We asked WFPK-FM on-air host Laura Shine, who’s also the point person for locally submitted music the station receives, to name her top five area-produced CD choices for 2006. Here’s what she had to say:
"We get so much great music that is locally produced; my biggest challenge is weeding through it all, deciding what should go on-air and what should not. These decisions are based on production quality (will it sound good next to major-label studio releases?), songwriting, musicianship quality (which needs to be way above average) and whether or not it fits our alternative format, which includes most genres of music except hardcore rap, heavy metal and classical. My top five picks answer all of these questions with a resounding ‘YES!’"
1. Louisville Is For Lovers 2006, by various Louisville bands. Genres: Mostly original indie rock, folk and electronica.
"This compilation is the newest in a series put out annually by John King, who recruits the best of Louisville’s independent bands to grace it with their songs. From Cabin to Scott Carney to Bonnie "Prince Billy" a.k.a. Will Oldham, and several others, there’s not a bad song on it."
2. Sound From the Ground, by Your Black Star. Genre: All-original indie rock.
"The best alternative indie rock to come out of Louisville in years. It’s edgy yet melodic hard-driving pop expertly produced by Kevin Ratterman."
3. Basic Needs, by Leigh Ann Yost. Genre: Mostly original folk-rock.
"You’d never know Leigh Ann sells mortgages for a living and does music on the side. It should be the other
way around! Her voice is clear and strong and her songwriting is as good as it gets, with great storytelling and vivid imagery."
4. Tyrone Cotton, by Tyrone Cotton. Genre: Acoustic blues/folk originals.
"Soulful like Otis Redding, with tinges of Bob Dylan, Cotton is someone to watch as one of Louisville’s
best up-and-coming songwriters."
5. Fegenbush Farm, by Johnny Berry & The Outliers. Genre: Honky-tonk/original country.
"Johnny Berry has the voice of Johnny Cash and George Jones combined — a deep, rich baritone on top of clever and heartfelt original honky-tonk songs you won’t be able to get out of your head for days."
