week.25
"Marsteller & Rhodes Present The Beautiful Old"
(Doubloon Records)
"From 'Home Sweet Home' to 'Ah, Sweet Mystery Of Life', these songs are classics for a reason, but if you've forgotten any, this excellent collection will make you a fan, superb....."
- James Mann / Ink 19 -
"This is the hidden diamond that may be the best recording to cross my desk all year!"
- Alan Cackett / Maverick Magazine -
"'The Beautiful Old’ brings back the memory to the, not always for everyone so, good old days at the turn of the century. A little well known classic and totally forgotten tunes are performed with remarkable devotion by musicians with a thrilling affection for these old tunes and vintage sounds."
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords -
“It is pretty much incredible what has been achieved on this splendid compilation of songs that originate from up to two centuries old sheet music. Beautiful and old, but a real ‘must have’ for all fans of great music and magnificent songs that are interpreted here by legendary musicians in the contemporary world of folk, country en jazz.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.24
Jude Johnstone "Shatter" (BoJak Records)
"Jude Johnstone has her own voice, her own tone and she has always something to say, she was discovered by none other than Clarence 'Big Man' Clemmons, and he would have been so proud of 'Shatter'....."
- Per Wiker / Obladoo -
"If you can put solitude into words and tones, 'Your Side Of The Bed' a shining example of this, with just vocals and piano by Jude Johnstone and cello by Bob Liepman, this will be a future classic, for sure....."
- Staffan Solding / Rootsy -
"I have tried and failed to pick favourite tracks; they are all so different and unique that it would be unfair. Instead, I am simply going to say that anyone who loves well written, intuitive music and lyrics, needs to have this CD in their collection, whether they are already familiar with Jude Johnstone or not."
- Helen Mitchell / Fatea Magazine -
"If you're into Randy Newman, Rickie Lee Jones and Tom Waits, Jude Johnstone's 'Shatter' is a highly recommended album!"
- Marcel Huffer / Musik An Sich -
"Honesty and introspection are the keywords on 'Shatter'. The 6th album by Jude Johnstone is undoubtly one of her best!"
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords -
“’Craftmanship’ is once again the only correct definition for Jude Johnstone as songwriter, but also as performer on her latest album ‘Shatter’ where the variety of styles is higher than ever before. Also from this album’s marvellous tracklist, there are several candidates to be covered soon by renowned artists in the world of country and folk music.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"'Shatter' is Jude Johnstone’s most diverse collection so far, spanning several musical genres, delving honestly, and even eerily at times into a world of experiences that have led her characters down a darkened path only to emerge from it, ultimately."
- Arnaud Leger / Westcoast Rendezvous -
week.23
Mona & Maria "My Sun" (Jansen/Naxos)
"This is a captivating debut marked by a beautiful mystery and two absolutely gorgeous voices....."
- Gert Fridlund / Hallandsposten -
"I believe very much in this duo, the potential for greatness is there, and it will be exciting to see what they can accomplish in the future."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon Magazine -
"'My Sun' is Mona & Maria's debut album and it feels a bit like a CV, you sense the great work of the future, and it will be very interesting to follow their continuing road."
- Per Wiker / Nya Wermlands Tidning -
week.22
Rosemary's Garden "Royal Flush" (Mellow Boy Records)
"Michael-Louis De Terre is a really good singer, there's much here to appeal to many, and besides the little rockier numbers, there is also the wonderful serene track 'Stop This Beating Of My Heart Torn In Two' to cherish....."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon Magazine -
"Royal Flush is a first class rock album that really marks the quality of leader/producer Michael-Louis De Terre. A five star inclusion without a doubt!"
- Mr Blue Boogie / BillyBop -
"If you can deal with the heavy lyrics, then Royal Flush by Rosemary's Garden will certainly appeal to you."
- Ivan Van Belleghem / Keys & Chords -
"L.A. band Rosemary's Garden, and their front man Michael-Louis De Terre, demonstrate their diversity and variety in the music of these ten tracks."
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"Royal Flush's much talented compositions builds up a very unified, complete album."
- Czékus Mihaly / HiFi City -
week.21
Citizen K "King Of Second Thoughts" (Paraply Records)
"Just a couple of seconds into the title track from the brand new EP by Citizen K, you're immediately sent back to something completely different, something that's for real, something incredibly alluring....."
