Daniel Carson and Martin Gordon

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Daniel Carson “Aviary Jackson”

Songwriter, singer, and guitarist Daniel Carlson grew up in Chicago and, following a three year Southern California detour, found himself in New York City in the early 90’s. Using sparse arrangements and soft vocals, Daniel’s sound draws from Brian Wilson’s Pet Sounds-era and compares well with The High Llamas. Both “The Innocents” and “Ending” have that haunted synth sound with beautiful horns and piano lending to the atmosphere. A solid piano progression on “Everyone Is You” leads one of the best songs here and yet another lovely dirge about rejection. The dreamlike vocals on “Landlocked” while beautiful, sound like a long intro movement. The center piece is the six minute “Velvet” which is has a subtle orchestration that grows more intricate until it rises into chaos a la “Day In The Life.” The lazy mood of “Monday” and “Another Week” both have enjoyable pastoral arrangements. Some of the songs lack a simple verse/chorus hook, which takes away from their repeatability. But most fans of baroque chamber pop however will love this beautifully made musical journey.

Ground Lift | Daniel Carlon’s site

Listen to “The Innocents”


Martin Gordon “Time Gentlemen Please”

Martin Gordon is ringmaster in the grotesque pop circus known as Time Gentlemen Please. After his last album, we pick up where we left off. The combination of guitars, brass, ukulele provide the raucous opening to the absurdist “Elephantasy.” Only a talent like Gordon can make a song about alcoholism with the lyric “It’s official, we’s a hero/but I’d be happier drinking a beer-o.” Gordon’s melodic talents and pessimistic viewpoint make him the perfect combination of XTC and Randy Newman. Fans of 10cc will also enjoy the catchy “On and On” layered with bright harmonies. Another standout is a dark prog ballad version of The Beatles “I Feel Fine.” The influence of Zappa is sprinkled throughout here and there. The deliciously un-PC “If Boys Could Talk and Girls Could Think” and “Talulah Does The Hula From Hawaii” are a lot of fun and will get you humming. With 16 tracks, some tunes work better than others and Gordon sparkles when he moves beyond novelty tunes. A great example of this is “Incognitio Ergo Sum,” a depraved celebration of celebrity culture. And I love the “Lady Madonna” bass line thrown into the catchy “Passionate About Your Elevator” too. If you prefer your rock/pop to have a sharp wit, look no further.

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