BMF - Bill's Music Forum

Review: Gary B and the Notions "A New Twist and Shout"

jesterrec@aol.com (Bill's Music Forum) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:08:00 +0000

If you can imagine Elvis Costello and the Attractions playing a show one night after getting completely tanked, you can begin to understand what Gary B and the Notions sound like. Hailing from my hometown of Baltimore, Gary B and the Notions are out to wake you up and make you dance to their schizophrenic pop rock jams.

The new record is aptly named - the melodies do twist, and the vocals shout at you. Much like the town of Baltimore, the music of Gary B is a myriad of styles, with some places being safer than others to visit. But whatever musical road Gary B is exploring, there is a certain indie, garage rock charm about this record that makes you looks beyond the low-fi nature of the production and the offbeat lyrics. It leaves you saying, there is something about these guys that I like, but I can't quite put my finger on it.

There are times when Gary B writes vocal checks he just can't cash, but his style makes you cheer him on for trying. He's our everyday hero living out his dream and inviting you to his 30 minute party. So consider yourself warned: this is not high gloss power pop - "A New Twist and Shout" is for those who dig raw indie rock of a quirky nature. Highlights include "Three Horse Carousel", "Give Me One Reason", and "New York Jet Set Garbage".

iPOD-worthy: 2, 7, 11

Gary B and the Notions on MySpace. Official site.

Movies that Rock: "Say Anything" 20th Anniversary Edition

jesterrec@aol.com (Bill's Music Forum) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:56:00 +0000

Has it really been 20 years? The image of John Cusack as Lloyd Dobler holding the boom box outside Diane's window while Peter Gabriel belts out his classic "In Your Eyes" is still very fresh in my mind. But here we are, two decades later, and it is time to relive this iconic late 80s film. There is no better way of doing so then getting the 20th Anniversary Edition of "Say Anything".

"Say Anything 20th Anniversary Edition" made its debut on Blu-ray Disc November 3 (DVD version was released on same day). This is one of those movies that you never tire of seeing, full of one-liners that I still find myself using today. The film holds up against time well, as it explores timeless themes of growing up, finding love, and fighting for the one you want. Like most other John Cusack movies, "Say Anything" also spawned one of the best soundtracks of the 80s, featuring the aforementioned hit by Peter Gabriel, but also great cuts from Living Colour (“Cult of Personality”), The Red Hot Chili Peppers (“Taste the Pain”), Cheap Trick ("You Want It"), and The Replacements ("In Your Reach"). While not as well known, AOR fans cannot miss two additional cuts from the soundtrack - the wonderful power ballad "All For Love" by Nancy Wilson (Heart) and a gorgeously melodic track from Germany's Freiheit called "Keeping the Dream Alive". You can sample the soundtrack here.

Say Anything 20th Anniversary Edition - Synopsis
In this charming critically acclaimed tale of first love, Lloyd, an eternal optimist, seeks to capture the heart of Diane, an unattainable high school beauty and straight-A student. He surprises just about everyone – including himself – when she returns the sentiment.

Free mp3! Chris Richards "That Covers That"

jesterrec@aol.com (Bill's Music Forum) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:25:00 +0000

Great news for fans of Chris Richards and the Subtractions (see our review of their last record here):

"We've compiled a digital release of cover songs as a free download only via Rapidshare. Hopefully, you'll be able to take advantage of this free download and enjoy our versions of classic songs by The Beatles, The Who, George Harrison, Elvis Costello, and Big Star. It also happens to be a wonderful companion disc to "Sad Sounds of the Summer".

Track list:
You Like Me Too Much - The Beatles
Mary Anne With The Shaky Hand - The Who
Wah Wah - George Harrison
No Action - Elvis Costello and the Attractions
Thirteen - Big Star

Click here to download!

Chris Richards and the Subtractions on MySpace. Official site. Get "Sad Sounds of Summer".

