Tonight (Sunday 6/6) I make my radio debut on Dave The BoogieMan – Power Pop Plus Sunday radio show at 7:30pm East coast time.
LISTEN LIVE HERE LINKS: click here or cut and past into your browser…
http://johnlightning.com/webcast/http: http//johnlightning.com:8000/listen.pls – High speed link
http://johnlightning.com:8002/listen.pls – Dial up link (slow speed)
If you miss it, then you can download the show here: www.johnlightning.com/boogieman
Ontario based Elvyn was formed by Joel and Ryan Beerman in 1998 and it has spend a few years under the radar, but with “The Decline” it’s a strong release that will break the band through to the next level. Joined by Jason O’Reilly (bass) and Jeremy Knibbs (guitar) the band plays as a tight unit, all on the same wavelength. Starting with the stellar “Those Were The Days” it’s got a jangle similar to Teenage Fanclub and those rootsy folk harmonies like The Jayhawks. “Lotta Lies” continues the soft sounds of relaxed melody and Rickenbacker guitars. Fans of the alternative country pop sound (The Byrds, The Pernice Brothers, Wilco) will embrace this album wholeheartedly, as every song is perfection here. “I Guess I Was Wrong” has more of a softer Burrito Brothers vibe and “Don’t Fall In Love” mines the classic sounds of J.D. Souther or early 70’s Eagles. This vibe follows through on the title track as well. The consistent quality of the musicianship and songwriting is what puts this band over the top. It’s not to be missed.
Listen to “Lotta Love”
Since we’ve been on a beach theme this week…
Expo “She Sells Seashells”
The Silver Liners “Just Like The Rest” EP
Meshugga Beach Party “Let’s Go Shleppin’!”
If you are ready for a retro-summer 60’s style, then Laurie Biagini’s latest girl-group, surf pop album, is the far out place you want to be! Laurie continues the Honeys meets Bangles style that made her first album “Ridin’ The Wave” so much fun. You can’t go wrong with Lauire’s “oo-wah, oo-wah” chorus in the Beach Boys-styled “Another Old Lazy Lyin’ On The Beach Afternoon.” And it’s not all sand and surf, as “A Beautiful Dream” weaves complex harmonies and psychedelic rhythms into a package that could’ve come off The Mamas and The Papas first album. The instrumentation is also improved here as she tackles other subjects from “Crazy People On The Internet” and spiteful naysayers on “Not What It Seems.” When the beat remains uptempo it works best like on the Beatlesque “Happiness Looks Good On You” and punchy hooks on “Gonna Do It My Way.” On some slower tunes (“Sweet Dream Symphony”) Laurie’s voice tends to blend a bit too much, but the production is so stellar you may not notice. It closes out on the wonderful “I’ll Be Back Again” with a composition reminiscent of Gary Zekley’s Yellow Balloon. This will take you back to that simpler time when the California sun was king and golden harmonies ruled the AM airwaves. Sit back and let it wash over you.
With a total of 10 albums under his belt Jeff Shelton of The Well Wishers continues his stellar output. Our last encounter was on the brilliant Jigsaw Days. Fans of The Posies and Cheap Trick style of power pop will be on board with the opener “Run Away.” A quick strong melody in the chorus and driving guitar riff is all Shelton needs. Vocally he even sounds just like Ken Stringfellow in places. Assisted by drummer Nick Laquintano (Spinning Jennies) the punchy rhythms continue on “Hanging On” and “All For Nothing.” The entire album follows through on the typical power pop formula with the precision of a surgeon. Another standout is the descending scales and harmonies on “Someone Else” about the end of a relationship. The band turns it up to 11 on the punk-pop “Grammareater” and again on a cover of The Nils “Fountains.” The band dials it down slightly for the albums mid-tempo reflections, the shimmering “Consequences Of Love” and “As You Are.” On the whole the album it feels more like collection of singles, and takes a few listens to absorb. Not a single note or hook is wasted here – and fans of Nada Surf, Bob Mould, Redd Kross will also love this. Another top ten contender for 2010.
