![Dana Countryman](https://f4.bcbits.com/img/a1787476548_16.jpg")
Dana Countryman “Cabaret of Love”
Countryman has been accurately described by John Borack as a “One-man Brill Building.” His influences go from the ‘50s to the early ‘70s and often cross the line into retro-kitsch. But its done with such skill and fine musicianship that it’s a guilty pleasure (without the guilt). And an array of guest talent is here; Terry Draper and Dee Long (Klaatu), Jamie Hoover (The Spongetones), Probyn Gregory (The Brian Wilson Band), Scott McPherson, and Kai Danzberg.
The bossa nova and trumpets start things quietly with the subtle title track and from there the sunshine pop of “I Never Knew” bursts forth like a “lost” Carpenters hit. Kai Danzberg adds his harmonies to The Beach Boys-styled “If I Had A Girl” and “Summer Sand.” Then Jamie Hoover’s Beatlesque guitar leads the catchy “Just See If I Care.” More highlights include “That’s Why I Love Her” As the album progresses, the shmaltz level increases, some of it the Four Freshmen-like “The Night I Fell In Love With You” and others so sweet (“You Better Watch Out”) you’ll get a toothache. Highly Recommended.
Palmyra Delran and The Doppel Gang “Come Spy With Me”
While it’s been a long time since pop siren Palmyra released a new LP, but she certainly picked a top-notch group of friends to help her along. Special guests include Steven Van Zandt, Debbie Harry (Blondie), and John Carlucci (Fuzztones).
The opening title track has Palmyra in fine form with a “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” garage pop melody loaded with harmonies and distorted guitar hooks. “Happy Birthday Middle Child” is boosted by Harry’s backing vocals and its eye-rolling sarcasm. Then “Tape A Nickel To The Tonearm” is a throwback to the swivel-hipped dance craze era. The R&B gem “I’m Satisfied” is a cover of hard rock combo Fanny’s deep cut from 1973 and Paul Collins adds his guitar to “(If You’d Like To Make A Call) Please Hang Up.” The latter is almost a musical answer to Collins hit “Hangin’ On The Telephone” with The Nerves. “I Thought You Said You Were Gonna Kill Yourself” is classic Palmyra and another standout. Overall a terrific LP that would’ve made my top 40 list.