REVIEW: Katie Garibaldi - Next Ride Out

It's no surprise that yet another good album comes out of San Fransisco, CA. Singer/Songwriter Katie Garibadli, however, raises the bar. Katie is no stranger to music as the owner of her own record label, Living Dream Music, a recording artist and touring performer. On her sixth full-length album, Next Ride Out, she showcases her skills as a true Americana artist.

From the first notes of Say the Word, one can't help but notice Katie's outstanding voice bringing to mind such established acts as Sheryl Crow and Ani DeFranco. Katie's style is very genuine with a little edgy vibe thrown in similar to the grungier Alanis Morisette.

Lyrically, Next Ride Out, stands out from the crowd, giving a well thought out representation of soul, truth and understanding of life. This album is kind of a hybrid of mid 90s rock and true roots americana. It's the kind of music you could easily hear at a huge concert or just as well beside a campfire.

Katie has a very distinct style of her own as demonstrated by Went Too Far (Foot in my Mouth) and the more mellow Falling For You. With a voice you can listen to all day long, Katie Garibaldi has emerged with plenty to say and the skills and musical know-how to create a unique musical art that will be around for generations.


4 out of 5 stars

You can learn more about Katie Garibaldi at www.katiegaribaldi.com

REVIEW: Last Charge of the Light Horse - Fractures

With their new album Fractues, Last Charge of the Light Horse successfully brings to the music scene what so many artists attempt. This album is full of thought-provoking lyricism and mind altering instrumentation. Covering many styles from song to song, Last Charge of the Light Horse has created a complete chronicle of the mundane happenstances of life.

Starting out slow with tracks like The New Year and Face to Face, the listener is gently introduced to the tale about to unfold before them. With unparalleled harmonies the group captures their audience early on, setting the stage for what's to come.

Something Out of Nothing has a tone similar to A Perfect Circle with heavy bass lines and dark melodies questioning everyday activities and what they seem to add to human creation.

Going further through this album, the listener is constantly confronted with thinking out of the box and questioning everything they take for granted. Vocalist Jean-Paul Vest sounds like a mix of Tom Petty and Billie Joe Armstrong with an edgy vocal style sure to capture listeners with familiarity and encourages a deeper look into the meaning of this story to each individual.

This album ends with 100,001 which is once again very cleverly written and composed. Adding a conclusion to this epic tale, 100,001 seems to look toward the future with a new understanding and new perspective aiming for progress and achievement. Fractures is the kind of artistic creation that exponentially delivers more and more every time you listen.

4.5 stars out of 5

You can learn more about Last Charge of the Light Horse at www.lastcharge.com

REVIEW: Josh Nielsen - 99E

Josh Nielsen, of Portland, OR, began writing music at age 12. Now, years later, he has released his first album, 99E. Josh's songs are obviously very close to his heart and you can tell because his songs glow with authenticity. Taking a laid-back, folky approach to composition with a delicate mix of grunge influence thrown in, 99E seems to be more of a complete story rather than a just collection of songs.

The album starts off with Don't Expect Me, a folky song reminiscent of Jack Johnson's style - even though the first line clearly states that it is Johnson impersonating Josh Nielsen. Acoustically driven, like much of the album, this track sets up the listener to wonder what could possibly be next and sets Josh apart from the status quo.

A track that sticks out as a winner, Your Life has hints of jam band influence mixed quite well with vocal harmonies that sound like they are straight out of the 90s grunge area. Think Scott Weiland meets Christopher Thorn.

Suchandsuch has a catchy title and tune. Once again acoustically driven song with a little reggae back beat mixed in, Nielsen seems to be painting a picture of getting over a intense separation.

If you want to get to know Josh Nielsen, take a listen to 99E. He's managed to poetically and gracefully capture the feelings of love, heartbreak and independence while mostly avoiding any real cliches.


3 out of 5 stars

You can learn more about Josh Nielsen at www.myspace.com/joshnielsen

REVIEW: Jason Mraz - We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things

Jason Mraz's latest album We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things is just what you'd expect from a quirky songwriter like Jason Mraz. Lifting his fans' moods with upbeat almost rap-like rhymes, Mraz lays out his thoughts in an eclectic way.

Featuring his single I'm Yours, a pledge to another from in front of the bathroom mirror, We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things has a great balance of care-free living and unending contemplation.

Lucky, Mraz's duet with Colbie Callait is a slower, melodic song with some decent harmonies and on The Dynamo of Volition, with a quick tongue, Mraz will have you "twisting up a Rizla" before its all over.

Only Human, showing Mraz's hippier side, gives a unique look at humanity by cleverly listing out problems with humanity and sarcastically justifying them by being "only human."

As an album, the songs are laid out in a good order to give you smooth transitions between the battling styles.

4 out of 5 Stars

You can learn more about Jason Mraz at www.jasonmraz.com

REVIEW: Keller Williams - Dream

Multi-instrumentalist Keller Williams never ceases to amaze me. On his new album Dream, Williams once again delivers his audiences a 'freeky' look on music. Funky bass lines, hilarious lyrics and ridiculously complicated guitar riffs make this an album to enjoy time and again.

Featuring, throughout the album, great folk music stars such as Bela Fleck and Bob Weir, Dream will have you on the edge of your seat for the next track.

"Cadillac" encompasses a feeling of joy riding in an awesome red cadillac with several religious figures including Jesus (who's riding bitch seat), Allah and Santa Clause. Anyone who claims Keller Williams songs are not memorable should take a listen to this one.

"Restraint" is a journey into the male mind, giving Williams a kind of puppy dog-like attitude towards the opposite sex - again, quite humorous.

Over all, the album has a few great songs and a few you may not remember. Of course it might be you were distracted by something...

4.5 out of 5 stars

You can learn more about Keller Williams at www.kellerwilliams.net

REVIEW: Paolo Nutini - These Streets

Scotchman Paolo Nutini is at it again - this time with a bit more energy. The long-awaited release of "These Streets" is titled appropriately as it gives Nutini's style a new direction. While most fans probably expected a more mellow approach to this album, the upbeat tempos keep you going strong.

Starting off with "Jenny Don't Be Hasty" you have to realize this album is a winner! It's upbeat, cheery and gives you a feeling of listening to classics like Tom Petty or newer Black Crowes.

Throughout the album, the listener is taken on a journey of love, loss, hardship and curiosities. With hopeful track such as "New Shoes" and "Loving You" you get a feel for Paolo's sensitive yet funky side.

Finishing out the album, "Alloway Groove" sets the stage for a pop-style groove with a cheerful feeling however you wouldn't know it by reading the lyrics which are full of depressing and hopeful tones.

Most tracks on the album don't stand out at first, however if you give it a second listen, you are sure to have a couple of favorites. I definitely recommend "These Streets" to old and future Nutini fans alike.

4.5 out of 5 stars

You can learn more about Paolo Nutini at www.paolonutini.com

New Reviews Coming Soon!

Welcome to the new online edition of Swift Reviews and New Release Reviews. Here you will find reviews and ratings of new an upcoming artists from around the globe. With over 20 years of music industry experience, I'll always give you the best in my own personal insight to new music.

If you'd like to have your CD reviewed, you'll need to submit a screener copy which will not be returned. I try to be completely fair and give my honest opinion of your album.

In addition, I plan on adding other music news as it comes. All artists that are reviewed will have a chance to become the 'Artist Spotlight' which will include a spotlight on the homepage and a link to your website.

Remember, this website is here to support musical artists. If you have an idea of something I can add to make this blog better, please let me know.