Tag: Paul Bertolino

Richard and The Young Lions, Laissez Fairs, Paul Bertolino

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Nick Frater  Nick Frater

Richard and The Young Lions “Vol 1 & 2”

This cult garage rock combo out of Newark, NJ has long been a hidden gem amongst those late 1960’s bands and in 1998, it was included on the box set version of the definitive ’60s garage-rock compilation Nuggets. In 1966, lead singer Richard Tepp had a chance encounter with producer Bob Crewe (The Four Seasons) who’s studio helped create the hit “Open Up Your Door.” Unfortunately, the band disappeared after a few singles. They had a reunion in 2000, a fan in Steven Van Zandt, and he helped create this definitive collection with Wicked Cool Records.

What we have is a great collection of garage music in the mold of The Animals and Paul Revere and The Raiders. Highlights include “Hurt By Love,” “Nasty,” “You Can Make It,” “You Make Me Lonely,” and “Sick And Tired.” The remastered sound is crisp and the recent cuts blend in seamlessly with the ’60s originals. Not everything sticks, but between both volumes, there is plenty of great music to enjoy.

Amazon (Vol. 1) | Amazon Vol.2 | Kool Kat Musik (Vol.1) | Kool Kat Musik (Vol.2)


The Laissez Fairs

The Laissez Fairs “Marigold”

Las Vegas Psych poppers The Laissez Fairs return with this new LP on Rum Bar Records, and they perfectly recreate the shimmering apex of ’60s psychedelia. The opener “Long Grow The Marigolds” is flush with layered fuzz guitars and Farfisa organ, and it sets the tone. The standout “Phantom Stranger” has a sweet catchy rhythm as it jangles along, and the ballad “My Thursday” Girl” is like early Bowie meets Brian Jones.

The band’s general approach reminds me more of The Stones (especially on “Redundant Beach”) than The Lemon Pipers. Although some modern techniques filter through the rose-colored lenses, the music is consistently good across 16 trip inducing tracks. Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik


Paul Bertolino

Paul Bertolino “Poseur”

Bertolino has a distinct love for the early 1970s sound and production technique. The opener “On The Downslide” emulates Terry Kath-era Chicago with its horn blasts and bass funky beat. “Parade” is another strong vocal by Paul and great use of harmonies. He impresses for the piano ballad “Ghosted” using a falsetto almost like Barry Gibb, and it grows to a neat guitar solo at the coda.

While the melodies miss out on those hooks occasionally, Paul’s use of saxophone, flute, and R&B elements make “All The Way To Chicago” another winner, and “Tap Out” boasts a spirited guitar floating alongside the Matthew Sweet-like vocal approach. The last track “The Antidote” is another gem where he weaves together flowing vocals, rhythms, and instrumentals beautifully. Overall its the most sophisticated and polished set of music Paul’s done. Highly Recommended.

Amazon

Propeller and Paul Bertolino

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Propeller

Propeller “Don’t Ever Let This Let You Down”

Propeller (the duo of Greg Randall and Will Anderson) have been consistently producing an album each year since 2013. And each album gets measurably better, with Don’t Ever Let This Let You Down being the best one so far. The opening jangle and steady beat of “Summer Arrives” is matched by the duo’s understated harmonies. The compositions are influenced by Teenage Fanclub, The Replacements, REM and others. “Lose My Way” is another catchy tune with hand claps and a swaying guitar floating above the melody.

The songs are highly accessible, including the energetic “Girl Gone” with a distorted rhythmic riff chorus and strong hooks. No filler here, and certain tracks opt for a heavier Westerberg styled vocal with guitar flourishes, like on “Days Collide.” Even the 4-minute closer “Something Blue” manages to enthrall. Never boring and highly recommended.

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Paul Bertolino

Paul Bertolino “Toy Box”

It’s been a few years since we heard Mr. Bertolino but he’s back to kick ass on his latest 13 track album. Paul starts with a 70’s pop framework but isn’t bound by the period, layering different instruments and sounds when building each song. “Don’t Be So Sure” and “Inaccuweather” are distinctively Paul, with minor chords and rock guitar melody that suddenly shifts to a sad jazz saxophone at the end.

The melodic pop shifts are fast and require multiple listens to appreciate, like on “Super Sam” or “Thick As Thieves.” In a rare break, Paul rocks heavier on “Typical Girl,” but mostly keeps to dramatic pop like on “Sun House In Malibu” that showcases his vocal range and some light horns. While the narratives are soulful, they don’t always have a big hook. Some highlights include “Give Rest To My Mind” and “Face Among The Proud.” Definitely, give this album a look and you will find several favorites.

Amazon

Paul Bertolino and Boice

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Paul Bertolino “Where The Buildings Hit The Sky”
Paul is a behind-the-scenes musician’s musician from Berkeley, CA and a skilled singer songwriter that will appeal to fans of Eric Matthews, Elliot Smith and Ben Wilkins. The 70’s styled opener and title track is certainly impressive with rich horns and bass riffs supporting the melody.

Lovers of gentle baroque pop along the lines of Burt Bacharach and Van Dyke Parks will flip for “Union Square.” Paul mixes some psyche-pop guitar and harmonies on the wonderful chorus of “The Green Bridge.” More gems include the snappy “See Me Now” with its lyrical love of New York City, and the sunny “Clinton Hill.” Retro pop fans rejoice! The release is through Bandcamp only.

Boice “How To Be An Adult”
Boice is certainly not your average power pop act, as African Americans rarely enter this genre. Brooklyn based Boice-Terrel Allen balances his influences (McCartney, Costello, Morrisey) with considerable skill on his opener “Itchy Boyz.” His lack of vocal range on “(That’s) The Sound” is made up by solid melody, skillful harmonies and song composition.

“Everybody Loves A Comeback” almost reminds me of Stew & The Negro Problem with dark narratives, and a twisted melody line.  At 15 tracks in total, it’s hit and miss – with most of the good stuff early on. And despite the racy BDSM cover image, this album is quite tame. The songs become progressively more “easy listening” on the deeper tracks, with some variety in the 50’s style mid-tempo “Wake Up! (Here’s The Part)” and the inspirational pep talk “Anchor Song (For Mary).”

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