The Modulators “Tomorrow’s Coming”
If you are nostalgic for the 80’s skinny tie era of great power pop this band fits the bill. The Modulators were a local New Jersey band that played the small clubs in NJ, and was a local favorite at the time. The trio of Joe Riccardello (bass & keyboards), Mark Higgins (lead guitar) and Mark Westlake (drums) gets things started with the high treble jangle of the title track and energetic beat of “Jimmy Says.” Especially great is the fantastic “Spin Me Around” which is a real highlight in the best Marshall Crenshaw style, and a sweet version of Dylan’s’ “My Back Pages” is another gem. The production doesn’t sound re-mastered so it can sound a little dated in spots, but each tune is bursting with jangle guitars and clean harmonies. Other highlights include “If You Let Her Go” and “Own Little World” – fans of The Records, Bram Tchaikovsky, and The Toms should get this album immediately!
Baby Scream “Secret Place”
Argentine rocker Juan Pablo Mazzola strikes again! His band Baby Scream returns with Secret Place and it boasts a solid mix of styles and songs that describe Juan’s various moods. “The Last Call” blasts through like a whiskey soaked anthem to escapism (“You gotta leave it all behind…”). “Hit and Run” continues the Lennonesque flavor of 70’s balladry and folk shuffle of the title track lighten the overall mood here. “Bad Seed” is a smart acoustic ballad about Juan’s tough childhood. The introspective mood of “Patiently” uses a variety of instruments (including a clavinet) to bring a mood of desolation. “London Sun” starts with a light touch, but builds to a great guitar solo within a psychedelic landscape – its my favorite tune on the album. Overall, despite a few missteps (“Cold Weather Raggae”) this is an album that shouldn’t remain a “secret” for long.