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UMC20: What’s Up with Spotify? (Mar. 8, 2022)

Posted on March 8, 2022 by Gerard Longo Leave a comment

First, a PSA: if you released music to Spotify within the past week, check to see if it’s online. There were some tracks we planned to include on this week’s UMC20 that, for some reason, have gone dark over there.

Anyway, the good news is that there’s always plenty of fire in the music ecosystem to fill out a UMC20. We found plenty of it in the submission form and numerous inboxes, and we’re excited to present it to you today. Let’s go!

Listen to UMC20

UMC Fun -N- Games: Jenga with Amanda Raye

Posted on March 17, 2021 by Gerard Longo Leave a comment

St. Louis native Amanda Raye joins Michelle and Jenna for this female-powered edition of UMC Fun -N- Games! Together, they play Jenga and discuss a variety of topics, including music and motherhood.

Stick around, and you’ll hear two live, in-studio performances, including Amanda’s recent single, “Girl on the Side.”

Watch it Live! (6 p.m. CT)

Review: Alex Radus – Jewels & Tinware

Posted on April 27, 2016 by Gerard Longo Leave a comment

Artist: Alex Radus
Album: Jewels & Tinware (LISTEN)
Released: 2014
Genre: Variable

Alex Radus is a versatile artist, capable of writing and playing across styles that range from modern jazz-pop to old-time country folksongs. He does this on his latest album, “Jewels & Tinware,” with an obvious knowledge of and respect for the history of modern music.

Most of “Jewels and Tinware” relies on expert guitar work to set the mood for each song. It is perhaps at is best and most beautifully intricate on “We Can’t Play Like Django,” an ode to the guitar superpowers of Django Rinehardt that features the stylings of featured artist Dave Cahill. Alex is no slouch, either – album closer “Disorganized Religion” is a fast-paced acoustic joyride that couples the artist’s smooth, multi-genre vocal punch with modern country rhythms.

Alex’s blues and jazz sensibilities are clear on “Jewels & Tinware,” with funky album opener “Genius” showcasing his vocal abilities right off the bat. A bit later on “Someday,” Alex slows things down while keeping things super-smooth in this romantic ode to anticipation.

Alex expands his horizons on “Jewels & Tinware,” and the chances he takes pay off. One example as the tastefully-done “Shoveling Stone,” an old-time country folksong right down to its lo-fi production, minimalist instrumentation and vocal harmonies. Also intriguing is the captivating story behind “Soldier of the Devil,” a rugged folk-country song that tells the tale of a World War II soldier who can’t turn back from his deeds.

If you appreciate versatility and a taste of history with your music, you’ll appreciate Alex Radus’ “Jewels & Tinware.” You’d be hard-pressed to argue that the album doesn’t contain a little something for everyone.

Track listing