Tag: Those Pretty Wrongs

Those Pretty Wrongs and Kai Danzberg

powerpopaholic
Those Pretty Wrongs

Those Pretty Wrongs “Zed For Zulu”

The spirit of Big Star still lives on with the pairing of the band’s drummer Jody Stephens and guitarist Luther Russell.  The opener features a simple acoustic rhythm that builds its melody from the emotional strings (courtesy of Chris Stamey) and harmonies on the wonderful “Tonight Tonight Tonight.” The jangling “Ain’t Nobody But Me” is another catchy highlight, recalling the California vibe of The Byrds or America.

Most of these songs are started with a simple guitar strum and easy-going vibe like “Time To Fly” and “The Carousel.” The contrasting acoustic and big fuzz riffs of “You & Me” evoke Big Star more than most here, but the ballads while lovely don’t generate much excitement. The lone piano song “Undertow” is a refreshing change of pace towards the end of the album. Not just for Big Star completists, Those Pretty Wrongs are pretty darn cool. Check it out.

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Kai Danzberg

Kai Danzberg “Euphoria” EP

German power-pop wunderkind Kai Danzberg has returned after a successful run early this year with Not Only Sunshine and has been very busy this year. This self-released EP is his latest musical confection, influenced by The Jellyfish, Michael Jackson, ELO, and Drake Bell. Like his early LP Pop-Up Radio, Kai likes to set up an atmosphere first. The carnival sounds of the overture lead to “Welcome To Euphoria” a tune of Sgt. Pepper grandiosity similar to Paul Steel.

The seven tracks are richly composed,  as Kai narrates like a cabaret emcee the dramatic tragedy “Finally Free.” Next, “A Fool To Me” has an uptempo beat, and marches along but the gem here is the duet with Lisa Mychols “The Day” with its layered harmonies that perfectly welcome summer, and a coda full of swirling psychedelic guitar. Highly recommended.

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Those Pretty Wrongs and Corey Landis

powerpopaholic
Those Pretty Wrongs

Those Pretty Wrongs “Those Pretty Wrongs”

Those Pretty Wrongs is the collaboration of Big Star drummer Jody Stephens and good friend Luther Russell. The album was recorded using Big Star’s old instruments, including Chris Bell’s acoustic and electric guitars from the great #1 Record. As a result, the opener “Ordinary” sounds like a long lost Big Star track, with Stephens doing a moving vocal performance and some sweet backing harmonies delivering the message that its “okay to be ordinary.”

From there, “I’m For Love” is has an upbeat 1970s radio-friendly melody and strong guitar solo. “Lucky Guy” again uses that indelible acoustic guitar and harmonies similar in style to David Crosby or Jeff Larson. “Empty City” is likely the best song here with a grand piano melody, similar to Pet Sounds in spots. From there it moves into more indie folk pop with the exception of the “The Cube,” with its creeping chords and circus piano touches. While Stephens vocals strain at times, its the songs that ultimately make this album a success. Highly Recommended.

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Corey Landis and The Attacks

Corey Landis and The Attacks “Corey Landis and The Attacks”

Corey Landis is a piano rocker, along the lines of Ben Folds and early Billy Joel as he bangs away on the keys with a flair for the melodic and dramatic. Add to this, the album was produced by legendary Beatles audio engineer Geoff Emerick. On the opener “Accident” he marvels at the flashing lights and broken glass, rather than confront his own issues, with an energetic tempo. “Hard Reaction To Love” and “See You Next Tuesday” is about a dysfunctional love-hate relationship, with the former being a stronger melody.

While Landis vocals are a bit strained on “All Things” his furious piano work makes up for it, and he slows the tempo on “Loose Ends” and “Depleted.” Overall the song craft and the story telling are first rate, but many tunes miss the hooks needed to encourage repeat plays. Landis loosens up a bit more towards the albums end, and “The Ballad of Mikey Stone” and “Dress For The Weather” are a lot of fun and worth adding to your playlist for sure.

Bandcamp only