Posts by Tony Engelhart

Rarely, if ever, should a band be compared to the Beatles. However, ever so often a group comes along that is so fab-four influenced, it is unavoidable and these darlings of Australia, Youth Group, fall into this category.

With self-penned originals about human connections, family and sustaining relationships, At the End of Paths Taken is lyrically a classic Cowboy Junkies album.

With impassionate lyrics, simple guitar compositions and his unusually high voice Santa Monica singer/songwriter Tom Brosseau has built a loyal following primarily centered on a solo acoustic format that is akin to Woody Guthrie.

Emerging from the rubble of two of Seattle, Washington's most celebrated bands, Tuffy and Floyds Ranch, The Mellors surfaced in late 2004. Led by singer/songwriter/guitarist Jamie Lane, the band’s self-titled debut was uncharacteristic from the majority of groups in the Emerald City as it embraced a Mid-Western sound that is organic with just a touch of Southern twanginess.

Fourteen years since his last release, Out of the Cradle, Buckingham emerges once again from the shadows with Under the Skin.

Recorded between August 1979 and October 1980, the disc was unlike anything record buyers had ever heard unless they were dancing on the fringes and listening to Cabaret Voltaire or Psychic TV.

Although considered by many as the Godfathers of grunge, Mudhoney never made the headlines of their angst-ridden Seattle peers. However, the Mudhoney sound has been an influential piece in contemporary rock. Seventeen years since their debut, the mud boys have returned with Under a Billion Suns.

The former Pogues cover band plays a brand of Celtic rock that will get your fist a shakin

Formed in 1986 by guitarist / vocalists / songwriters Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow, the Posies became one of the most popular power pop bands of the 90

When it comes to Brit-pop, Supergrass remains unique in their execution.

An L.A. trio formed in 2001, when the members were still in their teens, The Like took off early, touring with Maroon 5 and Rooney. Now their major label debut is receiving rave reviews and they’re hitting the road again – this time opening for Kings of Leon.

Like other bands on the Fat Possum label, Heartless Bastards play a minimal style of rock mixed with a pinch of blues and a heavy helping of attitude. The trio

Maria Muldaur is one of those artists who have defied classification. Since her 1973 debut she has dabbled with everything from pop, country, boogie, gospel, and Memphis jug.

It

The John Butler Trio are Australia

Within wistful melodies and beautiful textures are Cat Stevens and pre-Yellow Brick Road Elton John influenced songwriting as Adam sings of everyday life with abstract metaphors which are open to listeners interruption.

Van Morrison will turn 60 next month but still he remains one of the most celebrated artists to come out of the British invasion of the swinging sixties.

Charlie Musselwhite is as blue as blues can get. Armed with road tested vocals and killer harp licks, Musselwhite is one of the most celebrated artists to ever count off a shuffle. The past year has been no exception as he took home three prestigious W.C. Handy Awards.

The latest John Hiatt offering was produced by Jim Dickinson and features his two sons, Cody and Luther (from the North Mississippi Allstars) on guitar and drums. With impassionate lyrics, the singer/songwriter paints confessional narratives with a sundry assortment of styles.

The Cowboy Junkies rarely record other songwriter’s material. However, when they do they are usually diamonds in the rough that only the hardcore fans of a particular artist have heard.