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Music Review: Introducing Amy Heffernan

S. Felix — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:08:34 +0000

Guest post: “Lets give a warm welcome to Sheena Felix. Sheena is librarian that is infatuated with rowdy music. She enjoys sticking it to the man, refuses to listen to commercial radio and loves all things Indie. Sheena is always on the lookout for music that is unusual and a bit weird.”

Allow me introduce you to an album that has been in my regular rotation the last few months by the name of Being Awesome. Being Awesome is the first full-length release from Amy Heffernan.

What I love about Amy Heffernan is that she makes pop music that I can admit to liking without feeling ashamed or embarrassed. The whole album is addicting guitar-driven pop and great for singing along to without making you feel as if it was made for a teenager.

From the first banjo lick on “Being Awesome” you can tell the album is going to be fun. The song has some true to life lyrics like “take my keys, cuz later you’ll be driving my drunk ass home” and “if I looked any hotter, I’d be hooking up with your boyfriend.” No doubt, if you enjoy drunken debauchery you can relate to what Amy is talking about. The other great album on the album is “Can’t Wait.” It is an ode to summer and the perfect song to play when you’re driving to the beach.

But Being Awesome is not just about the awesome times, it also has its fair share of love songs and break-up songs. What I like most about said songs is that Amy never plays the lovesick victim. Listen to “The Word” and you’ll know what I’m talking about. You can tell the song came from a person that is far from a first crush and capable of feeling real pain.

What also makes its way onto the album is a cover of Lady GaGa’s “Just Dance” only the song is guitar-driven instead. If Lady GaGa isn’t your style, but the catchy melody has gotten into your head, play this version and satisfy your craving. I think you’ll like it better.

Being Awesome is a standout album because it is one that the rest of us can relate to. Amy serves up real emotions from a mature perspective with a rich musical backdrop. Plus, she doesn’t take herself too seriously, what more do you want?

Check out Amy Heffernan on MySpace!

Music Review: Hip Hop Atmosphere Style

Corey Koehler — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:22:21 +0000

Here’s some music you need to check out. The group is Atmosphere and they are an Indie Hip Hop duo from Minneapolis.

I’ve been trying to get permission – for a few months now – to play some of their stuff on the podcast but haven’t had any luck. Today I was soaking them in while riding in my car and figured it was time I said something via a quick post.

Their latest release “When Life Gives You Lemons, Paint That Shit Gold” offers up a little something for everyone and you can tell they’ve been at it for awhile (this is their fifth full length album). The sound quality is top notch, the rhymes are heartfelt and thought provoking. These dudes are seasoned pros.

Overall, the release deserves at least a listen from anyone with a wide music pallet. And if you are a hip hop diehard (Dubz!), just download “When Life Gives You Lemons” now….trust me.

Check it out and if you agree or disagree, let us know in the comments below. Oh, and if you are not sure where to start, give my favorites a listen; “Yesterday”, “Guarantees”, “Wild Wild Horses”, “The Waitress”, and “In Her Music Box.”

Nano Review 003 – A Jazzed Up Organ and Smooth as Silk R & B

Corey Koehler — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 13:07:06 +0000

When I decided to start this blog I had one thing in mind; share good music (regardless of genre) with you and everyone else I know. I wanted to thoroughly explore the world of music and let you come along for the ride. I knew starting this blog would give me the opportunity to do that and more.

With that said, let me tell you about some cool ass music that until recently was outside of my box (and maybe even yours). Here goes;

Dan Fogel (self described – Jazz, Swing)- Organs aren’t just for baseball stadiums, hockey arenas and churches anymore. Dan Fogel show’s you how damn cool an organ can sound in the hands of a pro.

I loaded his CD “15 West” my car stereo and ended up listening to it for a few days. This stuff is relaxing and yet upbeat. It may have even prevented a little road rage on the way to work the other day. It really puts me in a great mindset to start off the day (ending the day too).

I’m not much of a Jazz guru (it just sounds good to me), but if you want the opinion of one, here is a link to a review of his album “15 West” on the Jazz Times. You would be missing out if you didn’t give Dan Fogel a listen.

Best served with a good food, good conversation, maybe a good book and stressful commutes.

Donnie Williams (self described – R&B, Soul, Rap, Gospel ) – If you like smooth-relaxing-feel-like-makin-love Soul and R & B then Donnie Williams “Just Like Magic” will not disappoint. Donnie sings his stories with inspiring feeling and sincerity. He also has a great voice to go along with a ultra-smooth helping of R & B and soul backing tracks.

This guy was booted off of American Idol for getting a DUI (that he may have not have even gotten…I’m confused too). It was a tough break for him and, in my opinion, for them also.

For more information here’s another review of Donnie Williams in the Daily Republic. You can also check him out on CD Baby.

Best served with mellow evenings, moments requiring inspiration, wine, lingerie, and good lovin.

Make sure you check them out. Each of them can be what is missing from the “best served with” moments described above.

FYI – With the amount and variety of music coming in on a weekly basis there is no way I can really sit down and get to know the songs (and genres) good enough to give the artist a proper assessment. So what I am going to do from now on with these nano reviews is spend a little time to assess what music clicks with me (and/or my friends “in the know”) and then just pass my favorites along to you with a few obnservations.

One thing I won’t do is pretend I know a lot about the styles of music I am going to share with you. I am just going to tell you about a few artists that are making music to my ears and then provide you with a link to that music and reviews from their peers. As always, the Goat is here for you brotha’s and sista’s.