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Tuesday, October 7, 2008

CD Review: Chris Batten And The Woods - If We Never Stop Moving


Chris Batten And The Woods - If We Never Stop Moving
2008, CWB


New Jersey’s Chris Batten And The Woods were raised on classic music from artists like Otis Redding, Thin Lizzy, Van Morrison and Tom Petty. Wrap is all up with Batten’s pure pop gold songwriting and you get a sort of blue-eyed soul Toad The West Sprocket. Chris Batten And The Woods released their latest EP, If We Never Stop Moving in 2008. It is something you need to hear.

If We Never Stop Moving is an energetic rock album with great melodies a big, happy guitar sound. The set opens with Gone For Good, a mid-tempo rock tune with amazing lyrics and a great guitar-rock sound. Chris Batten is in top vocal form and the melody is absolutely infectious. (Dontcha Wanna Be Doin') Something New is an upbeat tune with a positive message and tremendous harmonies. Something New has a Bob Seger spirit to it that is remarkable. Sad Songs is perhaps the most upbeat and peppy song on the CD and is a pop gem. The End Of The Line is ballad about the possible end of a relationship and is incredibly poignant and sweet. Lions closes out If We Never Stop Moving with a Motown bass line and a melody you won't be able to lose.

If We Never Stop Moving is a classic pop debut. Full of songs with big hooks and strong melodies it's a sure winner. If this is indicative of the sort of material Chris Batten And The Woods are capable of then they should have a long and fruitful career in music. There's not a weak song on the EP, and the recording suggests that the live show might look the recording look tame. This is a high energy band with a little bit of pop magic at their fingertips. Make sure you check out If We Never Stop Moving and favorite place Chris Batten and The Woods' website.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Chris Batten And The Woods at http://www.andthewoods.com/. If We Never Stop Moving is currently only available as a download, either through Amazon.com or iTunes.

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