Tag: Jeff Litman

Sloan and Jeff Litman

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Sloan

Sloan “12”

“There’s only so much time we can kill here” states Chris Murphy on the opening track “Spin Our Wheels,” from the band’s 12th album. Sloan is without question the most consistent and longest lasting power pop band with its original line-up (27 years!) It’s easy to take for granted just how good Sloan is, as the melodies, harmonies and hooks always deliver. Like 2014’s Commonwealth, each member contributes a few songs to what is a “normal” sized Sloan album.

Murphy’s “All of The Voices” has a simple melody line and sounds a little like a power pop version of Nirvana. “Right to Roam” is a jangle-pop gem, that’s more traditionally Sloan-like. Guitarist Patrick Pentland’s “The Day Will Be Mine” boasts those thick riffs and rising chords, as the chugging “Essential Services” breaks things up with a 10cc styled piano and harmonies about the relationship between themselves and the fans. More greatness is found on the rocking “Don’t Stop (If It Feels Good Do It)” and it keeps getting better with “Have Faith.” No real dull songs and the album has a positive vibe mostly, and an epic slow moving finish; “44 Teenagers.” Like most Sloan albums I’ve reviewed, this hits my top ten list for 2018. Highly Recommended (well, DUH).

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Jeff Litman

Jeff Litman “Crowded Hour” EP

NYC indie musician Jeff Litman is back and he’s going in a different direction. The opener “One Foot Forward” is an aching ballad with simple electro-beat that grows with the addition of Andi Rae Healy’s vocals to become a strong affirmation. “Only You” is closer to the Jeff we are familiar with but after that, it’s all atmospheric soul searching. It works best on the title track, where a strong melody, lyrics and echoing production deliver greatness. Fans of early-’80s Peter Gabriel and Joe Jackson will enjoy this one.

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EPs and Singles: Radio Days, Everet Almond, Jeff Litman, Death of Pop

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Italian power pop band Radio Days has a new 4 song EP as the band stretches its wings into a punkier sound on “Time Is Over,” and the ballad “Sometimes” recalls early John Lennon solo. A jangling romantic version of The Ramones “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend” is cool and we end off with the surf guitars of  “El Delfin Y El Varano.” Get it on Amazon.

Everet Almond is back with his third EP, the opening glam guitar and simple lyrics sound like a mix of Marc Bolan and McCartney. The jangling melody of  “Be Where You Are” and “Right Kind of Lover” are terrific songs. I think Everet is ready to release a full-length LP at this point.

Jeff Litman has a FREE download for you with his “Next Affair,” as he mixes the styles of Prince and Elvis Costello, and it is a unique sounding single. Check it out.

The Death of Pop has a new EP out called “Heads West.” The song “700 Spas” has a good contrasting combo of furious percussion, synth, and airy light vocals. It’s short and sweet. Fans of Sparks will love this one.

Get it on Amazon

Secret Friend and Jeff Litman

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Secret Friend “Sleeper”

Secret Friend is the nom de plume of Thailand-based songwriter and recording artist Steven Fox. His music has been impressive before, but here he’s inspired by his native Thailand and the Peruvian rain forests to create a transcendental concept album. A virtual who’s who of power pop greatness contribute vocals to this album. “Blue Sky” is a pastoral dream with Kelly Jones crystalline vocal drawing you in, and its bass synths contrasting with the atmospheric dance rhythms. The experimental percussive effects highlights “Something’s Happening” with Linus of Hollywood effortlessly channeling Glenn Tilbrook and Stevie Wonder.

The lyrics are simple, often repeating and concentrate more on rhythmic patterns than melody. “Anyday Now” has some neat electronica mixed with a strumming guitar as Steve Eggers (The Nines) sings along. “I Don’t Know You” sung by Wyatt Funderburk, is a soothing synth melody similar to ELO in parts, but it too veers off into dreamland. Willie Wisely is given the most vocal duties on a trio of songs, notably “And Ever” with its ethereal vibe. Another standout is “Nobody Listens” sung by Bradley Dean Whyte it slowly builds layer by layer to its catchy chorus. And Steven does contribute a few of his instrumentals in the mix. Unlike straight pop, the songs continue well past the 4 minute mark, and have elements of prog rock, electronica and world music mixed in. One of the most magical albums I’ve heard this year so far, so it is highly recommend.

Get it on Bandcamp.


Jeff Litman

Jeff Litman “Primetime” EP

Its been ten years and Jeff Litman’s transformation from fresh face to street-worn music veteran is near complete with his latest EP. “That’s On You” starts with a ’80s piano that becomes a wicked melody that builds to the swaggering chorus, like if Hall and Oats were played by Elvis Costello. “Debutante” follows that with the same vibe, with a catchy guitar riff driving the song about the cynical cycle of the celebrity musician.

“Nothing” is a lighter mid-tempo composition reminding you not to sweat the small stuff and the bouncy title track once again brings to mind Mr. Costello. The mood changes on the last two tracks, but the epic “Don’t Slow Down” feels like the most personal statement Jeff’s made since his debut. Overall this tight EP boasts no filler and its all killer. Highly Recommended.

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Jeff Litman and Smalltown Poets

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Jeff Litman’s Christmas cover of a Beach Boys classic is perfect for a quiet Christmas eve night with a warm beverage in your hand. In addition, Jeff’s got a very cool NEW single out for “name-your-price.”  You can even send this single as a gift. Check it out!  

The Smalltown Poets had a really brilliant Christmas album last year. These guys know their way around a three part harmonies or two. This time the new album is Under The New Sun and if you buy The Smalltown Poets Christmas on Bandcamp it comes included for FREE.