This was a long time coming, Todd Giglio of The Turnback opens up about being a musician and how the film Drawing With Chalk and The Turnback got started. He recently played at the New York International Pop Overthrow last week. Check out the page to also see the cool video for “Cellophane Sky” – it’s all in the interview section or click here.
Catch Up Interview with Grand Atlantic
We revisted a conversation with Phil Usher from Grand Atlantic. His band has evolved quite a bit since the debut, the newest album Constellations was released earlier this year. Read the interview here, or read the review here.
Holmes and London Egg
Holmes “Covers”
When it comes to cover tunes, I feel unless you approach it with a unique POV you may as well listen to the original song. There are numerous horrible examples of Beatles covers out there that I wish I never heard. On the other hand when covers are done right I really appreciate the artists style. Good recent examples are from Michael Carpenter and Matthew Sweet. I would definitely add Holmes (aka Roy Shakked) to this list. The range of covers he has chosen here is truly eclectic, from Ice Cube to ELO. Opening with “It Was A Good Day,” I hardly recognized it, because it was played as a sunny pop tune. In many cases, the style performed is the direct opposite of how it was written (Depeche Mode’s “Wrong” using a bluesy guitar riff or Elvis “Don’t Be Cruel” as a slow ballad) and in the process makes them like Holmes originals. This opens up the song writing to a totally new interpretation, and my favorites here are “That’s All (Genesis),” Why Didn’t You Call Me (Macy Gray)” and a totally cool a capella version of ELO’s “Mr. Blue Sky.” This is a fun collection that’s highly recommended.
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London Egg “In The Beginning…”
Here is a Brooklyn band with a real fetish for 60’s and 70’s Brit-rock. This is a decidedly lo-fi debut but it’s got lots of potential, like The Troggs doing power pop with fuzzy chords everywhere. “Richocet Beloved” is an early highlight, very much like Oasis. Unfortunately for every impressive track like the exciting Mod tune “Everyone But You” you get an underbaked demo like “Sister Deatmeat.” You have to give the band credit for a good effort on songs like “Sunnyside Gardens Park” with it’s garage rock atheistic and pysche-pop atmosphere. But despite this effort, the sound quality may turn off some listeners. With no label or distribution, the album is only released to fans who send an e-mail with “I WANT SOME LONDON EGG!” in the subject line. I was told that the band is working on a new album using modern recording techniques. Let’s hope they get a proper album out soon, they deserve it.
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Magnets & Ghosts and Miles Zuniga
Halloween is over, but we can still witness the solo careers of artists rise from the ashes of their old bands, and note that both have used the term “Ghosts” in the title or band name.
Magnets & Ghosts “Mass”
Collective Soul Founding Member Dean Roland & Singer/Songwriter Ryan Potesta strike out as Magnets & Ghosts. The duo have many diverse musical influences, the opener “Hearts of Everyone” has more in common with the alt band Love & Rockets than CS. But it doesn’t take long for a true rock classic to emerge on “Hearts of Everyone” with it’s impressive catchy chorus. The title track slowly fades in, with solemn Gregorian chants and a single piano note, it leads to the very Coldplay-like ballad “Hold On” full of orchestral sweeps and echoing strings. Another great track is “The Sea and The Sound” with it’s quick rhythms and mult-tracked chorus similar to U2. The most unique song here is “I Want You” as the hand claps and drum start the chanting “whoa, whoa” but the piano brings across a melody that recalls both Bryan Scary and Depeche Mode. There is just enough here to keep Collective Soul fans interested (“Like A Sunday”), but make no mistake this is a clear alt. pop album that will appeal outside their traditional fan base to audiences that appreciate Arcade Fire, British Sea Power and Polyphonic Spree. Some sonic indulgences here ( like “Half-Awake”) but overall a very good start to a new band made up of old mates.
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Miles Zuniga “These Ghosts Have Bones”
Fastball frontman Miles Zuniga lets his pop flag fly on his solo debut. What can I say but this is the broken hearted romantic rocker’s perfect album. Opening with the melodic “Marfa Moonlight,” it’s a catchy and quirky delight that McCartney used to do. The melodies may be sweet but as “Rock Paper Scissors” boasts “violence and razor blades forever more” it brings to life inner doubts and rotten core of a dying relationship. The plain speaking story of betrayal in “Feel It In Your Kiss” has a retro-70’s feel here. The album wry centerpiece “The Weatherman” has Miles joined by jazz singer Kat Edmonson in a slow Ray Davies styled song of resignation about climate change. “Wicked” is a soulful mid-tempo rocker that recalls John Lennon with the chorus “She’s wicked, Wicked and cruel – Oh, she’ll make a fool of you” and it could be the twin track to “Sexy Sadie.” Another tune of love ruined is “Elizabeth” with both masterful lyrics and composition. The song cycle of the album does have some hopeful notes, with “Working On A Love Song,” but even this is a false hope as most of this is just Miles exquisite suffering of “heartache and regret” (as heard on “You Can’t Break My Heart.”) Not a single weak song here and highly recommended, as it’s the best emotional release/therapy for a recent divorce you’ll ever hear. Repeat listens required and a top ten album for sure.
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The Beach Boys “Heroes & Villians”
Sorry for the lack of posts this week, but I attended IPO NY last night and will give you a full reporting later this week. I have a huge backlog of reviews that will be coming out starting tonight! Stay tuned…. in the meantime, enjoy this Yahoo exclusive video of The Beach Boys “Heroes and Villains” from the new Smile Sessions.