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Non-Prog CD Reviews

Jessie Kilguss

and Radio Gold – The Sky Road

Review by Gary Hill

A lot of this feels quite retro. It’s got a real classic sound to it. There are modern elements here, too, though. Those include modern pop sounds, alternative rock and other sounds. Add in some jazz, folk and other things and you’ve got a good picture of this. It’s a solid album that’s quite strong.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2013  Volume 2 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review
Take Me to the Ocean

Drums start this. Then it shifts to a cool rock sound. This really sounds like it would have been right at home on rock radio in the 1970s. It’s catchy and classic.

Counting Sheep

This sits sort of in the same vein in terms of volume level and energy. However, the sound is much more modern. This is sort of modern pop rock with hints of alternative rock in the mix. It’s a good tune, but not quite the instant hit that the opener was.

Down the Line

This cut is mellower. It’s kind of a mellow folk rock. The percussion seems rather jazzy in some ways. It’s more or less a dreamy ballad.

Die Dog or Eat the Hatchet

On the surface, this is sort of an alternative rock tune. The thing is, there is also a lot of psychedelia and even some rockabilly in the mix.

10 Stories High

The riff that opens this is almost heavy metal. It gives way to another alternative rocker that’s quite tasty. The verses are more stripped back and at times it works to some sounds that are almost prog. The chorus, though, plods away with that rather metallic riff.

The Sky Road

Here we get a mellow dreamy cut with a lot of folk music and some country in the mix. It’s a nice change of pace.

Gun Shy

This is more or less pretty typical modern pop rock. While it’s not all that special or Earth shattering, it still strong and the lyrics are poignant.

Keith & Anita

Acoustic driven, this is an accessible and catchy tune with a real pop meets country and folk sound to it.

Riverboat Gamblers

Here is a tasty roots rocker. Again, there’s nothing all that original or unique, but this is fun. The vocal arrangement is particularly noteworthy, too. The guitar hook really works, as well.

Ringleader

A slow moving ballad, this has both a lot of folk and a lot of country in the mix. It’s a good piece of variety and Kilguss’ vocal performance is strong. Both of those things aside, though, it’s a little on the weak side.

Tennessee

Here’s a cool rocker with some country and rock both represented. It’s a real roots rocker and a great way to end things in style.

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