Tag: Zach Jones

Zach Jones and Reno Bo

powerpopaholic

More 2020 releases I missed…

Zach Jones

Zach Jones “Be Nice! (The Singles Collection, Vol. 1)”

Between October of 2019 and September of 2020 the talented singer/songwriter Zach Jones has teased us with some stellar singles, so it made sense for him to compile them at the end of the year into a single LP. The opener “Be Nice!” is a beautiful pastiche of classic influences (The Beatles, Beach Boys, and numerous Motown artists). It bursts with the hope of reconciliation (wow! Very timely.)

This is followed by a cover of the Brian Wilson late-70s classic “I’ll Bet He’s Nice.” Jones’s production work is solid, and “Jim & Jane” is a melodic study of a couple on different life trajectories. “Best Thing To Happen” is a light Buddy Holly styled gem and the jangling goodness of “Like The Tide” is a bit like early Neil Young. The ballads have a Broadway musical quality like “October’s Almost Over” and “Yesterday of No Return.” A great collection and highly recommended.

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Reno Bo

Reno Bo “You Can See It All From Here”

Reno Bo is another brilliant musician who is just too good to overlook, yet I ran of out time for a proper LP review in 2020. He opens the acapella prayer “Phantom Anthem” with some haunting multi-part harmonies. “Baby Blues” and “Second To Last” are slices of smooth guitar pop very much in the mold of Lindsey Buckingham.

He switches gears a bit with “Take Cover” as its 80s synth beat leads the rhythm. The blues jam “Houdini In Reverse” is also a nice change of pace, and the buzzing “Even A Stone” recalls classic Eric Clapton. The latter half of the album keeps this beautiful blues-rock sound around and “Time Again Tomorrow” is another highlight. While the album lacks uptempo tunes, every song is flawlessly performed. Highly Recommended.

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EP Reviews and Singles: Danny McDonald, Popular Creeps, Zach Jones, Vanilla, Arthur Nasson

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Danny McDonald

Danny McDonald “Modern Architecture”

Danny McDonald is skilled in several genres. “Cordyline” bursts from the speakers with authority, very much in the mold of Paul Westerberg and it hooks you right away. Unfortunately, it’s only a minute long. Next, “The suburb I grew up in” is a country-style duet with Anna Burley, and its a nice jangling slice of roots-pop.

Then we get about a minute of punk and another minute of power pop. “Keeping The Dogs At Bay” is another catchy chorus, and thankfully it’s over 2 minutes long. I like short songs, but most of this was just way too short. However, the sampler just made me want more McDonald, so it is successful in marketing his talent.

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Popular Creeps Detroit

Popular Creeps “Bloodshot Red”

A motley crew from the Motor City, Popular Creeps do a good job playing fast and loose rock and roll, and the opening track “Out of My Head” is a super-catchy tune that will get you following along with handclaps and a kick-ass guitar solo. The sound is a little like The Replacements, with a barroom vibe similar to The Connection. “Down & Out” builds a solid core riff and keeps you interested with its well-written lyrics and melody. “Metal Kid” is a good vignette about a kid who “smells like smoke on a Friday night.” Lots of great tracks, and highly recommended.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik


Singles

“Like The Tide” boasts a solid twang and Zach’s soulful lead keeps this sounding like a hit single Neil Young might have done back in the day. The bonus here is that Zach has an audio “behind-the-scenes” feature in addition to the song demos. Sweet!


Jayson Jarmon and those dudes from Vanilla are back with a heavier rocker. It’s got some cool riffs — check it out.

Arthur Nasson is back, and he’s “Unglued” – This is a catchy theme that reminds me a little of Roy Wood.  Get this on Amazon

Zach Jones and The Unswept

powerpopaholic

Zach Jones “Love What You Love”

Portland native Zach Jones is an extremely versatile musician with an encyclopedic knowledge of late British Invasion and Motown artists. His fifth album is loaded with catchy harmonies and hooks, the opener “Everything’s Fine” is a sweet amalgam of soul and pop strongly reminiscent of Todd Rundgren’s Something/Anything period. “Hate What You Hate” is a poetic mantra played on a dance hall piano, with a very Kinks-like sing-along chorus. “Away From You” is another strong melody rooted in ’70s classic soul. Jones high tenor stands alone on the sparse “Song in The Sunshine” and “Nothing’s Changed” reminding me of David Gates(Bread) in spots.

The rock guitar riffs lead “Lucky One” and “Some Other Day,” both are very Big Star-like compositions, so there is plenty of variety throughout the album to keep you interested and listening to the end. No filler to be found here, but the albums first half boasts the strongest songs. Zach has the support of a cast of orchestral players and percussionists that also give the album a rich, full sound. I hope we hear more music from him like this. Highly Recommended. Bonus: Check out Zach doing an excellent cover of Brian Wilson’s “Love and Mercy” Here.

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“Unswept

The Unswept “The Unswept Today!”

Chicago band The Unswept continues its heart felt love affair with classic pop sounds on its sophomore LP. Charlie and Ryan O’Brien are British transplants who brilliantly recreate those retro arrangements and harmonies. “Super Sad” is a jangle-tastic single here, the catchy hand-clapping gem “Peace of Mind” is next and the ballad “Please, Please Look My Way” is all about stalking a pretty dept. store associate. Fans of Byrdsian Rickenbacker guitar will enjoy most of the short songs here, and a special tribute to a favorite band “Surf Song (I Wish I Was a Beach Boy),” is here just in time for summer.

Amazon | CD Baby