Over the years Bleu McAuley has become a touchstone for several high profile collaborations with pop’s brightest stars. He’s also been a songwriter and producer for tons of pop artists (Rooney, Ryan Adams and John Mayer). As a driving force behind L.E.O. and The Major Labels, it’s about time we heard a solo – after all Redhead was released in 2003 and due to label problems, only now we get to A Watched Pot. All this pent up creativity can frustrate many artists, just look at what happened to The Smashing Pumpkins or Axl Rose. Fortunately this is worth the wait as this watched pot boils over with passionate melodies and dramatic energy. Opening with the expansive epic “Save Me,” Bleu chronicles his journey through disappointments, it’s a signature tune with a great big sticky hook in the chorus. The production is flawless and is full of uplifting crescendos like in “Come N’ Go” and for you L.E.O. fans a very lovely Lynne-ish “No Such Thing As Love” is as strong as anything The Secret Powers did earlier this year. Bleu’s approaches are very commercial and “Kiss Me” takes a note from vintage George Michael. The demons of a bad relationship, and blues pop take over “I Won’t F**k You Over” and make it another catchy must-listen, as well as the reason it’s got an advisory sticker. Another highlight is the inspirational “One Day” with a soaring melody. It’s not perfect, as the weariness of “What Now?” and “What Kind of Man Am I?”gets a bit overwrought. It doesn’t stay that way as “The Penguin Song” gets so sweet it would make Paul McCartney pucker. For the most part, this album is a strong contender for top ten of 2009 consideration. It comes out July 14th everywhere. Listen below for a sample!
Author: powerpopaholic
Wave Goodbye to the King of Pop
I’m pretty sure his album sales total for “Thriller” will never be topped by anyone… ever. And his influence and style is imitated everywhere. Move over Elvis, make some room in Rock and Roll heaven for Michael. This is a pretty decent tribute video for y’all.
Good Old War "Only Way to Be Alone"
Some bands can boast a good lead vocal that can carry even the most mundane songs into memory. And then there is Good Old War. Keith Goodwin, Tim Arnold (Days Away) and Dan Schwartz carry a three part harmony better than the Pernice Brothers ever did. The vocal harmonies here are stunning. This came out last year, but it’s one of those albums that will hook you immediately. It skirts the edges of folk-country and pop, with strong melodies and magical chord changes throughout. Starting out with the Paul Simonesque “Coney Island” all the way to the gospel-tinged “Stay By My Side” the entire album doesn’t have a wasted track. Fans of The Jayhawks and Limbeck will find plenty here to like from the driving “Looking For Shelter” and jaunty “Weak Man” to the solid guitar strum and lyric of “I’m Not For You.” Not playing it safe, the band jangles “We’ve Come A Long Way” as a carousel waltz ballad. A real treat — just listen.
Gladshot "Burn Up & Shine"
Gladshot is a New York City band lead by Debbie Andrews and Mike Blaxill, two musicians who’ve gotten together to prove that literate, finely-wrought pop can spring from the combination of two quite distinct musical minds. The opening tune “Fabulous Friends” is packed with charming harmonies in the chorus. Blaxhill’s roots-rock vocal and understated rhythms on “Early Light” leave room for his well played guitar riffs to stand out. Andrews beautiful vocal takes center stage with “He Was Gone” a slow torchy pop song. It’s Andrews’ stage experience here that gives a few tunes a jazzy finish. Much of the album is best exemplified by the duo singing together on “All I Want Is You” which has a sweet innocence that sounds genuine and is loaded with enthusiasm. The Motown-like “Like The Angels Do” offers a contrast of soft keyboard chords and sharp guitar riffs. The music bounces along like a soft breeze and Burn Up & Shine is one of those albums that make for great summer driving.
“Fabulous Friends” conceived and directed by Matthew K, featuring Joe Butler of the Lovin’ Spoonful as infomercial host
Looking for tickets at a concert?
Some of the best music is notoriously difficult to get good seats for. In some cases a ticket broker can help you find what you’re looking for. One example is the Coldplay show on July 25 in Alpine Valley Music Theatre in Wisconsin. You will have a hard time unless you try a broker with Alpine Valley Music Theater Tickets.
Sometimes you can plan ahead, like at the Cape Cod Melody Tent, in Hyannis, MA. the best shows are coming up in July and August. The new wave party band, B-52’s will be there on Saturday August 1st. And those old men, The Beach Boys (i.e. Mike Love and Bruce Johnston) make an appearance on July 19th. If you’d like tickets for these shows check out Cape Cod Melody Tent Tickets.
One of the biggest summer venues is the Bank of America Pavilion in Boston. Classic rock acts like Debbie Harry and Blondie on August 8th, The Moody Blues are there on August 25 and The Pretenders are showing up on August 12th. Some of these bands will not be around forever, so get a chance to check out the Back Of America Pavilion Tickets.
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