The Airport 77s “Don’t Let Go”
After the phenomenal ‘We Realize You Have A Choice’ in 2022, Guitarist Andy Sullivan crafted his next group of songs for the band, along with bassist Cal Everett and drummer John Kelly. While the power pop charm remains, numerous tracks bear a stronger 80s influence. “Like Falling In Love” has an angular beat reminiscent of The Cars, and it all comes together on the centerpiece “Anyone But You,” which is one of the better tracks here.
If you are looking for the hard punching excitement of the band’s past songs, “1999 (Take Me Back”), “If It’s On, I’m In” and the explosive “She’s Everything” fill that need. But Andy goes in some new directions too, “Make’em Pay (Don’t Make It Easy)” is a story about a Bonnie and Clyde styled outlaw duo makes a great country rocker, if it had some steel pedal guitar it would be perfect. The slower, more mature themes of “The Hands of Time” and the poignant “Satellite” complete a really well-written and pleasant album. Highly recommended.
Nelson Bragg “Mélodie de Nelson: A Pop Anthology”
It’s timely and poignant that Nelson Bragg’s compilation is out now. He has been a part of Brian Wilson’s band for 14 years, including the release of the iconic SMILE album. He is a well-known figure in the L.A. pop culture. This new “greatest hits” compilation features some classic pop gems, rarities, remixes, and the brand-new Squeeze-inspired tune “We’re Gonna Laugh About It” starts it off. A jangling gem with a easy going chorus filled with minor chords and arpeggios.
On many tracks, Nelson’s Beatles love is evident, yet he seamlessly transforms the sound into something of his own. His soft soothing vocal fits well on the bouncy “Tell Me I’m Wrong,” and the double tracked harmonies on “Lived This Life Too Long” and “She Used To Love Me” recall late-era Hollies perfectly. Nelson’s Beach Boys influence come out on the classics “Whitechapel Girl” and “Death of Caroline.” As this is a curated collection, there are no filler tracks and if you never picked up any of his music before, this is the perfect primer. Highly recommended.
