Grace Hotel- Staff Picks
   
   


Grace Hotel

Staff Picks

The writers here at Grace Hotel are music fanatics, who
want to turn you onto some awesome music. That you might
never had heard if it wasn't for us. Here are a few of our
favorite albums, that we recommend you checking out.

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Michael Knott

Rocket and a Bomb (1994)

This CD was my introduction to the strange world of Mike Knott.
basically an album of observations on the people he saw and met around his
Huntington Beach apartment complex. From the woman who may or may not be
cooking her husbands remains in her apartment, (Kitty) to the homeless junkie
mike is supposed to take to rehab (bubbles), we get a glimpse into his surroundings,
and it makes it all the more clear why he is the way he is. Surrounded by stripped
down arrangements with acoustic guitar, cello, and tasteful overdriven electric
guitar, this is a beautiful collection of songs, and is a must have for any Knott fan,
or really, and fan of great music. (oh, and it's rumored that one of the songs is about
a certain famous drummer/ producer...find a copy and judge for yourself).
~ Larry's pick 

Album Review

    

            
Shepherd
 Committing to Tape (2003)
 Northern Records

This is an underrated and overlooked album by one of today’s best songwriters. Of course, Ronnie Martin is best known for the analog synth work of Joy Electric. This side project (Shepherd) removes Ronnie from the quirky, fantasy-filled electronics of JE and allows him to write rock songs. But it’s impossible for Martin to record anything that is conventional. In many ways, Committing To Tape is his least conventional music to be released, and it almost never saw the light of day. After sitting for almost a year, Tooth & Nail decided against releasing the Shepherd project. Thankfully, Northern Records agreed to release this gem. Committing To Tape is simply a somber and mopping, minimal rock album. Dry guitars. Roland bass. Ronnie’s distinctive faux-British tenor. And an incredible showcase of drumming. Ronnie Martin, with a little help from Frank Lenz, is Shepherd…and he wants to make you cry without using lollipops or analogs.

For fans of: Joy Electric’s Unelectric. Pedro The Lion’s It’s Hard To Find A Friend.

~Garrett's pick

Album Review

    


      

  

 

 

 


Ester Drang
Goldenwest (2001)

This is a very atmospheric outing.  Every time I listen to it I take something new away from it.  Everyone of their albums are quite interesting.  Their isn't a bad song in the bunch. I am really looking forward to a new release.  Which should be sometime this year. This is a musical treasure that should really be discovered by more people.  If you are a fan of drone music and atmospheric stuff.  Then you should really check this one out.

~ Paul's pick

Album Review

    

            
All Things Bright and Beautiful
 Love & Affection (2003)
 Northern Records

Love and Affection, is the solo project of Lee Bozeman of Luxury . Lee leaves behind the alternative traditional rock of Luxury.  And shoots for more of a piano acoustic rock outing, with a touch of electric guitar.  The music on this album is very beautiful and honest.  From the very start this album will grab you and not let you go.  The music is very unique and different, something I always look for in cd.  This is an important meaningful album that I think everyone could take something good away from it.

~ editor's pick

Album Review

    

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Fray
The Reason Ep (2003)

These guys were just recently signed to Epic Records.  They are in the studio as I write this recording the follow up to this record.   These guys have boatloads of talent.  It will be interesting to see how far it will carry them.  Fans of Coldplay will love this one.  I'm sure the band is tired of all the references to Coldplay....sorry guys.  I would much rather listen to The Fray any day over Coldplay  Keep your eyes open for these guys.  I expect big things to come for them in the future.

~ Anthony's pick

Album Review