Tag: Kurt Baker

Kurt Baker and Tommy Sistak

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Kurt Baker

Kurt Baker Combo “In Orbit”

Baker’s back with a new band; the Kurt Baker Combo (who Kurt formed during a tour in Spain) is Juancho Lopez on bass guitar, Jorge Colldan on guitar and backing vocals, and Sam Malakiam on drums. They signed up with Little Steven Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records and we’ve got liftoff.

In many ways it the same Kurt we know and love, the combo of power pop and pub rock on “Upside Down” and “Baby’s Gone Bad” are gems on par with past work. The energy level is still high, on the ’50s rhythm of “Rusty Nail” and bar room blues rock of “Count On Me.” A Cheap Trick-like riff sets up ”All For You,” and the refreshing Rickenbacker chords on “Ugly Way To Be” make both tunes a highlight. A cover of Devo’s ”Jerkin Back ‘N’ Forth” is also a nice change of pace. As with most of Kurt’s music it is highly recommended.

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The Nines

Tommy Sistak “A Good Hat Indeed”

A Good Hat Indeed is the follow up to the first album from Tommy Sistak, Short Songs. The same tradition of early Beatlesque melodies continues with the opener “Not About You,” with a driving riff opening up the multi-tracked harmonies. While its faithful to the source, the chorus of “Its There For You” is a catchy gem that would’ve hit big on AM radio playlists back in the mid ’60s.

The fab “You Can Have Your Way With Me” and “A Better Time” will appeal to Beatle fans, but I’m glad Tommy does vary the style slightly through the album. “If I Only Knew” is a charmer in the skiffle-beat tradition with ukulele and the washboard as primary instruments. “Sure Like Your Love” is a mid tempo ballad that keeps the mood upbeat, and overall while not every melody here hooks you there are enough gems to keep you satisfied.

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Kurt Baker and The Nines

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Kurt Baker

Kurt Baker “Play It Cool”

Proving to be one of the most productive artists today Kurt Baker is like the Energizer bunny (going and going) quickly moving from his collaboration with The Connection on The New Trocaderos, and he’s back with his favorite producer Wyatt Funderburk on a new high energy album.

It all starts with “Sends Me To Mars” setting a manic pace; its written by Kip Brown (The Wild Hearts) and it fits the Kurt/Connection/Trocaderos style like a glove. “Enough’s Enough” is more straight Kurt Baker style, catchy as hell and deserves multiple repeat listens. The tempo is still speeding when we get to “I Got You” and “Just A Little Bit.” Kurt’s restlessness comes through on his party theme “Monday Night.” The NFL may want to buy this one (my tip, Kurt)!

“Can’t Say No” is like a marriage between Elvis Costello and Green Day, and finally we get a slower (mid-tempo) love song on “Talk Is Talk” with a wonderful Beatlesque chord progression. “Back For Good” has what I hear as a Funderburk-influenced love song with yearning lyrics and a magical middle eight. There are a few songs that tread the same ground, but overall this is another home run for Kurt. Makes my top ten list (was there any doubt?) for 2015.

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The Nines “Night Surfer and the Cassette Kids”

The Nines are back with a rougher, tougher sound and the keyboard is no longer up front. Steve Eggers is still at the core of this Toronto band with the help of Bill Majoros (the Foreign Films). “It’s All in the Head” opens with deep garage rock riffs, and siren effects creating a rough car chase theme. “Just Another Party” has echoes of early XTC, Adam Ant, B-52s and the ’80s dance rock movement, and its great fun. Steve’s melodic composition skill comes out on “Never Take You For Granted” with it’s killer hook in the chorus.

The best impression is with the driving riff attack on “Wasted,” my favorite here – and very much a power pop classic. The tone slows a bit on “Sweet Tangerine” but picks up with the infectious “She Knows It’s Free,” again with the guitar riff in charge here. “Cathy” is another gem that is the best XTC song you never heard. Attempts to go darker, like on “Jimmy’s Girl” set a mood with descending riffs or synths, but don’t compare as well to the earlier tracks. Fans of early ’80’s sound will love it and its definitely highly recommended.

