The Explorers Club “The Explorers Club/To Sing And Be Born Again”
The Explorers Club is a band that specializes in harmonic retro-pop, and what started as a terrific Beach Boys sound-alike band with a flair for songwriting, has gradually shifted to include many more influences of the late ’60s and early ’70s. The band’s line-up has shifted through the years, but the one constant has been lead singer-songwriter, Jason Brewer. He’s also enlisted the talent of Los Angeles-based Emeen Zarookian (recently from Bebopalula.) Brewer explores his musical milieu like his own mixtape, and you can spot influences throughout each song.
Starting with “Ruby,” you’ll hear distinct echoes of the Turtles “Elenore,” and the horns on “Don’t Cry” clearly evoke Burt Bacharach. But it’s much more as these original songs are equally strong compositionally and the execution is flawless here. That includes those sparkling Wilsonesque harmonies, which can turn “Love So Fine” from an average song to a great one. “Mystery” brings The Righteous Brothers back to life as well. There are so many highlights including “One Drop of Rain,” “Dawn,” “Say You Will,” and “Dream World.” Almost every song hits that retro “sweet spot,” and it is sure to be on my top ten list at the end of this year.
The covers album To Sing And Be Born Again puts additional emphasis on how well this music would fit in that “AM Radio Gold” era. The two LPs fit perfectly together. Boyce and Hart’s “I Wonder What She’s Doing Tonight,” Danny Hutton’s “Roses and Rainbows,” Paul Revere and The Raiders “Kicks,” and the rest are expertly done.
DC Cardwell “Crystal Set”
It’s been a long time, but DC Cardwell is back with a new album full of hooks and simple, direct lyrics. The album opens with the late ‘70s power-pop of “Friendly Fire” and its charming, almost tinny guitar riffs. But the songs gets richer (and better) with each song moving forward. “The Spirit Is Willing” has a great Beatlesque Rickenbacker riff, and the breezy “I Can’t Run Fast Enough” has a brilliant bassline and it’s one of the most memorable songs he’s ever done.
Another keeper is the politically-charged “Lies Are All You Speak,” calling truth to power in the best Nick Lowe tradition. Another terrific song in the Nick Lowe mold is “Just Try Me Out” as a pitch for the author of his new book. One of the most thought-provoking songs here is “Rock and Roll Isn’t With Us Anymore.” The simple acoustic strum brings to mind Ray Davies, as he opines on the changing times and how things “will burn away.” Another fine tune is an ode to his pet “Stay At Home With Your Cat.” Highly Recommended.
