Simon Love & The Old Romantics “Love, Sex and Death Etc”
Simon Love is a British singer-songwriter who deals out acerbic truths set to music. Starting with the wry “Me and You” and it’s a solid opener with a sweet hook, influences are clearly Nick Lowe, The Kinks, and Graham Parker. “I Will Dance” also reminds me of Elvis Costello, especially the lead guitar and it’s a true gem about celebrating an enemy’s death.
In fact, each song is a reference to love, sex, or death in the lyrics, the resigned “The Fuck Up” is also a lushly composed song that sports a quote of disdain by Labour Party alum Aneurin Bevan smack in the middle. Other notable tracks include “North Road,” the Bob Dylan-like “You’re On Your Own,” and the fun “I Love Everybody In The Whole Wide World (Except You).” Enough truth bombs here and it’s definitely music that deserves to be heard.
Nick Piunti and The Complicated Men “Heart Inside Your Head”
Nick Piunti and The Complicated Men are back after the successful Downtime from 2020. The sound marries Nick’s Bryan Adams-like vocal and The Cars-like catchy synth and guitar combinations. It’s all totally original melodic gems and Nick’s skill that pulls it all together, and the title track effortlessly reminds us why he’s been one of the most frequent (and favorite) artists in my top ten lists over the years.
The opener “My Mind (Palys Tricks On Me)” is a gem that ends so quickly, that you’ll need to hit repeat. It feels like the band is going for a bigger stadium sound on “I Want Everything” and “Keys to Your Heart.” The power ballad of the latter is evident as Nick keeps your “Hopes Up,” and gently tells you “Nothing New.” Nick found his groove with Downtime, and here he treads the same ground. Occasionally there are bursts of insight on the excellent “One of The Boyz,” and “Slave To It” but overall it isn’t as sticky. However, this remains an excellent album and fans will gobble it up. Highly Recommended.
