Short Bits

Nostalgia
Artist: Acer Odor Cutis
Indie - acerodorcutis@tiscali.it (28 mins)*
Italian black metal man rediscovers his oboe and orchestral roots in gentle, simple, melancholic collection, possibly suitable for b&w film soundtrack. Spoken vocals quietly melodramatic. (Derek Walker)

Danyew EP
Artist: Phil Danyew
Label: Sparrow
Time: 22:20
This EP is a short introduction to new artist Phil Danyew. He is already making an impact, touring with the David Crowder Band and making it onto a Paste Magazine sampler disc. While many artists who perform all their own instruments have trouble creating a cohesive sound, Danyew succeeds at creating a sound that would fit comfortably on both college and Christian radio stations. This EP fits nicely into a music collection next to fellow pop/rock-ers Mat Kearney and Phil Wickham. (Shawn Dickinson)

Stop & Listen 
Artist: Bethany Dillon
Label: Sparrow 
Time: 45:46 
I''ve heard more Bethany Dillon than I want to recently. (My wife always leaves Dillon in the CD player when she drives.) Nevertheless, I have become fairly familiar with her because of this reason. So when it came time to review this disc, I decided to leave the first impressions for the expert: my wife. After an initial listening, I asked her to sum up her thoughts in one word. Her answer was surprisingly, "Underwhelmed." I can understand her response. In her previous three CDs, Dillon has relied on heavy production and held a strong presence on Christian radio. Large anthem choruses have carried the songs and ballads were used much more sparingly. Yet on the new disc, Bethany Dillon changes things around. Stop & Listen chronicles the life of a young artist undergoing drastic life changes. (She married fellow CCM artist Shane Barnard, of Shane & Shane fame.) It has been called her most confessional record to date, but it is not only the lyrical content that has been influenced. While there are still a few driving tracks early in the album, Dillon has chosen to strip down some of the production for a rawer sound. This is nothing new for the artist, who normal performs live without any accompaniment other than her guitar. For some, this regression may seem like a step back. But for Bethany Dillon it feels more like an artist attempting to better find her voice. Note: For those hoping for a collaboration with husband, you're not going to find it here. There's not even a co-writing credit. Maybe Mr. & Mrs. Barnard will combine forces in the near future. Author: Shawn Dickinson 

We Will All Be Lifted
Artist: Steven Wesley Guiles
Label: New Cool Now (Indie) 
Time: 29:51
Steven Wesley Guiles is a talented independent singer/songwriter from California. I have had the pleasure of following his musical endeavors for the past decade. In a musical environment of over-production and glossy everything, Guiles is a fresh, raw reminder of what music sounds like at its basic level. His newest album, _We Will All Be Lifted_, is a collection of nine songs chosen from over 70 that we written over that past year. His press compares him to Bon Iver and Sufjan Stevens, but I disagree. Guiles is far from a copy of either of these talented artists. In fact, Steven Wesley Guiles is himself a unique voice that should be recognized for his own contributions to the independent music scene. Yet it is true that fans of the aforementioned indie kings will find a common spirit of honesty and beauty in this disc. Musically, the instrumentation is spare and organic."May He Keep You As You Go" is an Irish blessing that was recorded in one take, reminding us that sometimes capturing the moment is better than perfection. Several others feature unique arrangements that showcase Steven Wesley Guiles' as both singer and multi-talented musician. Each track carves out a unique voice, but they intertwine into a memorable statement. (Shawn Dickinson)

Perfect Surprise
Artist: Peder Eide
Label: Perfect Surprise
Singer songwriter Peder Eide releases his 13th album just in time for his upcoming annual Christmas tour and it is packed with cherished Christmas standards and original pieces. "Why Wouldn't I" departs from the Christmas theme. It is an ode to an adopted child written from first-hand experience as Eide and his wife increased their family from 3 to 5 children through adoption in recent years. Add to the decorating-the-house stack, right next to the mulling spices. (Linda LaFianza)

Lust for Life
Artist: Iggy Pop
Format: DVD
Iggy Pop may be one of rock's forgotten icons. In the late 60's he came on the scene with his band, The Stooges. He was about a decade ahead of his time calling for rock to return to raw and the more passionate roots of the early pre-Beatles 60's. He also raged in small clubs, rehearsed in back alleys and excelled in his garage for years.  On seeing The Doors, he found a band whose live style suited him. But, unlike Morrison's Lizard King, Iggy came on like a court jester trying to be a phantom warrior. However, it worked. First, wasn't cool enough for the 70's. In 1973 I witnessed him being removed from the stage at Mott the Hoople concert to boos and jeers. But, this well produced video reviews his impact on the music of the day. Produced in the late 80's when he was picking up accolades as the prophet of punk, Iggy shows a flare for story telling and an adventurous admiration for music and attempts to integrate them into his sound.  He did this with everyone from The Sex Pistols to Johnny Cash. The interviews are interesting, even for those who aren't fans(which I'm not). It's impossible not to come away from this documentary without feeling an admiration and a realization that he is a pioneer deserving of more recognition than he's received over the last decade. (Terry Roland)

