Phoenix Williams ‘Wait & See…’ Review

When I first came to myspace.com over 2 years ago one of the first ever artists I added was Phoenix Williams. Since then I have loved her music and supported her ever since.
Among others on the music site her music stood out as something special to me.

‘Wait & See…’ a 10 track album written and composed by Phoenix and originally a demo album was released 2008 and has been busy steadily selling ever since. I personally feel it has lasted so well cause Phoenix made the album very personal with the lyrics within her compositions. In her own words she says “they are reflections of who I am”

SO

You may ask why leave it till now to review it?
Well it is coming close to the time when you just won’t be able to buy it anymore.
So before the chance has past I wanted to review it for those who may still not of snapped up this fantastic album.
Available as downloads or CD format from Deuce Promotions it is an album where every single track is amazing.
In today’s music market it is very difficult to pick up an album and honestly say hand on heart that you love every track. It is not just me as my friends heard this also while visiting, went home ordered it and they play it regularly after over year still loving it’s sound. Not many albums you can say that about either.

The tracks –

The album kicks off with ‘On My Stereo’ which is ideal track to start off with. Fast paced beat, great effects of a slight distortion deliberate on vocals that all sounds wonderful on sound system and subtle acoustic guitar. The lyrics features the line ‘there’s a song on the radio has a sweet melody you can hum’ but is basically about music and sex as who hasn’t done so or wanted to with their partner to the perfect song setting the mood?
What is cool about this I have heard also this stripped down to basic acoustic version too and it still sounds just as amazing as full band album version.

The second track ‘Get To Me’ features some wonderful electric guitar work by Phoenix and is a song about relationships or more the confidence of starting one. Being shy myself I understood this track about seeing someone across the room having that feeling inside but building up the courage to go over and saying how you feel.

‘Feel For You’ the music/beat so amazing it really rocks. I went to visit my friend who also has album & heard it on surround sound LOUD and WOW! Another song about relationships or as Phoenix puts it “playing cat and mouse” this is one track I noticed on Whotune.com staying most of 2010 in their Top 50 and deservingly so too.

The 4th track ‘Permanently In My Heart’ is closer to the sound many know Phoenix for live in concert with her acoustic performances. This is a slower tempo then the rest of the album so far and such a truly beautiful love ballad. A song with Phoenix vocals sounding so beautiful and enchanting with topic that effects everyone’s heart as in relationships sometimes you just got to put it on the line.

‘Times Up’ is another relationship based track as the title states your times up I’ve had enough. In life we all hang on sometimes till we just can’t take anymore and feel we got to move on. Well this track goes through all those emotions the music goes so well as it helps the expressions being sung and almost plays a character as guitars scream in almost an angry tone.

Now gone halfway through album track 6 ‘Welcome to Run’ is another wonderful number with music blending of acoustic guitar, piano & bongos and Phoenix vocals as always sounding so amazing. The backing vocals are so haunting added with piano & bongos they almost make the track sound Gaelic. A song is reaching a topic so many of us feel these days sadly where we get to that point in a relationship where we go “hell I rather go it alone then put up with this”.

‘Everyone’s been hear before’ is the opening line to the next track ‘Lover Let Go’ and once you start listening you have to agree. Another beautiful acoustic based track with added violin which appears to melt together.
All of Phoenix tracks on this album ‘Wait & See…’ are based around relationships and life and like this track you really take note of the story told and relate to much within the songs.

Have you ever said that classic line ‘you don’t know what you had till it’s gone’. I bet you have I know I have well ‘The Moment I Let You Go’ is basically about this topic. Hurting so much I rather erase the memories a very powerful emotion to sing about.
I find this song very strong and raw due to the subject matter and feeling Phoenix gives delivering them making it sound all too real.

‘Back To Mine’ another amazing acoustic number where Phoenix sounds so comfortable as her amazing vocals tell her story of wanting to take someone home and do things like tomorrow never comes. What is strange the lyrics are touching on real raunchy, sexy but to this acoustic melody you almost miss how hot the lyrics are. Thing is my friend said “the title was big enough clue for me” I had to laugh.

