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.
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.
