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After a name change and EP release, Chicago rockers Vintage Blue, formerly Tanglewood, are back with their debut full-length, Strike the Mics. The bluesy quintet impress with 13 tracks of standout vocals, powerful music accompaniment and evident rock influences. With alternating vocalists and songwriters Ben Bassett and Ryan Tibbs sharing the mic, each track is refreshingly new and unpredictable.

First track, “Set You Free” features ear-grabbing guitar riffs, powerful horn interludes and smooth harmonies. An appropriate start to Strike the Mics, the energy skyrockets throughout the entirety of the track. With driving guitar and a slight jam-band feel, Vintage Blue quickly draws the listener in.

“Unchained” captivates with a guttural scream at the track’s start before percussion and soaring electric guitar parts enter. A heavier rock number, the song showcases Vintage Blue’s musicianship with driving beats and striking vocals. With soulful keyboard accompaniment and gritty guitar throughout, Vintage Blue’s prowess is evident here as it is easy to envision them rocking in an arena setting.

“California Road” follows suit with delicate vocals and a steady drumbeat showcased. With descriptive lyrics and insightful life reflections, the band demonstrates its more serious side. Soulful background singers coupled with blasting horn features further flush out the sound.

The first single off Strike the Mics, “Speak” picks up the pace next with nearly 30 seconds of instrumentals before sultry singing is heard. With a driving beat and sexy accompanying music, it’s impossible to not tap your feet along. An adequate introduction of Vintage Blue to the rest of the music world, the song impresses.

“Hey Hey” and “Sleep On This Tonight” continues the energy before the rustic “Here To Stay” takes over. With a biting guitar riff at the song’s start before wailing vocals enter, the song embodies distinct country and rock influences. Lamenting and begging “Don’t leave me here alone,” the listener feels for the man in the song. Resembling Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl at times, the rock undertones leave a mark.

Introspective ballad “Just Breathe” strikes a chord with slowed music and heartfelt singing. With relatable lyrics and a perfected blend of music, never overpowering the story behind the song, Vintage Blue show their knack for songwriting and musicianship. “What Lies” appropriately follows with measured guitar interludes and percussion accompaniment next to dark and smooth vocals.

While the early tracks on Strike the Mics showcase Vintage Blue’s rock side, the end of the LP demonstrates the more serious nature of the band. With thoughtful lyrics, emotive vocals and yearning guitar parts, the band demonstrates their ability to easily switch gears without losing sight of who they are. Tracks like “Great Divide” satisfy with beautiful string parts and poignant harmonies. With whispered vocals that bring to mind singer-songwriter Joshua Radin, the track strikes a chord.

With the vision of placing a contemporary twist on classic rock, Vintage Blue succeed. Strike the Mics embodies 13 standout tracks that showcase the band’s ability to rock arenas while at the same time perform an intimate acoustic set. Not always an easy thing to accomplish, Vintage Blue’s debut full-length aptly showcases their staying power.

2011 was quite a year. Country music definitely took over America and I couldn’t be happier! I was lucky to spend a lot of time on the road traveling to music festivals like CMA Fest in Nashville and the Emerging Music Festival in Canada as well as CMJ here in New York where I discovered many new bands that I have quickly become a fan of.

Here’s You Sing I Write’s end of year list of my favorite concerts and albums released in 2011. Did I miss your favorite? Let me know! Happy New Year!

YSIW’s favorite albums of 2011

5. Amos Lee’s Mission Bell

Last year I chatted with Amos Lee before  his performance at City Winery with Lady Antebellum where he filled me in on his writing process and his upcoming release, Mission Bell. With collaborations from Lucinda Williams and Willie Nelson, Lee’s soulful album has been played continuously on my iPod since it’s January release. When asked about Mission Bell, Lee told me that he is often inspired by situations.

“Songwriting isn’t always something that’s directly proportionate to the experience. I hope that they’re [the songs] open enough that people can understand and feel whatever it is that they want to feel. That’s the beauty of music, that it’s abstract in that way. It’s not always super literal.”

