#reviewoftheweek / Lowell Thompson - Stranger's Advice

Lowell Thompson isn't well know all over the place, but certainly he's a name that many Vermonters and New Englanders know. His latest release is a refreshing bit of folk rock and Americana, that lends itself well to the northeast. You can imagine yourself hearing this music or seeing Thompson perform as a busker in the streets of Boston, MA or Burlington, VT or in small clubs all over the northeast in the aforementioned locations as well as others like Northampton, MA, Albany, NY, and Portland, ME. Envision pine trees, snow covered mountain tops, red plaid flannel shirts and the like in the crowd. His blend of rootsy sensibilities and heritage rock is not something that you hear on pop radio, but can draw comparisons to everyone from Mumford & Sons to Phish to John Mayer. If given the right audience and recognition, Lowell Thompson, with this latest album, could be as recognizable as those artists and surely share the stage with them in years to come.

BURN THIS / October 2009

1. Mason Jennings "Ain't No Friend Of Mine"
2. State Radio "Knights Of Bostonia"
3. Stephen Kellogg & The Sixers "Shady Esperanto And The Young Hearts"
4. Lowell Thompson & Crown Pilot "The Love You Had"
5. Will Hoge "Hard To Love"
6. Mike Dunn & The Kings Of New England "Princeton"
7. Matt Hires "State Lines"
8. Will Dailey "Love Is On The Way"
9. Benjy Davis Project "I Love You"
10. Andrew Hoover "Lie To Me"
11. Rob Blackledge "Sweet Sweet Lady"
12. Matt York "Lucky Man"
13. Landon Pigg "A Ghost"
14. Paolo Nutini "Coming Up Easy"
15. Kate Earl "Melody"
16. Jason Castro "Let's Just Fall In Love Again"
17. Angel Taylor "Like You Do"
18. Colbie Caillat (featuring Jason Reeves) "Droplets"
19. Jer Coons "Legs"
20. Chris Velan "Oldest Trick"

CD REVIEW: Lowell Thompson & Crown Pilot "Lowell Thompson & Crown Pilot"

This bright young talent from Vermont is the real deal. On his second self titled album (this one features the name of his backing band) he delivers an incredible collection of tunes that depict the heart and soul ov American rock music. The disc has a bit of an alt-country feel, reminiscent of Ryan Adams and Wilco. Fellow Vermonter, Page McConnell of Phish lends his keyboard prowess to a few tracks, including the standout "The Love You Had." Another VT musician, the lovely Grace Potter, also lends vocals to a few of Lowell's beautifully crafted songs. Thompson is poised to make quite a name for himself in the music world, with this album acting as his springboard.