New Year, New Store

Happy New Year!

For the past 15 years, I have reviewed thousands of albums from every country in the world. I continue to do so, but I would like to provide a more complete world music experience by providing you an opportunity to acquire popular, rare, and historic recordings (mainly LP and CD) from artists new and old from any country in the world. I have amassed a plethora of resources over the years to help in my efforts to find almost any artist or recording ever released. All you have to do is send me an email of your request at: worldmusicman2013@yahoo.com and I will get back to you ASAP. Keep in mind I never sell copies or promotional releases. 

Happy Listening! 
Matthew Forss  

CD Review: The Bad Things' 'After The Inferno'

The Bad Things
After The Inferno
Silent City Records

With many lineup changes and tragedies over the years, The Bad Things seem to rise up from the ashes of the past with their latest recording, After The Inferno. The Seattle-based group combines a quirky, alt-pop, and a fusion medley of musical styles and instruments throughout the album. The music takes on a gypsy, cabaret, country, folk, and punk characteristic that is highly-creative, unique, and memorable. The slow and emotive "Green Grass," is a classic folk and country tune with alternative leanings and beautiful back-up vocals. The gypsy rave hit, "Grifter's Life," is a rollicking tune with great vocals and a danceable rhythm lead by accordion, horns, and percussion. With song elements bordering on folk, alternative, and indescribable, The Bad Things know how to create music with soul and substance. There are a few similarities to Neutral Milk Hotel. Get it today. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Susan Cattaneo's 'Haunted Heart'

Susan Cattaneo
Haunted Heart
Jersey Girl Music

With ties to Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Nashville, Susan Cattaneo is at home with the pop-country constructions of melody and rhythm on her latest release, Haunted Heart. Susan's vocals are reminiscent of Sheryl Crow and Shawn Colvin. The singer-songwriter vein is eloquently captured on many of the tunes, including "Lies Between Lovers," "Abide," "Haunted Heart," "John Brown," "Ingenue," and many others. The sweet vocals and drifting melody of "Haunted Heart" is relatively slow, jazzy, and folksy. The song evokes a quieter time of reflection and relaxing set in a 60's or 70's context. "Worth The Whiskey" opens with a steely guitar medley and thick, groovy sound structure that brings out the bluesy, Southern elements of her music. "Done Better" is a piano tune with a ballad-esque set-up and delivery. The drum, bass, and guitar mix is rather folksy overall. The power of lyrics that tell stories and great music to match are very difficult to accomplish, but Susan Cattaneo has no problems creating a fulfilling result. Fifteen tracks round out the album. 5 Stars (out of 5). ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Carrington MacDuffie's 'Only An Angel'

Carrington MacDuffie
Only An Angel
Pointy Head Records

New York-native, Carrington MacDuffie, brings a sense of Americana folk with bluesy, poetic, and lyrical tunes with intimate sensibilities and playful vocal calisthenics. The folksy tunes possess a slight alt-rock and country connotation, but the primary sound is largely folksy blues. The ballad-esque, "Hot Sun Of The Summer," is a groovy tune with sparkling instrumentation and alt-folk arrangements with a voice akin to Shawn Colvin and Lucinda Williams. "Red Eye" opens with a plaintive acoustic guitar melody and smoky vocal line. There are country and folk strings with swishy percussion. "Stand Below Heaven" is an alt-folk, roots-inspired tune with guitar, drums, and reverberating B3 sounds. Carrington gets serious on "My Favorite Place In Texas" with galloping drums, metallic drones, and heartfelt vocals spacious and delicate. The country-esque tune is quite poetic and very enjoyable. In fact, the entire EP is enjoyable and worth a listen or two. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Dmitry Novokolsky and Yury Krivoshein's 'That Job Is Over'

Dmitry Novokolsky and Yury Krivoshein
That Job Is Over
Sketis Music

Lead singer, guitarist, harmonica player, and percussionist, Dmitry Novokolsky, joins Yury Krivoshein--another talented guitarist with bass, keyboard, and programming skills. The Russian duo perform English-lyric songs with an Americana, bluegrass, country, and folk edge. The thirteen songs feel more like an American experiment than a truly Russian compilation. At any rate, the swinging, bluesy, and folksy tunes are catchy, classy, and creative. Some of the songs include "Cotton Joe From New Orleans," "Still A Rambler," "Gimme Some Gumbo," "This Blues Is Real," and "That Job Is Over." It is easy to see why fans of classic Americana music will love it. Hopefully, others will love it, too. This is the way country music should sound. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: R. Michael Rhodes' 'Please Remember Me'

