Here is the video re-recording of Brad’s “The Spinner and The Spun” done live with a string trio at Mission Bells studio in San Francisco. I was lucky to speak to Brad Brooks last week. Go to our interview section to hear it or just click here to visit the Brad Brooks Interview page.
John Larson and Doctor Ew
John Larson “Songs About Music”
As long time frontman for The Marlowes, John Larson has plenty of stories about life as working musician. With the help of his bandmate Justin Capaldi and Mick Chorba (The Dispomaniacs), he puts these observations in his new solo LP. Larson opens with the hook filled “Girl in the Band,” about a hook up at a music convention. “They’re Not Writing Country (In This Country Anymore)” is a pretty accurate jab at the current commercial country rock scene.
John’s vocal is limited in range, but clear and best used on “Kiss and Yell” and “Billy and Wiggy” a description of meeting Billy Bragg’s brother. The harmonies and lead work to great effect on the melodic “She Just Wants To Talk” and the obsessive thoughts of a vinyl record collector “Track You Down” combines a vintage Zombies-styled organ melody with a sing-along chorus. “The Lifer” is a gorgeous autobiographical ballad that has echoes of Van Morrison and Lou Reed about how “the critic’s darling” can’t afford to even get gas for the car. Many musicians hearing this album will nod in agreement – a strong effort by a veteran road warrior.
Doctor Ew “Gadzooks”
Don’t judge an album by its cover. Despite looking like a horror soundtrack or punk album, Doctor Ew is the solo debut from Toronto pop musician Drew Smith. Right from the get go on “The House Of Many Mansions,” you’ll hear those XTC and Rundgren influences in the beat and synth compositions. The happy hand clapping melody of “Dance All Over My Grave” is in direct contrast to the dark psychotherapy in the lyric. “Be A Dreamer” is another endearing melody that echoes Brian Wilson with its tinkling piano, and the follow up “To Be Your Man” is an equally wistful Beach Boys styled tune. Ew’s nasal tenor works well on these short lo-fi songs (most under 2 minutes) and the added horn flourishes, guitar rhythms and backing harmonies enhance each melody.
No filler here and every track is interesting, although Drew’s vocal on “Do As The Lord Tells Me,” doesn’t quite fit. Also impressive is the beautiful and creepy “If You’re Happy” and the self depreciating “I’m Getting Fat” with the funny backing chorus of “Hey Chubba Bubba!” Overall, a delicate and fun diversion for those with a musical sweet tooth.
The Stars Explode “Between The Lines”
The Stars Explode started as a kind of vanity solo project by Doug Edmunds, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and founding member of critically acclaimed ’90s power pop outfit, Gladhands. “Here and Now” is a great start with a driving beat and Doug’s strong vocal. Guitarist Eric Peterson (DB’s, Matthew Sweet) follows the vocals on “Feet Of Clay” with his signature riffs.
One of the best tracks here is the quirky melody of “Funny Feeling” with its churning rhythm and Edmund’s loose vocals. The lovely acoustic jangle of “Memphis Moon” comes very close to an old Gladhands tune. Another smart melody is on “Cinderella At Half Past” and the fitting coda is on display with “What’s It Gonna Take To Make You Happy?” where the band let’s it all hang out. It’s been over 4 years since Edmunds last Stars Explode project, let’s hope for more to come.
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The Rutles “Lunch”
The pre-fab four known as The Rutles story continues with a remix of the band’s master tapes in a parody of The Beatles “Love” remix. The Rutleslunch site has a hilarious plethora of great information on the ongoing saga. I didn’t see a link to purchase, but if you want the original albums, check out Amazon’s Rutles page.
Bill DeMain and Ben Kweller
Bill DeMain “Extended Stay” EP
Nashville songwriter Bill DeMain has written for an impressive array of musicians (Marshall Crenshaw, David Mead, Bleu, Kim Richey, and Farrah) but now he goes solo. However he lost his home during the May 2010 flood, and months later a second home was burned to the ground by a stray cigarette butt. That led to a transient existence, and he wrote a lot of music in that time.
The autobiographical “Looking For A Place To Live” starts out with its acoustic strum and sad tale. Next is the Paul Simon meets Beach Boys romp of “St. Joe’s ’75” as it looks back at his Catholic School years. “In Your Letter” is a Gershwin styled piano ballad, and the McCartneyeque “Honeylove” is another tender musical treat. Rounded out by the Billy Joel influenced “Common Love Song” and soft shoe shuffle of the bittersweet “Raggedy Man” there is no flaw here, other than it’s simply too short. My favorite EP this year! Please Bill can I have some more?
Ben Kweller “Go Fly A Kite”
Ben Kweller been a dependable artist on the power pop front—and after getting his Ryan Adams styled country mojo out on his last album Changing Horses, it’s nice to find Ben going back to his pop rock roots (for a few tracks).
Kweller’s songwriting has always been quality whether he’s doing garage rock, folk, or country. And just to prove it to those who doubt his power pop cred, he opens with “Mean To Me” where he states “Don’t regret anything I ever did, because I always knew where I was coming from…” to a kick-ass guitar riff and defiant chord progression. The remaining parts of the album aren’t as rockin’ but they’re still darn good. “Out The Door” is an impressive Wilco-styled bit of country pop that is easily the catchiest thing on the album. Leaning on influences as varied as Dylan, Tom Petty and The Eagles. “Free” is a good tune that recalls Joe Walsh, and “Full Circle” has a easy bounce and playful piano melody.
Kweller gives us one more rocker,“Time Will Save The Day” that compares well with Weezer or The Lemonheads – and its like a breath of fresh air after all that steel pedal twang throughout the rest of the album. It ends with wonderful strumming anthem, “You Can Count On Me.” No clunkers here, but the remaining tracks don’t stand out as much. A lively and cheerful return to form.
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