Valentiger and Dan Miraldi

Valentiger “Oh, to Know!”
This Michigan band is on the cusp of something big. A very smooth blend of alt. country and folk pop with a casual attitude. Opening with the Wilco-ish “Oh, To Know!” features the commanding guitar strums and harmonies in the chorus. The building bass line and quiet-loud composition from lead guitarist-vocalist Brent Shirey also won me over. The slower beat on the melodic “All I” shuffles along and the Beck-like fuzz on “Another Cool Move” recall a lost Replacements tune. On the slower side of things, “Love to Forgive” is a sweet pastoral folk tune along with the wistful ballad “Why I’m Not Great.” Things roar back to life with the 90’s grunge of “Frozen Dozing.”  The poppiest song here is saved for last with anthemic “Good Day, goodnight” complete with handclaps and happy harmonies. No filler to be found here as everything here is nicely done. Fans of Uncle Tupelo, Wilco and Old 97’s will really love this one.

Dan Miraldi “Rock N Roll Band” EP
Ohio native Dan Miraldi was the keyboard player for The Silver Liners, and this is his newest EP. Miraldi has plenty of classic rock and roll influences, his sound is like a hybrid of Mick Jagger and Ricky Nelson. It opens with the hard rock “We Both Know” and the chord structure is very Nirvana, but Dan’s clear croon didn’t quite fit for me. “You’ve Got To Hurry” sounds better, with a familiar melody and workman-like performance. The single “Mystical Queen” is Dan at his most retro, here it’s almost an Everly Brothers song. The straight shooting “Rock N Roll Band” is another standout, with his own bio and sales pitch in the lyrics (“I was working on guitar, but I’m a much better singer…”). While this isn’t bad by any stretch – it doesn’t have the energy and swagger of his earlier album  Thirsty (listen to the single “Premonition“). But if you’re into oldies styled rock with a modern twist, it will appeal to you.