experience that Ohhhhh moment. After listening to this track it is apparent Shunda knows what its like to get paid. In all her songs K captures the genuine essence of the parts of life we all experience.

Album Review

Deep in the Melody featuring The Real Fiasco is full of melodies opening with a catchy, beautiful piano melody repeated in variations, sometimes with new instruments. Streaming stringed lines and Shundas melodic vocal line towards the end of the song bring listeners even deeper into the melody. This song just feels good to listen to. A melody always feels good. Art and Music featuring Raspberry Cocaine is one of the most empowering tracks on the album. K urges listeners to let your light shine and never be afraid to be who you are. The song opens with k' describing how she will take the listener on a musical journey. "Why do I get to tell this story?" she asks. "Because of Art and Music." The album ends with the track HARD!. In this song K exudes con dence and embraces her relationship with her wife Ms. Tedra with lines like Got my lady by my side and with my wifey by my side the hottest chick in the game. It has a retro/soul vibe and K makes it clear she is untouchable and strong. These are just ve of the pieces on this substantial album. The great thing about this album is the themed titles. "DANCING" is about dancing. "Its Time To Get Paid" is about getting paid. Each song is powerfully written and stays true to its themed title. Looking at the track list, listeners will be able to paint a clear picture about the topics and issues Shunda K speaks out about.

Album Reviews 2010-11