In 1997 one of the best power pop albums ever was released. Cotton Mather’s “Kontiki” was it. Now Robert Harrison (Future Clouds and Radar) is pushing for a 2 disc re-release on Kickstarter. The hilarious “man-on-the-street” interviews are typical of the general public’s perception of great power pop. This is a worthy project that I hope you’ll all support.
Marc Robillard and John Laprade
Marc Robillard “Left London”
A Canadian transplant living in L.A., Robillard delivers a solid sophomore pop album that focuses on recollections of failed relationships. The production team of Andrew Bojanic and Liz Hooper keep things crisp and it suits Marc well. Marc’s tortured delivery on “Love Song” is similar to Chris Martin, yet with a warmer demeanor. Next, “Unfold” is an acoustic guitar gem similar to David Mead and “Ghost” is a haunting ballad that slowly burns into your consciousness. Once again we follow the theme on “Everstop” with those perfect “break-up” lyrics.
While each song is beautifully rendered, the protagonist Marc creates is essentially a moping broken heart with no escape from his depression. By the time we get to “Crazy” he asks “is there anybody there who cares?” ‘Left London’ is a brilliant album – each song is finely crafted, my favorites here being pop goodness of “Conclude” and “Bleed.” No filler here as this album stays with you long after the final track plays.
CD Baby | Amazon
John Laprade “World Class Faker”
John Laprade adds to his EP from 2008 with this full length debut that adds a pile of new tracks. The opener “Soul Shaker” is a standout with its up-tempo, positive message and solid melody. Many of the newer songs have a slower tempo that fit solidly into the singer-songwriter vibe, a good example here is “World-Class Faker” where the production is clean and sentiments are genuine. Fans of James Taylor will really love the gentle “Infinity,” as it provides a nice contrast to the rocker “Knock You Down.” My favorite new song here is the bouncy piano of “Anytime” which resembles Michael Carpenter in the chorus. A really good album that rewards with repeat listens.
CD Baby | Amazon
Hurtsmile "Hurtsmile"
Hurtsmile is a new project by Extreme/Van Halen frontman Gary Cherone and his brother Mark. Fans of Extreme will find similarities in theme and tone with his previous band’s masterwork “III Sides To Every Story.” The band straddles the line from brilliant hard rock (“Just War Theory”) to unlistenable tripe (“Jesus Would You Meet Me”). Mark Cherone is an excellent guitarist as evidenced on “Stillborn.” The riff work on “Kaffur (Infidel)” is so good it overshadows Gary’s vocals and even the melody line. The best rocker is “Love Thy Neighbor” both Cherones are equally represented here. But what is surprising is the amount of mellow ballads and eclectic experiments. The best of this style is the soulful “Beyond The Garden/Kicking against The Goads.”
Overall a solid mixed bag here. Even Mark’s skills and Gary’s impressive vocals cannot save a horrible song like “Just War Reprise.” Fans should pick through this release for the goodies hidden here.
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Brass Bed "Melt White"
This Lafayette, Louisiana quartet are often described as sullen, sarcastic and full of sunshine. I enjoyed the eclectic 60’s pop of Midnight Matinee a few years ago. But now with ‘Melt White’ they take their game to the next level, full of symphonic psychedelic power that recalls the best of the Elephant 6 collective. A great headphones album that is not to be missed. Read the full review at The Rock and Roll Report.
New EPs: Larabee, Cowbois and The Orion Experience
The Orion Experience “NYC Girl” EP
TThe Orion Experience create songs that don’t quit, full of stuck-in-your-head choruses, taut arrangements and a slightly acidic lyrical bent that often belies all the poppiness. I’ve followed them from the beginning and with ‘NYC Girl’ its clear the bands improving. The title track is the best pop single I’ve heard since The Virgins “One Week Of Danger”. Other excellent songs include the strutting “Vampire” and bouncy “Rollercoaster.” A special treat is the duet between Orion Simprini and Linda Horwatt on “Sweet Friend” with a nod to Queen’s own “You’re My Best Friend.” Hands down the best EP this year so far.
Facebook | CD Baby | Amazon
Facebook | CD Baby | Amazon
Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog “Dyddiau Du, Dyddiau Gwym”
Most of the time I don’t venture into foreign language bands, but this was an exception. Rhos Botwnnog is a tiny piece of land just north of the village of Botwnnog in the Llyn Peninsula in north Wales where the band was born. The sibling trio of “Cowbois” sounds so familiar, yet you will not understand a word that is spoken. It’s the melodies and instrumentation that matter more here…
Read the full review at www.rockandrollreport.com | Amazon
Read the full review at www.rockandrollreport.com | Amazon
Larabee “Expose a Little Wire” EP
Larabee is the project of musician Matt Maguire. His musical style is melodic pop with soothing guitar jangle and a bit of old country soul, as evidenced on his opener “Little Liar.” The next track “Cold Dark Night” explores a typical country theme with reverence and humility that recalls Blue Rodeo or The Jayhawks at their catchiest. This is followed by the somber “9:58pm” which details the last thoughts of a man dying from an auto accident. Matt’s cadence is much like James Taylor and each song is impressively written and performed.
Bandcamp | Amazon | CD Baby
Bandcamp | Amazon | CD Baby