Music

C.J. SMYTH – COMMON SHAMAN – DANCING DRAGON MUSIC I love finding new artists that remind me of other artists, but have their own distinct sound which sets them apart. Georgia native C.J. Smyth’s voice reminds me of the laidback caress of Aimee Mann, her tone takes me to the dark approaches of Mazzy Starr’s Hope Sandoval, and her songwriting echoes the honesty of Joni Mitchell. Not quite Folk, Country or Rock, Smyth falls into the category of Homespun Rock Angels like Sheryl Crow or Alana Davis. My favorite song on “Common Shaman” is “Open Hand.” It’s complicated lyric can […]

Debuting soon with its Seventh Season is the Ultra-Fabulous RuPaul’s “Drag Race.” Undoubtedly, the new season will be way over the top and filled with cheesy drama, deliberate conflicts, and shameless product placement.  However, I find it very entertaining as it seems to make fun of itself and still comes across as genuine. Aside from all the glitz and glamor, many of these “ladyboys” are singing their little hearts out on Internet Downloads, CDs, and YouTube. None have broken through to mainstream on the scales of MamaRu, but it’s just a matter of time. Here is sample of some noteworthy […]

Recently I was watching an episode of “The Goldbergs” entitled Mixtape. It made me think back to a time before the term “Mixtape.” I remember copying my mother’s records on to 8-Track Tapes for her to listen to her favorite songs in her car. I was a young teen then and luckily my mother appreciated new music as well as old stuff which only enhanced my music appreciation. Every once in a while I’d make her a tape of her old stuff and throw in something new of mine every third song. She is now passed but I kept that […]