Featured Album – The Grapes of Wrath – “High Road”

The Grapes of Wrath – “High Road”

4 Stars

OK, a bit closer to home, but still hard to get is the new album from Canada’s The Grapes of Wrath, a band I only recently got into. I like a lot of their earlier work, but when I popped this on for the first time it was a whole new experience. It felt fresh, vibrant and new. It didn’t hurt that it was this album’s high point, the opening track, Good To See You (included below). It kind of serves as a welcome back track, and is a pulsating, rocking gem.

The rest of the album does not disappoint. There is a bit of everything on this album, from Beatlesque pop, to more driving, forward music. Lyrically, it is very interesting, all about life and stuff. It definitely grows with you, I am still noticing new interesting things about the album everytime I hear it. The vocal style is what gets me, very cool and soothing, but not without a certain edge. Overall the whole listening experience is rewarding.

Definitely one to check out, if you like interesting, elegant pop music that has a real love of musicality, that I admire a lot. Good times!

Other notable releases for this week:

• Eric Barao – Eric Barao
• Fortunetellers – Get Them Good

Featured Album – The Yum Yums – “…Play Good Music”

The Yum Yums – “…Play Good Music”

5 Stars

Another in the continuing series of new music from other countries that might be hard to find, here comes Norway’s own The Yum Yums. They are back in action with another hopping, bopping, power-popping collection of fun filled chewy bubblegummy sweetness! They know what their strengths are, and they exploit them to the tippity top. There is no hidden meaning here, just songs about love, music and candy. As it should be!

I love that with The Yum Yums, I can pop in any of their albums and immediately cheer up. This album made me want to pull out those other albums that had been collecting dust. If you are not yet aware of this band, rectify it soon. Even though you can’t easily get this new album yet, check out their older releases available on Amazon, iTunes, Spotify, etc.

Other notable releases for this week (and that I recently discovered):

• Strokes – Comedown Magic
• Alex Keith – Today’s As Good As Any
• Wire – Change Becomes Us
• Cartel – Collider
• The Staves – Dead & Born & Grown

Featured Album – Bob Evans – Familiar Stranger

Bob Evans – Familiar Stranger

4 Stars

Bob Evans – Familiar Stranger

From the first sustained note that opens the album, you are pulled into this world of Bob Evans. The cinematic opening of “Footscray Park” like the first moments of a film, introduces the tone and thematic elements. As the harmonic vocals come in you can almost see the scene being built in front of you. This happens both musically and lyrically. The music is layers upon layers, crafting itself into a storytelling device. Lyrically, there are themes of building your life. Growing up, making plans for your future that never quite pan out the way you want, and the realization that sometimes that’s how life goes. But it is a hopeful message, because either way, you have built something regardless of what you wanted in the first place.

Yet at no point do you feel this is some kind of haughty concept album. Each song has its own story to tell. But the approach to the songs is very unified. There is this open feeling to the songs, lyrically open and honest, and musically wide. You are swimming in guitars, synths, and drums, and laid out in the middle are the soft, laid-back, harmonic vocals, pushing through the stories and philosophical thinking. The musicality of everything prepares you to hear the messages coming through, and is really a perfect way to deliver those messages.

It feels for the first time on a Bob Evans record, that this really means something to the artist, and he is telling stories that are both specific to him, but understood to be universal. The result is a beautiful, well-crafted album that everyone can get something from. Whether you are a lyrics person who thrives on thoughtful lyrics, or a music person looking for great melodies, harmonies, and intricate production styles, this has it all. This is a triumphant return and the creation of a lasting statement to be proud of.