How sad it is that we come too soon to the very last song of this classic album. An album that is a full on ride through all life, relationships, emotions and mind games.
‘Everything Good’ has to be the cream of the album such a masterpiece of everything that is right in a song. Phoenix voice is as perfect as it ever could be with her emotions coming so clear within her singing. The musical arrangement takes your breath away and it rounds the album off to the ultimate climax.

Phoenix Williams singer and songwriter please if not done so check this album out while you still can you will not be disappointed


Phoenix Williams and ‘Wait & See…’ at http://www.myspace.com/phoenixwilliams

Check out Phoenix Williams on her official site which includes new merchandise
http://www.phoenixwilliams.co.uk/


Cover photography by Ben Hawley
Recorded & engineered by Robert White at The Milkhouse
Mixed by Robert White & Phoenix Williams

Phoenix Williams
Vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, tambourine & shakers.

GOT IT COVERED 'DeafboyOne FREE ALBUM download

Here as promised is album three first compiled in 2009
'Got It Covered' includeds just a small section of the massive range of covers DeafboyOne has released.
Ranging from Chuck Berry to sex Pistols it really covers a massive range of music styles.

Full track list
01. Roll Over Beethoven
02. Anarchy In The UK
03. Pinball Wizard
04. Get It On
05. The Jean Genie
06. Blitzkreig Bop
07. Hot Love
08. My Way
09. Never Tear Us Apart
10. Space Oddity
11. Mystic Lady
12. Horse With No Name
13. Children Of The Revolution
14. Rebel Rebel
15. Spaceball Richochet
16. Sympathy For The Devil
17. Holiday In The Sun
18. Silver Machine
19. Pissed Again (Let's Twist Again)

LINK TO FREE DOWNLOAD

http://rapidshare.com/files/408174044/Got_It_Covered_ALBUM.zip

Here is 'Space Oddity' from the album



Message from Pete Waller
If you enjoyed just some of DeafboyOne's covers then help us 'Break The Sound Barrier' by donating large or small to :-
c/o Tony Heyes Music Co-Ordinator, Educational Day Services, RNID (Royal National Institute for the Deaf), Poolemead, Watery Lane, BATH BANES BA2 1RN ENGLAND - Thankyou

NOTE
Rapidshare has been playing up on downloads so if your unlucky let us know & we will make sure you still get your copy by adding new link. - Ace & Emi

DeafboyOne 'Swim With Dolphins' FREE album download

As promised here is the second album of Pete Waller AKA DeafboyOne

'Swim With Dolphins' (2009)

More of a mix than his debut album this 17 track album contains a few cover versions too.
The out standing tracks written/composed by DB1 are 'Reset The World', Time Is Running Out', Lying To God and a favourite by many 'Skeltal Family' but the title track 'Swim With Dolphins' is totally amazing.
His covers of 'My Way' and 'Silver Machine' are top class and Pete adds a touch of DB1 to the finished sound.

The album features two bonus tracks one being a well received demo 'Tribal Matrix' and the other a really old folk song handed down from generation to generation and still very much loved 'Were Off In A Motor Car'

This time round the album is compiled by myself Ace MegaRex for AMP.


Tracks include -

01. Children Of The Revolution
02. Colours
03. Drink A Toast
04. Horse With No Name
05. Looking Back At Me Again
06. Lying To God
07. My Way
08. Pinball Wizard
09. Reset The World
10. Silver Machine
11. Skeltal Family
12. Space Oddity
13. Spaceball Richochet
14. Swim With Dolphins
15. Time Is Running Out

BONUS TRACKS
Tribal Matrix (demo)
Were Off In A Motor Car

To download FREE grab the full package with artwork here -
http://rapidshare.com/files/406579653/Swim_With_Dolphins_ALBUM.rar