4. Lights Resolve’s Feel You’re Different

Every now and then a band comes along that you just know are going to be the next big thing. That’s how I felt about Lights Resolve when I first met them on tour in 2008. The Long Island-based trio are the hardest working act I’ve come across and their debut full-length adequately proves their talent. With soaring guitar riffs that make it easy to picture them in an arena setting, Lights Resolve is one act to watch in 2012.

3. We Are Augustines’ Rise Ye Sunken Ships 

Their debut album, Brooklyn-based band We Are Augustines impress with solid rock & roll and poignant storytelling. I interviewed frontman and songwriter Billy McCarthy during CMJ and he likened writing candidly about his life to running down the street screaming your journal to rooms full of people.

“Honestly, it’s not always easy to talk about stuff in the literal sense and have to keep redoing it every night but I think it depends what kind of art you’re doing,” he says. “It is personal and I guess that’s just my commitment to the music that we’re making. I just want to be honest. It’s not always easy, but that’s what it is.”

2. Adele’s 21

There is no doubt that this was Adele’s year. She topped practically every year end list and three of her singles are in constant rotation on every radio station. Her ability as a songwriter is indisputable and she describes heartbreak so vividly that makes her immensely relatable. While her love life might have suffered this year, her record sales certainly didn’t.

1. Matthew Mayfield’s Now You’re Free

Matthew Mayfield’s album has been played in it’s entirety, more than any other album I’ve listened to this year. His deep, raspy vocals hit you right in the heart. Likewise, his descriptive and emotional tales captivate the listener wholeheartedly. He admitted to me during an interview that a song comes out better when it’s actually happened to him.

“I’m never scared because it’s like therapy for me. I need to do it, to get it out,” he said. “I feel like there’s a release that you get from putting it on paper and singing it in a song that’s healthy. It’s always been an outlet for me.”

YSIW’s favorite concerts of 2011

6. The Barr Brothers

I met half of the Barr Brothers on my flight to Canada for the Emerging Music Festival. Brad and Andrew Barr were playing in another band at the time, Muse Hill, who I caught at the festival and thoroughly enjoyed. While wandering to and from shows throughout the weekend Brad mentioned his other band, The Barr Brothers, who would be playing at Mercury Lounge the next month. Rather serendipitously, the next day his publicist reached out to me about covering the show.

I attended their first New York performance and was truly blown away and went on to see the band perform at Rockwood Music Hall and Arlene’s Grocery during CMJ and a few months later at Joe’s Pub. Each set continued to showcase the band’s talent between moving harp features, impressive percussion interludes and Brad Barr’s soulful and intriguing singing style.

5. Matt Cranstoun

I interviewed Matt Cranstoun right before his appearance at The Rock Shop during CMJ where he told me there would be gospel singers. I couldn’t remember the last show I had been to with gospel singers so of course I went and boy am I glad I did. The energy jumped off the stage into the crowd and every mouth dropped in amazement as Cranstoun captivated the room.

4. Coldplay

I’ve been so lucky to have seen Coldplay close up twice in my life, once during All Points West where I stood near the photo pit as the band performed to thousands behind me. This year, I witnessed Coldplay in a more intimate space with 100 other fans as they debuted some of the tracks off their upcoming release. Between humorous anecdotes and a stripped down performance with Chris Martin alone onstage, it was one of those reaffirming moments that I’m grateful to be a music journalist.

3. Foo Fighters

While many claim rock & roll is dead, the Foo Fighters prove it just ain’t so. Taking the stage at Ed Sullivan Theater dressed like the Beatles’ first US television performance, the band played a remarkable two-hour set. Complete with fan favorites and new hits, it was an experience I’ll never forget.

2. Kenny Chesney and Zac Brown Band

This was my first live review for Rolling Stone and a night I will remember forever. After eating lunch with Zac Brown and meeting Kenny Chesney, I headed to the New Meadowlands for an unforgettable night of music. Brown’s soulful singing combined with Chesney’s heartfelt passion and energy throughout the set is just one reason country has quickly become my favorite genre.

1. Taylor Swift

Was there really any question this wouldn’t be my No. 1 show of 2011? Seated three rows from the stage, I was in awe song after song as Taylor Swift’s elaborate set and storytelling unraveled for two glorious hours. Notebook in one hand, camera in the other my excitement never wavered. Fireworks, wedding gowns, acrobats and a balcony flying in the air were just some of the surprises I captured in my review for Billboard.