Interview: Lita Ford

jesterrec@aol.com (Bill's Music Forum) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:14:00 +0000

I recently interviewed Lita Ford for Rock and Roll Report.

Go check it out here.

Review: Jacob's Ladder "Ours For The Taking" [EP]

jesterrec@aol.com (Bill's Music Forum) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:47:00 +0000

It is hard to write a review for the South Florida band called Jacob's Ladder without hearing Huey Lewis sing the famous Bruce Hornsby tune! But Jacob's Ladder - the band - sound nothing like these big cheeses from the 80s. Jacob's Ladder is firmly planted in the soil of modern rock, in the same garden reaped by Fall Out Boy and Panic at the Disco.

Jacob's Ladder is a young trio of talented musicians (Sammy Gonzalez - bass, vocals; Oren Maisner - guitar, vocals; Brian Hernandez - drums) and their new EP was produced by Cyrus Bolooki Of New Found Glory. The band polishes their chops by touring relentlessly (over 400 shows!) and they've racked up some pretty notable achievements so far, including sales of over 4000 records between 2007-2009 and sponsorships from Ernie Ball and Gibson.

For this early in their career, Jacob's Ladder is off to an admirable start; there are good dynamics in the music, considerable harmonies, and a few memorable moments in emphasis tracks such as "Home Alone Tonight", "Not Your Enemy", and "Birds Of A Feather". The band needs to focus a bit more on developing a good strong hook or a lot of people ain't going to bite. The "Ours For The Taking" EP demonstrates some potential for this trio to rise above the crowd, but they still have a few more rungs to climb in order to reach the top.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 5, 6

Jacob's Ladder on MySpace.

Review: Will Hoge "The Wreckage"

jesterrec@aol.com (Bill's Music Forum) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:16:00 +0000

Dare I say it, but the past couple of records from Will Hoge have been disappointments for me - yes, they had their moments - but overall I found the albums cumbersome. The songs were still ripe with passion, but lacked the charm and energy - and catchy melodies - that made his first few releases so mesmerizing. Hoge's latest, "The Wreckage" is a solid return to his earlier sound.

"The Wreckage" may have a double meaning. In 2008, Hoge was involved in a traffic accident that nearly robbed the world of this fine talent. As it states in his bio: "As Hoge rode his scooter home from the studio, he was struck by an oncoming van that had veered into his lane. There were no skid marks. Launched off his bike, Hoge ended up bloodied, broken-boned, temporarily blinded, and near death. [The accident] was like stopping a record as it spins,” says Hoge, who had been halfway through recording material for his new record before getting derailed...For ten months, the accident sidelined Hoge. For ten months, it made him do something he hadn’t done in 18 years: stop the music."

But upon listening to "The Wreckage", another meaning seems to emerge. The primary theme that courses through the record is human connectedness. Song after song, Hoge leads us through a very personal and bittersweet exploration of aging human relationships.

While many of the new songs recapture the essence of that made early Hoge records such a joy, "The Wreckage" is not without its missteps. It has a fair share of ballads and only one or two are engaging enough to want to hear more than once (e.g. "Where Do We Go From Down", which finds Hoge searching "for light in a shadow of a doubt"). Hoge's strong suit are his rip-roaring melodic rockers - which he delivers on tracks like "Hard To Love" and "Favorite Waste of Time". Other highlights include his usual life on the road song, "Highway Wings" (isn't there one of these on every Hoge record?) and the inspirational single, "Even If It Breaks Your Heart".

Musically and lyrically, I think the time away from music has recharged Hoge. Track for track, I think the "The Wreckage" is one of his strongest efforts and is second only to "Blackbird On A Lonely Wire" as my favorite Will Hoge album.

