Review: Bigfellas "Chubbed Up"

This 2008 release by The Bigfellas is one of the most interesting records I have heard in a long time. Full of tongue-in-cheek satire, playful lyrics and melodies, and a sophisticated sense of music to suit the topic, The Bigfellas are an intellectual pop fan's dream. These guys are the MAD magazine of modern pop - a bunch of "What Me Worry" Alfred E. Newmans on the stage.

Not many will pick up on the subtle jabs in the lyrics or "samples" in the music first time around, so the record demands repeated listens. For example, catch the switch to U2's "Bullet the Blue Sky" in the coda of "California King", which happens to be one of the most accessible and catchy numbers on the record. And then there is the seemingly goofy rap song called "On The Green" which is based on the 70s hit "Love's Theme" by Love Unlimited Orchestra. Not a favorite, but the juxtaposition of gangsta rap with the hard knocks life of golf is hilarious. The band takes similar satirical risks with "I Wish That I Were Gay". But we're all about the hooks and melodies here; while there are plenty of such moments scattered throughout "Chubbed Up", few of songs sustain them for the entirety of their rather lengthy duration. In addition to "California King", "Dollar For Every Dime" and "Adam and Eve and Red and Alice" hold up very well for repeated listens. The more serious ballad, "Wish You Knew" is unexpectedly moving and a definite highlight. Fans of ELO's "Mr. Blue Sky" may be interested in the banjo-driven cover, included as a bonus track on "Chubbed Up".

There is a very strong Ben Folds vibe here, both in the 'everyday kind of guy' tone of the singer's voice and the fact that most of the tunes are based around catchy piano riffs. Many others have already noted the comparison to Randy Newman as well. The Bigfellas have been voted "Best Local Band In San Diego" for 2006 and 2007. In the areas of novelty, musicianship, and satire, The Bigfellas don't come up short.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 6, 9

The Bigfellas on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Signal Hill Transmission "Starting Gun"

LA-based Signal Hill Transmission was formed in 2001 by Scott Warren and Scott Schoen. They recorded their first album, “Tomorrow, The Stars,” in the spring of 2005 and a second, “An Empty Space,” in early 2007. This year, they won a songwriting contest that landed them a recording contract with ATO Records.

This four song EP, “Starting Gun”, is the result. Recorded with producer Brad Wood (Liz Phair, Pete Yorn), these songs "aim" to please. The songs are pure pop rock bliss, recorded with perfection with ringing guitars, crisp drums, and thumping bass. The vocals are smooth and strong, just the tone you would expect for power pop.

"On and Off" is my favorite track, containing a big fat hook that instantly stakes a claim on your memory cells. "Pause, Then The Punchline" is another catchy rocker wiht some great backing vocals and a driving melody. There is a definite Meadows (Todd Herfindal) quality to these tunes, and for good reason: Scott Warren has penned some tunes with the Meadows. So if you dig The Meadows, Gin Blossoms, or Del Amitri, head over to Signal Hill Transmission's site now.

The EP is available in digital format only - check them out here.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2

Signal Hill Transmission on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Poplord “Full/Filled”

Poplord is the brainchild of Stan Schaffer and Tom Magill, and is an evolutionary product stemming from their Beatles tribute band (The Beetles) back in the early 90s. The most recent recruit, Craig Daniel, also lends his talents to this 2008 release. All three of the guys can be heard taking turns on lead vocals, but a casual listener probably wouldn't even notice. You’ll hear plenty of influence from the Fab Four, in addition to hints of Jellyfish (especially "Where'd He Go"), Brian Wilson, and Tears for Fears.

All of the usual ingredients for a wonderful pop record are present and accounted for on “Full/Filled” – plenty of harmonies, interesting lyrics, a dash of harpsichord - but something is leaving me feel a bit empty. It's not that any of these songs are bad; in fact, most are fairly good. It's just that few are popping out at me as being great. There are several notable exceptions, including the lead off track "Change in Time For Monday", which manages to push all the right power pop buttons from the first to last note. Good momentum continues with "What's Beneath", which is adorned with well placed harmonies wrapped around smooth hooks and terrific organ and guitar solos.

The acoustic driven ballad, "The Gray", is an excellent example of what Poplord can do at their best. However, this tune and several others would benefit from better production on the drums, which sound deadened and muffled to me. "Used To Town" is a sweeping track with a lot of umph...and harmonica...that I found particularly engaging. A lot of retro sunshine pop can be heard in "A Tree Beyond", which is my favorite track on the CD. Instantly likable and cheery, "A Tree Beyond" sounds like Billy Joel jamming with Captain & Tennille .

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 4, 6, 10

Poplord on MySpace.

Review: The Simple Carnival “Girls Aliens Food”

Back in June, I reviewed The Simple Carnival’s EP entitled, “Me and My Arrow”, which was a real blast of fresh air for pop purists (review here). Now, The Simple Carnival mastermind Jeff Boller is back as promised with the full-length release “Girls Aliens Food”, due to drop tomorrow.

As expected, “Girls Aliens Food” (I am guessing these are Jeff’s three favorite things besides music) delivers more of the same brand of Harry Nilsson style pop that we heard on the EP. There are a few intriguing instrumentals thrown in, but I prefer the tracks with vocals. Jeff’s soothing tone is like an instant stress reliever, and he has a true gift for harmony and melody. The music is pure pop – not rock, not even power pop – but still undeniably catchy and fun. My kids (5 and 3) really enjoy the stuff! If you like the gentle and mellow sounds that The Carpenters used to hammer out, then The Simple Carnival may feel like a welcome retreat to you.

As on the EP, my favorite track remains “Caitlin's on the Beach”, a brilliant example of a sunny pop masterpiece. Additional standouts on “Girls Aliens Food” include the quirky “Really Really Weird” (see video below) and “Flirt”, which features an irresistibly bouncy piano riff. The acapella track, “Nothing Will Ever Be As Good”, showcases Jeff’s talent for harmony and is reminiscent of the 60s pop group The Association. Sounding like something from an Austin Powers movie, “Over Coffee and Tea” just makes me laugh, and I could use a dose of that kind of laughter more often. “Misery” and the acoustic driven “You Jump First” are two more wonderfully catchy tracks to round out this exceptional release.

If you really want to have some fun at your next party, sneak a Simple Carnival CD into the stereo after the new Metallica. The looks on the faces should be priceless.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10

The Simple Carnival on MySpace. Official Site.

Jeff also runs a really cool gearhead blog called Songs and Sonics. A must see if you are a home recording artist.