Brooklyn-based band The Shondes released their third album, Searchlights, today. The powerful LP was written after violinist Elijah Oberman was diagnosed with cancer, throughout his treatment and recovery. As a result, the songs embody a distinct urgency. Songs of questioning, heartache and an overall optimism are interwoven in each of the 10 tracks.

“The songs on this album are the kinds of rock songs that made us want to both dance and also cry the whole time we were working on them,” said drummer Temim Fruchter.  “Those are the exact kinds of songs that are my favorite to perform – the kinds that feel like they really, really connect us to the audience when we play them.”

Searchlights kicks off with the energetic “Close the Door” with powerful vocals and violin accompaniment. A relatable track, Louisa Solomon’s earnest singing transcends. “I want to set the record straight/I guess I just have too much faith that justice will prevail,” she sings.

“Are You Ready” follows suit with a heavy bass beat and steady percussion while The Shondes’ dynamic rock & roll flavor is further showcased on “Give Me What You’ve Got.” With angst-ridden vocals and soaring instrumental interludes, it’s easy to envision this track being performed live. This comes as no surprise though, as the band is known for their energetic live show.

Formed in 2006, the band’s moniker, “Shonde,” is the Yiddish word for disgrace, and they have always talked candidly about being unashamed of who they are and standing up for what they believe in. A standout release, Searchlights, impresses and aptly blends punk rock sensibilities with striking violin, bass, guitar and percussion accompaniment.

Whether Solomon’s voice crescendos at the perfect spot or Oberman’s violin is at the forefront, the band begs the listener to take notice, pouring their hears and souls into every note played. And that, for every music lover, is something to believe in.

Listen to The Shondes’ dynamic track, “Ocean To Ocean,” here and be sure to catch them currently on tour. Complete tour dates below.

The Shondes On Tour

9/20/2011 PHOENIX, AZ @ The Trunk Space
9/23/2011 LOS ANGELES, CA @ Bellyflop Gallery
9/24/2011 LONG BEACH, CA @ MADHaus
9/25/2011 SAN FRANCISCO, CA @ Café Du Nord
9/29/2011 PORTLAND, OR @ Reed College
9/30/2011 PORTLAND, OR @ The Doug Fir
10/1/2011 SEATTLE, WA @ The Vera Project
10/3/2011 SPOKANE, WA @ TBA
10/6/2011 MINNEAPOLIS, MN @ The 7th Street Entry
10/8/2011 MADISON, WI @ TBA
10/9/2011 CHICAGO, IL @ The Hideout
10/12/2011 OBERLIN, OH @ Oberlin College
10/14/2011 NASHVILLE, TN @ FooBar
10/15/2011 DURHAM, NC @ The Pinhook
10/16/2011 CHAPEL HILL, NC @ Ackland Art Museum
10/21/2011 BROOKLYN, NY @ CMJ
10/29/2011 PHILADELPHIA, PA @ Tritone
11/5/2011 PORTLAND, ME @ TBA
11/17/2011 BOSTON, MA @ O’Brien’s

William Hayden’s passion for music dates back to the 60’s. As a child, he dreamed of being a performer on “American Bandstand,” and from the first time he held a guitar in his hands, he was hooked. Many years and life lessons later, Hayden is back with his new group, Timeseven. Hayden wrote and composed each song on the 10-track release, This Road, while Mark Williams lent his voice on the compilation. Williams’ refreshing vocals combined with Hayden’s relatable lyrics make for an impressive release.

Complete with tales of love, loss and life’s ups and downs, Hayden’s songs are emotional and realistic. Anyone who has witnessed love or heartache will find something to grasp onto. While the start of the LP provides much optimism during the early stages of a relationship, by the end of This Road, the honeymoon period is long over. Throughout the 10 tracks, the listener witnesses the first blossom of love to the mournful death and heartache of love lost, which is a true testament to Hayden’s ability and intricacies as a songwriter.

