The Successful Failures “Here I Am”
The New Jersey guitarist Mick Chorba (Dipsomaniacs) leads his indie band The Successful Failures through their new album in typical fashion. Think Weezer meets The Goo Goo Dolls and add a touch of Wilco in places and you get the idea. Starting with “How People Start Sentences” the dual guitar riffs drive the strong melody. It gets even crunchier on the next few tracks, “I Only Know What I Feel” is a standout with a key change in the chorus and “The Rise Of China” is a timely subject with strong beat.
It shifts into roots mode on the intro to “Clifton Mills” but finishes up in familiar territory. By the albums mid-point the band hits its stride,”Mickey Mantle’s Knees” and “Pig Tight Cattle High” combines the harmonies with a hook-laden melodies. The Successful Failures continue to improve although a few rough edges remain (“Turn It Down”). Still a really, really good album for those that enjoy extra power in their pop.
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Dale Murray “Dream Mountain Dream”
Formerly of alt. country band Cuff The Duke, Murray gives us some gorgeous jangle rock and folk pop sound on his newest solo outing. The title track opens like a Traveling Wilburys single, with a very Harrison-like melodic hook. The majestic “Assess The Mess” is another highlight, as Murray’s haunting vocal reaches its dramatic peak in the chorus.
Murray’s song writing is also superb. The stunning “Now You’ve Been Warned” has both intensely personal lyrics and a great arrangement. Fans of a great love song need look no further than the strumming on “You Are My Girl” to make a moving proposal. “Grove” and “Life Moves” both have solid Byrdsian jangle. Overall no filler and alt.country fans will not want to miss this one.