Tag: George Usher

George Usher and Lions In The Street

powerpopaholic
George Usher

George Usher “The End And The Beginning: 1990-2009”

Described by the Village Voice as “one of New York’s best pop craftsmen,” singer-songwriter George Usher has a long, storied history that is expertly curated in this multi-disc retrospective The End And The Beginning. While it doesn’t have everything, its pretty thorough collecting tracks from across Usher’s career. The set starts with the bands House of Usher (1990) and George Usher’s Lazy Gentlemen (1991) where he develops a solid rep doing jangle pop with a baroque style.

When we hit the single “Not The Tremblin’ Kind” from Miracle School (1997), its melodic magic with a strong Beatle vibe that we’re used to. Great songs like “Begging For Rain” and “Days Of Plenty” make you question why Mr. Usher wasn’t a bigger star, but his talent as a songwriter and performer is beyond question. The ballads become more prominent later on, like the pastoral “Love By Any Other Name.” Since much of his earlier work is out-of-print and in some cases hard to find, this collection is essential for power pop fans. Get it directly from George on his website.

George Usher Direct

Lions In The Street

Lions in The Street “The Years”

Playing tough, swaggering ’70s-styled rock & roll influenced by the Small Faces, Eagles and the Rolling Stones, Vancouver’s Lions in the Street are a band that persevered in spite of years of record company interference. The album “The Years” (named after the band’s original moniker) was held up in lawsuits. Recorded for TVT Records(Lil’ Jon, Pitbull) in New York City with Grammy-nominated producer Dave Cobb (Jamey Johnson, Jason Isbell), a legal dispute with the label put the band in debt and stalled any career progress.

Fortunately, this is now finally released and is a pleasant surprise that still holds up. The gentle harmonies and muscular guitars start on “Someday” are almost like a mix of Badfinger and The Faces. The soulful vocals of Chris Kinnon on “Still The Same” and “Carolina” compare well with Mick Jagger. The country harmonies on “Can You Hear The Sea” strongly contrast with the heavy rock riffs of “In Cold Blood” and “I Know You Wanna” is almost AC/DC-like. Strong songwriting and performances sustain all 11 tracks. A lost gem that’s finally uncovered and highly recommended.

Amazon


Check out this FREE bonus track from the album.

George Usher & Lisa Burns “The Last Day of Winter”

powerpopaholic
George Usher

George Usher & Lisa Burns “The Last Day of Winter”

George Usher is a veteran unsung rocker who was dealt a near fatal illness that sapped his strength and ability to even play a few years ago. Using his time to write songs, he was met by friend Lisa Burns and eventually they decided to collaborate on this album. Aided by a top notch studio team; guitarist Dave Schramm (The Schramms), bassist Sal Maida (Sparks), producer Pau Naumann, and engineer Eric Ambel (Del Lords, Nils Lofgren, solo) both George and Lisa pour out their collective hearts here.

“Wake Me When Tomorrow’s Here” has that fantastic Usher jangle and although Lisa’s gentle vocal dominates most of the compositions, George is content doing the backing vocal.  “Depression Glass” continues to set the mood, almost like a country ballad, about the fleeting time we all have. “Lost In Translation” features Lisa’s soulful croon similar to a Stevie Nicks, with its melancholy folk pop. Next we get a big standout in “My Precious Wisdom,” George sounds a lot like Stephen Stills here with a wonderful piano melody  played by Dylan Maida. “The Ferryman’s Name” is another standout, with jangling goodness and one of the better duets on the LP. The subject of mortality is common in music, but here Usher sings from the first hand experience that’s sure to resonate with listeners. After a long cold winter, this is a perfect document by two talented musicians.
power pop

Amazon