Yup. An animated episode, from the life of Murry Wilson, the infamous father of the Beach Boys Wilson-brothers, by Peter Bagge. Lots of in-jokes for fans who read any Brian Wilson biography. Best lyric: “Oh we’ll have fun in the sun… or I’m gonna get my belt!”
Sometimes you get lucky and a great band just pops up, like Spygenius. This electric four piece from London, starts with a Beach Boys a capella opening (“Dumb Angels”) then gets all hippy funky, similar to the 1910 Fruitgum Company with “The Ballad Of Dr T.F. Bundy & His Hirsute Sweetheart.” The next track “I Want That Girl” sounds like Jack Bruce (Cream) fronting for a Doors/Jellyfish hybrid. The band mashes together some diverse 60’s and modern influences, in a very original way. Songwriter Peter Watts does a great job here mixing the psychedelic stew of chords and harmonies on “Gilgamesh” as well. The album highlight here is the quirky masterpiece “Pineapple Drive” where it’s jammed together in a party atmosphere. The humor here is akin to Bonzo Dog Band, without being too over the top silly. Then the album’s serious side appears on “13 Years (May Song)” where they channel Crosby/Stills/Nash. As the album progresses the sixties influences fade. The softness of the “A Bottle Of Reds & Two Good Friends” will remind many of Rick Gallego and Cloud 11. The latter tracks have a more modern feel (“Wintergarden Summertime”) sounding a little like Green and Yellow TV. Overall an outstanding album that is sure to hook you in and keep you humming. I will go out on a limb here and say this eclectic mix deserves a spot on our year end “best-of” list.
My Space | CD Baby | Lala | Spygenius site
Spygenius performs at The Bedford Bandstand with three tracks from a previous album and an interview with Tony Moore.
Glad to finally get an interview with Michael Carpenter. This was a very candid profile of his work, including his recent success with The Cuban Heels. He also talks about his newest album Redemption#39 and how the Australian pop scene is different from this side of the globe. Click here to read the interview. (or check out the button on the right). You will also see a hint in the menu on the next Powerpopaholic interview.
If you enjoyed the light pop touch of The Simple Carnival then there is a very good chance you’ll like Scott Brookman. Scott writes sweet melodic piano pop in the tradition of the 60’s and 70’s with a Tin Pan Alley touch. The title track is an intro to “This Little Samba” a bossa nova beat driven tune that recalls those light Burt Bacharach songs with a wry humor about a wandering mojo. Todd Rundgren fans will surely appreciate the bouncy “The First Assault Upon My Day” which sounds like it fell off of Something/Anything. Scott’s diverse influences are both immediate and enjoyable. The wonderful “Real Estate” shows off some excellent arrangements that recall mid 70’s McCartney with true affection. Other highlights include “Getting Involved” with subtle harmonies blended in the chorus and the very Steely Dan-ish “Home School,” with some fancy keyboard work. The lyrics are also very emotional stories that fans of Andrew Gold and Randy Newman will gravitate to as well. “Lemon Lane” is a warm and fuzzy pop gem that has a solid hook and even a kazoo solo at the midpoint. Even with the hilarious ending song “Start the Day” you can’t help think of Brain Wilson in the sandbox making up the words as he goes along. The album starts and ends with the crackle of record vinyl and if you ever owned a record collection, this one would be a welcome addition (on CD).
No caption needed. Just play it.