Sam Dickinson • The Stories That Occurred

Well, chalk up another one for J.D. Doyle. He posted about an out an proud musician from the UK on his Queer Music Heritage site, and when I asked about him, he spoke so glowingly, I got excited. So I went to iTunes, and pre-ordered his new CD, and then got to wait. When I finally had notice that Sam Dickinson's album 'The Stories That Occurred' was available to download, I couldn't wait, and gave a listen right away. Suffice it to say the album surpassed my already high expectations, and I have a new British boyfriend. And a handsome one, at that! At least I should, as much as I listen to him singing now. He has a great sound, harkening back to the soul music of the 1960s and 1970s, with some sexy brass sections adding some depth. But Dickinson's voice is so crisp and true, and never rests on retro-sounds, keeping the feel of the vocals very fresh and new.

So 'The Stories That Occurred' was released July 22, 2013, and I have been loving it since. There is such joy, such exuberance in the music, I swear, even as I sit alone and listen, I soon find myself pumping my fist to the beat, and singing alone with Dickinson. It happens from the start, on "How It Used to Be". There is a wonderful energy, and much of it is channeled into Dickinson's bold vocals, which could power all of England! The soulful sound, inspired more by Otis Redding than anyone else, wraps your ears in warm comfort, getting you ready to dance. In fact, if Redding and Lulu had a musical child, his name would be Sam Dickinson. The next track, "Away From Me" doesn't offer a break from the energy and joy. Dickinson's high-octane performance continues on "Learn to Wait", an early favorite of mine. It also happens to be the first music video, so get ready for the power that his Sam Dickinson.

So now you get it, right? On "When You Left Me", the Rock 'N Roll influence is loud and clear, and is a wonderful fit with Dickinson's voice. How he manages to combine the power and hurt is beyond me, but I have to admit I love it so much. And the last 30 seconds of the song gives me goosebumps. That is followed by the first ballad of the collection, the beautiful "Mistake Again". There is a wonderful softness to Dickinson's vocals in the verse, allowing us in to his heart. I hope you enjoy this live acoustic version of "Mistake Again" I found on his SoundCloud page.

While we have turned down the lights, Dickinson offers up another ballad, the ethereal "A Million Miles". There is a real element of the modern day torch song here, even though Dickinson imbues the song with a bold defiance while talking about the power in "one small kiss". On the next track, I swear that Sam found his inner Gloria Gaynor, for the bold bravado of "Don't Come Running Back" soars with a clenched fist punching at the air. Soon were are being greeted by "I've Gone, I've Quit", another track filled with chest-thumping warnings of a broken heart. On "Lift Your Head", there is a true melancholy that is palpable. The honesty in the hurt here is something special. From the first few seconds of "Our Day", I new this was another stunning ballad. For a treat, check out this live version of "Our Day" recorded at Hoochie Coochie in Sam's hometown of Newcastle Upon Tyne, the home of hard Funk, solid Soul and cool Jazz.

There is a wonderful vulnerability to this, and so many of the songs on the album. There is not a single track I don't love on this album. The only problem I see is that the Newcastle boy won't be playing in my area anytime soon. I can't imagine what a great night it must be to see this man performing live. But luckily, I have this album, brimming with Rock, Soul, and love that keeps me playing it again and again. You can purchase 'The Stories That Occurred' from iTunes, Amazon, and other online music stores. To learn more about Sam Dickinson, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.

K Anderson • The Overthinker

Don't be fooled by the picture above, for it proves that like some other things, plenty of yummy items can come in brown paper wrapping. And I learned that only recently, when I happened across a new talent who blows me away. And, oddly enough, I discovered it two years almost to the date of the release, showing I am not nearly as on top of things as I was hoping I was. But enough about me and my shortcomings. What I had managed to do was to happen across the music of this London-based singer/songwriter, and it was most certainly my lucky day. I was so infatuated by the album, The Overthinker, I went right back to the store to purchase his equally delightful EP, Foxes. And I learned of K. Anderson's preoccupation with the animal, which includes wearing a furry costume. In which he looked pretty damn good, I might add...

The first cut off The Overthinker is "This Changes Everything", a bluesy rocker that had me drooling ever more than the pictures of the sexy Brit. His throaty growl was perfectly showcased, showing K can bring it on with a soft touch, or turn up the volume and apply for the role as my next ex-boyfriend. Or any other position he would agree to...

The album has a certain charm, filled with a delightful mix of honesty, humor, plenty of rock. I was particularly fond of "Bulletproof Kids", "Shrug", "Foxes" and the delicious "Boys In Pearls". Really, I can't recommend this album any higher. If you would like to learn more about K Anderson, visit his official website. You can also 'follow' him on Twitter and 'like' him on Facebook. You can purchase The Overthinker on iTunes and Amazon. And while I so very excited about this new addition to my collection, I was even more excited when I heard from the artist himself, telling me new music would be coming soon. It is in moments like this when I think there just might be a God, and he has great taste in music. And men...

Matt Fishel - Football Song

I don't know if I have the words that could adequately describe my love for this song and video. When I ran across it on his MySpace page - yes, I still go on MySpace - I instantly fell in love with it, and with Matt Fishel. When I saw the video, I swear I almost peed my pants. Literally. So I searched around and purchased what I could, including the Coming Out EP, which is a prized possession. I have to say, Matt has made much good music, but in this, he hit perfection. So here is Football Song. It is about to be released as a single, I hope all who can afford it will do so as soon as they can.



To give a listen to more great music from Matt Fishel, visit his MySpace page here.