Tag: The Anderson Council

The Bellfuries and The Anderson Council

powerpopaholic
The Bellfuries

Bellfuries “Workingman’s Bellfuries”

Austin, TX band The Bellfuries are back, and they go way back to the “roots” of power pop by incorporating ‘60s pop melodies with R&B rhythms and soul on their latest album Workingman’s Bellfuries. Vocalist and chief songwriter Joey Simeone chooses not to get hung up on genre categories, but fans of The Everly Brothers, Carl Perkins, or Richie Valens will surely love this music.

Wonderfully produced the band starts with “Loving Arms,” a danceable country shuffle with a sweet hook. The traditional songs like “Bad Seed Sown” benefit from Simeone’s strong vocal and dynamic phrasing. “Make The Mystery No More” has a Phil Spector-like arrangement, using the multi-tracking to deliver great harmonies. “Letter To My Maybe Baby” and “Beaumont Blues” are my favorites here; pure Everly inspired magic. It also includes a great cover of The Beatles “She’s A Woman.” Its no wonder that there are no weak points or filler in this entire album. Highly Recommended!

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP0NOP9ip9s

The Anderson Council “Listening Party” EP

Peter Horvath and team had a good idea with Listening Party, as it would feature each of its band members recording an original single and then a favorite cover song. Opening with Christopher Ryan’s “Questions About Animals” it sounds almost nothing like a Council song, and feels heavily influenced by Jason Falkner. More familiar styling is heard on “Almost Anything” and “Yeah,” and they are real good songs too.

As for the covers, they are deep cuts that are not immediately familiar save one. First is a dense, less psychedelic version of The Smoke’s “My Friend Jack” and then the obscure Peter Gabriel song “And Through The Wire.” A cover of Jellyfish’s “Joining A Fan Club” has plenty of raw power and enthusiasm, although Peter strains to sing those high notes. Fans will enjoy this one, so check it out. FYI: The Anderson Council will be a Power Popaholic Fest on September 12th

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http://audiorumble.blogspot.com/2015/08/lets-begin-to-start-again-again-review.html

The Anderson Council and Chris Stamey

powerpopaholic

The Anderson Council “Looking At The Stars”
After over six years since The Fall Parade, The Anderson Council returns. Lead vocalist-guitarist-songwriter Peter Horvaths style is cut from the same cloth as other New Jersey power pop bands, The Smithereens and The Grip Weeds (Kurt Reil is also producer here).  Starting with the catchy “Don’t You Think,” the band hasn’t lost it’s knack for alt. rock sugar with that vintage British flavour.

“Sweet Girl” has a manic beat building up to epic proportions, and those layered piano melodies on “Hazel Eyes” make it a gem. “Watch You Sleeping” could be a lost Smithereens track, and the relentless jangle-fest continues up to the mid-tempo psyche-pop of “Do We Have A Deal?” No filler here, and with 15 tracks there is plenty to pick through. The collection often feels like a group of singles, each with its own great riff combo opening it up. Some tracks have more psychedelic styling than others (“Gardening Man” and “Never Take Your Love Away” being great examples). It labors a bit at the end with long jams “Birthday Beauty” and “Park The Car,” but overall this LP is a power pop feast for the ears.

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Chris Stamey “Lovesick Blues”
Chris Stamey is best known as one of the founding members of The dB’s, and his latest solo work displays a maturing artist. Stamey brings a world weary sensibility to these elegant tunes, “Skin” is a descriptive folk acoustic that slowly unfolds with masterful lyrics. “London” is a bittersweet ballad, where yet “another year of ceaseless rain” adds to his long distance longing.

“Astronomy” is the albums highlight, with flute and strings between the catchy multi-tracked chorus. And while “Anyway” and the road trip tune “You, Me and XTC” (ironically assisted by Andy Partridge) are beautifully constructed, both drag on too long. Some great moments are found on the LP’s second half, the delicate melody of “Occasional Shivers”  and the rich orchestration of the title track. Finally, the XTC influence is seen on the toy piano and weaving harmonies at the end of “If Memory Serves” and it sure is impressive. DB’s fans looking for big hooks might skip this one, but fans of the reunion album with Peter Holsapple Here and Now will love this.

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