Linus of Hollywood “Something Good”

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Is is more that “Something Good” — this is something great. We’ve not heard from Linus since 2006 Triangle. And this was worth the wait starting with “Caught Up In A Feeling.” It hits the power pop sweet spot, with hand claps, driving beat and hummable chorus… simply a perfect opener. “Ready For Something Good” starts with a simple Caribbean rhythm, but it quickly builds into a fast-paced song bursting with optimism and a driving chorus, where “a better day is waiting for me.” Linus-land is all bright and shiny here, where you could hook up with “A Girl That I Like,” the anticipation and joy of young romance bounces along the melody line. Much like Wyatt Funderburk’s debut last year (He plays on the opening track!) it effortlessly transforms your mood. “Don’t F**k It Up” adds a bit more guitars and a layered “la la” backing chorus very similar to Squeeze, Linus even sounds like a younger Glen Tilbrook here. You get the sense that in the olden days of the almighty record label they would’ve “cleaned” this lyric, but it expresses the sentiment with genuine emotion.

“Biography” is a mid-tempo guitar song similar in style to Michael Carpenter. It confidently tells the girl that their time together was indelible and “no one will ever love you” as strongly. “Whoever’s Around” is another shimmering gem that has a slight country twang and steel pedal guitar solo with the dense production. The mood shifts to forlorn on “I Don’t Wanna Go Home If Your Not” and a cover of the Kiss ballad “Beth.” Linus has a snappy country-pop duet with Kelly Jones on “If You Don’t Love Me, You Gotta Let Me Go.” The elegant “When It’s Quiet” is another welcome change with strings and rising guitars in the chorus. Every single track here shines, and the variety of tempos, styles and instrumentation prevent this from being too predictable.

Finding a shining example of the genre with all the emotion, catchiness and studio gloss is extremely rare, making this one high atop my 2014 list for best album of the year.

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Richie Parsons and The Psycho Sisters

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Richie Parsons “Honey and Tears”

Veteran musician Richie Parsons has been a part of the Boston area music scene for years, and now he’s finally put together a debut album produced by Ken Stringfellow (Posies). The clear, rich melody of “When Fall Begins,” reminds me at times of the last Sunrise Highway album. “LOve Letter” is another gem with fantastic layered jangle. Next comes the “wall of sound” Phil Spector approach on the echoing ballad “Evelyn.” The instrumentation here is excellent, and you’ll hear influences of The Beach Boys, and even modern country music with the strong twangs of “Summer.”

Richie’s style also reminds me of Roy Orbison in spots, especially on a cover of Glen Campbell’s “Hey Little One” with his wailing vocal treatment. “Mix Tape” is a pure power pop delight, and after a few listens it really sticks in your head. Lots of highlights here and overall Highly Recommended.

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The Psycho Sisters “Up On The Chair Beatrice”

Despite the horror-themed name, The Psycho Sisters are not “psycho,” nor are they sisters. They’re sisters-in-law, Susan Cowsill (The Cowsills) and Vicki Peterson (The Bangles). And both have been in family-based bands since childhood. Once Vicki married John Cowsill, the two became related and it took a long time, but the duo finally recorded an album together.

Starting out with the sweet harmonies of “Heather Says” its a story of an evil 4th grade girl who makes life difficult. “Never Never Boys” (co-written by Peterson and Bob Cowsill)  is a great country pop single that’s full of hope and catchy hooks. The rock guitar and fiddle makes “Numb” a unique approach to a rocker that brings to mind the Wilson sisters band Heart. “Fun To Lie” is a jangling gem that recalls The Bangles and “What Do You Want From Me” is a strong response to an ex-boyfriend who doesn’t know when to quit. A poignant coda here is “Cuddly Toy,” written by Harry Nillson that was a big hit for the Monkees. It was done to honor the passing of Susan’s reported favorite Monkee, lead singer Davey Jones. Highly Recommended.

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Roger Hodgson Returns!

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Roger Hodgson, legendary vocalist and singer-songwriter from Supertramp, is heading back to North America for a series of fall dates. Following extensive tours of Europe and South America, Hodgson kicks off his North American tour on Nov. 4th in Wabash, Indiana. See concert dates here.

Hodgson co-founded the progressive rock band Supertramp in 1969 and was with them for 14 years. He helped define a generation of progressive rock and wrote and sang Supertramp’s globally successful and enduring anthems such as “Breakfast in America,” “Give a Little Bit,” “Take the Long Way Home,” “The Logical Song,” “Dreamer,” “It’s Raining Again,” “School,” and “Fool’s Overture” – songs that helped the band sell well over 60 million albums.

I reviewed Roger’s last tour here. It’ll be nice to see him again!

Help Support these bands!

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Two more projects, I wanted to bring to your attention:

Yorktown Lads are a power-pop band ready to release their first album, but they need your help to release it on vinyl! Endorsed by my buddy John Borack (noted author and drummer for Honeychain) so you know it’ll be worth it.

parks

Somerville-based band Parks is the next logical step for Brian E. King (Oranjuly) its richer in sound and is one of those albums I can’t wait to hear. The samples are sure tempting. http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/parks.

Steve Caraway and Dave Caruso

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Steve Caraway “Upon This Rock”

Steve Caraway is a veteran adult contemporary singer from Boston, think a cross between Bryan Adams and Steve Perry. I expected “Upon This Rock” to be a modern Christian rock album based on the title, and although it has its share of inspiring tunes, is clearly secular.

The simple strum of “This Foolish Heart” is a good opener about learning to love again. “Big Star” is a tribute to the late Alex Chilton and the band without sounding at all like the subject, more a wistful reminiscence. “Supernova” heads into power ballad territory and comparisons to Perry are appropriate here, that mentioned its a catchy tune with layered horns and guitars. The purest power pop here is “Candy” with its strong guitar line and minor chords, but there is plenty here to recommend including the epic title track which feels like a great Elton John ballad and the rocking love-song “Justine.” Well done and highly recommended.

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Dave Caruso “Cardboard Vegas Roundabout”

We reviewed David Caruso before, so the laid back guitar on “Mystery & Sweetness” is an expected pleasure, but he really has the vocal technique honed on his Beach Boys tribute “Champion.” With some wonderful “Ba ba ba” harmonies, it lyrically states the truth “how do you keep it light while peeling back the layers of bittersweet insight?” Fans of adult contemporary pop will just love “Rockabye (A Rockturnal Lullabye)” with its descending chord structure and perfectly timed guitar solo.

Caruso’s guitar pop hits a winner with “Fake Friends,” a jangle-tastic single about ignoring those Facebook nobodies. David’s clear pop production reminds me a lot of Lewis Taylor on the soulful “I’ve Tried To Write You.”  Another big highlight is the Elvis Costello like ballad “The Art of Erica,” and it proves this to be another highly recommended album.

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