Beth KindermanCountry of origin:U.S. Type of music generally:alternative pop/contemporary folk Status:Most recent release, Winter Is Coming (2011) See also:Beth Kinderman's site Comparisons:Susan James, Ani DiFranco Covers/own material:Own General comments:Beth Kinderman has a guitar-based altpop/altfolk sound. Her music is widely described as geeky and clever, but her music is far more engaging than that sounds. (sophiagurley@hotmail.com) Recommended first album:Either Recordings:
All of My Heroes Are VillainsRelease info:2008—Beloved Porcupine Music Availability:See Beth Kinderman's site Ecto priority:Recommended Group members:Beth Kinderman—vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, mandolin, percussion, handclaps Guest artists:Justin Hartley—drums, percussion, accordion, handclaps Produced by:Dave Stagner Comments:Songs about Hannibal Lector, a princess, Stars Wars, the SF show Firefly and a "Hidden Track" about zombies—this album has quite the range of subjects. My favourite tracks here are the urgent "Princess," "Redeemer," and "Underneath the Mask." While this album has a few flaws—these songs would benefit from crisper production and there are moments where the vocals stray off-key—the overall effect is that this sounds like a live show, warts and all, and so it showcases Kinderman's energy and her band's chops. There's a lot to be said for the power of Kinderman's performance, her bravura songwriting (the lyrics are especially intriguing), and the obvious fun everyone had performing. This is a first full-length recording that has verve and tons of promise. (sophiagurley@hotmail.com) Apocalypse BluesRelease info:2009—Beloved Porcupine Music Availability:See Beth Kinderman's site Ecto priority:Recommended Group members:Beth Kinderman—vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, shaker, classical guitar, pots & pans, tambourine, toolbox, resonator guitar, doumbek, mandolin Guest artists:Justin Hartley—drums, RIP SIlver Fox, doumbek, accordion, washboard Produced by:Dave Stagner Comments:Beth Kinderman's new album has a great deal of energy and joie de vivre. She also writes a song about Buffy (The devil you know) and a suite about Battlestar Galactica (the title song). Both are moving and so well-executed that they won't jar even if you are unfamiliar with the TV shows. But it's quite a bonus for us geeks. You also get the up-tempo "Good Intentions" where she recalls Ani DiFranco. The bonus song about zombies is silly and fun. She appears to be enjoying to be recording these songs and it shows. Her album's very easy to like and it gets under your skin quickly. (stjarnell@yahoo.com) Thanks to stjarnell@yahoo.com and sophiagurley@hotmail.com for work on this entry.
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