- Karl Åkerström / Boråskuriren -
"This three track EP is preparing us for an upcoming release from Citizen K called 'Second Thoughts', and each of these tracks have been selected to best highlight the potential strengths of this awaited release. Citizen K is clearly a storyteller style of singer, making his words clear and audible to help us to focus on what he is actually saying in the songs. I eagerly await the full release!"
- Paul Rawcliffe / Fatea Magazine -
"Something to look forward to that already tastes more!"
- Gerrit Vermeij / Muziekvenster -
"Sublime collage of timeless pop!"
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords -
“Klas Qvist a.k.a. Citizen K is releasing three appetizers from his forthcoming new double album ‘Second Thoughts’ that can be awaited by the end of this year. The EP ‘King Of Second Thoughts’ makes us expect the best possible from that album release which we are looking forward to with healthy interest.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.20
Mara Levine "Jewels & Harmony" (Mara's Creations)
"Here you'll discover a pure voice that recalls the young Judy Collins or Sylvia Tyson and, while not a writer herself, some lovely acoustic arrangements of songs by both well known and unfamiliar artists....."
- Mike Davies / Net Rhythms -
"This album proves to be one of those almost-too-good-to-be-true records, where everything is so in-its-place: vocals are expressive perfection, arrangements telling and apt, interpretations classy, choice of material neatly mixing slightly familiar with unknown, but very worthy."
- David Kidman / Fatea Magazine -
"A touching story and a moving album that I will return to, a lot....."
- Per Wiker / Obladoo -
"Life-provoking, positive with a vengeance, and a voice that, in a positive way, cuts right through your soul."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon Magazine -
"A woman with a beautiful voice!"
- Johan van Zundert / The Country Startpage -
"The 2nd album from Mara Levine show us a very fine collection of both traditional and more recent folkwork."
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords -
“Mara Levine’s crystal clear voice reminds me of Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez in the fifteen tracks that she selected for her new album ‘Jewels And Harmony’. It is a marvellous collection of well arranged and beautifully sung folk traditionals, covers of well known and unknown style classics and harmonious duets.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"'Jewels & Harmony' is undoubtely fine travelling through folk history, but also a clear signal that Mara herself and her team, has created a standard of our time."
- Branimir Lokner / Time Machine Music -
week.19
Andrew Strong Live : The Commitments Years And Beyond
(Dixie Frog/Puzzle Head)
"Live albums are supposed to make you wish you'ld been there, and this sounds like it was one of those nights and more, Andrew Strong gets it and not only nails it, but drives that message home in spades....."
- Neil King / Fatea -
"This will doubtless sell better in continental Europe (and Ireland!) than it will here in the UK, but it’s really good to hear he’s still around!"
- Mike Davies / Roots & Branches -
"For fifteen tracks long you’ll get yourself a great party that isn’t spoiled for one single moment."
- Mr Blue Boogie / BillyBop -
“On this live album, Dublin-based musician Andrew Strong relives his adventure while recording the soundtrack for the movie ‘The Commitments’ in 1991. In 15 tracks he guides you through the legendary music which still forms the basis for all you can hear today. The journey through this musical heritage is a must have for all fans of great soul and rock music."
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.18
iamthemorning "~" (Broken Silence)
"A stylish blend of artrock, chamber music, ethno and industrial, a magnificent CD to enjoy forever....."
- Matthias Bergert / Eclipsed -
"'iamthemorning' is a neo-classical vocal indie band from Russia that combines great vocal melodies of progressive rock with a distinctly classical musical approach."
- Gerrit Vermeij / Muziekvenster -
“The angelic voice of Maryana Moleskine and the terrific piano played by Gleb Kolyadin are forming the basics of the sound created by the Russian ensemble ‘iamthemorning', and their mix of classical music and progressive folk is working perfectly and is both intriguing and innovative.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.17
Annie Keating "For Keeps" (Grapevine Music)
"Annie released her first album as a 34-year-old, has several times been likened to a female John Prine, belongs in the same league as Lucinda Williams, just so that you know".....
- Hans Bloom / Dalademokraten -
"Keating's sharp words are a joy to hear. The closing cover of Neil Young's 'Cowgirl in the Sand' is beautifully rendered and is a testament to her talent. Her album is a keeper."
