The Salt Collective “A Brief History of Blindness”
Once again French songwriter-guitarist Stéphane Schück’s international collaborative project, The Salt Collective delivers a gallery of brilliant artists to interpret Schück’s musical compositions. The star power here is impressive; Aimee Mann, Mike Mills (R.E.M.), Andy Partridge (XTC), Jason Falkner and Matthew Caws (Nada Surf) to name a few. The title track leans into near-operatic pop, driven by Lynn Blakely’s dramatic touch. Falkner’s “Waiting for the End of Time” follows with an eclectic horn-filled verse, reflecting Stéphane’s push for a wide, open sound built around orchestral accents.
I really enjoyed Chris Stamey’s “You Swallowed The Sun,” with its memorable layered harmonies in the chorus. These are not simple catchy pop songs, but compositions loaded with depth and details. Mitch Easter’s “Ex Post Facto Kids” is another standout. These are tunes that need to marinate in your brain, so repeat listens are needed. That noted, the talent here is undeniable. Highly Recommended.
Danny Ayala “Only Fools Love Again”
Danny Ayala grew up on Long Island, and the Lemon Twigs comparison lands fast. He plays keyboards in the band, and the D’Addario brothers’ influence runs deep. You hear it right away on “I Was Wrong,” where bubblegum pop meets classic power pop. The soft lead vocal and sticky chorus hit hard, with an even sweeter tone than the Lemon Twigs often use.
Ayala avoids sticking to one lane. “Something With You” and “The Village” lean into classical piano lines and baroque pop touches. “Pluto” shifts gears with heavier guitar-driven rock. The influences show clearly at times, especially echoes of The Left Banke and Tony Burrows, yet the songs hold together as his own statement. “The Ballad” stands out as the boldest cut. Strings weave through shifting melodic ideas, pushing the record past comfort and into risk-taking territory. Highly Recommended.
Sloan “Based on the Best Seller”
After 30 years, these Halifax power pop veterans have nothing left to prove. They still sound sharp and self-aware. “Capitol Cooler” opens with thick riffs and a smart jab at classic rock lifers who keep mining old ideas and asking if they will “die with their boots on.” It sets the tone fast. “Dream Destroyer” and “So Far Down” lean hard into glam, delivering tight hooks and clear nods to T-Rex. The songs hit as pure ear candy without feeling lazy.
“Live Forever” turns the mirror inward, poking fun at the band’s own longevity while calling out the uneasy rise of anti-aging drugs. The band is so comfortable, and clear with its sound and message. “Collect Yourself” is another gem, along the lines of Stealers Wheel. Easily this is the most cohesive album since “12”, and no filler anywhere. Top shelf grade A+ rock and roll. On the best of the year list for sure. Highly Recommended.
