Tag: Seth Timbs

Ice Cream Hands, Smash Palace, and Seth Timbs

powerpopaholic
“Icecream

Icecream Hands “Giant Fox Pineapple Tree”

Icecream Hands have been an Australian institution since 1992, and here they aim to make another statement LP similar to 2020’s ‘No Weapon But Love.’ The themes of gratitude and hope are all over this one, “Leaving Nobody Out” is a fine theme about inclusion and “Mercy” is all about self care. And while the band still has those melodic gifts, they don’t quite hit the highs of the last LP. Still this remains a highly recommended album, highlights include; “Do Ya Feel It” and “Here and Now.”

Kool Kat Musik


““Smash

Smash Palace “87”

The number “87” refers to the year the band’s sophomore album on Epic Records should have come out. Things fell apart back then, and the band continued on indie labels after 1999 — but these “lost” songs finally get their due 38 years later, with brothers Stephen and Brian Butler leading the charge. While they are a long way from the debut hit “Living On The Borderline,” the songs here would’ve been a solid sequel. Opening with “Bitter Blue,” it’s a strong tune that has some great jangle and “I’ll Be There” has plenty of great solid riffs and a catchy chorus. Many songs have elements of the 80s era, particularly “Centipede” and “Along For The Ride,” which have percussive echoes. “Stranger Than Strange” is another noteworthy song that uses small chord changes to create a dramatic effect. You’ll appreciate this if you like mid-80s rock or are a fan of Smash Palace.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik


“Seth

Seth Timbs “Idle Hands”

Nashville songwriter Seth Timbs (Fluid Ounces) has been compared to Ben Folds in the past, but his distinctive style is of a warmer persona. The infectious hooks of “You Don’t Want To Go To The Dance” sets the stage, and there are plenty other highlights here. The light strums of “Upstate Girl” has some clever lyrics, and “Half Life” feels like an earnest Billy Joel homage. Most songs are mostly sparsely produced piano, but I really enjoyed the easy pop of “Everything’s a Joke To You” and soulful ballad “Hesitation.” Timbs gift for melody is always worth the price of admission. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Seth Timbs and Dot Dash

powerpopaholic
Seth Timbs

Seth Timbs “Record and Pause”

After reviewing Seth Timbs career a few years ago, I was looking forward to his next album. Timbs still plays those jaunty piano melodies that made his old band Fluid Ounces a long time favorite. His musicianship leans more towards classical pop on Record and Pause, so he is less Ben Folds-like and more in Billy Joel’s camp here.

“The Pay Off” is a marching melody that builds in both lyrical frustration and crashing percussion. The music consists of confessional stories, one of the best being “Church Van,” a vivid coming of age tale. The catchy single here “Feel Good” utilizes a booming beat and guitar riff to get across this anthem of youth and hedonism. The album then drifts into longer ballads like”False Alarm,” “Once More (Again),” and “Long Goodbye.” While these songs are good, they aren’t as memorable. However, fans of soulful piano pop will find that Timbs hits their sweet spot. Check it out.

Amazon

Dot Dash

Dot Dash “Proto Retro”

Washington, D.C. band Dot Dash moves away from the fuzzed out distortion and embraces jangling power pop. In the process, they deliver a great return to form. It all starts with “Unfair Weather,” a catchy rocker that’s brimming with energy. “Grey Blue Green” recalls classic REM and The dBs, with a wonderful rhythm guitar line floating under the melody.

The next few tunes are also sweet ear candy; “Dead Letter Rays,” “Parachute Powerline” and then “Tamed A Wild Beast” recalls The Ocean Blue a little. The shimmering guitar leads of “Triple Rainbow” boasts some wonderful chord shifts and “World’s Last Payphone” is another big highlight. Overall not a bad track, and very consistently produced. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Ho Ho Holiday Singles: Seth Timbs, Steve Eggers, and Michael Carpenter

powerpopaholic

Each year a number of artists release Christmas singles. We already featured one set last week. I will continue to showcase new holiday tunes this week in between my final reviews for 2016. A best of the year list will ready shortly into the new year.

Seth Timbs enjoys a “Bellyful”

Steve Eggers (The Nines) has been so busy (and we love it) but still found time to drop off this Christmas song released on the Japanese label This Time Recordings.

One of my favorite artists down under, Michael Carpenter has just “One More Christmas” to sing about.

The Junior League and Seth Timbs

powerpopaholic
The Junior League

The Junior League “Also Rans”

Joe Adragna (aka The Junior League) continues to produce excellent music year after year and this new album is no exception. The Junior League has more of a retro-sound to start with Also Rans, as the title track is a shimmering janglefest that’s a little like a jam between The Zombies and REM. And although there is lots of great power pop, its got plenty of stylistic variety.

The sound of producer Scott McCaughey’s (Minus 5) influence is pronounced on the mid-tempo gem “The Stars In Our Eyes.” Then the catchy “Before You Go” has a great hook that doesn’t let go and it leads to the sweet “Please (I Need You To Go)” with its bouncy tempo. We then shift to a modern expansive sound on “On/Off” including a synth piano added by Sloan’s Jay Ferguson, and this approach follows through on the slower “Broken and Mine.” Joe goes light (“Disappearing Act”) and heavy (“If its You”) and you’ll find not a single note of filler. Highly Recommended. Also Rans comes with a 5 song bonus disc and is scheduled for CD release on October 2, exclusively at Kool Kat Musik.

Kool Kat Musik | Amazon


Seth Timbs

Seth Timbs “New Personal Record”

Seth Timbs (Fluid Ounces) has been quietly releasing albums of melodic magic over the last several years, and his latest “New Personal Record” is a testament to his resiliency. “Give Up On Your Dreams” is a brilliant piano melody that stands alongside the great Harry Nilsson’s work. On the rollicking “Uneasy Street” he pounds away on the keys and the strutting melody of “Fill It Up” shows Timbs at his most energetic.

“Cliche” is a piano bar ballad about the worn-out musician who was once a “hot prospect,” but the slow building drama of “Far Away From Here” is a brilliant heartbreak song of a wanted man sending his love away to shield her from the law. The guitar solo here is very moving and makes this one of my favorite on the album.

Seth doesn’t stay in the dumps too long, as “Ugly” is an awkward come-on that turns into a joyful dance, and a statement of self confidence. We end with the Flamenco tempo of “The Thing About Time” and I’m glad to offer this album to you as highly recommended.
Bonus supplement:  I’ve contributed to the 50thirdand3rd blog with an overview of Seth Timbs and Fluid Ounces entire career.

Amazon