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::REVIEWS::
December 2009 - CD Review by Dan MacIntosh
"If it wasn't for bad luck/I'd
have no luck at all" Pauline Kyllonen sings during "Unlucky".
It's a familiar lyric for blues fans, but Kyllonen applies it
to a rock beat, instead. These three songs find Kyllonen
expressing hope and determination, in the face of a hard luck
life.
While "Unlucky" leans heavily toward the rock side of
country-rock, the steel guitar on "Rainbow Cafe", which uses
the rainbow metaphor to express the wish to make a dream come
true, is resolutely country. "It Felt Like Christmas" is a
piano ballad that longs for a life that felt like Christmas
every day.
Kyllonen is an excellent singer and songwriter, and she writes
lyrics that are sincere and straightforward, but never trite.
Ah, if only she were on the top of the country charts, instead
of Taylor Swift.
December 14, 2009 - NEW CD Review by Hyperbolium Music Review
Blog
Pauline Kyllonen is a
country-rock singer from British Columbia whose 2008 debut EP
opens with a gutsy rocker that favorably recalls ‘70s belters
like Ellen Foley and Genya Raven. Yet it’s ballads that appear
foremost on Kyllonen’s song list, as the original “Rainbow
Café” drops the romping electric guitar of the opener for
pedal steel and a moving lyric of small town stasis and a life
that’s passed by.
She sings sweetly, reaching
into her high register for the folk-jazz “Like a River,” bring
to mind early Joni Mitchell, and closes with a ballad whose
heavy drums and low organ match the power of her singing.
Kyllonen is served by solid
arrangements that keep her strong voice and lyrics front and
center. If Nashville were still interested in three chords and
the truth, “Rainbow Café” would have already been snatched up
by one of its current hitmakers.
As it is, this four-song EP is
a good introduction for listeners and a great calling card to
the lucky label who eventually signs Kyllonen. [©2009
hyperbolium dot com]
http://www.hyperbolium.com/2009/12/14/pauline-kyllonen-pauline-kyllonen/
April
26, 2009 - Mr. Neil's Blog, New York City, New York - CD
Review by by DJW
http://wherewouldneilgonyc.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/pauline-kyllonen
I came across Pauline Kyllonen
via Twitter. She sent me a link to her website and I checked
it out.
I’m pleased I did.
Although there’s only four songs on her website, they’re a
nice showcase of her talent. This Canadian singer/songwriter
clearly has roots in country music. It’s that clear, simple
weaving of story, melody and a voice that can communicate the
emotional undercurrent of the situation being outlined in the
song.
When listening to the music, I could see myself in a bar
somewhere in the middle of nowhere, having wandered in in the
middle of the day for a cold beer and stumbling across Pauline
singing on a bare-bones stage.
Her voice is strong and clear, reminding me of Australian
singer, Deborah Conway. A strong woman who won’t take any
crap, but one who’s been through a lot, seen many things in
her life and is willing to share.
The melancholy sounds bring Chris Isaak to mind, and they are
the kind of tunes to listen to when sipping a cold beer or
glass of white wine, most certainly on a balcony somewhere,
alone, to immerse yourself in the images and emotions her
songs conjure up.
I don’t know if Pauline Kyllonen is ever heading to NYC for a
gig, but if she is, I’ll be there to check her out. If you’re
in Canada and happen to be where she’s playing, you should
check her out…
The Neil Diamond Seal of Approval? 3 out of 5 stars.
April 19,
2009 - CD Review
by Jeremiah Sutherland,
BullfrogMusic Reviews
In 2005, Kyllonen entered one of her
first song compositions, “Rainbow
Café” into the Music BC Program. On
the strength of this composition,
Pauline won 3 days of studio time at
The Factory Studios in Vancouver,
BC. In April 2008, she was finally
able to record and produce her debut
CD.
It’s only a short EP, 4 songs, but
this is one of those releases where
a listener can discover a great
deal. Kyllonen has a warm and
intimate honey-smooth voice and
sings with a melting ease. Even when
she’s rocking out in “Unlucky”,
there are no shrill bits; it all
seems so effortless.
