Another great song about a revered band brought to us by Corin Ashley – and his last album is another gem you shouldn’t forget about. This tune was recorded at Abbey Road, London in Studio 2 (lots of Beatles dust on all the gear). Featuring Ken Stringfellow (Posies, Big Star, Disciplines) on vocals, Martin Carr and Rob Cieka (Boo Radleys) vocals and drums, Ed Ball (The Times, TV Personalities) on piano. Dubbed the Chocolate Olivers the single is available on Itunes.
The Virgin Review: Ex Norwegian "Standby"
Miami-based indie pop band Ex Norwegian got reviewed on Virgin.com last week. The band has a dizzying array of influences and styles. Yet the songs are a catchy blend that doesn’t gets boring. Listen to “Add Vice” to see what I mean… Read my review of Ex Norwegian here.
Want to read more of my Virgin.com reviews? Check out my Virgin.com Review Archive
Spirit Kid "My Imagination"
Official music video for “My Imagination” by Spirit Kid. Directed by Avi Paul Weinstein. Read my review of this album here.
Spirit Kid "s/t"
Multi-instrumentalist Emeen Zarookian (aka Spirit Kid) is a real find, an artist with a flair for hook-filled melodies with energy and pop genius. Very much in the Elephant Six mold, his style fits right alongside classic Apples in Stereo and Olivia Tremor Control with it’s twee vocal elements and solid indie production. Opening up with the “You Lit Up For Me”, it rushes along like warm breeze and comes to a slow wind down. The sound of classic Beach Boys, Beatles, and The Kinks are easy to spot influences that float through the entire album. Each song has compact little arrangements, like “My Imagination” is pure pop ear candy full of multiple harmonies and “la la” choruses and shifting minor chords aplenty. The uplifting “The World Doesn’t Stop” is another lovely gem, with bass/lead guitar interplay and intoxicating builds. “Flytrap” adds some 70’s funk bass and Santana styled guitar rhythm. The very Lennon/McCarnety styled diversions (“Wait A Minute” and “Your Friend Too”) have a more pysche-pop spacey flavor that suit the album cover. Every song requires multiple listens to appreciate all that intricacy and there is no wasted ideas here either. This is the little album that could, so give a chance and you won’t regret it.
Listen to “You Lit Me Up” as part of a “Weeds” promo. Awesome!!!
Jeff Litman "Anna"
A favorite of this site, Jeff Litman continues to gain traction with last year’s “Postscript” album. His recent NYC shows and great music videos like this one really help spread the word. Oh Yeah!