Natalie Walker - Urban Angel

I finally received the Natalie Walker press kit yesterday! Of course, upon stumbling across her MySpace page I instantly wanted to sign her to my firm - I would love to be able to get press for her! But for now I am sticking to an album review.

What drew me in was that her sound brought me back to music that I loved before I got sucked into the rock scene [not that it is a bad scene to be in!] Her first full length album "Urban Angel" is really a triumph when it comes to her genre of music... which she describes on her MySpace as down-tempo/electronica/tip hop. The first thing that came to mind when I heard the song "Crush" was a flash back to the "Romeo & Juliet Soundtrack" circa 1996 - which happens to be one of my favorite albums of all time, and it is not just because Leonardo DiCaprio was in the film. Natalie's music would have fit right in with the genius collaboration of artists. So with the nineties in mind - I would have to say she successfully captures her influences Ani Difranco, Beck, Goldfrapp, Bjork, Fiona Apple, Moby, and Portishead almost seamlessly - combining all the strengths of these powerful artists and creating her own modern sound.

Other people who have reviewed this album and have described it as "haunting," "ambient," and "a sexy record" - I could not agree more. She has an angelic voice, making the title of the album fit perfectly, with fantastic keyboards and flowing beats that create the urban feel. The first song on the album sets the mood for what I can only describe as ecstasy in music. "Crush" leaves the listener hanging on every note Natalie sings, her voice dripping with sweetness and mystery as she says, "Oh I've sinned against my youth I won't apologize for what feels right bit the apple just for you my desire won that fight." The song "Urban Angel" actually turned out to be one of my favorite songs on the the album, the vocals were more powerful here saying "no matter how many times I leave I always hear her voice calling me I could be a million miles away but its here, I'll always have a place." The track that stood out the most to me above the rest was "Rest Easy" which picks the album up a bit and wakes it from some of the other sleepier tracks.

In total, I would have to say Natalie delivers a pure, sometimes melancholy, and entrancing album. Some additional info that I pulled from Natalie's MySpace page is that the first single from Urban Angel "No One Else" was featured on Entourage - which is always a plus - and the Thievery Corporation remix of her second single "Quicksand" appeared in a trailer for the Kirsten Dunst film "Marie Antoinette."

Right now in the music industry - where pop rock and hip hop dominate the scene there is an occasional quirky character, like Amy Winehouse or Feist sneaking in there. I am hoping that Natalie Walker will be one of those treasures that sneaks in - and allures listeners in from all over the world. Her album is just plain heavenly.


**I recommend purchasing the album on iTunes so listeners can get the "Quicksand" remix. It is well worth the purchase.**

Introducing Streets Of Rage

It is beyond appropriate that my first blog post be about a band that is not only like my family, but a band that I admire for their hard work, determination, and complete love for their fans. Their EP "The Things We Think And Do Not Say" was highly anticipated... to say the least. Before it was even released [September 1, 2007] they had a cult following that began on MySpace, and grew weekly with hundreds of teenagers adding themselves as online friends and spreading the word about "SOR." Even I could not wait to see the finished product from these five talented guys.

Streets of Rage, which was originally started by Addison Kowalski, Brandon Bonfiglio, and Dan Kinsner, has quickly become one of the most watched bands to emerge out of Southern California. Their sound - a brilliant blend of electronic pop rock reflects New Found Glory, NSync, and of course, Hellogoodbye. Each song on their six song EP gratifies every inch of the ear with a perfect mix of heartfelt lyrics and vocals with thick guitar and dance beats. The album, and these five gentlemen are infectious, and the buzz around these boys is continuing to grow in leaps and bounds.

Back to the music - My two favorite tracks from the EP: "Thumbs Up" and "Me To Offer" are guaranteed to become anthems for every high schooler and college kid in the US. In "Me To Offer" Kowalski sings in the chorus "I'm not part of the in crowd I don't wear tight jeans or band shirts I'm just the boy who sits next to you on the bus" making every kid who may not be "cool" suddenly feel like they don't have to be part of the in crowd. The lyrics even get a little risque in "Thumbs Up" saying "thumbs up to zippers down I want to see your clothes on the floor" and "we're touching behind locked doors I never thought she could be so sexy." The lyrics are just edgy enough to make parents squirm, and have teenagers chanting along at live shows.

Streets of Rage sold out their first show ever at the famed Glasshouse in Pomona on September 1, 2007 – and they are proving to be an unstoppable force. Their second show on November 17th, in which they will be opening for Teddy Geiger at The Glasshouse is already projecting to sell out. Their EP is quickly turning into a cult classic and it is now ready to be exposed to the world.

I give this album five stars - and I am always looking forward to what new material these guys have up their sleeves. I have a feeling that they may have some surprises in store for fans for their next show - and I will definitely be covering the progress in their success in this crazy industry.