Tag: Paul McCann

Star Collector and Paul McCann

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Star Collector

Star Collector “Attack, Sustain, Decay​.​.​. Repeat”

Star Collector’s sixth album is likely the most well-rounded collection of songs by the Vancouver band. The opener “Feel It Comin’ On” stomps forward with its solid riffs, and the catchy “Beat It To Death” gives you “all that sass” as the tongue is planted firmly in cheek when it comes to pop cynicism. “Running Through The Rain” is a classic Who-meets-Bunnymen blast that sticks with you, and the hypnotic bass of “If We Can’t Take A Joke” and “Crashin” recalls Cheap Trick with a Canadian cowbell.

The band slows up for the ballad “Cross My Heart,” a heartbreaker about a broken marriage. Not everything works, as “Broken Butterflies” sounds like a mixed musical of clichés. The smooth “Nineteen Dream” seems to channel the best of the band; a minimal bass line and soulful verse that explodes into loud guitars and a bitter chorus. The band doesn’t stay in this sweet spot, but it’s pure magic when it does. Highly Recommended

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Paul McCann

Paul McCann “Alter Ego”

The death of a parent can be a deeply emotional and impactful experience for anyone, including musicians. Like Tamar Burke in 2022, Paul McCann documented his father’s unexpected passing and it inspired him to create music that reflects his feelings of loss, grief, and remembrance. He worked with a bevy of collaborators including Jason Falkner (Beck, Paul McCartney); Roger Joseph Manning Jr (Jellyfish); Charlotte Hatherley (Bat for Lashes); Gary Lucas (Jeff Buckley, Captain Beefheart), Sylvie Lewis, and others.

“World Keeps Turning Round” has strong horns over a pensive but soulful melody, and “Lost in this Moment” is a standout with a rich hopeful chorus amongst the churning guitar riffs. The early ’70s pop sheen of “All is fair (in Love and War)” channels Bacharach and The Carpenters with its sophisticated orchestration. At times McCann tries a bit too hard with rock epics (“Divide and Conquer,” “Call Off the Dogs”) but his soulful introspection on “Red River Run” and “Out of The Blue” are truly haunting. Some songs require repeat listens to catch all the details and nuance, but I just love the immediate hooks of “Something Has Changed.” Overall, very highly recommended.

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November Video Singles: Paul McCann, Key of Caustic, Ariel Bui, The Adam, Royal Sugar, BeatersBand

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So, sometimes record companies send me video singles to listen to, and I have tried to weed out the mundane and give you some insight into some good fresh new talent. Check these out. Let me know if you like them!


Paul McCann is back! Lost in the Moment is a power pop gem. Looking forward to this album.

Punk rockers Key of Caustic “Pretty Little Suicide” fun garage rock.

Ariel Bui has a very retro-feel on “Sixteen”

The Adam and his cool single “Cathy” has a great riff and hook. Not much of a video, but a good song!

Royal Sugar uses modern pop with some glam guitar riffs creeping around the background on “Fleeting Love”

The BeatersBand again has a retro feel, and it’s so damn catchy!

The Lemon Twigs and Paul McCann

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The Lemon Twigs

The Lemon Twigs “Go To School”

Long Island-based brothers Brian and Michael D’Addario decided that a rock musical would make a good sophomore album. It’s a bold move with a really weird storyline; about a chimpanzee, Shane, who is raised by frustrated performers “Bill and Carol” as he comes to terms with the obstacles of life.

It starts with the bombastic “Never In My Arms, Always In My Heart” overstuffed with piano, guitars, choirs and chiming bells. You definitely hear Todd Rundgren’s influence (circa 1973) all over this album, and he actually adds himself into the narrative as “Bill.” Todd contributes his vocals at points in the story (“Never Know.”) The finely written “The Student Becomes The Teacher” and “Rock Dreams” are wonderfully realized themes that explain the story perfectly. Other tunes satisfy the ear like “Small Victories,” the sweet “Wondering Ways” and “Lonely” are all very heartfelt. Also impressive was “Queen of My School” which feels pulled off Big Star’s third album, with Big Star’s Jody Stephens as a guest drummer!

For all the greatness I hear, the entire production drags in the second half and the Broadway musical elements feel more like a forced indulgence as “Born Wrong/Heart Song” is a good example. This album succeeds in small doses, so I would take time and sit through repeat listens. As a whole it’s overwrought, but it does push the message well. And it does just enough for me to make it Highly Recommended.

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Paul McCann

Paul McCann “Here Comes The Rapture”

We met Paul a few years ago with his solo EP, but now he’s delivered a full-length LP. The Irish singer-songwriter plays all his own instruments and knows a good hook or two. He starts with a re-do of his older single “Keep The Devil Within,” and it remains a catchy gem, with its killer chorus. The follow-ups are also impressive with “Its Only A Fantasy” and “Miss Self Depreciating” hitting all the right buttons and hooks. The production here is thick and glossy which works for most of this style of power pop.

After that, it’s a mixed bag. Paul does well with twangy guitar licks and solos like on “The Magician,” but the ballads that follow aren’t as compelling. Fortunately, that doesn’t pull the album off the rails. The title track is a stadium-sized rocker, and the compelling “Charge” has multi-tracked vocals, an ELO-styled string accompaniment, and a wicked guitar break. The final track “Blinded By The Dark” was the most intriguing with some nice vocal work and acoustic rhythms. A strong album that deserves to be to be Highly Recommended.

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