When it comes to roots rock, Will Hoge continues to impress with his contagious passion and good natured melodies. He is long overdue for the recognition he deserves and is proving worthy of inheriting the Tom Petty crown.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10

Will Hoge on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Goldbergs "Jingle Jangle Pop" [EP]

jesterrec@aol.com (Bill's Music Forum) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:17:00 +0000

An early holiday treat is about to come your way! Andy Goldberg (see our review of the latest Goldbergs record here) is releasing a special Holiday EP appropriately entitled "Jingle Jangle Pop". The EP contains 4 tracks - 2 brand new and 2 from his previous project, The Sun Kings. Individual tracks or the entire album will be available only on iTunes no later than November 9 - mark your calendars as this is one powerpop fans won't want to miss.

My favorite track, the playful "Chanukah Guy", has that trademark Beatles-esque Goldbergs sound that I raved about earlier this year in my review for "Under The Radar". "Chanukah Guy" features Rich Pagano on drums (who is in the Fab Faux) and John Conte on bass. "Christmas Time Again", recorded entirely in Andy's basement, features Andy singing and playing everything himself.

Tracks 3 and 4, "Santa's Calling" and "Have a Very Merry Christmas", are from Andy's old band The Sun Kings (circa 1998). In addition to giving me two more tracks I can't wait to add to my iPOD's holiday playlist, these tracks provide an intriguing glimpse into Andy's evolution as an artist.

I can't wait until the next full-length release from the Goldbergs, but until then these four holiday tunes will be great to 'yule-tide' me over.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 4

The Goldbergs on MySpace.

L'Avventura "Your Star Was Shining" FREE thru Nov!

jesterrec@aol.com (Bill's Music Forum) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:07:00 +0000

News from L'Avventura:

"ExploreMusic.com just included "Rocket Sue" in its 5 Songs You Gotta Hear list.

KCRW Los Angeles has put "Swandive" in rotation on its Eclectic24 Internet station. BBC Radio has also been playing tracks from the latest album.

The entire "Your star was shining" album will be available for FREE DOWNLOAD here for the entire month of November."

You can find our review here.

Free GLEN PHILLIPS Sampler!

jesterrec@aol.com (Bill's Music Forum) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:31:00 +0000

Go here to get eight free Glen Phillips tracks:

1. Always Have My Love
2. Blood Pressurize
3. Don't Lose Your Voice
4. Return To Me
5. Thankful
6. Crowing
7. Everything But You
8. The Hole

"This is for those of you wondering what I've been up to since Toad. I'd like to give you eight songs in exchange for your email address, so I can tell you about upcoming tours (solo, with Toad and WPA) as well as new recording projects. Sound good? I think so.

Most important new project: WPA - go to wpamusic.com for more information, or wpamusic.bandcamp.com for the record.

Thanks for coming by..." - Glen

Review: Doctor Squid "Doctor Squid"

jesterrec@aol.com (Bill's Music Forum) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:27:00 +0000

Doctor Squid - interesting name, interesting sound. What do they sound like, you ask? Well, you might regret asking that question. Here is the answer in the band's own words: "The sound of how wonderful you'd feel if a giant squid successfully performed life-saving surgery on your organs. And then kissed you on the cheek. With his beak."

I have mixed feelings about Doctor Squid - can't quite put my tentacle on it, but something is amiss. The band is unabashedly independent and there are some clever melodies and intriguing harmonies here and there. But at the end of the day the vocals generally sink the ship for me. They are not awful, but kind of all over the place and on the whiny side to borderline annoying. And that is a shame because there are some songs here that are quite infectious - these guys have a good instinct for writing playful sing-a-long stuff. For example, check out "The Things We've Chased", "Running", and "On My Way".

Doctor Squid is part Fountains of Wayne, part Weezer, and a dash of They Might Be Giants. Musically solid and lyrically fresh, but with vocals that might make you wish Doctor Squid was calamari. As they sing on "The Day It Rained Hot Coffee", they don't sink or swim...they just float.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 5, 8

Doctor Squid on MySpace. Official site. Get it.

News and free mp3 from DANNY ECHO

jesterrec@aol.com (Bill's Music Forum) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:30:00 +0000

This just in from Danny Echo (see review of his latest album here).

