Tag: Matthew Logan Vasquez

Ransom and the Subset and Matthew Logan Vasquez

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Ransom and the Subset

Ransom and the Subset “Perfect Crimes”

Seattle singer-songwriter RanDair Porter carefully curated Ransom and the Subset’s sophomore album. Back in 2014, when I heard the debut No Time To Lose it proved Porter’s talent, but with Perfect Crimes, he’s brought a more consistent sound across the 10 tracks. That glossy flawless production makes this a great headphones album, as it straddles the line between sophisticated adult-oriented pop and power pop. A bevy of guest stars behind Porter includes Roger Joseph Manning Jr., Darian Sahanaja, Jim Babjak, Kurt Reil, and Ducky Carlisle to name a few.

The opener “Perfect Crime” is irresistibly catchy with its guitar riffs rhythmically bouncing across a chorus of “bada-ba” harmonies. “Sara Kandi” is a seamless follow-up, about infatuation with a young girl he just met. “Left Her at the Shinkansen” is a Japan-based tableau at the famous bullet train. Once we get to “One Last Thing (Leaving)” its mellow vibe recalls the recent The Pearlfishers with its smooth tones and orchestral composition. The guitar riffs return with “Should Have Said Nothing At All” loaded with great backing harmonies. The ender “Fast Car” has a bit of Elvis Costello in its DNA. While the most memorable music and standout hooks occur in the album’s first half, the remaining songs are just as meticulously constructed. This is a terrific album that is without a doubt a contender for my top ten list for 2023. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Matthew Logan Vasquez

Matthew Logan Vasquez “As All Get Out”

Matthew has been the frontman for heartland indie rockers Delta Spirit, he draws from a huge collection of influences, including Gram Parsons, Kurt Cobain, Neil Young, and Iggy Pop. The album’s approach is a potpourri of roots rock to slow jams. After the rhythmic percussive opener “Untouchable” it kicks the doors out on the catchy “Over It” a hook-filled rocker that sticks fast with its punk edge.

It then settles into a groove with “Odysseus” with its spiritual mantra “always coming home but never going home.” The anthemic “Long Line of Lovers” has a great Beatlesque bass line buried in the chorus and it’s likely the standout track here. The 12-string strums and jangle of “Shawna” and “Recognize” are flowing streams of Matthew’s lyrics that feel like a modern-day Donovan. And before you know it the pounding rocker “Can You Turn Me Up” shows up. While it zig-zags all over the place, the songs are quite good. Highly Recommended.

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Ray Paul and Matthew Logan Vasquez

powerpopaholic
Ray Paul

Ray Paul “Bloody Rubbish”

After a successful album a few years ago with Whimsicality, Ray Paul gives us more “greatest hits” with Bloody Rubbish. Ray has always been a McCartney disciple and his music is tailor-made for anyone who enjoys Beatlesque power pop.  The album features three previously unreleased tracks (two of which are live recordings by the current Ray Paul & RPM band recorded in 2017) and one studio track from 1977, along with remastered A & B sides of his early singles, which are prime cuts of Mersey Beat magic.

The familiar “I Need Your Love Tonight” rings out akin to a Raspberries hit, and the “Hold It” has instrumentation and style along the lines of Badfinger. “Love Me” was made in the early 70’s McCartney solo style, and the live concert tracks with his band RPM showcase the great energy here. I loved most everything here, all ten tracks represent rock and roll at its best. Remastered, and absolutely highly recommended.

Kool Kat Musik | Amazon

Matthew Logan Vasquez

Matthew Logan Vasquez “Light’n Up”

Frontman for indie rockers Delta Spirit, Matthew Logan Vasquez’s solo work is creative, with both fiery delivery and a tight sound. He draws from a diverse well of influences, from Gram Parsons to Kurt Cobain. Starting with the intimate folk ballad “Ballad In My Bed,” its provocative lyrics invite you in. Then he cranks up the energy level on “Trailer Park,” rocking like a Texas version of Bruce Springsteen. Following that, the noise rock “Vacation” is very much like Delta Spirit, but then he goes to the Nillson-like piano ballad on “I Love My Boy.”

The best marriage of these two approaches is “Ghostwriters,” a perfect power pop gem. Unfortunately, Matthew is having too much fun to stay the course. The 90’s dance-pop of “Ball Pit” feels pulled straight outta Prince’s vault. Vasquez has the talent and sound to do great things, all he needs is focus to create that greatness. Still, its a highly enjoyable album that deserves to be heard.

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