Streetcar Conductors “The Very Best of Streetcar Conductors”
It’s pretty ballsy to label your debut “The Very Best of,” but Streetcar Conductors deliver what amounts to an impressive selection of modern rock singles. The glorious opening track, “Pushover,” is has a Weezer-Cheap Trick feel and an earworm chorus that is full of layered piano and guitar. It’s so good, the other tracks suffer a bit by comparison.
Streetcar Conductors do a good job mixing classic pop influences into the modern rock song structures. “Let’s Not And Say We Did,” is almost a novelty tune; catchy in the tradition of Bowling For Soup. There is an undercurrent of Beach Boys influence on “Throw Your Love Away” and especially on “Summer, What Became Of You” with its earnest harmonies. Another great tune “Pictures Of Ourselves” is a great commentary on today’s selfie culture. Some tunes try to get punkier (“It Sounded Like The End Of The World”) or just plain goofy (“The Absurdity of Life.”) But then it sounds like the guys are trying too hard. The band is at its best with simpler melodies like “You Are The Brightest Star” and “True Love, They Say.” Overall, no filler and more than enough “hits” to be Highly Recommended.
Brian Jay Cline “Idle Chatter”
Veteran jangle artist Cline shines on this – his most pop-oriented album – opening with the wicked riffs of “Would You Stay?” it’s a strong opener that sticks with you. Brian’s combination of country, pop, and rock elements blend perfectly on the second half of “Sic Transit Gloria,” with its sing-along chorus and steel pedal lead.
“Latch Key Kid” and “I Get You” are shambling melodic narratives similar to Tom Petty or Marshall Crenshaw. Other great tunes are “The Ballad of Rosetta Stone,” “Last of The Great Atomic Heartbreakers,” and “Never Saw It Coming.” Cline hits his stride here, with no real duds and plenty of diversity in sound. This is also the best BJC album I’ve heard so far, so yes… it’s Highly Recommended.