tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55541420744515044392024-03-05T21:25:49.679+00:00Minty And The Beeb - Spin It Or Bin ItA review of the CDs we have been listening toMinty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554142074451504439.post-68672517335368602152020-05-14T17:29:00.001+01:002020-05-14T17:29:36.501+01:00It's Karma It's Cool - Woke Up In Hollywood<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0MGnd_tjtJtCS1kwEuzZaj08NzbD-lGZ8wYT4ZSgTuSbsoe-8vAgKQ0jd2v5v2v7b-Hr9rjU_SNx4apy-_CKVs0QGW8-Cr8TIGqBQa8a9T7eJrpDSa-mfnldrwjlqQOxAdqRS-uvXzCj/s1600/Jim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0MGnd_tjtJtCS1kwEuzZaj08NzbD-lGZ8wYT4ZSgTuSbsoe-8vAgKQ0jd2v5v2v7b-Hr9rjU_SNx4apy-_CKVs0QGW8-Cr8TIGqBQa8a9T7eJrpDSa-mfnldrwjlqQOxAdqRS-uvXzCj/s320/Jim.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The song writing talent that is Jim Styring is back with a
belter. “Woke Up In Hollywood” from his latest incarnation, It’s Karma It’s
Cool, is another step up in his continuing journey to pop’s pinnacle.<br />
<br />
Following on from the EP, Hipsters and Aeroplanes, here are a dozen songs that you know are great, because when
you put the album on it seems to be over in 15 minutes, and you just have to
play it again. And again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With all but one of the songs co-written with guitarist
Mickey Barraclough, the pair haven’t found a winning “formula”, because each
song is different. Nothing formulaic about them at all. Just great, catchy
hooks all over the place.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What the songs DO have in common though, is great tunes. Just what
the people want, and need these days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A powerful band and a wonderful production. From the uplifting opener “Our Love Is
An Amplifier” to the gorgeous closing track “Sunflowers”, this is a trip you
NEED to take.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having a couple of US power pop legends in the shape of Rex
Broome from The Armoires, and Lannie Flowers along is an added bonus when it
comes to jingling and jangling to be found on this gem.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554142074451504439.post-5772551455610460462016-10-17T19:41:00.000+01:002016-10-17T19:41:18.753+01:00See No Evil (7") - The Cherry Bluestorms<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigiyJz-2vCKZ7lOpcYVgWlaxUrLt7GX27qJFMCoatxUk9ZRvG2SI3TBTFh98OOJpmGr3iJIWKpQWcbuHfCH53CxpDArVr3QqWEjVZQnOqavh5HUHjSJ6dQ5QQjI1ttHJOJddf_YZ7IPvE/s1600/CBS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigiyJz-2vCKZ7lOpcYVgWlaxUrLt7GX27qJFMCoatxUk9ZRvG2SI3TBTFh98OOJpmGr3iJIWKpQWcbuHfCH53CxpDArVr3QqWEjVZQnOqavh5HUHjSJ6dQ5QQjI1ttHJOJddf_YZ7IPvE/s320/CBS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Cherry Bluestorms are back, this time with a helping of
Psych/Blues for our listening pleasure. This new track may not be too far
removed from The Zombies, but nonetheless they still manage to retain their own
originality as always. Who else could have managed to slip “Symphonie
Fantastique” into their lyrics?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is mostly down to the wistful voice of Deborah Gee,
although the engaging keyboards on “See No Evil” point to a slight change of
direction that works perfectly for them. Great harmonies, and Glen’s guitar
work make this track possibly their finest yet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Glen takes lead vocals on the Cherry Bluestorms version of
the Beatles, “Dear Prudence,” with Deborah supplying the perfect accompaniment
most of the way through. It’s not the first Beatles song they’ve covered, and
this is one we’re looking forward to hearing live too. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554142074451504439.post-63089214712771864412015-12-08T05:40:00.001+00:002015-12-08T05:40:58.780+00:00Feel My Heartbeat by Dean Ford<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcp8jsAkwcrfUZ5WlQvEP_8Gi305lQrBleczwBmT_8fHbBYCgXJGPZNyO8gpUEyDolo-YcRcQuoP_wcIrSuRwyn3x6V8lrS8n1Tkojpoy5Ddnq16YljSqmIT-N9YNaRDFzzUQLmkNQmnT/s1600/IMG_0498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcp8jsAkwcrfUZ5WlQvEP_8Gi305lQrBleczwBmT_8fHbBYCgXJGPZNyO8gpUEyDolo-YcRcQuoP_wcIrSuRwyn3x6V8lrS8n1Tkojpoy5Ddnq16YljSqmIT-N9YNaRDFzzUQLmkNQmnT/s320/IMG_0498.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Up there with the very best 60’s and 70’s bands when it came to
harmonies, stood one band head and shoulders above all the others. Leading them from the front vocally, and hailing from
Coatbridge, a town in the industrial heartlands of Lanarkshire, Scotland, was Dean Ford. After his name change from Thomas McAleese, Dean Ford and
the Gaylords soon morphed into The Marmalade.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It didn’t take long for the hits to start coming. After his
departure from the original band, he left behind behind dozens of classic songs,
mostly penned by himself and Junior Campbell, nearly all with Dean at the
forefront vocally. Dean released his eponymous first solo album in 1975. A critical success, even
if it didn’t hit platinum sales, it’s been a long wait for the follow up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A world away from the grey skies of Lanarkshire, the sunny
climes of Los Angeles has been home to Dean for many years now. A renewed interest
in recording and writing once again, found him paired up with Miami born producer,
and multi-instrumentalist Fernando Perdomo. The results are really quite dazzling.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are no tonsil tearing vocals reminiscent of songs like Marmalade’s "Empty
Bottles” (an underappreciated gem). What you get here is a classic, laid back album that wouldn’t have
seemed out of place in Laurel Canyon’s heyday. That’s not to suggest the songs
sound dated. Far from it. The songs are written from the perspective of someone
who’s now really enjoying life. The most perceptible Muse here would be Dean’s
grandson.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No more so than on the delightful opener “Heaven In His Eyes”.
