The Bye Bye Blackbirds and The Twigs

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The Bye Bye Blackbirds “We Need The Rain”
Singer/songwriter Bradley Skaught brings a terrific power pop vision to the newest album from The Bye Bye Blackbirds. The Bay Area band has been considered “thinking man’s rock and roll” often compared to Sloan  and Big Star.  The opener “All In Light” is darn near perfect start with big hook filled riffs in the Cheap Trick vein, then “Like A Thief” reminds me of a Posies tune with its cynical lyric in the chorus, “don’t ever, ever pray for love.” The wicked riffs lead “Butterfly Drinks” and then the slightly Beatlesque “Brand New Sitting Still” offers up a sunnier outlook on relationships.

Each song is carefully produced and the musicianship is top shelf here, without a dud track to be found. That said not everything sticks right away either, but the harmonies on “Waiting For The Drums” are amazing and the deliberate paced guitar on “Secret Ride” recalls Richard X Heyman. The band also does a rocking cover of Free’s “Broad Daylight” and tries a go at “Spin Your Stars,” a Neil Young styled mid-tempo roots rocker. Highly Recommended.

Bandcamp pre-order only

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The Twigs “Jump Right In”
Are you ready for a shiny bright ray of sunshine pop? The Twigs are twin sisters, songwriters and singers Linda and Laura Good, with Laura on guitars, vocals, ukulele, bass, keys and programming and Linda on piano, Wurlitzer electric piano, guitar, and vocals. Like the Corner Laughers, the duo displays clever lyrics, catchy melodies and luscious harmonies in “I Got A Great Idea.” They’re also positively wonderful on “Sunshine” and “Baby, Don’t Cry” – guaranteed to put you in a good mood. Like a mix of Lisa Loeb and The Beach Boys.

Okay, “You Are The Sweetest Thing”  and “Panda Bear” are most definitely kids bubblegum music. But if you are willing to tolerate it, you will be rewarded with those harmonies again in “Jump Right In” and “Frere Jacques.” It ends with a bedtime lullaby “Time To Sleep” and if you have a toddler this will be the “go-to” CD for both of you.

CD Baby | Amazon

Video Review: Caro Emerald in Concert

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Dutch songstress Caro Emerald is one of the most successful singers in Europe, and as I was listening to this concert, it occurred to me this wasn’t even close to what I normally listen to. She directs an 8 piece horn section with a mix of big-band and salsa pop. I gave this a try, not knowing what to expect.

Emerald is perhaps the most accessible retro-jazz/soul vocalist that I’ve heard recently. “Back It Up” is a perfect example of this, as she guides the horn section to a mix of scratching’ pop that flirts with hip-hop (almost) and it totally captivates the audience, getting them involved in the performance. While Adele currently rules this niche, I wouldn’t be shocked if Caro manages to steal the spotlight. This DVD performance is all the evidence you need.

Amazon

Dizzy Bats and The Most

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Dizzy Bats “Appendectomy” EP
Very much in the mold of 90’s era Weezer with a touch of Nirvana, the punk pop of Dizzy Bats does a good job on its opener “Angry Eyes” full of churning chords and hummable choruses. ”

These Kids I Teach.” is a bit more chaotic, a long rant to authority (I guess) in response to a slack teacher who “won’t let you f*ck with me.” It’s almost like a different band on the acoustic and horn “The Batman and the Joker,” very much in the style of The Barenaked Ladies. The title track takes us back to the punk pop world, and each track is enjoyable on its own. A worthy download.

CD Baby | Amazon

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The Most “Auto-Destructive Art”
The Most are a compelling mix of classic Northern Soul and British Invasion Beat. Starting with the retro-rollicking “Problems All Around” its similar to the ’60s Van Morrison band Them, or The Animals. “Really Good” continues in this high energy style, with each hanging reverb and handclappin’ beat. The old school technique makes it sound genuine and you’d have no clue these dudes were from Sweden.

Each track hovers around the two minute mark, a highlight being “I Don’t Want It” with blaring horns channeling The Isley Brothers hit “Shout.” The mod pop side is done perfectly well on “So Wrong” and “Do You Wanna Know.” One of my favorites here is the more Byrdsian “Beat Girl,” I would encourage the band to follow this direction. Fans of The Kingsmen, The Pretty Things, early Who will also love this.

Amazon

Paul McCartney “New”

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Rarely do I review such mainstream stuff, but when it comes to Sir Paul I couldn’t help myself. I just wanted to know if he could still pull out some of that old Beatle magic. I wasn’t keen on his standards LP Kisses on the Bottom, so I was expecting something closer to my tastes.

With the stigma of ageism gone from rock n’ roll, the 71 year old Beatle works with four different producers (Mark Ronson, Ethan Johns, Paul Epworth and Giles Martin) in an effort to sound “new” but still tinted with sweet nostalgia. The title track certainly does this, a sing-along crowd pleaser with a Beach Boys coda. Paul’s melodic gift still holds up with nice bass guitar lines of “Alligator” and “On My Way To Work” which recalls his time with Wings. “Early Days” is a predictable look back and the ballad “Looking At Her” is another signature Macca love song.

One caveat is that his voice is really starting to show its age, like fellow septuagenarian Brian Wilson he needs a little help from his (studio technician) friends.  And for every polished gem like “Queenie Eye,” you get filler like “Appreciate” with its forced hip hop beat or the overly glossy production on “Save Us.” This isn’t going to stop fans from rushing out to grab this, and it’s nice to know that the old dog is trying some new tricks. The good stuff easily outnumbers the lame stuff, and my favorite here “Turned Out,” proves beyond a doubt that Paul is back. So enjoy him while he’s still here making music.

Amazon | Itunes

8×8 “Azalea’s Room”

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I have a real affection for Lane Steinberg and Alex Khodchenko’s band 8×8. The debut was one of my top ten last year, so I couldn’t wait to immerse myself in the newest album. And while the immediacy isn’t there, the duo still manages to take you on a fantastic musical journey.

After the subtle opening “Ice Wings,” we get the psychedelic title track full of fuzz guitar and eastern rhythmic beats.  Lane slowly reveals the melody in “Laws Of Attraction” in an orchestral flourish, like a combo of Alan Parsons and Jeff Lynne. Another standout is the narrative “I’m A Werewolf, Baby,” with its simple piano melody and shifting chords. Another fast paced gem is “The Tie In” with soaring harmony and I loved the song “Dr. Winkler’s Hands,” a rich tapestry of harpsichord and layered instrumentation.

It ends with a Dylan cover,”Tears of Rage” and it reminded me of Procol Harum’s “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” with its organ and gospel approach. What makes this LP great is a deliberate attention to each tone and verse, and it will grow on you quickly. Bravo Lane and Alex, we can’t wait for the next one!

Amazon | CD Baby