 One of my favorite videos of 2017, YouTuber “YouYouYou!!!” listens to Rage Against the Machine's self-titled debut album for the first time, his reactions say it all. Needless to say I put RATM on heavy rotation after watching this. Warning NSFW language. "Whoo hooo ooo! Let's keep it going!"  O' the emotion in the rich, earthy and commanding vocals from a singer whose effortless delivery of power sways your very soul. That's Shoshana Bean, and 'Remember the Day', which builds in intensity and passion becoming a statement of emotional freedom. Her newly released album 'Spectrum' covers several genres in a showcase of her range, and control. Speaking of covers, she commands them. Shoshana Bean pours out such at performance in 'Make it Rain' that you'd be forgiven in assuming it was written for her. Powerful soul-diva vocals, songs you know and fantastic production make 'Spectrum' a winner. Don't just take my word for it, here's a much more thorough review from Soul Tracks - [Shoshana Bean - Spectrum] -Luke  I'm syphoning suggestions with this one. A facebook friend put out the call for new music recommendations, and after posting my own I scrolled through what others had put forth. I guess this name jumped out at me... Unless it's an artist I'm familiar with it pretty much comes down to how intriguing the album art, title or artist name is, as to whether I choose to play it. The artist recommended - Jukebox the Ghost. After trying several of their more popular songs I got into Thump Sessions, an EP album. EP means "Extended Play." At 21 minutes long it's a little too short to be a full CD and a little too long to be a single. This album in particular is great background music. Comparing the sounds of Jukebox the Ghost to other artists would be somewhere around Weezer mixed with Queen ('In the Cut' is a perfect example of this) with Ben Folds Five flair and the occasion hint of Mumford and Sons. -Luke  On a whim the other night I gave Andrew W.K.'s 'You're Not Alone' a whirl, having liked 'Party Hard' years back. My impression after the first listen through was that this album certainly stands out. Upbeat and also dark, it’s party-mode filled with perseverance and spirit. Best consumed in it’s entirety, this un-mainstream masterpiece is worth adding to your library. There’s so much going on in You’re Not Alone, that comparing it to music from other artists requires naming quite a few. Perhaps a mix of Volbeat, Billy Talent and maybe a ‘pint’ of Type O Negative. Then it starts going to some really riotous Jim Steinman places, with maybe a touch of inspiration from Andrew Lloyd Webber. This album is an almost-rock-opera that’s full of heart. 24 hours and around 6 listens-through later I'm really digging it. The video for 'Ever Again' just adds to the appeal. Like the album, forget expectations and enjoy the ride. (I had to look this up) While not a christian rock group, Andrew W.K. is religious and a motivational speaker. That influence comes through in the lyrics and adds a recurring optimism to the album. In my opinion this is darn good listening. If you start at the beginning of the album - when you come out of 'The Devi's On Your Side' an into 'Break the Curse' - you'll thank me. (No skipping ahead.) -Luke |
And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.
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