- Anna Maria Stjärnell / Luna Kafé -
"10 original songs and a brilliant cover of Neil Young's 'Cowgirl In The Sand', still one gets the feeling that Keating has something even bigger going, just wait and see."
- Per Wiker / Obladoo -
"This is Annie Keating's fifth album and she has only gotten better and better since her breakthrough in 2008."
- Rune Häger / Rootsy -
"Here she proves in sympathetic and unpretentious way her great talent for strong, honest emotions that she expresses in peaceful songs, clear and full of harmonious melodies."
- Max W Achatz / Country Jukebox -
"Somehow I admire musicians who are mentioned in the same breath as Gillian Welch, Aimee Mann or Lucinda Williams, but still do their own completely unique thing, as does Annie Keating, now on her fifth album."
- Michael Masuch / Hooked On Music -
"Although the year 2013 is still relatively young, Annie Keating already competes with 'For Keeps' as 'album of the year'."
- Alexander Mathias / RockTimes -
"Annie Keating is a mix of Lucinda Williams' and Gillian Welch's songwriting, here she delivers a more than excellent album, which at some points score notes so high you're stunned."
- Gerrit Vermeij / Muziekvenster -
"'For Keeps', the 5th album from Annie Keating deserves your full attention."
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords -
“’For Keeps’ is the best record ever from Annie Keating. It has the most beautiful songs, the most handsome musical arrangements and a terrific singer that is slowly but firmly growing towards the top of her abilities. She should finally be able to get her since very long time deserved international recognition. Listen to the catchy classic songs ‘All Gone’ or “Take Only What You Can Carry’ on this marvellous album for final conviction.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.16
Jeff Pevar "From The Core" (Pet Peev Music)
"The album starts with two instrumental songs, followed by 'River Of Dreams' by Jon Anderson from Yes on vocals, and I, who generally think his voice is amazing and has a very good relationship to Yes, is in pure heaven....."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon Magazine -
"The soundscapes that Jeff Pevar originally created for a documentary of 'The Caves Of Oregon' are partly recorded on location and led to a marvelous and inspired debut of this remarkable guitar player and talented composer."
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords -
“Probably most instruments containing strings have been used by Jeff Pevar to record twelve selections of instrumental compositions for his debut album ‘From The Core’. This music forms an ideal soundtrack for a movie or a documentary and that is also where it was finally used for as soundscapes on pictures about the amazingly wonderful ‘Oregon Caves National Monument’.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
“'From The Core'” is a collection of 12 acoustic-based songs, all of which display the virtuosity that has kept Jeff Pevar busy through the decades."
- Arnaud Leger / Westcoast Rendezvous -
"Jeff Pevar offers a really sophisticated portion of acoustic music, with expanded arrangments and some nice performing tricks. All tracks are greatly enjoyable and recommended not only for so call acoustic purists."
- Branimir Lokner / Time Machine Music -
week.15
The Plastic Pals "Turn The Tide" (Polythene Records)
"For the most parts on this very album, I am sitting more than happy in my most comfortable chair, time standing still, feeling as pleased as I possibly can be....."
- Mikael Mjörnberg / Joyzine -
"This really is a good record, and if you like your guitar chunky, chugging and flowing, plus a good brood, and who doesn’t, this is for you!"
- Rudie Humphrey / Americana UK -
"The different mix of influences gives The Plastic Pals their own distinctive style and their own distinctive sound."
- Gerrit Vermeij / Muziekvenster -
"'Would Not Change A Thing' is as strong as anything Green On Red or The Long Ryders ever did."
- Benny Metten / Ctrl Alt Country -
"Supported by Green On Red-founder Chris Cavacas as producer and on piano, Swedish pop and rock band The Plastic Pals releases their 2nd full length CD 'Turn The Tide'. Compared to their 1st album 'Good Karma Café' this one is generaly more soft, eased down, poppy and in more of an Americana style. All this enables the album an easier listening and will certainly provide these guys more airplay."
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"These new songs posesses great melodicity and some dark atmospheric details."
- Branimir Blokner / Stereo Sun
week.14
Elliott Murphy "It Takes A Worried Man" (Blue Rose/Last Call)
"Overall, this is an album that probably as a whole is Elliott Murphy's best in maybe 15 years, not bad for a singer and songwriter who has stayed at the top of his game well over 40 years....."