R. Michael Rhodes
Please Remember Me
Self-Release

R. Michael Rhodes is a Colorado-based singer and songwriter armed with a Southern voice and guitar in hand. The six-track album is only about twenty-minutes long, but the sounds emanate long after the tunes stop. The heartfelt, "Please Remember Me," is a classy, country song with a touch of folk and pop. "Special Place For Me" is more of a ballad than a folk or country song, but there are still these aforementioned elements that permeate the music. "A Little Bit Tighter" is a roots-driven folk song seemingly taken out of The Wallflowers' line-up with distinct B3 and rougher vocals. The dreamy, "Where Are You Now," is a soulful ballad with droning guitar sounds and ballad-esque vocal arrangements. "You'll Never Know" is a catchy folk song with both male and female vocals in a guitar-driven track. Please Remember Me does not plead for acceptance, nor is it egotistical. R. Michael Rhodes knows how to get your attention with every repeated listen. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Sarah Alden's 'Fists Of Violets'

Sarah Alden
Fists Of Violets
Hearth Music

The Appalachians are explored with Sarah Alden's classic voice and earthy fiddle. The folksy vocals are very nostalgic with hints of bluegrass, old-time, and European folk. There are various waltzes, dance tunes, and traditional tunes. The jaunty piano tune, "Old Man Moon," reflects an old-timey presence that is pure gold. The country-tinged, "Ruby, Honey Are You Mad At Your Man?," is a classy, folk-riddled tune that would seem quite fitting on the Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack. "Dink's Tune" is a reflective tune with light percussion and fiddle fun that is somewhat indicative of Canada's April Verch. At any rate, the ten tracks reflect a great cross-section of folk, country, bluegrass, and even gypsy-type music. Fans of Euro folk, fiddle music, bluegrass, waltzes, Appalachian music, and old-time music will gobble up Sarah's Fists of Violets. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Arlon Bennett's 'World Of Possibility'

Arlon Bennett
World Of Possibility
Self-Release

New York-native, Arlon Bennett is a songwriter, singer, and guitarist with a knack for classic Americana songs steeped in nostalgic settings and contemplative memories about life. Folk music is the primary genre showcased here. The vocals are a bit of James Taylor and the classic Americana songs of Fountains Of Wayne. The slight Paul Simon references are not too far from the truth throughout. "I America" is a harmonica-tinged and guitar-focused song with uppity choruses and harmonic backup vocals. Basically, it is America's soundtrack. "A Friend Of You" contains crisp guitar strums and punchy percussion. "Everything He Says" is an upbeat folk music anthem with catchy melodies and twangy resonances. There is a hint of country music driven by a folk music background. The music is also similar to the so-called 'country music' of contemporary Inuit music performers. Though, Arlon sings songs in English and about events, life, and family in America. Anyone with an interest in clear vocals, folk melodies, and a pop presence should find Arlon Bennett at the top of any listening list. Imagine the possibilities with Arlon Bennett. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Oh, Jeremiah's 'Tall Tales And Tiny Fables'

Oh, Jeremiah
Tall Tales And Tiny Fables
Self-Release

The lyrical wordplay of bluegrass-esque and folksy pop singer, composer, and guitarist, Oh, Jeremiah, dazzles audiences with sheer sincerity and catchy melodies on his new five-track release, Tall Tales And Tiny Fables. Based in Mississippi, Oh, Jeremiah brings carefree vocals to the mix with sweeping guitar tunes, wavering strings, and some percussion. "Better Man" is an uppity tune with a bluegrass or folk presence. "Circles" is an acoustic treasure with vocal similarities to Dave Matthews and Australia's Xavier Rudd. "Happy Now" brings a sort of new age pop presence to the forefront with a light rock beat without electric guitars and the usual angst-ridden characteristics. The choppy beat and punchy string accompaniment makes the song shine with elements of neo-classicism, folk, contemporary pop, and new age. "Mississippi, I'm Yours" opens with a jaunty acoustic guitar, lead and backup vocals, and a void of percussion. This a memorable tune with slow, string accompaniment. There is a good degree of melancholy throughout the album. "The Scariest Thing" contains some percussion and alt-rock ambiance with some strings and folk-pop charm with piano accompaniment. With vocals akin to Dave Matthews, Xavier Rudd, and R.E.M., Oh, Jeremiah promises to astound all who seek good folk music. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Kathy Muir's 'Far From Entirely'

