Shake Some Action “White Lies and Bloodshot Eyes”
James Hall has put together a collection of B-sides, demos and tracks that never quite made it on previous albums. The quality work here proves that many of these really deserved release. “One Way Ticket” is a first class single with equal helpings of The Kinks and The Jam. Surprisingly these songs hold together as an album quite nicely. “Wherever You Are Tonight” and “Get It Together” are solid rockers with the latter track’s organ leading the way. “I Get Tongue Tied” is about shyness and the lovely harmonies here make it a gem. Some songs seem to have the elements of greatness (“Let Me In”) but don’t quite click. Included is a terrific cover of The Velvet’s “WhiteLight/White Heat.” Easy to recommend to your play list.

John Amadon “Seven Stars”
Portland Oregon singer-songwriter John Amadon has a sweet folk acoustic rock sound, like Elliot Smith jamming with Neil Young. “Empty Fiction” opens with John’s earnest vocals and clean guitar strumming. Highlights here include the brilliant “All Patched Up” with its simple acoustic start and growing electric riff to a brilliantly layered chorus. The echoing keys on “Bitter Prayers” and steady rhythm make the soft vocals all the more poignant, and it’s really moving.

The album gets a little peppier the further in you go, with nice gems in “Tired Man Spinning” and “Palace of Ruin.” Then it settles in with the slow moving title track, and the slower ending on “Knocking Down Doors,” with a touch of alt. country along the lines of Buffalo Springfield. A really good album, and very much worthy of your attention.