Over the course of four decades, NRBQ (short for the New Rhythm and Blues Quartet) has done musical genres from power pop to barrel-house blues to free jazz. Terry Adams has been the constant, playing with a rotating set of musicians for decades. Even a bout of throat cancer in 2004 couldn’t slow him down, and after a short break he recovered and reformed the band in 2007. I was privileged to talk with Terry about the new NRBQ album “Brass Tacks” which is due for distribution on June 17. But you can get an advance copy here.
Phonograph and David Myhr
Phonograph “Phonograph Vol 1”
UK based band is lead by guitarist/songwriter team of Paul Campbell and Terence O’Mahony. The opener “She Knows It” is a classic power pop structure, similar in style to Badfinger and Teenage Fanclub. One of my favorites here is “Waiting For The Sun” with its minor chords and “la do da” chorus, and the Beatlesque “You Don’t Bring Me Down” is another catchy gem. And the “hits” keep coming.
The ballad “Losing My Nerve’ has echoes of John Lennon, and “California” has a driving guitar strum that’s perfect for the road. No filler either as each song earns repeat plays. Overall this band’s sound compares well with Taylor Locke and Cirrone and it deserves a spot in my year end top ten. Interesting fact: Some eagle-eyed readers noticed that the songs were created in 2001, but they are just released this year. Originally these songs were meant to be published on the band’s own label, Big Red Records. But after gaining the attention of some major labels, they put off the idea and started shopping for a big record deal. It fell through and the band broke up, leading to Paul and Terence to finally release the LP on Bandcamp.
Bandcamp
David Myhr “Record Collection” EP
After 2012’s amazing Soundshine, David Myhr (Merrymakers) delivers a few sticky sweet treats with this EP. Three of the songs also feature the work of Japanese power pop band Puffy AmiYumi. The title track was originally released on the Japanese edition of Soundshine, so it’s good to finally hear that powerful hook and bouncy chorus, perfect for chasing the blues away. “You Stole My Heart Away” was written specifically for Puffy with a sticky “ba ba ba” chorus and shifting key changes.
“Boom Boom Beat” is a pretty good guitar driven rocker, with the backing vocals it feels like a kids rock anthem. . The 10cc cover of “The Things We Do For Love” was David’s entry for the Drink A Toast To Innocence: A Tribute To Lite Rock album. An Abbey Road version of “Never Mine” is included here as well, and overall a terrific EP without a wasted note, it’s super highly recommended!
Amazon | Itunes
Fernando Perdomo “Warm”
The full length debut album from former Dreaming in Stereo frontman Fernando Perdomo is what you’d expect from the veteran producer and musician. The comforting atmosphere of “Photographers in Love” and “Home Is Wherever You Are” both contain gentle melodies that evoke Jackson Browne and Elton John. A big highlight here is “Girl With A Record Collection” with a big hook in the opening chorus, Fernando is looking for a girl who “blew me away without saying a word.” and echos of Big Star follow the strums of the ballad “1970.”
The production is crisp and loose with some excellent musicianship on display. Fernando’s songwriting really shines on the acoustic “California Moon” and the sleepy “Angel Lust.” However the second half of this LP gets a little too laid back, so you may need a shot of espresso to stay awake. Otherwise a quality release for one of Miami’s most talented musicians.
Bandcamp
Fauna Flora and The Feels
Fauna Flora “Fauna Flora”
Fauna Flora is the new project of Steve Ward, formerly of Cherry Twister. Along with bassist Joe Pisapia, keyboardist Matt Thomas, and drummer Paul Murr, they formed the new band, and its a rich and vibrant gem. Recorded and produced at Ward’s barn studio in Marietta, Pennsylvania, it starts off quietly enough and then dives into the gorgeous “Happy Hour,” if Coldplay knew what it was doing it would sound this good. Ward has moved towards a grander chamber pop (so fans of Eric Matthews, please get this one).
The orchestral swoon of “The Arms of Winter” then gives way to the gentle “Belle Of Blue Road,” a roots-influenced ballad. “As The Story Goes” is a ghostly gem, echoing 10cc or Alan Parsons Project in spots, with Ward’s whispering vocals. Unlike Cherry Twister, the guitars aren’t the main focus, and the composition and songwriting are more important. In fact the entire album is a study in the simple and complex, from the bouncy “Sunday, AM” to the richly melodic “Head of Fern.” Its great to see this creative band spread its wings. Not a dud here and one of the best albums you’ll hear this year.
CD Baby | Amazon
The Feels “Dead Skin”
New York based “The Feels” is a sweet pop revelation, sounding current with smart melodies, and a shredding guitar riff. It follows the tradition of The Click Five and Weezer. “Dumb or 21?” is a great intro that touches all the bases here. “Purple Heart” is a pensive melody, you expect a big chorus but it goes small instead, on “Maybe” it has a fast-paced guitar buzz closer to Green Day.
What makes this band above the average is lead singer Christian Stefos Migliorese formerly of Candy Hearts. He just has the chops to lead a melody hard or soft. “When Things Were Good” is a perfect stoner love song, with a simple strum and Christian’s impressive pipes. The poppier aspects of this short 8-track album remind me of Wyatt Funderburk or The Sonic Executive Sessions, each song is well composed, usually about love and leaving love. “She’s Gone Away” is another highlight among many, with some beautiful 3 part harmonies. Highly Recommended.
The Unswept and Goodman
The Unswept “The Unswept”
The Unswept are the O’Brien cousins, Ryan, Charlie and Liz from Chicago, playing and singing power pop with plenty of jangle and enthusiasm. We reviewed the band’s debut last year. The band does pick some choice covers. You gotta love the fun, poppy spirit here on Nick Lowe’s “So It Goes,” and Marshall Crenshaw’s “Cynical Girl.” And the La’s “I Can’t Sleep” and The Rutles “I Must Be In Love” are well played. Originals like “She’s So Cool” and “Certain Flowers” seamlessly integrate here, next time I hope to hear an entire album of originals. This makes good weekend music for sure.
Bandcamp | CD Baby (EP)
Goodman “Isn’t It Sad”
NYC’s Michael Goodman sophomore LP packs some big punches, just the title track is part Paul Collins and part Ben Kweller. “Isn’t it sad to be goin’ it alone?” he chimes and much of the tracks are the interplay of loneliness and longing for the “Blue Eyed Girl.” This is your bread and butter of power pop and it’s done well enough to merit repeat plays. “I’ll Live Without Your Love” has some nice intervown vocals and good composition. “This Is Our Youth” boasts some solid guitarwork and makes a pretty good anthem. It runs out of hooks in the second half with the notable exception of the rocking’ “Like What They Like.” After this the tone of the last three tracks adds more subtlety and atmosphere. Pick and play your favorites here.
Bandcamp