Other notable releases for this week (and last!):

• Parthenon Huxley – Thank You Bethesda
• Dido – The Girl Who Got Away
• The Go – Fiesta
• Josh Rouse – The Happiness Waltz
• Ducktails – The Flower Lane
• Corin Ashley – New Lion Terraces
• Misty Boyce – Tough Love EP
• The Grapes of Wrath – High Road
• A Fragile Tomorrow – Be Nice Be Careful
• The Hush Sound – Forty Five

Featured Album – Pop Garden Radio Presents: Legacy – A Tribute To Rick Nelson Volume 1

Pop Garden Radio Presents: Legacy – A Tribute To Rick Nelson Volume 1

3 Stars

Pop Garden Radio Presents: Legacy – A Tribute To Rick Nelson Volume 1

Listeners of the great pop music radio show Pop Garden Radio know that Adam Waltemire has been working on this collection a long long time. And let it just be said that it was worth the wait. This is a phenomenal tribute to Rick Nelson, someone who kind of gets the short shrift in rock and roll history, but played a big part in it.

What I love about this record is the care the artists put into their versions. These sound excellent, well recorded, well produced, and it sounds great. It covers a wide swath of Nelson’s catalog, and truly gives meaning behind the title, Legacy, it is clear Rick Nelson did leave a mark in the music world.

With another Volume to come out shortly, it is exciting to think of all the great work that has been done on this that we have yet to hear. These 22 tracks offer a great selection and a great opening to this series. There is something for everyone here. And it’s only 10 bucks! Go for it, friends!

Other notable releases for this week:

• Caitlin Rose – The Stand-in
• Odds – The Most Beautiful Place on Earth
• I Fight Dragons – DEMOlition
• Maxi Dunn – Edmund and Leo
• Ex Norwegian – Crack
• They Might Be Giants – Nanobots
• Pure McCartney
• The Sharp Things – Green is Good
• Son Volt – Honky Tonk
• New Amsterdams – Outroduction
• Ainslie Wills – You Go Your Way I’ll Go Mine
• Josh Ritter – The Beast in his Tracks
• Ashley Monroe – Like A Rose
• Fantastic Plastic Machine – Scale
• Psychic Friend – My Rocks are Dreams

Featured Album – Leagues – You Belong Here

Leagues – You Belong Here

3 Stars

Leagues – You Belong Here

This album hit me from the first listen. It is instantly danceable, beat driven music. Add in the sorta quirky vocal style of Thad Cockrell, it really is something. This sounds like a fresh new band with bright eyed kids in their early 20′s…only these guys have been playing (separately) for years! That ends up giving the album a very polished, slick sound, that could easily slide into being overwrought and too earnest. In this case, it does quite the opposite, and manages to have a little bit of fun.

The instrumentation and arrangements are very interesting and engaging. You are sort of drawn into the songs, and just when you think you are getting bored, they turn it into a new direction, surprising the listener once again. This band really pushes the indie rock boundaries, by actually pushing to make something lasting, while being entertaining and unique. Keep it up fellas, you have a great formula!

Other notable releases for this week (and last!):

• Jamie Liddell – Jamie Liddell
• The Mavericks – In Time
• Shake Some Action – Full Fathom Five
• Kaliyo – Trapeze

Featured Album – The Spinto Band – Cool Cocoon

The Spinto Band – Cool Cocoon

3 Stars

The Spinto Band – Cool Cocoon

When it comes to airy gentle indie pop, you can’t seem to go wrong with The Spinto Band. With their high-pitched vocals, dreamy soundscapes and themes of love and loss, they typify what it means to be an indie band. But if that turns you off, maybe stick with it a bit longer. There are real influences here that harken back to classic sixties pop, and a retro feel that is their own.

It is hard to pigeonhole this music, because it offers a unique approach to music that is interesting and beautiful.

If I had one complaint, it might be that it becomes a bit samey at times, it doesn’t seem to really want your attention, so fades to the background easily. But this could be a strength in some people’s eyes. All in all, I think it is an enjoyable, interesting record.