Check out the video for “Really Really Weird”:

Trivia Corner

1986 saw this debut release by Matthew Sweet, "Inside". "This Above All" is a track that features Aimee Mann on prominent backing vocals, fresh off the heels of her successful smash with 'Til Tuesday's "Voices Carry". Being in Athens, Sweet was also buddies with R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe, which explains why Scott Litt produced and/or mixed a number of the better tracks on the record.

Trivia Corner

Richard Marx was one of the backing vocalists on this 1985 release by Christopher Cross, "Every Turn of the World". Watch for the long awaited reissue out October 7, which will be available as a 2CD set with 1988's "Back of My Mind": get it here.

Review: Todd Herfindal "Collective"

OK, it is official. Todd Herfindal (Her-fin-doll) is my new songwriting hero. The Meadows frontman releases this 11 track set of solo tunes aptly titled, "Collective" on September 29 and fans of shimmering jangle pop everywhere need to take note.

As with most debut solo releases, you kind of fear that the tunes may just be stray leftovers that were not up to snuff for their band. This is certainly not the case with the tunes on "Collective", each one is capable of standing up to the quality of any track on the Meadows CDs. Having released two full-length Meadows CDs and now this solo CD (not counting his numerous collaborations) since 2004, he is one of the most prolific singer/songwriters of the day. More impressive than that, I do not believe I've ever heard a bad song penned by Herfindal.

Despite being a literal collection of songs from over the years that for some reason or other did not find their way onto a Meadows CD, "Collective" plays seamlessly like a premeditated full-length studio project. The CD is entirely consistent and works well as a cohesive release. As a whole, the material is not too different than The Meadows, so we're talking sounds like The Jayhawks, Tom Petty, and the more rocking side of Counting Crows. Herfindal has one of the best voices for this genre of music, with great instincts on when to throw in a growl and when to let things simmer.

"Air I'm Breathing" is a wonderful way to start the CD - Todd's voice is always like a blast of fresh air, and the lyrical theme is a great daily affirmation: "I won't waste another day on little things that don't mean nothing". "Waiting on the Sun" is another bright spot - a little more laid back with some greasy slide guitar and gleeful harmonies. "Won't Look Back" is a classic Herfindal ballad and his emotive vocal instincts soar above the lush string accompaniment. We leap back to foot stomping, sing-a-long action with "Forget It All Again", which laments "Maybe someday we'll learn half of what we need to know and forget it all again by tomorrow". "This Is A Love Song" is a beautiful acoustic driven ballad with another subdued, but brilliant vocal performance. "Here We Are" showcases his alt-country side, a happy romp featuring some tastefully placed accordion, brush drumming, and gentle strumming. One of my favorite tracks, "So Let Me In" features one of the funkiest verse grooves I've heard Herfindal write - their juxtaposition with the super melodic chorus works perfectly and highlights this man's skill as a songwriter.

iPOD-worthy: all tracks...seriously!

Todd Herfindal on MySpace. Official site.

Review: The Romeo Flynns “Pictures of You”

The Romeo Flynns have pulled out all the stops with their debut release, a concept album of sorts dedicated to musing over the universal but tired question: why did you leave me? The CD is surrounded by professional looking art, models without pants, and sleek packaging. They got thick riffs, a good dose of harmony, a dash of sax, and a knack for melody that mostly turns this "woe is me" record into a party.

The Romeo Flynns state (warn us?) right up front with the diner dialogue in track 1 that we will be flies on the wall listening to this guy come to grips with losing his gal. This kind of stuff is OK for a few tunes, but a whole record dedicated to this soap opera? It certainly has its moments, but many listeners are going to find the songs tedious, with their redundant themes and one too many choruses wearing out their welcome. At times, you’ll wish you could just reach out, slap the guy, and yell, “Get over it, dude!"

There are some noteworthy elements about this band, the first being their winning ability to make modern pop rock that wonderfully emulates 50s and 60s music without sounding like they are ripping it off (check out "Gonna Feel Alright"). Some parts of the tunes are bursting with musical instincts as sharp as The Dave Clark Five, The Knack, or The Romantics. The interlacing themes between the songs, as well as the dramatic flair the orchestration brings, reminded me of classic Meatloaf. But at the end of the day, about half the songs could not hold my attention (some of which demand nearly 5 minutes worth) and the vocals grate on me when he reaches for the higher register, which he does way too often. Songs like "A Better Man Than Me" are heartbreaking...great songwriting, played to perfection, but the vocals kill it for me. The sappy and slow "Every Time We Part" and "Something About Her" stick out as the two sore thumbs and are out of character with the other tunes.

“Pictures of You” is one of those musical sandwiches, with the meat in the middle. Standout tracks include the punchy "Wasting My Heart", which is followed by the equally peppy "Just Fade Away." I also enjoyed "Won't Pass This Way Again", which reminds me of the 70s pop gem "Seasons In The Sun" by Terry Jacks. The Romeos also pull off an electrifying cover of "Better Things" originally done by The Kinks in 1981. It is a healthy way to end the record.

Recording this record was probably very therapeutic for the writer, but did it win back the girl? My guess is no…but I trust they will win some fans.

iPOD-worthy: 8, 9, 10, 12

The Romeo Flynns on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Soundtrack "If Looks Could Kill" (1991)

I've never heard of this 1991 movie (starring Richard Grieco), but the soundtrack caught my eye because a number of bands I somewhat enjoyed had some songs on here that I've never heard. Judging by the booklet and movie poster, it is not a movie I am going to rush to Blockbuster to check out. But here is the scoop on the tunes for those who care...

Glenn Medeiros (remember "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You"), starts off us with a track that tries really, really hard to keep the 80s sound alive, despite the fact that it was recorded in 1991. It sounds exceptionally dated and wasn't the kind of 80s music I was a huge fan of. I began to think that I made a mistake with this soundtrack, but then comes a long lost track from The Outfield, an 80s favorite of mine. "One Hot Country" is classic Outfield and is one of their better tracks from the time period. Sounds like it could have come off "Rockeye". The short-lived hair band supergroup Contraband makes a decent contribution with a track made for cruising, "Loud Guitars Fast Cars, and Wild Wild Women." Trixter's track, "One Mo Time" is queer; the only song I know from them featuring sax. I would not have known it was Trixter. This track did very little for me. The soundtrack reaches a low point with a pure dance track by Kylie Minogue (WTF? Who puts this on a soundtrack of mostly AOR and hairband stuff?)