Not only lyrically beautiful, but includes a perfectly realised guitar solo
from Dean himself. There’s an understandable, but palpable nervousness in
the opening vocals on this track, almost as if Dean is worried about opening his
heart to the world for the first time in so many years. There really was no
need to worry. There’s an honesty that shines through, and you soon realise he still
has that great voice. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hello Bright Eyes” opens with an accordion, very reminiscent of
the time back home when every family had someone who played it at parties back in day. It
feels like there's some kind of melancholy connection between the past and the present going on here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s a really clever device Brian Wilson used on the Pet Sounds track, “Don’t
Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder), where he used an imaginary heartbeat on the
recording, setting the tempo of the song. The album's’ title track, “Feel My Heartbeat” has employed
that same technique, probably sub-consciously, but to very great effect. This is a song
that genuinely does come from the heart. It works splendidly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s a lot of acoustic guitar throughout this album, with
“Room In My Heart” having the added bonus of Fernando dropping in with a gorgeous, relaxed, jazzy electric lead solo.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Other tracks on the album touch on family, and that search for
inner peace we all crave. Thankfully for us, Dean seems to have found that now. One thing
that does comes across quite evidently, is Dean's delight at being amongst
musicians he feels comfortable with, people he can really trust. This seems to have worked not only to his advantage, but has added to the listeners greater enjoyment as well . We have a lot to
thank Fernando and Dan Matovina for. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This “Dean Team,” including constant
support from some of Dean's Uber-fans, has made for a quite beautiful album. Dean should be very proud of what he's achieved with this album. The 40 year
wait has been well worth it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554142074451504439.post-41612249066552885172014-04-29T23:28:00.002+01:002014-04-29T23:28:54.134+01:00phonograph - phonograph vol1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbUIkwoBwVXMnJP7DzI54ZugKvhoX9RsuLe0i0HIfpdWrBElh_3Qk-gtG0CEus46GF5ynqpeA6UVbtCDzc_yriHX6nyQuelL6kAzPSltqtfjAREZVo_QoMuZhIpD7jATomGHaeO4QZE2h/s1600/phonograph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbUIkwoBwVXMnJP7DzI54ZugKvhoX9RsuLe0i0HIfpdWrBElh_3Qk-gtG0CEus46GF5ynqpeA6UVbtCDzc_yriHX6nyQuelL6kAzPSltqtfjAREZVo_QoMuZhIpD7jATomGHaeO4QZE2h/s1600/phonograph.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes good bands
come and good bands go without managing to make the break, or get the lucky
break needed to reach the audience they deserve.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then there are times when a band gets a bit of luck when
it’s too late. Think of The Zombies and their masterpiece, Odessey and Oracle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a way, that’s exactly what we have here. Recorded in 2000, this collection of songs,
newly released by phonograph, is what should be put in one of those capsules
sent into space, as an example to future generations, or alien life, as to what
perfect Power Pop on planet earth is.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From the Crowded House-like opener “She Knows It,” to the
puzzling, atmospheric closing track “Night Living,” the listener is taken on a
journey through all that is best in quintessential pop music.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Songwriters Paul Campbell and Terence O'Mahony have
delivered here in spades, songs that would grace any Badfinger, Jellyfish, Big
Star or Raspberries album. Not bad touchstones to have at all. As well as
incisive, dynamic and catchy guitar riffs throughout, they are complimented by
wonderfully worked harmonies.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Absorbing the best of the 60’s classic pop, though to 90’s
Brit Pop, and hinting at Americana examples like Cotton Mather, what we have
here is a genuine album of songs worthy of sitting alongside any landmark album
from ANY genre!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If justice is to be done as it was for The Zombies
eventually, then this album by phonograph should take its place at the top of
the Power Pop table.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Can't wait for volume 2.<br />
<br />
<br />
Download the album from here<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://phonographband.bandcamp.com/album/phonograph-vol-1">phonographband.bandcamp.com/album/phonograph-vol-1</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
Like their facebook page here<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/phonographtv">www.facebook.com/phonographtv</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554142074451504439.post-41728630850228722522013-06-16T17:19:00.000+01:002013-06-16T17:19:44.490+01:00The Cherry Bluestorms - Bad Penny OperaRelease Date: March 2013<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBg73rNBLHpE_jzU9z308zUeHLGJRkKy6X5luK2vdd3THvz6cIEBL9fZmGqa0P0PBSOa_QJgh5QPwJRUNNd7-F2rEGx3eYDHHU6LYIUzC7fbJc34SzJWPcifhKcGc3UxofL_YvR13l2Ax/s1600/IMG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBg73rNBLHpE_jzU9z308zUeHLGJRkKy6X5luK2vdd3THvz6cIEBL9fZmGqa0P0PBSOa_QJgh5QPwJRUNNd7-F2rEGx3eYDHHU6LYIUzC7fbJc34SzJWPcifhKcGc3UxofL_YvR13l2Ax/s320/IMG.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Knowing The Cherry Bluestorms as a great live band, with
first and foremost lots of Grade A psychedelic guitar at the foundation of the
band, it comes as a surprising ear-opener to hear this sophomore album
kicking off with a Kraftwerk like intro on the “Bad Penny Overture”. It’s not
long before the inventive guitar licks of Glen Laughlin find their way in
though.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The acoustic “By Your Leave” sounds like it could be a long
lost Nick Drake song, with Deborah’s plaintive vocal sounding as if she’s
actually living the song. The album does have a concept flow about it, and this
