Spotlight - June 2003
The Spotlight: June, 2003
The June issue is runnin' a little late because I'm in the process of
getting ready to move. If all goes well, I'll be out of here in less than
three weeks. I've been at the same place for six years now and it's time
for a change.
Speaking of change, once the move is complete, there's a lot of other
things I plan on doing. My first priority is the long overdue print issue
of this publication. I've been working on that, getting everything ready to
send to my layout guy. Hopefully, while I'm moving, I'll have everything
done and sent to him. That way, the magazine can take shape and once I'm in
the new house, I can sit down and get everything together to send off to
the printer. I'll keep you posted.
Also, this newsletter will see the addition of a few different things. I
started doing movie reviews, I'm gonna start to print a short bio each
month, a link to free music, attached interviews and a few other things.
Next month I'll have an interview with Blue taxi for you. Great band. I
think you'll like 'em.
I also started what I'm calling a work in progress. It's a document of all
the Pennsylvania releases that I have in my collection. I have my debut
list typed up already and I sent it out to a few people so far in order to
get the word out. Believe me, it's far from complete. I'll update it every
other month or so with the releases that I pick up or that are sent in. Of
course, I'll write about the new albums since that's what I do and,
depending on what it is, I may write something on an older release in order
to turn people on to it. I've already added some rather interesting
releases to this list, which you'll be able to read about in the first
update. But, for now, if you wanna check out the original list, click on
the link below.
PA MUSIC LIST: http://www.paentertainment.com/autry.htm
Since I've been talking about Pennsylvania music, I guess the free music
link should be a Pennsylvania band. Actually, I'll start off with two in
order to get the ball rolling. So, here you go!
FREE MUSIC: http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/239/kruzt.html
FREE MUSIC: http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/60/clovemusic.html
BIO: Attic's Noise is a three piece rock band with influences stemming from
punk, emo and hardcore. Don't ask 'em what style they consider themselves,
they really don't know. If you're lucky, you might get a sarcastic reply,
"We're whatever-core." Attic's Noise was conceived in October, 1999 in
Queens, New York. However, plagued with line up changes, what has come to
be Attic's Noise today started in November of 2002. Although the current
line up isn't the original, it's the definitive. Michael Tucci
(vocals/guitar), Tony Cortez (bass) & Billy Tucci (drums). They pressed
their debut CD, "Dead To The World," and they're currently supporting the
album by continuing to play an absurd amount of shows. Attic's Noise is
hard & heavy with soft and light parts in between, melodic with screaming
scattered around the songs. Hand them their instruments, put them on stage
and watch them play like a handful of mental patients deprived of their
sedatives...as it's their last show every time!
ATTIC'S NOISE: http://www.atticsnoise.com
The singer/songwriter festival, which was hosted by Dave Blackledge, was a
great success. I met a lot of great people, some I knew, some I didn't.
Those in attendance were treated to a wealth of high quality entertainment.
I started writing an article on the event. But, I decided to trash it and
simply write a separate article on each of the performers because they were
all so great, I didn't want to just give 'em a line or two in a single
article. So, starting with the next issue, you'll be reading about some of
those people. If you want to see how the show went, there's an article up
on the singer/songwriter page. Be sure to check it out and introduce
yourself to some of these fine musicians.
SINGER/SONGWRITER: http://www.singersongwriter.ws
Actually, I will mention one in this issue. I've known The Bridge for quite
a long time and this was the first time we got to meet in person. Way back
when, they were doing a musical style that you might call acoustic folk or
something in that area. With their current release, "Headin' Home," they're
doing more of an upbeat country style, which is pretty good if I do say so
myself. I think I'm more into this release than I am their previous one,
"Millstones, Barrows And Porch Swings," although there's still some tunes
from that album that I really dig, like "Brand New Boyfriend" and "Julie Y
And The Patchouli Guy." They're a talented group of musicians and, if you
give 'em a chance, I think you'll like what you hear.
THE BRIDGE: http://www.thebridgeband.com
Are you an exceptionally talented artist looking to advance your career?
Well, go to Countdown Entertainment. It's an international, multi-faceted
artist management and consultant firm which has represented major platinum
artists. They secure record deals, publishing deals, international
licensing, tv/film soundtrack placement and they can help songwriters to
bands to producers.
COUNTDOWN ENTERTAINMENT: http://www.CountdownEntertainment.com
Since I finally got around to putting my CD collection in order, I found
quite a few releases that, for one reason or another, I failed to review
when they were sent to me. I've mentioned a few of those releases in
previous issues and, for this month, I'd like to mention Big Meteor's
thirteen song release, "Wild River." For those of you who simply appreciate
good music, where a well written song is more important than anything else,
you'll really get into this disc. There's a lot of varitey to be found
within these songs. With influences that include Hank Williams, The
Beatles, Jim Carroll, Chuck Berry and Leonard Cohen, this is a solid, well
written release that doesn't lean on those influences to find an identity.
Instead, they're used to create an original sound that can be enjoyed by
all...at least those with an ear for a good tune. There's well over an
hour's worth of music to be heard here. So, sit back, relax and be sure to
take it all in and I guarantee it'll brighten your day and put a smile on
your face.
BIG METEOR: http://www.bigmeteor.com
Not too long ago, I recieved a three song demo from Torn Paper Dolls. When
I finally sat down to write something about it, I checked the web page and
it mentioned the band broke up. Nicki Jaine is now going the solo route.