Next up comes Robin McAuley (McAuley Schenker Group), who is now the lead singer for Survivor. Songs like this "Teach Me How To Dream" probably got him that job. Robin McAuley sounds a lot like Klaus Meine (Scorpions) at times, and this song a lot like "Winds of Change" - overall, it is a respectable power ballad. The Fixx put in a surprisingly good rock track with harmonica to boot called "All Is Fair". Another underrated AOR band called The Stabilizers contribute a very nice track called "Maybe This Time", a pleasant uptempo rocker with plenty of harmony and a perfect balance of guitars and synth that was typical of the late 80s. Incidentally, their 1986 CD "Tyranny" is a good catch for collectors - currently going for $42 on Amazon.com - check now. "Maybe This Time" is much better than anything on "Tyranny", though. Bang Tango closes things out with another blast from the past - a funky rocker called "My Saltine". I was never a huge fan of this band, but this track is jazzed up with horns and quite catchy.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 6, 7, 8, 9

News: Kurt is Back!

The self-proclaimed Brett Favre of music blogging, Kurt of Kurt's Krap (formerly SFK) is back from "retirement".

Go lend him your eyes for a while when you are done here.

Rare CD: Lisa Hartman "Til My Heart Stops"

"Lisa Hartman ecorded four albums and a title song for a the soundtrack "Where The Boys Are 84". The first album was "Lisa Hartman" in 1977, next was "Hold On" in 1979 followed by "Letterrock" in 1983. "Til My Heart Stops" was her last one in 1988. This last album was definitely her very best recording. It was '80s melodic-rock/ pop in the finest form. Lisa rocks on this album. It also includes some touching ballads as well. It has aged well and you will not be disappointed.

This was her only released that saw a CD release. And it is MEGA-RARE these days, going for at least $100.

Magnificent AOR album with songs by JUDE COLE, LUBA AND others. Musicians: MIKE LANDAU, CRAIG KAMPF, TREVOR RABIN, LARRY KLEIN, KEVIN RALEIGH (MSB), WADDY WATCHEL, TIMOTHY B SCHMIT.

1. Tempt Me (If You Want To)
2. I Don't Need Love
3. Ooh, I'm Satisfied
4. I Can't Get You Out of My System
5. Tender Kiss
6. Dress
7. How Many Rivers?
8. Imagination
9. 'Til My Heart Stops Beating"

Sold for $64.02 on ebay (14 bids)

Note: Only going for $50 on Amazon.com - check now

Rare CD: Beck "Golden Feelings"

"This is a must own for any serious Beck fans. This cd was 1 of only 2000 ever made! This cd is of Beck's earlier work prior to mellow gold, it was recorded in 1992 and released in 1993."

Sold for $200.00 on ebay (Buy It Now feature)

Rare CD: Bruce Springsteen "Oh Boy! (Live 1978)"

"This rare double CD is not shrinkwrapped, but is in excellent, near mint condition. It is original and NOT a cdr. SIAE, made in West Germany. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN & The E Street Band - Live in Charleston, WV 1978 Fold out color insert with photos included."

Sold for $227.50 on ebay (12 bids)

Review: Only Makebelieve "Message From A Mockingbird"

Out of Ohio comes "Message From A Mockingbird", the new release from Only Makebelieve. These 13 tracks are superbly engineered and recorded; it is clear that a lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into perfecting this record. The band, driven by founding members Samuel Atkinson and Wyatt Michael, strive to produce a masterpiece in which every single song counts.

Only Makebelieve infuse their songs with complex textures of sound and harmony - it is intriguing to hear, but the hooks are not jumping out at me. Only Makebelieve is the musical equivalent to fine dining, and it takes a more sophisticated palate to truly appreciate what the guys have accomplished here.

There are some tunes that are much more accessible to power pop and rock fans who prefer instant gratification. "Rayna's Smile" and "Sunflower" are highly memorable, soaring gems of pop perfection. "Lost Time" is the first sign that these guys can rock and still maintain their standard of musical sophistication. "Backstab" is surprisingly punchy and sharp, fitting to the lyrical theme and title, and has become my first favorite on "Message From A Mockingbird". The record ends with a gentle acoustic guitar and piano piece that I also enjoyed very much called, "Your Flower Garden".

"Message From A Mockingbird" is a technical tour de force, a virtual tribute to art pop. They remind me of latter day Tears for Fears, Spandau Ballet, and 10cc. If you are fans of this genre, I encourage you to check out this ambitious release. If you are looking for big hooks and melodies that stick at first throw, there is probably not much for you beyond the cuts I recommend below.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 4, 8, 13

Only Makebelieve on MySpace.

Review: From Good Homes

I recently stumbled across this promo CD for "Open Up the Sky", a 1995 release from a band called From Good Homes. I never heard of them before, but just had to write about what a nice surprise it was. Contrary to the popular grunge at the time, From Good Homes is bright and uplifting, banging out world class rhythms with a full sound that includes sax, harmonica, fiddles, and oboe. Everything is based on acoustic driven pop songs, so it works in a very refreshing way. I would compare the sound to other bands that emerged during the mid-1990s that countered the grunge movement with similar spirit and world sounds, such as Edwin McCain and Railroad Earth. Another thing I like is that the lead singer, Todd Sheaffer, sounds a lot like Jim Ellison from Material Issue (RIP).

Since this is a promo EP, I can't list track numbers that are iPOD-worthy. But I can tell you that I am finding every track on this EP (6 of them) more and more enjoyable with each spin...I am confident the full-length release is great and will go to Amazon.com now to splurge the entire penny to get it. There are two tracks on the promo that are not on the full-length release: "Drivin' and Cryin'" and "Here Comes The Rain", both very good. Get them if you can!

From Good Homes website.

Todd Sheaffer on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Jim Basnight & the Moberlys "Seattle - New York - Los Angeles"

The prolific Jim Basnight was featured on this blog not too long ago in the form of his garage rock outfit "The Rockinghams". "Seattle - New York - Los Angeles" is another jam packed CD full of straight up rock and roll tunes, this time backed by his raucous bar band The Moberlys.

From the name you might surmise this is a collection of live recordings from various shows in the aforementioned cities, but this is not the case. It is 23 tracks of some of the strongest material I've heard from Basnight's extensive catalogue. This savior of rock and roll sounds a little different on each CD he puts out, but each CD is consistent in and of itself. "Seattle - New York - Los Angeles" is no exception.

This time around the theme appears to be strongly influenced by 50s be-bop and surf rock with a modern rock twist. Imagine The Replacements covering classic rock and roll artists like Buddy Holly or Beach Boys. Check out "I Wanna Be Yours" and "What I Wouldn't Do" to see what I'm talking about. We also hear some Material Issue coming through on cuts like "She Don't Rock" and Tom Petty on "The Rebel Kind".

