Dave Sheinin “First Thing Tomorrow”
Noted author and Washington Post sportswriter Dave Sheinin has a not so secret life as a musician. His debut album First Thing Tomorrow has earned kudos from his fellow writer and podcaster Matt Nordlander. Oh, it also doesn’t hurt that he’s got a crew of great musicians assisting him (notably Andy Bopp). Sheinin has a fondness for Jellyfish in his opener “Lies,” however most of the music sticks to an easy-going pop jangle like on “Oh Amelia.”
“Little California” has pleasing Beach Boys influence, but he hits it out of the park on the power-pop gem “Talking To Myself” which is a well written Carpe Diem message with a solid guitar melody. The ballads don’t resonate as well, and Sheinin’s vocals aren’t remarkable, but the honest lyrics often elevate the production. “City You Left Behind” and “Goodbye City” are additional highlights. Check it out!
The Supahip “The Two Sided Face”
Sydney power pop musician Michael Carpenter may have “retired” from solo records, but he’s been extremely busy these days. He’s done a Tom Petty tribute, and he dusted off one of his older projects with musician Mark Moldre, called The Supahip. Last heard back in 2007, Carpenter makes it sound like little has changed, and he plays with a relaxed confidence here. The timeless Beatlesque qualities are evident from the very start of “Running Blind,” with its swirling guitar chords.
The winning rumble of “Motor” is a layered guitar gem, with some great reverb-heavy rhythm. “When I Started Falling Apart” sounds like a lost Travelling Wilburys tune. The heavy country guitar riffs on “Let It Go, Brother” suit Carpenter well, and the growing catchy bluegrass like stomper “Got To Keep On Moving” is another toe-tapper. The weary ballad “You Can’t See Me” and the Kinks-like “The Only Living Boy In New York” have just as much care and heart as anything The Honeydogs have ever done. Not a single note of filler here, and considering the quality of the tunes it makes my top ten list for 2018. Super Highly Recommended.