Other notable releases for this week (and last!):

• Fiction Family – Fiction Family Reunion
• Elle Macho – Import
• The Rescues – Blah Blah Love and War
• Leagues – You Belong Here

Featured Album – The Sun Sawed in 1/2 – Elephants Into Swans

The Sun Sawed in 1/2 – Elephants Into Swans

4 Stars

The Sun Sawed in 1/2 – Elephants Into Swans

They are back! After over a decade, The Sun Sawed in ½ picks up right where they left off with a winning album, full of catchy hooks, those soaring vocals, and sounds fresh and new. I’ll admit, it took me a while to get into this band. I think I first heard of them on the Jellyfish mailing list, as a band to check out. I got their albums and while I liked a lot of it, some songs left me cold, and I never really got much further than a couple listens. What I realized listening to this new album was that when they do it right, they really get it right. There are songs on here that are almost perfect examples of great pop songwriting.

The lead-off track, “You’re The Something” hits hard with a rock edge that is undeniable, by the end of the song, you are all in, and ready for whatever they have to offer. The next two tracks are fantastic pop songs that you will be humming for the next week! The rest of the album keeps things going, never really letting up, then putting the cherry on top is the final track, “Waltzing in Clover”, which ends the album on a high note, leaving you wanting more. The album is a breezy listen, with lots to grab onto each time you put it on!

Elephants Into Swans is a well-produced, solid record. Here’s hoping The Sun Sawed in ½ are here to stay and will be bringing us great pop music for years to come. Check this album out and see some of the first golden pop nuggets of 2013!

Other notable releases for this week:

• Biffy Clyro – Opposites

Featured Album – Hot Nun

Hot Nun – Hot Nun

3 Stars

Hot Nun – Hot Nun

A short-but-sweet rockin’ album from Jeff Shelton (Well Wishers), it asks the musical question, “Wanna Rock?!” Chock-full of fast-paced guitar driven rock/pop/glam, topped with the sweet vocal style we’ve come to love from Jeff. He is having fun on this record, at one point adopting a British accent! There is no time for reflection here, and while it does not have a lot of variety, who needs it? If you want a fun, bouncy, album with edge, this one’s for you!

Other notable releases for this week:

• Sun Sawed in 1/2 – Elephants Into Swans
• The Connection – 7 Nights to Rock – (12″)
• Ari Shine – Forget Regret
• Free Energy – Love Sign
• Martel – The Prelude

Featured Album – Time Machine by Secret Friend

Welcome to 2013 fans and friends! I’m going to try writing longer-form reviews this year. Who knows what may happen!

4 Stars

Secret Friend – Time Machine

Secret Friend – “Time Machine”

An awesome album to start the year off with, this record has a lot going for it. The foundation of the music is firmly rooted in classic 70’s singer-songwriter pop. It’s your basic Andrew Gold, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Emmit Rhodes type of sound. It’s got lots of piano, clean acoustic guitar, drums, and throw in some horns and strings for good measure. If you love that sound, you will be into this record. A lot.

This album is the brainchild of Stephen Fox, someone I know nothing about, except he’s from Australia. What brought this to my attention was his recruitment of some of my favorite artists to play, sing, and produce the record. That’s Willie Wisely on Lead Vocals, bringing his laid back tenor to serve this material very well. On Background Vocals, we have Kelly Jones, and she sings lead on a great jazzy song “He’ll Never Know Me.” Producing and playing is Linus of Hollywood. A formidable pedigree if you ask me.

These contributors bring a lot to the project, but the real star here is the songs, with great, classic, “have I heard this before?” sounding melodies, and strong, interesting lyrics. These songs are often heartbreaking, each a story in itself. The themes go from lighter, universal love songs, to darker, personal lyrics of the type where if you aren’t paying attention, you might not even notice the darkness. Take “Killing Time”, a fun fast-paced sounding song, about a very dark topic. It took me 2 listens to suddenly “get” it!

Overall, it is a great record, which lovers of that classic pop sound will be attracted to. It is strong enough that it could convince some hard-headed music fans to dig in.

Other notable releases for this week:

• The Living Sisters – Run for Cover EP
• Guster – Live Acoustic

Things I missed in 2012

Well as we look upon the New Year tonight, I continue to reflect on 2012, a year that brought a ton of great music I have featured on the blog. As I do many years, I miss a lot of things, and with the slew of year end lists coming out, I have noticed many overlooked or under-appreciated gems. Those of which I mean to feature right here, right now. So read on!

