Thursday, September 11, 2008

“Feature Presentation” by It's Only Us (Rap Artist from New York City, New York(NY))

"Feature Presentation" is an excellent and original New York hip-hop album from brothers Kweku "Gift" and Nana "King Black" Saunderson, who perform under the modest alias It's Only Us. The Saunderson brothers both have strong musical backgrounds, and they lend this knowledge to the musical variety on this album, skillfully fusing a hip-hop foundation with r&b, jazz, techno, reggae, and pop. Both members of It's Only Us deliver great, original, and well-timed hip-hop flows with intelligent and humorous socially-conscious lyrics. The songs feature hot head-bobbing beats, catchy hooks, and great musical diversity throughout. "Feature Presentation" was produced by Amen-Ra Records, and it sounds professional and ready to hit the shelves of record stores everywhere. "Shorty (feat. Saundra Jordan)" has a catchy hook, a great beat, a jazzy trumpet line in the background throughout, and nice lyrical delivery. "Livin' in a Circus" shows It's Only Us' sense of humor with circus music in the background, witty metaphorical lyrics, and a great fun delivery. "Feature Presentation" may very well be the breakthrough album that brings It's Only Us into the mainstream, as their excellent hip-hop flows and original, musically diverse arrangements certainly put them in the category of "Dope". Fans of great New York hip-hop, don't let the name confuse you – It's Only Us is entirely worthy of your time.
-Chris & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
Check out It's Only Us's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Saturday, September 6, 2008

"Evolution of a Love Affair Volume 1" by Duprai Marcel (R&B Artist from New York City, New York(NY))

RadioIndy is pleased to present Duprai Marcel with a GrIndie Award for their CD "Evolution of a Love Affair
 Volume 1"
 
"Evolution of a Love Affair Volume 1" by Duprai Marcel is an urban R&B pop album that features a soulful voice and a very modern sound. The songs on this excellent CD jump out at you. Marcel's voice is timeless, and the arrangements are full of catchy hooks that you'll want to sing and dance to. "Evolution of a Love Affair Volume 1" features Marcel's distinct urban R&B vocals and overall sound. His powerful delivery with cutting edge accompaniment will remind you musically of R. Kelly and Usher. The excellent production value readies the album for any sound medium. Highlights include the opener, "Dreams," which establishes hip-hop and R&B vibes and gives the listener an intimate taste of the artist's voice. "Hit Me Up" is ready to hit the club, with a fat beat and extreme shake-ability. "My Baby" closes things out with a great little soul number with a jazzy/bluesy flavor. If you enjoy modern R&B and talented male vocalists, start a new "Love Affair" with Duprai Marcel.
-William
Check out Duprai Marcel's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

“Gravity Rocks” by The Larch (Pop Artist from New York(NY))

RadioIndy is pleased to present The Larch with a GrIndie Award for their CD "Gravity Rocks"
 
"Gravity Rocks" by The Larch is a very memorable, hook-laden collection of pop/rock tunes. The musical arrangements of these tunes immediately grasp the listener's attention. Catchy, clean guitar riffs and solos, backed by groovy drum arrangements form the musical foundation of these tunes. Moreover, this band proves to have a fine-tuned talent for crafting unforgettable vocal melodies. "That's Where You're Wrong Carruthers" is a superb demonstration of this band's smooth, warm vocals, space-filling background vocal arrangements, skillful lyricism, and tightly synchronized instrumentation. "Copernican Principle" ventures more into an edgier rock arena while maintaining a refreshing pop sensibility. Moreover, this album is crafted with careful, quality production. Fans of vintage, early Beatles-reminiscent pop/rock with an attractive modern flair and witty lyricism will enjoy this CD.
-Lea and the RadioIndy Reviewer Team
Check out The Larch's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Stay With Me" by Stoney Clove Lane (Rock Artist from New York(NY))

RadioIndy is pleased to present Stoney Clove Lane with a GrIndie Award for their CD "Stay With Me"
 
"Stay With Me" by Stoney Clove Lane is a swampy folk rock album full of great melodies and an organic sound. The vocals are intimate and real. The musicianship is great, and the sound is very polished with a great amount of energy put into the performances. There is a very effective creativity in the production and instrumentation. The arrangements are all solid and the quality of the recording lends itself well to the style. Highlights include "Tonight" with a wonderful guitar progression and a memorable vocal performance. "Stay With Me" features a great sing-along chorus, another great vocal performance and a carefree vibe. "Gone" wraps the album up nicely with a bit of psychedelia. If you enjoy new CDs with a refreshing 60s/70s rock sound, you'll dig this excellent CD.
-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Stoney Clove Lane's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Three Before Midnight" by Al DeGregoris (Jazz Artist from Long Island, New York(NY))

RadioIndy is pleased to present Al DeGregoris with a GrIndie Award for their CD "Three Before Midnight"
 
"Three Before Midnight" by Al DeGregoris is an impressive instrumental smooth jazz album cleverly infected with urban and Latin grooves. The composition is the true strength of this album. Al writes really nice lines and ties them together just as well. There are many interesting nuances within these tracks. There is a "New Yorkness" about Al's sound. Not so much because of the fusion of sounds, but because of the hazy vibe Al creates. The musicianship, especially the piano and keyboard work, throughout the CD is excellent. The album sounds great, is well produced and jumps right out of the speakers. Highlights include the opener "'J' Walkin'" with a quirky jazz line, nice changes and a tropical feel. "Hot Potato" features a deep House beat and memorable piano work. "Into the Light" has a dramatic flair to it and a nice progression. If you enjoy instrumental jazz, you'll enjoy this impressive CD.
-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Al DeGregoris's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites