Tag: Kevin Robertson

The Nines and Kevin Robertson

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The Nines

The Nines “Echoes of Past Future”

It’s been too long, but The Nines have returned at last. Steve Eggers with some help on drums from Bill Majoros records an alternative universe 1970s-era album using vintage Tascam and Yamaha consoles. He succeeds in getting that vintage sound, and there is no denying Eggers songwriting and compositional talent, even through lo-fi speakers.

Starting with “Give Your Heart Away,” it’s a solid, catchy gem with layered harmonies. And his familiar Jeff Lynn style returns for “Summer’s Never Been The Same.” For those who remember listening to a worn cassette tape, the fidelity is eerily accurate, especially on the psychedelic jam “Open Book.” The songs are so good here, you’ll be clamoring for more, like “Hit The Ground Running.”

“Sailor Girl” and “You Get By” are brilliantly period accurate and very memorable. “Away from You” is a worthy spiritual successor to 10cc’s “I’m Not In Love.” The soulful pop of “How did we get it all so wrong?” feels like a different album, and is that actually sung by a different duo? Steve tells me it’s studio trickery to change his voice. Wow! Not every idea here is fleshed out musically, but the ones that do, make this album another highly recommended Nines album.

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“Kevin

Kevin Robertson “Yellow Painted Moon”

Kevin Robertson (The Vapor Trails) has quickly produced a prolific collection of albums, and his latest treads familiar ground. ‘Yellow Painted Moon’ starts with the jangling gem “We Found the Summer,” a song with echoes of classic bands like The Byrds, America, and Neil Young. The album follows this template and with “Message of Love,” it gets into a very relaxed groove.

“Of the Night” is equally enjoyable with its Western harmonic touches and harmonies. Another gem is “Traveling Band,” with a really sweet Rickenbacker rhythm that gives way to a wicked solo break. Fans of The Beau Brummell’s will really enjoy that one along with “Quicksand,” which sounds like a lost track from that band. Robertson’s rich melodies and charming approach set a great mood on “Feelings Show,” a catchy folk-rock tune. Overall, a really good album that deserves repeat listens. For the fans, he’s got a group of alternate bonus tracks in a separate album. Highly Recommended.

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Kevin Robertson and The Martial Arts

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 Kevin Robertson

Kevin Robertson “The Call Of The Sea”

Kevin Robertson (Vapour Trails) has done it again with a decent album full of jangly power pop, opening with the Byrdsian “Ghosting” and bouncy “The Guilt Trip.” He neatly positions himself stylistically between CSN, Teenage Fanclub, and Big Star. Both songs are great openers on different ends of the pop-rock spectrum. Guest players include Scott Robertson, Nick Bertling, and Nick Frater.

Traditional country is also a large influence here, as “Windows of the Sun” shows. Still, the gentle twang on “Search for Replies” with Frater and Ahren Buchheister (steel pedal) is a great example of his subtle but catchy songcraft. Kevin’s 60s-inflected techniques don’t dominate the album entirely. But the album’s second half moves back towards the psyche pop of “Rain Again,” “Ode to Stephen,” and “Fortune Teller Lied.” Another gem here is “Long White Feathers,” with its magical bridge and “ba ba ba” harmonies to make it a standout. The production is warm and the mix is crisp-sounding (thanks, Nick!) You’d have to admit Kevin’s songs here are a step up from last year’s ‘Magic Spells Abound,’ which makes this album highly recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

The Martial Arts

The Martial Arts “In There Like Swimwear”

Paul Kelly (BMX Bandits) has a lot of talent and lets it show on his latest Martial Arts LP. “Hold On Full Of Hope” has a jaunty guitar, and quirky piano melody, a mix of rock and roll with elements of musical theater and bedroom pop. The song dovetails directly into the similar sounding “Empty Out Here.”

Next, “The Attractions” boasts some terrific harmonies in a composition that brings to mind early ’80s Elvis Costello with its organ lead. “No Victory” is another great song with so many catchy details. The theatrical approach resembles Sparks on “Something in the Water.” The clever percussion also leads to a massive chorus on many slow building songs like “Working On My Eyes” and the ELO-esque gem “No Coming Down.” But nostalgic touches are mostly the window dressing, as Paul Kelly creates music in his own unique style and it deserves a much bigger audience. So many highlights it’s easy to see why this one is highly recommended.

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Summertime Singles, Freebies and EPs: Dan Israel, The Glad Machine, Golden Richards, Kevin Robertson, The Blendours, Believe It – It’s Easy, Robby Miller, The Foreign Films

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It’s a hot, humid week in NYC and I am waving the white flag of surrender. Too much heat and too much music. I’m far behind on album reviews, but as far as singles and EPs we have a treasure trove of power pop goodies. I’m proud to start it off with the excellent Dan Israel single “The Hang of It,” which is a perfect highway traveling song, and he’s got a video too. The Glad Machine/Golden Richards split singles are catchy gems all on their own, and Kevin Robertson (Vapour Trails) has been super active recently, he’s got a new solo album, EP, and single. All great jangly treats. The Blendours are a duo from Iowa that resembles an acoustic Bowling For Soup, and they serve up some fun-filled folk punk. A new band Believe It, It’s Easy from Connecticut has its moments on the first 3 songs of this freebie. Robby Miller is another rookie with a hook-filled love song. Finally, The Foreign Films’ next LP ‘Starlight Serenade’ is almost ready, so here are 2 tracks early to keep you cool this summer.