As 2015 drew to a close, some more great reviews and radio news came in!
"Common Law Wife" finished out the year at #12 on the top charting albums of 2015 in the Roots Music Report Americana Country chart! The songs "Throwing Strikes" and "Hammer" were also both in the singles charts for Americana Country and Folk, respectively.
The album also was named on some 2015 year's best lists. Here are a few:
Ear to the Ground Blog:
Angela Easterling – Hailing from South Carolina, Angela Easterling released the amazing, Common Law Wife this year. The album is a showcase of her amazing abilities as a singer/songwriter.
Sun Herald: Top Picks from the Last Year of Reviews:
Here is a roundup of some of the Top 10 Plus items reviewed in 2015.
#1B. 'Common-Law Wife,' Angela Easterling (De L'Est Music) This Aug. 14 release was recorded in Nashville, and it contains wide sonic variety with imaginative lyrics. Highlights are nifty harmonies, cool steel guitar, mandolin, fiddle and the classic country feel on most songs. Americana and classic country fans will enjoy this recording.
http://www.sunherald.com/entertainment/article51549225.html
Goldmine Magazine: 2015, A Good Year For Americana Releases
Angela Easterling’s soprano is angelic on Common Law Wife (De l’Est), unlike her lyrics, which can be personal, political, or simultaneously both in the Springsteen/Earle vein. “Throwing Strikes” (in the voice of a failed baseball pitcher who returns to a town on its way down) ends in emotional release that recalls a scene in Depression-era Bonnie and Clyde. Look closely at her cover art for a glimpse of her sense of humor. – See more at: http://www.goldminemag.com/blogs/american-back-roads-blogs/2015-good-year-americana-releases#sthash.QyLg2mrS.dpuf
Angela Easterling’s soprano is angelic on Common Law Wife (De l’Est), unlike her lyrics, which can be personal, political, or simultaneously both in the Springsteen/Earle vein. “Throwing Strikes” (in the voice of a failed baseball pitcher who returns to a town on its way down) ends in emotional release that recalls a scene in Depression-era Bonnie and Clyde. Look closely at her cover art for a glimpse of her sense of humor.
http://www.goldminemag.com/blogs/american-back-roads-blogs/2015-good-year-americana-releases
And a great review from HamptonRoads.com:
ANGELA EASTERLING – "Common Law Wife"
Her voice is sweet, soft, sentimental – her lyrics are often hard and harsh. Folk singer,
Angela Easterling's new CD has the
tell-all title of the joys of being a "Common Law Wife." The recipient of her affection is Brandon Turner, her longtime
musical collaborator.
In the song, she chirps, "we wake up every morning and hear the baby cry." The threesome live on the Greer, S.C. farm that
has been in her family since 1791. The house on that property was built by her grandfather, a World War II veteran.
But, it's the song about another veteran of that war that is the grabber on the album. "Isaac Woodard's Eyes" is the true
story of an African-American who was savagely beaten and blinded by police officers in South Carolina only hours after being
honorably discharged from the U.S. Army. If you have a heart you will be deeply moved by this offering.
Another pay-attention-to-this presentation is "Arkansas Murder Ballad." How direct can you get? There is, of course,
the light side of life. She has a blast with a baseball. The avid Boston Red Sox fan tells all about it as she sings about,
"Throwing Strikes."
She certainly does not strike out on the album which includes the thoughtful, "Lay My Head." It tells about being homeless –
being lost and lonely.
"I'm Alright," is as tuneful as any song you will find, anywhere. And, the singer has a very heartfelt piece called, "The Flame."
Another reason for the disc's quality are the excellent musicians and background singers that join her.
Easterling has won numerous awards and, although her offerings will never find a home on Billboard's
Top 20 charts, she has built a fan base of enthusiasts who appreciate her music, her approach to controversy, and her sincerity.
Read more here: http://www.sunherald.com/entertainment/article51549225.html#storylink=cpy
Read more here: http://www.sunherald.com/entertainment/article51549225.html#storylink=cpy
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