CD Review: Easy Star All-Stars' 'Dub Side Of The Moon'

Easy Star All-Stars
Dub Side Of The Moon
Easy Star Records

In celebration of their 10th anniversary for the 2003 release of the same name, Easy Star All-Stars are proud to announce their dubby and reggae-infused, Dub Side Of The Moon. The album celebrates the music of Pink Floyd with his ever-popular, Dark Side Of The Moon released many years ago. This new release contains different liner artwork, a liner note booklet, and a few bonus tracks. The entire project is produced by Michael Goldwasser and Victor Axelrod. The album is fifteen-tracks long and features the music of Pink Floyd's abovementioned release, including "Speak To Me," "Breathe," "On The Run," "Time," "Brain Damage," and several others. The dub and reggae-infused concoctions are heady, lush, and dance-inducing. There are electronic elements, which modernize the sounds a bit. But, anyone interested in reggae, dub, and Pink Floyd will love this very special ten year anniversary release. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Sandy Asirvatham's 'Mobtown Moon'

Sandy Asirvatham
Mobtown Moon
Self-Release

Based in Baltimore, Sandy Asirvatham's skills resound in arranging, singing, songwriting, composing, and playing piano. Trained as a journalist and writer, Sandy takes an eclectic approach to music-making with her latest release, Mobtown Moon, which is a re-imagined tribute to Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon. Sandy's co-creator and Emmy-nominated singer/songwriter, ellen cherry, provides a soothing vocal presence that is both relaxing and magical. The entire album contains progressive jazz, rock, classical, spoken word, and experimental sounds based on Pink Floyd's aforementioned album. The music hints at the originals, but Sandy, ellen, and company produce such a great album that seems to wander off into its own musical territory. Tom Hall, Cris Jacobs Band, Todd Marcus, Scott Smith, Brian Simms, Bryan Young, and Vincent Dion-Stringer are some of the contributing musicians on this album. "The City Speaks" contains a few voices and industrial, motor sounds with a range of environmental sounds that are arranged in a mish-mash manner. "On The Run" features a folksy sound with an ambulatory jazz beat and an absence of vocals. "Time" is a progressive rock anthem with nostalgic vocals and throbbing keys. "Any Colour You Like" is a progressive jazz winner with swishy cymbals, punchy sax, light drumming, and a jazz vein that hangs on tight without accompanying vocals. "Brain Damage" is more of a gospel-esque and R&B anthem with classic vocals and a soulful piano melody with jazzy accompaniment. The twelve track-release contains most of the songs on Pink Floyd's original release. Obviously, fans of Pink Floyd will like this one and anyone seeking good tribute albums that do not sound cutesy or fake. This one is professionally produced with careful attention to sounds. Sandy knows how to make memorable music and catchy tunes based on a classic album. ~ Matthew Forss