I'm on a bit of a love affair with Cincinnati, Ohio's own Heartless Bastards.  Since hearing them for the first time on their excellent The Mountain album, I have not only sought out their previous releases (All This Time, and Stairs and Elevators), but I have played all three relentlessly.  Why?  Well, I love 'em.

Here's an argument.  If this band had arrived back in the late '70s, or into the '80s (not an impossible thought as their music could have fit), they would likely be spoken of in well deserved reverential terms.  On all of their albums, they have assembled quality tunes throughout.

Primarily led by Erika Wennerstrom, whose powerful and distinctive voice has given this band all of the appeal that The Pretenders had.  Led by a woman who showcases not only a strong and memorable voice, but also a gift for song-writing.  And while I've not seen Heartless Bastards live, the general critique is favorable.

So what am I on about now?  Simply this, if a band like The Pretenders can gain everlasting recognition and extended adoration, why doesn't a band like Heartless Bastards not gain such adoration?  By now, this band should be on many music lovers' tongues and on many lists as being part of the best of the decade, 2000 - 2009.

I understand that we're so musically diluted these days that a band like Heartless Bastards just cannot capture the public's attention as well as they might have some decades earlier.  But cream is supposed to rise to the top.  It's a rule, a kind of guarantee.  After three superior albums, the press should be thunderous with praise.  And it is within certain circles; just not as widespread as it should be.

I not only speak for Heartless Bastards but also for the small collection of bands that are worthy of public attention.  I'm aware that this is a different time.  But then I'm reminded that there is Lady GaGa who has the attention of the press.  That a Mariah Carey can sell lots of records.  That American Idols can capture public attention but musically talented artists like Heartless Bastards must lanquish because there's not a lot of press like there would have been several decades ago.

Here's my plug.  Heartless Bastards (although an unfriendly name) has all the goods that a listen to any and all of their three excellent studio works will showcase, and showcase well.  I don't say that 100% of those reading these words will be overwhelmed with what they seek out.  Music is a personal thing and some will like it, others not.  But if I can get even 100 more fans on the wagon, that's quite enough potential word of mouth to give the band an extra boost.  They well deserve it.

Yes, it's a plug.  But it's a plug from my heart.  I love this band like they're water in a waterless place.

Heartless Bastards Website

Douglas Bice provides a review of the 2009 Jazz release of Quartet Live by Gary Burton / Pat Metheny / Steve Swallow / Antonio Sanchez. We hope that you enjoy it. I've reviewed the reissued 2DVD set of Free Forever, a necessary collection of important Free footage that is too hard to miss.

We'll see you on Friday!

I want to alert TAP readers to the fact that I have finally put together a FaceBook fan page that you can access and join by clicking on the badge below.  What this offers is the exact same thing as my Twitter feeds provide and that is first buzz on upcoming releases and free offered downloads, many announcements  that beat our main post, sometimes by days.  We also provide a Google BUZZ page that expands on most of the Twitter/FB feeds. On Buzz, you can even hear the music stream if a stream is offered.  There are still things that I'm working on in the FB page, like calender notes as well as links to great sites like The Second Disc.  I invite you to join us at our FB page and bookmark it.  Visit it daily and you'll be rewarded with much news and info.  Of course, you'll still want to come to the main MusicTAP page for our noisy commentaries.  Remember, with our Twitter feeds, you can elect to receive the news bursts as text on your mobile phone keeping you effortlessly up to date with stuff.  Lots of choices.  Find one, or two, that fits.

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Warner Brothers has added a new Devo LP and CD reissue to the calendar that already promises Duty Now for the Future (1979) (LP/CD). Releasing later on May 11 (Duty arrives on April 17), New Traditionalists (1981) will see CD and colored vinyl LP reissue for fans.

Warner Brothers is releasing a Flaming Lips CD title (actually, The Flaming Lips and Stardeath and White Dwarfs with Henry Rollins and Peaches Doing Dark Side of the Moon). This adventurous experiment is slated for release on May 4.

Saguaro Road Records will release a new Bo Bice title, 3, on May 18.

Reprise Records will release an R&B title from Charice on May 11. The album will be self-titled.

Hear Music has a new Elvis Costello title on the horizon, scheduling September 7 as a potential release date for the album.

Wind Up Records will release a S/T album for Civil Twilight, scheduling the CD for April 6.

Zomba Records will release Fever by Bullet For My Valentine in both standard CD issue and a Hot Topic exclusive version, both scheduled for April 27. I love the cover!

Grovesnor (Hot Chip) will release his debut solo effort, Soft Return, on May 25 via Lo Recordings. You can enjoy a single "Taxi From The Airport," off the album for free by downloading or streaming.

Mute Records will release a 2CD album by Moby called Wait For Me - The Remixes!, which is planned for May 4.

And for Wishbone Ash fans, MCA Japan will release a 26-track collection of Wishbone Ash songs called Rock 'n' Roll Widowers: The MCA Anthology planned for May 19.