Radioindy Grindie Awards - Pop: January 2009

Monday, January 19, 2009

RadioIndy is pleased to present Chris Huff with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Death And Texas LP"

"Death And Texas LP" is an upbeat and quirky rock album from singer/songwriter Chris Huff that fuses British and American rock influences to create a unique sound. At times, Huff's vocals can sound eerily similar to David Bowie, and at other times they're reminiscent of Philadelphia outfit Dr. Dog. The arrangements are solid and guitar-based, drawing from the power pop, psychedelic, folk, reggae, and funk movements, in addition to rock. Huff's songs are fun and upbeat, quirky and lyrical, sometimes non-sensibly so. "Death And Texas LP" is well-recorded, having both the vocals and arrangements sound clean and professional. "Oceans Never Freeze" is a catchy, head-bobbing track with Zeppelin-esque guitar work, Bowie-like vocals, and enjoyable lyrics. "For The Trees" features some excellent funky bass work, a reggae guitar rhythm, a laid-back beat, group vocals, and more great lyrics from Huff. With "Death and Texas LP," Chris Huff has created an entertaining album that uniquely blends together a plethora of influences from the last four decades. Fans of quirky, lyrical rock and David Bowie-style vocals should definitely check out "Death And Texas LP."

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Chris Huff's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Willem van Leeuwen with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Mijn Wereld (My World)"

"Mijn Wereld (My World)" is the terrific big band/jazz debut from singer/songwriter Willem Van Leeuwen that features big band standards and Van Leeuwen originals. Lead by the crooning vocals of Van Leeuwen, not unlike Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé, "Mijn Wereld (My World)" is filled with splashy big band arrangements of booming horns and woodwinds, as well as some great piano jazz. This release is filled with fun and upbeat songs that make you smile and sway, including Dutch big band renditions of classics from the Great American Songbook, including "I Feel Good" and "Strangers in the Night," respectively entitled "Voel Me Goed" and "Vreemdgaan in De Nacht." "Mijn Wereld (My World)" is well-produced, and the recordings and arrangements all sound outstanding. "Geboren Uit Nood (One for My Baby)" is a pleasant, jazzy track with beautiful piano work, a simple but fitting drum beat, and a lovely vocal performance from Van Leeuwen. "Droom (Home)" is an emotive closer with more excellent piano work and crooning vocals. With "Mijn Wereld (My World)," Willem Van Leeuwen has welcomed us to his world with open arms, no matter what language we speak. Fans of Dutch big band and jazz are definitely going to want to pick this one up.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Willem van Leeuwen's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Jackson Garrett with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Please Call Me, Sanjaya!"

Jackson Garrett's "Please Call Me, Sanjaya!" is a blend of a wide variety of musical styles, moods, and influences. This release showcases Garrett's ability to be comfortable and shine in any genre, including blues, jazz, rock, pop, and even Latin-oriented styles. This album is all about versatility, from the Brazilian flavor of "The Wedding Samba" and "Let It Burn," to the straightforward rock of "Champagne Tower." The instrumentation also varies, with the appropriately titled "Cool And Easy" featuring the subtlety of brushes on the drums and a soprano sax providing a melodic solo. This is a well-produced release, focused on creating memorable songs that are easy to listen to. Other notable moments include the catchy, Steely Dan-influenced pop of "You Can't Do That," the funky horn section of "Messin' With The Kid," and the fun swagger of "Easy Strut." If you enjoy easy listening vocals in the jazz-rock style, this album is worth checking out.

-Rodney and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Jackson Garrett's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Jonathan Adam with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Face In Your Crowd"

"Face In Your Crowd" is the excellent pop rock debut from Texas singer/songwriter Jonathan Adam. Adam (stage name of Jay Arseno) delivers a great vocal performance reminiscent of many of his influences, including Better Than Ezra and Vertical Horizon, and the entire album features outstanding vocal layering and harmonies. His songs have a solid rock foundation with great guitar riffs and solid beats, and Adam fuses it nicely with great pop elements, including electronica keyboards, whistles, flute solos, and Adam's stellar pop vocal performance. The songs themselves are melodic and catchy, heartfelt and real, and have great lyrics about love and life, often in rhyming verse. "Face In Your Crowd" is well-produced and sounds clean and professional with a great balance of vocals and instruments. "15 Minutes" is a fast-paced arrangement with matching frantic electronic drums and lyrics about the proverbial fifteen minutes of fame. "Cinematic Tragedy" has catchy and metaphorical lyrics and excellent musical transitions with electronica elements. "Face In Your Crowd" is truly an impressive debut from Jonathan Adam with its original pop rock arrangements, electronica elements, and powerful vocals. Fans of pop rock with a great modern rock foundation should definitely pick this one up.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Jonathan Adam's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present A Secret Sense with a GrIndie Award for the CD "The Piano Solo"