“Just Like You” introduces Timeseven with soft vocals, smooth guitar and percussion accompaniment. Williams’ refreshing singing style combined with delicate electric guitar interludes impress and quickly draws the listener in. “I’ve been waiting a long time to tell someone I love you/Now I’m thinking that someone is you/ I’ve been looking a long time for somebody just like you/I’ve been waiting a long time for you/I’ve traveled all around the world/Just to find your shining smile and face/And your hand holding mine,” Williams sings. With a soaring guitar interlude mid-song and solid percussion throughout, the album opener aptly entices listeners to delve into the remaining nine tracks. The next song, “Free” quickens the pace. Hayden’s introspective and uplifting lyrics mesh well with Williams’ singing style making a mark on the listener.

Hayden mentions in his biography the therapeutic process songwriting has on him. “Tapping into my own personal experiences and being as honest as I can, I hope my songs will touch a chord and resonate with the listener on a deep level. Thoughts and memories, whether of joy or heartbreak replaying over and again in my head, are now woven into my songs. Songwriting has helped me to heal from the inevitable wounds of life and to celebrate its victories,” he writes.

Every track on the LP showcases this honesty. A heartbreaking tale of loneliness, “Just the Thought of You” demonstrates Williams’ deeper vocals with light guitar strumming. “I’ve traveled all around the world just to find myself alone/I’ve spent my nights alone/Just talking to myself/Holding onto a dream in my mind/With my heart up on the shelf,” he sings. With a soft almost whisper-like singing style, “Just the Thought of You” and next track, “Invisible Man” bring to mind singer-songwriter Joshua Radin.

While “Just the Thought of You” is a somewhat uplifting tale, “Invisible Man” follows suit with introspection and continuous questioning. A slower ballad that embodies the hope to find content in life, Hayden shows his ability to understand the human psyche and have listeners relate. “I’m the invisible man/See me while you can/I’m here today but tomorrow I’ll be gone” he sings with desperation in his voice and slow paced musical accompaniment.

The light-hearted “Your Love” switches gears and recalls Jack Johnson with intricate guitar finger picking and soft vocals. With delicate percussion, the feel good song further demonstrates Timeseven’s prowess as musicians. Additionally, the stand-out “Ordinary Man” brings to mind John Mayer with bluesy guitar interludes while “I Still Think of You” tells the dark tale of unfulfilled dreams. “Movin’ On” follows suit and slows down the pace until album closer and title track “This Road.”

No doubt an impressive debut release, it is the slower ballads that drag the album to a close instead of ending strongly. This Road would have made more of an impact if the fast paced tracks and ballads were dispersed evenly throughout the album, and as a result would greatly help the flow.

New Zealand’s Brooke Fraser has been readying the release of her stand-out third album, Flags. With angelic vocals reminiscent to singer-songwriters Ingrid Michaelson and Colbie Caillat, Fraser’s 11-track LP combines descriptive songwriting with remarkable musical accompaniment.

Flags begins with the energetic “Something In the Water.” With a catchy beat and a chorus that is bound to stay stuck in your head long after the last verse is sung, Fraser kicks of the album strongly. Next track, “Betty,” co-written by Fraser, Switchfoot’s Jon Foreman and The Real Efforts of Real People’s Ben West, segues nicely with horn features, a driving percussion beat and Fraser’s relentless vocals.

Of Flags, Fraser says, “I’ve never used as many characters or as much narrative in my songwriting as I have on this record. On my previous albums, I was singing completely as myself, which is why I think I got so burnt out from touring.”

Last album, Albertine, Fraser says was inspired by “incredibly significant events and people and every time I’d sing I’d go back to that moment where my heart was ripped open. So singing such heavy songs nearly every night for three years took a toll … On Flags, it’s still me speaking, but it’s me speaking the voices of different characters and their stories. It’s more survivable.”

A new character is woven into each of Fraser’s 11 songs while her angelic voice captivates on all. “Orphans, Kingdoms” impresses with a steadfast drumbeat underneath her slower singing style while “Ice on Her Lashes,” a beautiful ballad, introduces soaring string features for the first time.

Continuously showcasing her versatility, on “Jack Kerouac” soulful electric guitar accompanies the Caribbean folk influenced track while moving ballad “Sailboats” displays Fraser’s more serious side. With a release this strong, Americans can expect to hear much more from the New Zealand native.

