Category: Power Pop Review

Movie Review: “History Of The Eagles” DVD

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Its hard to imagine how many bands were involved in the creation of the Eagles… it’s a who’s who of country-rock (JD Souther, Bob Seger, Kenny Rogers, Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, etc.). And getting that first album out (with producer Glyn Johns) wasn’t easy, but effectively created the Eagles sound. “Take It Easy” was called the song of the times, a contrast to the turmoil of the era (Vietnam, Watergate, etc.). The Western California sound was new and fresh and the Eagles thrived in it.

The film gathers amazing rehearsal footage and interviews about the bands history. “It was the 70’s, drugs were everywhere…” Glen Frey mentions, yes – this documentary pulls no punches either, showing rare backstage footage of “the 3rd encore” where the groupies were willing and ready to party. Once the band hired Bill Szymczyk(producer) and Don Felder(guitarist) the band hit their stride. Adding Joe Walsh shifted the band’s sound to a full rock and roll sound, so by 1977 the Eagles were considered the most popular and successful band of the decade. Like The Beatles, you had four strong alpha musicians (Felder, Frey, Walsh, Henley) and something had to break. After the 1980 tour it all fell apart, but then we go through the 1994 reunion and the depth of each members post-Eagles catalog. Highly Recommended even if you aren’t a big Eagles fan.

Amazon

The Anderson Council and Chris Stamey

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The Anderson Council “Looking At The Stars”
After over six years since The Fall Parade, The Anderson Council returns. Lead vocalist-guitarist-songwriter Peter Horvaths style is cut from the same cloth as other New Jersey power pop bands, The Smithereens and The Grip Weeds (Kurt Reil is also producer here).  Starting with the catchy “Don’t You Think,” the band hasn’t lost it’s knack for alt. rock sugar with that vintage British flavour.

“Sweet Girl” has a manic beat building up to epic proportions, and those layered piano melodies on “Hazel Eyes” make it a gem. “Watch You Sleeping” could be a lost Smithereens track, and the relentless jangle-fest continues up to the mid-tempo psyche-pop of “Do We Have A Deal?” No filler here, and with 15 tracks there is plenty to pick through. The collection often feels like a group of singles, each with its own great riff combo opening it up. Some tracks have more psychedelic styling than others (“Gardening Man” and “Never Take Your Love Away” being great examples). It labors a bit at the end with long jams “Birthday Beauty” and “Park The Car,” but overall this LP is a power pop feast for the ears.

CD Baby | Amazon

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Chris Stamey “Lovesick Blues”
Chris Stamey is best known as one of the founding members of The dB’s, and his latest solo work displays a maturing artist. Stamey brings a world weary sensibility to these elegant tunes, “Skin” is a descriptive folk acoustic that slowly unfolds with masterful lyrics. “London” is a bittersweet ballad, where yet “another year of ceaseless rain” adds to his long distance longing.

“Astronomy” is the albums highlight, with flute and strings between the catchy multi-tracked chorus. And while “Anyway” and the road trip tune “You, Me and XTC” (ironically assisted by Andy Partridge) are beautifully constructed, both drag on too long. Some great moments are found on the LP’s second half, the delicate melody of “Occasional Shivers”  and the rich orchestration of the title track. Finally, the XTC influence is seen on the toy piano and weaving harmonies at the end of “If Memory Serves” and it sure is impressive. DB’s fans looking for big hooks might skip this one, but fans of the reunion album with Peter Holsapple Here and Now will love this.

Amazon | Itunes

The Electric Stars and Tony Low

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The Electric Stars “Sonic Candy Soul”
Manchester glam/rock/psyche pop band The Electric Stars channels assorted vintage sounds, starting on “136” it’s “beautiful music for beautiful people” with thick riffs and vocalist Jason Edge playing the part of Ziggy Stardust. “Between The Streets and The Stars” creeps along until we get to the anthem chorus (love the “ohh la la” backing vocals). After the spartan “Alice Williams,” we get the groovy “I Want You” and its super cool riff (variation on Johnny Rivers “Secret Agent Man”) will surely win you over.

“Who’s Gonna Satisfy Me?” makes use of psychedelic effects effectively with excellent layering of guitars, hand claps and vocals. Edge’s dramatic voice carries the ballads “Slow Again” and “Bedtime Stories”fine, the arrangements sound like they came off the soundtrack to The Phantom of The Paradise. Once more we get perfect mix of Glam and Brit Rock on “Not Man Enough.” Highly Recommended and loads of fun.

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Tony Low “Tone-wah” EP
Tony Low formerly of the ’80’s power pop pioneers The Cheepskates, continues his solo journey with Tone-wah. “Smoke From Space” is a trippy opening on par with The Pillbugs, and it gets better from there. “The Secret” is a gem with a catchy chorus and some excellent guitar work.

“Bass Guitar” finds him “Freezing in his Beatle Boots,” trying to keep his spirits up playing in “My Father’s Place” where his music “was too flat.” Tony channels Ray Davies stylistically here and on dour “Won’t Somebody?” with a Celtic styled flourish at the songs end. Well done, Tony.

CD Baby only

The Orange Peels “Sun Moon”

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Allen Clapp has always steered The Orange Peels forward, and as a top shelf power pop band they’ve thrived. But for their 5th album Sun Moon, Clapp loosens the reins and let’s a little darkness seep into the shimmering world of guitar jangle and sugary melody. Bassist Jill Pries shares writing duties and John Moreman adds his superior guitar craft. The results are a less predictable and more creative album.

Staring with “The Words Don’t Work” special kudos go out to drummer Gabriel Coan’s echoing beat that anchors the expansive chorus. “Bicentennial Bridge” is another gem that starts with a simple acoustic strum and builds along its Big Star inspired melody. The arrangements are top notch and the albums modern pop aesthetics are married perfectly to the classic Orange Peels template. Fans of The Posies will enjoy the layered guitar hooks on “Your Heroes.” “Traveling West-Sundowns” is a calming harmony filled pause, leading to the solid “Grey Holiday.” Clapp’s vocals throughout  the album are crisp and forceful. “Watch Her Fly” has a relaxed rhythm that builds to a frenzied peak, and every song here sticks to your brain after repeated listening. Makes my top-ten for 2013 easily.

Amazon | Itunes

Free Music Friday: Hanky Panky, Justin Kline and Erik Voeks

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Hanky Panky “A Precious Bitch” EP
I don’t know much about this band, other than they are from Nantes in the west of France. No website, no Facebook, nothing…. The lead singer has a cute French accent though, and the single “Precious Bitch” has a catchy melody. I hope to hear more from them in the future. Give it a try, its FREE.

FREE on Bandcamp | Lyrics and video here

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Justin Kline “Doormat” EP
Talented power pop artist from Tennessee Justin Kline is back with 4 new tunes full of hooks, driving guitars, and happy melodies. Performing every instrument and singing every note himself, Justin presents an electrified batch of songs more reminiscent of some of his previous solo work (We love that, Justin!) This EP is a teaser for his next upcoming album release. Enjoy!

FREE on Noisetrade | or donate $4 on Bandcamp

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Erik Voeks “Finulu” EP
Voeks was an old favorite of mine, from the Not Lame days with Sand Box (now a big time collector’s item). It was great to find him again and with a new EP mixed and mastered by Adam Schmitt. Okay, it’s not free, but four bucks is so cheap you should give it a shot. The bouncy “Descending From A Daydream” is a fast paced gem that proves Voeks talent is as sharp as ever. It goes into a ballad mode on “Hester A.Fish,” another sweet gem. Check it out!  (P.S. You can get a digital version of Sand Box here.)
Bandcamp Exclusive