Kathy Muir
Far From Entirely
Self-Release

The Scottish folk-pop singer, Kathy Muir, adds a talented repertoire of country-pop guitar songs with an equal element of roots, blues, and rock. With a voice like Bonnie Raitt, Shawn Colvin, and Stevie Nicks, Kathy comes through with flying colors and equally-airborne riffs. "Fairytale Lies" is a fitting song with Stevie Nicks' signature all over it, but it is inherently Kathy Muir all the way. The steel, slide guitar opening matches the upbeat tambourine and percussion kit with a rhythmic voice and catchy melody. "You Surround Me" opens with a pensive piano melody with accompanying strings that do not include percussion until mid-song. The song is void of vocals, but it is reminiscent of a lighter incarnation of something from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. "Heaven In Your Eyes" is a folksy song with a bluesy presence and chilling percussion, guitars, and vocals. "Sweet and Easy" is a breezy, folk song with light pop elements that are jazzy and easy to listen to. Throughout the entire album, Kathy's vocals do not contain a Scottish accent and the musical arrangements resemble North American productions. Overall, the music is varied, folksy, bluesy, and a pleasure to listen to. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Hannah & Maggie's 'Muscle & Bone'

Hannah & Maggie
Muscle & Bone
Self-Release

The New York-based female folk duo present us with compelling and catchy vocal melodies on Muscle & Bone. The vocal similarities with Sarah MacLachlan, Heidi Talbot, Avril Lavigne and Shawn Colvin are not too far-fetched. The pleasant melodies and vocal arrangements on "Ghost," solidify their mark with glorious instrumentation and unforgettable chords with background vocals delivered in an Enya-esque manner. "Burlington, VT" contains a nice jazzy trumpet, acoustic guitar, and upbeat percussion with scintillating ukulele or mandolin. "Keeping Calm The Lives We Know" is a steady folk tune with ambulating vocals and charming melodies. "Sara" slows it down a notch and incorporates a little cello for reflective elements. "As You Wake" is an upbeat, folk-country tune with loads of Southern Appalachian charm without the accents. "The Room Fiddler" is a perfect folk-pop tune that is simply magical. This is one of the best albums in any genre in a long time. There is plenty to chew on here. Simply amazing. ~ Matthew Forss   

CD Review: Darryl Gregory's 'Big Texas Sky'

Darryl Gregory
Big Texas Sky
Emptyhead Musikwerks

Darryl Gregory's home-base in Connecticut is not the usual place for creating alternative country music. However, Darryl succeeds with his latest release, Big Texas Sky, and doesn't let his New England base affect his Texas roots. The release is rather short, but it contains seven diverse alternative country, pop, or folk compositions for a total of thirty-two minutes. The bluesy-rock song, "Prayer & Hallelujah," is steeped in Southern guitar stylings--the 'gospel' of the musical South. The pensive piano ramblings of "Aunt Jean's Piano" contains a loving, devotional sound with vocals from Michel Rae Driscoll and Jim Allyn on fiddle and mandolin. Darryl's contribution is not limited to vocals and guitars--the drums and piano are also played. "Workin' Man" contains a steel or ironworker sound of hammering with a gritty, muffled vocal track amidst a bluesy background. Overall, Darryl aims high with Big Texas Sky and leaves a few good songs for us to soak up. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Majorstuen - A Norwegian Quintet

Majorstuen

Skir

Majorstuen Fiddlers Company

The Norwegian fiddle and cello quintet features the classic fiddling styles of Norway. Two of fiddlers, Synnove S. Bjorset and Gjermund Larsen, perform in other string groups. Thirteen tracks of fiddling with some cello sounds compelte the instrumental repertoire of Skir. The jaunty and non-vocal tunes are ideal for a country or folk music festival, night of dancing, or historical research of classical fiddler performers, including Hilmar Alexandersen. The meanings of the songs are provided in Norwegian and English. Some of the music is taken from folk tales, tributes, dialects, lullabies, poems, and waltzes. Most importantly, the wholly instrumental album is passionately soothing. In fact, the music does not need words to be enjoyable. The holiday season would be quite empty without some merry tunes. Seek out Majorstuen's Skir today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review - Hal Ketchum

Hal Ketchum
Father Time
Curb Records

Hal Ketchum made his name in the early 1990s with catchy songs that bordered between mainstream country and adult contemporary. “Past the Point of Rescue,” “I Know Where Love Lives” and “Small Town Saturday Night” were mainstays on country radio and music video channels. Although his work has not been in the limelight as much since then, Ketchum has continued recording with Curb Records, maintained a loyal fan case, and achieved critical success. Father Time balances between the deep, introspective musings always apparent in many of his songs, with a sometimes bluesy feel. He is still true to his country and folk roots, although Americana would be a better genre to classify Father Time rather than country, which in today’s musical world implies a lot of commercial claptrap as opposed to a more intelligent singer/songwriter milieu. Most of the songs are written by Ketchum himself (with the exception of “Jersey Girl”, a Tom Waits cover), with some older material he decided to finally record. He writes about love, every day life, and also has a knack for telling stories through songs, like Richard Shindell. Father Time is a very appealing album for into singer/songwriters who go off the beaten path. ~ Paula E. Kirman