The Editorials

MP3.com Artists

Written by Jeff Krasky

The summer is usually a very dry time for album releases. All of the record labels like to sit back and wait for the holidays to come around before letting music by the major names hit the shelves. This can make for some really dull times for self-declared music addicts all over the world.

I also look at this time of the year as an opportunity to sample music from independent artists. For this editorial we’re going to take a look at two releases that were submitted to us by MP3.com artists.

The Internet has helped give artists a voice. They can distribute music practically free of cost and there are millions of people out there surfing. Major music portals like MP3.com contain thousands of songs that are free for downloading. This is wonderful but like any “free” source there tends to be just as much bad material as there is good. After listening to the two review samples we have it’s safe to say we have one of each.

Brandi Lynn Howard Only In A Picture
Copyright 1999 Spotlight Records

Brandi Lynn Howard is another addition to the ever-expanding “young artist” movement. With her debut album Only In A Picture Howard makes a statement. That statement is that she simply isn’t ready yet.

As she gets older Howard’s voice is sure to mature and smooth out. As it stands her high-pitched vocal performances are grating. This problem is amplified by the fact that the songs found here just aren’t a whole lot to write home about. Even the production is almost none existent and adds nothing to the record.

From the start of “Baby Please” to the laughable attempt at remaking Shania Twain’s “Black Eyes, Blue Tears” there just isn’t a lot to keep your interest.

However you can’t take anything away from Howard. She’s out there experimenting with her music, her songwriting and her vocal style. When she gets the combination right she’ll be someone to look out for. She’s got time.

Paula James Sweet Country Love
Copyright 1998 Paula James

Paula James has a refreshing country sound. Her deep pure country vocals are a nice change from the strong pop influence that fills most of the country music industry today. This aspect alone makes this an enjoyable listen.

You’ll instantly feel whisked away to some roadside honky-tonk something that no release since Danni Leigh’s Decca Records debut has done. This album might lack some studio polish that would have put it over the top it’s one of the better releases I’ve heard on mp3.com.

From “Sweet Country Love” to “Just Another Day” the album covers the realm of traditional flavored country music well. James husky sounding voice might remind you slightly of Tanya Tucker.

Sweet Country Love is one of the better albums I’ve heard on mp3.com and is worth your time and your money. I recommend going and downloading a couple of tracks for yourself right now!

In closing, the independent music scene is exploding thanks to the Internet. The free and access to large amounts of fans makes the Internet an artists dream come true. As a listener this has its benefits and its disadvantaged. There is no quality control in place so there is a lot of sub par material out there. But there are also some hidden gems. If you’ve got the time to sort through it all you might just find some exceptional stuff.

In our quest to provide the best music coverage on the Internet we are planning to offer more in depth coverage of mp3.com artists in the future.

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