Tis the season that holiday singles start coming out. These are nice stocking stuffers for your latest Christmas music mix, a few freebies and some almost free. I expect more holiday music to come by next week too. Enjoy!
Mick Terry and Bird Mancini
Mick Terry “Days Go By”
Produced by Jim Boggia, Mick Terry’s sophomore album is bathed in love of Americana and Rock nostalgia. Mick’s crisp vocal approach reminds me of Neil Finn or Michael Carpenter. The opener “Rocking In The Photograph” shows its passion with magical guitar riffs adding emphasis to a wistful memory. A strong narrative supported by acoustic and electric follows on “Emily Come Back,” but I really liked “Stars,” an easy-going melody with just the right amount of slide guitar.
“Everybody’s Talking” takes a cue from Motown’s heyday and “Arthur’s Tale” is a unique arrangement with its player piano rhythm and subtle brass accents. My favorite track here is the unapologetic rant “Pop’s A Dirty Word” that asks kids to remember Bowie, Ronson, John Peel, and the Faces. Its got a bouncy hook and a message that resonates. Overall a really fine homage to AM radio pop of the past that deserves to be heard.
Bird Mancini “Dreams and Illusions”
The duo of Ruby Bird and Billy Carl Mancini are veterans of Boston’s indie scene and certainly meld many different pop styles at once. The opener “Congratulations” is a wonderful Elvis Costello/Tom Petty/Beatles hybrid composition with solid harmonies. The strong guitar riffs lead “Don’t Blink” through dueling vocals that combine psychedelic Beatle-isms in a layered production. There is some dissonance with this approach, as the technique overshadows the melody. When a single vocal dominates it is preferable, like how Ruby shines on the catchy “It’s Already Done.”
The acoustic folk of “Recluse” is a neat spacey trip, and “Fault Line” lets Ruby explore some Motown R&B soul. But if you love power pop there are some highlights like the guitar and accordion gem “Wishing Well.” The album’s variety of styles means that it really does have something for everyone. Check it out.
Ward White and Arthur Nasson
Ward White “Diminish”
Ward White is back with the strong Diminish, and his emotional Bowie-esque vocals carry the album to different places with progressive rock and pop overtones. “Titans” starts with a strong sci-fi theme, but “Noise On 21” is even better with its combination of memorable chorus and instrumental excellence. White’s vocals are so well nuanced, he could probably sing the phone book directory and make it sound great.
White’s dramatic storytelling (a big strength) continues on “Back to The End,” and “Flood.” The snappy “Watch The Hands” is another gem with some very inventive lyrical phrases. Long-suffering protagonists and dark humor are the focus on “Uncle Bob (Akron)” and “Cowboy,” with the latter one of the most elegant compositions I’ve heard this year. Ward is an acquired taste, but very satisfying for those looking for a unique POV and solid musicianship. Highly Recommended.
Arthur Nasson “Whack Mythology”
Indie singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Arthur Nasson is one of those prolific “should-be-famous” artists that deserve attention. With his latest Whack Mythology, he skewers convention on the opener “Superman” about how real heroes aren’t flying in the sky. Like Todd Rundgren or Randy Newman, Nasson’s melodic senses are evident in each song, on top of the fact that he plays every instrument and sings all the vocals.
The catchiness of “Books About It” shines through the organic styled production as a standout, and the soulful “Going To Mars” and “Out To Sea” are brilliantly written ballads. At times the echoing drums overshadow a song, like on “Sky Fell Down” but it helps the atmosphere on “All Seem To Hear.” Overall a very good album and Nasson is one of the few independent artists who deserve to be heard more often.
Happy Thanksgiving! Feast on this: The Grand Levè and holiday singles
The Grand Levè “The Grand Levè”
Remember Longplayer? Well, Göran Hjertstedt (the lead from that band) has a new project that continues to draw its influence primarily from Electric Light Orchestra and Queen. The slow building “And Light Appeared” is a very majestic instrumental introduction full of pomp that demonstrates the rich orchestration. “Ride The Wind” is a compelling Wilbury-like track with a very sweet slide guitar over a steady strum. “Two to Tango” follows as a blues-influenced number about a love of dancing like Fred Astaire, and “All in The City” is a synth and percussion-heavy melody with all those great ELO stylistic touches.
At times music’s glossy bombast threaten to overwhelm those multi-tracked choruses but thankfully most of the songs are strong enough to let those melodies stick. “What Am I Gonna Do (Lunar City Heartache)” is an excellent mid-tempo power ballad, and the shimmering instrumental “Memory Lane” is a fitting end with its superb guitar solo that reminded me of Boston’s Tom Scholz. Overall a highly recommended album that demand’s repeat listens.
Amazon | CD Baby | Kool Kat Musik
Now have some dessert! FREE Holiday singles from Herb Eimerman and Richard Turgeon
Lastly, but by no means least – a new single by The Weeklings! Get “Running Away”
The Beths and Everet Almond
The Beths “Future Me Hates Me”
Auckland, New Zealand indie-rockers the Beths have a terrific debut that checks all the right boxes. Lead by the angelic vocals of lead singer Elizabeth Stokes, she hooks you right away and keeps you listening. The album focuses on her lack of confidence, self-doubt and does it with tight songwriting and punk-fueled energy. Prior to forming the band, all four members studied jazz at the University of Auckland, but this ain’t jazz. It is pop perfection.
It starts out slowly with the unassuming “Great No One” but by the chorus, you are hooked. The title track is a mainstream “hit” if ever there was such a thing with buzzing riffs underneath Stokes high chirp and soft emotions. “Uptown Girl” is a frantic power pop gem with innocence and fun riffs that don’t quit about “going out tonight.” Jonathan Pearce is an excellent guitar lead as his riffs on “You Wouldn’t Like Me” and “Happy Unhappy” push the narrative along. The chaotic “Little Death” is more introspective, as the longer songs here tend to be. “Whatever” is the final catchy gem. There are so many good tunes here, all memorable, that grow on you very quickly. This makes it a nominee for my top ten of 2018 list.
Everet Almond “Everet Almond”
New York singer-songwriter and drummer Everet Almond was on my radar in 2015 with his first EP, but this year he has released a boatload of music. This self-titled LP starts with a very Beatlesque gem “Local Magistrate” full of big piano chords and harmonies. The bouncy “I Love You” is another pop gem that’s got some McCartney DNA and the easy strumming style of “I Saw Her In The Morning” is another compelling acoustic tune with a sweet middle eight.
The piano tunes “Beautiful Neighbor” and “Anytime You Need” recall late era Stories with its harmony-laden choruses. Most everything here works, and he continues to produce EPs that are worth exploring. And if you want to explore the whole bag of Almond’s past work, Kool Kat Musik has several other collections including Windsor Field and Introduction to Everet Almond. So far everything here is highly recommended.