Graham Alexander and Pete Donnelly

The Intercontinental Rip Off Artists

Graham Alexander “Repeat Deceiver”

With his eclectic style, Graham Alexander is back with a new album and he’s leaning more on the “rock” side of the fence than the commercial “pop” side for Repeat Deceiver. His vocals have been compared to Sir Paul before, but now he’s ready to burst out with that lead riff in the catchy title track.

Graham’s enthusiasm and authenticity ooze out of each track, “Romeo Blue” also throws on rhythms and grooves that keeps your toes tapping to the melody. He also takes no shortcuts, that’s real strings on the ballad “Games” and he doesn’t stick to a set formula either. He could go all show tune-like on “Third Wheel” or country rock for “People Are Only Sorry When They’re Caught.” I like the hummable “Cartography,” and the aching love song “American Au Pair In Paris.” It’s a finely crafted album that just makes it into the running for my top LPs list this year.
power pop

Itunes | Victrola

The Intercontinental Rip Off Artists

Pete Donnelly “American Town” EP

Pete Donnelly has played with many great rockers(Tommy Stinson, Graham Parker) and bands(The Figgs, NRBQ) but the New Jersey songwriter also needs to express his personal feelings on his solo work. After last year’s excellent Face The Bird, Pete’s newest EP explores issues related to inequality and the American dream on American Town.

The music is more folk Americana than the usual pop based songs, starting out with the breezy “So Long,” featuring backup vocals from Shelby Lynne. Then comes “Making Changes Overnight” with its bouncy beat and hopeful message. The title track is a real standout, a Tommy Pettyesque chorus about those who’ve returned home from war and the horrible treatment they get. It’s a great protest song that overshadows the other lighter tracks, songs that match subtlety with style on “Pink Noise” and “Downhearted Crazy.”
power pop

CD Baby | Amazon

Pete Donnelly “Face The Bird”

Figgs bassist/songwriter Pete Donnelly, has quietly gone about establishing his solo career with inventive melodies and soulful rock without the Figgs harder punk edge. Like a younger, more playful Paul Westerberg, Donnelly starts out with the quick beat and bounce of “Face The Bird,” its truly infectious and will have you tapping along right away.

The catchy piano melody “Always Something” follows, and the Lou Reed meets Springsteen “Got Caught Up” just radiates cool. No fillers here, as easy going rhythms like “Going On This Way” ooze soulful street charm. Another gem is “Hear It From Me First,” which feels like a Van Morrison classic single. The tone and style vary enough to keep things from getting predictable, making this album a highly recommended collection of songs. Best of all, Donnelly sounds like he’s having just as much fun making this music as you are listening to it.

CD Baby | Amazon