- Christer B Jarlås / Popgeni -
"On his new album, Elliott Murphy is real close to a bonafide hit. Several factors contribute; strong songs, extra focus, brilliant production and when the sidekick and guitarist Olivier Durand also surpasses himself, the entire disc has an extra glow about it."
- Per Wiker / NWT -
"This new album is a fine late work without sounding old. Fresh and new as ever, the music of Elliott Murphy that comes from these speakers is just great!
- Ingo Andruschkewitsch / Musik An Sich -
"A concept album with stories and characters galore, 'It Takes A Worried Man' is perhaps Elliott Murphy’s most finely produced album since his classic 'Just A Story From America'."
- Johan Severijns / Cult Heroes -
"How can anyone not respect this guy for keeping the faith, and his songwriting chops, for forty years without a lot to show for it?"
- Hal Horowitz / American Songwriter -
week.13
Mikael Persson "Marks & Bleeds" (Paraply Records)
"Some of the album's stronger tracks are 'Roughhouse Boys' and 'Man With Hound By His Cottage', two songs with a bit of a rough style that should fit contemporary radio like hand in glove, as we will probably hear a lot more from Mikael Persson....."
- Torbjörn Berlin / Önsköldsviks Allehanda -
"'Marks & Bleeds' may very well be Mikael Persson's breakthrough to a wider audience".
- Gert Fridlund / Hallandsposten -
"This is a solid album, I dig the warm sound, and truly love his beautiful cover of Yazoo's 'Only You'."
- Kaj Roth / Roth 'N' Roll -
"It has long been no secret that the Swedes make good music, and that the attention for countless exciting bands and artists from this country is growing rapidly. One who understands the creation of smooth harmonies and catchy song phrases is definitely Mikael Persson."
- Max W Achatz / Country Jukebox -
"Every single song is carefully thought through, bubbling with subtle hooks and is characterized by a great diversity within the arrangements."
- Wolfgang Giese / RockTimes -
"The final result is a gem of an album!"
- Holly Moors / Moors Magazine -
"A beautiful album with successful arrangements, coupled with excellent backing musicians, makes 'Marks & Bleeds' a great Americana album from Sweden."
- Gerrit Vermeij / Muziekvenster -
“I’m impressed, mr Persson! Deeply impressed!”
- Benny Metten / Ctrl Alt Country -
“The latest album ‘Marks & Bleeds’ is once again the ultimate proof that Mikael Persson is able to produce strong and professional Americana music which in no way discloses his Scandinavian origin."
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.12
Chris Dair "Crossroads To Freedom" (Chris Dair Music)
"Chris Dair is an amazing singer-songwriter, 'Crossroads To Freedom' is an uncommon release of a great artist and an excellent album that is characterized by versatility and high quality....."
- Philip Verhaege / Keys & Chords -
"The man is not afraid to experiment in some very interesting ways and the way he plays his guitar is very refreshing.".
- Gerrit Vermeij / Muziekvenster -
"Chris Dair's a brilliant guitar player and a fully convinced songwriter. Highly recommended!"
- Joachim 'Joe' Brookes / RockTimes -
"Artist Of The Week!"
- Benny Sörensen / Musik Fra Kyst Til Kyst -
"Chris Dair is this month's exclamation mark!"
- Gert Fridlund / Hallandsposten -
"'Crossroads to Freedom' is an album which displays how different the blues can sound, and it gives the disc so many layers that really impresses me."
- Tom Arvidsson / Thirsty Boots -
week.11
Steven Casper & Cowboy Angst "Trouble" (Silent City Records)
"Both 'Cat On A Hot Tin Roof' and 'Hey Marie' are great songs, and a little extra bonus is awarded for the brilliant vocal performances....."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon Magazine -
"Artist Of The Week!"
- Benny Sörensen / Musik Fra Kyst Til Kyst -
"Steven Casper & Cowboy Angst has once again offered up a very convincing piece of work."
- Markus Kerren / RockTimes -
"The music of Steven Casper & Cowboy Angst has once been described as country music from the backyards of the Allman Brothers Band."