Her songs come across as stories
(partly due to her voice) rather
than just songs. Somehow, Kyllonen
manages to insert a lot of feeling
into the recording. There’s an
ironic recognition that you can’t
complain too much about what life
throws at you.
The recording and production work
took place at The Factory Studios
and they did a great job. The result
is a very natural sounding
performance that clearly showcases
Kyllonen’s prodigious talent.
Summary: A small gem.
Check out the this review and
other independent CD Reviews at:
http://www.bullfrogmusic.com
Indie
Music.com CD Review - February 10,
2009
Quote: "Think a cleaner, less
fussy version of Lucinda Williams
and you'll be on the right track."
By Nancy Dunham, Indie-Music
Magazine
Pauline Kyllonen may hail from
Canada, but her sound is right out
of Nashville, or Texas, or maybe
Arizona. Suffice to say she's got
the Folk/Americana/Country sound
down pat and has the talent to make
the most of it.
What sets Kyllonen apart from others
is the simplicity with which she
showcases the music. Her strong yet
wistful voice is the main instrument
on these tracks, never overwhelmed
by complex instrumentation or too
slick production. Think of a
cleaner, less fussy musical version
of Lucinda Williams and you'll be on
the right track.
The pity is that the four tunes on
this CD are over much too soon.
Not surprising, the lead tune
"Unlucky" has gotten some critical
attention. Imagine it as a rocked
up, harder edged version of early
Reba or maybe even Suzy Bogguss.
Without question, Kyllonen has the
voice to carry the strong song and
catchy "no luck at all" chorus.
"Rainbow Cafe" is straight out of a
small Nashville roadhouse; straight
country complete with steel guitar
and a haunting tale of despair. Yet
Kyllonen pulls it off without going
into the cornball alley where many
balladeers languish. The same can be
said of the love song "Like A
River."
"Wasn't Thinking About You" is a
down tempo, percussion heavy tune
that just begs for a contemplative
listener.
Come on, Pauline. Think about us. We
definitely need more of your sound
in our lives.
Indie Music online article, click
here.
CD Review -
February 5, 2009
Local digs up earthy roots
By Dean Gordon-Smith - Vernon
Morning Star
This debut album from Vernon
singer/songwriter Pauline Kyllonen
is one that favours quality over
quantity.
Its brevity (four songs) wisely
doesn’t cause it to try to hit too
many bases for a “showcase,” instead
the disc stays mellow and earthy all
the way through, Kyllonen’s vocal and easy-paced songs steering
clear of crap and posturing.
Kyllonen has attracted much notice
for her roots/country sound, and one
of her awards led to the recording
of this short and sweet CD
(self-titled, not eponymous!)
Judging by the tastefully warm
production and super-solid musical
support, it was a good move. There’s
not a note or sound out of place.
This quality, a sense of relaxation
and restraint, gives Kyllonen’s
songs a swing that is very subtle;
felt rather than heard.
This even pacing and unhurried state
also readily translates into
purposeful vocal delivery, and
confident performance from the
backing group here (Shaun Verrault
of Wide Mouth Mason, Pat Steward of
Bryan Adams, and Doug Elliot of The
Odds.) Justice is done to the songs,
allowing that ever-elusive presence
–– atmosphere, vibe, etc. –– to be
welcomed to seep in through the
tracks.
As noted earlier, there’s no waifish
pretension to sidetrack the songs,
and Kyllonen’s voice suggests
western (as in B.C.) feeling and
muted energy. This sound is
ballad-driven (Rainbow Café) and her
vocal wraps itself around the
melodies with a dusty charm,
reminiscent of Blue Rodeo’s ambient
song-craft.
Kyllonen keeps to her unhurried
pace, taking time to unfold and
grasp the intended mood. Like A
River slinks along like a long late
afternoon spent in a desert-bound
roadhouse. With the wind up, some
tumbleweed whipping by and frosty
bottles of beer, you’ll get the
idea.
Dusky sounds drift through the
music, and Kyllonen’s mature style
follows the ambiance. She doesn’t
overdo the impact by assaulting the
senses. Her storytelling tone is
honest and convivial, and seems
meant to be heard in a reflective
state, or it can easily induce this
mood, wherever and whenever.
