Tag: Cavetown

David Mead and Cavetown

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David Mead

David Mead “Cobra Pumps”

After a long run of great albums, David took some time off after the 2011 LP Dudes. He is back, with a new album that he’s been heavily promoting on social media. Mead expands his stylistic skills all over Cobra Pumps, by sticking with an electric guitar compared to past elaborate productions. The opener “Bedtime Story” is a wonderful tune about domestic life and where it can take you.”The Business” has a neat hook and a jangle that keeps things moving. “She Walks Like A Grown Woman” is another big highlight, an in-your-face theme about female empowerment.

The jazzy tones of Mead are still here with “Head On Straight” and “Poster Child.” The 80’s vibe of “Big Balls” is something that feels a little out of place, but it’s still a good tune. And the classical influences are still what resonate on “Hopalong.” Overall there is plenty of variety here, so pick this one up. Highly Recommended.

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Cavetown

Cavetown “Dear.” EP and more

Cambridge-based artist Robin Skinner (aka Cavetown) is a making a serious run of great music in the tradition of Elliot Smith and Nick Drake. After 2017’s Lemon Boy Robin has embarked on a series of EPs and singles that focus on teenage isolation and depression. They are sparsely composed, with guitar and the occasional backing female vocal. Dear. was produced last year, with the somber “Just Add Water” and “Talk To Me” has a simple charm that stays with you.

Even more impressive is Robin’s songwriting skills continue to grow with his new “Animal Kingdom” series of singles. “Boys Will Be Bugs” and “Juliet” is all about being the pain of being an outcast. Hopefully, he gets more exposure as this stuff is too good to ignore. Highly Recommended.

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Altered Sweet and Cavetown

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Matthew Sweet Tribute

Various Artists “Altered Sweet: A Tribute To Matthew Sweet ”

If there is one thing I know, Futureman records know how to do great tribute albums, and like the Sloan tribute from two years ago, this one is even better. Matthew Sweet has been one of the best examples of an artist who contributes to the genre with his tributes to his influences through the Under The Covers series with Susanna Hoffs. And it’s fitting to finally have other artists honor his influence. Overall, the guest artist list reads like a festival line-up for IPO or Power Popaholic Fest, so the cream of the power pop crop is playing here.

Sweet’s psychedelic jangle suits the lovely Lisa Mychols just fine on the opener “Looking At The Sun,” and the faithful approach works well for Andy Reed on “Where You Get Love,” The Well Wishers “All Over My Head,” and Greg Pope’s “Not When I Need It.” But for me, it was tough to pick out standouts because everyone does such a great job with the songs. Some touches are subtle, like Chris Richards & The Subtractions “Someone To Pull The Trigger” adds a bit of sadness that’s missing in the original or Simple Friend’s acoustic folk version of “Sick Of Myself.” Even the man behind this comp, Keith Klingensmith hits it out of the park on “You Don’t Love Me”

To some, this will be a great introduction to Sweet’s musical genius — hopefully, it spreads the love to fans who enjoy great rock and roll. One of the best tribute albums of 2018 so far.


Cavetown

Cavetown “Lemon Boy”

Cavetown is the brainchild of young UK musician Robin Skinner, and his latest Lemon Boy is essentially a soundtrack that would be perfect for a Wes Anderson flick. Done in DIY acoustic style, its like chamber folk-pop with an emphasis on the emotional and quirky lyrics.

The title track has a flowing easygoing chorus full of obscure references. “Green” is a look back on a lost love, and most of the songs are simple but intimate love-lorn ballads. Standouts include “It’s U,” “Poison,” and “10 Feet Tall.” Robin’s skill in composition and sound mixing is commendable with simple ukulele and double-tracked vocals. Give it chance.

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