Ari Shine
Songs of Solomon

This one I meant to blog about ages ago. A great album by Ari Shine, who on previous albums had more of a slicker pop/rock feel to it which I love. This album is a bit more subdued and acoustic, but just as strong musically, with great choruses and catchy melodies. Definitely a highlight of the year!

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David Myhr
Soundshine

This album was covered here by Matt, but I also loved this album. Just about the poppiest pop this year, David is expert at creating these rhythmic bases for songs making them immediately catchy, dancy fun times music. Then his strong voice steps in and tops it off with excellent melodies and harmonies. So great!

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Bill Lloyd
Boy King of Tokyo

The return of Bill Lloyd was much appreciated with this album full of crunchy pop songs with a twinge of country-rock and songs that sound straight from the heart and very honest. A classic sound, kept up-to-date and vital for today’s music scene.

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Throwback Suburbia
Shot Glass Souvenir

Another fantastic record, too many killer hooks to count, and very well-produced and full of amazing songs that lift you up and make you feel good. You can tell they must have had fun making it, and they have a real passion for what they are trying to make.

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Wes Hollywood
Fantasy Arcade

A slick, interesting power pop record. Some very strong songs here, a bit darker in subject matter, but still has all the pop trappings I love, great guitar sound and vocal style that is very unique and interesting. I like a lot of things about it.

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Kurt Baker
Brand New Beat

I mean this thing just came out recently, so I would have gotten to it, but here goes anyway: Can’t go wrong kids, Kurt can’t go wrong. Another fun power pop explosion of awesomeness!

the children’s favorite time of year

hey kids, gather round, here comes captain santa to share your dreams!

Adrienne Pierce
My Heavens

Good easy-going pop that is very well made and interesting. She has a good voice, and is overall a great listening experience.

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Jellyfish
Stack-A-Tracks

Awesome! Both albums without vocals! It really reveals some added flourishes from those heavy arrangements that make them so great!

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Various Artists
Holidays Rule

Another thrown together corporate Christmas album. It’s got some good people on it, probably only worth it for the few artists you actually care about.

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Further Seems Forever
Penny Black

I’ve been a Dashboard Confessional fan for a long time, but never got into Further Seems Forever. I was happy to see Chris Carraba was back for vocals, but musically, it is just a bit much and really lacked any melodic appeal.

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Cardinal
Hymns

Great to hear from this band. More of the soft vocals and interesting song styling they are known for.

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Swearin’
Swearin’

A rocky, gritty explosion of garagey rock that is a lot of fun. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and stays on a solid path all the way through.

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ミラクルミュージカル
Hawaii: Part II

Excellent! This pseudo-side project of Tally Hall members is an eclectic mix of songs that go from retro to pop to electronic, etc. I really liked it, and think it will even grow on me.

Top 12 of 2012!

OK, here is my detailed account of my favorite albums of the year. I think what makes music great is that every person gets something different out of it. I realize as I look at other lists of this type, how much is out there, and there is something for everyone. I hope you can find something here for you!

1. The Explorers Club – Grand Hotel
   
   This year has found me revisiting a lot of older records. I have been listening to a ton of “Come to the Sunshine” podcasts, The Kinks at the BBC box set, etc. So it doesn’t surprise me that this is my #1. It both borrows heavily from records of the 60’s and 70’s, and remains wholly original. Making songs as good as anything released at that time. It has hooks that are incredibly catchy, which is surprising these days. The record is well produced and professional. It is a triumph, and I love it.
2. Gold Motel – Gold Motel
   
   This band was my top album of 2010, so I am a huge fan already. This album picks right up where they left off, and in some respects is better. It is better produced, and while it doesn’t have the immediacy and pull the first one did, there are many solid songs on here. “Musicians” may be the best song of the year. Each time I hear it, some other awesome part of it shines through.
3. Air Traffic Controller – NORDO
   