If you enjoyed just some of DeafboyOne Music then help us "Break the Sound Barrier" any donation large or small to:- c/o Tony Heyes Music Co-Ordinator, Educational Day Services, RNID (Royal National Institute for the Deaf), Poolemead, Watery Lane, Twerton BATH BANES BA2 1RN ENGLAND

REVIEW – Baby Scream ‘Identity Theft’

Here I am again reviewing Juan Pablo Mazzola AKA Baby Scream
This time a 7 track EP entitled ‘Identity Theft’ which is a very TODAY name I feel as identity theft becomes a daily topic and something we all have to be aware of in our daily life’s.
This is very apt title especially when the opening line in the first track ‘Be’ says “be yourself and no one else” running at only 00:01:12 this opening track maybe short but gives the message across that the world is yours so be yourself and no one else and if we think about it at times we all do often try to be like someone else and hide the real person within.The track is a lovely acoustic with Juan’s voice sounding on top form soft and full of emotion.
The second track ‘Dead Woman Walking’ is more up tempo and again has a strong message on life. How many of us are just walking around each day running on empty with our life’s rushing by? One day it dawns on you that most your life has flown by.
As you grow older friends get lost along the way all very thought provoking lyrics.

This EP is more acoustic based than ‘Ups and Downs’ but the track ‘Memories’ has this lovely US style almost country slide guitar with the acoustic that makes this one of my favorites. Juan sings of memories based around his backyard and hey! As kids don’t we all have those type of memories too? When life was much more simple and less stressful and everything you needed was in that backyard.

Now the track ‘Nicole’ got my attention mainly cause not long before I first heard this I met up with my dear friend Nicole from Switzerland who while talking music stated that there had never been a song with her name in that she could recall.
When I later played her this there was a big smile. The music arrangement has a mix of electric, strings & bongos and compared to Juan’s other EP ‘Ups and Downs’ his voice is more Juan not so much Lennon style appearing which in a way is a good thing as even thou I love that Lennon feel I also love to hear an artist be themselves which this EP really shows more of.
Till that is you get to another real short track at 00.01.22 in length but Juan’s vocals in ‘Underground Blues’ reminds me of Lennon’s ‘Rock’n’roll’ album with that real rough raw sound. If anything I feel this track could have been longer as it has so much more to offer.

Now a few of my friends all seem to love this track ‘Ojos Orientales’ it sort of stands out alone as a wonderful song. As in the title it has that slight Oriental sound and feel to the song. The guitar work plays a character for sure in this track as it really helps to take you where Juan wants you to be. The vocals and backing are outstanding and if I had to only pick one song to highly recommend it would be this one.

The final track comes round way too soon ‘Mucho Mungo’ has that wonderful bongo sound that almost takes you to some tropical island before Juan has even sang a word.
The guitar work is very Argentinean/ Spanish in style which is so beautiful

…‘Identity Theft’ shows growth in the past few years, shows there is a lot more to come from Baby Scream.

Check out or buy the EP here -

http://www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/95490541-baby-scream

Baby Scream Ups and Downs EP Review

 

Juan Pablo Mazzolla AKA Baby Scream and the review of ‘Ups and Downs’.
Now this is an EP but with 12 tracks it can easy be called an album for sure with plenty of real strong tracks that stand out on there own.

It kicks off with an unusual acoustic that seems odd to start an EP off with ‘Away’.
What I mean by odd is I just felt it is strange that a slow ballad starts off the EP but hey! That maybe the old DJ in me coming out that always starts the show with something more up beat so really not saying this is a bad thing it just threw me.

The track has a slight 70s feel in music style at the start (backing effects) till you have gone halfway in where it goes up a few notches to this sound that reminds me of a cross between George Harrison & Jeff Lynne.
Now I don’t like comparing to other artists with vocals or sound but that is best way for those who have not heard track to know what it sounds like to me.
Vocals on this track I can’t compare with anyone which is good as Juan’s voice is clear, smooth with great pitch and he sort of let’s you slip into this safe feeling that this is his voice (always) till later in the album you hear more stronger depths of raw energy.

