Tag: Roger J. Manning

Diamond Hands and Roger Joseph Manning, Jr.

powerpopaholic
Diamond Hands

Diamond Hands “Cookie”

The duo of Jon Flynn and Joel Wall returns for a very different follow-up to 2021’s Thank You.  The band has taken a slightly different direction, as “I Want You” opens with a tropical, almost Sugar Ray-like tune and the surf guitar washes over you like a day at the beach. “Won’t Go Down” features bursts of post-punk guitar, and then “Fruit Trees” jangles along to a catchy melody (and my favorite tune here).

The album takes plenty of chances stylistically, with the dream pop of “Open Your Eyes,” the mid-tempo “Don’t Wanna Start Again” with its elegant strings, and “Take You Home” echoing Marc Bolan’s breathy vocals. My only pet peeve is that there isn’t a song in the second half that stands out among the pack. This seems more like a transitional album, but it’s still a good one. It’s music that deserves to be heard.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Roger Joesph Manning, Jr.

Roger Joesph Manning, Jr. “Radio Daze & Glamping”

Rather than release a new EP, Roger added four new tracks to 2018’s independently released Glamping and included eight bonus tracks with live and instrumental songs. The new material is good. Opening with the piano bounce of “I Feel Good, Bad, Fine” sets the mood nicely with a touch of boogie. “Rockin’ It Our Way” is the Jellyfish-styled rock fans have come to expect from him, with soaring chords and harmonies. “I’m Starting A Band” and “On Our Way To The Moon” have Roger looking back on his career a bit with his impressive falsetto. “We’re so in demand,” he sings in the former. While very good, these songs are stretched out past the five-minute mark and aren’t that sticky.

I previously reviewed the other songs, and the live tracks are nicely done. If you are a completist or you never bought the previous EP, then I’d pick this one up. Roger remains one of the most sought-after musician-producers in the business, and this LP proves he hasn’t lost any spring in that step. Fans should also not forget his great work with The Lickerish Quartet. And hopefully, more new music is on its way.

Amazon

Odds, Ends, and Reissues: Nick Frater, Spiraling, The Orange Peels, Roger J. Manning Jr.

powerpopaholic

If you thought 2nd Grade’s songs were a bit too long, Nick Frater has the solution for the ADD music fan. 59 songs all under a minute! I have to admit, the first two hooked me right away, “Intro” and “Say It’s Alright” are stunning Beach Boys recreations. Not everything is that good, but some have little clues to the influence; like “Another Nod To Todd.” Irresistible!

New to me (maybe to you) is this 2003 release from New Jersey musician Tom Brislin. Spiraling is a mix of many pop styles, but what stood out to me is the piano tune “The Girl On Top (of the Piano)” which is as catchy as anything Ben Folds has ever done. An overlooked gem, re-issued on bandcamp.  Get it on Amazon
Hard to believe it all started in 1997 for Allen Clapp. The Orange Peels “Square” is a timeless classic, that still sounds fresh today. This new re-issue is labeled “Square³” and it boasts 40 tracks with demos, bonuses, an alternate album… what else do you need? Get it on Amazon

During my last interview with Roger Joseph Manning Jr., he mentioned a re-release of his solo output was coming, and here it is. These albums have long been out of circulation and its good to have them back dutifully remastered by mixing engineer John Paterno under Manning’s supervision. This catalog threesome consists of 2006’s The Land Of Pure Imagination, 2008’s Catnip Dynamite, and his 2018 PledgeMusic EP, Glamping.

Visit rogerjosephmanningjrofficial.com to get these re-issues directly.

Starbelly and Roger J. Manning, Jr.

powerpopaholic
Starbelly

Starbelly “Four”

Like many power pop icons from the ‘90s, Starbelly has finally released their long-awaited reunion Four. Anchored by the duo of Cliff Hillis and Dennis Schocket, they are joined by Bryan Ewald (guitar) and Greg Schroeder (drums). And like similar mature artists (Matthew Sweet, David Myhr) they look back on life a little mellower, but the melodies are as sharp as ever.

It opens with a low key “The Boy Who Learned How to Cry” about a father’s passing and moving on from the past on “Lay Low.” Good tunes, but greatness starts out on the subtle ballad “Sleep” with its rich ear-worm chorus and Ewald’s George Harrison-like slide guitar. With “The Stars of Constantine” it sounds like the glorious Starbelly of old, with dense guitars and harmonies. The upbeat “Strange Constellations” and Posies-like “Yes I Love Her Again” are also great songs. But the amazing thing is the music all get progressively better as the album continues.

The five-minute-plus “Danny Opus” is a musical suite similar to Abbey Road, with distinctive melody lines that tell the tale of a rock star’s obsession and it is simply awesome. The songs after this put it over the top as “Emily Says,” “Jesus Freak” and “Don’t Wake Up” are also excellent. No filler and this does make my top ten for 2018. Super Highly Recommended.

Amazon | Tallboy Records | Kool Kat Musik


Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. “Glamping” EP

It’s hard to believe but it’s almost 10 years since we heard any solo work from Roger Joseph Manning, Jr.  Playing within Beck’s touring band with Jason Falkner (another Jellyfish alum) is how he spends his day job. I interviewed Roger recently about why it took this long to get an EP out.

The new 4 song EP called Glamping starts with “Operator,” a catchy Jellyfish styled tune with a telephone theme that has some great hidden references to Steely Dan and Tommy Tutone. This is an excellent start, but “Funhouse” doesn’t quite match it. The dark theme about budding puberty seems mashed into an overly sunny chorus. Next, “Is It All a Dream” is light synth-pop that feels like filler and the six-minute “I’m Not Your Cowboy” is like a slow building  Elton John-styled tune.

While it’s comforting to know that Roger Manning still sounds great and has some Jellyfish magic left in him, I look forward to him really letting loose. As per our interview, Roger will be coming out with new music more regularly and I can’t wait. Fans should pick it up and he’s packaged it with newly re-released versions of his last two solo LPs Catnip Dynamite and Land of Pure Imagination.

Pledgemusic