Something old...something new (#17)

I plan to review one golden oldie from my collection and one relatively new release that I 
really enjoyed each month. I welcome any ideas, comments or ideas for future topics.

"Moontan" by Golden Earring (released 1973)

In a banner year for rock music a band from Holland explodes seemingly overnight when in fact this group has existed since 1961 and remains active with the same members circa 1970!  The rhythm section of Rinus Gerritsen (bass) and Cesar Zuiderwijk (drums) anchor the soundscape allowing George Kooyman's stinging guitar to leisurely explore every sonic angle imaginable while Barry Hay's commanding vocals are Daltreyesque. Opening with the instantly recognizable top 20 single "Radar Love" Kooyman's slide guitar propels the drums/bass intro into overdrive and we're off! "Candy's Going Bad" has a sinister simmering guitar groove that builds from verse to chorus with a long instrumental break to the fade. This will become a pattern for many of the songs on "Moontan" but never to their deficit. "Vanilla Queen" has a percolating synth line giving way to a beautiful acoustic guitar break that leads to the dramatic finish amid electric guitar, horns and an ever swelling string section. "Big Tree, Blue Sea" presents a dynamic opening of guitar and flute which meet again in the extended break that is reminiscent of the band "Audience". Over ten minutes "Are You Receiving Me" flows to a stunning meandering guitar solo that careens into the final chorus. "Moontan" remains a distinctly unique album, a little psychedelia, a little prog and a whole lot of Rock & Roll! Each song becomes a living, breathing entity free to wander it's own path. Golden Earring never reached these mind-blowing heights again but their next release "Switch" is also an excellent LP! 

"Silver Age" by Bob Mould (released 2012)

Bob Mould's autobiography is subtitled The Trail of Rage and Melody which is an apt description of the man's best music. This album stands among his finest work with Husker Du and Sugar which were towering beacons of gorgeous guitar noise fusing punk and college rock. Mould sings of regret, loss, opportunities missed and wasted but the music remains driving and hopeful. "Star Machine" attacks the business of the music business amid chugging, wailing, fuzzed-out, 6-string redemption. "The Descent" contrasts downward spiraling lyrics with joyously pounding guitars and a transcendent chorus. "Keep Believing" temporarily breaks the mold to send us on a blazing four minute sugar rush. The vocals and production sparkle throughout while Superchunk's rhythm section of Jason Narducy (bass) and Jon Wurster (drums) provide Mould with the finest band of his career. There are no ballads on this album nor a weak cut, Bob Mould has crafted a modern day masterpiece! Here's to rage and melody!

Something old...something new (#16)

"Sincerely" by the Dwight Twilley Band (released 1976)

In a year polluted by disco and overproduced schlock there were a precious few debut LPs to savor; The Ramones, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and maybe most of all this amazing feel-good slice of shiny power pop from the Dwight Twilley Band. From the initial slinky guitar groove of "I'm on Fire" you can tell this album is destined to be something special. Each song is flawlessly crafted with memorable Beatlesque melodies and rich harmonies (courtesy of drummer/musical accomplice Phil Seymour). Twilley's voice hits the sweet spot between crooner and rocker. He summons just the right tone and phrasing each song demands from the slapback rockabilly Elvis yelp of "TV" to the haunting lushness of the closing "Just Like the Sun". Lead guitarist Bill Pitcock IV shines throughout with biting solos and sparkling fills. Other highlights are the rocking "England" and the title track which serves up some tasty backwards guitar breaks. This is power pop at it's finest and deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Big Star, The Raspberries and Badfinger. Dwight Twilley never quite scaled this musical peak again but has many excellent songs in his catalog worth searching out, especially on the follow up release "Twilley Don't Mind".

"Meadowlands" by the Wrens (released 2003)

   Occasionally an album comes out of nowhere that absolutely blows your mind! What did I just hear? Could it have possibly been that good? How could I have missed this? "Meadowlands" is that kind of experience. This quartet from New Jersey's third release starts with a prelude of summer night sounds before guitars slowly creep in trading and echoing lines back and forth, building to a stuttering chord progression you wish would go on ad infinitum. Ah, but if that were true you would miss so much. Themes weave in and out of multiple songs throughout the record (the chopping guitar and plaintive melodies of "This Boy Is Exhausted" and "Per Second Second"are Cheap Trick meets the Pixies) This band is masterful in it's use of tension and release (listen to "Faster Gun" and "Hopeless" to feel the  push and pull of  rhythm and melody. The driving chords of "Happy" reappear in "Ex-Girl Collection" like a long lost friend. The songs are richly layered with the vocals deep in the mix creating a sprawling melancholy feel through much of the record. The ballads "She Sends Kisses" and "Thirteen Grand" are achingly beautiful with piano and strings on the latter. Ending as calmly as it began this album is truly a stunning work of art meant to be listened to in it's entirety. This is an incredibly rewarding CD as every trip through these songs brings new discoveries. A brilliant achievement on every level!

Favorites of 2012

Plenty of great music with a surprising relevant resurgence of rockers in their 50s, 60s and even 70s!

1.   Cloud Nothings - "Attack On Memory"
The most intensely personal coming-of-age angst since a certain band from Seattle shook the world. "Wasted Days" will sweep you into 9 minutes of frustration and guitars exploding in a climactic rage. Push play and hold on!

2.   Bob Mould - "Silver Age"
Husker Du and Sugar mastermind returns to form with his finest work since "Copper Blue". Every song is a melodically buzzing, distortion-filled roar of joy. Welcome back Bob!

3.   Neil Young - "Psychedelic Pill"

Neil Young and Crazy Horse dazzle with a double disc of hazy, fuzzed-out, whirling guitar jam genius! Puts bands a third of their age to shame. Forget Clapton, Neil is God!

4.   Ian Hunter - "When I'm President"

A songwriting clinic from a 72 year-old master of the form. His voice is resplendent as he continues an amazing run of outstanding albums. The guitar solo in "Black Tears"is searing!

5. Jack White - "Blunderbuss"

The guitar crunch and yelp of "Sixteen Saltines" alone is enough to propel White's first solo effort into my top ten but there's plenty more to enjoy from his seemingly endless sonic well.

6. Japandroids - "Celebration Rock"
Most appropriately named release of the year. The rush of speeding drums, guitars on the edge of falling apart and booming choruses deliver a beautiful exhaustion. Highly recommended.

7. The Tallest Man On Earth - "There's No Leaving Now"

Sweden's Kristian Matsson delivers a gorgeous follow-up to "The Wild Hunt". His songwriting excellence, guitar prowess and unique voice make this an acoustic oasis amidst a sea of sameness.

8. Redd Kross - "Researching The Blues"

A Power Pop/Rock tour de force highlighted by the hook laden monster "Stay Away From Downtown". These guys have never sounded better!

9. Lightships - "Electric Cables"

Float away on the sublime melodies and arrangements of Teenage Fanclub's Gerard Love. This is an especially alluring work destined to be played often. Simply beautiful.

10. Nada Surf - "The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy"

Matthew Caws and Co. can be counted on to make memorably radiant music with each release and this is no exception. Special assist by Doug Gillard on guitar - nice!

Honorable Mention - Library Time - "Library Time", Tame Impala - "Lonerism", Gary Clark Jr. - "Blak & Blu", DIIV - "Oshin", Joey Ramone - "...Ya Know",  Lotus Plaza - "Spooky at a Distance", First Aid Kit - Lion's Roar", Band Of Horses - "Mirage Rock"  Ramona Falls - "Prophet"  The Shins - "Port Of Morrow", King Tuff - "King Tuff"