Tag: Edward O’Connell

Greg Pope and Edward O’Connell

powerpopaholic
Greg Pope

Greg Pope “Rise of the Mythical Creatures”

Greg Pope’s rich guitar sound is distinctive, and he journeys down a more traditional rock sound on this latest LP. “As You Love” reminds me of Matthew Sweet with its chugging guitar rhythm. Pope crafts rock opera-styled drama in under 3 minutes with “Words No One Can Say.”It’s as if Queen and Blue Oyster Cult are combined on “Smile, Nod and Slowly Back Away,” The songs are musically consistent with just enough hook to draw you in. “Savior of The Local Rock Scene” is another love letter to the golden age of Rock, with glammy riffs and energy.

While the immediacy isn’t as pronounced as in past works, Pope knows how to tell a good story. “Sorry I Wrote This Song” is about having your partner realize your songwriting cuts a little too close. “Traditions” bounces along, and is also very inviting. All the songs are good, but the standout to me is “Holding On To A Sunny Day,” a classic hook-filled melody shining with optimism. Overall very highly recommended.

Kool Kat Musik


JellyFox

Edward O’Connell “Feel Some Love”

Veteran musician Edward O’Connell returns with a new album 8 years after Vanishing Act. With a full studio band, and guest backing from vocalists Parthenon Huxley (The Orchestra), Thomas Walsh (Pugwash), and more, this proves to be a solid effort. “Golden Light” echos Tom Petty in style, and its solid hook carries you through the song effortlessly. The title track “Feel Some Love” and “Buddy Crocker” recalls mid-tempo Elvis Costello with their wry humor and bittersweet lyrics.

The album’s second half is more reflective, “As No One Once Said” is a compelling ballad, and another effective standout is the soulful pop “Who’s Watching Your Baby,” which shows parental worry with a bluesy guitar break. While the songs here are not as catchy, they keep the same “Costello meets Petty” style, and that’s better than most music out there. Definitely, music that deserves to be heard.

Kool Kat Musik | Amazon

Edward O’Connell and The Above

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Edward O’Connell “Vanishing Act”
Edward O’Connell was “Our Little Secret” back in 2010, and finally we get a follow up with similar results. A smart mix of influences: Tom Petty, Roger McGuinn, Bob Dylan, Warren Zevon and Elvis Costello. Now with a larger cast of supporting players (including P.Hux!) the sound is richer than before, and O’Connell hits his stride here. “My Dumb Luck” is an great opener, a contemporary guitar ear-worm that can live on “repeat.” Next, “Lonely Crowd” is a bit more subdued, but it sends a thoughtful message about his audience. “Every Precious Day” pumps up the jangle, making it a catchy single.

“What Have You Done?” is similar to Elvis Costello in structure, the chord and vocalization shifts makes it another highlight amongst many. “I’m The Man” is a country flavored song about a murderous wife. Like the debut, the musicianship is impeccable but its tough to keep the energy going (“Yesterday’s World”). Still, O’Connell manages to keep the sweetness on the slow tempo “Last To Leave” and put out a great finale “The End Of The Line.” Such effort does not get wasted, and it makes my top ten of 2014 best LP nominee list.

CD Baby | Amazon | Kool Kat Musik (with bonus disc)

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The Above “Waterbury Street”
It’s hard to find a more period accurate retro-rock band than The Above. Even more than the debut album, the band’s technical skill has increased and with the sophomore LP “Waterbury Street” you’d swear this is a lost rock band circa 1966-68. Lead singer David Alan Horowitz is patterned after Ray Davies and the music is a combination of pop, rock and blues most closely associated with The Kinks, The Who, The Animals and The Creation.

What makes the band standout is also the exceptional songwriting. “Coming Around” and “Do You Have Healthy Mind?” are both hip shaking perfection and even the song “The Prisoner” relates to the era (all about the 1967 British TV show). “Goons” is another gem sounding like The Who’s early mod hits. The R&B stomp of “Dog Without A Bone” keeps the variety going, and the Rickenbacker jangle of “Ordinary Life” is infectious. I couldn’t find a dud or ounce of filler here. Highly Recommended for sure!

Bandcamp