No review this time kids, just wanted to drop a line and let you know Bleu's album is now available for download over on his PledgeMusic page.
I have listened to it a few times already. It may not be what you expect at first. There are a lot more electronic elements and the songs are much more rhythmic, but deep down is Bleu's great songwriting, talking about truth's in life and love.
The Grapes of Wrath – "High Road"
OK, a bit closer to home, but still hard to get is the new album from Canada's The Grapes of Wrath, a band I only recently got into. I like a lot of their earlier work, but when I popped this on for the first time it was a whole new experience. It felt fresh, vibrant and new.
The Yum Yums – "...Play Good Music"
Another in the continuing series of new music from other countries that might be hard to find, here comes Norway’s own The Yum Yums. They are back in action with another hopping, bopping, power-popping collection of fun filled chewy bubblegummy sweetness! They know what their strengths are, and they exploit them to the tippity top.
From the first sustained note that opens the album, you are pulled into this world of Bob Evans. The cinematic opening of “Footscray Park” like the first moments of a film, introduces the tone and thematic elements. As the harmonic vocals come in you can almost see the scene being built in front of you. This happens both musically and lyrically.
Pop Garden Radio Presents: Legacy - A Tribute To Rick Nelson Volume 1
Listeners of the great pop music radio show Pop Garden Radio know that Adam Waltemire has been working on this collection a long long time. And let it just be said that it was worth the wait. This is a phenomenal tribute to Rick Nelson, someone who kind of gets the short shrift in rock and roll history, but played a big part in it.
This album hit me from the first listen. It is instantly danceable, beat driven music. Add in the sorta quirky vocal style of Thad Cockrell, it really is something. This sounds like a fresh new band with bright eyed kids in their early 20's...only these guys have been playing (separately) for years! That ends up giving the album a very polished, slick sound, that could easily slide into being overwrought and too earnest.
When it comes to airy gentle indie pop, you can't seem to go wrong with The Spinto Band. With their high-pitched vocals, dreamy soundscapes and themes of love and loss, they typify what it means to be an indie band. But if that turns you off, maybe stick with it a bit longer. There are real influences here that harken back to classic sixties pop, and a retro feel that is their own.
The Sun Sawed in 1/2 - Elephants Into Swans
They are back! After over a decade, The Sun Sawed in ½ picks up right where they left off with a winning album, full of catchy hooks, those soaring vocals, and sounds fresh and new. I’ll admit, it took me a while to get into this band. I think I first heard of them on the Jellyfish mailing list, as a band to check out.
A short-but-sweet rockin' album from Jeff Shelton (Well Wishers), it asks the musical question, "Wanna Rock?!" Chock-full of fast-paced guitar driven rock/pop/glam, topped with the sweet vocal style we've come to love from Jeff. He is having fun on this record, at one point adopting a British accent! There is no time for reflection here, and while it does not have a lot of variety, who needs it?
Welcome to 2013 fans and friends! I’m going to try writing longer-form reviews this year. Who knows what may happen!
An awesome album to start the year off with, this record has a lot going for it. The foundation of the music is firmly rooted in classic 70’s singer-songwriter pop. It’s your basic Andrew Gold, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Emmit Rhodes type of sound.
