Wow! Power Pop legends the dB’s will be releasing their first full length album in 25 years. It’s also the first in three decades to feature the band’s original lineup of singer/songwriter/guitarists Peter Holsapple and Chris Stamey, bassist Gene Holder and drummer Will Rigby, the same lineup that recorded the beloved early-’80s classics Stands for deciBels and Repercussion. It is due to be released June 12, 2012 on Bar/None Records! The new album — produced by the band, with additional production by longtime cohorts Mitch Easter and Scott Litt — finds the seminal quartet reenergized and inspired, delivering a dozen new original songs that rank with the group’s finest and most influential music.
Category: Album Preview
A tip of the hat from Willie Wisely
This is a video “newsletter” by Willie Wisely and he gives Power Popaholic a shout out for our review last week. Stay tuned – you get concert information and an acoustic version of the the song “Dr. Jack” as well!
The Willie Wisely Trio “True”
After an 18 year hiatus the original members of the Willie Wisely Trio reunite for the enjoyable True. I would call the Trio an amalgam of pop, folk and blues with a twist. Wisely fans will love the catchy opener “Kiss Her And Make It Right” and it’s the peppiest song here. The sweet banjo progressions and trombone start “Dr. Jack” but it slowly fades into Wisely-land after the chorus, with dense violin effects. The excellent “Everybody Fears The Lord” does the same, it’s also got a killer hook and rapturous guitar.
The album also doesn’t take itself too seriously with “National Council Of Jewish Women’s Thrift Store.” Wisely writes about all the junk at the thrift store he sees from Farrah Fawcett to “I’m with Stupid” t-shirts. The acoustic folk tunes like “True” and “Low” are shining examples of great roots pop, like Glen Campbell or James Taylor. Also notable is the 26 minute final track “Surreal,” a long jam that reminds me of Simon & Garfunkel’s “A Simple Desultory Philippic.” Wisely and his trio let’s it all hang out and I simply loved this album.
Band Website | Amazon
Free Downloads: Phenomental Cat and Alright Alright
Once in a while I’m given a hot tip about a band I can’t keep a secret. I just need to share it with you. The band Phenomenal Cat’s new album “Postcards From the British Empire: 12 singles in 12 months” is a project where they are set to release a brand new track each and every month for the whole of 2012. And it’s all free on Bandcamp.
Alright Alright is an unsigned band from Toronto, Canada. They asked themselves “Whatever happened to those classic two-minute-fifty second rock ‘n’ roll songs we used to know and love?” Then they put one together themselves for free download. Not bad, eh?
John Larson and Doctor Ew
John Larson “Songs About Music”
As long time frontman for The Marlowes, John Larson has plenty of stories about life as working musician. With the help of his bandmate Justin Capaldi and Mick Chorba (The Dispomaniacs), he puts these observations in his new solo LP. Larson opens with the hook filled “Girl in the Band,” about a hook up at a music convention. “They’re Not Writing Country (In This Country Anymore)” is a pretty accurate jab at the current commercial country rock scene.
John’s vocal is limited in range, but clear and best used on “Kiss and Yell” and “Billy and Wiggy” a description of meeting Billy Bragg’s brother. The harmonies and lead work to great effect on the melodic “She Just Wants To Talk” and the obsessive thoughts of a vinyl record collector “Track You Down” combines a vintage Zombies-styled organ melody with a sing-along chorus. “The Lifer” is a gorgeous autobiographical ballad that has echoes of Van Morrison and Lou Reed about how “the critic’s darling” can’t afford to even get gas for the car. Many musicians hearing this album will nod in agreement – a strong effort by a veteran road warrior.
Doctor Ew “Gadzooks”
Don’t judge an album by its cover. Despite looking like a horror soundtrack or punk album, Doctor Ew is the solo debut from Toronto pop musician Drew Smith. Right from the get go on “The House Of Many Mansions,” you’ll hear those XTC and Rundgren influences in the beat and synth compositions. The happy hand clapping melody of “Dance All Over My Grave” is in direct contrast to the dark psychotherapy in the lyric. “Be A Dreamer” is another endearing melody that echoes Brian Wilson with its tinkling piano, and the follow up “To Be Your Man” is an equally wistful Beach Boys styled tune. Ew’s nasal tenor works well on these short lo-fi songs (most under 2 minutes) and the added horn flourishes, guitar rhythms and backing harmonies enhance each melody.
No filler here and every track is interesting, although Drew’s vocal on “Do As The Lord Tells Me,” doesn’t quite fit. Also impressive is the beautiful and creepy “If You’re Happy” and the self depreciating “I’m Getting Fat” with the funny backing chorus of “Hey Chubba Bubba!” Overall, a delicate and fun diversion for those with a musical sweet tooth.