Kent Kimes reviews of "9 Lions"

Friday, March 6, 2015 CD Review | "9 Lions" | Matt Parker and The Deacons I've been familiar with Myrtle Beach-area guitarist-singer-songwriter Matt Parker for roughly a decade, back to the days of his hard-rocking power trio Psychward, and wee morning hour renditions of him playing "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" standing on a high-top, and slinging his ax behind his back, and picking it with his teeth ala Hendrix. While Parker and his newer cohorts (The Deacons, aka bassist Rob Rotondo and drummer James Poindexter) are still a trio, the band is little bit mellower and more restrained on their spanking new independently released "9 Lions" consisting of seven original tracks composed by Parker. But that doesn't mean that "9 Lions" doesn't rock - it does - but it allows ample time to catch your breath. The disc jumps off in a power-pop direction with opening track "Alone With You," a rock solid number that bounces along with a catchy chorus and some rapid-fire lyrics that I still can't quite decipher despite repeated listening. But I gather it's about feeling alone in a relationship, and not the bliss of finally getting some one-on-one time with the object of affection. Yet it's catchy, and a funky musical break leading into Parker's tasty solo recalls the Psychward glory days. Bonus points for working the word "semantics" into the lyrics - how's that for literate rock 'n' roll? (Check out the video for "Alone With You" below.) I hate to keep waxing retro, but Parker and bandmates have explored various musical terrain since the Psychward moniker, including acoustic performances, and the last time I caught them live at Wahoo's Fish House in Murrells Inlet, it was a pop cover-heavy set including a take on Pharrell Williams' "Happy." I mention this because despite that diversity, I still wasn't prepared for "9 Lions'" second track, "By Me" when it started with a beach music-like vocal intro of falsetto "oohs" and a fast walking shuffle guitar and bass riff. I listened to "9 Lions" three different ways while preparing for this review: on my truck's factory stereo (Delco, nothing special), on my laptop and then through my old-school Sansui home speakers. And it was during this latter listening that "By Me" clicked my Like-O-Meter and I found myself singing the chorus of "Lay it on down 'til you've got no more worry/Lay it down 'til you've got no more pain." It has considerably more muscle when you listen via quality audio vs. tinny computer speakers. The next two songs, "Subsided" and the mellow groove "In the Middle" (not to be confused with the Jimmy Eat World song with a similar name), at first blush seemed to be linked, perhaps consciously or perhaps unintentional, with a lyrical coupling that rhymes "dangerous" and "us" - in fact, I had to listen repeatedly to make sure "In the Middle" wasn't a slowed down, ballad version of "Subsided." It's not, but it's the superior track of the two and is a welcome change of pace. The record finishes off with "Nightmare," an uptempo rocker that at times recalls Fuel's "Shimmer," the hard-edged "Your Ways" sporting an "Achilles Last Stand"-like galloping riff, and raucous instrumental "Love Jam" that allows the band to show off its tremendous chops - and funky side. Recorded at Slinky Finger Studios in Charlotte, N.C., the production of "9 Lions" is crisp and clear without sounding over-produced. In sum, "9 Lions" showcases the tight musicianship of Parker, Rotondo and Poindexter (sounds like a law firm?) and is definitely worthy of listening/downloading/purchasing if you're a supporter of local music and appreciate original melodic rock with some pop and soul touches. "9 Lions" is available for download on iTunes or you can buy physical copies at the band's next local gig tonight (Friday) at Bubba's Love Shak in Murrells Inlet. For more info, go to www.MattParkerandtheDeacons.com. Posted by Kent Kimes at 9:27 AM

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9 Lions Album is here!

Please contact us or visit Cdbaby.com and search Matt Parker and the Deacons to purchase the new cd. It should be listed on iTunes and Amazon within the next week. Thanks.

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Cd is done

Our new CD "9 Lions" is done and on the way to us right now. Should be available for purchase on iTunes, Amazon and CDBaby anytime now and for sale at shows next weekend. Please contact us if you would like to reserve a copy. Thanks.