is the character of Penny leaving home in the north of England to head for
pastures new, and the bright lights of the big city down south.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The one cover on the album is a beautifully arranged version
of Donovan’s classic “Wear Your Love Like Heaven” from “A Gift From A Flower To
A Garden”. This song serves to let us know not just <i>when </i>we are, but where we are as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sunday Driving South” is filled with a gorgeous string arrangement
and a mellotron sound stolen from “Strawberry Fields Forever”. With name-checks
to Arnold Layne, Purple Haze and Mr Toad, this is definitely an album
high-light.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Glen and Deborah’s vocals work perfectly well together, and
this is especially high-lighted on “The Country Man”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nearing the end of the album, the dreams, hopes and wishes
of Penny seem to have vanished by the time we get to “Start Again”. The lyrics
are matched wonderfully by Glen’s brooding guitar riff. Oh, and talking of
lyrics, some of Glen’s finest are on the album’s closing number “Bad”. They
portray the darkest images you could imagine. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There doesn’t seem to be much in the way of redemption for
Penny in this tale of lost hopes and dreams, but as in a lot of great
song-writing, you can take out of it whatever you want. What you DO get is the
feeling of the heart and soul of the 60’s planted firmly in the 21<sup>st</sup>
century.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
This album is without doubt a giant leap forward in putting
this band in the major league. It deserves to be recognised as a classic
already.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554142074451504439.post-11618983270609165312013-02-21T01:40:00.003+00:002013-02-21T01:40:56.271+00:00Elliot Easton's Tiki Gods - Easton IslandRelease date : Feb 18th 2013 (download)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/images/B00BB7KCA4/ref=dp_image_z_0?ie=UTF8&n=77197031&s=dmusic" target="AmazonHelp"><img alt="Easton Island" border="0" height="400" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61sMND8dgjL._SL500_AA280_.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
I first became aware of the Elliot Easton’s Tiki Gods on a Del Fi compilation I picked up, that had their one track standing head and shoulders above all the others on it. Now, let me tell you….. that compilation had Brian Wilson, Insect Surfers and a young Frank Zappa on it. So we’re talking QUALITY here.<br />
<br />
Other tracks appeared on the Henry Mancini tribute album “A Shot In The Dark” and various other compilations. Everything I heard, I loved. An added bonus for me was finding out Nick Waluska (Nicky Wonder) was heavily involved alongside Elliot. I jumped with joy at finding out a WHOLE ALBUM was now available. It was downloaded within minutes of being available! I couldn’t wait to get my ears around it, and I wasn’t to be disappointed.<br />
<br />
<br />
Opening with “Tiki God’s Theme” is like a statement of intent. They are saying, “We like surf guitars and drums!” There’s also a hint of what’s to come later, with tolling bells and chants.<br />
<br />
Rarotonga has a shimmering modulated melody with a bright, choppy guitar backing that leaves you weak at the knees when the gorgeous strings sweep in to surprise you.<br />
<br />
Some female backing singers that wouldn’t sound out of place in a Sci-Fi soundtrack are juxtaposed with what was hinted at earlier…the tolling bells from A Fistful Of Dollars, hot burning sun, beating down over the chanting Ennio Morricone like “Blue Lava.” Cowboys in space riding surf boards! Now THAT’S a film I want to see.<br />
<br />
The Brian Wilson instrumentation admiration is evident on the lugubrious, laid back “Mu Empire.”<br />
<br />
“Tabu” has an American West Coast cool, with some great jazz licks Wes Montgomery would have been proud of in 1966. This feel is continued with “Jill’s Theme”, and some of the most beautifully defined guitar runs on the whole album.<br />
<br />
We step up a gear with “Sir Surfalot”, and the pounding drums are back with what could be a TV opening title tune to a 70’s long lost cop show.<br />
<br />
The best piece of music Burt Bacharach DIDN’T write is here on “Sydney’s Samba.” It’s a wonderful, dreamy, acoustic guitar led work of sublime artistry.<br />
<br />
Remember those spy movies from the 60’s, when there was always a white open topped sports car, with the hero driving the gorgeous girl with the long blond hair around the hills of Monte Carlo? Well “Sabotagia (I Say Sabotage)” would fit perfectly there.<br />
<br />
There’s an array of guitars chasing each other around the soundscape that is “Isle Of Canopic”, before the fine mixture of twang and acoustic on “Ballad Of Cowboyardee” are joined once again by the Space Girls.<br />
<br />
This is such a great album from start to finish. To end with what can only be described as “musical erotica,” is a master-stroke. “Nocturnia” has a vibe of something dangerous lurking in the background. The danger comes in a mysterious wind, that seems to take the most wonderful 38 minutes of music I have heard in YEARS away with it.<br />
<br />
The album isn’t a sound-a-like tribute to various musical favourites of Elliot Easton.. It’s jam-packed with original and exciting slices of music that can fire your imagination with surf, exotica, lounge, AND erotica, all mixed together for your listening pleasure<br />
<br />
Wherever Easton’s Island is….. I want to be there.<br />
<br />
Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554142074451504439.post-81389782231219707082012-10-18T06:18:00.001+01:002012-10-18T06:18:31.795+01:00Norman Kelsey - On The Rebound<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Release date: 2nd October 2012</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioY8F1m8FlWOCRY6En4V8ex_f51On69p9zpeqTosUvqE3FJyDszoYNpKOx5qBg4-c-sSCn5hq04DqKfSi2XpjXFAK0VOmImktYPkLEIweFxrSTQVlwp8n-DzGEPLnprHm8WMx0ixcZpOVy/s1600/Norman_Kelsey_OTR-ClassicSq_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioY8F1m8FlWOCRY6En4V8ex_f51On69p9zpeqTosUvqE3FJyDszoYNpKOx5qBg4-c-sSCn5hq04DqKfSi2XpjXFAK0VOmImktYPkLEIweFxrSTQVlwp8n-DzGEPLnprHm8WMx0ixcZpOVy/s400/Norman_Kelsey_OTR-ClassicSq_3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were lucky enough to catch Norman Kelsey live at
