Seth Swirsky “Songs From The Green Couch”
Seth Swirsky (The Red Button) is back after an extended absence, with a sketchbook of songs that describe both his moods and meanderings. “Sunny Day” opens this collection heavily influenced by late ’60s psych-pop, loaded with sweet guitar flourishes. Seth’s Beatlesque tendencies return with “I Don’t Wanna Lose You,” a solid single with a catchy chorus. Hearing “Cashmere Sweaters” is more baroque chamber pop, similar to The Left Banke, and the follow-up “Whatever Happened To…” adds a little sunshine pop with its layered harmonies.
Sometimes the influences feel a bit too thick, like on “Every Time” a Brian Wilson styled ode to the “green couch” as a security blanket. But most of the time, Seth takes an influence and turns it into something extraordinary, as on “Making It Up As We Go Along” a sweet Bee Gees styled ballad. Not everything hits the mark, but enough does — the most insightful being “New Painting,” a simple day-in-the-life that radiates hooks and happiness. The ballad “American Bar” is another terrific tune that dovetails perfectly into the opening track. Highly Recommended.
The Mike Bell Cartell “The Cartell & I”
From Helsinki, Sweden comes the Mike Bell Cartell. The band accurately gives us a love letter to 1960s garage rock and pop. The band consists of Helsinki music veterans: Miikka Siira aka Mike Bell (Mike Bell & The Belltones), Pekka Laine (The Hypnomen), Ville Särmä (John’s Children), Samuel Abaijón (The Valkyrians), and Aapee Heinola (Hard Action). It starts with the fuzz guitar and perfect echoing vocals of “(I Can’t Live up to Your) Hallucinations” and fans of retro rock will be hooked immediately.
The jangling “Wait!” is part Hollies, part Byrds, and “Million Years” recalls The Animals. Also, check out “Shadow’s Gone” and “The Storm is Coming.” It’s all solid songwriting, skilled musicianship, and unabashed fun that will have you dancing like Austin Powers. Timeless music that’s highly recommended. It’s groovy, baby!