Watch Brooke’s video for “Something In the Water” below and be sure to visit her Web site to download “May Waltz.”

With 11 tracks of infectious falsetto and defined soul, Matt White impresses on sophomore release, It’s the Good Crazy. From the very first track, “And the Beat Goes On” White manages to capture the listener’s undivided attention with his powerful singing, piano playing and whistling. The versatility between each song on the LP electrifies as it’s nearly impossible to predict what will come next.

Catchy songs like first single, “Falling In Love (With My Best Friend)” are instantly likable and easy to picture heard on Top 40 radio while the sexy “She’s On Fire” offers surprising diversity with a seductive beat matched well with White’s deep vocals.

The slower “Taking On Water” follows “She’s On Fire” and embodies lyrics that are bound to make every girl’s heart swoon. “It’s your eyes that keep me hanging around/Make me drive all night to get to your house,” he sings over light percussion and acoustic guitar accompaniment. 

While White demonstrates his ability to be more serious on a number of ballads throughout his LP, it’s on more playful tracks like the 70s influenced “Teacher Teacher” that showcase his talent best. Alternating between slower singing and belting the chorus, his transformation is impeccable. “Off My Wall” follows suit with higher vocals and slow groove building that is sure to bring even the shyest wallflower to the dance floor. 

Overall, a remarkably solid release, White makes a name for himself on It’s the Good Crazy. In an industry of predictability, White remains to stand out from the crowd.

For more on Matt White, be sure to visit MySpace and to learn about the stories behind his songs, read a recent interview with him on The Huffington Post. Watch him perform latest single, “Falling In Love” below.

Matt White performs “Falling in Love” at Joe’s Tavern, Sept 2010 from Julia Allison on Vimeo.

With soulful vocals, June Shellene impresses on latest release, Wait ‘Til Midnight Ends. No newcomer to the music scene, first album The Lost Art of Love, won two achievement awards from Billboard Magazine. Additionally, her songs have been covered by numerous artists, including jazz musicians and Broadway acts. A powerful vocalist, Shellene satisfies the listener as she blends jazz, blues and soul on Wait ‘Til Midnight Ends. 

Self-produced with bassist Jim Cox, the 13-track album combines delicate piano, fitting percussion and soulful saxophone features throughout. Despite the talented musical accompaniment, it is Shellene’s powerful vocals that leave the greatest impact. Her singing style blends well with the music, soaring at the perfect moment and fading to a whisper when she sees fit. Whether she’s singing about things she wishes life would present her on “Not Good Enough Blues” or belting out her emotions in between horn features on “We Won’t Let It Bring Us Down,” Shellene’s talent is undeniable.

Wait ‘Til Midnight Ends begins with the six-minute long title track. A glimpse of what’s to come on the remaining 12 songs, Shellene’s voice accentuates the piano, bowed bass and percussion accompaniment. The seductive “Make a Little Time for Love,” brings to mind Rosemary Clooney’s infamous “Mambo Italiano.” With upbeat percussion and a telling European vibe that transports the listener back in time, it is a song easily enjoyed on repeat. The standout track combines accordion, bass and percussion alongside Shellene’s pitch-perfect singing.

Though the piano is the chief instrument heard on most of the album, additional saxophone and horn interludes add diversity. “Lincoln Avenue” showcases Shellene’s sultry singing style combined with soulful saxophone while “We Won’t Let It Bring Us Down” switches gears with a slow story-like introduction with trumpet and clarinet features.

“Tattoo” is a refreshing change from previous songs. Not a complete escape from her roots, the track showcases a rustic country vibe. While previous songs could easily be envisioned in a jazz club, “Tattoo” has a telling southern influence that brings to mind soul music championed in Memphis.

A voice beyond compare, Shellene’s latest release embodies a timeless quality that brings to mind numerous jazz greats before her. An album that no doubt will stand the test of time, Wait ‘Til Midnight Ends, demonstrates her prowess as a singer and pianist. Continuously evoking emotion throughout each track, one can hear her passion for music on each song and only wonder at the power her next album will evoke.

For more on June, visit her on ReverbNation.