Once again, the wonderful Interplanet Janet joins us for an album review, this time for the amazing debut album from Jay Gonzalez. Jay Gonzalez Mess of Happiness
You may or may not know Jay Gonzalez as the keyboard player from the band Drive-by Truckers. I would like to introduce you to his first album flying solo. But first, rewind to a couple months ago. I received the album not really sure what to expect since I hadn’t previously heard anything by the Drive-by Truckers. I was delighted because the songs were like the type my friends and I loved years ago. We would take refuge in them when our usual shoegaze, grunge and alt-rock got to be just too much. We would point out certain observant and amusing lyrics, laughing away our seemingly huge but-you-ain’t-seen-nothing-yet teenage troubles. Fun, clever, retro-pop, that back in the 70s and 80s might have been called “rock” because the songs contain a few guitar solos. I listened to Mess of Happiness carefully, smiled and thought Music used to be so fun. Why is my music collection so serious these days? This question hung over me like Beijing smog.
Let’s examine the album in more detail. I’m not going to list all Jay Gonzalez’s influences, but if you are interested, you can find them posted on jaygonzalez.com— the pop greats Paul McCartney, Todd Rundgren and Joe Jackson feature. This is demonstrated in the quality of the songwriting with an added dose of humour and a dash of not-taking-oneself-too-seriously. Let me assure you though, that the unique and amusing nature of the album (which crosses over into the videos that are well worth a look) does not mean the listener has to sacrifice quality.
These are fine, well-crafted pop songs; well-sung and packed with personality. The random samples of sound that appear throughout, a child’s voice for example, only add to it’s charm. Some of the further influences I picked up on are Glen Campbell, ABBA, Wings and even the early 90s power-pop band, Jellyfish— but I’m not sure what Jay would say about that. It does go to show that this is a very eclectic bunch of songs and that a listen is essential.
It’s not easy to choose a few standout tracks because they all have something noteworthy about them, but I will start with the brilliantly-titled Turning Me On. Once upon a time, we made mixtapes. If after hearing this poptastic gem you do not have the immediate urge to put this on a mixtape for someone then there’s something wrong with you.
Also noteworthy is the punchy, peculiar and bass-heavy Skinny Little Fingers. It’s hard to place this song. Part of me feels it belongs nestled in an episode of Scooby-Do for it’s faux-scary murder mystery narrative. Also, if you are like me and enjoy compiling Halloween-themed mixtapes, this track would be perfect. I should add that Gonzalez gets a bumper pack of extra points from me for the insertion of “Teenage Fanclub” in the lyrics. If there is indeed such a thing as a Teenage Fanclub shiny mac, I want one and I want it now.
This is what I have decided. Mess of Happiness is an album that is needed in your record collection right now because it’s probably so unlike what is in your record collection right now. I admit I’ve been pretty big into deeply serious and tortured singer-songwriters who take you through their seemingly impossible quest for love and acceptance. I honestly have no intention of ditching them but there needs to be a balance. You need to hang out with a funny friend for a while, not just the friend with all the drama permanently attached. Interestingly, like the funny friend, you will find this album also has considerable depth under the surface. This is especially evident in it’s examination of relationships with friends and lovers. For example, in the tracks Short Leash, I Urge You and Louisa.
I’m pleased to have this album because it has forced me to realise the reason why my record collection has become so serious is because I have become so serious. The teenage me would regard this as a tragedy. All the more reason why, starting with Mess of Happiness, this should be the year for music to make you smile. Despite the mess.
Interplanet Janet
Contact, befriend, follow, like and love Jay Gonzalez here: Facebook
Visit Jay Gonzalez Official web site for more music and photos here: www.jaygonzalez.com
Hot Nun is a band led by former Spinning Jennies and Well Wishers main man, Jeff Shilton, joined by Braden McGraw (Disastroid/Headslide) and together they take Power Pop to the rockier side with the volume turned to eleven.
This album is what I would term as a driving album, stick it on the car stereo, wind the windows down and drive out on the open road, head bobbing up and down and drumming on the steering wheel, then when it comes to an end, you start it all over again and drive a bit further!
This is not Jeff Shelton or Braden McGraw but a "hot nun!"
Fans of The Well Wishers or Spinning Jennies may be looking within to find the chiming guitars that are the trademark of those bands but will not be disappointed with this 8 track album, the melodies are there, the riffs, the harmonies, it is just that this one goes to eleven and the guitars drive proceedings along very nicely.
So, what are you waiting for, get the car polished up and ready to go, download the album and go for a drive!!!
It pays to have friends all over the world when it comes to hearing about good, no, great music, and I'd like to thank my friend Yael in Israel for turning me onto this fantastic soul outfit from Tel Aviv.