Liverpool’s IPO Festival, when he played with just an acoustic guitar. He was
certainly different from the Power Pop you expect at this fixture in our calendar,
but he did a great job in keeping the crowd’s attention with the songs he
played.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first song on this new album,” So Sophisticated”, opens
with a Robert Cray style bluesy riff played by the producer, Adam Marsland, before
the horns take you on a funk trip. The title “So Sophisticated” sets the tone
for the album, because that’s just what the album is. A sophisticated and well-structured
slice of soul, funk and lush vocals throughout.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The title track tips the hat to an obvious appreciation of Prince,
which is evident elsewhere on the album. This is no bad thing, especially since Norman
has a really warm and soulful falsetto that’s difficult to tire of.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Our Love Is Known By Name” opens with a stunning Bee Gees
at their best type harmony…and then gets better! Having Evie Sands helping out
on vocals guarantees greatness of course.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s a lot going on lyrically too, none more so than in
“Supermodels With Gatling Guns,” which manages name-check R2D2 and Stella McCartney!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Airport Kisses” is a real heartbreaker that captures
perfectly the sadness of someone who travels from home a lot and misses the
love that's been left behind.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Throughout this album great credit has to go to Adam
Marsland for his outstanding production work and musical contributions. He’s
done an amazing job, and he should be very proud of the result. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bottom line though, is that Norman Kelsey’s great songs
can stand strong with just his voice and that little acoustic guitar, as
witnessed in Liverpool earlier this year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is an outstanding album from a truly sophisticated
vocalist. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554142074451504439.post-67296132165085496712012-10-09T22:40:00.000+01:002012-10-09T22:40:11.702+01:00The Popdogs "Cool Cats For Pop Dogs"<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Our Verdict: A Fine Pedigree<span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you remember when “Pop”… as in “Popular Music” meant
something you and friends could actually enjoy openly?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This would be way before Simon Cowell destroyed the meaning
of the words. Well prepare to have your
faith restored in this particular genre.
Because the debut album from The Popdogs, “Cool Cats For Pop Dogs” will
do just that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clocking in at not much more than 30 minutes, the ten songs
on the album will be the soundtrack to the quickest 30 minutes of your life!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From the power pop opening of KELLY’S ON till the harmony
laden closer DANCIN ‘ AGAIN, via an almost surf guitar instrumental in MILD MANNERED J, we are
treated to reminders of just exactly what pop songs are meant to be… two and a
half minutes of aural ecstasy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course singer/songwriter James Styring is no stranger to
great songs as anyone who had the good fortune to see or hear his last band,
Postcards From Places That Don’t Exist can testify. His teaming up with
guitarist Tim McKeating though, has added a definite radio friendliness to the instantly recognisable vocals provided by James.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jangly guitars, great hooks and choruses, plus the added benefit
of a unique and distinctive vocalist. What more can you look for in a classic
POP album? Ten sparkling gems, highly recommended for anyone looking to have that faith in
POPULAR MUSIC restored.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgARagmF97i9CFEF5AvwppavZZNfSoGIKU61fX3kRyhYfP1bmqoAHittNoIo4w5N1VjtGYbbU-ujBlEAzlSgJJzp0V8YfWczOINfY2pa1_hPWPTqR_mGgtop5KFrD_Zm2ZK7wyZ6YTzyX/s1600/popdogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgARagmF97i9CFEF5AvwppavZZNfSoGIKU61fX3kRyhYfP1bmqoAHittNoIo4w5N1VjtGYbbU-ujBlEAzlSgJJzp0V8YfWczOINfY2pa1_hPWPTqR_mGgtop5KFrD_Zm2ZK7wyZ6YTzyX/s400/popdogs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554142074451504439.post-69019308016313227622012-06-09T23:58:00.000+01:002012-06-09T23:58:05.234+01:00THE BEACH BOYS - THAT'S WHY GOD MADE THE RADIO<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b><i>Band: The Beach Boys<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b><i>Album: That’s Why God Made The Radio<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b><i>Released: June 5<sup>th</sup> 2012<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b><i>Our Verdict: Spin like crazy – it’s
FANTASTIC</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFTJnZKShcjx3AEYloyLRPum9FLIOu6LN9K3zTf4z4TxH51VDWNFolaTxlGixxN2ZVB7SpIW3mv5ZYmcrJ8fFyyMGhbvaJ_Axvjx7mTZJ1MMBKCPdVSgvv7533Cd2_wxEqXZ3jICaQurd/s1600/bbS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFTJnZKShcjx3AEYloyLRPum9FLIOu6LN9K3zTf4z4TxH51VDWNFolaTxlGixxN2ZVB7SpIW3mv5ZYmcrJ8fFyyMGhbvaJ_Axvjx7mTZJ1MMBKCPdVSgvv7533Cd2_wxEqXZ3jICaQurd/s200/bbS.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It’s been a good sixteen years since
The Beach Boys got together and recorded something new. Law suits between one
another have dominated their landscape during those years, and many would call
the band dysfunctional, but they are together again, disputes put aside (for a
time anyway), to celebrate the 50<sup>th</sup> anniversary of what has become a
Southern California culture with an anniversary tour and a new studio album,
with NEW material. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">With the death of Dennis Wilson (1983)
and Carl Wilson (1998) the band will never be the band it was in the sixties
but with Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and the “lost
Beach Boy” David Marks as the core line-up, it is as close as dammit we’ll get.
