Ronnie D’Addario “Falling For Love”
It’s always a treat finding “lost” power pop of the past. Ronnie D’Addario has been a musician for many years, mainly as a session player for Tommy Makem of The Clancy Brothers. His solo albums showcase his love of Beatles-styled melodies, and Falling For Love is a real treasure. The title track was written for The Carpenters in 1981, and even though it was recorded by them – it was never released. D’Addario’s original sounds like a perfect fit for the late Karen Carpenter.
D’Addario’s songwriting and composing is very much like Gilbert O’Sullivan or Emitt Rhodes, with a solid hook on “Just Let Me Look At You.” The bouncy McCartney-like piano melody of “I’m On To Something” is another gem, along with the amazing harmonies on “Steps” and “Waiting In The Wings.” A few songs feel more like Carpenters tunes (“Two Little Children” and “Just Passing Through”) and there is not a dud in the bunch. Highly Recommended, and his other albums are worth checking out too. FYI, he’s passed his talent down to his sons who are also known as The Lemon Twigs, a very impressive indie pop group that’s just begun to make major waves.
The Favorite Things “Coming Clean”
Four long time Minneapolis musicians joined forces to form The Favorite Things, taking their name from The Replacements song, “Favorite Thing” and the band counts them as a big influence. You’ll also hear echos of REM, Nada Surf, and The Gin Blossoms. The opener blasts through (“Coming Clean”) with its fast tempo and energetic chorus.
“Ashes” and “First Time” continues the party, fans of 90s-styled indie rock will enjoy the rich familiar sound. The albums second half eases up the intensity slightly with the alt. country rocker “Friday Night In Tennessee,” but gets back on the buzzing riffs with “In The Summer.” The tempo and style doesn’t vary much from there, and as a result the songs sound homogeneous. But the talent is there and I’m sure The Favorite Things will continue to grow as artists. Check them out.
