Brad Marino “Extra Credit”
The solo LP from Brad Marino (The Connection, The New Trocaderos) is out and he continues the tradition of thick guitar riffs leading each tune. It’s all Brad, playing all the instruments with only co-producer Kris Rodgers adding keyboards and some additional vocals. Fans of The Ramones, Chuck Berry or Dave Edmunds will not be disappointed.
“Broken Clocks” starts us off with a Ramones meets Beach Boys verse/chorus setup. The sound is a little cleaner and better structured than his previous bands, but it sticks to a very similar formula (Hey, if it ain’t broke…) Several tracks were previewed on earlier EPs last year like “C’mon, C’mon, C’mon.” Highlights include “No One Else Tried It,” ”From The Start,” and “Bye Bye Johnny,” a sequel to Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode.” “What Comes Naturally” adds a country slide guitar to the mix, and the Stones-y influences of his new label (Rum Bar Records) comes out on “Don’t Do The Crime.” Check it out!
Sunshine Boys “Blue Music”
Something about Chicago’s Sunshine Boys that brings to mind classic rock traditions but spins the music in a fresh way. Featuring veteran musicians Freda Love Smith (Blake Babies, Antenna, Mysteries of Life), Jacqueline Schimmel (Justin Roberts, Big Hello), and Dag Juhlin (Poi Dog Pondering, The Slugs), Sunshine Boys offer a propulsive, modern take on 90’s alternative rock. The music feels like a labor of love and it is densely produced.
“Questions” glides along with a galloping rhythm about a long distance relationship. Dag’s deep vocals recall both John Mayer and Peter Gabriel, on both the anthemic “Tripping Through Time” and the potential hit single “Billy Boy.” The introspective themes on “Schoolyard Bully” and “Only A Million Miles” showcases our weary anxiety about the world today. I found the catchiest gem here “Glider Pilot” with its grand chorus. Both wonderful and a little out of time, and that’s what makes it music that deserves to be heard.