And from giving the new CD a spin, we’ll take that thank you very much.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Before we even play it, the CD is
filled with promise, with tracks titled which give the impression of nostalgia,
such as “Think About The Days” and “Summer’s Gone” and tracks that hark back to
the Southern California culture we have loved for so long, “Pacific Coast
Highway” and “Daybreak Over The Ocean”. The song writing credits are mainly
Brian Wilson and Joe Thomas (who produced Brian’s second solo album
“Imagination”) but there is one song where the credit is just Mike Love, which
is nice to see. The musicians involved in the backing and instrumentation are
predominantly from Brian Wilson’s own touring band which is another good sign.
Produced by Brian Wilson and executive produced by Mike Love, we settle in for
what we hope is a harmony filled treat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The CD opens with a smooth, lush,
harmony filled short track, “Think About The Days” which is a great opening teaser
of what is to come. No words, just harmonies and a solitary piano. This one has
a bit of “Endless Harmony” about it, a song about Brothers, Friends and Cousins
from the Keeping The Summer Alive album released in the early 80’s…..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Next up, the first single released from
the album, and one that is getting a lot of airplay in the UK (particularly on
BBC Radio 2), the title track, “That’s Why God Made the Radio”. Brian Wilson’s
vocals are very prominent here and the harmony is amazing. We can pick out the
voices of each of the band and each time we hear it we hear another layer. The
lyrics are easy, and at times forced to rhyme such as “lift up my antennae” but
it is extremely listenable. They are indeed “spreading the love and sunshine to
a whole new generation”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Track three is “Isn’t It Time” which
has a similar beat to, “Crack At Your Love” from the 1985 album. The more we
hear this, the more it grows on us such that it is now one of our favourites. The
song starts with Brian Wilson on vocals with the bass vocal from Mike Love and
then Al Jardine joins in….. and in the middle, a lovely falsetto from Jeff
Foskett (himself a member of the Beach Boys band in the 80’s). A lovely rhythm
to this one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Spring Vacation”, with the lead from
Mike Love, is a bit of a cheesy song when you consider the lyrics in terms of
the band’s history and their reunion tour…. “long as we can all stay
together…..as for the past it’s all behind us…..singing our songs is enough
reason…..some say it wouldn’t last……all we can say is we’re still having a
blast….we’re back together…..easy money…….” This is another that worms its way
into your musical veins and you can’t help but sing along.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The fifth track is “The Private Life
of Bill and Sue”, lead from Brian Wilson, all about a reality TV couple, with a
brilliant, catchy chorus which has a real Rio Grande/Mexico feel to it, some
great percussion and vibes in the backing and a lovely bit of bass saxophone
too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Shelter”, again with the lead from
Brian Wilson, includes a fantastic shiver down your spine falsetto from Jeff
Foskett, a member of the Beach Boys band in the 80’s and a key member of Brian
Wilson’s current band. His vocals can be heard throughout the album, but they
really do stand out on this track. Love it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Daybreak Over The Ocean” is a Mike
Love composition and it is his vocals that are the prominent ones here as he
takes the lead, and admittedly took a bit of time to grow on us. But the seed
was planted, and although we wouldn’t say it was one of our top tracks from the
album, it is certainly one that evokes images of the beach, and waves breaking
with the rumbling of the cymbals, and the acoustic guitar giving a calmness and
tranquillity about the whole song. This is probably the best song Duglus T
Stewart has never done!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Track eight, “Beaches in Mind” is (for
us anyway) the weakest track. We feel it’s quite 80’s influenced, with the
organ and the drum beat, and although we don’t dislike it, we just don’t feel
it’s up there with the rest of the tracks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">“Strange World” evokes many memories
from our trip to LA last year, with the references to Santa Monica Pier. The
intro has a great full drumbeat, some lovely percussion with the castanets, and
we really like the string arrangements too. The added touch of the bicycle bell
was cute! To us it sounds like Scott Bennett’s contribution on “Midnight’s
Another Day.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The final three songs on the album are
a suite of divine perfection. “From There To Back Again” has Al’s strong vocals
to start, and as the song progresses, the backing harmonies just wash over you.
The flute adds a touch of Sunflower’s “At My Window” and works really well.
