Richard Turgeon and The Mike Benign Compulsion

Richard Turgeon

Richard Turgeon “Go Deep”

San Francisco musician Richard Turgeon goes for the gusto on his third album in three years, sounding like The Gin Blossoms if they were fronted by Robert Pollard (Guided By Voices). This is the final album of his “California Trilogy,” where his songwriting is centered on his life on the West Coast.  Starting with “The One That Got Away,” its a catchy gem with a great hook and layered harmonies that you can sing along to. 

The heavier fuzz on “If You Leave Me” is proof of his solid talent and its another winner. “Next to Me” mines a very Weezer-like rhythmic structure and “Keanu Reeves” boasts some excellent guitar jamming. Some tunes seem influenced by Pete Townshend, like “Lost and Found” and the moving rocker “Lonely Old Man.” Richard then dips his toe in the country-roots waters with “Cowboy Life.”  I think Richard has finally found his sweet spot, as each of his albums gets progressively better. Highly Recommended.

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The Mike Benign Compulsion

The Mike Benign Compulsion “Bygones”

Milwaukee-based Mike Benign is at a crossroads. What began as a labor of love for Mike could turn out to be his final album. Musicians Joe Vent (guitar), Paul Biemann (bass) and Michael Koch (drums) join Mike on this journey. And they do not disappoint.

Opening with “Beauty & Pedigree & Bank,” it comes from a acerbic place, a little like Elvis Costello’s early formula of fatalism and resentment. Next “Bonafide Americans” is a pure expression of this country’s Trump fatigue as he points out “…and that’s how they wanted it.” But Mike comes up big with a gorgeous composition “Let It Rain or Let it Be” and you’ll hear both The Beatles and Clapton in this tune.

But mainly Benign is a musical truth-teller. Whether its the media (“Bombs Rain Down”) or the state of the music industry (“These Heroes”) he sings what many just think. We do get interrupted from all this pessimism with the gentle “Olivia Rainmaker,” a jangling Beatlesque gem. Another notable standout is “Manchild” with its prominent guitar twang.  Most of the songs are within 3 minutes; just long enough to get the point across. I just wish there was a glimmer of hope in some of these songs, but they are solidly melodic and worth many repeats in your player.  It’s music that deserves to be heard.

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The Mike Benign Compulsion “Here’s How it Works”

Milwaukee-based Mike Benign Compulsion brings all the tools to his third album Here’s How It Works. Benign is joined by bassist Brian Wooldridge, drummer Michael Koch and guitarist Joe Vent. The group is a tight sounding unit, with touches of Elvis Costello, The Kinks and The Beatles sprinkled all around. Benign’s rugged vocal takes hold of you right away.

Starting with the mid-tempo “Mrs. Kean” it’s a dense song about adultery with backwards guitar that leads us to the next stage in the affair, “You Say It’s Over” and our protagonist is “inclined to agree.” The big single “Haley Daley” is a fantastically catchy song with energy and snide attitude. The songcraft is both delicate and complex in “Bay Window” making it one of the best ballads here.

The theme of loss and anxiety permeate the entire album. The restlessness is apparent on “Professional Jealousy/Saw Your Post” with the latter half of the song shifting to resigned bitterness. “Me and My Fluoxetine” has a perfect opening riff and line that would make both Ray Davies and Bob Dylan jealous. The pastoral harmonies on “Sleep” make it another winner. No filler either, as each track gives you something compelling. After a few listens, I found no reason to keep it off my list of top ten albums for 2014. Don’t miss it.

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