Each month I review a classic oldie from my collection along with a newer release that caught my ear (and wallet).
When The Clash (Joe Strummer-guitar/vocals, Mick Jones-guitar/vocals, Paul Simonon-bass, Topper Headon-drums) unleashed this double album on the world no one was prepared for the astounding breadth and depth of it's sound and styles. Their first two albums were fairly one dimensional in comparison and barely dented the charts in the U.S. but from the opening martial beat and strangled wailing of Strummer on "London Calling" to the closing slippery single catchiness of Jones and "Train in Vain" this record changed the rules and expectations for the band and punk music in general. This sprawling collection of Strummer/Jones songs is teeming with power, urgency, electricity and life! Even the now iconic cover echoing Elvis Presley's first album albeit with Simonon smashing his bass announces that this is a new energy. The variety of musical styles filtered through their punk vision is astonishing! Vince Taylor's "Brand New Cadillac" is taken for a rockabilly spin while "Jimmy Jazz" lives up to his cool title. "Rudy Can't Fail" is a soul/pop/Bo Diddley mix followed by "Spanish Bombs" which is a bright melodic rocker referencing (believe it or not) the Spanish Civil War! "Lost in the Supermarket" is another highlight with it's skipping beat and poppy melody. The horn-driven "Right People" has my favorite vocals on the record as Strummer seems to choke on his own lyrics (and saliva) at the end, now that's Rock & Roll! The dark Reggae on "Guns of Brixton" precedes the bouncy ska of "Wrong 'Em Boyo". "The Card Cheat" is a heartfelt R & B tune propelled by piano and horns. "Revolution Rock" has a smooth English 2 Tone ska vibe and there's more...19 incredible songs in all! Despite the disparate musical styles the album holds together beautifully thanks to Strummer's inspired vocals and Jones's guitar mastery. Easily one of the greatest albums ever recorded and making it hard to argue with the maxim "The Clash - the only band that matters"!
"Brill Bruisers" by The New Pornographers (released 2014)
This unique Canadian indie rock supergroup hailing from Vancouver, British Columbia have produced an album that can sit proudly alongside their best previous work. The three main members all have ongoing solo projects so it's impressive that this collective has recorded six albums since 1999. A. C. Newman is the main writer and producer with 3 solo albums to his credit. Dan Bejar contributes three songs while also fronting the band "Destroyer" and the incomparable Neko Case contributes her usual stunning vocals while continuing her much acclaimed solo career. "Brill Bruisers" is packed with the band's trademark quirky rhythms and sparkling melodies but this time around the lush production is awash in layers of synths and keyboards. The result is a very upbeat retro sound which complements the arrangements beautifully. The album explodes right out of the gate with the bold harmonies of the brash title track. Bejar's best song "War on the East Coast" features a chugging guitar edge while"Backstairs" finds Newman channeling his inner ELO. "Dance Hall Domine" is another highlight that begins with a throbbing synth then piles on hook after hook until Case's vocals seal the deal. Newman is a perfect writer for Case's commanding vocals as every song she contributes to is elevated to the next level...or beyond! The beautiful percolating "Champions of Red Wine", the flickering synths on "Marching Orders" the pulsing shiver of "Wide Eyes" all take on extra life when Neko steps to the mic. With the wealth of harmonies The New Pornographers can often come across as a Mommas & Poppas for the new millennium. They have such a brilliantly distinct pop sound that I'm shocked they haven't reached a wider audience. I also highly recommend their albums "Twin Cinema" and "Electric Version".