Read more...
January 20,
2009 - Local
singer-songwriter sees her dreams
come true,
By Kristin Froneman - Vernon Morning
Star Newspaper
Vernon’s Pauline Kyllonen is riding high over
the rainbow thanks to hard work, patience and help from a Music BC incentive.
The local singer-songwriter has not only seen her recently-released
independent CD receive airplay on national radio, she has also been featured
on the country music station, Canadian Music Television.
In November, the folk-country roots artist
found out through a friend that she had been featured as an independent artist
on CMT’s Chevy Cross Canada Countdown with Casey Clarke.
“Well, I was surprised to say the least. The show is broadcast Canada-wide, so
to be mentioned on the show is pretty exciting for me,” said Kyllonen. “You
spend all this time doing things to get yourself some recognition, and when
you get to this point, it’s amazing.”
A singer since birth, Kyllonen began pursuing music seriously six years ago.
After being named a finalist at a few local talent competitions, she entered
one of her first compositions, Rainbow Café, into the Music BC Music
Assistance Program (MAP).
The song managed to win her three days of studio time at The Factory Studios
in Vancouver.
It took three years, but Kyllonen finally recorded and produced her debut
self-titled CD in April.
“It was a matter of saving up money to bring in the musicians, have it
mastered and packaged,” she said. “The studio time was free. If there wasn’t
Music BC, I wouldn’t have been able to do it.”
In the studio, Kyllonen worked with some of Canada’s best producers and
musicians, including John Maclean and Sheldon Zaharko of The Factory Studios,
Pat Steward on drums (The New Odds, Bryan Adams, Matthew Good), guitarist
Shaun Verreault (Wide Mouth Mason), bassist Doug Elliot (The New Odds) and
Tyson Naylor on keyboards.
Officially released in June, Kyllonen has been busy self-marketing the CD
through the Internet, community, on college and online radio and live
performances around B.C.
“If you believe in yourself, you can accomplish what it is you want to do,”
she said. “Even if you don’t make it to the Grammys, the fact that you tried
makes you proud.”
Kyllonen has also started a radio promotion campaign with Toronto’s RadioDirectX
to market the CD to radio stations worldwide.
More recently, the CD ranked 52 on the top 100 albums of 2008 and 12th in the
top roots/country albums for 2008 on Kamloops university and community radio
station CFBX.
Next up for Kyllonen is a live performance at Kelowna’s Mountainstock
festival, Saturday at 1 p.m. at O’Flannagan’s Pub.
All funds raised will benefit the Okanagan Victim’s Services/ Central Okanagan
Elizabeth Fry Society for Victims of Violence.
For more information, or to hear Kyllonen’s music, check out her Web site at
www.paulinekyllonen.com.
Her CD is available at CD Baby, ITunes and Bering Music in Kelowna and
Westbank.
RADIO/PRESS REVIEWS
"PAULINE KYLLONEN" (self
titled) CD review
by John Kereiff
PAULINE KYLLONEN - Pauline Kyllonen (self released)
This self-titled four song EP is a promising start to a young
career.
The Vernon based singer/ songwriter engaged the talents of
drummer Pat Steward (ex- Bryan Adams/ current New Odds) as
well as New Odds bassist Doug Elliot- talk about the stars
lining up in her favor.
Kyllonen's sound is a cross between country and roots music,
some rock influence too. "Unlucky" is an energetic opener
that'll have you tapping in time on the steering wheel, but
Kyllonen prefers balladry as her main form of expression. As a
preview of things to come this EP is a nice taster, and the
star for me at least is "Wasn't Thinking About You", it really
stands out.
