Last Record/CD Riot of 2009!

This Sunday, November 8th, the Cromwell Record/CD Riot! makes it's final showing of 2009. This might be your last chance to pick-up some rare vinyl or some cheap CDs, DVDs, T-shirts and more to keep you busy this winter. The Crowne Plaza in Cromwell, off exit 21 from I-91, and will be packed with vendors selling away their goods to make room for next year. The doors open at 9:30 am and admission is only $3, but if you're an early bird, $10 will get you in the door at 8 am to be the first to grab those deals. Don't forget, Christmas is right around the corner and this might be a good chance to get an early jump on some Christmas presents for that special someone or even for yourself. Also, sign up to the mailing list to receive admission discounts and updates on upcoming shows for 2010.

CD Review: Alan Cohen's "Peace" Train

Alan Cohen is not new to the music scene having been involved for over a decade, but his political lyrics have raised the eyebrows of many in the industry. The video for his single "Elephant" became a You Tube hit and he was also featured on CNN's "The Week In Politics" for his video "The Obama Groove". Alan Cohen writes and records on the spur of the moment, but it is when he records his EPs as the Alan Cohen Experience that his talents really shine through.

The Alan Cohen Experience's latest release is a 6-song EP entitled "Eat The Peace". The first two tracks "Rock Biter" and "Train God" show off Alan Cohen's harder rock side. Alan stresses his feelings to the point of almost shouting the lyrics and the pounding drums provided by Genji Siraisi give these song their edge. "Ranger Stranger" runs along the same vein as Van Morrison's "Moondance". The jazzy feel of this song and backup vocals of Catherine Pierce provide a fuller sound to many of the EP's songs. "Jester" keeps the pace of the album going, but seems to miss any potential the lyrics may have provided. The song "Peace" is what the EP was based on as Alan stresses his ideas about peace. The alternative country ballad "Truck Driver" shows off Alan's song-writing skills describing his experiences on the road as he saved his best for last.

Alan's song-writing and use of musical sounds improves with each release this being his third EP in three years. This newest EP will be released on November 3 and is available on his website www.alancohenexperience.com. Alan is also on a tour of New England, visit his website for more information.

CD Review: Singer/Songwriter Katie Pearlman Gives Us "This"

Fellow New Englander Katie Pearlman released her new album “We Make This” on November 1st. The songs on this new album have a very airy groove with a vocal style compared to Joss Stone. Her songwriting skills really shine through on the tracks “We Make This” and “Looking For Something“. Katie shows her vocal range with the soothing power ballad “I’ll Be Waiting” and the bluesy “Whenever You Need”. The simplicity of the lyrics of “I Feel “ work to Katie's advantage producing the album’s radio friendly pop song. The electric guitar of Joe Cesare and husband Jeff Pearlman’s keyboards gives the song “You Wrong” a southern rock vibe. The seven minute album closer “Dreaming With You” is a wonderful collaboration between the band and Katie’s singing. A song that can definitely be expanded on when performed live.

“We Make This” is great album for the autumn season, with its flowing lyrics and mellow bluesy sound. Katie Pearlman will be making appearances throughout New England. Visit Katie’s website www.katiepearlman.com for information on shows and music.

CD Review: The Greening Goes "Electric"

New band, The Greening, are introducing their more mature song-writing skills on a brand-new EP, "(She's So) Electric". While the band prepares their new album for early next year, some new songs have been posted on their myspace page to give fans a direction of the band's latest album.

The Greening's new EP entitled "(She's So) Electric" is full of hook driven lyrics with a modern flair to their sound. The hardest rocker on the EP is the title song, which has a sound similar to David Bowie's Tin Machine. The rest of the EP flows with mix of acoustic guitars and keyboards. "Sunday Afternoon" has a chorus that is repeated to the point of no end. It isn't the strongest song lyrically, but the sound is pleasantly enjoyable. "Belong With Me" has some vocal harmonizing similar to the Beach Boys experimental era with a sound that flashes back to the late 60's/early 70's. "Today, Tomorrow" has a mellow vibe that showcases another side of the band's sound.

Please visit the band's myspace page, www.myspace.com/thegreening, for more information about this new EP and their upcoming album.

Bon Jovi Coming Back To Connecticut

After a short venture into the world of country music, Bon Jovi will be releasing their "return to rock" album, "The Circle" on November 10. The band will also pay a visit to the Mohegan Sun Arena on March 26 & 27, 2010. Fan club members will get the first crack at tickets for these upcoming shows before the public gets their chance. No date has been announced as to when these tickets will go on sale.

Bon Jovi will also be the first band to perform at the brand-new Meadowlands Arena in May 2010. Last month saw Bruce Springsteen close the old Meadowlands Arena with one of his final performances of his world tour. The band's current single "We Weren't Born To Follow" entered the singles charts at #90 and is the fastest rising single in the band's history. Also, this past weekend the Bon Jovi documentary "When We Were Beautiful" premiered on Showtime. The documentary will be included in the Special Edition CD/DVD versions of the band's new album.