Bill DeMain “Transatlantic Romantic”
Bill DeMain (Swan Dive) delivers a smartly arranged bit of adult pop that is just full of sweet slice-of-life moments. Several years ago he gave us a Paul Simonesque “Extended Stay” EP that displayed the same warmth and familiarity Swan Dive was known for. On his first full length, DeMain follows the grand tradition of classic Brill Building pop, Philly Soul and Folk influenced artists like Harry Nilsson, Randy Newman, and Todd Rundgren.
In fact, after a gorgeous set of strings and harmonies on the opener “Begin” he pays tribute to Todd on the song “Leroy Boy,” a sort-of-sequel to “We Gotta Get You A Woman.” Next the piano and horn gems “Honey Bear” and “Brewster, IL, April 3, 1952” recalls Newman’s poetic storytelling. The song “Lemon Yellow” is a simple waltz charmer about loving your first car. A great cover of The Beach Boys “Wendy” makes use of co-producer Jim Hoke’s strings behind Bill’s harmonies, and “The Golden Age” is a tune about the love of pure nostalgia, with some sweet sax flourishes. This is a rare treat that will grow on you all summer. Plus Kool Kat is offering a 2-fer of this and Extended Stay for $18. Don’t miss it!
Green Circles “No Room For Squares”
Australian garage/psych rockers Green Circles have been around since 1998 and still make music in the retro-garage rock and roll style. No Room For Squares is a collection of odds and sods from throughout the bands’ career. A mixed bag with some great songs here, favorites include the psyche-pop gem “Elevator Operator,” the jangling Kinks-like “Girl in a Morris Minor” and the Who-influenced “Stephanie Comes.”
The album also includes several live tracks where the band rocks much harder, as the energy of “Five Blue Moons” and “Kneejerk Reaction” could sit alongside classic music by The Pretty Things, The Creation, and The Small Faces. The fast-tempo garage energy is also reflected in brilliant “Long Live Sivananda” with its strong drum work and “Tomorrow Will Be Fine” features a catchy chorus. Enough great music here to elevate it above your average release. Highly Recommended.