SLD “Look Back”
With the passing of Tom Parisi, I thought SLD was done. But the duo’s other half, Paul Costanza has managed to keep the project alive. With a renewed sense of purpose, he put together twelve new songs in Tom’s honor loaded with Beatlesque style. Even more impressive is the fact that Paul handled all the songwriting, instruments and recording on his own. And you hear in many of the lyrics a conversation with his cousin.
“Nothing Can Stop Me” begins with layered harmonies in an unusually long (4 min) opener. But it flys by, and next is one of the keepers here “I Believe,” a strong building melody akin to solo Paul McCartney. The album’s first half is exceptionally strong, “A Look Back” is another standout with echos of Harry Nilsson, and “Little Man” enjoys a jangling strum with an emotional resonance in those lyrics. Overall a really good album that Tom would’ve been proud of. Highly Recommended.
Kool Kat Musik on Feb 6
Bruce Moody “Keep Showing Up!”
Bruce Moody is one of those under appreciated artists that pops up every now and again, and here he turns to music for his therapy and our enjoyment. Moody’s style is distinctly in the early 1980’s power pop vein, and fans of The Romantics would feel at home with his style. Moody still has a gift for getting a guitar rhythm in your head, and “Mary Goes Round” does this. Other tunes here are notable, like the jangle and chorus of “Break My Silence” and the light theme “Love Is.” Add to this unique subjects like a love song for 80s model Nastassja Kinski (“Nastassja,”) and a talkative Spirit (“Ghosts”). Another curiosity is an old track “Record Deal” from his band Walkee Talkee. Not everything feels as fresh, but if you dig that era of pop this makes a great listen. Check it out.
