The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco and Dave Scarbrough

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The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco

The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco “Don’t Go Anywhere”

It’s way too lazy to simply say that Essex, UK musicians David Myers and Malcolm Moore are a Steely Dan cover band that’s outgrown their main influence. But The 1957 Tail-Fin Fiasco has that ’70s sophisticated, distinctive sound, and they drive that car along many roads here.

Starting the bouncy rocker “Reno’s Electric Stairs” it’s a catchy gem that adds a touch of jazzy organ behind the guitars. “Here All Week” is an impressive mantra that describes a transition from Miami to Vegas. The band takes a left turn into They Might Be Giants territory with the witty “J is for Genius.” Not a bit of filler and its unpredictable melodies (“Horses & Courses”) are matched with smooth Steely-style lounge production (“Best Bitters.”) The quirky arrangements and cheeky lyrics are similar to XTC or David Bowie. Originally a download only in 2021, this release is now on CD at Kool Kat Musik. Highly Recommended.

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Dave Scarbrough

Dave Scarbrough “Happy Ever After”

Newcomer from Sioux Falls, South Dakota Dave Scarbrough knows his power pop. His debut Happy Ever After hits the sweet spot right away on the rocker “Catherine.” He’s a power-pop fan with influences from The Raspberries and Cheap Trick, to The Cars and Squeeze. And collecting these gems is a true labor of love for the genre. But what Dave does is make these songs work, “Take My Hand” is a brilliant rocker, “Wachet Auf” has great melodic chord shifts and his vocal is both strong and sincere. The title track is just as strong, with a sticky rhythm, and builds the narrative carefully with layered strings full of emotion.

“As Far As I Know” bounces along with confidence similar to Elvis Costello, the album’s first half is so strong, that the ballad “The Coming Good” is when we coast a bit — but not for long.  The second half picks up with “Runaround” and the jangling “Hilary” and doesn’t let up. This is an album that needs to be heard and savored. Makes my top ten list for 2022, and the best debut I’ve heard this year so far. Don’t pass it by.

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June Singles, EPs and Freebies: Andrew Stonehome, The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club, Martha, Bill Sammon, Rebel Rousers, and She & Him

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June is here and it’s gonna be hot! We open with a new single from Andrew Stonehome (we reviewed his last single in October) and it’s awesome! The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club drops another single from its upcoming LP, and it’s got a sweaty rocker vibe, so turn up the volume on that. Durham, UK band Martha blows the doors off with the Weezer-like brilliance of “Please Don’t Take Me Back.” We need to calm down a bit after that with Omaha’s Bill Sammon. His laid-back “Story Songs” EP is a Western pop gem describing his youthful days. My faves here are the jangling “There Goes Another One” and “Silver Star.” And like last month, Rum Bar Records sampler is another freebie that has the best of their line-up. My favorite Miss Georgia Peach tune opens it up with “Jackson,” and speaking of covers She & Him (Zooey Deschanel and Matt Ward) beautifully do The Beach Boys’ “Darlin’.” Enjoy!






Seth Swirsky and The Mike Bell Cartell

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Seth Swirsky

Seth Swirsky “Songs From The Green Couch”

Seth Swirsky (The Red Button) is back after an extended absence, with a sketchbook of songs that describe both his moods and meanderings. “Sunny Day” opens this collection heavily influenced by late ’60s psych-pop, loaded with sweet guitar flourishes. Seth’s Beatlesque tendencies return with “I Don’t Wanna Lose You,” a solid single with a catchy chorus. Hearing “Cashmere Sweaters” is more baroque chamber pop, similar to The Left Banke, and the follow-up “Whatever Happened To…” adds a little sunshine pop with its layered harmonies.

Sometimes the influences feel a bit too thick, like on “Every Time” a Brian Wilson styled ode to the “green couch” as a security blanket. But most of the time, Seth takes an influence and turns it into something extraordinary, as on “Making It Up As We Go Along” a sweet Bee Gees styled ballad. Not everything hits the mark, but enough does — the most insightful being “New Painting,” a simple day-in-the-life that radiates hooks and happiness. The ballad “American Bar” is another terrific tune that dovetails perfectly into the opening track. Highly Recommended.

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The Mike Bell Cartell

The Mike Bell Cartell “The Cartell & I”

From Helsinki, Sweden comes the Mike Bell Cartell. The band accurately gives us a love letter to 1960s garage rock and pop. The band consists of Helsinki music veterans: Miikka Siira aka Mike Bell (Mike Bell & The Belltones), Pekka Laine (The Hypnomen), Ville Särmä (John’s Children), Samuel Abaijón (The Valkyrians), and Aapee Heinola (Hard Action). It starts with the fuzz guitar and perfect echoing vocals of “(I Can’t Live up to Your) Hallucinations” and fans of retro rock will be hooked immediately.

