Reviews
Melinda Gibson
Money In The Bank
Excerpt from American Songwriter Magazine
Very great and unexpected. Fun, spirited, angularly singular songwriting abounds. Entirely on her own ground, Melinda Gibson is no folkie though often seen in their company: these are super-charged, fervently delivered rockers which have more to do with a raw, punk-fueled energy reminiscent of John Doe and Exene’s incendiary exhortations in X than anything unplugged. It’s powered by a muscular three-piece ensemble of Melinda on voice and guitars, Shawn Clawson on bass and vocals, and the ferocious David Rodgers on drums. She’s funny and serious as Patti Smith, with lyrics that cut through the sonics with a whimsical mingling of enlightenment and resignation. “Money In The Bank” is a brilliant reflection of modern times and the financial crosses we all bear: “You do what you have to do to get the money in the bank, the money in the bank…” “Madman” springs out of the gate on a galloping electric groove that seems one-part folk and one-part Bowie.
Written and produced with James Hurley, this is a delightful EP of five finely etched songs. She sings with soulful authority throughout, projecting the lyrics with pointed whimsy and soulful focus. With only one song in five that exceeds three minutes, she knows how to make a strong, essential statement without ever overstaying her welcome. This is inspired and vigorous songwriting and robust record-making. The only weakness is that, unlike almost every album made these days, there’s not enough here. We want more! But kudos to the artist for bringing such essential power and punch on an album that reminds us just how good it can get. There’s no wasted moments here, no excess, no self-indulgence. Just the powerful purity of singular passion. Here’s hoping there’s much more to come.
- Paul Zollo (Rolling Stone/American Songwriter Magazine/Blue Railroad)
Instant Review of Money in the Bank
Sometimes you like a CD in spite of some deficit -- bad singing, hack songwriting -- Melinda Gibson has no such deficits. In fact, she has real starpower. Her voice is irresistible -- I'd listen to her sing a Denny's menu. The songwriting and guitar chaps are more than solid. This CD is a delight.
~ Robert Morgan Fisher (Author/Teacher at UCLA/Narrative Engineer )
And a little while later...
"Just listened to "Money in the bank" top to bottom again--no skipping. Love that record. Love that voice!"
~ Robert Morgan Fisher (Author/Teacher at UCLA/Narrative Engineer )
Hal Aaron
(Promoter/Recording Artist)
"I the keep hard copy in my car. Bop my head to it often. The title track is an ear worm!"
(Promoter/Recording Artist)
"I the keep hard copy in my car. Bop my head to it often. The title track is an ear worm!"
Peter Krantz
(Music Reviewer/Blogger)
I just got my advance copy of the new CD from Melinda Gibson called "Money in the Bank"! Wow, this is one ROCKIN' CD!! Great tunes, well-produced and somehow she manages to sound polished yet quirky/punky at the same time! My only complaint??? It's only an EP, five songs long! It's too short and I want MORE, MORE, MORE!!! Available soon on CD Baby but get a hold of Melinda now and she'll get you one if you tell her I sent you!!!
(Music Reviewer/Blogger)
I just got my advance copy of the new CD from Melinda Gibson called "Money in the Bank"! Wow, this is one ROCKIN' CD!! Great tunes, well-produced and somehow she manages to sound polished yet quirky/punky at the same time! My only complaint??? It's only an EP, five songs long! It's too short and I want MORE, MORE, MORE!!! Available soon on CD Baby but get a hold of Melinda now and she'll get you one if you tell her I sent you!!!