Since we’ve been on a beach theme this week…
Expo “She Sells Seashells”
John Lane is the driving force behind this finely crafted tribute to The Beach Boys “Smile” era pop. Comparisons with The High Llamas are inevitable here. This is primarily an impressive instrumental display with different players doing light vocal harmonies on tracks like “The Ghosts of Montreal.” Songs are lead by slow organ and orchestral percussion with textural vocal standouts on “My First Umbrella” and “Good Good News.” Some tunes seem to ramble on too long, but the layered harmonies and rhythms are a thing of beauty. Even the legendary Hal Blaine said to Lane,”Anyone that hears your album will be impressed.” I know I was.
My Space | Bandcamp
My Space | Bandcamp
The Silver Liners “Just Like The Rest” EP
The Silvers Liners, a five-piece from Washington, D.C, has seven songs on its new EP which they recorded with Kyle Downes (The Dance Party, Greenland, Casper Bangs). These guys are rising stars for sure, being finalists for DC101’s Last Band Standing contest. With the opening riffs of “Inside Your Head” it blends modern power pop and melodic rock in a perfect combination. Fans of Nada Surf, Harvey Danger and The Flying Machine will love this band. Each track has a catchy melody and great beat, and just when they threaten to get heavier on “Cheer Up Alex” it speeds up to a bouncy feel good chorus. I am really looking forward to the full length album!
MySpace | Amazon
MySpace | Amazon
Meshugga Beach Party “Let’s Go Shleppin’!”
Using every Yiddish pun they can find they combine the best of Dick Dale and Jewish folk music. Is it a just a gimmick? yes — but it’s still lots of fun. Meshugga Beach Party has been a fixture around the San Francisco area since 2003 and “Hava Nagila /Misirlou” is a classic. Even the liner notes are hilariously written and designed. Much “mazel tov” has to go to guitarist “Meshugga” Mel Waldorf for making the concept work. Highlights on this album are “If I Were A Rich Man” and “Dark Eyes.” And like rye bread, you don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy this instrumental surf music.
Meshugga Website | CD Baby
Meshugga Website | CD Baby
This was a very good entry. I'm glad you're hip to the expo =]