Local CD Reviews

“Around Hear” is a monthly feature where a stable of IE writers review albums sent to us by local musicians. If you are interested in having your CD (must have a minimum of three songs) reviewed and are Illinois-based, mail it and any other media materials to 657 A W. Lake St., Chicago IL, 60661. Everything that meets the aforementioned guidelines will be reviewed in the order received. This may take several months.

The Black Swans make dark, emotional music filled with existential doubt, awkwardness, and a deep sense of angst-ridden longing. Their latest release is Change!, and it continues on this path. There is little sunlight in the Swans’ world, and those who savor rainy days and sad moods will fall in love with their songs. Listeners craving sunny days should look elsewhere. (www.theblackswans.net).
– Mike O’Cull

Though Dan Becker‘s talky vocal style kind of suits his musical portraits of working-class Americans, it, and all the metaphors about coping with life’s challenges, limits his appeal on the 16-track We’re Not From Around Here, We’re Just Tourists. The romantic “Love In A Circle” is more entertaining, and Becker’s versions of traditional instrumentals like “Cold Frosty Morning” prove he’s a talented, energetic guitarist. (no contact provided)
– Terrence Flamm

On Chicago Afrobeat Project‘s latest, (A) Move To Silent Unrest, the 11-piece collective continues its tradition of providing lively instrumental protest music. The group’s highly rhythmic, horn-soaked numbers don’t quite reinvent the Afrobeat wheel, though its rich arrangements are noticeably on-point and consistently party-worthy – even when it keeps the tempo slow and steady on the opening cut, “Bscg2.” (www.chicagoafrobeatproject.com)
– Max Herman

Deep Blue Organ Trio titled their CD Folk Music because the wide-ranging material they explore – from the Ohio Players to Stephanie Mills, from standards to mainstream jazz, and with (as they put it ) “a little Beatles thrown in on the side” – is clearly music by and for the people: for all us folk, if you will. The music is centered on Chris Foreman’s mighty Hammond B3, but guitarist Bobby Brown and drummer Greg Rockingham have the chops to match, making this CD and the trio’s weekly Green Mill gigs a must listen. (www.deepblueorgantrio.com)
– David C. Eldredge

Salt Sex Slaves is an ambitious concept album from Stace England & The Salt Kings that deals with a sordid chapter in local history. England’s concise, bitterly ironic lyrics depict a time when Illinois companies were allowed to lease slaves, and free black citizens were kidnapped and sold at Southern auctions. The band’s engaging music includes energetic country rock songs like “Kidnapping Venus” as well as homespun ballads like the heartbreaking “Shawne-etown.” (www.staceengland.com)
– Terrence Flamm

Aurora Australis, the latest collection of instrumentals from Epic – The Iron Philharmonic, finds the duo once again mixing blazing guitars with lush keyboards. Guitarist/keyboardist Edward Pszeniczka and drummer Jay Jurcenko come across best on the Latin-flavored “Forgotten Tango” and “El Yunque,” while the straight-up heavy metal of “Drive” benefits from guest guitarist Charles Mulvey’s lead solo. (contactepic@yahoo.com)
– Terrence Flamm

Jessica Erin hails from Chicago, but her sound is pure Nashville. It didn’t take her long to perfect the formula, as her debut Free To Be Me is chock-full of Shania-influenced crossover country pop. All of the right elements are in place: smart songwriting, catchy hooks, and Erin’s charismatic vocals. Opener “Just What You’re Looking For” might be just the type of single country and adult contemporary radio are looking for. And to remain true to her roots, she even re-recorded “American Girl” as the song “Chicago Bears Fan,” and has already performed it all over Chicago radio and TV. (www.jessicaerin.com)
– Carter Moss

While all the Johnny-come-lately folk singers of the past decade or so are much appreciated, make no mistake, Mike Felten is the real deal. On Tossin’ It Away, many of these songs are about Vietnam and LBJ, back during a time when he first started playing music himself, hence the sparkle of authenticity here that many other folk albums lack. Also, thanks to its stripped down sound, the unnecessary artifice that plagues other so-called folk albums is non-existent, making it all the more enjoyable. (www.mikefelten.com)
– Dean Ramos

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Category: Around Hear, Columns, Monthly