In this musical digital age, it’s easier than ever for artists, like Mike Green, to produce music and put it out to the masses. As a listener, it’s easier than ever to access that music. But with that comes a lot of noise and crowded musical platforms. Our algorithms push us to certain artists while leaving out many who never cross our radar. 

Mike Green is one such artist. If it hadn’t been for an old friend, one Whitney Tai who appears on this record, I may never have encountered it. 

A few months ago, Mike Green dropped a record called Hang the Moon pt. 1. I will title this review, Late to the Party. 

It is difficult to define Mike. He is listed as Indie Rock, which there is plenty, but there is also an R&B soul in there. This eight song collection hits all the notes. 

Hang the Moon pt 1– Mike Green

Dig:  Dig is an excellent album opener. Uptempo, with a cool beat underneath, Dig takes us on a journey of one lone soul trying to keep themselves from succumbing to the evils of the world. Around us we see greed and hatred, but Mike fights it, “Maybe I can keep these dark thoughts Subservient to my heart.” He will continue to dig to bury these thoughts and keep his heart pure. This is a great jam that we can all relate to as we make our way through this world. 

Bug: Bug hits slower, a soft beat with Mike’s vocals providing the melody. The song builds in the chorus and becomes quite catchy. He continues the theme here of staying who you are in midst of chaos that continues, reboots, and never ends. Midway through there is a tempo shift and lyrics shift as well, to maintaining faith in the mystical. 

Coyote: Coyote is a cool jam. He infuses elements of reggae and includes horns. His vocals are smooth and rhythmic, and Whitney Tai provides some backing vocals to give this song some depth. The lyrics contradict this light, bouncy tone. As he says, we can run but the Coyote still hunts. If we stand out? The tall poppy gets his head cut off. Again, echoes of what’s going on in our world. Mike added a live performance on Youtube:

Afterglow: Afterglow slows it down. This song is written for anyone who has lost a loved one and is left with the memory, or afterglow. He writes a beautiful set of lines: 

You are woven through my life’s tapestry

I fear the thread of you unraveling

’Cause in my heart your love echoes and grows

An afterglow

There are love songs that feel trivial and rely on contrite lyrics. Not this one. It’s packed with love and loss, written poetically. Just a beautiful song.

I Can’t Help It: This record keeps on giving. This song oozes with an R&B vibe. Like the previous, in this one, the author yearns for a lost love. This groove begs for us to sing along. Unbelievable smooth groove. Video incoming October 10.

Best I Can: This one is an introspective groove. Green begins with a mellow tone that builds throughout. The guitar work here is beautiful- slow pronounced notes drive this one. Green looks honestly at himself, 

I’ve been slippin’

I’ve been trippin’

I’ve been livin’

The best I can

Like the I Can’t Help It and Afterglow, Green touches on a lost love, but here he sees his role in it. He is trying to release the rage and live the best he can. Another wonderful entry. 

Sun Goes Down: SGD picks up the pace, aided by a slide guitar. A party song for sure- can’t wait for the sun to go down, so he can hit the bar and paint this town. The guitar choice is perfect here, giving the vibe of an old country song with the drinking motif. I dare you to not sing along with this one!

Get Away: Musically, this song excels due to a rhythmically rich drum beat, fast, and distinct. It drives the song forward quickly while Green sings softer and slower. The vocals build as he tries to get away from the devil that attempts to compromise him. The song is built around this dynamic of the author trying to outrun the devil- the beat keeps us on edge while the lyrics do their work. Cleverly written. 

Hang the Moon pt. 1 is a masterpiece. Gree delivers biting commentary on the human condition and he looks introspectively on what it takes to remain true to oneself. Green peels back the layers on his journey and shares insights we can all relate to. This record is accessible on so many levels. Mike Green has produced a record worthy of its place on everyone’s turntable. 

New video drop for I Can’t Help It on October 10. Look for that, you won’t be sorry.

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