   The long awaited album was worth the wait. Another collection of melodic, hook-filled music. His unique voice really makes it; this is a record about singing your heart out, and saying what you mean. They are sincere, heartfelt songs that take it slow when they need to, and rock out when it needs that. It almost feels like a cathartic release of emotions in a pure pop package.
4. Wanderlust – Record Time
   
   YES! The return of a great band, and not only that, they are better than ever. This record is a loud statement of we are here, and we have something to say. The record can be listened to at the surface level, and you hear great rock songs, with soaring vocals, crashing guitars, and can have a great time. Once you start delving into the songs, you realize there is substance here. These aren’t just kids rocking out, they are adults who have lived in the world, and are expressing their experience with it.
5. Hidden Pictures – Rainbow Records
   
   This album came to my attention via Futureman Records, which has been releasing classic power pop records digitally, and they put this album up as a preview. It was a great move because it fits right in with all those classic records, yet has an appeal to today’s audiences. It uses the power pop mold, but run through a more modern indie rock filter. Making for an engaging and fun listening experience. After seeing the other records this band released previously, I see they’ve been doing this for years, but I think maybe this one tops them all.
6. Redd Kross – Researching The Blues
   
   When a band hasn’t released an album in 15 years, you wonder if they still “have it”. As you hear the opening chord of this album, all notions of a failed comeback disappear. It rocks your socks off! They are back with a vengeance! It feels almost as if there was a kinetic energy building up for 15 years, and is released all in one fell swoop, leaving all others in the dust. It is both classic Redd Kross, and a new direction all at the same time.
7. Missy Higgins – The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle
   
   This album stands out from Missy Higgins’ previous efforts. It feels a lot closer to the chest, more personal. I think bringing Brad Jones and Butterfly Boucher in the mix was a wonderful decision. It doesn’t take away from Missy’s sound, but adds flourishes that bring out a different side to the sound. In the end, it brings it to a place of perfection for me, and is almost a new start, that can actually grow and continue to make her the strong unique artist she is.
8. Mike Viola – Acousto De Perfecto
   
   As long as Mike Viola is making new music, he will make it on this list. Something about him just always hits me just right. This might not be considered a proper album, but it does make a full statement and stands up well. It features about half new songs, half old, done in an acoustic manner, with basically guitars and a string section. It really brings out the lyrics and just the simple but effective songwriting style of Mike Viola.
9. Chris Richards and The Subtractions – Get Yer La-La’s Out
   
   If you need one solid power pop record this year, this is gonna be it. It has all the required pieces put together in a way that flows well and mixes into a great sound. You’ve got your crunchy guitars, pulsating beat, background vocals (la-la’s!), and a great solid voice. Great melodies and interesting song topics make for a wonderful all around experience.
10. Ruby Free – Introducing Ruby Free
    
    A unique and cool album that feels more relaxed and confident than his other band, Maple Mars. It has a retro feel to it as well, a kind of southern California hippie feel to it. Yet, it has a post-modern experience of that music, first as a reminiscing of the era as can be seen through modern eyes. I am unsure if an era like this even existed, but it comforts me to hear music that makes it feel like that kind of world is possible.
11. The Corner Laughers – Poppy Seeds
    
    Lighthearted pop from this group, sweetly sung and well produced. It grabs you from the start, with its bright feeling, as something different and fun. Where I see it going to the next level is thematically, with the unique take on experiences that are both relateable and abstract. It seems to have a poetic quality where things are said lyrically, but with much more meaning behind it.
12. The Murphy Brothers – Thick as Thieves
    
    Great brotherly harmony band. Musically, what I like is the soaring-ness of the whole thing. They kind of lay down a rhythm, and the vocals kind of glide around, always moving forward, then it comes to the choruses, which lift it into the stratosphere. It makes me happy, and makes me want to join in!

I couldn’t stop at 12 of course. So here are 13 more albums that made my year!

