Film Review: Paul Williams, Still Alive

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Yes, I fondly remember when I was a kid and Paul Williams was everywhere on TV. I never was a big fan of the actor, but loved his music whole heartedly. He was one of the most influential songwriters of the 70s next to Burt Bacharach. Then he vanished with the end of decade and I always wondered what happened to him.

Well that’s partly what the movie is about. Director Stephen Kessler inserts himself in the documentary as a starstruck fan trying to convince Williams that he is a worthy subject to film. And he is definitely worthy of a bio with all the amazing music and stuff he’s done. However the film barely touches this and is more of a documentary of how Kessler became Williams “friend.” He follows him around where Williams makes his rounds as an oldies act and uncomfortably probes Williams’ past drug problems in the 80’s and fall from celebrity status. Other awkward moments when Williams clearly doesn’t want to be on camera takes up too much of the films running time. When things get slow, Kessler gives us some great archival clips and musical performances to keep us interested.

So I recommend this film to anyone who loved Williams with a simple caveat, this isn’t a proper bio but a candid look at his life now and that he’s a better man without all that celebrity crap. Rent it on Amazon or Buy the DVD.

Graham Alexander and The Hi-Risers

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Graham Alexander “Graham Alexander”
When I hear someone tell me that power pop is for “older” bands, I shake my head and say listen to Graham. He’s very much in the pop mold of McCartney, but with a hip, youthful approach. And unlike some contemporaries, Graham reeks of authenticity and talent.

There is enough nostalgia to impress an old fogie like me, but fresh compositions to charm a legion of new young fans. “Don’t Give In Tonight” has some rock n roll muscle, and “Biggest Fan” has both amazing vocals and an irresistible hook. “Only Fools Rush In” is pure Beatles music hall, and he sounds most like Macca here. Just to prove he’s not all pop ditties, “Replace Me” has a riff best suited to Collective Soul, and Graham makes it work splendidly. It touches all the bases, with no filler to be found. Best young pop debut album I’ve heard in along time.

Amazon | Itunes
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The Hi-Risers “Hang Around With You”
Classic rock trio from Rochester are Greg Townson (vocals and guitar), Todd Bradley (vocals and bass) and Jason Smay (drums). The band has a sound that pays tribute to those early rock bands like The Crickets, The Beatles, Peter and Gordon and The Dave Clark Five.

For older music fans, the most identifiable tune ever is “I’m In Love With My Record Collection” with its Rickenbacker jangle and harmonies. You can play “spot the riff” for most of the album, like “Fire Hazard” is built from The Kinks “All Day and All Of The Night.” But as a retro collection it’s the high quality musicianship  that’ll win you over. Sit back and enjoy.

Bandcamp | Artists Website

Livingstone Daisies and Golden Bloom

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Livingstone Daisies “Don’t Know What Happiness Is”
Thank you Pop Boomerang Records! The Livingstone Daisies have crafted a record that is authentically Australian yet tips it’s hat in appreciation to bands like Teenage Fanclub, Tom Petty, The Jayhawks, and Big Star.

The superb opener “Wednesday” jangles through with those heavenly harmonies thanks to lead singer/guitarist Van Walker. “Redhead” is another gem that recalls Jeff Lynne magic in the chorus, and Wilburyesque ballad “Safety In Numbness” has Walker gruffly evoke Bob Dylan. “Everything has Got To Go” and “Keep Searching” keep those hooks coming. Each song has a strong melody, with the exception of a morose organ finale “I Still Believe In You,” which improves down the stretch. Overall an exceptional debut.

Bandcamp | Amazon

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Golden Bloom “March To The Drums”
Singer/songwriter Shawn Fogel returns! The light “Rhyme the Reason” flows along at leisurely pace, and a sunnier point of view than Fan The Flames. The best track is the hook filled melody of “You Go On (and On),” it has a bouncy Coldplay-like quality. The second standout is “We Have Grown” with rich harmonies and a majestic anthem that you’ll be humming along to at some point. The music stays in the realm of guitar and keyboard, with some synth noodling here and there. While the EP lists six tracks, three of them are clearly instrumental padding. But those three real songs are pretty impressive.

Goldenbloom.net | Amazon | Bandcamp

The Power Popaholic Interview: Mike Gent of The Figgs

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I got the opportunity to redeem myself when I reviewed The Figgs Anthology a few weeks ago, in this interview Mike Gent rightfully calls me out for not covering the Figgs previous releases. He opens up about working with Mike Viola (The Candy Butchers) and Jed Parish (The Gravel Pit).

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Also, power pop musician John Brodeur is Kickstarter funding his newest album Little Hopes. With only 7 days left, Brodeur has no label, no agents, no corporate funding, and is trying to do everything himself. So give the man a hand. See his video and pre-order your copy today.

A Tribute To Lite Rock

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The obsession of Andrew Curry is now a Kickstarter project I gladly endorse called Drink A Toast To Innocence: A Tribute To Lite Rock. You remember all those lite rock hits of the late 70’s and  80’s right? Mostly from one hit wonders that ended up on a K-Tel records collection, like Player’s “Baby Come Back” or Rupert Holmes “Escape (The Pina Colada Song).” Well now Andrew is gathering up a TON of power pop talent to cover all these hit songs on one massive album. Talent like Bleu, Eytan Mirsky, Mike Viola, Linus of Hollywood, Kyle Vincent and many more. Sign up now and reserve your copy today!