Here is a lost classic for sure. Years ago, I discovered that the super sweet baroque pop of The Critters on Rhino’s “Nuggets” compilation. The song, “Mr. Dieingly Sad” was written by group member Don Ciccone and featured a beautiful melody and some great harmony vocals and unlike most of the garage sounding items from other Nugget bands, this basically makes The Association sound like MC5. The Critters hailed from Westwood, New Jersey, and in 1966 they had their first hit (for the Kapp label) with a cover of the Lovin’ Spoonful’s ‘Younger Girl’. They hit again with ‘Mr. Dieingly Sad’ the next year, and following the departure of vocalist/songwriter Don Ciccone, they recorded a final album and vanished. Ciccone went on to perform with Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, playing a key role (on guitar and vocals) in their 1970’s comeback.
The Attorneys "Stereocracy"
Hailing from Brooklyn, The Attorneys are a talented trio poised for stardom with their energetic and engaging debut. In fact the My Space page indicates that they will change their name (good move). The band’s sound owes alot to The Strokes and Queen, with meaty guitar leads and singer William Ryan George’s very Freddie Mercury styled vocals. The album “Stereocracy” opens with the frenetic energy of “On a Whim” complete with bouncy piano and high powered guitar riffs. This is followed by “Open Up” – a great bass line that leads to a Scissor Sisters meets Maroon Five mix. Followed by the excellent “Poppies” – with it’s trippy falsettos. Another standout is “The Way I Want” which is a Cars-styled New Wave Do Wop tune with fast paced guitar breaks. The best song here is “Stay” with one tight sounding melodic hook after another that should propel them to the top. Fans of Weezer also take note, these guys really deserve to be on your playlist as well because it’s great modern power pop. Lyrically, the band channels Wings-era Paul McCartney on ocassion. “Anytime” is a breathy ballad that really brings the Freddie comparisons front and center. Get this CD and you will not be dissapointed.
The Attorneys | My Space | CD Baby | Itunes
Elmer Fudd "Fool on The Hill"
I wanted to do something a little wacky today. So I’m adding this novelty song for you to listen to. Enjoy it! Originally done by “Little Roger and The Goosebumps” it made me chuckle.
Listen to “Fool on The Hill”
I also wanted to also take time to thank the artists who have contacted me about reviews and who continue to struggle in this business. The bands here all work hard and deserve your $$ if you enjoy the music. As the original Gonzo journalist, Hunter S. Thompson said “The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs.”
Buddy Love "Buddy Love and More! Buddy Love"
This is a classic old school eighties power pop group for you. Doug Khazzam and his group Buddy Love are true veterans of the skinny tie era. With a local single hit “Sheila/Party Girl” as a springboard they played the local clubs. At some point leader singer Joey, left the band and they carried on with 2 albums. With different band members over the years, it has managed to keep it’s signature sound. 26 years later, Joey returned and the band is playing live once again and released “Now and Then”. Best described as a mix of The Knack meets early Elvis Costello, I listened to all three Buddy Love albums and each one has something to offer it’s listeners.
“Buddy Love” starts out with Gary Glitter’s “Rock & Roll” and rolls off some adequate guitar pop, but things improve by mid album with “Ticket to your Heart.” Out of nowhere, a rockabilly tune “Who slapped John (Lennon)?” is next and it really belongs on a Stray Cats album. Another standout track here is the mid-tempo “I Just Want to Hold You” which has some of that classic Elvis Costello vibe. “Wild Angel” ends the album with some nice chord progressions and guitar work.
“More! Buddy Love” opens with a great single “Something in My Eye” and the rest of the album has a similar sound, but much improved guitar acrobatics and song writing. There is a hint of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the vocal structures of songs like “He’s Back in Town” and “Love is a Martial Art.” Most of the songs are on par with groups of the era, 20/20 and The Records. Things here are all kicked up a notch with the energetic “Teaser” and “Liar” and they manage to cover The Knickerbockers’ “Lies” without evoking The Beatles at all!
A future post will review “Now and Then” – but keep in mind this album contains the original singles “Sheila” and “Party Girl” plus the latest tunes from the group. Each CD is handcrafted by Rockville Records and you can get it from The Buddy Love website. Lovers of eighties power pop Buddy Love has arrived!
Buddy Love Homepage | My Space
Here’s a bit of a documentary on Buddy Love
Listen to “Party Girl” circa 198os
NY Power Pop 2nd Annual 5 for 5 at The Baggot Inn
It’s not IPO – but close enough and a great value for fans of power pop music. Five bands for five dollars! All at The Baggot Inn on December 15th at 9:00pm. Bands expected to attend are:
- 9 PM Eytan Mirsky
- 10 PM Jon Caspi Band
- 11 PM Andy Mac
- 12 mid The Anderson Council
- 1 AM The Brand
This is a welcome sequel to the IPO festival that was earlier in November. As related event – one of the big hits the night I was there was Buddy Love. They are returning to The Baggot Inn on December 29. These are great opportunities to see some great NY bands at a real bargain.