13. Butterfly Boucher – Butterfly Boucher
        
14. The dB’s – Falling off the Sky
        
15. Shoes – Ignition
        
16. Regina Spektor – What We Saw From The Cheap Seats
        
17. Cliff Hillis – Dream Good
        
18. Eytan and the Embassy – Everything Changes
        
19. Young Fresh Fellows – Tiempo De Lujo
        
20. Tim Adams and Mike Viola’s Harem – Songs from the movie “That’s What She Said”
        
21. Dan Miraldi – Sugar & Adrenaline
        
22. Sweet Diss and the Comebacks – Emerald City Love Song
        
23. Dylan Trees – Three Times of the Day EP
        
24. Eleni Mandell – I Can See The Future
        
25. Kelly Hogan – I Like to Keep Myself in Pain
        

Thanks for reading! If you made it all the way down here, I’ve got a bonus for you: A compilation of all my favorite songs from all these albums!!!!!

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/16p82z3gs3n0o2t/ruuyVBTxEU

what makes a thing a thing?

here they are.

John LT
Suburban Superstar
Fun little poppy thing. I had not heard about this guy before, but it sounds like he’s got some good chops. A lot of just great fun pop/rock songs.

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The Trews
Thank You And I’m Sorry
It sounds like all their other records. Very well polished, loud pop/rock with a soulful voice. Hey, I applaud consistency in all forms.

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Tim Adams and Mike Viola’s Harem
Songs from the movie “That’s What She Said”
Mike Viola does it again! A collection of songs he and Tim Adams wrote/produced, all sung by the best female vocalists out there, including Kelly Jones, Rachael Yamagata and Nicole Atkins. Love it!

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Tony Scalzo
My Favorite Year
The new album from Fastball’s Tony Scalzo. Very much in the same vein as that music, but a lot less polished, and seems more personal. I like that a lot.

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Eric Burdon & The Greenhornes
Eric Burdon & The Greenhornes
Bluesy EP from former Animals lead singer and the Greenhornes. All parties seem to keep their authenticity, but it doesn’t really move me.

Extend-o-matic: Patterson Hood – Heat Lightning Rumbles in the Distance

I am going to try doing some extended longer form reviews every so often. Today, I want to highlight an artist outside of the pop framework, but you may like it. Patterson Hood’s album “Heat Lightning Rumbles in the Distance”

At first glance, this album is exceedingly simple. Very sparse, mostly just guitar and vocals, with soft accents all along the way. At its heart are the lyrics, both confessional and poetic. He is a storyteller of the sort where you don’t know you’re being told a story until its too late. So the album blooms from that. Where a standard approach would be to add more instrumentation, horns, strings, etc., Hood keeps it simple, sticking to the core of the song, highlighting the words. It really feels like a personal statement. The music itself is very basic, no complex chord changes or soaring choruses, he just lays down a rhythm, and rolls the words on top. it serves what he is doing just fine, so no complaints here. Highlights are Leaving Time and Better Than The Truth. If you love this type of troubadour songwriting, you can’t do too much better these days.

At least, put the money in my hands.

So another week has passed by, with only the melancholy of life to keep us going. woe is me.

Various Artists
A Tribute to Repo Man
An interesting album. A great LA punk soundtrack makes this film really great. So it is cool to hear some good bands paying their tribute. Well done, folks.

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John & Brittany
Start Sinning
The new album from John Faye continues the greatness. His strong voice, and good rocking songs make for a great combo, and this album is a lot of fun.

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Various Artists
It’s OK To Do Stuff
Funny parody album of Free To Be You and Me, features great comedic minds doing funny bits. Pretty short, but fun.

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Fiction Family
Holiday EP
FREE! Good stuff from Fiction Family, original Christmas music, it is pretty good and is keeping up the unique sound.

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Hey, Rosetta!
A Cup of Kindness Yet
Tons of Christmas music comes out, and much of it gets buried in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, this EP from Hey Rosetta is good, and engaging.