Amazingly the band was started by chance when DJ Yashiv Cohen was heard singing along to the records he was spinning at Tel Aviv Soul Club, this led to him teaming up with some musician friends and creating a soul band which stays true to the sound of 60's and Northern Soul, and as a person who is passionate about Soul, I have to say that this band is one of the very best I have heard in recent years.
Human Leagues "Mirror Man" given a tasty work over by MONC.
Working through this album, you can pick out the artists and the songs that drive this band from Al Wilson, Gloria Jones, Style Council and Dexys Midnight Runners, in fact "Ringtone (At The Caffs)" could have sat quite comfortably on Dexys "Searching For The Young Soul Rebels." MONC very clearly and openly display their influences but also bring their own twist and freshness to Soul.
This is a fantastic debut album that will have you out of your seat and moving your feet, it has been made with passion by people who have soul in their hearts, it really comes as no surprise that MONC are being embraced all over Europes Soul and Mod scenes as well as in their home country, yes, they are that good!
Men Of North Country are:
Yashiv Cohen - Vocals
Boaz Wolf - Drums, Percussion, Keys, Guitars
Doron Farhi - Guitars, Vocals
Jonathon Ydov - Bass, Vocals
Sefi Sizzling - Trumpet
Ongy Sizzling - Saxaphone
Ido Kretchmer - Trombone
Contact, befriend, follow, like and love MONC here: Facebook
Spanish Mod band Stanley Road have just started a funding project to help them release the bands debut album.
In these times where record companies choose to invest in so few artists, other than those that come from some TV talent show like X-Factor or the like, it is refreshing to see artists adapt the DIY ethic to ensure their music gets out there and that we the listeners get a diversity of choice.
There are different levels of contribution that you can make and the rewards given at each level vary from records, concerts in your home, local bar and even traveling with the band on a small tour with VIP treatment.
The feature is entirely in Spanish, I used Google Translate as a translation tool, however I am sure the band will happily answer any questions via their Facebook page here: Facebook
As a fan of the Medway scene I was really excited about this albums arrival, and with very good reason, vocalist/guitarist of The Galileo 7, Allan Crockford, was the bass player with, in my opinion, the greatest Medway band of them all, The Prisoners. Allan was also a member of Solarflares, Prime Movers and many other Medway garage bands and he is now leading his own band and standing shoulder to shoulder with the greatest of Medway bands in his own right.
So, you would expect "Staring At The Sound" to have some form and you would not be wrong, this is an absolute stunner from start to finish. Allan has had the reputation of being the reliable sideman to many great figures in his time as a musician, so it should of come as no surprise that he would develop and find a flair for writing his own songs, and, songs of quality too, which is exactly what he has done with The Galileo 7.
"Staring At The Sound" is everything you could possibly want from an album, tip top songs with psychadelic sounds, swirling organ, loads of harmonies, well written, meaningful lyrics and energy galore, as you would expect from a stalwart of the Medway sound.
It would be impossible to attempt to pick a stand out track on this album, all twelve tracks here hit the mark, each and every one of them could be released as a single.
This album will leave you wanting for more, I promise you, and the good news is, that there is more, The Galileo 7 released their debut album in 2010, "Are We Having Fun Yet?" which fortunately the band very kindly sent me along with "Staring At The Sound" and I can assure you that it is every bit as wonderful as the latest album.
"Running Through Our Hands" from the debut album "Are We Having Fun Yet?"
"Orangery Lane" from the debut album "Are We Having Fun Yet?"
"Staring At The Sound" (along The Solarflares and Prime Movers material), can be purchased at The Galileo 7 official website, both on the superior format of vinyl and CD here: http://www.thegalileo7.fourfour.com/home
(Also check out the excellent single "Modern Love Affair" and "Can't Get Away From Myself")
The albums are also available for download at itunes and amazon.
The Theme have landed, suited and booted and ready for world domination, with their debut album "Time For Change."
The echoes within the grooves here take you back to a time when music had a real immediacy to it, a time when the music gripped you and excited you, a time when music meant more.
The band are the first to admit that they are not re-inventing the sound of the Mod revival and Britpop eras, they are merely the torch bearers for the next generation, saving our souls, and ears, from the mindless drivel that is rammed down the throat of the nation by daytime radio.
Fortunately they are not alone in their conquest, but lead the way with the likes of Len Price 3, The Past Tense, Stanley Road and The Electric Stars to name a few.
