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.
The Orion Experience “NYC Girl” EP
Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog “Dyddiau Du, Dyddiau Gwym”
Larabee “Expose a Little Wire” EP
Today is exactly one year since the passing of music icon Alex Chilton. In the works is a full feature-length documentary about the massive critical acclaim, dismal commercial failure, and enduring legacy of pop music’s greatest cult phenomeon, Big Star. Produced and directed by Drew Denicola and Danielle McCarthy. More info on the movie here.
Last year when I interviewed Ken Stringfellow, we both had no idea it would be Big Star’s final show.
Jim Bianco “Loudmouth”
With St. Patrick’s Day almost here, I’ve got a brilliant drinking song for you. If “Sinners” doesn’t get the bar singing along, nothing will. Bianco has that great Tom Waits meets Peter Gabriel whiskey soaked croon. On “Talented” it’s almost a gospel number with it’s slow majestic chords and honest biting lyric. The stripped down Stones like blues of “But I Still Want You” charms quickly. The anthemic “OK, I Suppose” shows a deep understanding of human pathos on a gut level. It’s not all slow tempo stuff either, as “Take You Home” is a bouncy pop gem. Bianco’s wry approach will appeal to fans of both Bob Seger and Randy Newman. Amazingly, this release was funded by his rabid fans. Some advance copies are under $3 on Amazon, this is the best value a music fan can ask for. Otherwise wait til official release on April 5th.
Jim Bianco’s Site | CD Baby | Amazon
Beady Eye “Different Gear, Still Speeding”
And life after Oasis moves on, in the form of Liam Gallager’s new band Beady Eye. Liam’s signature vocal and sliky smooth riffs permeate every track, notably the Lennon-like “The Roller” and obvious tribute “Beatles and Stones” which is a rant about how he’ll play the way he wants, damn the trend. Well if classic rock and blues is what he serves up, then I’m all in here. Excellent tunes include the Creedence-like guitar riffs on “Wind Up Dream” and mod rhythm of “Millionaire.”
This nothing less than a rebirth and clearly Liam has found his mojo as most songs here hit the mark perfectly. Even psychedelic ballads like “The Morning Son” shows a new maturity and the amount of gems here land it in my top ten list. And if this is what it takes to bring Brit pop to a new generation of listeners, so be it.
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John Brodeur “Tiger Pop Ten”
Everything old is new again with NYC musician John Brodeur. The critically praised debut ‘Tiger Pop’ from 2001 gets a 10th anniversary re-issue with a newly recorded version as a second disc. This new recording proves that Brodeur’s seminal work retains it’s stopping power. The songs like “Dying For Me” have a fleshed out rhythm and mature quality that those original four-track recordings lack. And the melodic power of tracks like “Remains of The Heart” and “Sucker” sound even better here as John is joined by a host of veteran musicians. An exclusive track “Masterpiece” is added to this 2 disc set. With the original CD long out of print, this is a welcome gift for power pop fans.
George Michael “Faith”
Everyone thinks they know George Michael. The iconic album ‘Faith’ is being re-mastered with an entire disc full of bonus tracks. This Grammy winner includes all the amazing hits (“Faith,” “Father Figure” and “Monkey”) that represents Michael’s peak as a commercial force. My long time favorite, the pristine croon of “Kissing A Fool” is joined here by covers of Stevie Wonder’s “I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)” and “Love’s In Need of Love Today (Live).” Michael was one of the artists that defined the 80’s, and despite the tabloid history his talent is unquestionable.