Finally a definitive portrait of one of the most talented singer-songwriters in pop music history. If you don’t know who he is, then get to For The Love Of Harry Blog and learn all about The Beatles’ favorite American musician.
Jon Lindsay "Escape From Plaza-Midwood"
North Carolinian Jon Lindsay shines on his full length debut full of melodies and magic. He’s a favorite of musicians Ken Stringfellow (The Posies), Britt Harper Uzzell(Ben Folds) and Caitlin Cary (Whiskeytown). Opening with “These Are The End Times” it’s a mini-symphony Brian Wilson would approve of, complete with a variety of instruments including steel drum and sleigh bells. The next track “Inside Prince Paul” is just as impressive, sounding like a combination of 10cc and Apples in Stereo in the chorus. Another highlight is the anthemic “My Blue Angels” which revels in the pleasures of rock and roll set to a infectious beat with a Chapel Hill touch.
More hooks than a fisherman’s tackle box are evidenced in the tracks “Number Every Summer” and “Bring The Old You Back” with a vocal that has a big range from indie (similar to Robert Scneider or Ben Kweller) to soaring soprano on ballads (“I Take Care Of You Now”). Most every tune here resonates, additional highlights include “Frequent Flyer” where he experiments with plenty of strange instrumental flourishes and rhythms. In fact the majority of the album is so richly packed with pop arrangement magic, that the last few tracks lose momentum by comparison. Overall an amazing debut that should not be missed.
The last track from Harvey Danger
Formed in Seattle, smack in the middle of the grunge movement Harvey Danger’s melodic rock came of age with “Flagpole Sitta” from the album Where Have All The Merrymakers Gone? in 1998. From that point on the band seemed to fade from public memory despite some excellent material getting released. Well the band officially broke-up last year and you can download the final single “The Show Must Not Go On” and an album of B-sides (“Dead Sea Scrolls“) on their website here. Please donate to keep these tracks free.
Miracord "In Water" and The Hot Toddies "Get Your Heart On"
Miracord “In Water”
Psychedelic band from Oklahoma City that compares well to The Mother Hips and has a variety of sixties influences, from The Beatles to the Animals. Miracord is lead by guitarist/vocalist Dean Avants and assisted by Dave Spindle (bass), Ryan Jones (organ and backing vocals), Rob Martin (drums) and Jeff Richardson (backing vocals).The swirling guitar riff on “New Religion” opens the album and sets the tone. The lone guitar strum and spacious sound on “Song of a Mason” is a trippy ballad that will impress most pysche-pop fans. “In Water” was released exactly one year later on the 4th anniversary of Syd Barrett’s death, whose influence can be heard throughout the album. It really comes through on “Corporate Coward” and the power pop of “To Mary and Mandy” is a riff-filled good time in the style of The Who. Even more impressive, this album is a FREE download at CD Baby for a limited time.
The Hot Toddies “Get Your Heart On”
This is an Oakland based collective of melodic women set to neo-surf beats, kind of a lo-fi version of The GoGo’s or Pippettes. The songs are deceptively simple and infectious. Heidi, Erin, Jessica and Sylvia have been playing music, drinking whiskey and writing songs together since 2005. The sweet harmonies and oft funny lyrics of “Max’s Mankini” will get your attention. The vocals have an innocence, but the lyrics are mainly about boys and drinking best heard on “Only With You.” It’s like Malibu Barbie had a few beers, got up on the table and started dancing. The irreverent lyrics touch on gluten-free lesbians (“Celiac Love Songs”) and the lead singer of Alkaline Trio (“Matt Skina Sandwich”). On the latter tune and “Keep On Running” the song is fleshed out with a strong lead guitar. More highlights include “Rain or Shine” and the ukulele lead “Summertime Dream” with it’s weaving angelic vocals. As the Japanese say it’s all so “kawaii” so how can you resist.
Broken Promise Keeper "Poptimized"
Rob Stuart continues his musical journey with Broken Promise Keeper’s fourth album “Poptimized.” I very much admired last year’s “Ice Cold Pop” and he picks up right where he left off. This is old school DIY power pop played with conviction, starting with “Scarred For Life” all the hallmarks are there (riffs, hand claps, melodic chorus). It leads seamlessly into the catchy beats and Trekkie lyrics of “Hyperdriven.” Next there are lots of layered instrumentation and vocals to highlight “Today I Do.” The lo-fi production tends to bury Rob’s vocal at times, despite the ambitious composition. The gem “We Pray For Rain” starts with a piano intro and turns into an early REM styled mid-tempo guitar tune.
The energetic “Sad But True” is a triumphant rocker that laments on the state of a dead marriage and it’s my favorite track here. Other tracks are pretty consistent, if a bit too similar sounding in the rhythm but there is enough here to keep things interesting. The legacy of the Athens, GA sound that made it “The Liverpool of the South” lives on here with Broken Promise Keeper.
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