Count the Days
Artist: The Seedy Seeds 
Label: Eurodorable Recordings
Time: 43:21
A (some might say unholy) merger of bluegrass, synth-pop and alt-country, Count the Days is mostly the product of singer/accordionist Margaret Darling and multi-instrumentalist Mike Ingram. This stylistic mélange, the duo's staunchly lo-fi aesthetic and song titles such as "Oh, Cincinnati" and "I'm Asleep in All My Dreams" will either enthrall or repel depending on the given listener's appreciation of deadpan and irony. For all of the Seeds' fiercely indie inclinations, though, Darling's sing-song-styled vocals lend the effort an irresistible suniness sure to cheer even the most head-banging of hearts. If the Dixie Chicks covered the "Axel F" theme from Beverly Hills Cop, it would probably sound a lot like this. (Bert Gangl)

Everything is Different 
Artist: Shane & Shane
Label: Inpop 
Time: 66:20 
The title of Shane Barnard and Shane Everett’s new release Everything is Different is a bit deceptive. Long time fans of the duo will find the familiar acoustic-driven, Scripture-focused music throughout this disc. But in relation to the group’s previous discs, this is anything but different. Shane & Shane have continued to prove themselves as some of the most talented Christian artists, succeeding at pulling off tight harmonies and intricate guitar parts both live and on record. This CD was in fact recorded mostly live and its sound reflects that. This new recording design seems to have had little effect on the tight arrangements that have defined their other records. (It also doesn’t hurt that group does much of their recording in their own Spaceway Studios.) Yet in terms of musical identity, Everything is Different does little to extend Shane & Shane beyond their previous efforts. Admittedly, it is hard to review artists like them because they have perfected what they do and are able repeat it over and over again. As a fan, I like so see artists take a risk and expand their musical efforts occasionally. Hopefully, Shane & Shane will continue to do this. They have proven themselves before and have the talent to take this to new levels.(Shawn Dickinson) 

Playing in the Water
Artist: St. James Praise Team
St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church
https://www.createspace.org/1780059
www.oakgrace.org
Label: ndependent
The praise and worship team of this Shawnee, Oklahoma, church are very direct and clear about the purpose of Playing in the Water. It is a compilation of original compositions to complement the liturgy or weekly scripture reading, originally released as a fundraiser and now available to the general public. The musicians are talented, the singers on key, the originals VERY original plus fresh takes on standards. Attention, Nashville singers; if you are looking fresh material, give this a listen. With full-on production, there are easily a couple of Dove award-winners here, and you've NEVER heard another "Jesus Loves Me, This I Know" with such a lively walking bass line. (Linda LaFianza)

Life is Not a Snapshot 
Artist: Josh Wilson
Label: Sparrow/EMI 
Time: 26:09 
When Josh Wilson’s debut album came out in 2008, I thought it was one of the best debuts in a while. It was fun of melodies that implanted themselves in your brain and wouldn’t leave for days. (I still have “The Saints” echoing in my head.) Now Josh Wilson has released a new project, Life is Not a Snapshot, a 7 song disc that feels like a overstuffed EP or a full album that falls a bit short. This is not to say that the music has diminished at all. Wilson still finds a way to create memorable hooks. “Sing” would fit nicely nest in a Chris Tomlin worship set and “Listen” features a wide open chorus (something that was prominent on his debut). “How to Fall” would have fit nicely on the new Mat Kearney CD, but Wilson makes the alt-country beat his own. The disc is filled out by several slower, yet still quality songs. The finale is an instrumental version of “Amazing Grace,” which highlights the artist‘s guitar skills. For fans of Josh Wilson, this album is an appetizer to listeners. For those who want a better introduction to Wilson, they should check out his debut album. (Shawn Dickinson

Lions.Tigers.Bears--EP
Artist: Wolves Among Sheep
http://www.myspace.com/wolvesamongsleep
Label: Blue Duck Records
Hard-core screamers with fine, fine melodic vocal interludes. Extremely well done. (Linda LaFianza)

self-titled (EP)
Artist: Zsa Zsa Ketzner
©2009 Independent
www.myspace.com/zsazsaketzner
This is a little post-rock ditty out of Tulsa/Wichita, Kansas that gives the indie/experimental genre another notch in their collective belt. I met one of the guys from the band passing through a secondary merch tent at Cornerstone 2009. He slipped a disc into my hand and told me I wouldn’t have any problem finding them online. They have a very unique, at times hypnotic guitar effect, almost atmospheric. Nothing like getting the most out of reverb! For an independent EP, I hope there is more to come from these guys. This is a true DIY gem. (thecannyshark)