And your ears shall hear…

So, its half way through February and I have finished 9 out of 10 reviews for my top albums of 2010.  I’m very wordy, and this sometimes holds me back from getting more ideas out.  In 2011, I will try to be more concise.  I simply like to write about music, which is a passion of mine.  The albums that grab me, the songs I’m hooked on, and the discoveries I’ve corralled from the cut out bins.  I’ve been listening to a ton of Radstarr this year, and it goes without saying, that this EP “Head Above Water,” was one of my favorites.  There has been definite growth since the release of the first EP “Not That Perfect,” a few years back, especially in the songwriting. Check out “Spaghetti Western” and the title track “Head Above Water.”  These songs showcase a more cohesive unit, and you can hear how each one has been fleshed out.  The ideas have more of a rounded attack, making this EP feel a bit more finished.  Yet with each listen it becomes painfully obvious, there are still hurdles to climb for this troubadour.  The vocals still need tweaking in certain parts, and Radstarr needs to play to his strengths to be successful.  “Europowered Mixer” has an identity crisis; we can’t be sure if it’s Suede-like brit pop, or Madcap punk.  It’s clear that he is still searching for his voice, and toying with many different styles, but it’s exciting to see where this mission is headed.

Radstarr “Spaghetti Western”

Radstarr “Head Above Water”

Radstarr “Europowered Mixer”