KEY CUTS: Unlucky and Wasn't Thinking About You
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Gold on Velvet Voice -
Pauline Kyllonen will
win your heart with her 14 karat golden voice laid on a bed of
velvet. These four songs showcase her skill at song crafting
and performance. Backed by a talented group of friends, she
gifts the listener with songs that are at once fresh and
familiar. From the Heartlands! Thanks Pauline!! -
Arthur Davenport
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Warm and Thoughtful Sound -
If you like Blue Rodeo or Cowboy Junkies this one will
remind you of that on cuts like "Like A River" and "Wasn't
Thinking About You". This is sweet sounding alt country all
the way. "Unlucky" really rocks out, and the sidemen obviously
know how to play. - John Pippus, Vancouver, BC
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Media name: Murat Kasap
Company name: Radyo SDU
Date: 2009-07-03 08:14:01
Feedback: Thank you very much for your promo. It was a good
gain for our archives. We introduced your promo CD with your
history and announced your internet details at Radyo SDU and
planning to introduce on a new program at national radio TRT
in 2010. Thank you again and good luck… PS: I feel lucky, I
got your CD and "Rainbow cafe" “ will be on air September 23,
2009 at national radio TRT 3. ( www.trt.net.tr 09:03-10:00
GMT+2) Murat Kasap Radyo SDU, Turkiye
http://radyotv.sdu.edu.tr
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Media name: Randall Cousins
Company name: Brave New Frontiers
Date: 2009-06-26 11:36:42
Feedback: Good cd, we have aired tracks.
Randall Cousins
www.bnf.libsyn.com
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Media name: Alexa Zemmer
Company name: Radio ARA
Date: 2009-06-09 11:06:49
Feedback: Great voice, real fantastic artist. I'm looking
forward to hear more of her.
Countrygirl Lexy
Radio ARA Luxemburg
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Media name: Kevin Sullivan
Company name: CIMR Radio
Date: 2009-04-03 06:14:48
Feedback: Good morning Pauline. Thank you for sending
your CD. Love your songs!! I've played the majority on the
show and have had several requests. Please keep me in mind for
any future releases. Appreciated, Kevin.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Media name: Harry Boerman
Company name: Veluwe FM, Radio Putten,Radio Ermelo
Date: 2009-04-02 06:08:56
Feedback: Great CD. Recieved a lot of airplay and will in the
future. Used in several programs on our station.
Greetings, Harry Boerman Veluwe FM.
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Media name: Peggy MacNeil
Company name: Isles FM
Date: 2009-02-02
Feedback: Hi Pauline
A million thanks for your EP which arrived safe and sound this
afternoon. Just brilliant and 'the voice' is simply a breath
of fresh air, what more can I say.
Keep up the good work and look forward to receiving any more
releases in the future.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Media name: Kurt K. Gabriel
Company name: ECMA Radio
Date: 2009-01-24 06:26:49
Feedback: Hello Pauline, Your song "Like A River" was on my
ECMA-Radio/Archangel’s Music Corner/Kurt Gabriel’s Music
Selections – Week 47, 2008 Program. From time to time I'll
bring more of your excellent songs on my forthcoming programs.
Please be so kind and keep me updated on your musical work.
Media name: Graham J Barclay
Company name: Soundwave FM
Date: 2009-01-22 08:27:42
Feedback: Hi Pauline Many Sincere Thanks for the CD that you
sent us. BRILLIANT - EXCELLENT We have enjoyed it immensely,
and have added tracks from it to our playlists.
Your presentation of music, inside the style and personality
reflected in the tracks is very refreshing. Keep it up.
Many thanks again, and please stay in touch.
Kind regards:
Graham J Barclay graham@soundwavefm.co.nz ( Broadcasting Since
Oct 3rd 1997 )
Media
name: Geof Cartledge
Company name: West Gippsland Community Radio
Date: 2009-01-11 05:31:07
Feedback: G'Day Pauline, Thank you for sending your CD. It is
fitting in well with our program and receiving good feedback
across all tracks. Keep up the great work, looking forward to
hearing more of you "Down Under." Have a GREAT 2009.
Regards Geof Cartledge
West Gippsland Community Radio
Inc.
Victoria, Australia
----------------------------------------------------
- Media name: Tony Bates
Company name: Highlands 100.7FM
Date: 2008-12-30 06:15:39
Feedback: An excellent album full of great musicianship
that is going down well with our listeners. Albums of this caliber are rare to
come across.
