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39 With a couple of nods to classic rock and an up-tempo brooding, "Stardust" is a fun and enjoyable listen without going overboard on the happy sauce. The EP rolls along into two of Carlin's more personal and autobiographical tunes: "Let me be your Man" and "Sweet Nicole." These two tracks pair well together, sporting similar foundational instrumentation. Two organic songs where strings and wood delicately frame the topics of Carlin's newfound adventure of family and fatherhood. Lastly, the EP wraps up with "Right Back Home to You." Minor in key, hopeful to a degree, but honest about the trials painted within the lyrical content. A great nightcap to a wonderful EP. Check out Carlin at www. CarlinTrippMusic.com Another great new release comes from Quincy-based Nico Rivers and The Black Grass. Nico has been in and out of many different worlds as an artist, often diving deep into the folk world and then jumping into the realms of Indie Rock. "Tiny Death" seems to be the culmination of years of experience experimenting with both genres (as well as going deep into their sub-genres) glued together by Nico's fine ear for sonic landscapes. There's a lot that excites me about this record, whether it be the heavy metal nod in "Backroads" or the Pop Punk melodies and vocal qualities; there's certainly a lot to explore here. Imagine "New Found Glory" with the songwriter sensibilities of Ryan Adams…even a dash of Death Cab. The album continues to shift shape on tracks like "Misty Nebraska," which pays tribute not only to Nico's folk side but to his raw talent as a performing songwriter. Joined by Emily Handley with delicate and precise harmonies, this track is one of the finer listens on the record. "Tiny Death" truly has a little something for everyone. Whether it be the haunting and cosmic instrumentals such as "In The Reeds" or "Unraveling Strands," or the uber hip "Ghosts," this record stands strong not only against other records, but against itself…a difficult task when balancing several genres. From start to finish, this record pays great tribute to Nico's many musical personalities, all of which contain the years of insight and experience required to create an album with this much quality and breadth. Nico and The Black Grass will be embarking on a European tour this summer with 19 dates across Germany. Check out what he's /they've been up to at www.NicoRivers.com. Now for a little trip down memory lane. Many of you fellow dwellers of the South Shore might remember The Ranch House. Years ago, The Ranch House was the place to go to catch good Rock n' Roll. Bands such as The Cars, Aerosmith and many more played their stage on their way up the Rock n' Roll ladder. From local favorites, regional heroes and national acts, this venue had them all. Although this venue has since passed, The Jetty in Marshfield has recently been paying tribute to the music of The Ranch House. They recently wrapped their 3rd Annual Ranch House Revival Live Music series, which included The Fat City Band, Joshua Tree, The Fools, Jim Plunket and Clutch Grabwell, to name a few. Now that summer is just about here, you can expect more great music at The Jetty all summer long. The Jetty features bands Friday and Saturday nights with early acoustic acts and Sunday acoustic brunches. This summer, you will see some great bands coming through such as Entrain, Soul Jacker, Jim Sylvia and Bob Bandera. Stop in for some great food, drink and music and help pay tribute to everything that makes summer on the South Shore so great! And of course, the Jetty isn't the only great place to see live music now that the season is here. The Red Parrot in Hull is offering live entertainment in their ocean air setting all summer long. Next door, HK Too and Hull's Kitchen provide live acoustic entertainment five and six days a week with two sets on Saturdays and Sundays. The Levitate Music and Arts Festival rolls into Marshfield this summer with a bevy of national, regional and local talent. For you inlanders, The Stoughton House of Brews features some of the finest songwriters from the region on Friday and Saturday nights. Open mics abound: Tuesday nights at Tinker's Son in Norwell as well as every other Wednesday at Mr. Dooley's in Cohasset. Quincy's Paddy Barry's welcomes the best of new talent with the finest of the seasoned talent. Authentic Irish musicians can be heard here regularly which is a real treat. Thank you music lovers and enthusiast for once again tuning into "The Beat," right here in The South Shore Magazine on Boston's best shore, the South Shore. As always, please feel free to drop me a line. I'd love to hear from you!