Something Old...Something New (#26)

Each month I review a classic oldie from my collection along with a newer release that has caught my attention. Buy them all :)

"Pure Pop For Now People" by Nick Lowe (released 1978 - remaster "Jesus of Cool" 2008)

   With the mid 70s musical charts dominated by the brain-numbing beat of disco it was becoming increasingly difficult to find straight ahead melodic rock music but if you scoured the import bin at your favorite record shop you found that not-so-merry old England was awash in a new wave of great music (Elvis Costello, Graham Parker, Joe Jackson, The Clash, Sex Pistols) and a principal element at its nucleus was Nick Lowe. His debut album is loaded with sly lyrics, wry humor, wise-guy phrasing and most importantly clever pop tunes! The irresistible sparkling guitar bounce of "So It Goes" is a new wave primer. The stuttering rhythm on "I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass" counters the ironic disco pulse of the drums. Lowe is a music industry veteran by this time and mines this fertile ground (repeatedly) to bite the hand that feeds him on the thumping "Music for Money" and snarky "I Love my Label". Lyrics from the raucous "They Called it Rock" sum things up succinctly ("They went and cut the record, the record hit the charts. Someone in the newspaper said it was art...They cut another record, it never was a hit. Someone in the newspaper said it was shit.") "Nutted by Reality" begins in a Motown vein before transforming into a catchy melodic popper McCartney would envy. "Tonight" is a pretty ballad seemingly made for Eric Carmen & the Raspberries while the shimmering 12-string and sunny harmonies of "Little Hitler" echo the Beach Boys. "Rollers Show" manages to skewer the Bay City Roller teen scene while being every bit the equal of their hits. The brilliantly chiming "Marie Provost" recounts the death of a silent movie actress with typical Brit wit ("She was a winner that became a doggie's dinner") Closing with the relentlessly rocking "Heart of the City" this is a timeless album from a time when we needed it most. The 2008 remaster on YepRoc is beautifully packaged (it unfolds into a cross featuring Nick with his trusty Fender bass) and has ten essential bonus tracks! "Pure Pop For Now People" indeed!

"Cheatahs" by Cheatahs (released 2014)

  This album resides comfortably in the shoegaze genre (My Bloody Valentine, Ride, Slowdive, Swervedriver) which summons swirling effects-sodden guitars enveloping ribbons of hushed vocals in a melodic haze. When done well the results are rapturous and the Cheatahs do it oh so well! Led by songwriters Nathan Hewitt (guitar/vocals) and James Wignall (guitar) the London based quartet with Dean Reid (bass/keyboards/engineer) and Marc Rave (drums) have released singles and EPs leading up to this debut LP. Strong writing, excellent performances and sharp production bring every song to life (Shoegaze can be a fairly limiting style so this is no small achievement). "Geographic" is a rush of fuzzy psych rock followed by the hyper catchy "Northern Exposure" which is accented by a gorgeous chorus. "Mission Creep" projects a chillwave vibe amid the crash and pull of guitars before a beautiful instrumental fade. Which brings us to the album's zenith "The Swan". Guitars grab you instantly with a radiant riff and emphatic rhythm that never lets go while assembling hook after hook and culminating in a careening finish...stunning! Synths are often employed effectively to carry a melody or add textures to many tracks including "Cut the Grass" showcasing a feedback drenched middle section and "Loon Calls" bringing the album to a strong finish. In lesser hands shoegaze can become a boring sludgefest but Cheatahs create an opalescent whirlpool that carry the listener from shadow to light masterfully. Break out the headphones and get lost in the fuzzy luminescence of "Cheatahs"!

Something Old...Something New (#25)

Each month I review a classic oldie from my collection along with a newer release that caught my ear (and wallet).

"London Calling" by The Clash (released 1979)

   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". 

Something Old...Something New (#24)

Each month I review a classic oldie from my collection along with a newer release that caught my ear (and wallet).

