Ray Paul “Bloody Rubbish”
After a successful album a few years ago with Whimsicality, Ray Paul gives us more “greatest hits” with Bloody Rubbish. Ray has always been a McCartney disciple and his music is tailor-made for anyone who enjoys Beatlesque power pop. The album features three previously unreleased tracks (two of which are live recordings by the current Ray Paul & RPM band recorded in 2017) and one studio track from 1977, along with remastered A & B sides of his early singles, which are prime cuts of Mersey Beat magic.
The familiar “I Need Your Love Tonight” rings out akin to a Raspberries hit, and the “Hold It” has instrumentation and style along the lines of Badfinger. “Love Me” was made in the early 70’s McCartney solo style, and the live concert tracks with his band RPM showcase the great energy here. I loved most everything here, all ten tracks represent rock and roll at its best. Remastered, and absolutely highly recommended.
Matthew Logan Vasquez “Light’n Up”
Frontman for indie rockers Delta Spirit, Matthew Logan Vasquez’s solo work is creative, with both fiery delivery and a tight sound. He draws from a diverse well of influences, from Gram Parsons to Kurt Cobain. Starting with the intimate folk ballad “Ballad In My Bed,” its provocative lyrics invite you in. Then he cranks up the energy level on “Trailer Park,” rocking like a Texas version of Bruce Springsteen. Following that, the noise rock “Vacation” is very much like Delta Spirit, but then he goes to the Nillson-like piano ballad on “I Love My Boy.”
The best marriage of these two approaches is “Ghostwriters,” a perfect power pop gem. Unfortunately, Matthew is having too much fun to stay the course. The 90’s dance-pop of “Ball Pit” feels pulled straight outta Prince’s vault. Vasquez has the talent and sound to do great things, all he needs is focus to create that greatness. Still, its a highly enjoyable album that deserves to be heard.