The jangling “Wait!” is part Hollies, part Byrds, and “Million Years” recalls The Animals. Also, check out “Shadow’s Gone” and “The Storm is Coming.” It’s all solid songwriting, skilled musicianship, and unabashed fun that will have you dancing like Austin Powers. Timeless music that’s highly recommended. It’s groovy, baby!

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Simon Love and Nick Piunti & The Complicated Men

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Simon Live

Simon Love & The Old Romantics  “Love, Sex and Death Etc”

Simon Love is a British singer-songwriter who deals out acerbic truths set to music. Starting with the wry “Me and You” and it’s a solid opener with a sweet hook, influences are clearly Nick Lowe, The Kinks, and Graham Parker. “I Will Dance” also reminds me of Elvis Costello, especially the lead guitar and it’s a true gem about celebrating an enemy’s death.

In fact, each song is a reference to love, sex, or death in the lyrics, the resigned “The Fuck Up” is also a lushly composed song that sports a quote of disdain by Labour Party alum Aneurin Bevan smack in the middle. Other notable tracks include “North Road,” the Bob Dylan-like “You’re On Your Own,” and the fun “I Love Everybody In The Whole Wide World (Except You).” Enough truth bombs here and it’s definitely music that deserves to be heard.

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Nick Piunti

Nick Piunti and The Complicated Men “Heart Inside Your Head”

Nick Piunti and The Complicated Men are back after the successful Downtime from 2020. The sound marries Nick’s Bryan Adams-like vocal and The Cars-like catchy synth and guitar combinations. It’s all totally original melodic gems and Nick’s skill that pulls it all together, and the title track effortlessly reminds us why he’s been one of the most frequent (and favorite) artists in my top ten lists over the years.

The opener “My Mind (Palys Tricks On Me)” is a gem that ends so quickly, that you’ll need to hit repeat. It feels like the band is going for a bigger stadium sound on “I Want Everything” and “Keys to Your Heart.” The power ballad of the latter is evident as Nick keeps your “Hopes Up,” and gently tells you “Nothing New.” Nick found his groove with Downtime, and here he treads the same ground. Occasionally there are bursts of insight on the excellent “One of The Boyz,” and “Slave To It” but overall it isn’t as sticky. However, this remains an excellent album and fans will gobble it up. Highly Recommended.

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EP Reviews and more: The Lickerish Quartet, Nezrok, Hoover and Martinez, Butterknife, Rumstock!

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The Lickerish Quartet “Threesome Vol. 3”

Ex-Jellyfish members (Roger Joseph Manning Jr., Eric Dover, and Tim Smith) finish the final piece of the triptych in Threesome Vol. 3.  And there will be a Japanese release of all three EPs with some bonus material for fans, but this volume is a bit sober compared to previous EPs. Opening with “Fortunately” has the signature harmonies and melodies, as it states “no one really goes to hell,” but looks to Roger’s “New Days,” for a lush, if not slightly psych-pop epic about hope in a new era. Fans of his solo work will recognize some passages, but “You All Alone” and “In The Meantime” feel more serious, slightly prog, and feel stuffed with anxiety. Musically, it’s the strongest volume and is highly recommended. Get it now on Amazon.

Nezrok “The Human Race”

Nezrok is Chris Korzen (his last name spelled backward) with a few helpers ( Fernando Perdomo and Chris DeAngelis) on this collection of smooth tunes.  Sounding a little like a combination of Todd Rundgren and Steely Dan, the title track is a solidly compelling composition with a classy guitar break. The Rundgren cover of “It Takes Two To Tango” is beautifully done, as with  “St Valentine’s Day Massacre” written shortly after the tragedy of the Parkland, FL high school mass shooting. The songs are both bittersweet and oozing soul. Highly Recommended.

Hoover and Martinez “The 3P”

The duo of Jamie Hoover (The Spongetones) and Christine Martinez. “The Scene of the Cryin’” is truly magic, co-written by Catesby Jones (co-writer of “Country Club” recorded by Travis Tritt). Christine’s honey vocals are out front on “Tequila,” a light country-pop ballad. Check it out.

Butterknife “Staring At The Ceiling”

Boston project that’s been 8 years in the making. This is a FREEBIE with several good songs. “Stagefright” starts with a nice instrumental, but keeps your attention with a catchy chorus. “If You Say So” is part Nirvana, part Big Star and “Broken Telecaster” is loaded with emo-energy.

Rumstock!

Another wonderful Rum Bar Records FREEBIE Compilation, but this promotes an evening concert in Somerville, MA on July 9, featuring The Dogmatics, Muck and the Mires, The Gypsy Moths, and The Shang Hi Los! Concert tickets are here