Review: Taylor Locke and The Roughs “Marathon”

How many people can put out 3 great albums in a single year? Virtually no one…no one but Taylor Locke, that is. Locke is best known as guitarist in the powerpop band Rooney, but he is quickly making his mark as a talented solo artist. It was only back in April when we reviewed his outstanding debut, “Grain and Grape” (review here). Then in July we reviewed Rooney’s latest CD, “Eureka” (review here). Now he throws a collection of 10 new songs at us on “Marathon” (review here…you’re reading it!). The most astonishing thing is that his work has been phenomenal throughout. To say the guy is on a roll is an understatement.

While most of “Marathon” is brilliant, it does get off to a false start – the epic opener, “The Honor Role” sounds like 3-4 completely different songs loosely patched together. I presume they were going for something that rivaled McCartney’s “Band On The Run” or a Jellyfish opus, but the disparate parts just don’t work together. They quickly get back into the race with a peppy acoustic driven rocker called “Jenny”. Things really start to pick up, ironically, when the band slows it down for the gorgeous “Don’t Forget”. “Don’t Forget” features moving chord changes and a terrific vocal performance from Locke. “My Only Drug” is my favorite track – powerpop at its best performed with gusto. Another highlight is the undeniably catchy “Badfinger”, which also gives the band a chance to nod to a major musical influence.

Some other tracks come close to being great, but have an irritating element or just feel like they’re missing something. For example, I would love to hear Locke slip up into his graceful falsetto on “One More Time” rather than struggle to scream it out. In fact, he screams too much on “Marathon” in general, as if he’s trying to prove he’s got what it takes to rock. You don’t need to do this, Taylor.

While not as immediately mind-blowing as “Grain and Grape”, “Marathon” is no slouch and stands heads above most of the stuff we’ve heard in 2010. But after hearing “Marathon” so soon after the debut, one is tempted to coach Taylor Locke and The Roughs to pace themselves. The band could have made a single record this year that combined the cream of the crop from each, and that record would have been an instant classic.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 4, 5, 6, 8

Taylor Locke and The Roughs on MySpace. Fansite.

Review: Rooney "Eureka"

I've been a big fan of the power pop and rock outfit Rooney since their self-titled debut blew me away in 2002 with its ultra catchy hooks and sunny melodies. Now "free" of major record labels, the band has recently released their third effort, "Eureka" on their own new label, California Dreamin’ Records. It's been three long years, with only the excellent solo release from Taylor Locke to keep me company (review here), so I was on the edge of my seat with eager anticipation...

I am just as surprised as you may be when I say that my first listen produced nothing more than "meh". What the hell happened? This batch of songs is devoid of passion and almost completely lacking the charm that drew me in as a devoted fan. Being such a devout fan, I gave the record a second and third try, but still struggle to find the magic that made me fall in love with this band.

I don't mean to be overly harsh - some of the songs are quite good. Things get off to a decent, albeit lukewarm, start with the Weezer-lite sound of "Holdin' On", which was what I was doing in hopes that the rest of the CD would be more exciting. "Only Friend" also comes close, but I can't help thinking this sounds too much like Barry Manilow covering a song by Roger Joseph Manning Jr. The better tracks are "I Can't Get Enough", "All Or Nothing", and "I Don't Wanna Lose You", where Rooney get their groove back and showcase their love for everything from E.L.O. to Jellyfish. But considering what we know this band to be capable of, "Eureka" is remarkably dull. Give it a try if you are curious to hear what a more mature, subdued, and sugar-free Rooney record would sound like - otherwise, go with Taylor Locke's record.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 5, 7

Rooney on MySpace. Official site.

Interview: Taylor Locke

Check out my interview with Taylor Locke at Rock and Roll Report!

Read our review of "Grain and Grape", his great debut CD with his band, The Roughs, right here!

Review: Taylor Locke and The Roughs "Grain and Grape"

Take note of this name: Taylor Locke. Say it again: Taylor Locke. Locke is the next big name that should rise to prominence in the domain of melodic rock and power pop.

Some of you may already know the name through another band - Locke plays guitar and supplies vocals for the awesome power pop outfit Rooney (reviewed here). Locke's solo effort with his own backing band called The Roughs (Chris Price on guitar & keyboards, Charlotte Froom on bass, and Mikey McCormack on drums), is not a quantum leap away from the Rooney sound and spirit. In other words, Taylor Locke and The Roughs deliver plenty guitar-driven melodies, often surrounded by harmonies that conjure up the ghost of the Beatles or Queen.

Taylor Locke and The Roughs sound like a merger between Tom Petty and Badfinger - they have a style that is based in roots rock, but clearly shows some influence from British Invasion bands of the 60s. Best of all, they don't waste this likable sound on a bunch of junk songs - these guys can deliver the goods in terms of songwriting: crisp, memorable choruses that will have you singing along after just one listen. The lyrics touch upon universal themes, managing to be relatable without being overly trite (with possible exception of "Weekend Warrior"). Vocally, Locke reminds me of Owen Thomas from The Elms - he is a dynamic rock vocalist - gritty enough for the rockers, but also in possession of a sweet falsetto that is ideal for ballads. Sonically the album is terrific, mixed by the acclaimed Ducky Carlisle, who incidentally is the drummer for power pop supergroup called The Major Labels (reviewed here).

The record couldn't begin better - "Start Me Over" is a blast of fun with a soaring chorus that won me over right away. I didn't quite get the less memorable "Jennifer", maybe because I don't know said girl. Things come back strong, though, with a long string of consecutive radio-friendly gems like "Hourglass" and "Amnesia". "Reach for the Sky" is also a cool track, I just wish Locke would have done something more creative with the word "sky" rather than just scream it. "Joy" is the best ballad on the CD, showcasing Locke's gentle falsetto and the band's ability to ape a Queen harmony. "I'll Be Gone" is a groovy track laced with harmonica, thereby providing a welcome change of pace from the others in this pack of strong songs. The catchy "Stay Awhile" is another sunny, upbeat tune that ensures the disc ends on a high note.

I would highly recommend Taylor Locke and The Roughs for fans of Owsley, Bleu, The Grays, or The Elms. "Grain and Grape" may just be the best debut record you'll hear all year.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10

Taylor Locke and The Roughs on MySpace.