Willie Wisely “Face The Sun”
Veteran musician Willie Wisely releases his eighth studio album this week, since 2012’s True, after a pause from making albums. Wisely has long moved beyond his early Beatlesque power pop in the late ’90s and he’s drifted toward other genres effortlessly. But he still acknowledges the influences with the playful melody of “Sutures Loose” as he sings about rising above pain. And “Cut Your Groove” is another catchy pop gem with layered harmonies, organ, and horns in the chorus. Much of the music was tested “live” in Laurel Canyon Sun Sessions and sounds great with the full studio treatment.
Wisely doesn’t sit still either. He dons a gentle pop-psyche persona in “Illumination” and delivers a fine slide guitar ballad “I Can’t Sleep,” but also he plays a few more country-styled songs that literally offer “No Suprise.” He does better with an impressive vocal performance with on the R&B styled “It’s Better Not to Care” and the soulful gem “Invisible In Love” co-written with Cliff Hillis. Other power-pop faves can be spotted in the credits like Karla Kane & Khoi Huynh (The Corner Laughers) and Kelly Jones. But the music is pure Wisely and it suits him perfectly. It’s great to hear a master back at work. Highly Recommended.
The Vapour Trails “See You in the Next World”
From the green hills of Aberdeen, Scotland comes a jangle pop band to scratch your Brydsian itch. The band is Scott Robertson (lead guitar, vocals), Kevin Robertson (rhythm guitar, vocals), Nicholas Mackie (rhythm guitar, vocals), Andrew Crossan (bass), and Kenny Munro (drums). Starting with the impressive “Sonic Wave” it’s chiming chords and psychedelic rhythms re-create the California coast circa 1969. Another brilliant gem is the melodic “The Inner Truth” which recalls both CSNY and The La’s combined.
On occasion, the band creates an atmosphere with the instrumental “Indian Reserve,” but other songs are a little too light vocally to make an impact. Fortunately, there are plenty of other highlights including “You, With Love,” “Godspeed It” and “See You In The Next World.” Check it out.