Now an artist I work with compared Juan’s voice to John Lennon & even Juan admits he is aware these tones come out every now and again within tracks. Now over the years
I have spoken to many artists and I remember a few saying that they truly believe the one artist that has given you the strongest influence in life often appears within your performance often not noticed by the artist.

‘Suddenly’ this is a very NOW sound and it is one of the tracks that stands out and I love the electric guitar work in this track. I just get into this and another fantastic track follows ‘Mars’. Being an old sci-fi fan I love the story behind the song and you could easy add the name Major Tom and this could slip in with such classics from Bowie.
As for ‘Everyday (I Die A Little bit)’ this is where you hear not only the whole EP crank up some with a real powerful music arrangement but you hear the strength I talked about earlier in Juan’s vocals it really rocks.
The track ‘One More Chance’ is the first time I hear that Lennon feel and quality in Juan’s vocals all in a good way. The guitar work is amazing in this love the solo mid way really makes this track a much played one for me.
The next track ‘The Riots’ was the first self composed track I ever heard of Juan and it has a touch of Marc Bolan in the theme (Cosmic Dancer) as it touches on reincarnation.
I feel everyone has to listen to this & listen to the words and what is spooky the backing vocals by Juan is so Lennon more than before so it almost gives you an illusion of a duet.
Funny thing about ‘Ups and Downs’ the title track is it returns to the first track where you hear classic Juan acoustic sound & that clear pure vocals you cannot compare to others.
‘Morning Light’ has an almost 80s Rolling Stones in sound.
What I like about the EP is these sudden changes in sound as it shows you Baby Scream is not just about acoustic guitars. Again this features some wonderful electric guitar work.
The next track ‘Walls Crumbling Down’ goes up beat again with yet again another NOW sound it rocks, has power & vocals has that raw, rough edge.
‘Unwelcomed’ again has that touch of raw energy in Juan’s vocals & the beat varies from slow tempo to fast upbeat which works really well.
When you get to next track you just can’t believe the EP has flown by so fast ‘World from Outside’ to me has that Beatles sound which I really love and again a track you really got to follow the lyrics to enjoy it fully.
Then you get to ‘Skyway’ and cannot believe you’re at the end of the EP and it ends as it started with Juan being Juan with acoustic sound and that pure clear voice.
‘Ups and Downs’ is like a journey as you play from start to end going through many styles and if the songs were colours this EP would surely be a rainbow.

Ups and Downs – a pure delight

Buy the EP / check out the tracks at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/babyscream

Check out more Baby Scream with ‘Identity Theft’

DeafboyOne debut album on FREE download 'We Don't Have To Shout'

Here at long last is the debut album by DeafboyOne 'We Don't Have To Shout'
available FREE on Rapidshare as a zip file which includes all of the CD album artwork.

Tracks are -

01. BEAUTY OF THE NEW AGE
02. WE DON'T HAVE TO SHOUT
03. CRY BABY
04. GET OUT OF THE WAY (Synth Mix)
05. ALWAYS BY YOUR SIDE
06. ALONE IN A ROOM IN 1973
07. GET IT ON (Written by Marc Bolan)
08. CATHOLIC GIRL (Sax Mix)
09. MISSUNDERSTOOD
10. A TREE OF DREAMS
11. INTERFERENCE
12. THUNDERSTORM
13. HOLE IN MY HEAD
14. THE GOLDEN BOYS
15. BEAUTIFUL EYES
16. DON'T GIMME GIMME A CONTRACT

A EMI VENOM PRODUCTION 2009
This album has the best of the best by Pete Waller AKA DeafboyOne.

Compiled by Emilia Michalska

DOWNLOAD NOW FREE

http://rapidshare.com/files/405550832/We_Don_t_Have_To_Shout_-_DeafboyOne__album_.zip

COMING SOON
The FREE download of DeafboyOne 'Swim With Dolphins' album

GIG REVIEW – The Chain

On Saturday 3rd July I went over to The Elms Pub which is almost at my backdoor to watch a live band ‘The Chain’ who are a local West Sussex band from the Chichester area.