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Our new CD

Tracking is done. Now we look to have it mastered and get the art together. We would really like to have the new album out by February if not earlier.

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Updated song list

Matt Parker and the Deacons songlist Newly added Stevie Wonder-Sir Duke, Higher ground Simple Minds-Don't forget about me Ray Lamontagne-Hold you in my arms Tonic -If you could only see Goo Goo Dolls-Name Brian Adams -Summer of 69 Live -Pain lies by the riverside Guns and Roses-Mr Brownstone Justin Timberlake- Mirrors Maroon 5- Sunday Morning, She will be loved Eric Johnson-Cliffs of Dover SRV-Tightrope, Tom Petty- Running down a dream 7 Mary 3- Cumbersome Cracker-Low Hootie and the Blowfish-Only want to be with you Beatles- Come together Gin Blossoms-Hey jealousy STP- Plush, Interstate love song Led Zep- Rock and roll Black Crowes-Remedy Lumineers-Ho hey Bruno Mars-Treasure Avicii-wake me up Daft Punk-Up all night to get lucky Daughtry-waiting on superman

3 Doors down-Kryponite, Here without you, Be like that Aerosmith-Angel Al Green- Let’s stay together Allman Brothers-Melissa, Midnight rider, one way out, No one left to run with America-A horse with no name, Ventura Highway Amos Lee- Southern girl, Arms of a woman, seen it all before, Beach Boys- Fun fun fun, Don’t worry baby. Beatles – Blackbird, Come together, Love me do , day tripper Ben E King- Stand by me Bill Withers- Ain’t no sunshine, Use me Billy Joel- Piano Man, Uptown girl, Just the way you are Blackfoot- train train Blind faith- Can’t find my way home Blind melon-No rain Bob Dylan- All along the watchtower, Bob Marley-Jamming, One love, Stir it up No woman, Redemption song Bob Seeger- Turn the page, Old time rock n roll, against the wind Night moves, Mainstreet Bread- Make it with you Britney Spears- Toxic, I did it again Buddy Holly-Every day Carlos Santana- Smooth Carly Simon-You’re so vain Cat Stevens-Peace train, Wild world, CCR- Lodi, down on the corner, Proud Mary, ever seen the rain, Suzi Q, who will stop the rain Chris Isaak- Wicked games Collective soul- Run, Heavy, the world I know, Shine Commodores-Easy, sail on, Brick House Cracker- Low Cranberries-Zombie Culture club-Karma Chameleon Cure-Just like heaven , Love song Dan England-Id really love to see you, Nights are forever, Sad to belong, What’s forever for Dan Folgelberg- Longer, Same old Lang syne, Dave Matthews- Gravedigger, Ants Marching, What would you say David Bowie- Space oddity, Ziggy Stardust Deep blue something- Breakfast at Tiffanys Del Shannon-Runaway Dione Warwick- Say a little prayer Dishwalla- Blue cars Dobie Gray-Drift away Doobie Brothers- Black water, Listen to the music, China grove Doors- Rodehouse blues, la woman, People are strange, Light my fire Drifters-Under the Boardwalk Duncan Sheik- Barely breathing Duran Duran-Come undone, Hungry like the wolf, Ordinary world Dwight Yokam-1000 miles from nowhere, Little Sister Eagle eye Cherry- Save tonight Eagles-Desperado, Lyin eyes, take it easy, Take it to the limit, witchy woman, One of these nights Eddie Rabbit- Driving my life away, I love a rainy night Edwin McCain- I’ll be, I could not ask for more Elton John-Rocket man, Tiny dancer, Your song, Elvis- can’t help falling in love,Love me tender, Teddy Bear, Unchained Melody, Suspicious minds, Jailhouse Rock, Blue Christmas Erasure- a little respect Eric Clapton- Wonderful tonight, Change the world Eve six- Inside out Extreme- More than words Faith no more- Epic Fastball-Out of my mind, The way Firefall- Just remember I love you Fountains of Wayne- Stacy’s mom Fuel- Shimmer, Bad day Garth Brooks- Shameless Gavin Degraw- Belief, Chariot, Follow Thru, I don’t want to be, Just friends, Young love George Jones- Choices, he stopped loving her today George Straight- I cross my heart Gin Blossoms-Follow you down, Found out about you, Til I hear it from you Grand funk Railroad- Some kind of wonderful

