This is the 2005 release from Chicago's Braam, whose "Gravity and the right to fly" record, we suggest you all check out. Like that album,"Madalaine" is a hard record to pin down and tell you,"Braam sounds like "XXX" band. Their enigmatic approach to songwriting co-opts a myriad of varying musical and literary influences. Lead singer Tom Braam has a rough hewned vocal delivery, but it still manages to maintain a warmth and intimate character which brings the material closer to the chest. There's a strong '70s flavor with echo-ings of Neil Young fronting the Eagles.The NEXT decade would be represented by Braam reminding us a bit of The Dream syndicate, Green on red and Scruffy the Cat. Come into the '90s I guess we can mention say ..The Wallflowers, but then again Braam have their OWN sound blending the bands many, many, obviously diverse backgrounds and influences. I think the common thread would be Mr. Neil Young, though. His spirit runs throughout giving all the songs here an earthy, gritty rocking,and MOST attractive flair...VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENED

Hi guys, This is "Kevin Tihista" My girlfriend gave me a copy of your newest record..I can't even tell you how hard it hit me!!I could not stop listening to it.These songs are so good...it's frighting!! I hope you guy's realize how great it is?

Back when they were from Lake Genenva(WI),the Braam brothers..Tom,(Vocals) Mike,(Bass & harmonies) Scott(guitar)...-Used to be called "Swingset Police".These days they are based out of Chicago, and the "pop rock story telling band" has just released "Madelaine" the second "story with guitars" in a planned triology that has people lining up outside to experience it first! Braam's stories are pretty much universally recieved as golden gems.Braam is that rare band that can make you laugh, get lost in your own thoughts and weep all in the same song cycle. People should START lining up NOW to get the still-in-the-works final CD of the triology "Kings"

Three years after the release of Gravity & the right to fly, Braam is back.Madelaine is a story with quite a few relgious content,though people with a phobia of such things shouldn't curl up into a defensive posture.Mostly because 99.9% of the "rock" albums delivering them have no power, and nothing to sink your teeth into. In the case of Madelaine, there are rock songs aplenty, featuring fine performances from a band that just keeps getting better(though,sadly and unfair, no better known on the national scene) Tom Braam is now a complete vocalist,no longer just improving his ability to sing; he now has command of the song,instinctively knowing where to put the accents and the pauses,when to lay back and when to pour it on. The songwriting, which is done by all three Braam brothers(Mike Bass..Scott lead guitar and Tom) has matured as well.Songs like Trying to apologize and Ain't no love in your rock n roll..are fully realized and radio ready.Evangelical scene is just plain fun, old fashion rock n roll.Wheaten College is the albums stunner, a beautifully crafted moving moment of introspection. Once again I ask, as do more and more fans and critics every time these guys put out an album...What the hell does it take to get signed in Chicago?