Richie Mayer “The Inn of Temporary Happiness”
During the 1980’s Chicago Power Pop bands like Pezband, Cheap Trick, and Shoes helped carve out their own niche, and Richie Mayer’s band Loose Lips, was there at the time, (even on TV!) but the well-regarded group only released a single EP. 40 years later Mayer is back, bursting with creativity on his own solo effort.
Loaded with solid production, influenced by The Cars and The Beatles primarily, it starts with “Dangerous Rythym,” a great guitar-based tune, layered with details and Mayer kind of sounds like Ric Ocasek here. Even better is the hook-filled “You Don’t Get Me High Anymore,” sure to get you playing air guitar and singing along. Highlights include the Beatlesque “Love Will Find A Way,” the gentle rocker “Come Back Caroline,” the rousing “Don’t Say Nothing,” the Jellyfish-like “She Is Why,” and many more.
The vocals Mayer delivers shifts with several songs, some sounding like a psychedelic pastiche in the same way Andrew Gold did with The Fraternal Order of The All, and others going in a more 80’s MOR sound. It demands multiple listens to appreciate the craftsmanship here. Not a bad thing and most songs do hit the bullseye. Highly Recommended.
Jim Trainor “Staring Down The Sun”
Idaho native Jim Trainor’s EP last year was impressive, but now his Nick Bertling produced full-length debut shows off a great opener in “Truth,” a heavy rock-pop gem that’s shows off Jim’s exceptional songwriting, and thick hooks. The follow-up “Heaven Descending” boasts a strong chorus, and it leads to the exceptional power ballad “Staring Down The Sun.” Jim develops another earworm for “Somewhere Before” and the “doo doo doo” lyric begs you to sing along with him.
As the music gets progressively lighter and/or mellower, the production is just as sweet. Added highlights include “All I’m Thinking About” and “Maybe I,” with a distinct Beatley flavor and the frenetic layered guitars of “Rewind.” There are more than enough gems here to make this a highly recommended pick.