With Brian’s vocals half way through, and then a change in tempo, a bit of
whistling, this is a strong track which we like a lot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">More memories of our LA trip flood
back again with “Pacific Coast Highway” a short piece, with some lovely
harmony, flute, and a bit of cello and violin too really adds a lot to the
song. The album closes with “Summer’s Gone” which is a great final song. The
more we hear this the more it impresses. The vocals are just wonderful, each
part blending in perfectly, and you can almost see the sun setting on the West
Coast and the winter approaching as the song fades to the sound of waves and
rain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Our only gripe is the lack of liner
notes. The CD insert gives only the lyrics (and writing/recording credits) and
even then they are in tiny white text which is at times very hard to read against
the backdrop. A wasted opportunity we felt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554142074451504439.post-86063992349858000032010-12-13T00:10:00.009+00:002010-12-15T20:16:50.965+00:00CHILD OF WINTER - RACHEL & THE REINDEERZ<span style="color: #674ea7;"><strong>BAND</strong>: Rachel & The Reindeerz</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><strong>TRACK NAME</strong>: Child Of Winter</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><strong>RELEASED</strong>: 7th December 2010</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><strong>RATING</strong>: Probably one of the best Christmas tunes we’ve heard in a long time</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rysxg6ID0FI&feature=player_embedded"></a><br />
LINKS: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rysxg6ID0FI&feature=player_embedded">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rysxg6ID0FI&feature=player_embedded</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxdMrz9fSaJ5Bh6RcFTnPe_wfMApTJhOdk5O9klXldeGOxYdnTjl3jDAKFcrLd8VDUejvL5qAu2uGAtIV7LPQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
This has to be one of the best Christmas songs going. The video is brilliant, the tune is superb.<br />
<br />
A cover of the 1974 Beach Boys recording of Child of Winter, a song written by Brian Wilson and Stephen Kalinich has been recorded by Rachel & The Reindeerz. <br />
<br />
The Brian Wilson / Stephen Kalinich connection stays throughout and Stevie K actually appears in the video, with the Bob Dylan-esque boards, the sleigh-bells and the mistletoe. Original Beach Boy David Marks produces some great guitar licks and Beach Boy boffin and music historian Alan Boyd is there on the key boards (and I suspect somewhere in the production side of things too). Oh, and to add to the mix (although you won’t hear it on the ITunes version) Brian Wilson’s grandchildren, from his 2 daughters Wendy & Carnie, provide some real treats with the kids’ voice overs.<br />
<br />
This song has you bopping around and makes you glow. It doesn’t matter that the video is shot in sunny California... you still feel all Christmassy, and “happy and bright”. Rachel sounds great. The song is filled with sleighbells, great vocals and sounds just fantastic.<br />
<br />
I think this is one Christmas tune I’ll never tire of....... “I’m building a snowball, that someone will throw...... here comes Santa Claus... right down Santa Claus lane......a Merry Christmas to you.... ding dong ding go the bells..... BRILLIANT.Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554142074451504439.post-20530396647465840652010-01-16T23:25:00.004+00:002010-01-17T00:26:50.883+00:00Surfin' Lungs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0vZuox8Eb50iuQXGTMksjnJIqqVOXkM7s4emKQyScJ5cAxSnAT0W1tfalcfLT78DInCrRPhFJaxTeaDmqqJvOQ18F6LJlaZuwFGL22qHy4CfA5uX5QZyyOo7b2DcZEcOjOrGOQv6JaDP/s1600-h/IMG.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 319px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427484913151207618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0vZuox8Eb50iuQXGTMksjnJIqqVOXkM7s4emKQyScJ5cAxSnAT0W1tfalcfLT78DInCrRPhFJaxTeaDmqqJvOQ18F6LJlaZuwFGL22qHy4CfA5uX5QZyyOo7b2DcZEcOjOrGOQv6JaDP/s320/IMG.jpg" /></a><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#6600cc;">BAND:</span> <span style="color:#6633ff;">Surfin’ Lungs</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">ALBUM NAME:</span> <span style="color:#6633ff;">Full Petal Jacket</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">RELEASED:</span> <span style="color:#6633ff;">Jan 2010 – Wild Punk Records</span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">RATING:</span> <span style="color:#6633ff;">A complete blast and loving every “explosion”</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">LINKS:</span></strong><br />www.myspace.com/surfinlungs<br /><br /><br />In Minty’s opinion, the Surfin’ Lungs are THE Godfathers of British Surf and their latest release, “Full Petal Jacket” rubber stamps that appraisal.<br /><br />Full Petal Jacket, to start with, has fantastic artwork – based on the Stanley Kubrick “Metal” film poster, the cover artwork is a surfer, compete with the Hawaiin lei around his neck, bass guitar slung over his shoulder, and the US Army hard-hat with “Born To Surf” across it…… This is the best artwork on a Lungs CD to date.<br />And the insert is not bad either… it has the lyrics and who does what on each song…… interspersed with some atmospheric photos that were taken at a Lungs’ gig (by Lady Casanova). </div><div><br />What about the music I hear you cry? Well, straight away I was on that “Surf Bus”. What a fantastic opening song…..one that makes you dance along and clap your hands. You can just imagine the Honeys in the background….<br />There are a few songs about girls gone bad, with “The Girl’s Gone Wild” and “Out On A Corner” and “Talk Of the Locker Room”, a couple of terrific instrumentals, loads of 12 string guitar and a totally fantastic bubblegum song, The Lungs sing about “The Perfect Summer”, complete with the West Coast harmony sound and then immediately give us a “Storm Warning” (Steve, what is a rainstick btw?). “She’s A Surf Punk” would sit neatly on any Surfin’ Lungs album – it’s like The Ramones meets the West Coast head on and creates something wonderful.<br /><br />Throughout, the drums are fantastic, a great (almost jungle) beat which works really well with every track, especially on “Ungawa”. Minty really loves 12 string guitar, so seeing it feature on 5 tracks on this album is a real bonus. The vocals are great, the harmonies are…… harmonious (how else could I describe them??)