On this site, we make a big deal about groups that follow the classic power pop influences, like The Beach Boys, Beatles, Todd Rundgren, The Byrds, etc. However it’s not enough to just have an influence, or be a sound-alike… it’s what you make of it. I am happy to say Marc Silvert has created a great album that honors these past greats with excellent songwriting and brilliant musicianship. He also gets support from a stellar band, including Gary Feldman of Radio City. Opening with “Life On Mars” it has a classic Rundgrenesque storyline and rich arrangement that carries the melodies along, it’s an instant classic. And it’s followed by one of the best Beach songs ever with “Endless Summer” full of soaring harmonies and jangling chords. Lead vocalist Greg Schlotthauer does an excellent job with Silvert, singing in tandem. The Beach Boys cadence continues on several songs here including “Baby Be Good” and “Roundabout.” The style varies enough on songs like “Big Brown Eyes” and “Magic” with it’s shimmering Rickenbacker chords to keep things from getting predictable. Almost every song has a great hook and pop structure similar to those 60’s/70’s adult radio favorites. If you have been looking for an album to lift your spirits with sunshine, then look no further. For fans of Jeff Larson, Jamie Hoover, Richard Snow and Nelson Bragg this truly is manna from heaven, and my first top ten recommendation for 2010.
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Listen to “Endless Summer”
An unpretentious and accessible debut album, Sunrise Highway takes you on a ride to enjoy the magic of everyday life.
Great album, beautiful, upbeat melodies and lush arrangements. Few groups out there are as passionately devoted to crafting harmonies. Many of the songs evoke nostalgia but there's plenty of new territory as well. My personal favorite is "About You": "it's getting so late and I just can't relate to a world that has lost control, baby we should make a stand and be the ones with the better plan, tell me every little thing about you, won't climb into my little shell without you, let me be the one who understands you." Voila! In a crazy world we can make it together and be the cure for that craziness. I picture Carl Wilson smiling approvingly at this song from wherever he is. Sunrise Highway is definitely taking us to wonderful places!
These are great tunes! Besides the obvious Beach Boys, etc. influences,I also hear some Barnaby Bye in there and,I loved thier tunes back in the day.
Good listening here! Bob C.
Congratulations Marc! It's been a long time since we jammed in your Oceanside basement. Obviously Sunrise Highway is a Long Island reference that you can't escape, even if you live on the upper west side now.
Couldn't agree more. First great record of 2010. -Mike Baron
If you're a fan of well-crafted lyrics and artful pop production, you can't help but love Sunrise Highway. Marc Silvert pays homage to the best of pop at the same time he offers a refreshing update to the idiom. One great song after another!
Wow!! Does this sound great or what?? Thanks for the review. Best new album of the year so far.