Published in Modern Music Analysis·PinnedHope Is A Muscle | Bjork’s 10th album takes us back to the surface and deep in soils of healing, hope, and loss.Coming out of the healing and otherworldly realms of Utopia, we move back from this floating abyss to the earth’s surface. An influence on the sound for this project came from the quarantine that Covid- 19 created in 2020 and 2021. This project is a bit more freeform around its…Music10 min readMusic10 min read
Published in Modern Music Analysis·19 hours agoHOLY FVCK by Demi Lovato | Album ReviewDemi switches directions with an album steeped in rock influences on HOLY FVCK. — Listen to HOLY FVCK on Apple Music and Spotify. Demi Lovato was always an artist that I viewed as the new generation’s Christina Aguilera. Their pension for over singing and over use of acrobatic vocal techniques on prior projects was never really my cup of tea. I did enjoy several…Music9 min readMusic9 min read
Published in The Riff·19 hours agoOyster by Heather Nova | Album ReviewHeather Nova’s debut album is a mystical folk/alt rock dream. — The late 80s/early 90s began a rise in a variety of fantastic folk and singer/songwriter voices in the realms of popular music (i.e. Tracy Chapman, Ani Difranco, Suzanne Vega, and The Indigo Girls). With this rising tide, making music that stands out can put you ahead of the pack. Enter…Music7 min readMusic7 min read
Published in Modern Music Analysis·3 days agoPress EP by Flora Cash | Album ReviewFlora Cash’s 2019 EP takes us on sullen indie pop journey into relationships and making your way. — I will occasionally get random ads on Instagram for random record companies selling their various artist’s work on vinyl. The algorithm seems to know well of all my hunting online and on Discogs for various records. This one happened to be one that was showcasing the various indie artists work…Music6 min readMusic6 min read
Published in Modern Music Analysis·Feb 1Sometimes Y by Yelawolf and Shooter Jennings | Album ReviewAn unlikely duo, Yelawolf and Shooter Jennings make an aggressively charged outlaw country/rock record. — I am familiar with southern rapper Yelawolf’s work from friends going all the way back to his second album Trunk Muzik 0–60. Following more or less in the footsteps of Eminem, I would not have guessed he would switch paths to create blistering outlaw country/rap infused project that would have…Music10 min readMusic10 min read
Published in The Riff·Feb 1We Are Born by Sia | Album ReviewSia’s 2010 album takes her from gentle indie-pop to the bouncy catchy pop that we know her for today. — I have been a fan of Sia’s work form since hearing her breakout single “Breathe Me.” While not as well known as she is today, many would be familiar with the track as it was used in the final episode of Six Feet Under. …Sia9 min readSia9 min read
Published in Modern Music Analysis·Jan 26Blank Page EP by The War and Treaty | Album ReviewTanya and Micheal with a sampler of blues, country, and gospel infused Americana that is sure to get the toes tapping. — On a whim I had found The War and Treaty’s debut album The Healing Tide and grabbed it off the self. I am so glad that I did. Husband and wife duo Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter put on quite a show live, something I got to see first…Music4 min readMusic4 min read
Published in The Riff·Jan 26Renaissance by Beyonce | Album ReviewBeyonce is back with her love letter to dance music, the ballroom scene, and LGBTQ+ culture. — You can’t deny the superstar quality of Beyonce. Her iconic status has been solidified since her 2008 album I Am … Sasha Fierce. Her 2016 epic Lemonade was truly an experience as she unabashedly discussed infidelity, resentment, and empowerment. …Music10 min readMusic10 min read
Published in Modern Music Analysis·Jan 24Disco Sleaze by Michael Medrano | Song ReviewDance/Pop musician Michael Medrano is back to get sleazy in the disco. — I got tuned into Michael Medrano’s music via a playlist of queer new music to listen to on Spotify. My first taste of his work was the from the single “Personal Heaven”. It’s radio friendly pop take and dirty vibe was a bit mild, but had me interested on where…Music2 min readMusic2 min read
Published in Modern Music Analysis·Jan 19Exorcist by Candi Carpenter | Song ReviewCarpenter is back shedding their country roots for a foray into a more alternative sound. — I have been following Candi’s career for a while now. Since hearing her perform live at the Grand Ole Opry for Dolly Parton’s 50 Anniversary celebration, I was shocked that the country music artist wasn’t getting more traction for their powerful voice and skillful songwriting. They have released several EP’s…Music3 min readMusic3 min read
