Tag: The Junior League

Nick Batterham and The Junior League

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Nick Batterham

Nick Batterham “Golden Boy”

Melbourne singer-songwriter Nick Batterham collects his experiences to deliver a mature chamber pop album that recalls the introspective melodies of Nick Drake or Elliot Smith on “Golden Boy.” The title track is a lush lullaby that stops you in your tracks. The follow up “Nothing Lasts” is an upbeat jangling gem about living in the moment, but most of the album is content to stay in delicate folk-pop mode.

The ethereal piano ballad “Perfect Cloud” or the acoustic “Never Write a Love Song” have minimal production and rely on Batterham’s hushed vocals. What makes it work is Nick’s well-developed lyrics and subtle layered rhythms, the best examples being “Impossible” and “Lost in L.A.” The songs are short and don’t wander off topic. This is an album that deserves serious listens over a glass of whiskey (or wine). Cheers to you, Nick.

Pop Boomerang Records


The Junior League

The Junior League “Eventually is Now”

Joe Adragna is back with a new Junior League LP and with the help of Scott McCaughey (The Minus 5, REM) he brings us a strong collection of folk rock. McCaughey has been recovering from a stroke he suffered last year and is currently on an enforced hiatus from recording and touring.   

Starting with the jangling chords of “Teenage Bigstar,” it speaks about those nostalgic trips to the record store because “music is your friend.” The orchestral ballad “The Wrong Kind of Blue” is another highlight with its lush Phil Spector treatment. Next is “You Didn’t Miss A Thing” and with McCaughey’s vocal, it’s a shimmering psyche-pop gem. After the mid-tempo “I Only Want to Begin Again” things get a bit uneven. Still, this is a worthy listen with plenty of emotional resonance, so check it out.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

The Junior League and Seth Timbs

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The Junior League

The Junior League “Also Rans”

Joe Adragna (aka The Junior League) continues to produce excellent music year after year and this new album is no exception. The Junior League has more of a retro-sound to start with Also Rans, as the title track is a shimmering janglefest that’s a little like a jam between The Zombies and REM. And although there is lots of great power pop, its got plenty of stylistic variety.

The sound of producer Scott McCaughey’s (Minus 5) influence is pronounced on the mid-tempo gem “The Stars In Our Eyes.” Then the catchy “Before You Go” has a great hook that doesn’t let go and it leads to the sweet “Please (I Need You To Go)” with its bouncy tempo. We then shift to a modern expansive sound on “On/Off” including a synth piano added by Sloan’s Jay Ferguson, and this approach follows through on the slower “Broken and Mine.” Joe goes light (“Disappearing Act”) and heavy (“If its You”) and you’ll find not a single note of filler. Highly Recommended. Also Rans comes with a 5 song bonus disc and is scheduled for CD release on October 2, exclusively at Kool Kat Musik.

Kool Kat Musik | Amazon


Seth Timbs

Seth Timbs “New Personal Record”

Seth Timbs (Fluid Ounces) has been quietly releasing albums of melodic magic over the last several years, and his latest “New Personal Record” is a testament to his resiliency. “Give Up On Your Dreams” is a brilliant piano melody that stands alongside the great Harry Nilsson’s work. On the rollicking “Uneasy Street” he pounds away on the keys and the strutting melody of “Fill It Up” shows Timbs at his most energetic.

“Cliche” is a piano bar ballad about the worn-out musician who was once a “hot prospect,” but the slow building drama of “Far Away From Here” is a brilliant heartbreak song of a wanted man sending his love away to shield her from the law. The guitar solo here is very moving and makes this one of my favorite on the album.

Seth doesn’t stay in the dumps too long, as “Ugly” is an awkward come-on that turns into a joyful dance, and a statement of self confidence. We end with the Flamenco tempo of “The Thing About Time” and I’m glad to offer this album to you as highly recommended.
Bonus supplement:  I’ve contributed to the 50thirdand3rd blog with an overview of Seth Timbs and Fluid Ounces entire career.

Amazon

The Junior League and Gary Ritchie

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The Junior League “You Should Be Happy”
After a few solo projects, Joe Adragna puts his sweat into a new Junior League album. Starting with “Keep It Home,” its an excellent roots rocker, assisted by buddy Scott McCaughey (The Minus Five). “Hey Misery” is a Beatlesque piano tune with Pet Sounds styled bass and horns, and even a sax solo. The next song, “One Step Forward (Another Step Back)” has even more Beach Boys styled instrumentation and harmonies.

Adragna then shifts back to a strumming acoustic guitar on the excellent “Samantha Smile,” with a hook filled chorus that reminds me of The Autumn Defense. The heartache ballad “Charming” has a very distinct Queen-like quality in the guitar and strings coda. In fact, the best written ballads I’ve heard this year are found towards the albums end. No filler here, its exceptional all the way around and makes my top ten of 2013 nominee list.

Bandcamp | Amazon | CD Baby


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Gary Ritchie “Near The Alley”
Chicago based Gary Ritchie gives us a follow-up to Hum, Sing, Repeat from 2011. This time we start with the title track from his last album “Hum, Sing, Repeat,” a loving nostalgic look at rock back in Richie’s childhood. With his partner in crime Jeff King (bass, guitar, keys) they play through a terrific collection of songs. “Victimized” and “Charming Life” are catchy melodies that compare well to The Romantics.

The band takes on early Beatles simplicity for “Hear My Pleas” and then it’s back to the guitar riffs of “Midnight Lovers,” which sounds like a lost Raspberries tune. Clearly Ritchie knows his classic power pop, as “Back To You” has some Badfinger-styled guitar. The quality of tracks vary after the mid point, but standouts include “Invisible Man” and “Pull Your String.” Rock on, Ritchie!

CD Baby | Amazon