"Toys in the Attic" by Aerosmith (released 1975- remaster 1993)

Scene: 1975 - at any high school party or where teens congregate this album is playing -  it was EVERYWHERE! It was simply impossible to be a rock fan and not own this record. By the time their third album was released Aerosmith, led by the toxic twins (flamboyant singer Steven Tyler and the Page/Richards hybrid swagger of guitarist Joe Perry) were poised to become America's Rolling Stones of hard rock. Producer Jack Douglas mastered the perfect mix of punch and polish to rocket the band to it's commercial peak (8 million). The blistering title track starts off with a menacing guitar rumble followed by the slashing lead echoing the vocals. "Uncle Salty" features a slower paced moody groove flowing into a great harmony-filled chorus. In "Adam's Apple" a sleazy guitar line winds itself into the verse and builds to a series of guitars solos. Top ten hit "Walk This Way" is a guitar strut with the riff that launched a thousand classic rock stations. "Big Ten Inch Record" is a novelty blues record from 1952 (Bull Moose Jackson) and seems woefully out of place here. "Sweet Emotion" was the first single and remains my favorite on this album. Bass, percussion and a talk box guitar fuel a spacey vibe that slides into the lyrics. The push and pull of distorted guitars travel through the verse and then become super-charged on their way to the chorus. "No More No More" is a straight-ahead rocker with pounding piano and a crushing guitar workout at the end! "Round and Round" has a "Led" heavy drum sound that produces a dark Zeppelinesque tone (think "When the Levee Breaks"). The closing tune is the prerequisite big ballad "You See Me Crying", a showcase for Tyler's vocals and piano accompanied by an orchestra. Aerosmith followed this release with their last great album appropriately titled "Rocks". 

"When I'm President" by Ian Hunter (released 2012)

From the Glam Rock glory of Mott the Hoople through his collaborations with legendary guitarist Mick Ronson to the present day, Ian Hunter continues to possess one of the most distinctive voices in all of rock. His wonderful sense of melody and witty, intelligent lyrics make for a combination rarely matched by anyone and at 72 years old he is not going quietly into the night. His past four albums ("Rant", "Shrunken Heads", "Man Overboard", "...President") have him on a musical roll unmatched at any time in his storied career! This album has a little bit of everything that makes Ian special. Opener "Comfortable (Flyin' Scotsman)" is a grinding rocker very much in the Mott vein as is the shouter "What For". "Fatally Flawed" is a contemplative  mid-tempo tune confronting the weaknesses found in everyone. The title track is a brilliantly catchy social commentary that coulda' shoulda' been a hit. The riveting ballad "Black Tears" opens with the chorus bathed in a soaring guitar riff and Mark Bosch's searing solo is the highlight of the album for me, recalling the best of Mick Ronson. The raucous acoustic bounce of "Saint" is irresistible while "Wild Bunch" paints a nostalgic look back featuring a rollicking honky tonk piano and dirty slide guitar. "Ta Shunka Witco (Crazy Horse)", a tribute to The Sioux American Indian Chief comes across as a bookend of sorts with Ian's title track from "All-American Alien Boy" which presented a roll call of famous Native American chiefs. "Life" wraps up the proceedings perfectly with a simple philosophy that would also be an ideal set ending song...and don't miss his live show because miraculously his voice is as vibrant as ever! To create such vital music at 72 is amazing but this release is outstanding for any age and a new album is in the works!

Something Old...Something New (#23)

Each month I hope to review a classic oldie from my collection along with a newer release that caught my ear (and wallet).

"Get Happy" by Elvis Costello (released 1980 - remaster  1994)

