Tag: William Duke

Freebie Fridays: William Duke, Richard Turgeon, Lund Brothers

powerpopaholic

Richard Turgeon just keeps going! After the release of his new LP Lost Angeles, he decided to cover one of the most popular power pop bands of early the 2000’s, The Gin Blossoms (who have a new release out, btw.)  Richard does a pretty faithful rendition of that band’s biggest hits. These are both FREE downloads. Enjoy!


William Duke

William Duke “Quatro”

William Duke is back with a fine short LP (or extended EP) with an assortment of goodies. Duke’s sound is like a mix of The Pernice Brothers and Eric Matthews, with elements of Roots, Soft Psyche, and Baroque pop. He gives us the opening “Caroline And The Silver Screen,” a near five-minute jangling epic. The infectious beat and harmonies stay with you on “Junk #2,” and the moody mid-tempo “Hotel’s End” and “As Good As It Gets” tugs at your emotions. No real filler, and super highly recommended. Plus, it’s a FREE download.

Lund Brothers

Lund Brothers “Live!”

OK, it’s NOT a freebie. I rarely review live concert albums, but this one was worth it. The Lund Bros’ historic set at Seattle’s Experience Music Project (EMP) showcases a band that captures that “live” vibe with maximum impact. As a stripped-down trio of Chris Lund, his brother, Sean and Gwon Chang – they pull off a great set. Highlights include “Plastiscene” and “In My Hands,” fans of Cheap Trick and Redd Kross will want to check this out!

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William Duke and The Wheel Workers

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William Duke

William Duke “The Dark Beautiful Sun”

It’s been a long time since we heard from Mr. Duke, but his new album features a ’70s influenced California folk sound that’s part Crosby Stills Nash and part Elliot Smith. “The Golden Ring” is a bright opener, with sweet harmonies at the songs close. The melodic title track sounds like a lost Teeneage Fanclub song, full of mellow sadness in the chorus.

“Sons and Daughters” is a jangling melody in the best Byrdsian acoustic style, about appreciating your kids while they are with you. “Many Years Away” continues this easy going pop vibe, and the songs seem to blur together by the albums mid-point. The melodies of “Just Lookin’ For Some Sleep” are very comforting, as the repeating bass lines drift along weightlessly. The last several tracks remind me of  The Autumn Defense blend of acoustics, Americana and clean production. The instrumental “1977” references the period with light and heavy synths, almost a prog rock ballad. The download is FREE, but you can order a limited vinyl release through Bandcamp.
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Wheel Workers

The Wheel Workers “Citizens”

The Houston, Texas band continues right where it left off last year, (with a bit more bite) delivering catchy indie rock with a progressive message about the evils of corporate greed. “Yodel” comes across like Rev. Horton Heat with the lyric “one man gets a crumb another gobbles the whole pie, how ya figure it’s that way?” Then the synths and punk vocals of “Burglar” bounce along like an ’80s Devo dance track. “Whole Other World” is a hypnotic anti-war song that speaks to current events and “Wage Slaves” is a synth heavy modern protest song.

The remaining tracks are quality pop, the infectious beat of “Dream” is very much like Robert Pollard (GBV) reaching a fuzzy crescendo. Lyrically its thought provoking and frontman Steven Higginbotham challenges you with his punk approach on “Citizen Incorporated.” While not as richly produced, or as long as the the last album it still proves to be worthy of repeat listens. Give it a try.
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