CAREY SIMS: Wheels

Carey Sims

Wheels

© 2007 Carey Sims (820869007923)

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"A Winning Combination of Modern Country and Old School Southern Soul" (TAXI Music Service) "Carey Sims is hands down one of the premier vocalists in the Southeast" (Elevate Magazine)

tracks

1 Kiss the Wind
2 Midnight Comes Along
3 Heartbreak Row
4 What's in a Name
5 Wheels
6 Lazy Afternoon
7 Praying For Time
8 Dirty Little Town
9 By the Morning

notes

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO PURCHASE MUSIC LEGALLY AND HELP INDEPENDENT ARTISTS CONTINUE TO MAKE GREAT MUSIC!!!

Soul is an intangible, hard to grasp quality that many singers and musicians talk about, but few possess, and even fewer deliver. Carey Sims has got it, hands down. Hailed by ELEVATE magazine as "hands down one of the premier vocalists in the Southeast", Sims is a singer's singer capable of all the nuance necessary to unearth a vast musical and lyrical landscape. Simply stated, he can flat out sell a song. And he's a pretty good songwriter to boot.

Carey first came to the attention of many in the Southeast as the singer/front man of the 90’s indie rock band Sound of Mine. The band signed with the Ohio based label High Chief, but disbanded in the late 90’s. In the subsequent years after Sound of Mine, Carey made a living as a studio musician and through picking the guitar back up, slowly began reconnecting with his Southern musical heritage. This led to the formation of Black Market Radio, a Charlotte, NC based quartet that on critic called “a soulful gritty piece of Carolina alt-country”. Black Market Radio parted ways in 2005 just after completing their freshman Cd "Coffee and Second Hand Smoke"

A copy of “Coffee” did however; make its way to the ears of renowned indie producer and NC Music icon, Don Dixon. With Don’s help, Carey assembled talent for his first solo project entitled "Wheels". The cast included the Carolina-connected star power of Dixon, Jim Brock, Andy Seets, Mark Stallings, Audley Freed, and Jamie Hoover to name a few.

Carey and Nashville producer/engineer, Jimmy Dulin, produced "Wheels", which was released in February of 2007. The record is straight out of the 70’s roots rock mould, organic sounding with song craft reminiscent of such singer/songwriters as Jackson Browne and John Mellencamp with the small town grit associated with early Steve Earle. An undercurrent of highway themes intermingles itself with lyrical Southern soul melodies, all narrated by Sims whiskey tinged baritone. The records hints of 70's AM pop and newer rock infused country. "Wheels" has been described by on critic as “a perfect blend of melody and lyric of substance”. Another who is quite familiar with Carey’s musical journey stated it this way, “Sims’ 9 song CD presents a significant and remarkable leap of faith from this singer and songwriter already quite well known in the Southeast region. ... Sims has not only found his voice with this CD but owns it, brandishes it and honestly puts forth his musical narrative with rare candor and intensity while remaining casually personable.”

Sims’ great strength as a charismatic performer coupled with his honest, introspective songwriting style; seem to have him poised to make an impassioned musical statement for years to come.

reviews

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  • GREAT MUSIC
    author: SGH

    I just listened to Carey in Charlotte, NC last night at the Bryan Adams concert. He was incredible!!! I bought the CD while I was there. It is wonderful. Can't wait to hear more from him.

  • What a great voice!
    author: KP

    I just listened to Carey live in Charlotte NC, awesome!!! He can sing and play guitar with any top act out there!!!

  • Reminiscent of John Mellencamp's early days
    author: Jeffery Hahne

    The Deal: Former Sound of Mine and Black Market Radio frontman releases solo debut. The Good: The Charlotte native's vocals and songs are reminiscent of John Mellencamp's early days. He works with a handful of Carolina talent including Jamie Hoover, Mark Stallings, Audley Freed, Andy Seets, Don Dixon and Jim Brock. He's got a comfortable, laid-back style that draws the listener in and takes them along for a backroads journey. It's not breaking any new ground musically, but it's more of a showcase for his solid vocal abilities and songwriting talent. "Lazy Afternoon" is one of those kick-off-your-shoes, not-a-care-in-the-world, sit-back-and-relax tracks that's destined for front porch listening or the soundtrack to a weekend barbecue. It's a little more upbeat than other tracks on the album, but that's not to take away from the others. The slow ramblers that are characteristic of Wheels are some of its most enjoyable. The Bad: No complaints. Usually I'd complain about a CD only having nine songs, but this is a solid effort in its entirety. The Verdict: While the album leans toward the country, it's got some good rock soul to it. I haven't added many local indies to my iPod yet, but Sims is sure to be one of them.

  • author: Johnny,,, SC

    Great Music , really great lyrics , music you can sing along with. We need more of this kind of music. and CD baby was great to deal with .