"We have some exciting news. First off, we have just finished recording a new "radio version" of our 'Tomorrow Today' (a previous version was included on our last CD). The new, improved version was mixed by the legendary Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Franz Ferdinand, etc), and produced by Jeff Dawson (Daniel Powter, Kelly Rowland, Tal Bachman). You can download the new version for FREE on our website at: http://www.dannyecho.com/echoes.htm

Second item: We have the honour of being selected as one of the Top 20 finalists in the Vancouver-based Peak Performance Project, a seven-year,$5.29 million contest open to all independent musicians in Vancouver (and the rest of British Columbia, Canada). Of these twenty artists, the top three will share $275,000 in cash for career development. First place receives $150,000; second place receives $75,000; and third place receives $50,000. Obviously, the prize money would be a huge boost for our career....Part of the criteria we are being judged on is an online vote. Please vote for DANNY ECHO! Create a wave of support for us: http://www.peakperformanceproject.com/?page_id=1113

We have some additional brand new material that we are preparing for a new release, so we'll keep you posted as soon as it is released!" -DANNY ECHO

Review: Creedence Clearwater Revival "The Singles Collection"

jesterrec@aol.com (Bill's Music Forum) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:27:00 +0000

Below is a press release regarding the latest compilation from Creedence Clearwater Revival (a.k.a. CCR). This one is unique in featuring all of the singles from CCR - whether they charted or not. Spread across 2 CDs, this sprawling collection is the perfect way for new fans to get acquainted with CCR. For fans who have all their records already, the collection may still have appeal for you as it features a cool DVD with four music videos not previously available and a slick poster of artwork from the singles. Everything is included in a handsome slip case.

The new collection is a great way to honor and appreciate once again some of the finest work from a legendary American rock and roll band. Most CCR fans already have a comprehensive set of hits with "Chronicles, Vol 1"; if you are one of them, there are only a handful of additional tracks to appreciate on "The Singles Collection". "Revolutions Per Minute (parts 1 and 2)" are conversational pieces and in my opinion not worth going out of your way for...but other tracks like "Porterville", "Call It Pretending", and "Door To Door" are a few gems you'll find here and not on "Chronicles".

"Creedence Clearwater Revival's golden era of hit singles (fall of 1968 through spring of 1972) rivals that of any band in rock 'n' roll history. The Southern-flavored quartet from El Cerrito, Calif., turned out 17 hits in a 44-month stretch, nine of them in the Top 10, five of them in the Top 5.

On November 3, Fantasy Records will release "The Singles Collection", a two-CD, one-DVD box with a slip case, containing all of Creedence Clearwater Revival's U.S. singles -- 30 songs in all. Top 5 smashes like "Bad Moon Rising," "Green River," "Down on the Corner," "Travelin' Band," "Who'll Stop the Rain," "Run Through the Jungle," "Up Around the Bend," "Long As I Can See the Light" and "Lookin' Out My Back Door" are joined by seldom-heard singles that never charted ("Porterville" and "Call It Pretending" on Fantasy's Scorpio subsidiary, and later singles "Tearin' Up the Country" and "45 Revolutions Per Minute [Parts 1 & 2]").

The 30 songs, (which are presented in their original single mixes, many of them in mono --- are making their CD debut), housed on two CDs, will be joined by a DVD containing four never-before-available, long-pre-MTV music videos: "I Heard it Through the Grapevine," "Bootleg," "I Put a Spell on You" and "Lookin' Out My Back Door." Also included in the package are a poster featuring the dozens of international single sleeves, and a 16-page booklet with liner notes by former Rolling Stone editor Ben Fong-Torres, who lived and wrote in the Bay Area during CCR's golden half-decade.

Fantasy will also manufacture a limited edition collectors' version of "The Singles Collection" featuring actual vinyl 45 rpm singles with reproductions of the original Fantasy label design and housed in their rare picture sleeves-- the ultimate holiday gift for Creedence fans. Forty years later, the music sounds as fresh and vital as ever."

