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Non-Prog CD Reviews

The Radio Hour

Tim Hort (2)

Review by Gary Hill

The music here is strong. There are some songs that stand taller than others, but none land in the "weak" zone. There is a range of sounds, but the main reference point lands in the zone of alternative rock. I do have to address the album title, though. The Radio Hour project is essentially a gentleman named Tim Hort. When he titled the last album with his name, I said that it was a very confusing decision. Now he's doubled down and given this one the same title. I've added the "(2)" in order to differentiate them. I know Peter Gabriel got by with several albums with the same title, but it seemed a bad idea for him, and an even worse one here. Then again, like with Gabriel, when the music is this good, you can get by with things you might not otherwise be able to pull off.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2024  Volume 3 More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2024.

Track by Track Review
Heartbreaks and Slamming Doors
Rather moody and understated, this has some roots music elements merged with alternative rock. It's a catchy tune that gets a bit more intense as it continues. It is a very classy song and a great way to start things in style.
Jan of Arc

More energized and hard rocking, this is cool stuff. It has a lot of edgy power-pop built into it. At times it makes me think of the Beatles. At other times I can hear something like Cheap Trick or Enuff Znuff.

Friday Night

Punky, this is a solid tune, but not up the level of the first couple tracks for me. It has more of that power-pop kind of thing at play, though.

Mainstreaming
A little edgy and punky, this rocker is a step back upward. It has a definite alternative rock feeling to it.
Miserable Coping

For some reason I can hear some REM in the mix on this thing. It has some psychedelic vibes at play, too. It's solid stuff.

Granduncle

Piano gets things going here, lending some big variety. The vocals come in over the top of it, creating a balladic approach. There is a twist toward freaky, spacey angles near the end via some other sound that comes on-board.

When I'm Sick and Need You

Energized rock with punk and power-pop angles at play. This is another strong tune.

Not Ready

This feels a little awkward to me at times. It earns a parental advisory and has some edgy angles. The alternative rock thing is definitely at play here.

Rollercoaster

There is a bit more of an understated folk rock or singer songwriter vibe to this. It's still tilted toward the alternative rock end of the spectrum.

Sing

While not quite a ballad, this is on the mellower, slower end of things. It has plenty of alternative rock angles at play.

 
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