Alex Fleuris “A Lifetime Of Bullshit”
French rocker Alex Fleuris (Crusaders of Love) moved to Montreal to record an album and got all the demos done but along the way, life happens (Covid, day job, etc.) so rather than wait, Alex decided to release these songs, and he did everything here except a few drum tracks.
Starting with “Don’t Care About Nothing” it has that Phil Spector wall-of-sound approach, with a sweet jangling guitar break. The Raspberries-like “I Should Have Never (Got In The Way)” has a driving riff and compelling melody. Alex’s skill here is on full display, and “Word Gets Around” is a multi-layered tune, and like the others, the solo bridge is exceptional. “Street Girl” feels like a lost ’80s pop hit, and the ender “Memories of a Sad Clown” is another example of epic classic rock songwriting.
Now this would be so much better with some professional mixing and mastering, but that said I think there are some excellent songs here. Maybe some enterprising record company will take it to the next level. As it is this is music that deserves to be heard.
Dropkick “The Wireless Revolution”
Andrew Taylor returns to his main band, after a few new projects and collaborations. Dropkick operates at the intersection of mellow Americana and jangling power pop, and after nearly a dozen albums (including lockdown sessions) Dropkick moves forward in Byrdsian fashion. The Wireless Revolution notes in the opener “Don’t Give Yourself Away” that “this place feels different than before,” all to the confident melodic strums. But not much has changed as far as musical quality.
Taylor has a knack for smooth melodies, and his songs are consistently great. “Telephone” is the first big standout here with a strong chorus, and even the better “Unwind” adds those delicate harmonies to the mix. The other bandmates get props too, Ian Grier and Alan Shields on tracks like “The Other Side.” Overall Dropkick does great work here, “Wouldn’t Know Why” is another highlight with a fantastic bridge. And this is another highly recommended album.