The album is chock full of tunes, attitude and style, also reflected in the bands very sharp dress sense, and will not only appeal to fans of the Mod revival of the late 70's and early 80's but will also sit very comfortably with those who had a passion for the Britpop sounds, the likes of Oasis and The Real People. But, and maybe more importantly, this will bring a refreshing sound to the kids being starved of "real" music and hopefully revive something in the youth that makes them go out and check out the bands that don't get mainstream radio airplay, but, who like The Theme, have so much to offer. Time for a change? I reckon so, and The Theme are making it.
Whilst I have not been lucky enough, yet, to see the band live, I am assured that they put on a fantastic live show, so if you see any gigs listed near you, go along and have some fun!
I often get asked if we are at the start of another Mod revival, well, if The Theme is what constitutes a Mod revival, I f*cking hope so!!!!!
Buy the album, Contact, befriend, follow, like and love The Theme here: Facebook
I have been looking forward to hearing this album since I was sent the single "Kernersville" in the autumn last year, and I can, hand on heart, say it was well worth waiting for.
"Be Nice, Be Careful" is a choice cut of Power Pop, sometimes echoing the great power pop bands that have gone before them but without emulating them.
The song writing and music stand up to any scrutiny with well crafted songs and meaningful lyrics that never fail to engage the listener on every level.
A Fragile Tomorrow have released an album that will sit comfortably with a cross section of listeners, an album full of radio friendly tunes that will hopefully bring this music to the masses, who are currently being fed a diet of crap from TV talent shows, there is more to music.....and here they are!
A Fragile Tomorrow has become one of the most respected band of brothers on the road, largely thanks to their venerable work ethic, stellar musicianship, and fans in high places. The four-piece powerpop band is comprised of identical brothers Sean and Dominic Kelly, their younger brother Brendan, and Shaun Rhoades. In 2006, the band released its debut album, “Wishful Thinking.” Early 2008 brought the world "Beautiful Noise," the band's second record, which was produced by Grammy® award-winner Malcolm Burn, producer for such industry luminaries as Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, and Patti Smith.
Years of hard work and determination started to pay off in a big way in 2009. They went into the studio, with singer-songwriter Danielle Howle as producer, to make their third record “Tripping Over Nothing,” which features contributions from Amy Ray of Indigo Girls, singer-songwriter Susan Cowsill, and legendary musician Peter Holsapple. Sean and Dominic also made an appearance on Indigo Girls’ 2010 live album, “Staring Down the Brilliant Dream”, as well as Amy Ray’s 2012 solo release, “Lung of Love.”
Starting in 2010 and continuing through recent months, AFT joined Indigo Girls on tour in various cities, including a show in their home base of Charleston, SC in early 2011. As 2011 started to wind down, the band was invited to their West Coast debut as touring openers for The Bangles. Shows at well-respected clubs like House of Blues and legendary venues such as The Fillmore in San Francisco made the West Coast a successful new market for the band. More high-profile gigs followed throughout 2012, as the band shared the bill with Antigone Rising, Garrison Starr, Drivin’ and Cryin’, and Matthew Sweet respectively. While opening for Sweet on his celebrated “Girlfriend tour,” one Massachusetts critic proclaimed AFT as “everything that is right with music.”
Along with their busy touring schedule, the band carved out time in January of 2012 to complete their fourth record, “Be Nice Be Careful,” with music legend Mitch Easter as producer and Ted Comerford as co-producer. Known for his work with bands like R.E.M. and Pavement, Easter brought his trademark jangle-pop sound to the band’s compositions. This latest batch of songs show A Fragile Tomorrow’s growth not only in their songwriting, but in their musicianship as a whole.
Sean Kelly-Vocals, Guitars
Dominic Kelly-Drums, Vocals
Brendan Kelly-Guitars, Vocals
Shaun Rhoades-Bass, Vocals
A Fragile Tomorrow’s genre has never been easy to pinpoint, as the band uses the cities, musicians, and cultures that they come across while on the road as inspiration for their songwriting. Fans have compared their music to the likes of Teenage Fanclub, The Smithereens, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Big Star, The Jayhawks, The Lemonheads, The Posies, and more. Artists such as Indigo Girls, The Bangles, Matthew Sweet, Antigone Rising, Garrison Starr, Blues Traveler, Catie Curtis, Continental Drifters, Danielle Howle, The Cowsills, and Mark Bryan of Hootie and The Blowfish have invited AFT to tour and share the stage over the last few years.
As the band readies its fourth album for release on January 8th, 2013, their goals include expanding their fan base, touring to new cities, working with more up-and-coming musicians as well as some more of their idols, making quality records for their fans, and bringing powerpop music back to the mainstream.
Contact, befriend, follow, like and love A Fragile Tomorrow: Facebook
Find out more, buy the album and other merchandise at the bands official web site:
