Author Archives: VocalsOnTop

250 word album review: The Electric Lungs – Don’t Be Ashamed of the Way You Were Made

Posted on November 11, 2015 by VocalsOnTop

The Electric Lungs are among Kansas City’s best bands and hopefully this new record will bring them that recognition. With some of the best hooks in the game this album is every bit as good as their catchy debut. It’s … Continue reading →

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250 word album review: The Yawpers – American Man

Posted on November 11, 2015 by VocalsOnTop

The Yawpers are well on their way to being your favorite band. Their association with Bloodshot Records makes comparisons to Scott H. Biram a given but The Yawpers have a full band behind their sound. Biram is pretty rowdy by … Continue reading →

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250 word album review: Wilco – Star Wars

Posted on November 9, 2015 by VocalsOnTop

Another 4 star album by Wilco…. yawn. Wilco has build such a reputation of greatness that the only thing they could do to surprise their fans is to put out a bad record. “Star Wars” isn’t that bad record. While … Continue reading →

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The Vinyl Corner: Dan Mariska and the Boys Choir – Bummer Songs

Posted on November 2, 2015 by VocalsOnTop

Artist: Dan Mariska & The Boys Choir Album: Bummer Songs (2013) Purchased at: Live show at Rendezvous (St. Joseph, MO) for $15 Dan Mariska and his band passed through St. Joe last year, hitting The Rendezvous with touring partners See … Continue reading →

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The Vinyl Corner: Carrie Nation and the Speakeasy – Hatchetations

Posted on October 30, 2015 by VocalsOnTop

Artist: Carrie Nation & The Speakeasy Album: Hatchetations (2013) Purchased at: Live show at First Ward (St. Joseph, MO) for $15 Carrie Nation & The Speakeasy is a band that works their asses off. They are road warriors living out … Continue reading →

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250 word album review: The Warden – The Warden

Posted on October 22, 2015 by VocalsOnTop

The Warden is an East Dallas band that plays upbeat country music with electric guitars. It’s perfect for a bar environment but comes across a little hammy on record. Every song seems to be leading to some punchline trying to get … Continue reading →

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250 word album review: The Bottle Rockets – South Broadway Athletic Club

Posted on October 20, 2015 by VocalsOnTop

  This is the blue-collar record of the year. The Bottle Rockets have really always been a blue-collar band. They have sung about the glory of sports, the bliss of Sundays and the torture of going to work. “South Broadway Athletic … Continue reading →

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250 word album review: Matthew Coman – Crooked Moon

Posted on October 18, 2015 by VocalsOnTop

Matthew Coman explores some folk ambitions on his new album “Crooked Moon.” Whether it is the country tinged “I’d Love To Stick Around” or the Dylan-esque “Not Talking Anymore” you can feel the singer/songwriter in Coman thriving. “Ol’ Danny” is … Continue reading →

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VOT Cover Story: Under The Big Oak Tree

Posted on October 13, 2015 by VocalsOnTop

An artist always challenges themselves, it’s what growing as an artist is all about. Artists that tend to rest on their laurels simply aren’t as productive. Whether it is painting, writing or music this almost always holds true. St. Joseph’s … Continue reading →

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250 Word Album Review: Craig Finn – Faith & The Future

Posted on October 11, 2015 by VocalsOnTop

I didn’t want this album to happen. Finn’s first solo record after a career’s worth of work with The Hold Steady was simply mesmerizing. The perfect mix of humor, positivity, negativity and acceptance made “Clear Heart Full Eyes” better than … Continue reading →

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