These are some of the most melodic and instantly catchy tunes Basnight has recorded. From the Jim Basnight discography, this CD is my favorite so far.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 16

Jim Basnight on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Blissters "I Love New Wave" (EP)

The Blissters are not your run of the mill power pop outfit - their boisterously melodic songs feature male and female vocals, often trading lines in a single song. I don't come across bands like that often and it was very refreshing to hear. "Right or Reason" is a high energy tune with hit written all over it, and "A-OK" is a perfect follow up. I really dig the surprise keyboard interludes - they give these tunes a healthy 80s vibe that works perfectly. If the Cure ever needed a new keyboard player, Erica C. would win the audition with ease!

On this 4 track Blissters EP, I hear a lot of The Rockfords, a little Paramore, and a pinch of Scandal (Patty Smyth...you know..."The Warrior"). The only negative for me is the production - the instrumentation sounds muddled and dense; consequently, the vocals often get drowned out in the mix. My two cents: I would re-record the guitars with better distortion tones - they are too fuzzy and distracting. Erica C. would benefit from a little confidence booster - she has a decent set of pipes and should sustain some notes more often for a powerful, dramatic effect. Doing this could turn a good song like "Wet Reckless" into a GREAT song.

That said, this material is very promising and should excite any music biz hotshot worth his or her salt to give this band the resources they need to make a blockbuster record. If you like pop punk with a new wave 80s flavor, check out The Blissters.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2

The Blissters on MySpace.

Check out the video for "Wet Reckless":

Review: Cartographer “Cartographer” (EP)

Minnesota native Scott Gagner is a cog in the great melodic machine that constitutes Town and Country, whose spectacular debut was reviewed here not long ago. But he has also released an excellent solo effort under the name of Cartographer that is worth your attention.

Cartographer does not stray too far from the familiar Town and Country terrain. Like Town and Country, the lyrics and witty and fun, but the music is more on the folk rock side than alt-country. While based on acoustic guitar, the songs are vivaciously fleshed out with rich harmonies and piano; on top of this are tasteful accessories that include glockenspiel, mellotron, Moog synthesizer, and hand claps. Scott’s vocals are perfectly suited to this genre, which he plays expertly. He has captured a bit of a Sister Hazel (particularly Drew Copeland) meets The Grays feel.

We begin with a rather subtle opener, melancholy to match the lyrical epiphany that “the trouble with you is me”. It is a moving track that gently grabs you so that the following song, “I’m Not Following You” can shake you. This upbeat and snappy number is going to make Jason Falkner wonder if he’s been cloned. “Love Triangle for Two” (love that title) has downright groovy verses that almost make even me want to get up and dance. But don’t get me wrong – the song is still grounded in roots rock. “Waiting” is another highlight, a pleasant and breezy acoustic driven song featuring those bright and crisp guitar tones that I praised in the Town and Country review. “Suburban Girl” is a fun pop rocker that pulls out the distortion and has Scott doing his best Dave Grohl.

In a perfect world, the music of Cartographer should put Scott Gagner on the map.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6

Cartographer on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Deas Vail “White Lights” (EP)

In 2007, the rock band Deas Vail released “All the Houses Look the Same”, which garnered an impressive set of critical acclaim. Driven by the near Thom Yorke vocal styling of Wes Blaylock, Deas Vail wraps their reflective lyrics in blankets of modern rock in the vane of Mute Math, Death Cab for Cutie, or the warmer side of Coldplay.

Deas Vail is not as immediately as catchy or melodic as counterparts like Relient K, but the more adventurous and less commercial sound is refreshing and will grow on you. The title track "White Lights" is my favorite of the 5 songs on the EP; it is upbeat and showcases Blaylock's voice, which slips easily into angelic falsetto above the band's harmony vocals. "From Priests to Thieves" is another highlight, with Blaylock's vocals swirling blissfully amidst the beautiful orchestration in this piece. "Balance" is a similar tune, expertly mixing the strings with punchy guitars in the melodic chorus - very nice!

The EP plays more like a full bodied record than a collection of questionable tracks between proper releases. It is exceptionally produced, sweeping in scope, and fills the room with atmosphere. A must have for fans, and a nice introduction to the uninitiated.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 4, 5

Deas Vail on MySpace.

Review: Bad Company "Fame and Fortune"

I think I am in the minority to admitting that I actually like this 1986 release by Bad Company. "Fame and Fortune" was the first Bad Company record to feature Brian Howe (of Ted Nugent fame) instead of fan favorite Paul Rodgers (who left to work with the supergroup The Firm). I can understand their shock to the new direction this incarnation of the band took, but if you can get over their use of the band name and just judge the record, it ain't half bad.

Brian Howe brought more to the table than just a set of tremendous pipes...he contributed heavily to the songwriting on "Fame and Fortune" and the more commercially successful releases that followed. "Fame and Fortune" finds the band adapting to its new personnel while struggling to fit into the changing music scene. As result, this record has more keyboards and sax (!) than any other Bad Company release, hence sounding more like a Survivor or Foreigner record. In fact, Foreigner producer Keith Olsen produced this record with executive production by Mick Jones.

"Fame and Fortune" abandons the classic rock sound and is an unadulterated excursion into AOR territory. The songs are highly melodic, lyrically unsophisticated, and aim to please with a memorable chorus. The synths and bass line of "Long Walk" make it sound like a weaker cousin of Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger". "Hold On My Heart", my favorite of the bunch despite the omnipresent sax, is a great mid-tempo pop rocker. "When We Made Love" is the requisite ballad, but feels like it is more of a warm up to their comeback smash, "If You Needed Somebody" on 1990's "Holy Water". The single "This Love" may ring a bell for some of you in your late 30s. "Valerie" is another tune that sounds like it fell off a Survivor record.

So begins the Brian Howe era. Give it another chance if you are an AOR fan - it is the most overt 80s pop rock Bad Company ever did. They quickly ditched the keyboards and sax and ran back to their hard rock sound on 1988's "Dangerous Age". Incidentally, Bad Company was not the only band to try the switch to AOR - check out .38 Special's "Rock and Roll Strategy".

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 10

Bad Company official site.

Brian Howe official site.

A Worthy Cause: Crazy Quilt Bouquet "Hope So"

If you are an altruist with an itching for some melodic Brit pop "with a twist of lemon", head on over to the MySpace page for Crazy Quilt Bouquet. CQB is the band name of self-confessed musicholic Robin Cowpertwait. Robin's current offering is a 15 track (nearly 70 minute) opus called "Hope So"...and he's done this one for charity. The deal is that the CQB CD sells for only £3, and a minimum of £1 from each sale goes to Oxfam. It is a small price to pay for this nice collection of Brit pop. It is a bit lo-fi, but the songwriting is solid and delightfully different with smart, quirky lyrics ("when she mentioned kids, there was a pregnant pause"). Standout tracks for me include the very groovy "Lucky" and "War Zone". There is a bit of Aztec Camera, Connells, and even Morrissey imbuing these tunes. If you have enjoyed Garfield's Birthday or The Brigadier, you should check out Robin's Crazy Quilt Bouquet.

