Bowman “Living To Dream” and “B-Sides”
Boston’s own Bill Bowman is a power pop artist that has turned heads for many years starting with his first solo “Believe” to 2004’s “Living To Dream.” News from Bill is that a new album is in the making, but this year “B-Sides” came out, continuing the great work from the last album. On “Living To Dream” we are treated to driving beats and a tight catchy melody on the opener “Save Me.” Much in the mold of Andy Bopp or Matthew Sweet – it’s guitar driven pop that takes no prisoners. Vocally he comes closer to Justin Currie (Del Amitri) or Ed Roland (Collective Soul). Highlights here include the chill inducing “So Many Ways To Say Goodbye,” “Get Some” and rock anthem “What I Don’t Know.” His songwriting is crisp and musicianship is expert. Easy to say this traditional combination of emotional rocking and ballideering makes for a totally satisfying listening experience. On “B-Sides” you are treated to a heavier sound with “Right In Front of Me” and the blues beat of “Bye, Bye, Bye.” The soulful “Jump A Little Lighter” has a cool chord structure that’s unexpected on this type of song and is the biggest surprise here. Even though mere B-sides, these are still leaps and bounds better than most musicians work. If you never heard of Bowman, than stick with “Living To Dream” as essential – you should then move on to “B-Sides” for extra credit.
BONUS