Power Popaholic Interview: Robert “Nitebob” Czaykowski

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Robert “Nitebob” Czaykowski

One of the most renowned rock and roll sound engineers is Robert “Nitebob” Czaykowski. He has been front-of-house mixing for well-known musicians for about 50 years. He has also worked as a gear tech, advised musical instrument manufacturers (the Fender Cyber-Twins has a “Nitebob” preset), and even functioned as Walter Becker’s de facto “guitar pimp.” He’s officially been production manager and sound engineer for the following artists: Steely Dan, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley, Lez Zeppelin, New York Dolls, KISS, Aerosmith, REM, and others.

Nitebob possesses a wealth of knowledge. If you’re in the music business, you should try to learn from his advice. We chat about his career and the state of the concert business.

 

Say Goodbye-to-Summer singles and EPs: The High Frequencies, Maple Mars, The Chelsea Curve, Flutter, Bobby Conn, Jared Bond

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Firstly, The High Frequencies (with Lisa Mychols) sings some “Modern Love” for the new Jem Records compilation celebrating David Bowie. Like all the Jem comps, it’s loaded with talent and class. Big Stir Records helps celebrate the 25th anniversary of California pysche-poppers Maple Mars and it “Couldn’t Have Been A Better Time” to put out a single. If you ever need a solid catchy rocker, just ask The Chelsea Curve as “Kindawanna” scratches that itch. This month’s freebie is courtesy of Denver’s cool band Flutter and the “When You Love Somebody” EP. Really great raw power pop without the frills, and you’ve got no excuses–so download it. For true art, check out Bobby Conn‘s “Bobby’s Place” a sonic feast of styles, but I loved the glammy “Sixties Babies” the whole EP pushes all the right pop buttons, so check it out! Finally, Jared Bond‘s “Sugar Rush” has the definitive summer lyric; “I’ll play you something chill, catchy, and cool. Let’s take a little dip in the kiddy pool.” Enjoy this last weekend at the pool, kiddies!




The On and Ons and Richard Snow

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“The

The On and Ons “Come On In”

I was late to the party, but this Sydney, Australia band signed with Jem Records and made their debut in January. The On and Ons are comprised of keyboardist John Hoey, bassist Clyde Bramley, brother Brian Morris (drums, vocals), and singer-songwriter-guitarist Glenn Morris. Last year, they produced a number of noteworthy EPs, and the album ‘Come On In’ is an excellent compilation of their songs. “Let Ya Hair Down!” was honored by Little Steven’s Underground Garage as one of the”Coolest Songs In The World,” so I would be remiss if I didn’t check out the additional songs on the album.

The album’s opening track, “Roller Coaster,” is very much like a Plimsouls tune with great jangle and echoing harmonies. “Been There” is pure ‘60s British Invasion bliss with reverb, and “Sunny Jim” is a dense guitar attack akin to The Guess Who with an Aussie garage vibe.  Another gem is “(Scare Me) Outta My Mind,” with its wicked solo, and those “ooh, ooh” backing harmonies, it has a very Halloween party feel to it. Plenty of good melodies here make this one Highly Recommended.

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“The

Richard Snow (& The Inlaws) “Look Back In Manga”

From Nottingham UK. Richard Snow and The Inlaws are Richard (Snow) Hattersley, Phillip Edmundson and Justin Monkton. Richard started his musical life in a Beatles cover band, and has solo several albums in the recent past and ‘Look Back in Manga’ is a new compilation with some recent singles added. Richard’s bright jangle starts us with “Equinox,” a sweet melody that sets a very Beatlesque tone. This continues with the ironic “I Never Liked The Beatles” about an old curmudgeon named Ron who hates the Fab Four.

The songs feel like personal experiences, and some work very well (“Double Act” and “Not Gonna Take It”) and others just aren’t as memorable. My favorite on this album is the mid-tempo love song “You Can’t Have It All,” with a great hook and solid vocal performance. This album will be hit-or-miss for most, and that’s okay. It still is music that deserves to be heard, so check it out.

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The Nines and Kevin Robertson

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The Nines

The Nines “Echoes of Past Future”

It’s been too long, but The Nines have returned at last. Steve Eggers with some help on drums from Bill Majoros records an alternative universe 1970s-era album using vintage Tascam and Yamaha consoles. He succeeds in getting that vintage sound, and there is no denying Eggers songwriting and compositional talent, even through lo-fi speakers.

Starting with “Give Your Heart Away,” it’s a solid, catchy gem with layered harmonies. And his familiar Jeff Lynn style returns for “Summer’s Never Been The Same.” For those who remember listening to a worn cassette tape, the fidelity is eerily accurate, especially on the psychedelic jam “Open Book.” The songs are so good here, you’ll be clamoring for more, like “Hit The Ground Running.”

“Sailor Girl” and “You Get By” are brilliantly period accurate and very memorable. “Away from You” is a worthy spiritual successor to 10cc’s “I’m Not In Love.” The soulful pop of “How did we get it all so wrong?” feels like a different album, and is that actually sung by a different duo? Steve tells me it’s studio trickery to change his voice. Wow! Not every idea here is fleshed out musically, but the ones that do, make this album another highly recommended Nines album.

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“Kevin

Kevin Robertson “Yellow Painted Moon”

Kevin Robertson (The Vapor Trails) has quickly produced a prolific collection of albums, and his latest treads familiar ground. ‘Yellow Painted Moon’ starts with the jangling gem “We Found the Summer,” a song with echoes of classic bands like The Byrds, America, and Neil Young. The album follows this template and with “Message of Love,” it gets into a very relaxed groove.

“Of the Night” is equally enjoyable with its Western harmonic touches and harmonies. Another gem is “Traveling Band,” with a really sweet Rickenbacker rhythm that gives way to a wicked solo break. Fans of The Beau Brummell’s will really enjoy that one along with “Quicksand,” which sounds like a lost track from that band. Robertson’s rich melodies and charming approach set a great mood on “Feelings Show,” a catchy folk-rock tune. Overall, a really good album that deserves repeat listens. For the fans, he’s got a group of alternate bonus tracks in a separate album. Highly Recommended.

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