Ryan Hamilton “Haunted By The Holy Ghost”
Ryan Hamilton was a bit of a nervous wreck with the release of his latest album, based on his social media. Originally scheduled for March, it was a little late. He need not worry, as this release is amazing. Based on his experiences growing up in an extremely conservative religious household, Haunted By The Holy Ghost doesn’t pull any punches. Start with the opener “Asshole” a confession to all those one-night stands he bedded, but the title track is a perfect modern power pop song. It’s all about accepting religious guilt with a catchy sing-along chorus.
The positive vibes of “Overdose” and “Paper Planes” really deliver the hooks. Both songs boast catchy melodies that Ryan effortlessly puts out, all he needs is a “moment and a microphone.” With his songs, Ryan adds more of his personal anxieties about romance in the slow-burning “Broke My Heart, Fixed My Vision” and “Absence Of Love.” The sequence of songs tells a common story of regret for being that “Asshole,” but it’s not really redemption — it’s more “Yeah, Whatever.” It loses a little direction towards the end as “Sad Bastard Song” recognizes that bitterness stays with you long after a breakup. Overall this is a fantastic album, and hopefully, others will recognize this. Makes my top ten for the 2023 list and is Highly Recommended.
Bennett Wilson Poole “I Saw A Star Behind Your Eyes, Don’t Let It Die Away”
The veteran rock trio of Robin Bennett (Dreaming Spires, St Etienne), Danny George Wilson (Grand Drive, Danny & The Champions Of The World), and Tony Poole (Starry Eyed & Laughing) are back. Where their debut record was very much like a Crosby Still Nash-styled, mellow California folk pop, this new album is even more hippy-dippy. The Byrdsian jangle is in full swing with the catchy “I Saw Love” with its solid three-part harmonies. Not unlike The Travel Wilburys, with an emphasis on late-era Beatles psychedelia.
These guys each take a verse on the George Harrison-like “Waiting for the Wave to Break,” and the smooth “I Want To Love You (But I Can’t Right Now)” is a soulful recall of glory days. Other highlights include “Ready To Serve,” and the gentle “Heart Songs.” While it meanders through the latter tracks, there is enough here to make this Highly Recommended.