Evoking the sheer beauty of a single instrument, A Secret Sense's "The Piano Solo" is a magnificent piano instrumental album with great classic and pop elements. A Secret Sense is the solo project of German pianist and composer Stephan Prinz, and these ten clearly inspired tracks put on display his raw talent as both. This release is filled with melancholic and moody songs with beautiful progressions and soaring melodies. These are the type of songs that you close your eyes and listen to and feel calm and at peace. "The Piano Solo" is well-produced, and the recordings sound clean, every stroke of ivory distinct and beautiful. "Never Ending" has a great arrangement that utilizes the entire piano and has a melancholic, sad sound. "Tell Me Why" is a more upbeat and poppy arrangement, beautifully and skillfully crafted. The only vocal track on the album is on the closer, "Tell Me Why – Vocal Version," which features a beautiful female vocal accompaniment and catchy, sad lyrics and the same arrangement as the original track. "The Piano Solo" makes the statement that Stephan Prinz is one of the premier classical and pop pianists in the world, as well as an excellent songwriter capable of evoking emotion and beauty solely with the keystrokes of his piano. Fans of great instrumental piano work with classical and pop influence should check out A Secret Sense.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out A Secret Sense's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Spinous with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Searching For You"

"Searching For You" is the impressive debut from UK multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter Spinous. This album is filled with ten catchy and groovy pop songs that draw from rock, funk, and r&b. With the exception of some of the drum and bass work, Spinous composed and performed all of the arrangements on this release, showing his skill both in layering and arranging. Spinous gives a strong vocal performance that sounds somewhere between Sting, Seal, and Prince. The songs are catchy and melodic, with great toe-tapping beats and meaningful, memorable lyrics. Spinous also self-produced "Searching For You," and it sounds great, his full vision fulfilled. "All I Need Is Time" begins with a nice drumbeat and keyboard work, then builds to incorporate a groovy guitar line and moves into great lyrical verse. "All The Things" is an incredibly poppy song with an energetic drumbeat, refined keyboard progressions and solos, more great lyrics, and a catchy chorus. Overall, "Searching For You" is a great debut from Spinous, with great groovy tracks that'll simultaneously make you want to move and sing along. Fans of groovy pop with rock, r&b, and funk influences should check Spinous out.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Spinous's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Sunday, January 18, 2009

RadioIndy is pleased to present Fools & Horses with a GrIndie Award for the CD "I Am the Ghost"

Just one listen to "I Am the Ghost" by the Baltimore based Fools & Horses and you will quickly see what all the buzz surrounding this band is about. Their sound is a highly original blend of classic and modern rock that is polished and radio-ready. The entire album is characterized by strong lead vocals and energetic guitar riffs, coupled with powerful drumming and solid bass lines. The production is raw and simplistic, giving the music a distinct sharpness and edge. The songs are well-written and performed with an enthusiasm and spirit that shines through on each track. "Anna Was the Enemy" is a strong opener, displaying their hard-rocking sound and captivating hooks. "Wide Eyed Wonder" and "Finally Out of My Mind" are also exemplify Fools & Horses' moving lead vocals, spirited guitar work and gifted songwriting. Tracks such as the groove oriented "Selfish" and the acoustic "Maybe I Could" provide depth and variety to the album, showcasing the band's creativity and versatility. "I Am the Ghost" is well worth a listen if you enjoy classic or modern rock, and will have you singing along in no time.

