Emergency On Planet Earth

Jamiroquai

Columbia

Led by singer/songwriter/activist Jay Kay this group of Londoners create a mesmerizing amalgamation of funk, soul, jazz and pop. Their main musical influences are Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind and Fire and other '70s R&B greats. Add his ardent social/political/environmental attitude and you've really got something. Compelling. (SC)

 

Pure And Simple

Joan Jett And The Blackhearts

Warner Brothers/Blackheart

Buy this album, even if you've always hated Joan Jett. (I was never too fond of her.) Apparently a new label can do wonders for a performer. What can I say? This kicks ass. Everything hits the mark. If this ain't her best album, ever, I'll eat dog poop. (CS)

 

I Need A Storm

Paul Ubana Jones

Flying Fish

You don't often hear this kind of artist anymore. Armed with an acoustic guitar and a deep, soulful voice, Paul turns the,"blues clock" back to the time of Robert Johnson, et al, with solid finger-picking fretwork and a voice that will grab and keep you. Quality stuff,this. (BB)

 

Racine

Sass Jordan

Impact

If Steve Marriott had a sex change, he'd probably sound just like Sass. Seriously though, her vocal style and attitude are very similar. Yeah, this is easy to enjoy and with any luck you just might hear it on the radio. If not, call and tell 'em to play it. (SC)

 

Reality

Julian Joseph

Atlantic Jazz

Used to be you could only hear this kind of music in a smoke filled room full of characters wearing natty suits and shades. Thanks to modern technology you can now saturate your living room with piano based jazz from this twenty-five year old virtuoso. Sans smoke, suits and shades. (SC)

 

Pain Makes You Beautiful

The Judybats

Sire

Returning with their third full length album, this quintet from Knoxville continues to demonstrate that a memorable tune must consist of three key ingredients: intelligent lyrics, hummable melodies and an engaging performance. Without fail, they deliver on all those qualities and more. It won't be long before you'll want everything they've recorded. (SC)

 

(SC) Stephen Curtis

(BB) Stephen Curtis AKA Ben Bland

(CS) Stephen Curtis AKA Clive Sweeney

Index

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