Post by jptheprofessor on Jun 1, 2008 22:30:42 GMT -5
JUSTMEGAN – I GET WHAT I WANT (no label) JustMegan is the band project and creative vehicle for Punxsutawney-based singer, songwriter and guitarist Megan Carlson. JustMegan’s second CD, I Get What I Want, picks up where the 2006 debut Blue Avenue left off, as Megan stretches out and broadens her musical scope. She sounds more confident and expressive as a singer; exuding a sultry coyness on the upbeat title track and album-opener “I Get What I Want,” displaying bite and rancor on the charging disco-beat rocker “No Places to Run,” and sounding purposeful and determined on the hard-driving “This Town.” JustMegan’s musical vocabulary expands as well, showing a southern boogie and honky-tonk flavor on “Barefoot Blues,” a tropical island flair on “Color of the Breeze,” a vintage Patsy Cline country-blues style on “Don’t Go Away,” and a psychedelic blues-rock sound on “You Will.” Although the musical flavors vary throughout the album, JustMegan’s arrangements are more consistent and steadier as a whole, and the set flows along more smoothly than the debut. The performances from Megan and her band are spirited and loose, giving the songs a casual feel. Recorded in the group’s own studio, I Get What I Want sounds cleaner and fuller overall, with the instrumental elements coming through clearly. The mix could use more balance in a few spots, as the guitar and organ sometimes overpower the sound and Megan’s voice could be beefed up on “Barefoot Blues.” But these minor flaws aside, JustMegan displays musical growth and maturity on I Get What I Want, a stronger and more confident set from an artist who is clearly enjoying the ride on this musical adventure so far. (The CD can be purchased through JustMegan's website, www.justmegan.net.)