BLOODY RED BARON

November reviews

by Mike Baron

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THE NINES – “The Nines”

The Nines is mostly Steve Eggers, keyboard genius in the manner of Josh Fix, Ben Folds or Billy Joel. The record is a power-pop triumph with superb dynamics and more hooks than a Russian trawler.  “Backseat” the opener is sooooo Josh Fix with a bridge and a hook like Thelma and Louise flying over the Grand Canyon..  Great hook on “Far Away.”  “Jackie Smokes,” also great hooks, is a character sketch like something Ed James might do.  Eggers sings in a compelling tenor that sometimes suggests Sir Paul, a major influence.  “Seasons” and “Change on the Main Street” could easily pass for McCartney.

Four stars.

THE BYE BYE BLACKBIRDS: We Need the Rain  (Bye Bye Blackbirds)

            This Northwest trio (with helpers) plays a pastoral type of canyon rock pioneered by the Grateful Dead, the Byrds, Beachwood Sparks and others.  At their best they achieve Workingman’s Dead quality, as on “Don’t Come Back Now” and “Brand New Sitting Still,” wherein Ian Robertson’s guitar perfectly captures Garcia’s style.  “Like a Thief” is both twangy and chimy with sweet guitar on the bridge and two-part harmony.

            They stray out of the canyon for the Z.Z. Topp-ish “Butterfly Drinks” and the throwback sixties pop of “Waiting For The Drums” but a band that plays this well can be forgiven almost anything.

            Four stars.