Sidney York and The Sharp Things

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Sidney York

Sidney York “<3” EP
Canadian band Sidney York is the musical collaboration between opera singer Brandi Sidoryk and bassoonist Krista Wodelet. Combine the quirkiness of a Zooey Deschanel with the power of a PJ Harvey or Katy Perry and you get the idea. The opening single “Dick and Jane” is super catchy and “Hearts” is another great tune that lingers in your head. The combo of synths and layered instrumentation along with the Brandi’s pitch perfect vocals make this duo a band to keep your eye on.

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Sidney York

The Sharp Things “The Truth Is Like The Sun“
Brooklyn-based chamber pop band the Sharp Things already made a statement with Green is Good early last year. The first half of this album is a grand choral starting with “Can’t Get Started”  and the folk sing along ballad “Lulubelle” set the mood. It gets soulful on “Flesh and Bone,” with the rich instrumentation and multi-part harmonies. The earnest songwriting draws from influences like Pet Sounds, Elton John and Carole King.

Lead vocalist Perry Serpa is now surrounded by an ensemble that makes these songs work. “The Last Hymn” has a wonderful prayer-like quality similar to The Association. Other than the obligatory rocker “Playing The Benelux,” the band is happy to radiate the feel good romantic vibe (“Light in My Harbor.”)  Even the finale “All My Love To You” has a late Beatles “Let It Be” styled piano intro. Feel the love and listen in.

Braddock Station Garrison and Ward White

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Braddock Station Garrison “High Water” EP
Rock solid debut from this local Washington DC touring band. A hybrid of Roots rock and pop melodies. Lead singer and guitarist Steve Schillinger carries each tune with confidence, and a cadence that reminded me of Chris Isaak. Highlights include “Maria With Child” and “A Lot To Ask.”

CD Baby | Amazon

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Ward White “Bob“
It’s been a few years since I heard Ward White, so it’s both maddening and satisfying to listen to his new LP Bob. Once again assisted by Joe McGinty on keys, White tells a winding dense narrative akin to a one man Rock Opera about the perils and crimes of the title character. White’s delicate tenor is brilliant, similar to those 70’s rock deities (Todd Rundgren and Bowie come to mind).

It’s tough to initially go through the sparsely composed and dramatic first half, but after repeated plays it grows on you, “Dentist” being a highlight. After the quirky “Intermission,” the guitar chords really come out and “Little Coca Cola/Lucky Ones” resembles a Ray Davies ditty. One of the better tunes “Dissent” takes a very Zappa-esque turn, and “Fridge” sums it up with Jeff Hermanson’s trumpet. There is a great musical story buried here if you’re willing to sacrifice immediacy. I see “cult hit” written all over this one.

CD Baby | Amazon

Jellyfish and Alex Chilton

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Jellyfish “Radio Jellyfish”
 This was mentioned a while back, but it’s worth another shout out. This is a stripped down acoustic set by one the greatest power pop bands of the last century. Each song is pulled from live performances in radio stations across Holland and Australia.

The harmonies are pristine and clear with only Roger Manning’s keyboard and Jason Falkner’s acoustic guitar backing them — this is proof that the band had real magic. Omnivore has done a great job pulling it together as the band flows through highlighted tracks from their 2 albums. Included are covers of Badfinger’s “No Matter What” and The Move’s “I Can Hear The Grass Grow.” Essential for all power pop fans, especially Jellyfish fanatics.

 

Alex Chilton “Electricity By Candlelight: NYC 2/13/97 “
Alex Chilton was performing a show at NYC’s Knitting Factory when without warning, the power went out and the show was “cancelled.” Amazingly Chilton came out to the remaining audience with an acoustic guitar and started playing romantic gems like “Someone To Watch Over Me.” It’s a great story, but unfortunately the moments are captured with a cheap bootleg recording. Often you hear lots of crowd noise, audience singing, glasses clinking, but Alex’s charming vocal is often buried. He does cover a lot of ground, even doing The Beach Boys “Wouldn’t It Be Nice.” But this album is for die-hard fans only.

Phil Everly of The Everly Brothers passes away.

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Phil Everly, who with his brother Don formed the duo The Everly Brothers passed away today (Jan. 3, 2014) He was 74 and died from complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The duo had dozens of hit songs, and it was their pristine harmonies that influenced a generation of rock artists from The Beatles, Beach Boys and The Byrds. The reason harmonies are so prominent in rock and power pop is because The Everly Brothers did it first.

When people ask me if I liked and listened to any musicians from the early days of Rock and Roll (pre-Beatles era), my list is very small.  I’m not a big Elvis fan, but I really liked Del Shannon, Bobby Darin, Jerry Lee Lewis and The Everly Brothers. I had the big box set of hits in my car CD player for years. Their influence is so great even today’s artists pay tribute – The newest duet album from Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day) and Norah Jones is Foreverly.  So bow your head in thanks and respect for Phil. He’ll never be forgotten.


Even 30 years after the heyday of their fame, they could still kick ass in concert.

 

Highly Recommended: Favorites from 2013

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With so many albums to listen to each year, I’m still sorting through favorites. Here is a list of bands that were all on my “Highly Recommended” list that deserve some love. Some were on other bloggers “best of” music lists, so give these artists a listen and you won’t be disappointed:

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