Chris Richards and The Subtractions "Sad Sounds of the Summer"

Detroit’s Chris Richards and the Subtractions have released their latest collection of hook-laden, power pop. Richards has been doing this for a long time (since 1989) and the experience shows. The crunchy guitar riffs lead the opening “I Can’t Quit Her” and more sweet melodies and luscious harmonies follow. There is enough rich reverb on the Raspberries-like “Consolation” and heavy rock guitar on “I, Miss July” that it demands repeat listens. Richards has expanded the popularity of the group worldwide, where he explains, “I’ve been fortunate to have my records released and do well in Spain, Sweden, Japan, and Australia and both the press and fan reaction have been amazing. It’s a challenge trying to let fans in multiple countries know we’ve got a record out, but there’s such a great network of the music’s fans out there that word just seems to spread.” Some tracks have a thick jangle texture to them, like “Oh Canada (Part Deux)” and others remove the wall of sound and keep the melodies in the forefront (reminding me of Del Amitri a little) in “Take It From Me.” It’s hard to argue with such good music, but we only have mid-tempo and heavy rockers here (no ballads) if you want to be picky. “I Do Declare” has some great percussion work courtesy of drummer Larry Grodsky and “Beg or Borrow”has an amazing guitar solo ending. Fans of the Posies, Lolas and Tommy Keene will be in pop heaven with this one. Overall, this album is exemplary of the genre, and thus deserves a top ten nod for 2009. 

My Space | CD Baby

The Pete Best Band "Haymans Green"

Pete Best, the Beatles drummer from 1960-62, has been in the shadow of the group most of his life. Since Ringo took his seat on the gravy train, Pete has been a famous footnote for many years, with other bands even making fun of “the unluckiest bastard in the world.” When the surviving Beatles released Anthology, which featured a number of tracks with Best as drummer, he formed the Pete Best Band with his brother Roag Best around 1995. And what began as an attempt to cash in on his fame as a Beatles cover band has now evolved into “Haymans Green.” This album of all original songs finally hints at the creativity that Pete could have brought to The Beatles had he remained in the group. That the album is Beatlesque is expected, but the high quality of the songs is the eye opener. The slow fade in of “Come With Me” compares well with George Harrison and his Rubber Soul period, as he beckons us to join him in a time “all those years ago.” “Step Outside” is a introspective take on his past relationship with the group, done with a great hook and intensity similar to XTC. Some of the music reflects on Pete’s Hamburg years (“Round and Around” and “Beat Street”) and the McCartney styled pop of “Gone” is a true pop gem that soars, thanks to vocals by Paul Parry. Other highlights include “Red Light” and the title track which could’ve been a Magical Mystery Tour outtake. This album also made David Bash’s top album list last year, and really is as good as anything the Spongetones have done recently (fyi: new album from them coming out any day now, kids!). In fact, every song here will be welcome manna for Beatle fans who want an honest and accomplished album from the forgotten Beatle. 

My Space | Amazon | Itunes

Danny Echo and The Chemistry Set


Danny Echo “Danny Echo”
The first impressions from Vancouver powerpop/alt-rock band Danny Echo was that distinct deep raspy rock vocal that reminds me of Cheap Trick mixed with The Rolling Stones. The first couple tracks, “Out Of Style” and “Killing Me” are strong and slick productions that would be well suited for a big arena. Danny delivers the rock and roll goods with loud guitars, keyboards and soaring falsetto. Even better is the anthemic chorus on “Tomorrow Today” which approaches Oasis for delivery and tone. Lots of added instrumental goodies are sprinkled in songs like the horns and interwoven vocal parts in “It’s Up To You.” You’ll hear a lots of other influences here from the Cars, U2, and even Garth Brooks in places. The music has a professional polish and style, but by trying to please several different audiences at once, it loses it’s punch after the first half. However it’s worth sticking through it to hear the majestic orchestration of “Barely Getting By” which would sound great in concert I’ll bet. My lighter is ready.
MySpace | CDBaby| Danny Echo site


The Chemistry Set “Alchemy#101” EP
This UK band gets lots of props for doing psyche pop the right way and deserves a spot on your shelf next to your Gripweeds and the High Dials albums. Band members David McLean and Paul Lake have plenty of good vibes and harmonies flowing across this debut EP. The opening “She’s Taking Me Down” features rich instrumental textures, the ever present rhythmic vibrato and flowing Rickenbacker guitar leads. The follow up “Seeing Upside Down” have that Bryds meets Bob Mould atmosphere, with a wicked guitar break that will get fans of XTC’s Dukes of the Stratosphear excited. And all those psychedelic sound cues are in no way gratuitous. Turn on the black light and tune out on “Look To The Sky” with a smooth Farfisa organ lead.  But my favorite here was the jangle fest of “If Rome Was Meant to Fall” — it’s got the hooks, harmony and layered guitars aplenty. Not a bad track here and definitely worth seeking out. Expected to be released on CDBaby any day now I was told. 
MySpace | HeyDay Mailorder | Kool Kat Musik

The Luxury "This is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things"

With the new U2 album making the rounds and getting good reviews, I wanted to post a vid by a band that came out in 2007, with plenty of big hooks and melodies. The Luxury have a full rich sound that compares well with Bono and crew, on the opening single “Let Go.” Thankfully, this is not the only style the Luxury emulate. The brainchild of Boston frontman/guitarist Jason Dunn, the band specializes in anthemic rock with a big stadium sound. You hear it right away, the full guitar buzz on “Seven Stories” that brings to mind Oasis and Bob Mould’s Sugar to the dramatic piano lead power ballad “Rockets and Wrecking Balls.” Even the melodic vocal and guitar phrasing of “So Easy” will win over pop purists and the cool layered riffs of  “Malcontent” recall a mix of  Badfinger and Coldplay. By the album’s mid point it gets a little self indulgent along the lines of Tonic with “Simple” and “Covered in Smiles,” but this doesn’t spoil anything after it. At the end of the album, the majestic eight minute epic “Commonplace” has a vibe similar to the Police mixed with Radiohead, as things get all Kid A on us. Though the ending may wear you out, there is plenty to like here. Fans of Ed Harcourt should be all over this one too.

CDBaby | The Luxury website