Each month I'll be reviewing my favorite new CD's of the past 30 days. It doesn't matter if it's on a major label, independent label, or no label at all. I just have to have it so I can listen to it! If you are a record label or musician and would like your new release considered for review, send it to me: Chad Bowar, Suite 101.com Pop Music Editor, PO Box 1723, Rapid City, SD 57709. On with this month's reviews, in no particular order:
Chris Perez Band--Resurrection
Chris Perez is the widower of slain superstar Selena, and the founder and guitarist of the Chris Perez Band. The Corpus Christi, Texas based band offers up a mix of bilingual rock and pop on their debut album. Joining Perez in the band are vocalist John Garza, former Selena bandmate Joe Ojeda on keyboards, bass guitarist Adriel Ramirez and drummer Jorge Palacios.
Perez is a gifted musician, and Resurrrection breaks new ground with it's bilingual approach that reflects a daily reality, not only for these musicians, but for the vast majority of the more than 30 million Hispanic-Americans in the US. Perez says "We did a bit of everything on this album, but I think it has its own strong identity. It amazes me and makes me very proud that when people hear it they're going to attach our name to this sound"
The record is an interesting mix of English and Spanish. Resurrection reflects many moods and many different influences. If you don't like one song, don't worry, because the next one will be totally different. Even though I don't understand Spanish, I do understand good music and good songs, and that's what you get with this album. The 15 songs range from ska influenced rock to soft ballads and everything in between. It's a good debut, and the band shows a lot of promise for the future.
For more information, visit this website: http://www.hollywoodrec.com
Gigolo Aunts--Minor Cords and Major Themes
The Gigolo Aunts have been around for over 10 years, but you may not have ever heard of them in the US. They are a band definitely worth listening to. They have had success in Japan and Europe and are trying to break through in the US.
Minor Cords and Major Themes is full of crafty melodies and pop sensibility. One of the best songs on the album is "The Big Lie", with guest vocals by Counting Crows lead singer Adam Duritz. The beautifully dreamy track "You'd Better Get Yourself Together, Baby," was featured in a recent episode of the TV series Felicity. There are also some harder rocking songs such as "Fade Away" and "Super Ultra".
 |
Go To Page: 1 2
