Tag: CD Review

Gina Villalobos’ Miles Away

Gina Villalobos’ Miles Away

Slide guitars, consistent drum beats, raw emotions. These three elements encompass Miles Away, Gina Villalobos’ newest release. Gina has a knack for extracting her listener’s emotions with her lyrics in each one of the 10 tracks. Excellently recorded, Miles Away executes flawless performances from her personnel: Kevin Haaland (slide guitar), Ted Russell Kamp (bass), J’Anna Jacoby (violin), Ben Pringle (organ), and Joshua Grange (pedal steel). Villalobos’ vocal style is reminiscent of Kim Carnes, with a vocal and songwriting familiarity of that of Melissa Etheridge.

Miles Away is soulful country rock defined by the slide guitar, the light “twang” in Villalobos’ voice, and the strumming of acoustic guitar. However, some pop elements do stand out, evidenced by the catchy hooks and clever refrains. Gina does a unique version of Barry Gibb’s “If I Can’t Have You,” giving it a more country feel—very different from that of its original disco version sung by Yvonne Elliman.

The title track, “Miles Away,” is the perfect opening. The upbeat tune elicits optimism with its rock beat and major, predictable chord progressions, typically found in the genre. However, certain lyrics, like “One more time I’m falling off the sidelines,” “Buries me live,” or “I can’t hurt anymore,” indicate a true contrast from its happy delivery. Gina’s clever metaphors, like “heart on a kickstand,” create a masterpiece of hurt, vulnerability, and reflection. Other tracks, like “Somewhere to Lay down” and “Let’s Fall Apart,” deliver an openness and a clear yearning by this introspective songwriter.

Miles Away covers a wide range of emotions with melodies and arrangements that are simple but not sophomoric, an indicative quality of country rock. If it’s too complicated, we miss the meaning. This is where the complexity of the album shines through. It is clean, has effortless lyrics, as well as straight-ahead, no-nonsense music, coupled with loads of reflection, unconventional veracity, and tantamount talent, unrivaled by notable country rock artists. Once again, Gina Villalobos has proven she can hold her own!

To learn more about Gina Villalobos visit her website atwww.ginavillalobos.com.

CD reviewed by Kaylene Peoples

Livin’ Out Loud – What About Us

CD Review
Livin’ Out Loud – What About Us

Do you remember the early 90’s? That sweet innocent time when rap frightened old people and flannel was a fashion statement?  The R&B group Livin’ Out Loud harkens us back to those simpler days with their smooth melodies and silky grooves.  After a strong showing in the UK, the LA based quartet is hoping the States are ready for a flashback with their first album What About Us.

Livin’ Out Loud is primarily composed of four friends who happen to be strong musicians. Reuben MacCalla is the self-titled Creative Producer and channels artists like Stevie Wonder to add some old school soul.  Sylvia MacCalla is a songwriting vocalist, best known for her work in “Rent” and “Hairspray.”  Lisa LaShawn is another strong singer who also happens to be a songwriter.  Then there is J. Martini, a singer-songwriter who manages to play the guitar and who has a recurring role on “General Hospital.”  The group receives assistance from the multi-talented Dminor and an occasional infusion of rap by New York Puerto Rican emcee Crisis.

Having nearly a half dozen songwriters is the group’s greatest strength and its weakness.  The variety of soul, jazz, hip-hop, and dance that they put together in this 56-minute album is impressive but excessive.  Livin’ Out Loud is obviously a talented bunch and towers above many in a genre where 12 chapters of “Trapped in the Closet” reside.  The problem is there are too many chefs in the kitchen.  Knowing when to stop is no easy task for such a large group of artists, and the filler diminishes the overall strength ofWhat About Us.

The cover of “You Are My Sunshine” should be making the rounds at middle school dances across the country. Just remember hands above the belt and leave room for Jesus.  “Brokeazz” is a catchy piece of hip-hop storytelling about people who aren’t millionaires, and “Lately,” sounding like a completely different group, comes out swinging with soul power.

The two standout tracks are the Burbree remix of “Where’s the Love” and the album’s namesake “What About Us.”  They’re well produced, sincere, and have that classic R&B sound.  The big question is whether clean genre-defying urban music will be given a chance.  After Gnarls Barkley’s breakthrough, I think they’ll have a shot, and the success across the pond will hopefully give them the same buzz factor Amy Winehouse, David Craig, and Lady Sovereign were able to capitalize on.

Livin’ Out Loud’s What About Us is an impressive new record with old school sound.  The inclusion of a few too many forgettable songs detracted from the full flavor, but it’s still a strong 2 1/2 out of 4 stars.  Time will tell if America agrees.

http://www.livinoutloud.com/

Reviewed by Justin La Mort