This came out earlier this year, and despite almost no PR effort at all it has managed to become a favorite amongst music bloggers. It’s also been really tough to get ahold of. Shazam frontman Hans Rotenberry, and Shazam’s former producers Brad Jones unite to forge a Americana album with a sweet power pop spin. The compelling jangle of “Count On Me” and “A Likely Lad” have Jones (Guilt Flake) fingerprints all over them.
Rotenberry’s “Froggy Mountain Shakedown” and “Back To Bristol” have a Kinks “Muswell Hillbillies” flavoring. The melodies shine brightly and both artists work to make the album as repeat-friendly as possible. These two titans of Nashville power pop have also kept things understated enough on tracks like “Puttin’ On Airs Tonight” and “Buffalo Daughter” to keep things poppy, but still clinging to those country roots. Also one track alone doesn’t carry the album, nor does one songwriter dominate – each track just sounds great. Simply put, the best musical collaboration this year and yes – it makes my best of 2011 year end list.
Some power pop has the same effect as your favorite comfort foods, it may not be too fancy but it really satisfies that craving. Gary Ritchie has done some great lo-fi pop previously, and this all-new album does an even better job. The songs are all short melodic gems that follow the Beatles meets Nick Lowe template. In fact Gary tells us in the liner notes who the influence is for each song, like “This Time Around” has a touch of Tom Petty and The Who. Some tunes fall very easily into the Merseybeat revival like “Pretty Little Gina” and “Hear From You.” The melody lines and composition is really strong here, “Alright” being a really good hook-filled example in the Pezband-Kinks mode.
And Gary simply doesn’t recreate the riffs, but builds his own songs along the classic guidelines. The song “When I Grow Up,” really hits home to aging pop fans with lyrics; “will I age like a vintage wine/ or be a drunkard in my prime when I grow up?” and the defiant “I won’t” over the chorus answer the question. There are a whopping 18 tracks here, and just about every song resonates fun and nostalgic warm feelings. And its not all one style, “Fancy Two Tone Car” is a countrified rocker that combines the Bryds and Eddie Rabbit and the Rick Springfield styled “Could Have Been Love” are both catchy nuggets. Great job, Gary!
From Nottingham England, Richard Snow is known for his jangle fueled guitar and impressive melodies, evidenced in past releases. Richard formed his band The Inlaws in 2005 so he could bring his music to a live stage, and now includes the band in his third release. Opening with the gorgeous “Stop Your Crying?” is the kind of ballad that combines The Byrds jangle and Steve Winwood styled harmonies. The updated merseybeat is more pronounced on “Middle Class Girl” and the acoustic sadness of “If You Don’t Rescue Me” is a sweet folk diversion, with a nice choral coda.
The album’s centerpiece “21st Century” is another gem with some Mod backing vocal touches, and its retro theme, “It’s modern life I fear… the 21st Century sucks.” Another impressive ear-worm “Take Me Back Home” with its multi-tracked chorus is both simple and very catchy. Occasionally the rhythms on songs can get predictable but it’s performed with such skill, it’s hard to complain. Every song here is good, without any filler to be found – and a special treat is the title track with it’s wicked riff that builds and its obsessive-compulsive lyric “Am I really that boring? Yes I am, and I don’t care.” Fans of jangle rock and smooth harmonies will love this album. Highly Recommended.
Tony Cox “On The Way”
Tony Cox is joined once again by Nigel Clark (Dodgy) on vocals, keyboards & bass and Darren Finlan on drums & percussion for this sophomore album. Unlike the previous effort, this set of tunes is more oriented to the early 70’s with it’s retro approach. The opener “We’ll Get High” is similar to The Climax Blues Band with its soulful riffs and steady beat. “Hold Me Angeline” and “Alicia” both harken back to The Hollies, and it’s a great showcase for Clark’s great vocal harmonies. “The Way” has a bit of Lennon in the chorus with an open cavernous sound. One of the best tunes here is “Feel The Ride” a Beach Boys styled song that lingers long after the chorus finishes. The power ballads also do well with “Curse of Love,” a Zombies styled gem with flowing strings under the guitar melody. For those who enjoy the retro styled pop of decades past, this is a rare find that you shouldn’t miss.
The Title Tracks “In Blank”
Washington DC musicians John Davis, Andrew Black and Michael Cotterman perform as TheTitle Tracks, and the fast-paced power pop style emulates early Elvis Costello and Squeeze back when they flirted with a punk pop sound. The pounding rhythms and frenetic riffs sound garage-style, but seem to lack the spontaneity of true punk. “Shaking Hands” and the tracks that follow don’t let up the pace, and as a result nothing really stands out till we get to the guitar play of “Light Sleepers” and “I Can’t Hide” where the poppier side takes over with some decent harmonies emerging. “Forget The Ghost” is another standout with a shadowy organ melody that resembles The Smithereens slightly. The melodies are good – and even great in some tunes. For example “It’s Wrong” could be a lost Rockpile song, but the lo-fi mono production often left me flat. Davis is a talent worth nurturing, but he needs to refine things a bit.
Vegas with Randolph “Above The Blue”
If ever a band took the banner of power pop and flew with it, it’s Vegas With Randolph. This sophomore album from the team of Eric Kern and John Ratts keep things sharp and avoids boredom with an album-within-an-album concept. Starting with “The Better Part” it builds a mountain of harmonic layers one at a time, with a duel guitar attack in the chorus. The title track has those soaring chords, and optimistic view, it’s an excellent song similar to The Secret Powers with its dense production. “Sometime To Live” is a fast paced narrative along the lines of Fountains of Wayne.
And they get help from noteable guest stars; “A Lesser Fool” Maxi Dunn adds her lovely vocal to the mix and the awesome Vinnie Zummo adds his guitar to “She Does It For Me”. A cute love song to actress Marisa Tomei and a few novelty tunes are followed by the second “album” called Double Play. Now horns are added to the mix and it adds several musical suites that overlap into each other perfectly. Highlights are “Alone/Wondering” and the climactic “Light of Day.” Overall, this is an excellent album without a wasted note, that hits every mood you could possibly have… even a jingle for a Sippy Cup! And like those great double LPs of the past, this one holds up over its 28 track length.
Ocean Grove “Another Place To Stay” EP
These guys are rumored to be the backing band for the Jonas Brothers! But this quartet lead by John Taylor (vocals/guitar) is simply amazing. John’s highly melodic hard rocking style reminds me of Taylor Locke and The Roughs or Enuff Z’Nuff. “Away” certainly will take you away on a rock and roll trip, like the beginning of summer vacation. The big guitar riffs lead this band along and it just compels you to raise the volume. The harmonies on the bouncy “Take It Easy” are a joy to listen to, and “The Best” is about getting that big record deal in L.A., I’m sure many musicians can identify with these lyrics. Both “So Cool” and the ballad “Won’t Say Goodbye” are also super catchy. Highly recommended and one of the best EPs I’ve heard all year.
Facebook | Itunes
Ocean Grove \”I Want You In Love\” from the debut EP.
