Fresh from the passing of David Bowie, I saw Holy Holy, the only authorized tribute to him at The Paramount in Huntington, NY. Holy Holy is a super group playing the early songs of David Bowie (1969 to 1973) led by two men who knew David very well. One was drummer Woody Woodmansey, formerly of Bowie’s backing band The Spiders from Mars and Tony Visconti, Bowie’s long time producer and occasional bass player. Joined by the commanding lead singer Glenn Gregory (formerly Heaven 17) and the dual guitars of James Stevenson and Paul Cuddeford they played the entire album of The Man Who Sold The World. Then they played several tracks fromZiggy Stardust and The Spiders from Mars and some additional hits. Including “All The Young Dudes,” “Changes” and ending off with “Suffragette City.” Without a doubt the spirit of Bowie seemed to fill the room and the energy from the sizable crowd was electric. If this band ever comes to your town I highly recommend you see this show.
It’s that time of year in New York, the fallen leaves and chill in the air reminds me that the International Pop Overthrow is almost upon us! It’s coming back to Bar Matchless in Brooklyn starting tonight! Check out the schedule and come early and often, and show your support for new power pop.
I have to say, this 18th volume of the IPO 3 disc set is the most diversified and stretches beyond the traditional sound of power pop with a new crop of future pop superstars. All produced by maestro David Bash, mastered by Alan Brownstein, and put out by Bruce Brodeen‘s Pop Geek Heaven Record label, making a concerted effort to keep the CD format alive in the age of ephemeral electronic files. God bless these power pop taste makers for continuing to deliver the best music value on the planet. This set is noticeably balanced in that no single disc really stands out, so lets get started onto my favorite tracks:
Disc 1: I’ve never seen so many new bands in an IPO comp, so I’m sure to find some new favorites like Ivan Mudd’s “Wake Up Call” and the DIY gem “First In Class” by newcomer Steve Rosenbaum. Sweden-based Cranbury Sauce’s “Merry-Go-Round” and Marston’s “Shabby Shakes” upholds those psychedelic guitar traditions and of course old friend Jeremy Morris leads The Jeremy Band in a rockin’ theme song for the festival with “The IPO Song.” I heard some distinct 80’s influence in Vinyl Floor’s “Colorblind” and The Pickpockets “The Ostrich Defense.” Also note even more female vocalists than ever before, at least 2 per disc.
Disc 2:Kylie Hughes (a fave from last years set) returns with the bouncy “Dream Dream Dream” and another favorite, Dave Rave comes back with some “Sweet American Music.” Some bands still clearly have that sixties pop influence here like Junebug (“She’s An Ape, Not A Monkey”) and Cloud Eleven (“A Sadness in Sorry”). More standouts include the catchy guitar rhythm on Harvest Moon’s “Wanna See You Dancin'” and Claire On A Dare’s “She Knows/Photographic Memory” channels Chrissie Hynde perfectly. Tommy Sistak delivers the requisite Beatlesque “Ordinary Words,” but you’ll find music that really pushes the pop envelope like the atmospheric “The Boy and Marlene’s Ghost” from Warm Morning Brothers.
Disc 3:Greg Ieronimo’s opener “You Love Me,” rocks as he continues to deliver impressive melodies, followed by the crisp harmonies of Coke Belda’s “I Understand.” And “The Perfect Year” by Vanilla stands out with its glossy production, as Cash For Gold’s “Out All The Time” does with its wicked glam sound. I’ve already raved about Jared Lekites“Five Separate Lives,” and Honeywagen’s “The Only One” is a classic power pop single sure to thrill listeners. I heard less garage styled power pop than past volumes, but Stacked Actors “Disinfect” is a strong example here. Listen to select tracks at the IPO website, and get this long awaited compilation. As usual, it’s the cure for the common playlist and Highly Recommended every year!
Cameron Lew is the bassist from The Yorktown Lads. He puts forth his first DIY solo effort Welp as singer-songwriter and producer. It starts out strong with the breezy “Adieu,” followed by the power pop gem “White Wall,” chock full of thick chords and multi-tracked verses like early Posies. “Season Four” has very catchy chorus about binge watching TV, then the simple ballad “Change” changes the tone from happy to melancholy.
Next, the fast-paced “Picture Show” recalls The Orange Peels sunny but anxious attitude, then the quirky “Goodnight” boasts some inventive mixing and lyrics about the awkwardness of a breakup. Overall, a playful indie pop snack with some fun songs worth your attention. Give it a try.
When I tell you Omnivore Records has pulled out Gold from the vaults, I ain’t kidding here. Andrew Gold was an amazing performer and songwriter. The Last Show was recorded in the Roxy Theatre, West Hollywood at end of his 1978 tour, with his big hit “Lonely Boy” in the music charts top ten. This concert recording is Gold’s first official posthumous release.
The sound quality is excellent for an archival performance and showcases Gold’s biggest hits, as well as classic album tracks. Tracks like “Thank You for Being A Friend,” “Oh Urania (Take Me Away)” and “How Can This Be Love.” His Beatles influence shines on a version of their “Doctor Robert” and he ends the concert with a cover of “Roll Over Beethoven.” A great time for Gold fans and anyone who loves classic rock and pop.
An essential concert album this year, The Nines frontman Steve Eggers visits his discography and throws in a few extras. The recording is clear and gives an excellent representation of the live experience, right down to the shaky vocal warble that opens on “It Hurts You.” Steve has combined numerous live performances from around Toronto (most recorded at Poor Alex Theatre) and other areas into a cohesive concert experience.
Special guests include Mike Viola (Candy Butchers) playing guitar and Andy Reed (American Underdog) playing bass, both sing backing vocals on the song “Virginia.” In addition, seven tracks have never been released before, so you’ll get much more than a greatest hits compilation. As far as newer tracks “Falling Down” is an emotional and resonant highlight, tracking the aftermath of a bitter breakup. Eggers creatively mines territory similar to Billy Joel (“Average Joe”) and Ben Folds (“Gord’s Life,”) each time bringing us along his melodic journey. For those who want a taste of the excitement at a Nines concert, here you go. Get it at CD Baby
I had a great time at the Paramount in Huntington, NY last night seeing Roger Hodgson perform. While a member of Supertramp, Roger wrote most of their hit songs and his distinct vocal is what fans most recognize. With an experienced band behind him, Hodgson mesmerized the audience. He played audience favorites like “Breakfast in America” but plenty of deep cuts like “Lady,” “School,” and “Even in the Quietest Moments.” Roger still carries over the progressive rock influences from those early albums, full of grandiose textures – a great example being “Fool’s Overture”.
The stage was decorated with various trees and greenery – all to add atmosphere to the epic “Death and a Zoo,” where the percussion and animal noises made the stage look and feel like a rainforest. Hodgson has a very deep spirituality that comes forth when he plays, and the complex arrangements of the song add to this impression. The band was also superb, and special mention goes to the exceptional Aaron MacDonald doing sax, clarinet, flute and backing vocals. And Roger can still hit those high notes! I can’t wait for Roger bring the magic back to New York on his next tour. In the meantime – let’s see what we can do to get Supertramp into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
