The catchy single from James Henry, a singer, guitarist and producer from the UK. Read my review of James album here. It tells the story of a little safari man’s journey of philosophical discovery around a planet of unusual landscape and almost art-deco vegetation, whilst his big counterpart sings effortlessly of Captain Beefheart, hyenas and other universal predicaments (in a nice scarf).
Smash Palace "7"
The always reliable Stephen Butler and crew known as Smash Palace returns with a vengeance on “7.” From the Revolver styled cover to the opening riffs of classic power pop of “Win It All” you know what you’re getting. The melodic “How Can You Say?”echoes the past without sounding at all dated. The brilliant “Holding Out For You” has the measured beats and harmonies that resembles a Badfinger ballad. The descending chords of “All In Love Is Fair” leads a great Crowded House-Beatles hybrid track that builds and builds with cool guitar breaks between each chorus.
The vibrant energy of “Here it Comes Again” is another winning track, Butler’s vocal croon is similar to Tom Petty mixed with Joey Molland here. The Kinks-like riffs punctuate “Dead End Street”- it sounds utterly modern yet timeless. It’s an invigorating rocker that is a pleasantly balanced by the mid-tempo “Secret Life.” Every track shines, with no weak moments here, so you are getting the band at the peak of it’s powers. A easy nominee for top ten of 2010.
A Balladeer "Superman Can’t Move His Legs"
Official video of second single of A Balladeer’s second album ‘Where Are You, Bambi Woods?’ Supervised by Kyle Balda (animator at Pixar). For more info on a balladeer and their tour through The Netherlands in January/February, check http://www.aballadeer.com.
Soundserif "12 Pieces in the shape of an apple"
This is a collective of talented Italian musicians led by Fabrizio Serrecchia, with an unrequited love of American power pop. They mention The Beatles “White Album” as ‘the bible’ but listening to the band’s opener “First, coffee” I would say the music is closer to 10cc then anything else. The melodic productions are very polished and irresistible, you can hear each musicians varied influences (from rock, classical and jazz).
One of the strongest tracks follows with “King Of The Night” a clean crisp production with guitars, keys and horns that recall Steely Dan’s best. The atmospheric and jazzy instrumentals of “The Station” introduce a strong female vocal, Luisa Ferrari. The brilliant “John Titor (Or The Time Traveller)” is a melodic tidbit that satisfies, with synth piano and flowing guitar rhythms. The acoustic guitar and male/female duet on “Surprise and Pleasure” morphs into a Broadway styled rock musical number. The shifting of vocals from male to female, as well as shifting from rock to pop show-tunes style can be distracting at first, and I found it works better after several listens. Overall, a wonderful showcase for these musicians, it’ll leave you begging for more.
The O’neders and Goodnight Monsters
The O’nders “That Thing We Done”
A group of Sydney Australia musicians who love power pop got together and put out an album full of their favorite tunes. You gotta love the group name and title, an aussie accented play on The Wonders. This is put out by Michael Carpenters’ Big Radio Records label and it’s one of those releases that reminds me of singing in the shower, it’s fun and easy to sing along to. It’s played live with loving confidence and full of favorites from The Who (“The Kids Are Alright”), Supergrass (“Alright”), Big Star (“In The Street”), Jellyfish (“Joining A Fanclub”) and many more. With 17 tracks it’s a huge selection of excellent songs right now only available as a Bandcamp download. The vocal duties are a mixed bag, where some shine (“I’ll Feel Whole Lot Better”) and others flop, it will not make anyone forget the original recordings but this is clearly a labor of love. On another Carpenter note: Fans interested will want to sign up for The Incomplete Cuban Heels pre-order at Michael’s blog. Each subscription earns an advance album copy and tons of bonus stuff depending on your level of sponsorship.
Goodnight Monsters “Summer Challenge”
Charming pop band from Finland brings us a loose collection of songs that take influences from The Beach Boys, Teenage Fanclub and early Elephant Six groups. “Hanging On To A Bad Dream” is a great single with a bouncy chorus and soft harmonies. “First One On The Beach” has the surf guitar and sunny sound of the Wilson brothers down pat. The band’s approach isn’t that aggressive but songs are tuneful, like the Belle and Sebastian twee pop of “Keep Me As A Secret” and the measured beats of “Mockingbird.” Lead singer Matti Jasu pens many of the poppier tunes. The jangling guitars and catchy “April Fooling” is my favorite here and full of unabashed pop goodness. “Le Beat De Jacques Lapin” (aka “Jackrabbit Stomp”) is another retro-60’s dance number that shines. Overall a warm and jangly album that offers some cool refreshment on a summer day.
My Space | CDBaby