Indie Update

Well, isn’t that special! It takes confidence, and talent, to try a cover of one of rock’s legendary, high-quality rock bands – The Moody Blues.

Midnight Movies takes a stab at "Nights In White Satin" (Nights EP 2008 New Line Records). The chorus vocals are fine, the flute is just about as good as the original. Ray Thomas is hard to beat though, considering he played this flute solo decades ago. This is definitely psychedelic revisited. With that said, there seems to be some work left to be done on this cover tune. But thanks for giving it a try, Midnight Movies.

Some will enjoy the beginning of, and the energy of, "Should Have Known" from the same collection. Do we hear some of the Grace Slick style in this tune? The former Jefferson Airplane singer would be happy to hear someone giving it a try again. One thing for sure: Midnight Movies has separated itself from the majority of other 21^st century indie groups with this sound

"Souvenirs" (Lion the Girl 2007 New Line Records) is much more "pop" than some of the group’s other tunes. But it still fits, with its combination of dreamy keyboard sounds and crisp rhythm. "Twenty Four Hour Dream" from 2007 might draw another segment of the population.

The band is: Gena Olivier – vocals, organ, drums; Larry Schemel – guitar; Sandra Vu – drums, flute, vocals, keyboard; Ryan Wood – bass, keyboards, guitar. Personal note - I disagree with a couple of reviewers though. This ain’t punk. Nor is it decidedly new.

 Midnight Movies On MySpace

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The audiences in Greenwich Village (The Big Apple) should enjoy the smoothness of Laura Cheadle’s presentation. She starts a string of six engagements at The Baggot Inn and also plays select spots in Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Cheadle, who lives and works in the Philadelphia area, is a soulful singer whose current work is collected on the CD Falling In. "Midst of Your Mystery" from that collection features the singer’s voice and some excellent background organ. For some reason the slight roughness of the drums and guitar fits with what Cheadle is attempting to portray – lovable funkiness.

"Lay Me Down" is the upbeat rhythm track that helps balance some of the other chocolate-smooth tunes. This song uses some nice "slide down" chord work that will please the more informed musicians among her listeners. Cheadle’s voice may not be remarkable just yet, but she is definitely on the way to that level. Continuing to hook up with top session musicians will help, of course.

Wrapped Up In You" tricks the listener into thinking it is just a cute love song. Then, Cheadle and the musicians slip in a touch of the funk she hangs onto in all of her songs. It will be interesting to watch this young singer to see if she grows from the soul seedling she is now.

Laura Cheadle On MySpace

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What is it with the soft, clear voices of these young "solo" artists? John Ralston, Andy Davis, and so on…these guys are a pleasure to listen to, if for no other reason than their voices remind some older dogs of what their vocals once sounded like. That is, if those old dogs could do more than howl.

White Spiders 2008 Vagrant Records) is easy to listen to, though it may be a bit more than easy listening. Ralston hails from Lake Worth, Florida and brings some of the Sunshine State’s well, sunshine, to the north country, with help from band members Jeff Snow, Dan Bonebrake and Nick Eberhardt.

White Spiders, is folk music/rock ballad, for those unfamiliar with this performer. Background vocals lend a bit of mystery to this already mysterious love song. It may not be to everyone’s taste, but this style will attract a solid percentage of listeners.

"Second Hand Lovers" (Sorry Vampire 2007 Vagrant Records) is a stronger song, both in music construction and in the passion of Ralston’s voice. "Fragile" from the same CD provides a bit different feel. Check this group out in London, Sheffield, Glasgow, Liverpool, Portsmouth etc. in April.

John Ralston On MySpace

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If the labels on Web sites are to be believed, this musical effort is rock, folk and punk. In the past that would have been an interesting combination at least, if not an impossible one.

But Griffin House certainly puts folk music on the table with "Better Than Love" (Flying Upside Down 20007 Nettwerk). This, dear friends, is an excellent folk ballad, even if it is very direct in telling the listeners that she will always be his girl. Good production helps this song. How can you miss with help from Sheryl Crow’s producer and musicians from Tom Petty’s band? The choice of working from Nashville, Tennessee will be a plus for House if this is the genre and style chosen for future work. Information from his Web site notes that he is an Ohio native and the Cincinnati influence can’t hurt.

Live To Be Free" from the same CD adds fuel to the country/folk fire. Where is the punk? Perhaps it would be in the conversations of the old-timers from Music City. They might wonder how this "punk" can put out such music. For those who doubt that House has made the correct music industry connections, try listening to "When The Time Is Right" from Flying Upside Down. Griffin House is on a massive tour in April and May.

Griffin House On MySpace

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If this is hardcore, then it ain’t so bad. This listener has heard screamo/growl bands, especially the five-band lineup at 2 Cents Plain in downtown St. Louis. Not a big fan!

But Four Year Strong is slightly softer than hardcore. The boys can sing, for one thing. Then there is the youthful energy that brings to mind some of the better young bands of the current century. Four Year Strong is: Dan O’Connor – guitar, vocals; Alan Day – guitar, vocals; Joe Weiss – bass; Jake Massucco – drums; Josh Lyford – synth.

For sure, "Heroes Get Remembered" (Rise or Die Trying 2007 I Surrender) has a touch or two of growl in it, but for the most part it is a rather well constructed, melodic tune. "Bada Bing Wit’ A Pipe" from the same collection has the same rhythmic touch and a bit of screamo icing. But again, the guys in Four Year Strong have their hands and heads strongly in their music. Great guitar and drum work in "Bada Bing Wit’ A Pipe" folks! Want to listen for a long time? Bring your Red Bull!

Now, "Catastrophe" pulls back a bit on the joy stick, but just a bit. "Men Are From Mars" doesn’t. Check this out.

Four Year Strong On MySpace

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