---------------------------------------------
Media name: Dioni Piatkowski
Company name: JAZZ RADIO fm
Date: 2008-12-08 07:57:58
Feedback: thank you very much for set of recordings and
press-kits information. Naturally all these will be put to
radio air-plays here and I will do all my best to find
distributor of yours records here. be in touch... All the
best: Dioni Piatkowski
---------------------------------------------
Media name: Charly Webster
Company name: radio Ham
Date: 2008-11-30 11:35:05
Feedback: Hello, I have played your music on several
occasions in my program " the country music club " and I had a
great response from the listeners, especially the number "
Like a River " was highly appreciated ! I wish you a lot of
success in the future ! You are good !!! Country greetings
from Charly Webster
----------------------------------------------
Media name: Paul Van Kuik
Company name: Radio 0162 Dongen
Date: 2008-11-24 02:41:51Date: 2008-11-24 02:41:51
Hi Pauline, I enjoyed your album very much. Great sound! I'm
looking forward to hear more from you in the future.
Yours sincerely,
Paul van Kuik Radio 0162 - Dongen
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Media name: David Bolli
Company name: Country Radio Switzerland
Date: 2008-11-22 04:08:53
Feedback: Hi Pauline Sure we got your promo CD and put 2 songs
on our playlist. "Unlucky" and "Wasn't Thinking About You".
Good job!
All the best!
http://www.CountryRadio.ch
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Media name: Marcel Bos
Company name: Golfbreker Radio
Date: 2008-11-22 02:56:39
Feedback: Hello Pauline, I received your cd last week.
And I must say I'm surprised with it. It's a CD I am sure will
use in my radio show. Very good music and very good songs.
Keep going this way.
All the best from Holland:
Marcel Bos
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From Peter Merrett, Music Manager - PBS 106.7 FM,
Melbourne, Australia
Dear Pauline,
I have just listened to your cd and have found it to be a
wonderful example of where Country music should be heading.
Rich powerful voice coupled with very strong songs, aided by
top accompaniment. As l listened l was drawn more and more
into your stories and more and more under the spell of Pauline
Kyllonen.
A name not heard here before, but once the shows l have
allocated to get their copy this will quickly change. l truly
believe the powerful voice will instantly grab everyones
attention. You have grabbed mine, congratulations on this
release.
Your CD has been allocated to the following programs...
1. Acid Country - David Heard, Thursday 3 to 5pm.
2. 5 Feet High & Rising - Myles O'Neil-Shaw, Monday 1 to 3pm.
3. Culture Clash - Lisa Palermo (19 year show), Saturday 3 to
5pm.
We sincerely thank-you for your generosity with your music. In
a time of uncertainty it takes huge commitment to send out
your life's work, here we appreciate your faith in PBS in
presenting your music to Australia.
Kindest Regards
Peter Merrett
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November 2, 2008 - Feedback:
Pauline has been added to the Minsk Radio Playlist 07.11.2008
I ask you to send me one more copy (maybe signed) of this your
truly wonderful CD?
N. Kozlovsky - Minsk Radio, Belarus
----------------------------------------------------
November 4, 2008 - Feedback: Fantastic CD. Great
stuff for our Radio Station
Alex Pinjnen - BRTO Radio, Netherlands
http://www.brto.nl
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It's a pleasure, Pauline! Our volunteers
choose the material they want to play off the playlist, so
they are the ones who've been doing well. Don't know if you'd
heard already, but your EP is sitting at #1 on our chart
ending August 29th. Good on ya!
Brant - CFBX Radio, Kamloops, BC
http://www.thex.ca
-------------------------------------------------------
August 8, 2008 - I received both of your songs.
They are both perfect for our station. I am sitting here
listening to “Wasn’t Thinking About You” as I type and I must
say it's my personal favorite. Thank you so much for the
submissions, they will be on rotation on our playlist
tomorrow.
August 15, 2008 - Thank you so much. I forwarded
your comments to the station manager. I said these are
comments from the #1 requested artist on our station. Are you
aware of that? We are excited that we got picked up by ITunes.
Listenership is booming! We are excited to be promoting so
many great artists and you are a jewel among them.
Marque - The Ville Radio Network/ Georgia Music Industry
Association, Louisville, Kentucky
http://www.country.villeradio.com
 
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