Crazy Quilt Bouquet on MySpace. Official site.

Review: The Jellybricks "Goodnight To Everyone"

The Jellybricks should need no introduction to any true power pop fan. These guys have been at it for a little over a decade now, and we've spent the last four years eagerly awaiting their fourth album - the follow up to 2004's landmark "Power This". They've taken their time, but now delivered ten new tracks on "Goodnight To Everyone" that prove it was well worth the wait. And this CD has some pretty cool artwork to boot!

The opening riffs of "Eyes Wide" make us fall in love all over again and quickly forgive The Jellybricks for the four year wait. With its sing along chorus and tight harmonies, "Eyes Wide" is sure to dilate some pupils. Next up is the title track, filled with a delectable hook and punchy verse riff - "Goodnight To Everyone" ain't no lullaby. "Ruin Us" is another should-be hit with a great lyric. Power pop rockers "More To Lose" and "Up To You" are additional standouts. It's not easy to do, but if I were forced to pick a favorite track, it would have to be the hugely melodic "Nobody Else". Fans of Cliff Hillis, IKE, Matthew Sweet, The Tories, etc...you need to check out The Jellybricks.

"Goodnight to Everyone" is one of the most hook-filled Jellybricks release yet. I say this with each new CD they release, but this one is my favorite. All there is left to do now is cross our fingers that we'll see another Jellybricks CD before 2013!

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9

The Jellybricks on MySpace. Official Site.

Review: Duff Ferguson "Good Things"

Since we feature a lot of AOR and power pop on this blog, we cover a lot of releases that are brimming with positivity, inspiration, and feel good music. Duff Ferguson can certainly join the ranks of such artists, but could also be a contender to be their leader.

Duff Ferguson's full-length debut, "Good Things" is aptly named; most of the tracks are instant pick me ups in lyric and spirit, with excellent musicianship and well-crafted harmonies - good things indeed. An impressive list of guests who are no strangers to fans of power pop grace this release, including Todd Herfindal (Meadows), guitarist Tony Gilkyson (Bob Dylan), bassist Taras Prodanuik (Lucinda Williams).

The record will snap you out of the blues right at the get-go, with soaring tracks like "We Will Escape" and "Good Things", jangling with power pop goodness. "One Day at A Time" is an infectious romp through James territory. Duff is also an engaging vocalist on the rare moments when he slows it down for tender moments like the breezy "Never Enough". There is a new state anthem to be had in the driving "Forever California", and a new wedding song in the sincerely sweet song, "Marry Me". And for you Aimee Mann fans, there are a couple of tracks where Duff is cloudy, such as "Never Enough" and the woeful "Valentine's Day". But these are tunes all of us relate to at one point; Duff's decision to end the CD on positive notes underscores how hope is the way to triumph and happiness.

Duff Ferguson plays some of the most positive pop rock I've heard since The Galaxies. Fans of The Meadows and Scot Sax: take note of Duff's stuff.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9

Duff Ferguson on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Richard Snow "Tuesday Music" (2008 reissue)

Devoted readers will recall that we recently reviewed the SideBMusic reissue of Richard Snow's self-titled debut (click here to refresh your memory). Now SideB brings us his 2005 effort, "Tuesday Music", complete with seven previously unreleased tracks comprised of alternate takes, mixes, and live versions.

Richard's debut was a strong power pop record in the tradition of Brian Wilson, but I find that I am enjoying "Tuesday Music" even more. Instead of succumbing to the sophomore slump, Richard Snow has stepped up to the plate and delivered a release even better than the debut, which is no small feat.

You know you are in for a treat from the very first strum of the bright acoustic guitar beginning "Silent Girlfriend". Snow wastes no time in getting to the gorgeous harmonies that he cranks out so effortlessly, never more welcoming and pleasing to the ears. "You're My Number 1" continues this trend and contains a great chorus hook. Snow flatters his 60s pop influences brilliantly on "Hard To Be Happy". "Lonesome Cowboy" is an adventurous foray into multiple musical genres, including a country-flavored bass line in the verse to fit the theme, and Snow's genius shines through in how he expertly blends these disparate parts into a cohesive tour de force. "Expectations" is another pop rocker that impresses with its ability to blend multiple catchy parts into a single, masterful tune. Lyrically, "Days of Simplicity", which finds Snow lamenting the degeneration of the music business, is one of my favorites.

Among the bounty of bonus material, I find the coffeehouse renditions of "Attention Not Required", "Silent Girlfriend", and "Hard To Be Happy" to be particularly mesmerizing.

All in all, Richard Snow is more confident and focused on "Tuesday Music" than ever before. The songs on a Richard Snow release are like snowflakes - each one is unique and a true marvel. A thoroughly enjoyable listening experience that pays homage to the greatest pop artists of the 60s while still sounding contemporary.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16

Richard Snow on MySpace. Official site.

Rare CD: Motley Crue "Crucial Crue" (Promo)

"Up for auction here is a Motley Crue Promo Cd From 1989, it is oop and rare. . Cd is Used and is in Excellent shape along With inserts front and back . . It has 10 Songs on it . The songs are : 1) Dr. Feelgood 2) Girls, Girls ,Girls 3) Wild side 4) smokin in the boys room 5) home Sweet home 6) shout At The devil 7) Looks That Kill 8 ) Too Young TO Fall In Love 9) Live Wire 10) Take Me To The Top"

Sold for $50.00 on ebay (18 bids)

Rare CD: The Cure "Doctor Robert's Surgery"

"You are bidding on a used The Cure - Doctor Robert's Surgery CD. This CD is extremely rare and in pristine condition. This is a factory pressed CD not a CD-R. This CD is being sold "as is". I accept PayPal only. I will ship this CD worldwide. I will combine shipping if you win multiple auctions. The winner pays for all shipping and handling. Payment must be received 7 days from the end of the auction. Item will be shipped upon receipt of payment. Thank you for looking! The track listing is as follows:

01) Forever (Unreleased studio version)
02) Cold Colours (Alternate studio version to Primary)
03) To the Sky (Unreleased studio version)
04) In Between Days (Studio demo for Head on the Door LP)
05) Sinking (Sutdio demo for Head on the Door LP)
06) Just Like Heaven (MTV acoustic version 1991)
07) Just Like Heaven (Dizzy Mix)
08) Primary (Red Mix)
09) A Forest (BBC in session March 1980)
10) All Cats are Grey (BBC in session January 1981)
11) Subway Song (BBC in session October 1979)
12) Cats Like Cheese (Demo for The Top LP)
13) Piggy in the Mirror (Demo for The Top LP)
14) Bananafishbones (Demo for The Top LP)
15) See the Children (Easy Cure demo from 1977/1978)
16) Meathook (Easy Cure Demo 1977/1978)
17) Listen (Easy Cure Demo 1977/1978)
18) Need Myself (Easy Cure Demo 1977/1978)
19) I Want to be Old (Easy Cure Demo 1977/1978)"

Sold for $260.00 on ebay (6 bids)

Rare CD: Queen "Scandal" (CD single)

"You are looking at a VERY RARE CD single by Queen released in 1989 by Capitol Records in the USA. This four track CD includes the single "Scandal" (from the album "The Miracle"), and three bonus tracks: "My Life Has Been Saved," "Hijacked My Heart" and "Stealin'." This CD single is in AS-NEW condition and it plays perfectly. This CD has been in my personal collection since I bought it new in Athens, GA, USA in 1989. The disc, booklet and jewel case are all as-new. The catalog number is CDP 7 15514 2."

Sold for $405.00 on ebay (20 bids)

Rare CD: Metallica "Brazil EP" (1996)

"Metallica - Brazil EP (1996)

MEGA RARE AND EXCLUSIVE BRAZILIAN EP CD ! ORIGINAL PRODUCT RELEASED BY POLYGRAM, NOT A CD-R OR A COUNTERFEIT ! TRACKLIST: UNTIL IT SLEEPS, THE UNFORGIVEN, ONE, ENTER SANDMAN, FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS, NOTHING ELSE MATTERS (LIVE).

LABEL / CAT # POLYGRAM 2809 359"

Sold for $499.98 on ebay

Rare CD: David Cook "Analog Heart"

"This CD is now out of print. This is NOT a burned CD; it is the real deal. David Cook’s Analog Heart 2006 album. The CD is in excellent condition. This CD was produced and recorded by David Cook in Tulsa. It was released in May of 2006 at his shows.

You are bidding on a copy of American Idol winner, David Cook's original, limited release CD, Analog Heart. There were only 250-500 copies ever printed and it was not released in stores.

Ten Tracks Include:
Straight Ahead Don't Say A Word
Fall Back Into Me The Truth
Searchlights Procelain*
Stitches Let Go
Makeover Silver

*Please note this is the spelling on the CD, it was an error on the proofreading!"

Sold for $680.00 on ebay (13 bids)

Review: Richard X. Heyman "Actual Sighs"

What kind of twilight zone of a music world do we live in where a talent like Richard X. Heyman goes largely unnoticed except by a few well informed critics? RXH is a virtual one man band, writing and playing mostly everything. His musicianship, experience, and skill as a songwriter is unquestioned. And, as one might surmise from the play on words of the record's title, he's quite the witty lyricist.

"Actual Sighs" is a bright, peppy party that makes your speakers dance through a staggering 20 tracks - just under 70 minutes of music. RXH really mixes it up on this one, bouncing between musical genres effortlessly like some sort of veteran musical speed dater. The multitude of instruments scattered throughout the tracks on this record keeps each song sounding fresh and different from the last. I hear a lot of the spirit of Fleetwood Mac or Bruce Springsteen with his E Street Band - big bold sound, a carnival and celebratory atmosphere. Most of the songs are epic and dramatic - good time rock and roll, through and through.

Vocally, RXH sounds a lot like Elvis Costello and John Hiatt, but honestly he is in a class of his own. I think he does a flattering Bob Dylan on the blues numbers such as "Twelve Bars and I Still Have the Blues" and "RXH's Love in the First Person Blues". But then he can do something like Alan Parson's Project on harmony laden gems like "Written All Over My Face". Then he sounds like The Smithereens on "In A Boxcar" and "When Giants Fall", and channels XTC on "Mr. Murphy's Son". My favorite is "Hoosier", but more for the brilliant harmonies and catchy chorus hook than the fact that I live in Indy.

"Actual Sighs" actually is a debut CD of sorts...long story short it is re-recordings of the original six tracks that were to be RXH debut in 1986, but he's included 1, 2, no 14 (!) more additional tracks, making this more of a bona fide new release with a bonus EP attached. You need not concern yourself with where the record fits into RXH's impressive discography...just spin it and enjoy. RXH clearly is having the time of his life making music, and the fun is contagious with each listen.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 16, 17, 19

Richard X. Heyman: Official site.

Review: Town and Country "My Blue Heaven" (EP)

Wow. WOW! There is a new alt-country band in town...and country. "My Blue Heaven" is the new EP from a San Francisco band called Town and Country. Actually, alt-country may be a slight misnomer. While there are hints of The Jayhawks, the softer side of Wilco, or even the Eagles, there is plenty of straight-up pop rock here too (Finn Brothers come to mind, but Town and Country have a much better sense of humor). Outstanding, lush harmonies permeate this release, which also boasts some top-notch songwriting and smart, amusing lyrics.

Every song is memorable, blowing gently into your ears to set up permanent residence. The acoustic guitars are bright and crisp, building up to climatic choruses that will have you singing along in no time. The clever "Daytime Emmy" is an instant favorite, better than anything on TV. "Variation on a Theme By Mo" is a song we all have someone to dedicate to...just be careful where you are when you start singing, "First you lie, then you suck." The harmonies on songs like "Bella Vista" and "Better Than That" are simply gorgeous, somewhere between the quality of the Eagles and Partridge Family - did you ever think you'd read references to those two bands in the same review?

Get in your flatbed Ford and head out to Town and Country. Bring your own porch swing and summer lager and let their harmonious breeze blow through your hair. Outstanding stuff...I can't wait to hear more.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Town and Country on MySpace.

Fans of Town and Country might want to check out Dan Weir's studio project called Orphan Town, featured on this blog previously.

Review: Extreme "Saudades de Rock"

Extreme is back with their first release since "Waiting for the Punchline" in 1995. I have been waiting for this day with eager anticipation - with the exception of that ironically titled "Punchline" CD, I really dug this band.

With "Saudades de Rock", Extreme make some headway in redeeming themselves for the "Punchline" fiasco. But they have some more ground to make up. The positives: Gary Cherone still sounds great, one of the most underrated rock vocalists of the genre. And Nuno still astonishes with his guitar - the guy is utterly amazing. The two of them together, especially when they harmonize, have a great chemistry (best exemplified by their mega hit "More Than Words"). It is refreshing to hear them playing together again.

The negatives: where is the melodic rock that made them famous? There are fleeting signs of their talents for melody and harmony, but they don't seem to make the full effort to reach their potential and deliver a knock out record like any from their trilogy prior to "Punchline".

My mixed feelings regarding this record began right at the start with the mediocre rocker, "Star". The next track, "Comfortably Dumb" is even worse. Then comes the best track on the record, "Learn To Love", which is pure genius - everything comes together perfectly and the guys finally synergize like we know they can. They lose me again on the rockabilly track "Take Us Alive" - it is more like a novelty song and is probably a fun break during the live show. The funk rock that is trademark Extreme kicks in with "Run" - a superb track. "Ghost" and "Interface" mark more of a return to classic Extreme balladry, and both are wonderful. Astute fans will note that "Interface" was on Nuno's excellent Dramagods release. This is the type of music I think Nuno and Cherone do best these days. "Last Hour" starts off as a promising ballad too, but for me it quickly degenerates into a grueling, lumbering chore to get through. "King of the Ladies" is another piece of junk, redundant and pointless.

Maybe my expectations were too high, but at the end of the day, it is good to hear these guys back together again. My wish is that they continue to work together, but focus on the hooks and melodies that made them a "Star".

iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 5, 9, 11

Extreme on MySpace. Official site.

At least they don't sound like this:

Review: From The Inside “Visions”

AOR busy bee Danny Vaughn (Tyketto, Vaughn) is back with a long-awaited follow up to the 2004 debut by his side band From The Inside, which we have reviewed previously. Much like the debut record, “Visions” is a triumph of AOR goodness that brings back memories of rock radio of the late 80s. Featuring slick guitars (Jimi Bell from House of Lords, folks), keyboards, a white tiger on the cover, and of course, the outstanding vocal talents of Danny Vaughn, From The Inside aims to give the fans exactly what they crave. Again, this is the closest Danny gets to the classic Tyketto sound.

Comparing the two From The Inside records is like picking between milk versus dark chocolate. Each is a decent slab of melodic rock, but each has a slightly different taste. Lyrically, we deal with similar themes of inspiration, empowerment, and positivity. "Light Years", the lead off track to "Visions", is a tour de force that has it all. The momentum continues with the excellent uptempo rocker "Making Waves", which features a blistering guitar solo. The next few songs are okay but don't measure up to the brilliance of the first two tracks. The ballads this time around are not clicking with me as the debut release, with exception of "One More Night In Heaven". Just like the strong beginning of the disc, we end on high notes with two more peppy and catchy rockers in "Push Me Off" and "Telemetry".

Upon closer analysis, it looks like my tastes gravitate to the songs penned by Vaughn.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12

Danny Vaughn on MySpace. Official site.

Review: The Rockinghams “Makin’ Bacon”

Jim Basnight is a true rock and roll warrior, fighting the good fight for decades now. He’s always been shaking up the rock music scene in some way, shape, or form: as a solo artist, as member of the Moberlys, or as a member of his power trio The Rockinghams.

With The Rockinghams, Basnight channels more garage rock than polished pop, aligning himself with the likes of early Replacements or Tommy Stinson's other projects. At times, I hear something more like a sloppy version of Cheap Trick. I do not mean to imply anything negative with the word “sloppy” – just trying to convey the raw rock energy the Rockinghams embody. You'll also pick up some Social Distortion (check out "She Gives Me Everything I Want") and Tommy Conwell (check out "Middle Of The Night"). The songs are quick and to the point pop rockers – if you don’t like one song, have no fear because a new one comes along in about two minutes. The CD is very consistent and an excellent choice for a carefree “I just want to rock out” mood.

If you are looking for pristine and polished melodic rock, The Rockinghams is not the best CD to start with in the Jim Basnight discography. However, there are a few select tracks that satiate both the gritty bar band rocker and power pop enthusiasts alike. Most notable among these are "So Glad You Came" and "Space".

So if you like your rock to splatter and sizzle, bring home the "Makin' Bacon" release.

iPOD-worthy: 5, 7, 8, 12

Jim Basnight on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Shinedown "The Sound of Madness"

"The Sound of Madness" is the third swing from Shinedown and they have hit the ball out of the arena once again. I have been a fan since the debut record, but their latest has convinced me that they are poised to be one of my favorite bands for modern hard rock.

As on their previous releases, Shinedown stays true to their successful formula of stormy guitars swirling around an eye of the hurricane chorus. Nearly every song features a song-along-with-your-fist-in-the-air anthem chorus that is instantly memorable. Brent Smith is one of the greatest hard rock vocalists of our day. These guys deserve to be so much bigger than radio makes them out to be. "The Sounds of Madness" features a perfect mix of ripping rockers ("Devour", "Cry for Help"), midtempo cruisers ("Second Chance", "If You Only Knew"), and power ballads for this new millennium ("The Crow and The Butterfly", "What A Shame").

Shinedown will click with anyone who likes Saliva, Daughtry, or Nickelback.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10

Shinedown on MySpace. Official site.

Check out the video for "Devour":

Review: Rare CD: Badlands "Badlands" (1989)

After leaving Ozzy Osbourne circa 1988, guitarist Jake E. Lee recruited Black Sabbath alums Ray Gillen (RIP) and Eric Singer (later in KISS), on vocals and drums, respectively. Greg Chaisson rounded things out on bass. Badlands are fanatically loved by their fans and it is easy to see why. If you love soulful hard rock with a Southern flavor, Badlands will be your huckleberry. I would liken their sound to Led Zeppelin, Whitesnake, and Kingdom Come.

The band showcases their musicianship with lots of jams and fretboard gymnastics; there is not a lot of development of commercial hooks and melodies. In fact, this is presumably a major factor in their breakup during the making of the follow up record, "Voodoo Highway" when record execs wanted to bring in AOR songwriters like Desmond Child.

So there is not much here for those patriotic to catchy tunes and memorable melodies. But the musicianship and vocals are quite amazing throughout. A highlight for me is the more accessible and very Whitesnake sounding "Dreams in the Dark" and the epic "Winter's Call".

iPOD-worthy: 2, 4

PS: The CD is rather rare and hard to find...going for $30 used on Amazon today. Check now.

Check out the video for "Winter's Call"

Review: Radio Days "Midnight Cemetery Rendezvous" (EP)

Oh yeah! Radio Days is a power pop and rock band out of Italy that has just released their new EP called "Midnight Cemetery Rendezvous". This is one of the best garage pop rock releases I've heard since Eugene Edwards.

There is a raw energy that comes through in each of these 6 awesome tracks of pop rock bliss. These guys know what they are doing. They've pulled off the neat trick of writing irresistible bubblegum pop, yet playing it with such an edgy and gritty urgency that you'd never know that these melodies permeate the syrupy pop of the 50s and 60s (think the Ramones or Weezer). It is downright brilliant. Dario Persi has the perfect pipes to carry tunes like this - he and his band should be on the radio...every day. Fans of Eugene Edwards, The Singles, and Red Button take note and get to the cemetery by midnight.

It is impossible to pick a favorite because there are only 6 tracks on this EP and each one is perfect. In a word, fantastico!

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (all tracks!)

Radio Days on MySpace. Official site.

Check out the video for "Don't Keep Me Waiting":

Review: Big Life Desire "Dribs and Drabs"

Keith Harbottle is the one man force behind the Brit pop outfit Big Life Desire. His latest offering, "Dribs and Drabs" drops in September.

Something this British sounding is going to polarize the listeners. While some will embrace the quirky British charm, others won't be able to get past the fact that the record sounds like the Mike Myers SNL character "Simon" singing in the tub.

"Dribs and Drabs" is ideal music for chilling out. There is no question the songs are well thought out, meticulously crafted, and expertly performed. There are some pleasant harmonies, witty lyrics, and a skillful use of unorthodox sounds that blend seamlessly into the smart melodies. Standouts include "Full of You" and "Not Supposed To Make Sense". "Wait" is one of my favorites: a sparse yet gorgeous piano melody complements Keith's vocal styling most effectively on this track. "Someone is Missing" is a touching tribute to the departed, appropriately set to a haunting array of sounds not too unlike Depeche Mode.

"I don't have a good voice" is what Keith sings on "Not Supposed To Make Sense". Some will agree with him on both counts, but if you are a fan of indie-pop with a strong 80s vibe, you owe it to yourself to check out Big Life Desire. I liken the sound to Lightning Seeds or Britain's answer to The Simple Carnival.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 5, 8

Big Life Desire on MySpace. Official Site.

Review: King Swamp "King Swamp" [1989]

King Swamp, featuring vocalist Walter Wray, was a bare bones rock outfit that hailed from London. Their self-titled debut effort was released in 1989, and it got off to a quick and promising start with the minor hit, “Is This Love”. If you listened to radio at the time, you will recognize this track (which has nothing to do with the Whitesnake or Survivor hits of the same name).

In addition to “Is This Love”, this CD has several other solid rock tunes that should have been bigger hits than they were. Walter Wray sounds like a rougher and tougher version of Michael Hutchence (INXS), backed by a foot-stomping rock band. And instead of a sax player, they have a bustin' harmonica player. Several of the tracks have keyboards giving the tracks that mid to late 80s feel (check out "Original Man" and "The Sacrament"), which is a good thing in my book. Others are more acoustic driven, like the groovy "Widders Dump" and moody "Man Behind the Gun". Like always, my favorites are picked based on hooks and melody, and those tracks are highlighted below for you. Several other tracks are good too, but require a few spins to begin to sink in; "The Mirror" and "Blown Away" fall into this category for me.

They released a sophomore record called “Wiseblood” in 1990, but word on the street is that it isn’t as strong as this one. It is cheap to find out – buy both King Swamp releases for pennies at Amazon.com.

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

Walter Wray on MySpace. King Swamp official site.

Check out the video for "Blown Away":

Review: The Alarm "Under Attack"

After 300 some posts on this blog, I can't believe I have yet to mention The Alarm or Mike Peters. I have been a long-time fan of the band and Mike's solo efforts. "Under Attack" is the little known 2006 release from The Alarm, technically called The Alarm MMVI as Mike Peters is the only remaining original member. But he differentiates this from his solo work primarily because the songs were written in the context of his new bandmates.

We're not going to debate whether Mike Peters has the right to call this a genuine Alarm versus solo record...the main point that must be stressed is that this is a fantastic record. In fact, I think it is one of the strongest Alarm or Mike Peters release in years.

Fresh off a victorious battle with leukemia, Peters sounds incredibly energized, young, and fresh. He and his band have not rocked this hard in a long time. Some folks have complained that the record is raw and sounds a bit like a garage band at times, but I think this is exaggerated. What they hear is an urgency - passion - rock and roll, man! And besides, the big fat hooks and early U2 sounding harmonies we expect from The Alarm are still omnipresent. Every once in a while the acoustic guitars and harmonica ring out so not every song sounds the same. Finally, in keeping with most of Mike Peters work, the lyrics are substantive, clearly inspired by his conquering cancer and tragic events such as the London subway bombings of 2005. But this time with his songs Mike Peters gives us reasons to fight the good fight when "Under Attack", making this one of his most optimistic and upbeat efforts ever.

In a word, an outstanding release from this veteran band/artist.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13

The Alarm official site.

Here's the video for "Superchannel":

Review: Ryan Cabrera "The Moon Under Water"

Don't be put off by the goofy starving magician image makeover or the self-perpetuated claim that this record is wildly different than the other two Ryan Cabrera CDs: this is a pretty standard Ryan Cabrera CD. And that's a good thing!

Ryan Cabrera has a genuine talent for churning out some really catchy pop rock tunes, and his voice is crisp and clear with a delicate falsetto that is not overused. Lyrically he is no Sting or Costello but that is part of the charm.

His third release "The Moon Under Water" (which I had to buy despite a polite request, cheap bastard) continues in the Ryan Cabrera tradition of sounding like a little Goo Goo Doll that could. Some of the tracks, most notably "Enemies" and "Sit Back, Relax" have a bit of a dance groove, but are still recognizable as Cabrera and won't scare off his rock fans. For those who like what Simple Plan did on their latest, they will appreciate these tracks.

There are some excellent pop rockers on here for Ryan Cabrera to be proud of, including the single "Say". This song will burn onto your brain immediately and is most difficult to get out of your head. "In Between Lines" and "The Tango" are additional noteworthy rockers. Missing here is a standout ballad like the simple and sweet "True". There are a few ballads, but none worth writing home about. He's also reworked his former hit "I Will Remember You", but I'm not sure I like it better than the original. I would have rather heard a new original.

I purchased my CD from Target, which contains two bonus tracks. The first is an acoustic version of "Say" and is quite good. The second will frighten you rockers...it is a bona fide techno dance mix of "Enemies". Avoid it like the plague.

When most artists break from the majors and finance their own independent release to make the music they "really want to make", it usually turns into a disaster. Ryan defies the odds with "The Moon Under Water", but this is because it is not that much of a transformation than he makes it out to be. And again, that is a good thing!

iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 6, 8, 10

Ryan Cabrera on MySpace. Official site.

Check out the video for "Say":