El Goodo “Zombie”
Welsh pop band El Goodo (yes… named after the Big Star song, “Ballad Of El Goodo”) is back with a retro-styled album that definitely sounds familiar to grizzled music aficionados. Zombie contains many of the touchpoints of the late 60s era, with country/roots progressions and harmony-rich melodies.
The harmonies take over the opening ballad “Things Turn Around,” and “Home” is very much like a Mike Nesmith (Monkees) penned tune that bounces and jangles along. The vintage riffs of “I Can’t Leave” bring to mind the peak of The Beau Brummels. The country banjo, slide guitar twang, and harmonica keeps “Forever Casting Shadows” and “You Let Me Down” shuffling along despite the very dark lyrics. “The Grey Tower” is about being stuck at a job, working longs hours, and dreaming of getting home. It’s a solid narrative, and the wicked baseline brings to mind The Zombies. There is some lightness in the instrumental “Sounds Good To Me, Man” and the last song, “If The Coast Is Clear” is a bit like a Beatles-era Ringo song. Overall this is like a really good mixtape with some inventive techniques that prevent the songs from sounding too much like their influences.
Check it out.
Marshall Holland “Paper Airplane”
Marshall Holland returns after a 6-year break, and following his creative impulses, he created a response to the heartache of our current events. The catchy gem “When The Rain Comes” brings those classic pop sounds upfront (fans of The Left Banke will love it.) The acoustic “Hand Holds A Bird” brings an emotional resonance as a plea for love states “a ring on a finger speaks more than words.” The title track evokes the band America, as his double-tracked vocals float across the chorus. It’s brilliantly written, as well as the romantic harpsichord led “Look Into My Eyes.”
Looking at the pandemic through the sober “Waiting For That Peace & Love” contrasts with the guarded optimism of “Don’t Do It.” Elvis Costello is a significant influence on the pounding opener “Our Fate,” “She Buys A Dress” and the anti-Trump theme “Whatcha Gonna Do.” Some of these do require repeat listens, but they grow on you quickly. Marshall performs everything himself, and his musicianship is solid. Fans of Seth Swirsky, Ken Sharp, and Bread will soak this up. Highly Recommended.