  • Real Music from Nashville Shock!
    author: John Hinshelwood, AmericanaUK

    Although the term "radio friendly" has perhaps now taken on somewhat negative connotations, it is the phrase that immediately springs to mind on first exposure to this new offering from Nashville based songwriter Carey Sims. Strong, melodic content, musicianship full of character, punchy songs with great hooks,crisp production, and a surefire winner of a voice in the Don Henley mould, combine to produce a collection of some substance. All of the songs were written or co-written by Sims, and there are some truly memorable moments. Jackson Browne type riffs abound, particularly on "Midnight Comes Along" and the outstanding "Praying for Time" which features some spine tingling, shimmering pedal steel licks courtesy of ubiquitous session man Dan Dugmore, one time member of Linda Ronstadt's legendary 70s band.....Sims' work falls firmly on the tasteful side of intelligent, mainstream adult rock. It is refreshing to be assured that amidst the tidal wave of sterility pouring out of Nashville, there is still music emerging that is worth listening to. AmericanaUK 7 out of 10

  • A warm, summer breeze of country and americana flavors
    author: Laurie

    I really enjoy the new CD - it's like a warm, summer breeze of country and americana flavors, with amazing players and those vocals that have impressed since day one. You should be very proud. Thank you so much for sharing it with me!

  • Connecting the romance of "her" with the romance of the "road"
    author: Randy Walker, producer/host WSGE 91.7fm

    “Wheels” is an impressive presentation of ideas put to music. I'm drawn to works that have cohesion musically, lyrically, thematically or a combination - and "Wheels" has it. Lyrically it's mature but not in a stuffy way - there's old soul dialogue going on here that I really dig. Thematically, the record connects the romance of "her" with the romance of the "road"; the romance of an unknown adventure that some people are irresistibly drawn to as they bend around one curve only to crave the next one. Musically, it's packed full of great players and Carey has worked them in, in a seamless and subtle way that's truly impressive - that's not always easy to do. I found "Wheels" to be a great ride.

  • Every sound, instrument,vocal track is perfect!
    author: J.W.

    The record sounds amazing - Every sound, instrument,vocal track is perfect!

  • Another AWESOME Carey creation. Great job!
    author: Missy E
  • Americana infused with Country and Southern Rock
    author: PowerSource Magazine, Nashville, TN

    This album provided a wonderful change of pace for me this morning. I found Carey’s music to be very distinctive, yet strangely familiar. I’m convinced it’s due to the various styles of music he’s woven together so cleverly into a sound all his own. His music is Americana infused with Country and Southern Rock, which are styles I have always enjoyed. All nine tracks on this album were either written or co-written by Carey. His lyrics are innovative and thought provoking. You can definitely hear the sincerity and emotion in his vocals, especially on the title track of his album Wheels. His vocals are superb reminding me slightly of Bon Jovi. “Lazy Afternoon” is definitely my personal favorite from this album. It’s a feel good song that has universal appeal. Carey wraps things up with “By The Morning,” and I think it was the perfect closing for this project. It’s a soulful ballad that will leave you feeling peaceful and satisfied. All in all, this CD was a pleasure to review, and I’m anxious to see what this talented artist is going to do next!

  • Hymns for the Road
    author: J. Lopez

    Congratulations for your brilliant sophomore brand "Wheels". Man, your singing is terrific and the new songs pure pleasure for my ears. In a perfect world you'll be selling tons of records. The musicians crew is amazing. Audley Freed, Don Dixon, Spongetones main man Jamie Hoover, Dan Dugmore, ... Good job by Andy Seets too. "Kiss the Wind”, “Midnight Comes Along" and "Dirty Little Town" are hymns for the road.

  • A Work of Art!!!!
    author: Amy Cuttino

    Wow..Best work that I have heard in years! Carey and Andy are master's of music. I love to listen to the CD on a beautiful day, riding down the road with my windows rolled down! This album is truly a work of art!!

  • The best kept secret in music today!
    author: Chuck Lee

    Carey Sims is living proof that no treasure worth having is just laid in your lap. Produced far from the pablum infested Music Row, Wheels delivers what most major labels and artists wish they could: an honest-to-God great record! As lyrically poignant as it is melodic and instantly singable, Wheels finds Sims in the heart of a place he seemed to be restlessly searching for on his previous release, Coffee and Second Hand Smoke with backing band Black Market Radio. Reviving the concept of the album, Sims has crafted a dynamic record that plays effortlessly from front to back while covering a lot of ground. The soul-rending, whiskey soaked vocal delivery on the lament Heartbreak Row evokes the mood of a murderous tale by Johnny Cash if it were recorded by Steve Earl. The marriage of music and lyric on Lazy Afternoon hits the mark dead center celebrating the feeling of enjoying the simpler pleasures in life while the uptempo Dirty Little Town would best appreciated blaring out of the speakers in a pickup on a long stretch of two lane blacktop. Sims displays a vocal mastery that lends an authenticity that's rare to any lyric. If the growth as a writer and artist on this record is any indication, Wheels serves as a herald of the emergence of an anomaly in the music scene today: an artist that's purely talented and enjoyable to listen to.

  • Fantastic
    author: David

    I'm blown away by the cd. The vocals, production, writing, recording, musicians, all of it is just fantastic.

  • A Stellar CD!!!
    author: Bandtastic Webmaster

    If this doesn't become a national CD, then there's something seriously wrong with "the system". Yes, everyone has their own preferred musical tastes, but I highly recommend adding this to your collection regardless of what style of music you typically buy. This one is a definite keeper and will teach you about what really, really good music actually sounds like! Enjoy!