She's an artist that I'm definitely gonna follow, especially if the Torn
Paper Dolls demo is any indication as to what she's gonna do. Her music is,
in a word, haunting. I'm not sure if she's going for the gothic vibe or
what. That style of music doesn't really float my boat. But, if that's what
she's doing, she's the only artist that I'll admit to being a fan of. It's
somewhat dark. Yet, it's pure like Heaven. One listen and you can't help
being drawn into this strange, musical world. It's magical. You can count
on reading more about Nicki in future issues.
NICKI JAINE: http://www.nickijaine.com
Ray DeTone's "Strange World" is a guitar driven album that's mostly
original. But, there are some vocal tracks on here and the best of the
bunch is the title track. Killer tune. "Suck Off" comes in a close second.
Another rippin' tune. As for the instrumental stuff, well, for those of you
who know me, you know I really can't get into instrumental music. But,
there's some cool stuff on here that caught my attention. "Gateway," "Hard
Ride" and the acoustic "King's Court" were, in my opinion, the best of the
bunch. What more can I say other than this guy can play. He knows his
instrument well. Be sure to check out his bio...it's quite the interesting
read.
RAY DETONE: http://www.raydetone.com
I can't honestly say that I've ever been a Johnny Cash fan. Even so, I have
a certain amount of respect for him because, let's face it, he's cool! With
the passing of his wife and his own health in question, it's not really a
good time for him. But, there's a lot of people who still respect him and
"Johnny's Blues: A Tribute To Johnny Cash" is recorded proof. Paul Reddick,
Clarence Brown, Benjy Davis, Maria Muldaur, Chris Thomas King, Garland
Jeffreys, Blackie & The Rodeo Kings, Harry Manx, Alvin Youngblood Heart,
Sleepy Labeef, Corey Harris, Kevin Breit, Colin Linden and Mavis Staples
all pay tribute to the man in black on this thirteen song release. This is
a tribute album that was done right. You get contact information for all
the artists and there's a little quote from each one as to why they picked
the song they chose to cover and/or what they think of the man himself.
There's a lot of love and respect on this album and, whether or not you're
a Johnny Cash fan, I'm sure you can appreciate this release. Because, like
I said, it's done right!
NORTHERN BLUES: http://www.northernblues.com
I only heard two tracks from Pure Grain, "Set Me Free" and "Carolina
Blues." But, I thought I would mention them because I know there's a few
people on this mailing list who will really appreciate what this band has
to offer. Their bio states that their sound may best be described as a
cross between John Mellencamp, Rusted Root and Matchbox 20. Yeah...I know
who's clicking on this link already!
PURE GRAIN: http://www.puregrainmusic.com
I guess it would be safe to label Katagory V as a power metal band. What
really got my attention on their "Present Day" release was the fact that it
had, in my opinion, somewhat of a raw sound, which is something you don't
really hear when it comes to this style of music. I saw that as something
good because I feel that's what will set them apart from all the other
power metal bands that are out there...and, believe me, there's a lot of
'em. They went through a line up change and a new album will soon see the
light of day. But, for now, be sure to check out "Present Day." It's been
out for awhile. But, it's still worth looking into.
KATAGORY V: http://www.katagory5.com
NIGHTMARE RECORDS: http://www.nightmarerecords.com
Dead Soul Tribe's got a new album coming out and, if you're not familiar
with their music, be sure to check out their debut, self titled release.
There's just a wide range or style that can be heard on this disc. Your
basic rock/metal, a bit of progressive...it can be mellow, it can groove,
it can be epic, whatever. It's a very creative release so to speak and it's
all held together by an excellent production. It's got a nice package as
well. Doesn't really give a lot away as to what you're about to hear. It's
like the perfect cup of coffee...good to the last drop!
DEAD SOUL TRIBE: http://www.deadsoultribe.com
MOVIE: THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE: In 1972, an all star cast, including Gene
Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, Red Buttons, Carol Lynley, Roddy McDowall, Stella
Stevens, Shelly Winters, Pamela Sue Martin, Jack Albertson and Leslie
Nielson, set sail on "The Poseidon Adventure." An underground earthquake
causes a tidal wave which in turn capsized the ship. Those who survived are
forced to work their way to the bottom of the ship, which is still above
water, in order to survive. This classic film has stood the test of time
and I believe part of the reason is the fact that the characters are very
real. You really get a sense of who these people are, especially Gene
Hackman and Ernest Borgnine. The tension they have between them comes off
really well. Same with Shelly Winters and Jack Albertson, they play a
married couple who have a lot of love for each other and when Shelly
Winters dies, you really feel the loss. You can pick up the DVD at your
local Wal-Mart for about seven dollars. There's really nothing special in
terms of extra features. But, for that price, you really can't go wrong
because this is just an excellent movie...and it's one that has stood the
test of time. Avoid the sequel unless you really enjoy seeing an
exceptionally bad movie. A point of interest...there was a scene (the
original ending) where the ship actually sank. But, from what I understand,
financial concerns caused it to be cut. As I saw someone else comment, too
bad they didn't spend a little extra money to keep that scene in the film.
That would have saved us from the totally horrible sequel. Will Hollywood
ever learn???
WEB PAGE: http://www.theposeidonadventure.com
SPOTLIGHT
c/o Paul Autry
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