2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the release of Workbook, and also the release of Bob Mould’s latest solo work, “Life And Times”, set for an April 7th street date. Produced and mixed by Mould in his new hometown of Washington D.C, the album is filled with Mould’s experiences in relation to friends, lovers, the world at large and himself. As a long time Mould fan I also liked hearing his latest pop collaboration with producer/remixer extraordinaire Richard Morel, named “Blowoff” – from 2006. The clips on the MySpace page are pretty good. Visit the Blowoff site for more info.
Creaky Boards "Brooklyn Is Love"
The Creaky Boards made some headlines prior to the album’s release by accusing Coldplay of ripping them off. And it’s true that “Viva La Vida” does sound nearly identical to “The Songs I Didn’t Write” but Andrew Hoepfner freely admits the melody is lifted from a video game. It has definitely put The Creaky Boards on the map, and it seems that this PR helped the band get noticed (there is no lawsuit or anything). In any case, Andrew seems delighted by the media attention. Ironically, “The Songs I Didn’t Write” is about Brian Wilson, and not Coldplay.
Beyond this single, the album is a neo Beach Boys revival – “Now I’m in The City” shines with full Spectorian Wall of Sound production circa 1964, but it has the lyrical confessions of modern groups like The Shins or Belle & Sebastian. The follow up “Brooklyn” has a vague Eastern European sound, like a Mary Hopkin tune played by Kasenetz-Katz. This track is unique, as most of the album follows a melodic “Pet Sounds” template. The harmonies are lush and complex arrangements are full on “Oh Just Be Silent” although the lyrics are paranoid ramblings (“Don’t tell your mother, don’t tell your lover…”). What makes this better than your average Brian Wilson clone, is that Hoepfner includes other dynamic elements, much like Zumpano or Olivia Tremor Control. And the songs are all original, and catchy as hell. “Lie To Me” has a Shangri La’s type vocal break in mid song, and “I’m So Serious” has 50’s styled do-wop backing vocals to support the great melodies. The autobiographical piano ballad “I’m Touching The Electric Fence” and mid-tempo “SOS” are a departure from the rest of the album, but are good songs. This album is never boring or feels derivative and is worth many repeat listens. Enjoy it.
Jeff Litman "Postscript"
New York based singer/songwriter Jeff Litman has created a wonderful debut that shines with authenticity. Although trained in both jazz and classical music, it’s Jeff’s love of rock and pop melody that drives the songs that focus on the aftermath of a failed relationship. The opener “Anna” starts the song cycle with upbeat pop bounce, much like Chris Von Sneidern or Jim Boggia. As the album progresses, the lyrics show the stresses of compromise and self-doubt in the story arc. The solid melody of “Complicated” is supported by excellent piano work and jangle guitar riffs. The compromises of the relationship culminate in “My Wife” which is a wedding proposal set as an Elenor Rigby-like ballad with guitar and strings. “Everything You’re Not” has a solid melodic arrangement similar to Jason Falkner’s style and the catchy “Detroit Layover” and “Knock Me Down” are both solid rockers. No filler on any tracks here, and even the tune “Open Arms” uses different instruments (like a xylophone) to get the right emphasis. It runs the gamut, and toward the end of the album, you sense an emotional reckoning is coming.
And when it comes it’s truly great as the real emotional heart of the album comes out on the ballads. Both the title track, “Postscript” and the closer “It Wasn’t Me” are so well done, that the lyrics “It wasn’t me, it was you,”cut to the truth of the break-up, and moving on with your life. A powerful statement and a highly personal work absolutely deserves “top ten” of 2009 consideration.
My Space | CD Baby | Jeff’s Site
New Beatles Track?
How did they keep this gem under wraps for over 40 years? Just leaked online is “Take 20” of The Beatles’ Revolution 1 with a heck of an ending. It could be an elaborate hoax or fan made mash-up like this.
But I suggest you judge for yourself and listen to it on Mog.com
Show Me The Skyline EP and Sorry The Band
Show Me The Skyline “Rain or Shine”
Larzz Principato, the main member of Show Me The Skyline, has had his guitar glued to his body for the better part of the last five years. Drawing influence from artists such as Hellogoodbye, All Time Low, and Dashboard Confessional, Larzz is focused on delivering modern power pop that your kids can rock to. It helps that Jonas Brothers producer P.J. Bianco lends his touch to this slick pop album. Fans of Drake Bell and The Click Five will enjoy this as well. Highlights include the catchy “It’s On Me” and the melodic “Put Your Money where your mouth Is.” The music hints at a more sophisticated sound and is well above your typical alternative teen rock.
Show Me The Skyline Website | Itunes
Sorry “The RSVP EP”
Sorry (The band), plays a DIY styled lo-fi indie power pop with a plenty of sweet melodic guitar touches, a lot like The Shins or Death Cab for Cutie. They play around the Seattle area and if you listen to the compelling “Bicycle” you’ll hear bits of Jon Auer with Paul Simon rhythms – you’ll never even notice than each of these songs are four minutes or longer. I’ve only heard 3 of the songs here, but the moody reflection of “Autopilot” feels honest and not at all pretentious, along the lines of Ben Folds. Worth a spin on the ipod for sure.
Sorry band site | CD Baby