<br /><br />Tops for Minty are Ungawa, Surf Bus, Bubblegum Summer, She’s A Surf Punk and that is just 4 songs – the other 10 are just as good. So go buy this CD…….. it’s available from CD Baby immediately, or in the UK imminently!</div><div> </div><div></div><div>And the guys are touring Spain in February - check out their MySpace page for dates - Minty is gutted she is in Madrid the week before they hit the town......</div><div></div><div></div><div></div>Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554142074451504439.post-27244760325909290982010-01-09T00:11:00.011+00:002010-01-11T11:56:44.200+00:00<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqTUTalpAtJfILG6WjotdldEcC5VYSUxWJe7MpPRmEwz7hSABl15lj1GOq5PvKS61sSr7cA6oxaQIZkzwaAhCIhSvJ2VZ-kaIXVHbvUq5OlmrRa01jzyBr-zaHYvXJBQH9-UFy-2kkZlF/s1600-h/wondermints_0001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424526721038662562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqTUTalpAtJfILG6WjotdldEcC5VYSUxWJe7MpPRmEwz7hSABl15lj1GOq5PvKS61sSr7cA6oxaQIZkzwaAhCIhSvJ2VZ-kaIXVHbvUq5OlmrRa01jzyBr-zaHYvXJBQH9-UFy-2kkZlF/s320/wondermints_0001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#663366;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#330099;"><strong>BAND:</strong> <span style="color:#3333ff;">Wondermints<br /></span><br /><strong>ALBUM NAME:</strong> <span style="color:#3333ff;">Kaleidoscopin’ – Exploring Prisms of The Past</span><br /><br /><strong>RELEASED:</strong> <span style="color:#3333ff;">Dec 2009, Now Sounds</span><br /><br /><strong>RATING: </strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Wondermintal - Spin it, Spin it, Spin it, and Spin it some more, more, more<br /></span><br /><strong>LINKS:</strong></span><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#993399;"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/wondermints">www.myspace.com/wondermints</a></span></span></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#993399;"><div align="justify"><br /><a href="http://www.nowsounds.co.uk/">http://www.nowsounds.co.uk/</a></div><div align="justify"></span></span></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#993399;"></span><div align="justify"><br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#003333;">First off, a bit of background on Minty’s favourite band…….<br /><br />Wondermints were formed from a friendship between Darian Sahanaja and Nick Walusko who met in 1982 and from 1992 through to 1994, self-distributed their songs on a series of cassettes, known as the Blue one, the Purple one and the Green one (unsurprisingly from the colour of the covers!). During this time, the duo of Nick and Darian were joined by bassist Brian Kassan (who later left and was replaced by Jim Mills and then Probyn Gregory, both multi instrumentalists) and drummer Mike D’Amico.<br /><br />In 1994, they recorded a 4 track demo for Epic. They didn’t get the deal with Epic, and the demo songs were released on a fourth cassette.<br /><br />The following year, 1995, Wondermints started to appear on various compilation CDs and finally in the same year, their first CD (self titled, “Wondermints”) was released by a Japanese label. This release was an anthology of some (but not all) of the tracks from their Blue, Purple and Green cassettes. A few years later, and after two more CD releases (“Wonderful World Of” & “Bali”) the band got the attention of Beach Boy, Brian Wilson and became part of his 10 piece backing band when he began touring in 1999. The guys have been very busy on the road with Brian Wilson since then, and Darian was instrumental in helping Brian recreate the “lost” 1967 Beach Boys album “SMiLE” live in London (and then around the world) to huge critical acclaim.<br />Through the Brian Wilson tours, Wondermints has accumulated a new fan base (which included Minty) and the demand for their back catalogue grew. Eventually the band found time out of their busy touring schedule and in Sept 2002, their fourth CD “Mind If We Make Love to You” was released, with Brian Wilson providing backing vocals on some tracks. Since then, the fans have been clamouring for more.<br />And here it is……<br /><br />We are not going to do a track by track listing, but give a general impression of the CD, picking out some bits that really stand out…..<br /><br />You could call this a “rarities” CD, and considering the pedigree of the tracks, you would not be far wrong. If you own “Wondermints”, then you have some of the Blue, Purple and Green cassette tracks. “Kaleidoscopin” gives you the rest of those tracks and more and what a treat it is…….<br /><br />Darian and Nick have their own distinctive styles and they blend together well whilst keeping a certain individuality which gives the CD a great mix. This is noticeable when you listen to “And Penny Knows” which is a Sahanaja composition and sits right up there with “Protto Pretty” & “In a Haze” and then listen to “Gone” which Nick describes in the sleeve notes as a “sad, waltzy ballad about regrets and the fear of loss”. Two totally different songs but each, fantastic.<br />“Truth Or Consequences” is a composition by both Nick and Darian, and with undertones of Nirvana guitar, Darian’s voice, and the line “you move me” which could lead to a mash up with the Troggs’ “Wild Thing” this is a real highlight of the CD.<br />Of the first seven tracks, only one is unknown (officially) to Minty – “No-One’s Girl”. This was pre-cassette days, but is fast becoming one of the best tracks on the CD in Minty’s opinion.<br /><br />From track 8 onwards, with the exception of the four tracks that were on the Epic demo, we are treated to songs that have appeared on compilations, and a real bonus for fans that got into the Wondermints post 2002 when the compilations were pretty much out of print.<br /><br />These include some cover versions - the Hollies “You Need Love”. Brian Wilson collaborators’ Gary Usher and Roger Christian’s “Ski Party”, “Full Moon” and Henry Mancini’s “The Party”. It was this track that caught Mike Myers’ attention and led him to approach Darian to write a song for his new the film, resulting in “Austin Powers” (which should have been the theme song to that movie!).