Elvis Costello stood alone as the best, brightest and most astoundingly prolific rock musician of 1977-1980. A perfect storm of clever lyrics and brilliant melodies allowed the "angry young man" personified to explode on the scene with the one-two punch of "My Aim Is True" and "This Year's Model" before producing the slightly less vitriolic but no less sensational "Armed Forces". Equal parts venom-spitting punk and new wave pop craftsman Costello and his band "The Attractions" were at the peak of their powers when they recorded "Get Happy". Inspired by Motown and Stax/Volt (Booker T & the MGs, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, etc...) the music features a hard soul sound with a strong backbeat and impassioned vocals. Things get off to a roof-shaking start with "Love For Tender" followed by 19 equally awe-inspiring tunes! There are rollicking keyboard workouts that feature Costello at his throat-shredding rawest including "I Stand Accused", the souped up Sam & Dave's "I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down", "5ive Gears In Reverse" and the frenetic screamer "Beaten To The Punch". Steve Nieve's piano and Farfisa organ color every song masterfully! Listen to the punchy "The Imposter", hard-charging "King Horse", "Possession", poundingly glorious "High Fidelity" or the haunting "Riot Act" for a few examples. "Temptation" and the rolling melody of "New Amsterdam" are beautiful mid-tempo numbers. Costello's vocals convey every emotion to dramatic effect throughout the record. His rhythm guitar playing (no solos!) and the drums of Pete Thomas anchor the proceedings but the driving force for every song is the amazingly inventive bass lines of Bruce Thomas - Wow! These guys are like a fine tuned engine firing on all cylinders! The 1994 Rykodisc remaster includes 11 bonus tracks from the era including "Girls Talk" and "Getting Mighty Crowded", definitely worth seeking out.

"Seeds" by TV On The Radio (released 2014)

Known for their complex experimental synth/funk/art rock loaded with electronic beats, samples and loops (not what I would normally be attracted to) this release proves that great music is great music! Brooklyn's TV on the Radio had their breakout moment with 2008's "Dear Science" which topped many year end lists. This is the first release following the 2011 death of bassist Gerard Smith. The music reflects this loss with an emotional tension running throughout most of the songs. Dave Sitek's production piles on dense layers of percussion and synths while still providing an airy atmosphere allowing each tune to ebb and flow with emotional depth. "Quartz" welcomes you with a smooth electronic groove. "Careful You" sputters into a pretty melody before devolving into some cool electronically altered vocals at the finish. The dark pop catchiness of "Happy Idiot" was the perfect choice for the single. Tunde Adebimpe's distinctive voice shines on each tune here. Check out his effortless falsetto on the gorgeous "Test Pilot" or "Love Stained" for evidence. "Ride" features a pensive string/piano intro which builds to an anthemic chorus. "Right Now" has a vintage "World Party" pop vibe to it. "Winter" provides a change of pace with it's chugging guitar fuzz followed by the jittery punk buzz of "Lazerray"! "Trouble" and "Seeds" end the album on a note of quiet hope with the lyrics  "Rain comes down like it always does, this time I've got seeds on ground." Teriffic songwriting, performance and production add up to one of my favorite albums of 2014 and one that grows more wonderful with each listen. Bonus cool points - The CD comes with a lenticular plastic sleeve that can be used to animate the cover and artwork found in the enclosed booklet!

Something Old...Something New (#22)

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 reviews.

"Quadrophenia" by The Who (released 1973 - remastered 1996)

This double album stands as one of the giants from the watershed musical year of 1973 (I've already reviewed 4 others here)! Pete Townshend had attempted concept albums previous to Quadrophenia with varying results. "Tommy" had great music but an awkward storyline and "Lifehouse" was beyond his grasp and abandoned after some amazing music (which ended up scattered amongst "Who's Next","Odds & Sods" and Townshend's first solo album). On "Quadrophenia" it all coalesces into an epic rock opera built around the Mod scene in 60's England focusing on our angst-ridden alienated teenager protagonist, Jimmy. Jimmy has four personalities (hence the "Quadrophenia") which are represented by the four members of "The Who" through their accompanying themes ("Helpless Dancer" - Roger Daltrey, "Is It Me" - John Entwistle, "Bell Boy" - Keith Moon and "Love, Reign O'er Me" - Pete Townshend). Townshend writes, arranges and performs this complex tour de force with all the genius of a symphonic master. Daltrey's vocals are a rock 'n' roll wonder, Moon's drumming is a constant roiling maelstrom on the edge of chaos but never crossing the line, Townshend's slashing chords and soaring single string runs nail the rhythm and melody enabling Entwistle's fingers to fly in every manner except that of a typical bass player. Townshend also miraculously features the synthesizer prominently in each song without sacrificing an ounce of power or emotion (like I said - genius)! The four themes are featured in the overture "Quadrophenia" and "The Rock" while also cleverly woven into songs throughout the album. If forced to choose highlights they would be the explosive "The Punk and the Godfather", the rock 'n' roll rush hour of "5:15" and the climactic finale of "Love Reign O'er Me" featuring Daltrey's impassioned vocals, but in truth every song is an epiphany! This is a powerful, exciting and immensely rewarding landmark album!