Get it.

The Damnwells NEXT RECORD

jesterrec@aol.com (Bill's Music Forum) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:24:00 +0000

From The Damnwells:

"First, thanks to all of you who have downloaded and continue to download our record, One Last Century [reviewed here on BMF]. It’s been a great experience for us to be able to connect directly with our fans, as well as make some new ones. Thank you all for your continued support. Consider One Last Century as our gift to you, though really it’s just payback for all the great support you’ve given us over the years.

As we embark on a new recording project, we need to ask for your help. Bands rely on their fans. You’re the people who come to the shows, buy us drinks, sing along, and make us feel pretty. The Damnwells need to take that one step further. Don’t worry; you can keep your clothes on (for now, anyway). What we need is your help in making our next record. We’ve recently partnered up with Pledge Music, an organization that helps independent bands raise the money necessary to make records. What’s so great about Pledge is that not only do they help independent bands get their records made, they also donate 10% of the money tallied to charity.

Here’s how it works. By pledging your donation here (http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/90), you will not only be able to directly assist in making this new record, you will also have access to EXCLUSIVE Damnwells b-sides, video posts, blogs, photos, not to mention helping fight against AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. For this project, we’ve decided to offer 10% to The Global Fund, a humanitarian organization committed to providing much-needed resources for the prevention and treatment of these devastating diseases. Oh, and you also get to download the record once it’s done.

But wait! That’s not all! (cue Vanna White.)

Check out the “Exclusives” section on our home page for, well, exclusive opportunities. Get your name in the credits. Come hang out for a rehearsal. Have us come play your house. Go nuts!

For now, head to the site and enjoy a free download, a little taste of what you’ll have access to when you pledge. The song is called “Death Defier,” and I suppose it embodies some of what we’re talking about here. (Click on the “download” button at the bottom of the page to get it.)

Help us continue to make music and maybe, possibly, really change some lives.
Fans, this one’s for you.

Love, as always,

The Damnwells

http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/90

Review: Andrew Petersen "The Universe, And Its Sense Of Humour"

jesterrec@aol.com (Bill's Music Forum) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:14:00 +0000

Singer/songwriter Andrew Petersen (Brisbane, Australia) has released his first solo album entitled, "The Universe, And Its Sense Of Humour". Petersen, the frontman for soul-rockers Shutterspeed, has been working on this project for 2 years, which he describes as: "It's got definite country flavours but it's not a country record, it's got pop sensibilities but it's not a pop record. It's music with a melodic heart. It's music with humour and passion".

Petersen's solo record distinguishes itself from Shutterspeed with its organic and acoustic feel, yet he has not abandoned his instinct for writing solid melodic hooks. Sprinkled into the mix you'll hear some well-placed harmonica, mandolin, pedal steel, and banjo, but it would be a misnomer to call this country or folk - it's more pop rock with an alt-country flavor. The production is remarkably good - bright, crisp guitars whether strummed or picked.

Petersen's voice sounds somewhere between Bob Seger and Ed Roland (Collective Soul), just perfect for this type of roots rock. Highlights include the upbeat harmonica-enhanced "A River Near Here", the swaying "It Gets That Way", and "I'll Come Running", a veritable tribute to classic Bob Seger. There is also a great cover of "Soul Deep", an all too often forgotten gem by Wayne Carson Thompson made famous by The Box Tops in 1969. Finally, "Hide" is a stripped down and beautifully performed acoustic ballad that quietly closes the record.

If this were basketball, "The Universe, And Its Sense Of Humour" is nothing but net. A fantastic debut that hits all the right buttons. Recommended for fans of Ryan Adams, Will Hoge, and Counting Crows.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11

Andrew Petersen on MySpace. Official site. Get it.

Review: Crosby Loggins "Time To Move"

jesterrec@aol.com (Bill's Music Forum) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:41:00 +0000

I missed the 2007 debut record "We All Go Home", so this new release "Time To Move" is my first exposure to Crosby Loggins, son of AOR top gun, Kenny. Let's get the inevitable comparisons out of the way first, shall we?

Does he sound like his father? If he is complaining that his CD is currently going for less than one dollar in the used bins, then yes. But otherwise, if I didn't know better, I would never have guessed he was Kenny's boy.
Did his father help with any of the songs? No - whether that is a good or bad thing is a matter of personal opinion.
What has he done that his father hasn't already? Crosby won MTV's reality show "Rock the Cradle". That has to look good on your resume.
Is he fond of beards? Evidently.
Will any song from "Time To Move" be featured in a testosterone-driven action movie? Most definitely not.

Crosby Loggins is attempting to carve out a niche of his own here, as the title might suggest. He sounds quite comfortable but not all that confident yet. "Time To Move" primarily consists of run of the mill light rock with simplistic lyrics about girls and love - sound familiar? His vocal performance is adequate, but nothing that stands out in the crowd. He probably has it in him to dazzle us more than he does here. The good news is that the melodic fruit did not fall far from the tree - the most memorable tracks include the upbeat numbers "Good Enough", "Better Days", and "Radio Heart". Incidentally, "Radio Heart" was co-written with Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket). Another guest star is John Mayer, who supplies the guitar solo on the title track.

Closest comparisons would be contemporary soft rockers like John Mayer, Jack Johnson, and Train. If this is your thing, you can get the CD used for less than a buck at Amazon.com.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 4, 6, 9, 10

Crosby Loggins on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Jeff Larson "Heart of the Valley"

jesterrec@aol.com (Bill's Music Forum) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:37:00 +0000

The latest from singer/songwriter Jeff Larson is called "Heart of the Valley", and boasts songs, production, and performances from Gerry Beckley (America). Many of the songs are penned by Beckley, with a couple co-written with Larson. The chemistry of this collaboration is noticeable right from the start and only gets better as the disc is played again and again.

The first comparison that sprung to my mind was Timothy B. Schmit (Eagles) - Larson weaves his voice so effortlessly around the mellow musical terrain, making "Heart of the Valley" such a gentle treat for tired ears. Even better, these gorgeous songs are grounded with a strong melodic hook and drenched in 70s-inspired harmonies.

A few seconds into the opening strums of the title track and you realize this is a CD to chill out to - it is a perfect accompaniment to your Sunday morning coffee. "Sudden Soldier" is probably my favorite tune in this set, sounding most like a long lost track from America, and not just because Beckley shares the lead vocal with Larson. Other highlights include the upbeat "Minus Marci", the graceful ballad "Calling", and the slow building drama of "Two People At Once".

Jeff Larson has a winner here: smooth rock for adults with a modest country vibe in the spirit of the Eagles, Poco, and America.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11

Jeff Larson on MySpace. Official site.

Gerry Beckley on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Five For Fighting "Slice"

jesterrec@aol.com (Bill's Music Forum) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 01:47:00 +0000

I've been a casual fan of Five For Fighting (a.k.a. singer/songwriter John Ondrasik) from the get-go, but with each new release I become a little more fanatical about how great these CDs are (and more frustrated with how Five For Fighting seems to receive less attention with each new record). The fifth album, "Slice", contains some of the strongest material Ondrasik has written and performed to date.

"Slice" is exceptionally Billy Joel-inspired and is consistently amazing through the first seven tracks. Ondrasik is the new piano man - and this time around, his brand of piano-driven pop rock is lushly orchestrated and sonically awesome. Better still, the eleven songs are built on his usual thought-provoking lyrics. If he's not telling a poignant story, he's compelling you to ponder the bittersweet complexities of life of human relations.

