The Poppermost “Hits to Spare”
Scotland’s own Joe Kane transforms into a “one-man-Beatles” with The Poppermost. Unlike others doing the Beatlesque thing (Johnathan Pushkar or Tommy Sistak) Joe is more about re-creation than emulation. He uses an array of old instruments, microphones, and analog recording techniques to get the sound authentically like 1964-66, and details it down to the echoing studio chatter. It certainly has the energy and innocence of the Cavern-era on “Egg and Chips.” We get some great catchy singles like “Yes, It’s True” and the Ringo-like “One of Those Gerrlss.”
Like The Rutles, Joe will also add a little humor in the lyrics on songs like “Hits To Spare,” and eventually some added Merseybeat influences peek through with “Laziest Fella in The Realm.” However, some tunes are just too close to the inspiration; “Park and Ride” is an obvious remake of “Ticket To Ride.” While that may turn off some, it’s all in good fun and a thoroughly enjoyable listen. Check it out!
Ed Ryan “Don’t Follow Where They Lead”
Ed Ryan’s brand of solid power pop is back, and his love of The Kinks is still a primary influence. The opener “Anytown” is wonderfully constructed with excellent guitar and solid jangling rhythms. After this single the album strikes a different tone, an orchestral instrumental leads us to a percussive 80s styled title track.
After this is a song about dating advice “Fish In The Sea” and the handclaps and hooks lead “Biggest Fan” and “Why Doncha Do It.” Musically it’s all great, but Ryan’s vocals don’t always stand out enough. It’s best in the mid-tempo rockers like “Made Me” where he even sounds like an American version of Ray Davies. There is a good mix of power pop and a few other styles here, highlights include “Everyone Wonders” and “Hollow Man.” Repeat plays will yield even more appreciation for Ryan’s songwriting prowess, which gets better with each album. It’s music that deserves to be heard.