"Barbarella Girl God" by The Chevelles (released 2008)

This quartet hails from Perth, Australia and carry on the long tradition of outstanding Pop/Rock bands from their little corner of the world (Easybeats, AC/DC,  Radio Birdman, Midnight Oil, Hoodoo Gurus, Crowded House, The Vines, Tame Impala and many more). "Barbarella Girl God" is actually a collection of previous highlights along with four excellent new songs and provides a fine introduction to a band that has been rocking for over 20 years! Duane Smith and Adrian Allen supply the songs, guitars and vocals assisted by bassist, Jeff Haley and drummer, Paul Di Renzo. Together they craft an addictive Power Pop sound of crisply constructed music featuring fuzz-soaked rhythm contrasted with biting lead guitar fills and tight harmony-filled choruses. "Sleeper", "Zaragoza" and "Goodbye Sally" are three examples of this formula but they are not one-trick-ponies. "Get It On" and "Angelina Jolie" are super-charged rockers and "Come Back to Me" is pop at it's prettiest. The wailing guitar and vocals of "She Don't Come Around" recall vintage Hoodoo Gurus (a very good thing)! These guys are still out there performing and recording, in fact the latest single "Bettie Page" may be their best yet! Kudos to Little Steven Van Zandt's Wicked Cool Records for making this music available in the United States and for promoting such a great band! 

Favorite Albums of 2014

 Looking back on 2014 finds a surprising number of excellent releases! Veterans (Bob Mould, Beck, Tom Petty), Rookies (Alvvays, Cheatahs, Temples) and everyone in between (Raveonettes, New Pornographers, The Rifles) created a wealth of memorable music! My #1 - 5 are pretty firm but after that the order could change by the hour so really give these honorable mentions a good listen!

                             

1. Cloud Nothings - "Here and Nowhere Else"

Imagine the world's steepest, fastest roller coaster. Feel the incredible rush of speed combined with sudden dips, turns and constant sensation of flying right off the tracks. From the first flurry of "Now Hear In" to the proud pop closer "I'm Not Part of Me" you'll be in awe of this ride, struggling for breath, smiling and racing right back in line!

            

              

2. TV on the Radio - "Seeds"    

Utilizing loops of beats and music alongside traditional guitar, bass and Adibimpe's flawlessly shimmering vocals results in an improbably beautiful album dripping with emotion. A stunning achievement!

3. Bob Mould - "Beauty & Ruin"

More "Sugar" era crunchy fuzz from the former Husker Du frontman. Making music as vital as ever with Jon Wurster on drums and bassist, Jason Narducy. Inspired!

4. The New Pornographers - "Brill Bruisers"

The Canadian collective returns to brilliantly rocking form! A.C. Newman and Dan Bejar's songs are contagiously unique and Neko Case's voice is a force of nature that elevates each song into the stratosphere!

5. Beck - "Morning Phase"

A stylistic companion to my favorite Beck album, the mellow and melodic "Sea Change" lives up to all the expectations. Hard to believe it would be possible to record a more beautifully crafted album than this.

6. Ty Segall - "Manipulator"

The prolific San Francisco rocker puts out the most polished collection of his career. With Mikal Cronin assisting it is a big shiny garage/psych/glam guitar workout! My favorite Ty Segall album...by far!

7. The Rifles - "None the Wiser"

Fourth release from one of England's best kept secrets (wake up America). Razor sharp songwriting in the tradition of the Jam and Kaiser Chiefs. 

8. Real Estate - "Atlas"

It takes a lot of work to make songs sound this effortless. These bright, sparkling, catchy, upbeat tunes reflect the band honing their writing and playing skills to the next level. 

