Michael Carpenter "SOOP#3"

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Way back in 2001, Michael Carpenter came out with SOOP#1 aka “Songs Of Other People” and it was a smashing success.  After SOOP#2 came out in 2006, it brings us to the newest batch of covers. Michael plans on five new releases over the coming months and he’s rolled out a unique subscription plan, so fans get all sorts of bonuses for signing up.

As for SOOP#3, it’s got some great selections, starting with Tracy Ullman’s “They Don’t Know” where Michael actually improves on the original (few artists can do this). Likewise for Nick Lowe’s “(What’s So Funny About) Peace, Love And Understanding” where it starts out like a church hymn and then roars to life about a minute into the second verse. The solid production and riffs make Fleetwood Mac’s “Think About Me” another gem that can’t be missed. Say what you will about cover albums, but Carpenter has the chops to make each track fresh and an essential part of your playlist.

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Moldy Oldies: The Stories "Love is In Motion"

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When it comes to obscure power pop seldom heard, this qualifies in spades. For those of you who get Bob Lefsetz email, his latest post was a peek into his power pop nostalgia – The Move, ELO, The Kinks, The Left Banke and Stories. This track is a hidden gem from Stories album ‘About Us’ circa 1973. This was Michael Brown at his melodic peak, and it never really found an audience then as the musical zeitgeist concentrated on the album’s cover of “Brother Louie.”

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New EPs: Jen Olive and Research Turtles

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Jen Olive “I Say Love” EP

Jen comes from Albuquerque, New Mexico, by way of Swindon, UK and this EP is a follow-up to her Ape House debut album Warm Robot (featuring Andy Partridge of XTC). Jen does have a pastoral sound similar to Sam Phillips, but with a bit more layered harmonies. “I Say Love” is a great introduction with intricate guitar rhythms and a honey sweet cadence. “Robot Boy” is another catchy winner, and very close to a lost XTC track. Jen makes it her own with both folk and mechanical melodic lines that take root in your brain. Fans of Andy and his stable of artists will not be disappointed.
Jen Olive’s website | Amazon

Research Turtles “Mankiller Part 1 of  2” EP

Louisiana based Research Turtles has come out from their shell with a stellar EP. Starting with the power ballad “Bugs In A Jar,” it’s a compelling like a mix of Weezer and Teenage Fanclub. The songs here are quick and concise, the too short ballad “Girl LIke You” is in direct contrast to the Oasis-like swagger of “Mankiller.” The catchy riffs on “Rhinestone Gal” will remind many of The Knack and it’s got all the hallmarks of a big hit single. Once again it sounds like power pop manna to me, so bring on Part 2! Go to the band’s page to join the mailing list and get the first track for FREE.
Research Turtles.com | CD Baby | Amazon

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Film Review: "These Magnificent Miles"

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This Ken Davenport movie is the definitive biography of the band, Red Wanting Blue. They been around for 14 years, but if you never heard of them, that’s understandable. Considered by some music journalists as the “the best underground independent rock band in the USA.” Yet they’ve never been signed to a record label.

The band’s sound is pure middle America, comparable to Dave Matthews Band and Lifehouse. Lead singer Scott Terry has a soulful vocal similar to Eddie Vedder, and his dogged persistence is central to the bands success. We follow the band on the road and through the process of creating their 8th album and hearing testimonials from fellow touring mates OAR, family members and past band members. A majority of the action is concert footage and backstage scenes. These guys do everything themselves, including posting their own concert fliers on campus in the dead of night. Much like the last film I reviewed, this is the story of a band that deserves fame and fortune, but is relegated to doing it because music is their shared passion. We meet all the members of the band and learn their bios, their day jobs, and how they survive as working musicians. We conclude with a triumphant, yet anti-climactic signing by Fanatic Records. Overall, the film is inspiring and educational as to what it takes to survive in today’s musical landscape.

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The Smithereens "2011"

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You can go home again. New Jersey’s legendary power pop band The Smithereens come back 12 years later with producer Don Dixon to pick up right where they left off. Singer/guitarist Pat DiNizio, guitarist Jim Babjak, drummer Dennis Diken, and bassist Severo “The Thrilla” Jornacion are back to recapture  those bygone days when vintage hits like “Blood & Roses” ruled the airwaves.

The cover art mimics the band’s 1989 album which in turn is an homage to the film ‘Ocean’s 11.‘ Much like the Rat Pack, these guys are pros and crank out the lead single “Sorry” with solid guitars and Pat’s unmistakable vocal. For a while the excitement of hearing classic ‘Reens is enough to keep your enthusiasm going. “One Look At You” is great follow up and those crunchy riffs keep you engaged, however the band slows down with the psychedelic “A World Of Our Own” clocking in at almost 5 minutes (despite the lush harmonies). The next few songs feel like the band is on autopilot, until it picks up with “Bring Back The One I Love” where the melodic chords and lyrics sounds fresh. “Nobody Lives Forever” is another gem with Pat’s dark point of view and and then we get the brilliant bluesy “Goodnight Goodbye.” The song “Turn It Around” also hits the mark, so I’d say this is a successful comeback. Lets hope the band builds on this re-birth and they don’t wait another decade to deliver their sweet power pop goodness.

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Listen to the Smithereens’ New Track ‘Sorry’

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