Scott Warren “Quick Fix Bandage”
Signal Hill Transmission frontman Scott Warren puts out his first solo album, and easily balances the styles of folk, rock, country all within a pop setting. Primary influences being Bob Dylan and Ray Davies it lends itself to some beautiful reflective lyrics and memorable stories. Opening with the strong “Before You Say Goodbye” it jangles along, and it’s the catchiest track here. “Laugh Through The Pain” embraces the atheistic of those 70s era soft rock classics. Slower songs like “Along For The Ride” have a Big Star vibe for sure. “I Got Your Back” and “Speed of Sound”are also highlights that will please fans of both The Eagles, and Old 97s. Warren has a gentle unassuming vocal that oozes authenticity. What makes Bandage special, is it knows when to use the mandolin and steel pedal guitar to subtle effect in the tradition of Wilco. “Sign on the Dotted Line” and “Both of Us Know” are perfect examples of this. A cover of America’s “Sister Golden Hair” closes out things, a bit too slowly for my taste – but this will sit well with most listeners. Just take a sip of that hot coffee and drift off in wistful introspection with Scott.
My Space | Scott Warren’s site
Brian Jay Cline “Nashville Tracks”
If you’d like to turn the country and honky tonk up a notch, then Brian Jay Cline is a great place to start. This music veteran does a fine job with twanging guitar, and “Make Tracks” is a fun country opener here. “Lost” is a Dylan-esque track and “Something New” is full of great melodic hooks perfect for a morning drive. Most of the songs are upbeat, and they recall the best of Marshall Crenshaw, Rockpile and Bill Lloyd. “Last Chance” has an earnest Van Morrison-styled rhythm and vocal cadence, about heart break and playing cards. Other highlights include “Lying At The Speed of Sound” about confronting a cheating woman with fierce defiance. Brian has a deep back catalog (about 6 albums) and it deserves to be explored, as this is one of the most underrated roots artists I’ve heard in a while.
My Space | Not Lame | Kool Kat Musik