- Gerrit Vermeij / Muziekvenster -
“Like has happened to us before, listening to the five songs on the mini album ‘Trouble’ by Steven Casper & Cowboy Angst makes you long hard for more new work from this American rootsband. Their music style is reminiscent to Rodney Crowell in the country ballads and makes you think about Flaco Jimenez or ‘Texas Tornados’ in the uptempo accordion driven tracks.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.10
Ted Russell Kamp "Night Owl" (PoMo Records)
"Want some brave new americana? Then this album is definitely something I think you should check out....."
- Georg Ryttman / Countrywood -
" This sequel to the fine album 'Get Back To The Country' (from 2011) is as good, if not better!"
- Hans Bloom / Dalademokraten -
"On his new album Kamp continues to blend southern rock with country and soul, and he creates beautiful Procul Harum-vibes with the warm organ parts in 'Smile Alone'. As usual, he plays several instruments himself and sings with personal and steady voice. The sound is soft, organic and melodic and echoes back to the 70's."
- Robert Lagerström / Gaffa -
"There are many different types of songwriters, in regard to how they write songs. There are those who write about one thing, but really mean something else. There are those who weave in what they want to say in symbol heavy images. Other builds layer upon layer. And then there are those songwriters like Ted Russell Kamp, who simply pick the songs from the sky and/or from his sleeve. The songs are all that they want to say, neat, beautiful and without frills. No secrets or codes, more than the magic of a beautiful language can create. In this way you can emulate Kamp with names such as John Mellencamp and Jackson Browne. Good songs in focus, some additives. Or why not Kris Kristofferson - they all have some sort of basic melodic common sense."
- Per Wiker / Obladoo -
"Ted likes to blend varied genres like americana, country and folk-rock and the result is quite comfy and enjoyable. His passionate vocal performance lifts the music and there are moments when he reminds me of Van Morrison. This is a very good album where my favorites are 'Smile Alone', 'Santa Ana Winds' and 'When The Radio Goes Dead'."
- Kaj Roth / Roth 'N' Roll -
"The combination of honest storytelling and musical craftmanship results once again in a very fine album. 'Night Owl' recalls the fine spirit of the gloray days of westcoast music from Laurel Canyon."
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords -
"What a terrific songwriter this 'Mr. Sympatico' from the americana music scene is. Album after album, Ted Russell Kamp keeps surprising us with his great lyrics and splendid songs. His most recent record 'Night Owl' is certainly not making an exception to this conclusion. Singer-songwriter craftmanship can become the absolute definition of his constant superb qualitative work. Some influences from soul, alt country and americana can be traced in his uptempo songs and his true emotional involvement is dripping from the touching ballads of which 'Where Out West' is the most obvious exposure."
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.09
Tokyo Rosenthal "Tokyo's Fifth" (Rock & Sock Records)
"Tokyo Rosenthal's 5th album doesn't look like much, cover concerned, though lord-my-god, what a surprise you're in for, as 'Tokyo's Fifth' is simply a brilliant album....."
- Per Wiker / Obladoo -
"Tokyo Rosenthal’s been building a following on these shores in the last few years and he’ll be back in the late spring to present these new songs. He’s a fine, individual writer and well worth checking out if you haven’t already caught up with his work."
- John Davy / Flyin' Shoes -
"Contemporary song structures are topped by a strong noteworthy creativity, as Rosenthal has always been a poet who situates his stories in the here and now....."
- Max W Achats / Country Jukebox -
"'Tokyo's Fifth' is an exquisite Americana album. Skip a song - the cover of 'Helter Skelter' - and you have an excellent record for the cold winter evening, well worth spending."
- Patrick Struijker Boudier / Blues Magazine -
“Tokyo Rosenthal has delivered his 5th album, his best up until today. Once again, emotional and feel good songs are exchanged throughout the ten songs. Several of his own heartfelt, storytelling songs, strong ballads and well orchestrated uptempo tracks make us now already look out intensively for his hopefully soon coming ‘6th’ album.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"This disc is well worth taking a little time listening to the lyrics of. Because of them, an interesting picture emerges in front of you about today's society in America."
- Czékus Mihaly / HiFi City -
week.08
Billy Marlowe "Show Me The Steps" (NewTex Records)
"Listening to these never-before-released songs 16 years after Billy Marlowe's death is like a getting a gift from the angels...."
- Bill Werngren / Radio 88 FM -
"Were Billy Marlowe still on this earth it’s a fair bet that there would be a demand to see and hear him play these songs and catch up on the acclaim that’s been missing for so long."
- Paul Kerr / Blabber 'N' Smoke -
"'Show Me The Steps' is an album you don't would wanna live without....."
- Rein van den Berg / Johnny's Garden -
"Billy Marlowe had a pleasant, clean sanitized Bob Dylan-voice, and sometimes even compirasons to the voice of Tom Petty could be made, and in 2013 Billy is welcomed with open arms into the americana singer-songwriter scene."
- François Braeken / Beale Street -
"The first name that comes to mind when hearing Billy Marlowe is that of Willis Allan Ramsey, whose musicality and sensitivity is very close to that of Billy Marlowe's, with great attention to melody and echoes of country, folk and even soul sometimes."
- Remo Ricaldone / Lonestar Time -
week.07
Zachary Richard "Le Fou" (Zach Rich)
"A beautiful album, exciting, moving, and I could stop here, but I won't....."
- Fabrizio Poggi / Folk Bulletin -
"Another centerpiece from the champion of Cajun culture in North America....."
- Aldo Pedron / J.A.M. Magazine -
"Already in the initial track 'Laisse Le Vent Souffler', when the cherished singer-songwriter musicianship with streaks of Americana, sweeps out from the speakers, the sound is very comfortable on Zachary Richard's latest album....."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon Magazine -
"This environmental activist and poet appear to be more passionate for each album. Diversity has been strengthened, while the voice has become more personal. 'Le Fou' contains 13 original songs spanning a large area. This time Richard sings almost exclusively in French, which marks his specific residence of Louisiana. The feeling is strong, and there's also some very sensitive musicians aboard."
- Gert Fridlund / Hallandsposten -
week.06
JJ Schultz "Carolina" (jjschultz.com)
"'Carolina' is a little shorter collection of tracks, eight of just over half an hour, but half an hour which is not like any other, JJ Schultz is a new experience for me, but 'Carolina' surely is a girl well worth looking for....."
- Staffan Solding / Rootsy -
"The themes of this great album are universal and demonstrate a strong commitment from both Schultz and his fellow musicians."
- Koos Gijsman / Alt Country Forum -
"'Carolina' is an album that is neatly divided, both Schultz and the other band members are in sublime use of their limited time to shine, short but sweet!"
- François Braeken / Beale Street -
"JJ Schultz now lives in San Fransisco, but the intimistic, personal stories on his 4th album 'Carolina' go back to his time in Wisconsin. Sparse, but impressive, the instrumentation creates the desolate atmosphere of life in the midwest. 'Carolina' is full with beautiful song work that deserves your full attention."
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords -
"San Francisco’s resident JJ Schultz admires folk and country music and has been writing songs in both styles that now appear on his 4th album “Carolina”. Surrounded with only music from his acoustic guitar and some Hammond organ played by Danny Eisenberg, several highly emotional tracks about love, sadness and passion are creating a very touching atmosphere while listening to this splendid record. That’s the way I like it!”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.05
Rambling Nicholas Heron "Cannot Feel At Home In This World Anymore"
(Red Top/Border)
"This disc was recorded in only four days and it has really managed to capture a vital euphoric feeling that rubs off, not bad, not bad at all....."
- Roger Bengtsson / Ikon Magazine -
"Artists Of The Week!"
- Benny Sørensen / Musik Fra Kyst Til Kyst -
"This great indie-folk-rock-boogie-blues band from Gothenburg is one of the best kept secrets of the city."
- Gerrit Vermeij / Muziekvenster -
"This is a very pleasing debut album!"
- Ivan van Belleghem / Keys & Chords -
“Hopefully the rather dark title of their debut album does not inspire ‘Rambling Nicholas Heron’ to step out of this world. We believe this young Swedish singer-songwriter will still have many opportunities to conquer the world by translating his experiences from life in great songs that can appear on the succession album to their outstanding debut album.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.04
Annie Gallup "Little Five Points" (Waterbug Records)
“What a classy woman Annie Gallup is on her 9th solo album ‘Little Five Points’, with her sidekick Peter Gallway always being around on every tune, these eleven superb and passionate songs are grabbing you immediately and won’t let go.....”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
"'Little Five Points' gets 'Four Big Points' from this very writer....."