-Rodney and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Fools & Horses 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present JD with a GrIndie Award for the CD "One Way Road"

"One Way Road" is the impressive solo alternative rock debut from UK artist JD that features rocking arrangements and poppy vocals. JD is musician David O'Flynn, and he's got a vocal range that sells and is reminiscent of Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco, The Academy Is…, and the now-defunct Stars Hide Fire. Musically, JD veers away from this comparison with darker alternative rock arrangements rather than pop punk, in turn creating something original. The songs are upbeat and melodic, and you'll find yourself singing along in no time. "One Way Road" is well-produced, sounds clean and is ready for the mainstream. "When Lovers Attack" opens with some excellent drum and guitar work, maintained as a motif throughout, and is an upbeat track with a catchy chorus. "Something About Your Tears" is a love song with catchy lyrics and great vocal layering, featuring more nice guitar and drum work. Overall, "One Way Road" is an impressive solo debut from JD that, through poppy vocals and great alternative rock arrangements, could very well be his breakthrough. Fans of alternative rock and Fall Out Boy-esque vocal performances should pick this one up.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out JD's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Jennie Mortimer with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Reflection"

"Reflection" is the impressive adult contemporary/easy listening debut that features the outstanding vocals of Melbourne, Australia's own Jennie Mortimer. A student of vocal styling, Mortimer has a well disciplined voice great for Broadway and even Disney - in short, she sounds fantastic. This album features mostly easy listening and theatrical classics, with the exception of the improbable closer, a great easy listening variation on Evanescence's "My Immortal." The arrangements are either reshaped into, or replicated as great classical, big band, and jazz compositions that perfectly match Mortimer's adult contemporary and musical theatre vocals. "Reflection" is well-recorded, and the entire album sounds nothing but professional. "You Took Advantage of Me" is a great take on a classic featuring great big band horns, jazz piano and drum, a smooth sax solo, and a great vocal performance. "Luck Be a Lady" pays respect to the Guys & Dolls classic with an over the top theatrical arrangement, a nice beat, and another great vocal performance. "Reflection" is really about the stunning vocals of Jennie Mortimer and while her tributes are great, she could sing just about anything and dazzle her audience. Fans of adult contemporary, easy listening, and great female vocalists should definitely look into this album.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Jennie Mortimer's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Claire Hayek with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Intention"

"Intention" is the impressive solo pop/rock debut from Canadian singer/songwriter Claire Hayek. These songs are fueled by nice acoustic and electric guitar work, great drum beats, and an excellent vocal performance from Hayek reminiscent of Paula Cole and Alanis Morissette. Hayek's songs convey a variety of emotions, and the arrangements seem to correspond with this, ranging from happy upbeat songs to heartbreaking acoustic tracks and everything in between. Her lyrics are intelligent, inspired, socially aware, and she sings with purpose. "Intention" was self-produced in Hayek's home-based studio, and it sounds clean and professional. "Charmer" opens with a Middle Eastern sound maintained in the background throughout, then introduces a great drum beat and features great cynical lyrics and a superb, catchy vocal performance. "Baby Girl" is an upbeat track you can dance to with a great arrangement and a catchy chorus. Displaying her intelligent and emotive lyrics and fantastic vocal range, "Intention" could very easily boost Claire Hayek's career and find her some radio play. Fans of pop rock and great female singer/songwriters should pick this one up.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Claire Hayek 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present shelby Nelson with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Stars to Sail By"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Shelby Nelson with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Stars to Sail By"

"Stars to Sail By" is an impressive British pop rock album from singer/songwriter Shelby Nelson. This album is organic by nature and combines an acoustic sound with electric, and elements of electronic. Put it all together and the album displays a great musical layering with the ambience often complimenting the solid arrangements. What's more is that Nelson plays all of the instruments on the album, so you also have the pleasure of appreciating the talents of a multi-talented individual. Nelson made this album with commercial interest, and this album ought to do it. His great song writing and catchy choruses have made "Stars to Sail By" ready for mainstream attention. His vocals are good, with a great Brit pop feel that you'll feel like singing along to. Nelson also produced "Stars to Sail By," and it sounds cleans and, again, ready for the mainstream. "Ever Reborn" has a great arrangement with acoustic and electric guitars, drums, and electronic keyboard work in the background and nice accompanying lyrics. "T.L.D." has a great beat, nice guitar and keyboard work, heartfelt lyrics, and a catchy chorus. With his do-it-yourself attitude, Shelby Nelson has created an admirable album with a great organic sound. Fans of British pop rock should definitely look into this album.

-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Shelby Nelson's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites