Smash Palace “Do It Again”
Brothers Stephen and Brian Butler continue to weave melodic magic with this excellent release. The super catchy jangle of “Living It Lonely” starts us off, then we get the muscular riffs of the Tom Petty-like “It’s Easy.” Another favorite here is “Do It Again,” as Butler recalls the compulsion to rock from his past influences (The Beatles, Stones, CBGB’s) “before the music was all for free.” It’s a desperate plea to bring back what made rock and roll matter to so many lives. His vocal reminds me of Ray Davies – both “21st Century Boy” and “Tell Her Now” sounds like a long lost Kinks tunes.
Talk about infectious – both “She’s Never Coming Back” and “Dreamer” will stick in your head and stay there for good. The chord progressions and organ of “Sympathy Runs Deep” are classic as well. Not a mediocre note here as this album makes my top ten for 2012 list easily. After last year’s “7” made my 2011 list I didn’t think the band could get better — I was wrong. Super duper highly recommended as essential power pop.
Jonathan Rundman “Jonathan Rundman”
I last listened to Minneapolis-based Jonathan Rundman back in 2008, and he’s one of the most down-to-earth musicians I’ve heard. This is an overview of his career from the past 10 years, so it’s a “greatest hits” package of sorts. It’s also a great introduction if you’re not familiar with Jonathan’s work. Rundman has a great knack for melody and hooks as evidenced by excellent rockers “Smart Girls” and “Carol Of The Bells.”
His simple harmonies and straight forward pop arrangements are an easy fit with anyone who enjoys early REM jangle, and Old 97’s styled Alt. Country with the smartly written “Librarian” and “Ashes.” His music does have a Christian point of view, but it’s not the type to put off any secularist. It’s all about the music – and Rundman easily weaves between indie rock (“Surgical Precision”), low key country (“581”) and fast paced honky tonk (“747”) with adept precision. No filler here as the long track list bounces along from start to finish.