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Updated song list

Summer Song- Satriani, Cliffs of Dover- Eric Johnson, /Eruption/Ain't talking bout love/ You really got me- Van Halen Green day- Basket Case, Boulevard of broken dreams, Good Riddance, When I come around, Wake me up when September ends Guns and Roses- Patience, Knocking on heavens door Hall and oates-Sarah smile Hootie and the Blowfish- Let her cry, Hold my hand, Only want to be with you, Time Incubus- Drive Jack Johnson-Flake, Sittin waitin wishin,Upside down Jackson Brown-Somebodys baby, Doctor my eyes, Stay Jamie, Robbie Robertson- the Weight James Blunt- You’re beautiful James Taylor- Fire and rain, Carolina in my mind, Handy man, How sweet it is Jeff Healey- Angel Eyes Jim Croce- I’ll have to say I love you, Operator Jimi Hendrix- Fire, Foxy lady, Purple haze, Red House, Angel Jimmy Buffett- Come Monday, A pirate looks at 40, Margaritaville Joe Cocker- You are so beautiful John Cougar- Pink Houses, John Denver- Country roads, Leaving on a Jet plane, Thank God I’m a country boy,I’m sorry John Lennon-Imagine, Watching the wheels Johnny Cash- Ring of fire, Folsom Prison blues Johnny Nash- I can see clearly now Jonathon Edward-Sunshine Journey- Any way you want it, faithfully, Lights,Lovin touchin squeezing, Oh Sherrie Keith Urban- Somebody like you,You’ll think of me, Whenever I run Kenny Loggins- Danny’s song Lee Greenwood- God bless the USA Lenny Kravitz-Again, Fly away, Stand by my woman, Can’t get you off of my mind Lifehouse- You and me, Hanging by a moment Lionel Richie-Hello, Stuck on you, truly Louis Armstrong- What a wonderful world Lynyrd Skynyrd- Sweet Home, Tuesdays gone, Simple man Marc Cohn- Walking in Memphis Marvin Gaye- What’s going on, Mercy me, Let’s get it on Matchbox Twenty- 3 am Unwell, If you’re gone Michael Jackson-Billie Jean, Human Nature, Smooth criminal Neil Young- Old Man, Needle and the damge done, Rockin in the free world Orleans-Dance with me Old Crowe Medicine show- Wagon wheel Outfield-Your love Paul Simon- Kodachrome, Bridge over troubled water Pink- Try Pink Floyd-Another Brick in the wall, Comfortably numb, wish you were here,Young lust,Hey you, on the turning away Poison- Every Rose, talk dirty to me, Something to believe in Police- Every breath you take, King of pain, Every little thing she does is magic Pretenders- Don’t get me wrong Prince- raspberry beret, Little Red corvette, Kiss, Purple rain Pure Prarie league- Amie REM- Losing my religion Radiohead- Creep, Righteous Brothers- Unchained Melody Robert palmer- Addicted to love Rolling Stones- Gimmie Shelter, Wild horses Roy Orbison- Crying Rusted root- send me on my way Seal- Kiss from a rose, Crazy Simon and Garfunkle- 50 ways to leave your lover,The boxer, sound of silence Siead Oconnor- Nothing compares to you Smokey Robinson-Ohh Baby baby, You really got a hold on me Soul asylum- Runaway train Spacehog- In the meantime Steelers Wheel- Stuck in the Middle Steve Earle- Copperhead road SRV- Lenny, Life by the drop, Pride n joy, Tightrope, Mary had a lamb Steve Miller Band- Joker, Take the money and run Steve Winwood- back in the High life Stevie Wonder- Higher ground, Superstition,Boogie on Reggae woman, I just called to say, My Cherie amor, Toby Keith- Weed with willie Tom Jones- It’s not unusual Tom Petty- Free fallin, American Girl, Breakdown, Into the great wide open, Mary Jane’s last dance Runnin down a dream, Stop draggin my heart around Train- Meet Virginia, Drops of Jupiter, calling all angels Tracy Chapman- Give me one reason Travis Tritt- Anymore, I’m gonna be somebody, Tell me I was dreaming Ub40-Red red wine Van Halen- Ice Cream Man, Ain’t talkin bout love Van Morrison- Brown eyed girl, Into the Mystic, Moondance Warrant- Heaven Willie Nelson- Always on my mind, Blue eyes crying in the rain Wilson Pickett- In the Midnight hour Zac Brown Band- Chicken fried, Toes

