Gary Reynolds & The Brides of Obscurity "Santiago’s Vest"

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In 2005, Seattle’s own Gary Reynolds & The Brides of Obscurity broke out onto the scene with “Instant Happiness”. Reynolds vocals have an uncanny John Lennon-like quality.  Both melodic and relaxing, the sophomore release “Santiago’s Vest” is like an finding a comfy piece of vintage clothing. Most of the songs seem to revel in the past of classic rock like the opener “Capital State” with it’s theme, mocking consumerism and lost values. “Everybody’s Somewhere” with it’s layered organ rhythms, recall quieter moments of Blood Sweat & Tears. “Rolling Over” goes even further into the classic rock bin, where it resembles The Guess Who. Unfortunately much of the tracks lack a proper hook until the albums mid point, starting with the beautiful harmonies of “Wall Eyed Girl” which brings to mind classic Traffic and the terrific piano lead “Mrs. Lowe” builds to a very satisfying coda. The lyrics in “Sleep” showcase a depth that Reynolds writing has improved immensely. Another standout is “You Are What You See” where an acoustic guitar melody leads to rocking electric lead at the songs end. The jam-like qualities of “Who Do You Love” will win over some fans as well. But the album just doesn’t have the melodic consistency of the debut, even though the performance is a finely crafted effort. Fans of the classic 70’s rock sound will appreciate this, others will like the debut better.

My Space | Gary Reynolds website | CD Baby

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Mitch Friedman "Game Show Teeth"

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A famous clown recently said “Why so serious?” Singer-Songwriter Mitch Friedman teams with XTC to come up with a quirky and fun musical journey guaranteed to make you smile. Mitch is a long time follower/fan of XTC and the music will definitely appeal to you if you enjoy Andy Partridge. Andy and Dave Gregory contribute to this album as well. The opener “This is A Song” is a literal formula for how to make a great pop song (kids should pay attention here). The next song is even catchier, as “My Dumb Luck” is a  brilliant track that will remind some of the “Oranges & Lemons” era with witty sing song wordplay. Mr. Partridge provides jazzy guitar licks to “Little Masterpiece,” and Gregory contributes several guitars and bass to the hyper actively folky “The Man That Talked Too Much.” Even thought Colin Moulding doesn’t play on this album, his spirit is channelled in “Make Yourself At Home.” It’s also pretty obvious that Mitch spent a lot of time doing kids records, as “Blackout” and “She’s Dynamite” uses all sorts of frantic effects and goofy arrangements. Even “In The Know” uses a whiny vocals and songstress Anne D. Bernstein for sweet backing vocals to go all over the place a la “I am the Walrus”. A sure fire single “I Have Never Lied” has more than a touch of fellow Brooklyn quirk-rockers They Might Be Giants influence here. Additional support is also here from power pop princess Andrea Perry, R. Stevie Moore and Joe McGinty (Losers Lounge). Like the kitchy CD cover, this CD is full of simple joys. Sing along and repeat.

My Space | CDBaby

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Ness "You Can’t Afford To Feel"

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Another missed gem from 2008 that should not be neglected. I can’t say enough about Ness. An amazing masterpiece of a rock and roll. Ness takes it’s lead from 70’s classic rock and progressive pop sounds, but it combines the influences into a swirling mass of rock and pop sweetness. The opener “Where’s Guns?” floors you like a mix of The Posies and The Who full of hypnotizing riffs and harmonies. The follow up “I Intend” gets theatrical in a very Mick Ronson kind of way. Listen to it streaming and tell me you disagree. The track “Somewhere” sounds a lot like early seventies Yes, if you replaced Jon Anderson with Brian Wilson. This album manages to put layer upon layer of tracks, and “Weary By The Day” and the follow up “The Future Used To Be Cool” resembles a pop version of Genesis’ “Lamb Lies Down On Broadway.” This is the heart of the album, and it’s an amazing achievement (complete with organ solo fadeout). That would be enough, but the stellar “Losing Track (Of The Things I’ve Lost)” is another opus similar to Buffalo Springfield. “Petty White” is a Todd Rundgren meets Pet Sounds gem that compares well to Paul Steel’s “April & I” in technique. “Elena Margaret” is a fitting end ballad to the entire album. “Goin’ Home” is a jam that continues a general showcasing of instrumental prowess, with spoken band credits. This is one of the best progressive pop albums, I’ve heard in a long time.

My Space | CD Baby | Not Lame | The Ness Website

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Leave "On a Happy Note"

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This is the Chicago band Leave’s final album due the passing of lead singer and guitarist Mike Murphy. In a horrible act of fate, Murphy was killed by a hit and run driver. The band could’ve packed it in, but to their credit they soldiered on. On A Happy Note is a fitting tribute to his memory, with some excellent power pop that is styled like a combination of The Spongetones and The Riffbrokers. The opener “Hope It Doesn’t Come My Way” channels The Beatles with tight harmonies, driving rhythms and a delicious hook. The remaining tracks don’t drop in quality, and “Take The Easy Way Out” is another well crafted gem. The gentle ELO flavored ballad “Lovely Mess” is another mid-tempo beauty that will definitely get stuck in your head. “Again It’s Too Soon” could be considered a Cavern Club styled bit of rock heaven. Things settle down after that, with “Murph” exploring great lyrical depth on tacks like “On My Mind” trying to reassure his nervous girlfriend. His voice reminds me of a mellower version of Michael Stipe, and some tunes have a western pop flavor, like The Jayhawks or Rhett Miller. This comes through on “I’ll Get Mine” and the slow acoustic “Down The Line.” In fact the gorgeous title track is a bit eerie when he sings “- when time is at an end…” No duds or filler on this album, so it is highly recommended. May the legend of “Murph” continue in your ipod – get it today! 

My Space | CD Baby | Not Lame

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Mellow Drunk "One Thousand Lights"

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San Francisco native Leigh Gregory formed Mellow Drunk in late 1999, and the band has played off and on since then releasing this album on  Vollwert-Records (Germany) and comparisons to The Church and The Doves with a touch of Roger Waters are apt here. I was impressed with the energetic “Cut Me to Pieces.” The very Lou Reed like delivery of “From My Window” makes it a sweet highlight here. The epic “This is No Dream” is equal parts “The Wall” and “Under the Milky Way,” with chiming lush guitars that drive you to the main chorus. A perfect follow up here is “If Only I Could Change” with it’s long jangle intro and Leigh’s soft vocals. The resignation in “It’s Going To Be Alright” is full of long sweeping organ chords, as well as sober majesty and drum fills. The album tends to stay very somber and reflective, in other words – the moniker Mellow Drunk definitely fits here. Unfortunately, the energy and melody earlier in the album doesn’t return. “Everything and Nothing” and “Butterfly” seem to go on forever, like The Doors’ “The End” it becomes more of a chore to sit through. The songs don’t linger as well later in the album and although “Seeker” recalls The Psychedelic Furs with a bit more energy, it falls flat for me. Otherwise, the albums first half is top notch stuff that won’t disappoint pop fans.

My Space | Not Lame | Emusic | Itunes

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