Sorrows “Love Too Late …the real album”
Sorrows were formed by guitarist and singer Arthur Alexander in 1977 after the breakup of his influential power pop band The Poppees. With the initial excitement over their debut ‘Teenage Heartbreak‘ (later re-released in 2010 as ‘Bad Times Good Times‘) the band expected to pick up momentum on their sophomore LP. But working with famed producer Shel Talmy (The Who, The Kinks) proved to be a disaster. After four decades and a protracted legal battle, the original band members Alexander, Joey Cola, and Ricky Street won the right to release their “real” version of ‘Love Too Late.’
With modern mastering, the sound is truly amazing on the opener “Christabelle,” with sharp guitar riffs chopping away. The vocals are wonderfully realized with a perfect pop bounce to each verse. The title track is the party song it deserves to be, with some nice bass and drum work (Thanks Ricky!) It also keeps you on your toes with “Crying Time,” a deceptively charming song with a reggae beat that takes off at the bridge. Each song here resonates, and some epic moments just transcend like “Breaking My Heart (Over You).” Even a simple cover of The Kinks “Tired Of Waiting For You” is made unique through its slow build and strong harmonies. This is a pure lost classic that’s been given new life and should not be missed by power pop fans, young and old. Makes my top ten of 2021 this year! Super duper highly recommended.
Lucas Aaron “Domino”
California psych-pop musician Luke Aaron delivers a fully fleshed-out debut, that owes much to late ’60s psychedelics and garage rockers. Similar to compatriots Diamond Hands, Lucas takes his love of that style and makes it his own, although it takes a little bit to get used to his nasal vocal performance. Instrumentally, he’s spot on with the opener “8th & Downtown” and “Ghost” recalls early Dylan and the Lemon Pipers. The jangle is heavy on “Tomorrow’s Yesterday” with a rhythm straight outta the Beatles “She’s Got A Ticket Ride.”
All good, but not as big an impression until midway through the LP, Lucas adopts a Lou Reed-like cool on “Hanging Around Again.” From this point, he’s firing on all cylinders, and gems like “Toy” and the blues-influenced “Walking” are simply great. Lucas also does a Lennonesque turn on the closer “Need Some Love.” Overall a very good debut, especially in the second half. Check it out.
