David Paton “Under The Sun”

I would like to jump on my soapbox for a moment and say that for every “washed up” old rocker trying to extend the 15 minutes of fame (Bow Wow Wow) there are honest-to-God talented musicians who need to be heard again and fans who’ve missed them. Because the reunion isn’t a train wreck, they get little or no attention from the press and that’s a crime in my opinion. Thankfully a few oldies bands are still makin’ music I want to listen to (The Beach Boys, DB’s) and maybe we can find a few more. Okay, rant over.

Pilot was one of the best power pop bands in the 70’s era, lead by the #1 single “Magic.” Written and sung by David Paton, it’s an enduring classic and I’m happy to say Paton still has the goods when it comes to catchy singles. Under The Sun is a return to form, although Paton’s done great work with the Japanese power pop band Beagle Hat. Here it’s more adult oriented contemporary pop, and it starts out with the low key “Under The Sun” which sounds like Paul McCartney’s answer to Nilsson’s “Coconut.”  The minimal jazz of “I’m No Liar” and slick pop of “I Wanna Be With You” are okay, but feel formulaic. The real gems are “Don’t Touch Me” and the gorgeous melody of “All For You.” Like Sir Paul, David pours out his experiences with compelling melodies, like the world weary “Go Find Yourself.” The bonus tracks of Pilot’s “Magic” and “Just A Smile” are newly recorded and still sound fresh today. Overall a worthy addition to Paton (and Pilot’s) discography.

CDBaby | Amazon

 

The Beach Boys Reunion

The Beach Boys, together with estranged sonic genius Brian Wilson for the first time in decades, have the brand-new reunion single “That’s Why God Made The Radio.” You can close your eyes and go back in time… “Tuning in the latest star/From the dashboard of my car/Cruising at seven/Push-button heaven” The song proves without a doubt proof that nobody can replicate their harmonies, even though thousands of bands have tried. This is vintage Beach Boys and with both Brian and Mike Love passing 70 years old, they figured it was now or never.

Listen to the song here with lyrics.

The Critters “Timepieces”

Old bands don’t always die, sometimes they come back. Originally similar to The Lovin’ Spoonfuls, they scored a big hit in 1966 with “Mr. Dieingly Sad.” Known for soft vocal harmonies I wondered what the band would sound like 45 years later, lead by surviving original member Don Ciccone. Much like The Four Seasons after its prime, it goes after a contemporary sound and splits up vocals and songwriting between new band members.

Listening to the opening track “Keep America Dancing,” I thought I had the wrong band on… it sounded more like Hank Williams Jr. But I need not worry, an excellent cover of Jackie Deshannon’s “Children and Flowers” and a few of the band’s past hits followed, albiet with a slick Vegas-style gloss. Mr. Ciccone still has solid songwriting skills, evidenced by  the impressive “A Roll Of The Dice,” but its his only new contribution other than the forgettable “Ooh, La Ooh.” The harmonies that gave the band its claim-to-fame are still intact and displayed beautifully on “Pledge of Allegiance.”  Not bad for a bunch of a geezers. Tailor made for the oldies circuit, it will win over my dad easily, but I wished the band stayed closer to its folk rock roots instead of trying to appeal to the Lee Greenwood – Wayne Newton crowd.

CD Baby | Amazon

Happy Valentines Day, Power Pop lovers!

Did you see the Grammys?

The finale was a wonderful sight of Sir Paul McCartney joined by his posse (Brian Ray and Rusty Anderson) and throw in Bruce Springsteen, Joe Walsh and Dave Grohl. All playing the Beatles “The End” and I thought just having The Beach Boys reunion on stage was an incredible site.

What is really amazing is not the age of the Beach Boys (or McCartney) performing. Its that a 46 year old song  (“Good Vibrations”) sounded more experimental and relevant than anything currently awarded at the show. Happy Valentines Day!

P.S. …R.I.P. Whitney. The world will always love you.