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Kurt Baker and The Persian Leaps

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Kurt Baker “Brand New B-Sides”

When Kurt and Wyatt Funderburk worked on Brand New Beat three years ago, they still had plenty of gems leftover to make a follow-up. Much like Kurt’s debut the songs here have the same sound and catchy energy. “Quit Dancing With My Girl” is another perfect amalgam of Elvis Costello and Nick Lowe that speeds along its melody line. Each track bounces along, highlights are all over this release, examples being “Emma Stone” and “What’s That Got To Do With Rock N’ Roll,” riff anthem that channels the Glam era, originally done by The New York Dolls.

The LPs second half shows some different approaches, like the rare slow tempo “Since You’ve Been On My Mind” and “I’ve Tried Everything.” There is even a cover of Nick Lowe’s “So It Goes.” Overall this isn’t as cohesive as the debut, but a little Kurt goes a long way. And it still ends up on my playlist. Highly Recommended.

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The Cherry Drops

The Persian Leaps “Drive Drive Delay” EP

After The Persian Leaps last review and I was told the band had a new EP coming out shortly, and now its here. Continuing their GBV-inspired power pop with the pyromaniac anthem “Fire Starter” and then “Pretty Boy” has some Bob Mould like fuzz guitar with an inspired call and response chorus.

“(Goodbye To) South Carolina” has a little more jangle, but the wall of fuzz sound occasionally drowns out the melody. My favorite highlight is “Permission”  a bit more like a modern rocker where the lead guitar line shares equal time with the lead vocal. Between the 2 EPs you have a pretty good full length, so give it a spin on your playlist.


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Kurt Baker and Research Turtles FREE download

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Kurt Baker “Band New Beat”
After the several winning EPs, including one a few months ago,  Kurt Baker (The Leftovers) now has his first full length album and as indicated its everything fans have hoped for. Baker has carved out a spot as one of the best young power pop artists in the genre, with his Elvis Costello meets Rooney styled delivery. Brand New Beat literally “Hit The Ground Running” with a fantastic hook and chorus that sticks in your head. Just as memorable is “Don’t Go Falling In Love,” as our lovelorn protagonist continues on his journey.

The guitar tempos are pretty fast paced and relentless, so its nice to get such a sweet ballad on “She’s Not Sorry” that reminds me a bit of Marc Bacino. Easy pick for one of this years best on my top ten list for 2012. Don’t miss it.

Research Turtles “Mankiller Part 2” EP
After a year long wait with Part One, The Research Turtles album  Mankiller finishes up and its available as a FREE download. It sounds a little like a band in transition, with new drummer, Chad Townsend, and keyboardist, Wesley Royer added. Singer Jud Norman gives “The Fancy” a shoegazer attitude full of dark tone that continues on “Break It Up.” The one bright pop song “Into You” has a terrific beat and chorus with smooth backing harmonies.Keep your eyes on this Louisiana band as they continue to impress.

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The Connection and Kurt Baker

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The Connection “Seven Nights To Rock” EP
Those boys from Portsmouth NH continue to burn through classic rock and roll with a little rockabilly bend here on the title track.  “I Think She Digs Me” is a simple retro rock tune that’s all about teen innocence, with it’s “yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah” chorus.  If you loved the debut album, then this will be a great addition to your track list.

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Kurt Baker “Want You Around” EP
Another young gun in power pop circles is Kurt Baker and he continues to impress with this EP, the title track cracks with energy and bouncing riffs – part Elvis Costello, part Paul Collins.

Kurt’s faithful cover of Billy Joel’s “Sleeping With the Television On” is so good my ears did a double take. The other tunes,”News At 10″ goes at very rapid tempo and the defiant “Hollywood (Down On Your Luck)” adds some angular guitar and synths. Say hello to the new “Angry Young Man” of melodic rock.

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