Login for FavoritesSterling Witt - Sterling Loves U
Tweet
Album Details
- Artist: Sterling Witt
- Album: Sterling Loves U
- Label: Grand River Records
- Year of Release: 2013
- ME Rating:
- Reviewed by: rockthusiast on 2013-03-16
RecommendThe first thing you see when you visit Sterling Witt's official web site is a quote about how the self-described artist from Missouri is "a man who plays his guitar upside-down and backwards...sounds difficult, but it's also beautiful." I'd say it's more eclectic than anything, but it was intriguing enough for me to check out his 12-track Sterling Loves U effort, released late last year with Grand River Records. Don't let the wannabe gangster album cover fool you - While you probably won't find it at Walmart anytime soon because of a few objectionable lyrics, this is no street tough hip-hop. No siree Bob, this is right in the Americana/alternative folk wheelhouse.
Witt's unhurried and methodical delivery harkens me back to troubadours like Jonathan Richman and the sing-song style he popularized as the strumming narrator in There's Something About Mary. He has a deep and at times booming voice that is reminiscent of Alex Kapranos from Franz Ferdinand. Oh, and he even looks a little like another millennial musician, Ty Segall. Pardon the pun, but while Witt's material is "rooted" in folksiness, he's not unlike Segall or the aforementioned Richman in that he has quite a bit of punk in him. Case in point is his very loose cover of "You Are My Sunshine". Actually, I dare you to resist the urge to slam-dance to some of the faster cuts on Sterling Loves U such as "You're the One V2". When I listen to Witt's songs, I can't help but imagine the band many would argue are the pioneers of folk colliding with punk, that being Violent Femmes. I wonder if Witt has thought of making the pilgrimage to this year's Coachella Festival, where Violent Femmes will reunite for the first time in over five years.
Then again, if Witt keeps making quirky cool music like this, it won't be long before HE'S the one drawing big crowds. The album title again is Sterling Loves U, and to prove his appreciation (and solicit interest), you can sample it for free at http://sterlingwitt.bandcamp.com/album/sterling-loves-u.
User Reviews and Comments
Log In or Register to Rate AlbumsTell us why this album is great or sucks ass, or correct the reviewer. If you write enough quality reviews you may find yourself on the editorial staff.
Reviews have to be over 100 words, shorter ones are classed as comments.
Log In or Register to Rate AlbumsReview:
on 2013-02-26 Michael_Morrison Said:
to their fans. This goes above the typical attributes like raw talent, amazing songs, nice voice, or even a very marketable look, sound and image. There's something truly infectious at the core of these artists that simply makes us feel good when we listen to them. Whatever "it" is - they all seem to have "it".
Today I listened to the latest EP from Missouri based Sterling Witt who just released his latest CD entitled: "Sterling Loves You" in 2012. Venturing to his website I get the impression this is one artist that is extremely determined, dedicated and passionate about the songwriting craft. From start to finish this CD from Witt delivers the goods and is a very entertaining musical experience. It has a very warm and inviting Pop-Reggae-Rock quality to it, and even dabbles in what I can festive rock. It also reminds me of Sublime, The Urge, They Might Be Giants, Barenaked Ladies, Pennywise, and even Orion to Sugar Ray. Any fans of any of these musical styles or bands will enjoy this latest release from Witt. It's clearly marketed for those who like a male vocal front that will really remind you of Bradley Nowell (Sublime) sound. I get the impression Witt is letting it all hang out via this compelling 12 track line up. In other words he hits the mark remarkably well by just by being who he is musically. Favorite tracks include (Help Yourself), (Let ME Down) and (Every Single Second). The songwriting is impressive and digs a bit deeper than the next independent artist. Within each one of these pieces Witt bares his soul and delivers what I would call pure musical mojo. It offers much in the way of passion and compelling-thought provoking lyrical content. The playing from Witt and his drummer are spot on and just makes the whole CD even more enjoyable. The overall vibe of the production is very hooky and cheerful with pockets of raw truth shining through.
I see Sterling Witt as a real diamond in the rough, with an amazing amount of potential. As time goes by we will no doubt hear more from him. He is a multi million dollar record contract waiting to happen. I also wouldnt be surprised to hear him on Prime Time Radio someday or even in a featured in a major film or TV Series. In close most famous artists out there have "it" I'm not so sure what it but SterlinG Witt has whatever "it" may be.
Michael Morrison
West Lothian, Scotland (UK)
Rating: 10/10