9. Lykke Li - "I Never Learn"

Swedish singer returns with another helping of nicely produced girl group heartache. Every melodic verse is followed by a chorus soaked in reverb. Great stuff!

10. Temples - "Sun Structures"

New Psychedelic rock band from England led by a couple 20-somethings who sound like they just crash landed from the summer of love. Cool vibes abound! In the same vein as Australia's "Tame Impala".

Very Honorable Mention; Cheatahs - "Cheatahs", Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - "Hypnotic Eye", Sugar Stems - "Only Come Out at Night", Alvvays - "Alvvays", Raveonettes - "Pe'ahi", The See See - "Days, Nights & Late Morning Lights", First Aid Kit - "Stay Gold", Ryan Adams - "Ryan Adams", Interpol - "El Pintor", David Crosby - "Croz", Bryan Ferry - "Avonmore"

  

Something Old...Something New (#21)

Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes - Hearts Of Stone (released - 1978)

This is the album where Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes put it all together and should have hit the big time like their buddy from Jersey, Springsteen, except that it never happened. Following two albums of  uneven (but eminently enjoyable) R&B covers paired with originals. "Hearts Of Stone" is where everything coalesces. The wizard behind this musical alchemy is Steven Van Zandt (Little Steven) whose soulful songwriting, arrangements, production, rhythm guitar and background vocals create a masterpiece! Southside has obviously studied the great Sam Cooke's style and has a passionate blues soaked voice made for this music. The mighty Max Weinberg guests on drums and the horn section led by trombonist, La Bamba ("Conan") drive every song. The album explodes out of the blocks with the pounding "Got to be a Better Way Home" highlighted by a screaming guitar solo from Billy Rush. "I Played the Fool" stands toe to toe with the best of Motown. The Springsteen songs (from his "Darkness on the Edge of Town" sessions) are wonderful. The title track is a soaring ballad that culminates with a transcendent guitar solo from Van Zandt and the perky "Talk to Me" is the hit single that never was. My two favorites are "Take it Inside" where the drums and guitars build to release on the horn drenched chorus and "Trapped Again" which simmers through the verses before culminating in another emotional spiraling solo from Billy Rush! There's plenty more but you get the idea. Similar to Boston's J. Geil's Band this is real, heart-on-your-sleeve, dynamic, sweaty, rock and soul music at it's best. Although they perform to this day, due to take your pick; lack of promotion, little airplay, bad timing, waning interest in R&B music or all of the above this overlooked but acclaimed album ended up as the high water mark for the band. 

Tinted Windows - Tinted Windows (released 2009)

This album is truly a sum of it's parts. James Iha brings his buzzing guitar from Smashing Pumpkins, Bun E. Carlos pounds the drums in vintage Cheap Trick style, Taylor Hanson (from teen idols Hanson) supplies the perfect pleading tenor voice and pop genius mastermind Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne) supplies the bulk of songwriting, bass and production to this Power Pop supergroup! Power Pop is a genre focusing on strong melody, catchy hooks and lots of guitar - glorious chiming, jangling, fuzzy guitar (early examples would be Badfinger, The Raspberries and Big Star). Here is a record that doesn't pretend to be anything other than what it is - expertly crafted songs with tight melodies and dripping with hooks! It's all too rare that a record like this comes along that is entertaining front to back and just plain FUN! Perfect pop gems are sprinkled throughout the album, from the opener "Kind of a Girl" through "Without Love" "We Got Something" and "Doncha Wanna" to closer "Take Me Back". A pretty ballad written by Iha "Back With You" breaks the tempo up nicely following the driving "Can't Get A Read on You" (a song Green Day would be proud to have written). "Nothing to Me" finds Taylor doing a pretty incredible Robin Zander (Cheap Trick) impression. This band is absolutely bursting with talent and each member's skills are shown to great effect. Iha's guitar leads and fills are always sharp and succinct never stepping on the melodies or Hanson's great vocals. Although the band did tour following this release it seems this 36 minutes of music may well be all we're left with from Tinted Windows. Always leave them wanting more - mission accomplished.