<br /><br />“Galactic Patrol” was on a free CD given with an edition of the UK pop magazine, Bucketfull of Brains, and The Beeb really, really likes the rock guitar on this. </span></div><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#003333;">The liner notes come in the form of a 24 page booklet and have been written by the band, adding some nuances around the origin of the tracks which is a delight to read through. The notes are interspersed with pictures of the band, including one where they are with Mike Myers all sporting Autin Powers wigs!, and the centre spread is a load of flyers from gigs performed in the 90's. The booklet itself was designed by the main man from Now Sounds - Steve Stanley, with Darian designing the front cover and back inlay. This really adds to the whole package - Nice job guys.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#003333;"><br />In a nutshell, this is a great CD, Not only does it plug the gap between the cassettes and the first Wondermints CD, but it also gathers together the majority of all the tracks that appeared on various compilation albums through the late ‘90’s. If you have all of the Wondermints previous CD’s, this CD dots the i’s and crosses the t’s. If you don’t have the Wondermints previous CD’s then this will just whet your appetite and leave you wanting more… their back catalogue is still available so go buy!<br /><br />There are a couple of notable omissions, - namely, “Do You Have Any Regrets”, Darian’s single that was released in France, and Nick’s version of the great Pet Sounds track “I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times” both of which appeared on a homeless charity CD, “In My Room “ in 1995. These two tracks would have been the icing on what is actually a rather grand and exquisite cake.<br /><br />10/10 guys<br />Just don’t leave it so long next time huh?<br />Oh, and Nick… we are now waiting for your solo CD with great anticipation! </span></p>Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554142074451504439.post-53726358303630361672009-06-10T23:34:00.003+01:002009-06-10T23:37:26.561+01:00DAVE RAVE & MARK McCARRON - IN THE BLUE OF MY DREAMS<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJkwVdb_PLzUULAxYwrYWAlzzj2TIyIYqfZKTCchq7kyRDViCqB32GBZ0uWi1hC0maUXSimOzjdhibld814HC5dkwPxa2eFURPWjJqE6tPtnZPCKfNRtcUT_E3SasS4we73X2CcDXTl66/s1600-h/IMG.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345831545153174306" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 317px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJkwVdb_PLzUULAxYwrYWAlzzj2TIyIYqfZKTCchq7kyRDViCqB32GBZ0uWi1hC0maUXSimOzjdhibld814HC5dkwPxa2eFURPWjJqE6tPtnZPCKfNRtcUT_E3SasS4we73X2CcDXTl66/s320/IMG.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Band:</span></strong> Dave Rave and Mark McCarron<br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Album Name:</span></strong> In the Blue Of My Dreams<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Released:</span></strong> 2007, Bongo Beat Records<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">Rating:</span></strong> Spinning<br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">Links:</span> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/daverave">www.myspace.com/daverave</a> <a href="http://www.dave-rave.com/">http://www.dave-rave.com/</a><br /><br /><br />Dave Rave can only be described as "manic" when it comes to live gigs. This album is as far away from manic as it posssibly can be. That's no bad thing. It has the feel of The Zombies "Englishness" about it. It throws up images of sunny days, picnicking in the countryside with acoustic guitars, cellos and violins providing the soundtrack to the blissfull pictures in your head. Mark's guitar playing is perfect on this. Great album.</div>Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554142074451504439.post-15556845577912808362009-06-04T22:23:00.011+01:002009-06-10T23:42:19.306+01:00PLASTIC HEROES - Escape The Lower End<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIF1uVsQWK97Zm2xav4_hwudMqor0OFt80ZDguOUBRyQ6UhFinJ2SpHM9kKUjKMwtkukGbwOSaBFtzNpDY3Gf23ejDcFAnlTU3z7MCQDVF093XvRz4qKQz1pnkPhyphenhyphenbfyOQ_mlSyr5nOEgp/s1600-h/IMG.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343595796845265330" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 318px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIF1uVsQWK97Zm2xav4_hwudMqor0OFt80ZDguOUBRyQ6UhFinJ2SpHM9kKUjKMwtkukGbwOSaBFtzNpDY3Gf23ejDcFAnlTU3z7MCQDVF093XvRz4qKQz1pnkPhyphenhyphenbfyOQ_mlSyr5nOEgp/s320/IMG.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#333399;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Band:</span> <span style="color:#336666;">Plastic Heroes</span></span></span><span style="color:#6633ff;"><br /></span><div><div><div><div><span style="color:#333399;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Album Name:</span> <span style="color:#336666;">Escape The Lower End</span></span> </span></div><div><span style="color:#333399;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="color:#333399;"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Released:</span> </span><span style="color:#336666;">2008 Plastic Productions under exclusive licence to Bongo Beat Records</span></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc0000;"><span style="color:#333399;"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Rating:</span> </span><span style="color:#336666;">Fantastic Plastic - Spin it, and spin it again and again and again</span> </span></div><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#cc0000;"><span style="color:#cc0000;">Link:</span> </span><a href="http://www.myspace.com/plasticheroes"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#990000;">www.myspace.com/plasticheroes</span></a><span style="color:#339999;"> <a href="http://www.plasticheroes.com/">http://www.plasticheroes.com/</a><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This debut CD from Plastic Heroes hits you straight between the eyes, with the wonderful opener "Lover Boy" and takes you on a whirlwind ride through 11 more incredible tracks full of great guitar riffs and top vocals from both Marc Olivier (who is credited with most of the lyrics and music), and Simon Nelson. This was nominated for a Grammy in 2008, category Best Rock Album and the justifiably so.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">There is nothing bad about this CD. Plastic Heroes are fantastic.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Go and buy your copy NOW!</span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></div></div></div><span style="font-size:0;"></span></div>Minty And The Beeb .......http://www.blogger.com/profile/05285097662104501599noreply@blogger.com0