Single Review: “It Keeps You Runnin'” – Doobie Brothers

In honour of the epic news that The Doobie Brothers and Michael McDonald are putting out a new album after 40 years I thought I’d revisit this classic track from 1976. What do I like about this song? Well. EVERYTHING! The first time I ever heard it was when I watched Forrest Gump. It was …

Single Review: “Polka King Of The North West” – Vampire Slumber Party

This? This is by no means a polka song. I get the feeling that this is full of Easter eggs in reference to John Candy and his acting prowess. Why? Well, first of all Polka King Of The North West activated a long dormant memory that made me think of Home Alone and how Kevin’s …

Single Review: “Heavy Weather” – WLDFRS

This track is bluesy, and I LOVE IT! You’ve got everything on here. They through everything at this track – is that a Jewish Harp???  Very possible. The guitar at the beginning starts off with a bit of a growl, I think I can imagine Eric Clapton giving a nod of approval and nudging John …

Single Review: “Past Is Gone” – Freya Astrella

What caught my ear with this particular song is Freya’s voice – her tone is rich. It’s nice and deep, and touches the soul. I think that is intentional because of the content of the lyrics, this will cause a literal resonance within you to make you want to progress. What do I mean? Well, …

Single Review: “The Rise” – Naima Quartet

This song is one of those ones you’re supposed to have with your morning cuppa. It starts off with a cymbal swell, then Naima Girou comes in with this beautiful BEAUTIFUL vocal that for some reason really just made me smile. She’s playing her double bass and it fits in so smoothly. This switches from …

Single Review: “I Gøt Home” – Ben l’Oncle Soul

Oh my word. On first hearing this track I thought it was a long forgotten track from the 60s left in the archives of some studio in Memphis. The vocals are rough, and full of blues and soul, Ben l’Oncle Soul’s voice does not show his 41 years of age he sings with a power …

Single Review: “Raised Around Queens” – Eva Lazarus

This track is pure poetry from top to bottom! The beat prowls, it starts off with a guitar playing a tasty little riff but it switches up around 0:11. Eva comes in good and strong, loud and proud about her family history, from Jamaican descent to Bristol and busking with her crew. She lets you …

Single Review: “Time Is Overdue” – Alex Tyche

What I like about this song is its ability to switch from steady paced dance floor banger to a jazzy ballad in the blink of an eye. This starts off with a lovely glassy fender Rhodes, the shakers fade up and then the drum beat comes in at 0:20, giving that Afrobeat vibe. The chord …

Blog Interview: Sam T

Hello Sam how are you?  Heya, I’m great! I’ve escaped the cold in London to visit Sydney over new years so am enjoying the sunshine and relaxed energy here for another week. Congratulations on the release of “Empty Home” how does it feel?  It feels exciting to finally release this track. I wrote and recorded …

Single Review: “A La Mode” – Jazz Emu

Now this is so cool! This simmers along at the beginning, with instruments that sound about ready to explode – but the energy is held back for the vocals and it switches between rock and theatrical. I could imagine this being a treat live! The lyrics reference the high life – ala mode meaning in …