Now I knew two people from the band via websites such as Facebook, Myspace & Whotune but never heard the band live. So after talking to singer/songwriter Steve Christopher (lead guitar) & Dawn Gracie (vocals) it was time to let them set up, tune up & go live.
Now you can imagine as much as you like, second guessing how any band will sound live. I had seen videos & heard MP3 tracks of ‘The Chain’ but nothing prepared me for what I heard that hot summer night in Worthing.

My friends had arrived & just with a few short guitar rifts from Steve, Pete & Jo in a tune up they said “you know I’m happy already”. The girls came on Vibeke Huges (Vee) & Dawn and they (the band) went into a sound check by performing ‘The Chain’ a Fleetwood Mac classic from the album ‘Rumours’ and being a F1 fan too it has always been a favourite of mine.
This sound check or warm up call it what you like was just amazing the guitar work truly top rank & my friend Graham said “are your telling me THAT is just the warm?”

Well when The Chain kicked off into an action packed rocking few hours of non-stop classic tracks ranging from Guns n Roses, Bon Jovi to Lily Allen & Katy Perry to Alanis Morissette & Michael Jackson covers to name a few it all just blew me away.
One track ‘Copperfield Road’ a classic track by Steve Earle my friend Graham was forced to jump in air with excitement it being his favourite track and saying The Chain performed it with total class and said it left him with a buzz.

I was listening to comments from friends around who were commenting on everyone in band & all what they said I had to agree with.
Steve Christopher makes his guitar sing & BOY does he? You know his so humble that guy? In 5min break he was concerned due to extreme heat it was affecting his guitar well we as sure as hell could not tell as the sound was amazing like a craftsmen with his axe he cut through the tracks with sheer precession.
As for Jo Pritchard from Electric to acoustic man the sound was good. He changed instruments throughout the night to fit the tracks & played with perfection. A comment I heard was “I have never seen anyone play an acoustic & make it sound so amazing”.
As for Andy Bates on drums I really felt for this guy the heat was so bad that night with added stage lights no windows open talking extreme temperatures & the action, power & energy he put in every track it just kept on coming. We later found out his secret was a secret mini bucket of jellybeans.
Now as for bass guitar I always find in music throughout years that the bass player gets forgotten for example once heard Queen described to me as Freddy Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor & that bass guy but you cannot forget Pete (*surname withheld by request) his playing stands out so much especially in the big meaty rock tracks. For a small guy he packs a big sound.
Now the girls Dawn Gracie & Vibeke Huges (Vee) I thought for this review shall I mention them separate or together? Well thing is I heard from friends all night that “don’t they both work off one another so well?” and also “both their voices sound so right together” which I had to agree as you hear for example ‘Sweet Child Of Mine’ (as featured on CRMK Radio http://www.thegroover.net ) you hear both their voices sounding totally awesome together. As for Dawn someone said “doesn’t that girl stand still for five minutes” not saying Vibeke does it is just that Dawn jumps off stage running around singing among those enjoying the show true showmanship for sure. It sort of shouts at you loud that the band are having fun too. When you see the two girls go into their dance routine in instrumental breaks within tracks their timing is spot on & like everything to do with The Chain the routines are filled with high energy.
Dawn and Vibeke both sing as one with this equal sound both complimenting the other which makes their voices sort of blend together. Their true power behind each individually does come clear to you during the evening.

The whole evening was a fantastic joy for the ears and for the soul. After the gig had ended, everything packed away my friends talked and I remember one friend who had seen many big names in his time say “you know mate all the bands I have seen none have ever moved me to dance before like these did tonight they really rock”.

If I had to sum up The Chain and also that gig I would have to be forced to use my friend Baz comment THEY REALLY ROCK

They say they want to get into a party band …. Man I love to have them at any party

Check them out on
Official site
http://www.thechain.biz
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-Chain/127749987768?ref=ts