Category: Top Ten of 2013 Candidate

Jackdaw4 “Dissecticide”

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I found out that Jackdaw4 was calling it quits last month, and with the sadness there was the anticipation of the band wanting to leave on a high note. When I think about the bands discography, they are the closest thing we have left to a UK version of Jellyfish. Head honcho Willie Dowling throws everything and the kitchen sink into this one, and its really compelling. “Abagail’s Last Hurrah” is a fast and furious melody with crunchy guitars and awesome harmonies.  “Coming Up For Air” ups the tempo and is a sweet rock anthem that Jeff Lynne would approve of.

“Foundations” is where Willie lets his venom out, not unlike Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme) or Bryan Scary. This dark theme is continued on “Life’s a Celebration For The Few,” an ultra cynical lament about todays ubiquitous technology. “Melanoma” is a dramatic ballad about that “God-shaped hole in your life.”  This leads to the big hook on “Ministry of Fools,” with Queen-like guitar flourishes. Like 10cc, you’ll get wild shifts in tone and melody as heard in “Why Don’t You Come and See Me When She’s Not Around.” Each track hits it right — and it makes for a great power pop experience. It makes my top ten list for 2013, and if you want to get the Jackdaw4 concert experience, checkout Live (Before Dead?).

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.

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Phil Angotti and Chase Hamblin & The Roustabouts

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Phil Angotti “Life and Rhymes”
An enjoyable follow-up to 2011’s People and Places, Angotti once again takes us on an introspective journey. Fans of McCartney-Emitt Rhodes styled pop will love this album, starting with “Hopeful Kids” and its sing along chorus. The lyrics about looking back in “Difficult World” and “Life and Rhymes” are both expertly arranged and performed, with the title track comparable to a Carole King classic. Phils’ hopes and dreams may have started by looking “In Liverpool,” but the Beatlesque bounce of “I Might Come Back” is fast-paced gem that begs repeat listens.

Each tune radiates warmth and genuine feelings, especially cool is the lone country song here “Daddy’s Country Records,” about how his Dad would tell’em to “knock off that 60’s pop” and learn to be “country.” No filler and all killer here – I do not hesitate adding this my year-end top ten contenders list.

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Chase Hamblin & The Roustabouts “VAUdeVILLE”
Chase Hamblin’s grandfather was a songwriter in the heyday of vaudeville, the popular early 20th century “variety show” that combined musical performances with comedy, dancing, burlesque and more. Hamblin and his band, The Roustabouts channel some of that theatrical flair here, “Beautiful Things” being an early standout song with a great hook. Things get more psychedelic on “Round and Round” with its dark lyrics, tight harmonies and harpsichord flourishes.

The circus-themed and varied compositions are a mixed bag, but most songs resonate from the somber “Lonesome” to the Wombles-like “I’ve Got A Brain.” It’s tough to separate the novelty from the good stuff here, but some nice guitar and piano work stand out on “Leaving Town.” Overall, its a finely layered production that fans of Sgt. Pepper would approve of.

Corin Ashley “New Lion Terraces”

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Recorded in Abbey Road Studios Corin’s follow up to Songs From The Brill Bedroom is a finely crafted pop gem full of meticulous compositions. With nods to McCartney, Badfinger and Emmit Rhodes, a  splendid time is guaranteed for all.  The simple keyboard notes of “Geez Louise” build to the sweet multi-tracked chorus. “Sgt. Sunshine” is the Beatlesque mid-tempo highlight with buzzing guitars and “la-la” English styled brilliance.

“Marianne” is very much like a Glen Tilbrook hit, and Ashley hits us with amazing key changes. The hooks in these first three tunes are so good, you can’t believe Corin can keep this up. But he can – the plaintive ballad “Badfinger Bridge” is a baroque gem, and even as Corin settles in, the warmth of each tune shines through. The homespun title track and “On The Ledge” charm you and “Malady” will just rock you. Honestly, this is the best album I’ve heard all year so far. Don’t wait – get it now.

The Grapes of Wrath and The Evening Cast

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The Grapes of Wrath “High Road”
At the request of a Popaholic reader, I sought this album out (thanks, Jonathan!) and boy was it worth it. The Grapes of Wrath is a Canadian trio that’s been around since the 80’s, similar in style to REM with heavy jangle influence. Brothers Chris and Tom Cooper are joined by lead singer Kevin Kane (who btw had a terrific solo LP a few years back). I’ve always liked the band, even though they never seemed to breakout successfully in the U.S. – but High Road is poised to do just that.

The shining harmonies and hook-filled riffs of “Good To See You” are similar to both The Orange Peels and Teenage Fanclub. The Beatlesque “Mexico” is another vivid melody  with Duane Eddy styled twang and hand claps. And without any drop off in quality, “Paint You In Blue” sounds closer to past GoW material, and “I’m Lost (I Miss You)” is a stunning emotional ballad. They go in the other direction and “Make It OK” is like a lost Oasis outtake. Each tune stands out – it may have taken 20 years, but these guys deserve to be on the top ten album list for 2013. Don’t miss it.

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The Evening Cast “Lake”
This Melbourne band is creating quite a buzz down under, started by brothers Joel and Paul Cooper, alongside Joel’s wife Rachel the melodic “Knots and Bows” starts subtle and grows on you like a weed. The glowing synth melodies remind me of Lightships, The Ocean Blue or Keane. “No Stopping” is a great example, with a soulful vocal and strong ambient rhythms that stick in your head.  “Heartbeat” is a lounge-like harmonic melody with booming percussion, and its a real winner here for me. This is a band discovering itself and having a great time doing it. Check it out.

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