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I don’t normally review music, but I was so impressed with Radio Company Vol 1 that I thought I’d give it a try. Typically, my current music purchases are the one-offs that come across my music service or something I hear my kids listening to. Like so many, I jumped onboard with the technology that would let me buy one or two singles from a collection rather than all the songs that I knew I would never listen to. I haven’t bought an entire “album” since the 90’s, (remember CD’s?) but as I went through the list on my Amazon Prime selection, I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed.
Background
For a little background, Radio Company Vol 1, (Official Site) is a combined effort of Jensen Ackles (of the television series Supernatural fame) and Steve Carlson, an independent singer/songwriter and creator of the critically acclaimed rockumentary; Different Town. Accompanying the pair were Chris Masterson, Bukka Allen, Warren Hood, and Brian Standefer. The collection was released in 2019 with Austin-based Arlyn Studios. In the time since its release, the music racked up a couple of awards worth a mention: #1 Worldwide Rock Album on iTunes and #1 Billboard Heatseekers Album for two weeks in a row.
Genre
Now, Amazon classifies the genre as Rock, and while there are certainly some upbeat songs that keep your toes tapping, I see this more of a variance of several rock influences. There are songs that are blues rock, southern rock, even jazz rock, so it covers a lot of tastes. Which type of blues/rock you associate it with is open for debate, and again, I’m not a music critic by a long shot. But growing up as a teenager and into my 20’s (and beyond), I listened to my fair share of notables like Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Gary More, B.B. King, and many others. This collection fits well with these other artists with upbeat tunes and soulful ballads. Just in my opinion, I find the vocals and guitars, along with the background keyboards and harmonies to be reminiscent of a huskier Allman Brothers.
Songs Sampler/Review
The official site didn’t list samples or track downloads, so I’ve linked to Amazon Music if you want to hear a sample or buy, just click the image. You can follow this link to go to their site for merchandise. (The 55 Lifestyle is NOT affiliated to Radio Company.)
Drowning
Somewhat of a darker, heavier, and slower-paced selection, it focuses on interacting a prominent, echoed guitar with Ackles dominant vocals. Fused with a steady, rhythmic keyboard and back-up vocals, this one starts slow and dramatic, intensifying in strength but keeping a deliberate pace.
When I’m Down
Somewhere along the lines of a southern and blues rock tune, complete with soul-style back-up singers, When I’m Down has a great tempo with a serious rock vibe, a pair of distant-sounding electric guitars and a distinct drum beat.
Sounds of Someday
Grab a set of good headphones for this one to catch every note. This poignant track has a feature on an episode of Supernatural where a character meets a dark and untimely end. It’s fitting in the sense that the music is low and mournful; slow, theatrical, and totally mysterious. Ackles brings it home with his powerful vocals and range, and the pair of perfectly timed electric guitars define the melody early and clearly. But there’s something about the long, drawn-out keyboards paired with the crisp strings makes this song so compelling.
All Our Own
If I had to pick a favorite ballad in the collection, this would be it. Just IMO, a noticeable country influence here. Would be shocked if this didn’t get airtime on the country music scene. Keyboards and strings are central and throughout, a supporting piano, deep base line, an acoustic guitar strumming a continuous melody, the accompanying electric that adds short, precise riffs, and Jenson’s smooth crooning make for a grab-your-partner-slow-dancing kind of song.
Off My Mind
Hands down my favorite in the entire set. I love songs that swell from a subdued start and release into a mix of instruments and singers. Steve Carlson provides the vocals (and lead guitar, I believe) with Ackles providing back up. The lyrics unfold in the first half of the song, with a killer refrain: “How do I get you off my mind…with you back in my bed? How do I get you off my mind…can’t have you living in my head.” The first time I heard this song, I thought it was just a laid-back acoustical. But as the first guitar solo drives the slower melody into an intense pitch, Carslon and Ackles heatedly exchange the refrain once again before the song unfolds into a blend of guitar, deep bass, rolling drums, and back-up singers. This one will have you wearing out your Repeat button.
Final Thoughts
You won’t be disappointed with this collection. The music is well-written, well-produced, and certainly is enjoyable. I understand the band is working on another release (Vol. 2) and we look forward to hearing it. Wouldn’t mind seeing Radio Company live, but there are no tour dates listed yet. We’ll update this blog if that changes.
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All the best and rock on ~ Glen.