The holidays are the perfect time to round up some of the latest releases by Michigan artists, spotlighting albums to add to your gift lists. Check out the reviews, with audio samples of the new music.
Studio Album No. 18: Bob Seger played Van Andel Arena in September, two months before releasing ‘I Knew You When.’ (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
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Bob Seger
“I Knew You When”
Mellowing out. That’s the nagging fear of many classic rock fans as they watch their heroes age deep into AARP land – expecting the inevitable slowdown, the transition toward peaceful retirement. Michigan legend Bob Seger will have none of that. It’s clear from the outset of his latest and 18th studio album, “I Knew You When,” that Seger’s not content to enter his eighth decade quietly, neither musically nor lyrically. The first three tracks – “Gracile,” “Busload of Faith” and “The Highway” – roar out of the gates like a champing-at-the-bit, rock ‘n’ roll racehorse before settling into the familiar Seger balladry of the poignant title track. For a guy around whom rumors of retirement have swirled for years, this is a forceful, fist-pumping declaration that “I’m not nearly done yet.” Lyrically – and in vintage raspy-voiced Seger fashion – he’s also not afraid to delve into politics and face his own mortality while at the same time paying homage to late pal Glenn Frey on the title track and the deluxe edition bonus track, “Glenn Song.” Along the way he covers Leonard Cohen and Lou Reed, while leaning on many of his longtime bandmates (Alto Reed, Craig Frost, Shaun Murphy, Laura Creamer, Chris Campbell, etc.) for that signature Seger sound. This isn’t “Night Moves” or “Stranger in Town,” so nostalgia and familiarity will prevent most of these tracks from supplanting classics like “Rock and Roll Never Forgets” for most devotees. But “I Knew You When” is a surprisingly muscular slice of rock pluckiness and solid, heart-rending music from a guy who’s aged pretty darned well. – John Sinkevics
Website: http://www.bobseger.com/
Listen: “Busload of Faith”
Moses
“New Mood”
It seems equally appropriate for the songs on Moses’ first full-length album, “New Mood,” to be enjoyed thrashing about at a house concert or alone on a walk. Vulnerable, hard-hitting and sparse, there’s a distinct vision for sound and style all over the album. The juxtaposition of soft, melodic guitar with thunderous drumming on songs such as “Burden” and the album’s title track provide a wonderfully unique foundation for memorable and emotive vocals. With “New Mood,” the Mount Pleasant band has matured and taken a solid step forward. – Devin Anderson
Website: https://www.facebook.com/weareMoses/
Video: “New Mood”
Cameron Blake
“Fear Not”
In his most recent release, “Fear Not,” Cameron Blake’s wildly imaginative and creative songs evoke vivid images of the past, while simultaneously conjuring a fresh approach to the craft of songwriting — and in this case, tackling the complex subject of fear. It’s quickly evident that the album is more than just a collection of sequenced songs; it’s a musical mural: expansive, ambitious, vibrant and beautiful calling on a cast of nearly 50 musicians.
A lone, ascending piano progression on the opening title track takes the first sonic brush stroke on the album’s musical canvas. Soon, weeping strings harmonize, swirling around Blake’s hopeful refrain. “After Sally” envelopes the listener with a dreamy soundscape and yearning narrative. After a warm, jazz-leaning electric guitar intro, a collective of instruments gently lift the track to a pleasant gallop. A folky shuffle on the drums, a lullaby of a melody on electric guitar, and rich string layers ensue. Blake’s smooth, Sinatra-like voice dances confidently into the lush chorus. Another album standout is “The Only Diamond,” a fast-paced journey of a song with driving drums, bold piano and perfectly-placed electric guitar accents. “Queen Bee” offers up a glorious concoction of soul, boogie-woogie, gospel and rockabilly before “Tiananmen Square” slows to a waltz and unfolds a tragic, emotionally charged ballad of protest and sacrifice. “Monterey Bay” concludes in a grand, sweeping goodbye. The swell of instruments on the ballad crescendo alongside Blake as he builds his words, till finally belting passionately in a resounding full voice at the song’s peak. With “Fear Not,” Blake has accomplished the elusive feat of creating a body of work boasting classical and timeless qualities, while elaborating on his own artistic essence. – Ricky Olmos
Website: http://www.cameronblakemusic.com/
Upcoming Show: 11 a.m. Dec. 8 for Local Spins on WYCE (88.1 FM)
Listen: “Queen Bee”
Blushing Monk
“Blushing Monk”
Smooth is the name of the game on Blushing Monk’s debut EP, which fuses elements of rock, swing, funk and even hip hop music in five cleverly crafted jazz tunes. Bandleader and keyboardist Dutcher Snedeker – flanked by a band of professionally trained jazz musicians – has assembled a massive pool of West Michigan talent, including Brad Fritcher (trumpet), Caleb Elzinga (saxophone), Olin Clark (guitar), Joe Vasquez (bass) and Jordan Otto (drums). The young band’s musical chemistry is evident, with several members having played together for years. Sometimes it’s just a matter of trying to keep up – even as a listener – while experiencing a song such as “Working Title,” a track that seems to wander through every musical peak and valley (mostly peaks) these musicians have at their disposal. – Devin Anderson
Website: https://www.facebook.com/blushingmonk/
Upcoming shows: Feb. 9 for the WYCE Jammie Awards at The Intersection
Listen: “Frankenstein”
Venson Dix
“Montshon”
When Venson Dix raps – about literally anything – he has my attention. “Montshon,” is the Grand Rapids-raised rapper’s middle name as well as the title of his most personal work to date. Released in close collaboration with Jason “Nixon” Burke and Rick Chyme on their label, 5iveit Entertainment, Dix’s voice shines over a dynamic assortment of beats, including “Rap About,” which Dix produced himself. There’s power and energy on heavy and soft tracks alike, from the all-out word assault on “Guillotine” to “If I Don’t Make It,” a song written for Dix’s children. Dix says his voice is his “most powerful weapon,” and it’s a voice that’s bound to be heard more in Grand Rapids and beyond in the coming years. – Devin Anderson
Website: https://www.facebook.com/VENSONDIXRAPS/
Video: “Guillotine”
Wicker Basket
“Bless This Mess”
There’s something inherently likable about Wicker Basket’s (aka Jeremy Ensley) latest release, “Bless This Mess.” And indeed, calling the mysterious, basket-wearing electronic artist’s album a “mess” is a crude way of describing what truly is a disorienting collection of electronic music. Ensley’s compositions are as surprising as they are compelling. From choir chanting on “Clockwork” to Seinfeld-esque digital slap bass on “Nothing’s Wrong,” the album abounds with catchy progressions and strange soundscapes to turn your head at. – Devin Anderson
Website: http://wickerbasketmusic.com/
Listen: “Hotcakes”
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