Archive | July 20, 2012

Album Review: Self-Titled Debut By THE FARM

By on July 20, 2012 in Album & Song Reviews

When I first met THE FARM a year ago as I interviewed them and then saw them perform for the first time at Warner Music’s “Pickin’ On The Patio”, I knew there was something special about them and great things would be coming from them in the future. At least, I hoped so!

THE FARM is comprised of Nick Hoffman, Krista Marie, and Damien Horne. Their debut self-titled album is strongly driven by Nick Hoffman’s incredible fiddle playing, tight harmonies of all 3 members, and a contemporary country sound. Their songs are inventive, diverse, and catchy. Nicely produced by the talented songwriter/producer, Danny Myrick.

Here’s the first interview that I did with them, if you want to check it out:

My favorite off the album is still “Home Sweet Home”, their first single that is currently in the top 20 of the charts and still climbing. It’s an uptempo, fiddle-driven tune about not forgetting about where you come from and how nice it is to go back home.   Another favorite is “The Train I’m On”, I loved how it starts out slow lead by the vocals of Damien and builds.  This is a mid-tempo to up-tempo tune that has a great groove.  “Fresh Off The Farm” is another fun, uptempo standout to me and this was lead by the vocals of Nick Hoffman.   Another of the standouts on the album is beautiful ballad “Be Grateful” – especially poignant on a day like today when you turn on the news to hear/see tragic events that seem to plague our world far too often.  Remembering to be grateful for the good things you have in life is a good reminder to have and this song will touch you.

It was hard to pick a least favorite from the album because I really enjoyed the whole album, but if I have to pick it would be “Every Time I Fall In Love”.  Although it was beautifully lead by the vocals of Krista Marie, it was a little too slow for me.  I tend to enjoy uptempo songs more.   It was well-written, just not a big fan of the melody.

I highly-recommend this album by THE FARM that is out in stores now.  I like how they each feel comfortable taking the lead on the album and switch out.  All 3 are strong singers and equally talented musicians (Nick – fiddle,  Damien – guitar, Krista – guitar).

If you get the chance to see them perform live, be sure to.  They are high-energy, polished, and dynamic performers who easily recreate what you hear on the album live on stage.

For more information about THE FARM, go to: www.thefarmmusic.com

Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

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Album Review: Self-Titled Debut Release By JT Hodges, Due In Stores August 21st

By on July 20, 2012 in Album & Song Reviews

Listening to this self-titled debut release from Showdog Records’ JT Hodges, I am struck by the versatility and ease of his voice.  He has a gritty sound that I believe sets him apart from many of his male counterparts in country music today.  The songs lean towards a mix of contemporary country and a little bit of classic rock with some blues mixed in for good measure.  I enjoyed the diverse subject matter, the depth of the songs, and found it very easy to listen to.  It’s a good, solid effort and he penned 8 out of the 10 songs on this album.  I found his writing to be interesting and skilled.  His words easily paint a picture in your mind and tell a story, which I enjoy.

One of my favorites off the album is: “Sleepy Little Town” – a mid-tempo song about dark secrets of a small town that you don’t expect.  Another, “Hunt You Down” was his first single from this album and is a playful, mid-tempo song with a nice groove about a fun night out on the town in Memphis with a woman he just met.  “Right About Now” another mid-tempo song that I enjoyed about an ex-lover unable to let go of a past love as he thinks of what she’s probably doing right about now.  “When I Stop Crying” was a touching ballad about losing love that showed so much depth and gave me chills at times.   Showed a completely different side to his music and I loved the steel guitar in this song.

I found it hard to pick a song that is what I consider a least favorite of mine.  I guess “Green Eyes Red Sunglasses” was my least favorite of the album, but even with it, I enjoyed some of the elements like the more bluesy feel of the song overall.  Just wasn’t as strong or enjoyable to me as the others.

Overall, this is a solid effort filled with diverse, well-written songs.

For more information about JT Hodges, check out his website: www.jthodges.com

Rated 4 out of 5 stars.

Also, check out this interview we had with him this past spring right here:

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Nashville TN  July 18, 2012 —   Show Dog-Universal Music will release JT Hodges’ self titled, debut CD on  August 21, 2012.   Hodges penned eight of the CD’s 10 tracks (see full track listing below). Earlier this month, Hodges asked fans to help him select the next single, and at the halfway point, the contenders have been narrowed down to two: “Sleepy Little Town” (far and away the frontrunner) and “Rather Be Wrong Than Lonely.”  Fans may continue to vote here:   http://on.fb.me/SGRxx9.

 

About JT 

He burst onto the country music scene in 2011 with the release of his debut single, “Hunt You Down,” and a slot on Toby Keith’s Locked & Loaded Tour. Earlier this year, JT was a semi-finalist in the Academy of Country Music’s New Artist of the Year category. “Goodbyes Made You Mine” was the second single from the artist’s soon to be released CD. In his Music Row review of the single, respected music critic Robert K. Oermann  said, “this has a certain ‘presence.’ JT’s not only a solid writer, but his vocal performance is up-close and personal, packed with personality and exuding confidence. The deep-twang guitar and driving production are also pluses. A star is born.”

Tracks on JT Hodges

1.     Rather Be Wrong Than Lonely

2.     Sleepy Little Town

3.     Hunt You Down

4.     Give It One More Night

5.     When I Stop Crying

6.     Goodbyes Made You Mine

7.     Leaving Me Later

8.     Right About Now

9.     Rhythm Of The Radio

10.  Green Eyes Red Sunglasses

For more information on the artist, please check out these links: http://jthodges.com/,

https://twitter.com/#!/HelloJTHodges and https://www.facebook.com/jthodgesmusic.

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