Tag: Super 8
The Make Three and Super 8
The Make Three “You, Me & The Make Three”
This New Jersey band is led by vocalist/guitarist Jerry Lardieri, and he’s joined by Peter Horvath (The Anderson Council) on bass and Chris Ryan on drums. This strong rock and roll, as the guitars blare out on “Against The Tide” recalls riff-heavy bands like The Successful Failures and The Well Wishers. “Black Cloud” and “Under My Skin” have a late ’90s indie vibe akin to The Lemonheads. Of course, The Anderson Council’s shadow falls over a few songs like “Emily Strange,” and “Local Scene” with its driving rhythm.
At the mid-point, it smartly slows down the tempo for “Hurry Up and Wait,” as a welcome pause it shortly takes off again. This is meat and potatoes rock that fits neatly in your mix with those other bands I mentioned earlier. Does it innovate or distinguish itself? Not really, but it’s not bland either, and after a few listens some of these songs will stick with you. Check it out.
Super 8 “HOOPLA”
Paul ‘Trip’ Ryan is back. It starts with a low-key charmer “For My Friends,” a dedication with soaring strings, and preps the listening audience for some blissful fun. “Susan Revolving” has a Sgt. Pepper-styled bass groove that makes it easy to love. The mellow vibes continue with “All My Worries” with its Lennonesque quality, referring to the calm zen-like state when he was in the “submarine.” From here it gets less Beatlesque, but the spirit remains very trippy, hippy, and idyllic on “Out of My Head,” “Jennifer Anne,” and especially “Our Town.” The fab references continue with the jangling love songs “Be My Yoko” and “Moments In Time.”
The tone is very consistent throughout the album, and maybe that’s what the problem is. The songs tend to blend into one another, creating almost a jangling soundtrack to put you to sleep. The previous album Universal Journey had some fuzzier guitar songs mixed in to prevent this. ’60s pop enthusiasts will enjoy this for sure, but others might want to start with the last album. Still, it remains music that deserves to be heard.
More February singles: Newski, Super 8, Local Drags, Billy Tibbals, Kid Gulliver, C.C. Voltage
Enjoy these great new singles! Wisconsin’s lo-fi alternative geek rock outfit Newski announces the album Friend Rock out on April 7, it’s got an impressive guest star list (guys from The Verve Pipe, Nada Surf, Guster) and this first track is really impressive. Super 8 and Lisa Mychols are back, and this advance single “On The Radio” is part Lou Reed, part Phil Spector. Local Drags are a Springfield band that blasts through with “Feelin’ In Stereo,” and the new LP Mess of Everything comes out next month.
Who is this Billy Tibbals? Amazing 70s glam vibe and energy here — keep your eyes open for his LP. I have to bow in respect for the magic that is Kid Gulliver. Lead singer Simone Berk perfectly plays off the Who-like riffs of this single. Finally, Vancouver-based songwriter C.C. Voltage has just announced the release of his newest single “Berliner Pilsner” which is about his favorite German beer. Nice, but it won’t get you a commercial on the Super Bowl!
Ho-Ho-Holiday Music: It’s beginning to look a lot like…
Well… here we go again. Enjoy the sounds while we countdown the days until the new year and my year-end top 10 list. I have several more reviews to post and of course, brand-new Christmas music. I made an exception with The Minus 5, but everything else here is new. Both Vista Blue and The Happy Somethings are a “name-your-price” download. Enjoy!
Happy Labor Day Singles and EPs! Erik Voeks, Brent Windler, Vista Blue, The Junior League, Ken Sharp, Lisa Mychols & Super 8
Enjoy these fresh singles for the long weekend.
Erik Voeks has been one of my favorite DIY rockers for years, but this timely political gem is one of the best singles I’ve heard in a long time. His new band The Ghosters have bumped up his stock quite a lot here!
Brent Winder the singer/songwriter for “Sons of Great Dane” is back working on a new solo album, and this single “Around The Bend” is a richly arranged gem. It’s a FREEBIE that shouldn’t be missed.
The ever-present Vista Blue is back, saying goodbye to summer in a mashup of Ramones and Beach Boys glory. Speaking of the Beach Boys, are you a fan of Brian or Mike?
The Junior League (Joe Adragna) kicks major ass here with Scott the Hoople on this Monkees meets Dylan single “Summer of Flies.” Great summer tunes on this EP.Ken Sharp gives us “Halyx Rising (Lora’s Song).” It is a Queen-like gem that dazzles with the effects and guitar riffs. Inspired by a new documentary, “Disneyland’s Forgotten Sci-Fi Rock Band.”
Lisa Mychols and Super 8 dropped some “bonus” session tracks from their latest album. These sessions are a glimpse into the recording process and “unplugs” these cool songs.