Badfinger “Head First”
In 1975, power pop pioneer Badfinger was at a creative peak, however their masterwork ‘Wish You Were Here’ was taken off the shelves amid a fog of contract errors and managerial blunders. Still under contract to Warner Brothers, they needed one more album done, but it was too much for Joey Molland. He left the band, and Bob Jackson took his place as they created ‘Head First.’
Both lead songwriters Pete Ham and Tom Evans offered good tunes, but the record company rejected the finished package. Pete Ham committed suicide shortly after. However, the album was eventually released in 2000 and depicts their painful experience in the music industry. In fact, the standout tunes “Hey Mr. Manager,” “Moonshine,” and “Rock ’n’ Roll Contract” are likely Tom Evans finest songs. With the 50th anniversary of this album, Bob Jackson meticulously remastered the album. It sounds great overall, and features Ham’s excellent songwriting on “Lay Me Down” and “Keep Believing.” Bob Jackson adds the Ham-penned instrumental “Saville Row” as a bittersweet coda. Highly recommended.
The Davenports “You Could’ve Just Said That”
Brooklyn’s own The Davenports return with an album that showcases Scott Klass’s talent for crafting thoughtful, understated pop in a world often dominated by bombast. Klass has long been a master of quiet storytelling, and this latest collection proves that his knack for melodic balladry is as sharp as ever.
The title track, “When Everything’s Over,” sets the tone with a subtle groove, drawing the listener in with a gentle pulse that feels both intimate and reflective. Slowing things down is where Klass really shines, and songs like “I Am Lying,” “Full Length Mirror” and “I’m Not Gonna Bother You” are when his storytelling is most moving. “We’re Talking About You” picks up the tempo, injecting some welcome energy into the mix. But at its core, ‘When Everything’s Over’ is a testament to the power of restraint—a beautifully understated record that doesn’t need to shout to make itself heard. Fans of literate, melodic pop (like Elliot Smith) will find plenty to love here. Highly recommended.