There are too many ace tracks to highlight them all - suffice it to say that nearly every track is melodic and beautiful, with subtle hints of genius that should make the hairs on your neck stand up. "Chances" (the current single) and "Story of Your Life" (should be a single) are upbeat, catchy, and a friend to radio. "Tuesday" and "This Dance" are a couple of the standout ballads. "Note to the Unknown Soldier" is one of the greatest tributes I've ever heard. Finally, lead-off and title track, "Slice", can be taken as a sequel to Don McLean's "American Pie", with Five For Fighting proving that today is the day music has been reborn. Get this one, gang - it is a terrific record, no matter how you slice it.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9

Five For Fighting on MySpace. Official site.

Rare CD: Greg Kihn "Rockihnroll"

jesterrec@aol.com (Bill's Music Forum) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:25:00 +0000

"Rare official CD released on "Son of Beserkley" label! Winning bid pays your choice of media mail or priority mail shipping. Good luck on owning this great piece of 80s rock music!"

Sold for $100 on ebay (10 bids)

Rare CD: Pharaoh "On Your Knees"

jesterrec@aol.com (Bill's Music Forum) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:22:00 +0000

"This is a 4 song Monster Rare indie from 1991, if you're a serious collector you have probably heard of this one before."

Sold for $474 on ebay (16 bids).

Rare CD: Robin Gibb "Secret Agent"

jesterrec@aol.com (Bill's Music Forum) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:20:00 +0000

"This is the Robin Gibb "Secret Agent" CD. This is EXTREMELY RARE and Hard to find. This was released on Mirage Records, made by Polygram. This has been out of print for some time and very sought after. Both the disc and the artwork are in MINT Condition. Feel free to ask any questions and thanks for looking."

Sold for $530 on ebay (10 bids).

Review: Kevin McAdams "It's My Time to Lose My Mind"

jesterrec@aol.com (Bill's Music Forum) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:21:00 +0000

Kevin McAdams (Elefant, Watchmakers) steps out from behind the drum kit to release his first solo effort "It's My Time to Lose My Mind". His CD contains 11 tracks, most of which fit comfortably in the pop rock genre, with a handful that contain some modest experimental elements (Beck comes to mind) to keep things interesting.

The instantly catchy first track, "Start Over Again", which recalls a bit of E.L.O., will grab you at the get go. "Start Over Again" has plenty of harmonies draping its sunny hook - when this song ends, you'll likely want to start it over again. While nothing else on the CD tops this wonderful pop confection, some of the other tunes come very close, such as "A Different Kind of Love Song", "The Hustler", and "My Time". The songs are generally upbeat and peppy, but the lyrics and vocal delivery are fairly melancholy. Like McAdams sings, "I'd like to write a happy song, but lately everything I've touched just falls apart". Well, not everything, Kevin..."It's My Time to Lose My Mind" holds itself together quite well.

McAdams' voice has that somewhat faint, whispery quality to it that puts him somewhere between The Brigadier and Matt Nathanson. It won't knock your socks off, but it services his brand of song well. As you would expect from an accomplished drummer, the rhythm section in all of these tracks is outstanding, many of them possessing an unshakable dance groove. All in all, a solid release that should get enough favorable reviews to keep McAdams stepping away from the drums and up to the mic more often.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 5, 6, 10

Kevin McAdams on MySpace. Get it.

New video from Vinyl Candy

jesterrec@aol.com (Bill's Music Forum) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:32:00 +0000

Go here to read our review of the great new power pop CD from Vinyl Candy.

They've just released their first video on-line. Check it out:

Purchase "Land" on CD or MP3!

Review: Dangtrippers "Days Between Stations"

jesterrec@aol.com (Bill's Music Forum) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:22:00 +0000

Here is a powerpop gem from the vault: The Dangtrippers debut LP, "Days Between Stations", from out of Iowa circa 1988. I recently dusted this one off to give it a spin and was surprised at how well these songs have stood the test of time. This one features their original lead singer, Devin Hill, who went on to release a number of solo albums in the 90s. Sadly, he and The Dangtrippers remain undeservedly below the radar.

