Sir Video “Light Years” EP
Many remember Timmy Sean from his outstanding LP several years ago. Well he’s back, sort of… in his disco-era alter-ego Sir Video. This isn’t more than dance pop similar to The Orion Experience, but a bit more retro with guitars breaking into the party on “Oh No They’re On The Radio.” Next “Take My Breath Away” is very much in the boy band mode, and next “She’s A Killer” is straight out of the Michael Jackson/Stevie Wonder ’80s pop template. I liked “Do What You Wanna” and for the most part this uses that eras production without its most dated excesses. We concentrate so much on ’60s and ’70s nostalgia here, its refreshing to hear the neon decade’s re-working through a new artist.
Lucy Schwartz “Timekeeper”
This album was one of the good ones that got away from me last year. Lucy Schwartz is one of the most talented female vocalists I’ve heard in a long time. Her album effortlessly segues from pop to rock to soul in a dazzling display of versatility, and it took me a few listens to really become a fan. Starting with “Ghost in My House,” its a mid-tempo pop song with a soulful singalong chorus that showcases Lucy’s distinct vocal, somewhat between Nicole Atkins and Sara Bareilles.
The heavy beat and guitar strum opens up “Turn Your Light On Me” a solid pop single, and the organic girl-school rhythm of “My Friend” keep focus on Lucy’s catchy songwriting. But what won me over is the lush torch song “Feel So Fine,” so seductive that it will give you goosebumps. The orchestral touches and atmosphere of “Curse” and “Marie Antoinette” seem more suited to Enya and the quirky “Time Will Tell” is like a lost Suzanne Vega tune. But just when you think it’s fallen into predictability, she pulls out a gem like the Beatlesque “Captain Sunshine” and I’m back on the bandwagon. In retrospect, highly recommended.
