Guitar legend Les Paul passed away today (August 13, 2009) due to complications from pneumonia. He was 94-years-old. Paul was nothing less than a musical wizard and one of the most beloved figures among musicians the world over. He made innovations with both the electric guitar and studio recording devices that have made him crucial to every genre of music and every musician under the sun.
The Shazam "Meteor"
Thanks to our good friend, Bruce at The Not Lame label, we have the awesome return of The Shazam with Meteor. The Shazam went through some significant changes since Tomorrow The World in 2003; new bassist/backing vocalist Mike Vargo replaced Mick Wilson in 2004. Lead vocalist Hans Rotenberry and Jeremy Asbrock are back with plenty of guitar crunch and killer hooks that brings to mind the bastard son of Cheap Trick, T.Rex and The Sweet. The sound is classic power pop helped in part by the legendary producer Mack (Queen, ELO). The vintage guitar chords get things started on a high note with “So Awesome.” This is music you play loud and jump around doing air guitar to. The mid-tempo “Don’t Look Down” is a big fat rock anthem that is one of many album highlights. Next comes “NFU” (Not F_’ed Up ) which is another fast paced gem with loud harmonies along the lines of Queen. “Disco At The Fairgrounds” sounds like it fell straight off of the “Sheer Heart Attack” LP. And “Dreamcrusher Machine” reminds me a little of The Strokes mixed with Urge Overkill as well. The album falls a bit short of the classic Godspeed the Shazam, but there is plenty here to celebrate. Lots of fun is to be had with “I Got The Bomb,” it’s faux Ramones chorus, and the guitar frenzied “Time for Pie” to close out this collection. We hope to hear more from this talented bunch (and hopefully we won’t have to wait another five years).
My Space | Itunes | Shazam Store | Not Lame
Listen to a clip from “So Awesome”
Listen to a clip from “Time For Pie”
Dylan Connor "Breakaway Republic"
In 2008, Dylan Connor, a Latin teacher and musician from Berkeley, CA, was at Burning Man Festival wandering the streets with a guitar and singing songs for anyone who needed the gift of music. Breakaway Republic is the result of this adventure and it’s full of uplifting melodies and gentle harmonies. Opening with “Breakaway and Burn” Connor’s soft vocal and gentle chords bring to mind John Mayer. The next song “Stunning Insights” is a pure pop treat with humming minor chord changes similar to McCartney or maybe Evan Dando. “Blood Like Fire” is a Johnny Cash styled blues track that has lots of soul here. Every song here is pretty good, and some of my favorites here “Don’t Let Me Wash Away” and the rocking “Pave Me.” It isn’t too flashy, and the smart lyrical approach avoids most songwriter cliches about relationships. Worth picking up with some great melodies and it’s all very accessible to even the most jaded music fans.
My Space | CD Baby
My Top 5 – Favorite Rock and Roll Movies
This weekend, I wanted to list my favorite rock and roll movies. Some on Blu Ray, others still on DVD.
1. Purple Rain
The Lotus Flower site (official) | Let’s Go Crazy
2. This is Spinal Tap
MySpace | The Spinal Tap Site
3. That Thing You Do!
The Song | The Trailer
4. High Fidelity
The opening scene of the flim
5. Xanadu
The Broadway Show
Coby Brown and Adam Bones
Coby Brown “Stars & Curses”
While going through a cancer treatment Los Angeles singer-songwriter Coby Brown has been writing and recording these songs, which are full of melody on the opener “Daylight” but knowing his situation songs like “Madman” resonate with great lines like “Standing at the water’s edge/ landing on a window ledge/ I’m looking for some way to get back in.” But rather than get all depressing, Brown’s theme is a stubborn hope wrapped in a soulful indie shell. Songs are sparsely arranged, and thus more powerful. “Run Like I’m A River” is both catchy and mellow, this will appeal to fans of Josh Rouse, David Mead or Ryan Adams. The most pessimism here is the piano riff “Drop Down Dead” with it’s Lennon meets David Essex (“Rock On”) defiant rant about being in the hospital. Nothing here is fast tempo, but each song here is powerful, “Rise and Fall” being a Bono-like ballad that sounds a triumphant chorus of “up from the ashes..”. The album is a worthy and powerful statement, almost a religious experience without the religion.
MySpace | CD Baby | Itunes
Adam Bones “Feel For Tomorrow” EP
LA based rocker Adam Bones is traditional power pop artists with modern flair and youthful style. Fans of Bleu, Jet and Ok Go will find his debut EP fresh and compelling. His band has opened for several power pop groups including The Wellingtons, The Click Five and Bleu. Opening with the energetic “I Had You” he vocally reminds me of Elvis Presley’s rich baritone, and combined with those melodic guitar riffs, it’s a winner. He recently finished IPO in LA and after the country-pop of “Shouldn’t Love” I’m sure it was a great show. The gentle ballad “Feel For Tomorrow” is a deceptively simple, but an effective song that builds into an arena rock anthem styled after The Who. The buzzing hooks in “How Hard I Needed You” is another keeper along the lines of Lenny Kravitz, and I can’t wait for the full length album already. If you’re looking for a future power pop star — here he is.
MySpace | CD Baby