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Always adding new material!

Avicii/Aloe--Wake me up Bruno Mars--Treasure Daft Punk--Up all nite Daughtry--waiting on superman

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Everything is happening

Just a heads up to everyone who cares, we have a new album P3 "traveling light" that is getting amazing reviews from all directions. We are currently working on signing with a manager in New York/New Jersey area. We are on course to play the most shows ever in one year for us and we already have 12 new songs ready for our new studio album, that we will be recording in the fall. God bless and come see us somewhere!

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Artists we cover (I don't blog)

New Added Songs By, - LIFEHOUSE, You and me, Falling in, PINK, Try DAUGHTRY, Home, THE SCRIPT, For the first time, Breakeven ,AL GREEN, Let's stay together, MAROON 5, Sunday Morning, She will be loved,CCR, ever seen the rain, MICHEAL JACKSON, Billie Jean, PRINCE, Rasperry beret, Kiss,ZAC BROWN BAND, Chicken fried, COLLECTIVE SOUL, World I know, GAVIN DEGRAW,Wanna be, Follow thru, STEVIE WONDER, Higher ground, I wish,KEITH URBAN, Somebody like you, KINGS OF LEON, Use somebody,sex on fire,CITIZEN COPE, Sideways, MATCHBOX 20, 3am, Unwell, the KILLERS, Mr. bright side,THE DOOBIE BROTHERS, Black water,The FLYS ,Got u where I want you, CRACKER Low, RADIOHEAD, Creep, JOHN MAYER, Gravity, waiting on the world to change,STEVIE RAY VAUGHN (Pride n joy,Lenny,Superstition,Mary had a lamb,Crossfire,Tightrope,Riviera Paradise etc..) JIMI HENDRIX (Red House, Voodoo Chile,Hey Joe,Watch Tower) ERIC CLAPTON, Crossroads, Wonderful tonight, BLACK CROWES (Talks to angels,Remedy, Hard to handle) ALLMAN BROTHERS(One way out, Soulshine,Midnight Rider) ALICE IN CHAINS(Man in box, Rooster) 3 DOORS DOWN(Kryptonite, Loser) STONE TEMPLE PILOTS(Plush, Interstate,Wicked Garden,Vasoline, WARREN HAYNES, Soulshine PINK FLOYD (Brick in the wall,Comfortably numb) GUNS AND ROSES( Mr. Brownstone NICKLEBACK(Remind me) TOM PETTY( Last dance with Mary Jane, Breakdown) WEEZER( Say it ain't so) TRAIN (Meet Virginia, Drops of Jupiter, STEVE MILLER BAND (the Joker) POISON( Every Rose) SUBLIME(What I got) ERIC JOHNSON (Cliffs of Dover)

INCUBUS(Drive) and many many more..............

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Psych Ward new to Reverbnation

Here we go. I need some help promoting this band. This is about as good as it has ever been and it is time to branch out. We really need to get out of the Myrtle Beach area and branch out our fan base. Every little bit helps.

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