  • WHEELS rolls in all the right directions
    author: Pam

    Thought provoking yet relatable lyrics, catchy tunes, great guest musicians and unbelievable vocals - that is what this new CD will give you. Carey pays homage to his influences, Jackson Brown, Steve Earle and other country/americana artists. My favorite song is By The Morning...it touches something deep in me every time I hear it. Give this CD a listen - you will be hooked, I promise..I was 15 years ago and still listening!!

  • Put it in, and put it on repeat!
    author: Sean P.

    Great piece of songwriting. I think that this is the best that I have ever heard from Carey, and I have been lsitening to him since 1993. The whole CD paints a picture of Americana. He is truely in his element and his voice has never sounded better. This is a driving with the windows down kind of CD. One that you keep hitting repeat on, and hear something new and different with more meaning to the lyrics everytime you listen to it.

  • Simply a Great Record...
    author: J. Garber

    To keep it simple and to the point, Carey Sims has been a favorite singer of mine for years... Now he's also one of my favorite songwriters as well... Wheels takes me back to a place when great tunes were written, but with a hint of today's sound...

  • Feel-good, fun music!!
    author: Olivia Frain

    Music that appeals to everyone...I've never been a fan of country, but Carey has made me look at it in a new light. In his own words, "These are country songs played by rock guys," and that's what appeals to me about it. With an all-star cast of people like Jim Brock, Don Dixon, Audley Freed, and Jamie Hoover, Carey shows the world what it's been missing with these songs that make you feel like riding down the highway with the windows down. Whether it's the indelible, almost haunting melody of "Heartbreak Row" or the mind-blowing guitar solo in "Dirty Little Town", SOMETHING about this album will stick with you and make you listen again. And again. And again...

  • A collection of intelligent, Steve Earle-style roots-rock
    author: Courtney Devores, Charlotte Observer

    This tattooed singer-songwriter mines country-rock territory on his new album, "Wheels," a collection of intelligent, Steve Earle-style roots-rock. He's got a penchant for classic AM pop and a hint of R&B, most noticeably on the soulful title track.

  • Get caught up in lyrical narrative
    author: Debby Jennings, The Rock Hill Herald

    ...this nine-song CD presents a significant and remarkable leap of faith from this singer and songwriter already quite well known in this region. ... Sims has not only found his voice with this CD but owns it, brandishes it and honestly puts forth his musical narrative with rare candor and intensity while remaining casually personable. Quite a combination.

  • Simply amazing. Brillant songwriting - pure vocals - I can't stop listening.
    author: Anissa Freeman Starnes

    Picked up this CD last night and cannot stop listening to it. Every single track on this album is "radio ready" -this will be the "one" that gets Carey's voice heard far and wide. I have said for many years that it is a pure shame that more people haven't discovered the depth of Carey's talent. Combine his voice with the brillant songwriting on this CD and I think I will finally get my "wish" that the masses will know about Carey Sims -

  • A warm, 70s rock-influenced recording
    author: Samir Shukla, Creative Loafing, 2/20/07

    Black Market Radio frontman and chief songcrafter Carey Sims is back with a warm, 70s rock-influenced recording he simply dubs Wheels. It’s a more country-leaning affair that’s a tribute to Sims’ fine sense of wordplay accompanied by veteran musicianship.

  • A perfect blend of melody and lyric of substance
    author: Dempsey Gibson, AMPS 11, February '07

    Charlotte, NC favorite and singer extraordinaire Carey Sims has done it yet again. His new release “WHEELS” is 9 songs of pure melodic delight. If you are a fan of 70’s classics The Eagles, Linda Rondstat, James Taylor, Jackson Browne (you know back in the day when musicians actually played the music they made), then this CD is defiantly for you. Carey has teamed up with other long time Charlotte music scene heavy hitters Jim Brock, Andy Seets, Mark Stallings, and the legendary Don Dixon. They say that surrounding yourself with the best talent makes you better at whatever you is you choose to do. Happy to report on this project “they” got it right. My favorite track on the disk is the title cut “Wheels”. It is a perfect blend of melody and lyric of substance and restraint…it’s just a GREAT frickin’ tune! It is one of those songs musicians hear and wish they had written. The whole “WHEELS” CD is filled with tunes like that. “Midnight Comes Along” and “Heartbreak Row” are two more examples of pure escapism for weary music lovers dying in a desert of samples and drum machines. From the first cut “Kiss the Wind” to the last “By the Morning”, Carey and company take you on a drive down coastal highways with the top down, the tank full, and the cares of the world a distant memory.

  • Exceptional Talent, Great CD
    author: Buddy

    Carey has written and recorded the best collection of songs I've heard in the past two years. This is not your cookie cutter music from Nashville. "Wheels" is the real deal -- great voice, great musicianship, great songwriting.

  • Incredible sound and style!! A real keeper!!!!
    author: Lynne- HMG Nashville

    Great CD! Great Talent! Incredible sound, style and writing abilities! When the word gets out on this guy, the rest will be just history!

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