8×8 “Azalea’s Room”

powerpopaholic

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

Roger Hodgson back in the US for the “Breakfast In America” Tour

powerpopaholic 3 Comments

Roger Hodgson helped propel Supertramp to international superstardom in the 70’s with album sales of well over 60 million, including 1979’s stellar blockbuster, Breakfast in America, which alone sold upwards of 20 million copies. Timeless in nature, his songs have played on the radio continuously for more than thirty-five years. Now, in concert, Hodgson reignites memories and emotions with a heart-stirring voice that both critics and fans declare is sounding better than ever. This is an experience you do not want to miss.

He’s visiting the Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York area.

Mitch Friedman “Sing Sing”

powerpopaholic

Somewhere between They Might Be Giants, Allan Sherman and XTC lies the world of Mitch Friedman. After he’s shown us his Game Show Teeth a few years ago, he is now sent to Sing Sing (a prison for the musically weird I guess).

Opening with a muppets like chorus of prisoners singing “Me Not Right,” it leads to the bouncy and quirky “Previously Unreleased.” Mitch’s vocal shifts make him an ever changing chameleon – like a Robin Williams routine, you never know which “voice” will pop up in the chorus. While some will find it endearing, others may hear it as over used novelty. In any case the music is interesting enough, “Ice Me Nice” is an over-the-top reaction to global warming and “Hazy Recollection” is a nicely done story of criminal arrogance. A faux Bond theme with Jude Cown “The Spy” is full of so many cliches I was waiting for a punchline (that never arrived).

Eventually the goofiness recedes and straight catchy pop shows up with “Spring (Is Waiting For A Chance To) Spring” and impressive “The Last Nice Day” with its shifting styles from acoustic to heavy rock. Most entertaining is “Tribute Band” an enjoyable tune about a musician “in a tribute band to myself.” Add to this special musical guest stars Dave Gregory (XTC), R. Stevie Moore, Adam Elk (The Mommyheads), Andrea Perry, Lane Steinberg (The Wind), Jude Cowan, Indigo Street (Shy Hunters), and Daryl Bean. Overall a very entertaining listen.

Amazon | CD Baby

Vegas With Randolph “Rings Around The Sun”

powerpopaholic

Vegas With Randolph has been a bright spot on the power pop landscape since their debut, now they ramp up the talent on Rings Around The Sun. Getting help from a star-studded group of musicians like David Myhr, Brandon Schott, and Andy Reed to name a few, its likely that this is the best VWR album to date. Starting with “You Set The World On Fire,” John Ratts and Eric Kern burn through its high energy tribute to modern scientists.  Then it pushes the guitars to “11” with “Salt Water Taffy,” a catchy single that reminds me of Myracle Brah with its smooth harmonies.

And the band has lots of fun too, notable is “Cool Things” a hummable garage sale list (“boombox, CD Stand, Cup from 7-11”) sung with an excitement that compares well with Bowling For Soup. The pace moderates a bit with “Empathia,” another great short story set to music, however my favorite track here is “Everybody Wants An Atom Bomb.” It’s an over-the-top melody with a killer riff that drips of chauvinistic patriotism and fireworks. More light fun is on “Snow Day” and the grand finale “Rings Around The Sun” is more than satisfying. The additional single “Drops of Gold” and bonus track “Cool Change” are great, but maybe belong on different LP. You get a packed 15 tracks and all without any filler. Highly recommended.

Amazon | Bandcamp