The Dangtrippers deliver curt jangle-pop, with most songs rarely exceeding the three minute mark. Sharp and to the point, Devin Hill and company cut right to the chase to express the lyrical idea with a nice melody...and then onto the next one. The Dangtrippers kind of remind me of The Posies and 80s-era R.E.M., offering plenty of warm, upbeat tunes with plenty of harmonies. Good stuff worth hunting down. Highlights include "When Time Runs Out", "Masquerade", and "Reasons Why".

iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 5, 9, 10, 11

Dangtrippers on MySpace. Devin Hill on MySpace.

Review: Foreigner "Can't Slow Down"

jesterrec@aol.com (Bill's Music Forum) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 13:30:00 +0000

I didn't think we'd ever have the pleasure of reviewing a new record from Foreigner, the classic rock and AOR band that first formed back in late 70s. I imagine some fans are confused as to how the current line up can justify calling themselves Foreigner, seeing that the only conserved founding member is Mick Jones. But we're not here to debate that, we are here to tell you if the record is worthwhile.

The first thing that struck me about "Can't Slow Down" is how well this group of guys have captured the trademark Foreigner sound. Kelly Hansen (Hurricane) became the new lead vocalist since Lou Gramm's second departure in 2003. Much like Arnel Pineda substituting for Steve Perry in Journey, Hansen sounds remarkably close to Gramm, yet still retains enough of his own style that a discerning ear can tell the difference. Hansen does an excellent job on this record.

But the second reason why this record is such a pleasant surprise pertains to the simple fact that Mick Jones brought a batch of very solid AOR songs to the studio table. Always wise to balance rock with melody, Jones and the boys aim to please with this set of punchy and catchy tunes. While I found the ballads to be largely uninteresting ("As Long As I Live" being an exception), the record makes up for this with plenty of midtempo and upbeat numbers.

Does the record sound dated? Yes and no. They kept the keyboards down to a minimum, so that element of their 80s heyday is unnoticeable. But Foreigner is bringing saxy back with this record! Numerous songs feature some in your face sax, which is something I've not heard much of since the 80s.

Highlights include "In Pieces", "Living In A Dream", "Lonely", and the title track. Another cool one is the closer, "Fool For You Anyway", which is a horn-laced and soulful retro rocker in the finest Joe Cocker tradition (long time fans will recognize this song from Foreigner's debut CD many years ago). I had a lot of fun with this record - like I said, it was a pleasant surprise. Lyrically and musically, "Can't Slow Down" largely sticks to the classic AOR formula, but there is a charm and energy here that makes the record worthwhile. Younger acts can learn a lot from these seasoned rockers who once again demonstrate that memorable songs start with good hooks.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

Foreigner on MySpace. Official site

Review: ghostbird "ghostbird" [EP]

jesterrec@aol.com (Bill's Music Forum) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:40:00 +0000

Trent Hancock & Mike Cooper are the forces behind ghostbird, who released their self-titled EP June 30. Their mission with ghostbird, which literally means owl, is to "blend musical styling with social substance". Fitting to the nomenclature, the EP is wise, stately, a bit mysterious, and best played at night. Their music certainly does not conjure up your stereotypical view of their homebase, San Diego, CA.

ghostbird likens their sound to Postal Service, Radiohead, and Spoon. These comparisons are fair as indie artists tend to be genre benders and blenders. The music generally feels inorganic and takes a couple listens for the hooks to show their teeth. I know it is done purposefully, but the percussion is performed as if the drummer is playing to a completely different song.

Faithful readers know that I am not a fan of electronica, a genre that ghostbird flirts with, but actually uses in small, tolerable doses. The majority of the tracks didn't give me much of a reason to return to them, but the brooding power of "Night Kills Day" and peppy bounce of "Caroline" are will earn a place on the ol' iPOD. These two tracks are much closer to the straight-forward pop rock readers trust me to recommend.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 4

ghostbird on MySpace. Official site.

Check out the video for the single "Toy Soldier":