JANGLE ON!
February
by Eric Sorensen
The Mid-Atlantic is experiencing its usual Dr. Jekyl/Mr. Hyde winter identity. On those days when the temperature and weather conditions force me to remain indoors, I have been able to track down some new jangly material … and revisit some old favorites. Here is a listing of the artists, disc and tracks that have been getting play on my home stereo this past month:
Obscuriosity – Stephen Lawrenson
Lawrenson’s debut on the Kool Kat Musik label is a stunning power pop tour-de-force that should land Obscuriosity in the Top Ten for 2013 … and set a standard for other pop musicians to emulate. The jangly, George Harrison-influenced “Words To Say” wins my “Song of the Month” honors; and “Your Karma,” “Ordinary” and “Thank You” are psych-pop gems that would make Jeff Lynne and ELO proud. There are plenty of other classic pop reference points in Lawrenson’s latest disc. Like Jeremy Morris (AKA Jeremy), Lawrenson effortlessly blends 60s, 70s and 80s pop-rock influences into his own original material. If you haven’t already discovered Stephen Lawrenson’s extensive talent as a power pop singer/songwriter, it’s time to treat yourself. Long may you run, Sir Stephen!
The Clutter Family and Freak IT! – by the Clutter Family
A recent “Rickenbacker 12-string” word search on the CD Baby site helped me to find these two very jangly discs. All of the tracks feature catchy pop melodies with plenty of hooks and chiming Rickenbacker riffs. However, a word of caution applies to both discs: as pleasing as the music is, the lyrics and one song title may be considered offensive. Play these discs loud, and out of the earshot of impressionable youngsters. Think of a combination of Sprague Brothers retro-pop (featuring prominent12-string jangle), Dr. Demento lyrics and some vocals that remind me of Shane Faubert (Cheepskates). Standout tracks include “Artist In The Office,” “My Street,” “Please Stop Stealing From Grandma,” “Naked Pictures,” “Moe Howard,” “The Jail Song,” “My Cat Is Sick” (funny … and so true!) and “Geoff.” The music alone is worth the price of admission!
Brothers in Brooklyn – the Dreaming Spires
The Dreaming Spires are another band that is not afraid to wear their 60s influences on their sleeves. You’ll hear the compressed sound of a Rickenbacker 12-string on tracks like “Not Every Song From The Sixties Is A Classic,” “Singing Sin City” and “Everything All The Time.” If you purchase this disc from Kool Kat Musik, you will also receive Covered In Glory volume 1 – a CDR with three excellent cover tunes (Beatles, Jayhawks, Bruce Springsteen). Although the Dreaming Spires hail from the United Kingdom, they have mastered the L.A./Canyon Rock sound. Perhaps they have heard ex-pat Sid Griffin and they have followed in his footsteps. Whatever inspires this band, let’s hope we hear more from them!
“Old friends” that have received steady rotation of late include “Dreamland” by Graham Elvis (Elvis Brothers), “Now I’m Going” by GAT (Graham Allman Talbot), “Tell Me Why” by Daddy Warbucks and “Can’t Go Back” by the Sorrows. I discovered the first three songs – long ago – on the mp3 site. I have former neighbor Mark Meschter to thank for familiarizing me with the power pop classic “Can’t Go Back.” Mark loaned me a cassette recording of a local pop DJ’s radio show from the early 80s, and this song was included on it. Power Pop archivist Jordan Oakes helped me to identify who the artist is, and a Sorrows compilation that includes this song was eventually released on CD. Mark and I shared lots of great tunes when we lived next door to each other … and we attended some terrific live shows (the Connells, the Gin Blossoms, Hootie & the Blowfish, Tom Cochrane) together. On that note, I will end this month’s column.
Until next time, jangle on!
