To say Andrew Sandoval is prolific is the height of understatement. He’s recorded and toured with Dave Davies (of the Kinks) and produced reissues of classic baroque pop and rock artists from The Beach Boys to the Zombies and loads of bands in between. In 2005 he wrote THE book on The Monkees and is a DJ with weekly radio show called “Come To The Sunshine” on www.luxuriamusic.com. So how’s the music he does on his own? I compare him to a modern day Curt Boettcher, using light melody and multi-tracked harmonies that even makes a song titled “I Hate Your Guts” sound like a gentle love poem. Andrew is a baroque pop specialist and has a delicate touch to each song similar to Micheal Penn. A good mix of Beach Boys, Van Dyke Parks and Zombies are influences for Andrew’s own laid back California-styled ballads. “From Me To You” goes through several songs about the cycle of heartbreak (what else). A standout here is the Pet Sounds meets Everly Brothers tune “Something For You.” The lyrics are earnest, if sappy and “Something Warm” brings back memories of The Turtles best ballads. What else can I say? This is truly a perfect album “for a blue afternoon in your lonely room.”
Andrew’s Website | My Space | CD Baby | Not Lame
The Crayons are wondering “What’s Wrong With You?” – after all, you have here a really good power pop album with a gorgeous model on the cover, and you haven’t bought it yet? This second album from the Albany, NY group is produced by the Churchills, so the pedigree is in place and the music is tight pop rock tunes with an alternative edge. Opening with “God Hates Me” has a bit of Tonic meets Posies, a nice hook and ringing guitars to feed your ears. I have to say the the band’s website is of exceptional design and offers streaming tracks too. Mike Bolduc and Ron Haney blend the tight harmonies, dark lyrics and great musical craftsmanship together with ease. If you miss the Churchills or The Tories, The Crayons will fill your needs immediately. “Every Moment” flows along with handclaps and guitar bass beat that can’t be ignored. Even the ballads, like “Here and There” have that expansive rich quality that makes lyrics like “I’m alone/ but that doesn’t mean I don’t love you” feel sincere. The ballads like “By The Way” and “Maybe” reminds me a bit of the poppiest parts of Toad The Wet Sprocket’s hit singles. “Sliding” is also a highlight here, with perfect chorus and driving beat. No duds here. Just get this one if you missed it.