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords -
"Poetic singer-songwriter music, very calm and laid back, with a strong focus on the lyrics....."
- Gabor Kleinbloesem / Strutterzine -
"Self-described as conversations in a quiet room, accompanied by musical partner Peter Gallway on guitar, bass and keyboards, Annie Gallup’s latest solo album is a hushed, intimate affair, Gallup often talk-singing the lyrics over a stripped back bluesy background of guitar and the occasional lap steel or ukulele."
- Mike Davies / Net Rhythms -
week.03
Hat Check Girl "Road To Red Point" (Waterbug Records)
"From the eerily windswept antiquarian-back-porch feel of 'The Other Road', right through to the spooky semi-spoken chronicle of 'Texas Burning', the power of this disc never lets up, and once caught in its spell, you won't want to interrupt its carefully coordinated natural flow....."
- David Kidman / Fatea Magazine -
"In the same way as the paintings of Wyeth, the music of Joplin and the writings of McCarthy, this album resonate with the soul of America’s backroads, dust scrabble lives and the endurance to find a better tomorrow. It deserves to be cherished."
- Mike Davies / Net Rhythms -
"Two phenomenal singer-songwriters, highly recommended!"
- Holly Moors / Moors Magazine -
"A dozen of guitars is sufficient to create a personal landscape for the deplorable stories, and with their 3rd album Hat Check Girl delivers once again an intruiging piece of work."
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords -
“Like their two previously released albums, ‘Road To Red Point’ is once again top quality work from Hat Check Girl. Their intimate and dark songs on this record fit perfectly as relaxing background music during a quiet and shimmering winter evening.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.02
Jack Tempchin "Live At Tales From The Tavern" (T.F.T.T.)
"This is really an enjoyable album in every way, Jack Tempchin is an excellent songwriter, has an expressive and pleasant singing voice, and is an entertaining artist with a good sense of humour that captures the audience with great stories inbetween songs....."
- Roger Molinder / Real Music Journal -
"When Jack Tempchin, with his soft and warm voice, performs his most famous songs, alone on stage with just his guitar, in front of an audience in a small club, what happens is what usually happens when well-known songs lose their big arrangement and voices associated with them, the lyrics reach through to you in a completely different way, and the songs are perceived as stronger than ever....."
- Hans Bloom / Dalademokraten -
"He captivates the audience with brilliant stories inbetween his great songs, and you feel like you're right in the middle of a beautiful concert, with a warm and cozy living room atmosphere....."
- Wolfgang Giese / RockTimes -
"A fine, heartfelt concert CD/DVD with the finest material from one of the greatest songwriters in the California area."
- Cis Van Looy / Keys & Chords -
“That Jack Tempchin belongs to the club of the greatest songwriters is hardly known to anyone, but when you are told that he penned the Eagles hits ‘Peaceful Easy Feeling’ and ‘Already Gone’, as well as Glenn Frey’s ‘You Belong To The City’ and ‘The One You Love’, you will have to admit that the person who wrote such classics must be regarded as a legendary composer.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
week.01
Lowlands "Beyond" (Gypsy Child Records)
"Edward Abietti wanders down mean streets looking for the past, while the band conjure up a backdrop that is one part E Street Band, one part Richmond Fontaine with a dynamite guitar-keyboard middle eight that then swells into a triumphant crescendo, stirring stuff....."
- Paul Kerr / Americana UK -
"Sometimes laid-back and at other times rocking out, but always keen on strong melodies that stick in your head."
- Gabor Kleinbloesem / Strutterzine -
"Lowlands shows us once more that we can’t ignore them and there is no reason why we should do so."
- Mr Blue Boogie / BillyBop -
"Lowlands serve a subtle blend of hard rocking stuff and humble folksongs."
- Ivan Van Belleghem / Keys & Chords -
"Lowlands surprises heavily after ‘Better World Coming’, their excellent tribute album to folk legend Woody Guthrie. The ten songs on their new album ‘Beyond’ are blending folk and rock music into a fresh and dynamic sound, which pleases from the beginning to the very last end.”
- Valére Sampermans / Rootstime -
For "Album Of the Week" 2006 go to.....
For "Album Of the Week" 2007 go to.....
For "Album Of the Week" 2008 go to.....
For "Album Of the Week" 2009 go to.....
For "Album Of the Week" 2010 go to.....
