The Tomorrows "Jupiter Optimus Maximus"

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Members of The Roswells, one of the best Canadian pop bands ever, have formed this new group. This new release by The Tomorrows, follows the classic power pop template, with elements of Velvet Crush, Big Star, and Badfinger all come into play here. “Effortless Lee” is everything a fan could hope for in an opening single, with melodic jamming and swirling riffs that take the best of The Roswells sound and add the Beatles/Badfinger elements to the mix. “Love Is Dead” brings forth comparisons to Cheap Trick and The Rubinoos, with great chord changes and impressive backing harmonies. The title track is an expansive janglefest that recalls the past, but follows the band in a light mid-tempo mode about the largest temple in Rome. It follows with the gem “Don’t Worry About Me” complete with heavier guitars and smooth harmonies along the lines of Teenage Fanclub. The subject matter is also fresh, for example “Anime” is fanboy dream theme that sparkles with “You’ve got eyes so big, they’re scary pretty… I wanna be in Anime with you.” Every track here is excellent, without any filler to be found – although the ending six minute opus “Remember” drags into a wandering jam session. But there is enough rock and roll goodness here to have The Tomorrows earn my first nomination to the best of 2009 list! Kool Kat Musik is offering a bonus disc with this release which include live tracks and a Beatles tribute! Wink, wink, nudge, nudge – say no more!

My Space | CD Baby | Kool Kat Musik

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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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