Eric Barao is a singer-songwriter from Massachusetts, who just finished his debut LP with the help of recording engineer Ducky Carlisle (Norah Jones, Buddy Guy, Susan Tedeschi) and singer-songwriter Bleu. Listen to the interview here or in our interview section. Even better, buy his album here.
Willie Wisely says “No more albums”
I have a busy week planned (with IPO NYC coming up any day now) and I get this news from Willie Wisely’s blog basically saying that albums are “too hulking, too far between, too all consuming” and “the whole thing is too painfully putzy to be enjoyed any longer.” So he’ll be making singles and EPs from now on. While I love a great single, and lots of people cherry pick from an LP – any one who grew up loving the long-play format will loathe its demise.
And while Bob Lefsetz may disagree, in music there is nothing better than listening to a great concept album beginning to end. Think about Dark Side of The Moon or Who’s Next. And while most albums are not worthy of that greatness, I wouldn’t want to discourage artists from trying. It’s like the 5-course prix fixe restaurant going out of business because Chipotle moved next door.
Above is a writing session demo for the first new single, Willie goes back and forth with power-pop favorite, Cliff Hillis.
Drink A Toast To Innocence: A Tribute To Lite Rock
I’ve been an advocate for Andrew Curry’s project “Drink A Toast To Innocence – A Tribute To Lite Rock” for a while now, and the time is here to get this huge 28 song collection performed by a “who’s who” of power pop artists. What is “Lite Rock?” Well if you’re over 30, I guarantee you’ve heard most of these songs which were big hits in the late ’70’s and early 80’s. These newly recorded versions definitely make them fresh and re-discoverable to younger audiences.
I wanted to highlight some of my favorite tracks, as this collection is packed with great material. Opening with the masterful Michael Carpenter he slowly builds up “We Don’t Talk Anymore” from a single bass line to a layered, lush chorus. Lisa Mychols digs deep to give us the obscure hit by David Soul (of Starsky & Hutch fame) “Don’t Give Up On Us Baby,” and she makes it her own. David Myhr (Merrymakers) pulls out all the stops on his version of 10cc’s “The Things We Do For Love” and Kelly Jones turns “I’d Really Love To See You Tonight” into a top notch ballad that changes the song’s point of view.
Mike Viola’s version of “Steal Away” has that deceptively simple hook and The Sonic Executive Sessions imbue the Stephen Bishop tune “On and On” with heartfelt vocal precision. Out of all the faithful song re-creations, Paul Bertolino’s version of Firefall’s “Just Remember I Love You” even manages to outshine the original. A few tracks don’t hit the mark, but they are the exception here not the rule. This is so far the best music compilation of 2013, so don’t miss it.
Corin Ashley “New Lion Terraces”
Recorded in Abbey Road Studios Corin’s follow up to Songs From The Brill Bedroom is a finely crafted pop gem full of meticulous compositions. With nods to McCartney, Badfinger and Emmit Rhodes, a splendid time is guaranteed for all. The simple keyboard notes of “Geez Louise” build to the sweet multi-tracked chorus. “Sgt. Sunshine” is the Beatlesque mid-tempo highlight with buzzing guitars and “la-la” English styled brilliance.
“Marianne” is very much like a Glen Tilbrook hit, and Ashley hits us with amazing key changes. The hooks in these first three tunes are so good, you can’t believe Corin can keep this up. But he can – the plaintive ballad “Badfinger Bridge” is a baroque gem, and even as Corin settles in, the warmth of each tune shines through. The homespun title track and “On The Ledge” charm you and “Malady” will just rock you. Honestly, this is the best album I’ve heard all year so far. Don’t wait – get it now.
CD Baby | Amazon
The Jac and Picture Day
The Jac “Record Store” EP
Just in case you missed out on “Record Store Day” goodies, Joe Algeri (Jack & The Beanstalk, Britannicas) has a gift for you. This is an extended single from the forthcoming album, ‘Whether I’m Arthur or Martha.’ The single is a rocking tribute to the Record Store experience and a great addition to you playlist. Next the punk anthem “F•ck It” is very much in the spirit of The Sex Pistols, and a cover of Neil Young’s “Heart Of Gold” sounds like it could’ve come from Neil’s ill-fated Trans album. Hey this is great free stuff, Joe. Keep it comin’!
Picture Day “Every day is Picture Day” EP
This St.Louis band has clean harmonies and hand claps, very much in the REM meets The Outfield realm – but it doesn’t stay there. “Madoline” is an impressive opener, full of solid rock riffs and “Immaterial” has a bit of a new wave feel, with a nice interplay of guitar rhythms, until it gets to the bombastic overly dramatic chorus. “One of Us” is more of a hard rock song with multi-tracked vocals very much in the style of Foo Fighters – this is well done, but doesn’t feel natural to the band. Then it changes gears again with “Long Division” the EP’s highlight, with jangling guitars and Jordan Ross’ excellent vocals. The issue seems to be a band in between styles, looking for its place but the potential for greatness is easy to hear. Give it a shot.
Amazon | CD Baby