Our last-minute gift here is from Ex-Norwegian! A seasonally inspired remix set of fan faves and deep cuts, never before heard. A holiday FREEBIE for you!
Tag: Ex-Norwegian
Quick Takes: Reno Bo, Perilous, Semisonic, Shplang
This is the last of my 2023 reviews. No doubt (as in previous years), I will continue to review the albums I missed in January.
Reno Bo “Never Night Time On The Sun”
With this album, Reno owes more to singer-songwriters of the mid-70s. Influences here include Eric Clapton, Grand Funk Railroad, and Supertramp. Reno recreates the era’s sound perfectly, “Magic Key” is a memorable highlight, and “See You In The Morning” is like vintage Hollies. “That’s Just The Way It Goes” has a nice little hook, and “Easy On Me” moves it up a decade or so, a la Blue Oyster Cult. Bo’s originals feel so familiar; it’s like putting on a comfortable old slipper. Highly Recommended. Buy it on Amazon.
Perilous “Yeah!!!”
With “Rock & Roll Kiss,” this female-fronted band from Buffalo follows in the footsteps of Bebe Buell, Joan Jett, and The Runaways (although there are a few guys in the group as well). The retro narrative “Name in the Paper” is another standout, and Perilous gives us the requisite shout-out to their NYC heroes in “Last of the Dying Breed,” like Joey Ramone. This is meat-and-potatoes rock and roll, so if you’re in that mood, check it out. Buy it on Amazon
Semisonic “Little Bit of Sun”
An interesting thing happens to a band after 22 years (the last time Semisonic had a full studio release) Lead singer/songwriter Dan Wilson got a job with some major pop stars (Adele, Taylor Swift), and the band has matured. Semisonic can still effortlessly blend elements of rock, indie pop, and country. “The Rope” is a great example. Although the band is mellower (what do you expect?) they still have great chemistry and do a fine job with “So Amazed,” “Grow Your Own,” “Don’t Fade Away,” and “Little Bit of Sun.” Then bassist John Munson wrote and performed “If You Say So,” a melancholy reflection on their brief moment in the spotlight. It’s good to hear these guys again, even if it’s “under the radar.” Highly Recommended. Buy it on Amazon
Shplang “Thank You, Valued Customer”
With an emphasis on innovative arrangements and a mischievous spirit, Shplang performs alternative pop music that fuses psychedelia, pop, and folk. The band may have started as a standard power pop band, but they’ve evolved into their skin (much like label mates, Spygenius) over the years. Shplang incorporates a lot more psychedelic and eclectic sounds but keeps the pop melodies. “Understood” is an early bouncy standout (love the horns!) and the mellow encouragement of “Everyone Can Change” is heartfelt. There is lots of experimental stuff, but “Little Mushroom Men from Mars” stuck with me most. Adventurous listeners will be rewarded. Buy it on Amazon
Quick Takes: Ex-Norwegian, Armchair Oracles, Buddie, Dogpile on the Rabbit
The amount of music that I have to listen to causes me to miss out on a lot of wonderful material, and every year I feel like I’m going to be crushed around this time. That being said, rather than apologize, here are four mini-reviews. Another one will be out before the new year!
Ex-Norwegian “Sooo Extra”
The band leans more into its psyche-pop roots, and Roger Houdaille knows how to jam. The cool “Photograph” and “Send Nudes” are Kinks-meets-Pink Floyd hybrids, but the big single here is the catchy “Real Bad Bunny.” You’ll see visions of rabbits playing guitars. Great music for chillin’ out. Buy it on Amazon
Armchair Oracles “Nothingeveris”
It’s been over ten years, but this Norwegian band can still bring the goods: Cheap Trick-ish guitars on the powerful “Addicted to the Ride” and relax to the dreamlike ambient mood of “Across the Divide.” The band doesn’t stick to one format and maintains compelling songwriting throughout. I love the comparisons and similarities between the two pop icons on “Nilsson Wilson.” Highly Recommended. Buy it on Amazon
Buddie “Agitator”
Vancouver rockers surprised me with their strong guitar-based melodies, starting with “Break of The Sun.” Fans of Posies will enjoy this album. With the excellent “Class Warfare,” heavy fuzz rules, and almost Nirvana grunge on “We’ll Never Break” and “Ugly in The End,” Guaranteed the best $1 you’ll spend this year. Highly Recommended. Get it on Bandcamp
Dogpile on the Rabbit “Way Back Now”
This New Jersey band reminds me of The Successful Failures from years ago. The main influences are The Replacements and The Clash. The opener, “Gettin’ So Old,” grows on you despite the simple lyrics. Songs about drinking and hanging out are here: “Back of the Bar” and “Help Me Stand.” Next, “Running Partner” has a little Springsteen in its DNA. “Good Old Dead and Gone” is pure Lou Reed. There is a good mix of rock styles here. Great music for chillin’ out. Buy it on Amazon
June singles: The Diners, Wesley Fuller, Brad Marino, The Gypsy Moths, Pretty, Ex-Norwegian
You wouldn’t know it was summer in NYC with that Canadian smoke cloud hovering, but the music certainly says so. The Diners are a new band, the combo of Blue Broderick and fellow songwriter Mo Troper. Paste Magazine compared the new single “The Power” to Big Star and the Raspberries, so I’m all ears here. It’s been a few years since I’ve heard Melbourne-based power pop boy wonder Wesley Fuller, and he sounds even better than before, going “Back to Square One.” Brad Marino reads off his record collection, and I could listen all day. The Gypsy Moths sing about a classic Coney Island Amusement park, with cool sax blasting away. If you want more noise distortion with your rock, give Pretty a listen. It settles down into a Cramps meets Soundgarden vibe which is kinda nice. Finally, Ex-Norwegian talks about a “Real Bad Bunny,” but he’s not talking about this guy, right? I like the B-side “Send Nudes” even better!
Even More June EPs and Singles: Walcot, Timmy Sean, Brian Jay Cline, Geoff Palmer, Mom, Ex-Norwegian, Big Star
While the band Walcot was formed in Chicago, they moved to Charlotte, NC. and released their debut Songs For the Disenfranchised. The catchy single “Dreamin’ Away” is joined by some equally good songs; “Another Man,” and the laid-back gem “It Feels Alright.” The songs are so skillfully done, I expect great things in the future for them. With the legend Paul McCartney hitting age 80 this month, our friend Timmy Sean covers the Wings classic faithfully. While it shares the same title as a Bond movie, Western rocker Brian Jay Cline always comes up with something uniquely good, and here it is with “Never Say Never.” Geoff Palmer (The Connection) dusted off his 2010 debut album, originally under the name “Geoff Useless” – fans will enjoy this one! The Brits known simply as Mom released a pair of singles, and I really like “Scary Mary,” and it’s a FREEBIE. Enjoy the tunes!
REISSUES OF THE MONTH
The debut album of Ex-Norwegian was re-mastered and re-released. If you missed my review, it was posted on Virgin.com before it was rudely deleted. But take my word for it… “a terrific album that delivers superior melodies along with adventurous arrangements,” check out “Something Unreal” to get a taste of this classic.
Did you know that Big Star is now on Bandcamp? Know your musical history, bro. This is one of the most influential rock bands ever and of course a seminal power-pop band.