FROM 2011: The key to the music business, I think, is consistency. For example, I really liked James Maddock’s first solo album, Sunrise on Avenue C. But who knew whether he could follow it up with a similar gem? Maybe his first appearance on Mr. Media in September 2009 would be his last? No chance. JAMES Maddock podcast excerpt: "I don't like to write songs about specific incidents. I'm not really good at that autobiographical songwriting thing. I think it gets in the way."  Wake Up and Dream takes the triumph of Sunrise and successfully builds upon it. The lyrics are sharper, the hooks catchier, and the overall sound consistent from the first song to the last. If you’ve never heard him before, I'll give you a little taste of James Maddock’s work. When we talk about classic rock, I don’t think of music I’ve been forced to endure a thousand times in life – I’m looking at you, Pink Floyd. It’s not “classic” in my mind because it’s older than dirt. To me, “classic” rock means the music captures the spirit and soul of rock – a bit bluesy, a hint of country and an all-rock attitude. In that spirit, I think James Maddock’s Wake Up and Dream is classic stuff. James Maddock Website • Twitter • Facebook • YouTube • Order Wake Up and Dream from Amazon.com