(Note: We are almost caught up with “Jangle On!” columns. In a few days, I will post October’s column…Bruce)
Now that the first day of autumn has officially occurred, those of us who reside in the mid-Atlantic can look forward to some cooler weather and the prolonged fall foliage that this area is known for. Recent rainfall has kept the area much greener than usual, so it is refreshing to see so much greenery as the chrysanthemums bloom and add color to area gardens. Here are some of the recent jangly discs and tracks that have kept me humming along when I do have to spend time indoors:
Behind The Parade – Tommy Keene. I cannot think of another indie pop artist whose recording resume over the past 25+ years is as strong as Tommy Keene’s. I remember sound technicians playing one of his albums prior to a Jackson Browne concert, and being frustrated that nobody could identify the artist. I also remember the very first Tommy Keene disc that I purchased – at Off The Record’s El Cajon Boulevard location in San Diego. I have purchased every disc that Tommy Keene has released, and they are all superb power pop albums. Behind The Parade is no exception – and it proves that Keene is both a timeless and ageless pop artist. “Already Made Up Your Mind,” “Running For Your Life” and “The Long Goodbye” are highlighted by Keene’s trademark chiming guitar riffs, but this is a start-to-finish keeper. Schedule conflicts have kept me from seeing TK perform live in this area (where he once performed in a band with Richard X. Heyman!), but I will be able to check a Tommy Keene concert off of my “bucket list” someday. Long may you run, Sir Tommy!
Mockingbird Time – the Jayhawks. Wow! This album marks a return to the pop craftsmanship that these roots-rockers were known for in the 90s. Veteran listeners will hear melodic influences from “Eight Miles High” to the soft rock of the 70s typified by America and CSN. While lyrical references to the desert, rivers, colors and the wind may repeat themselves in the twelve tracks, this is an excellent body of work from Gary Louris, Mark Olson and their current bandmates. “She Walks In So Many Ways” earns my “Song of the Month” honors, and “Guilder Annie” is a close second when it comes to being a jangly, Byrdsian track. Mockingbird Time is vintage Jayhawks – with crisp vocal harmonies, catchy tunes and a strong studio supporting cast. This is one more band that I hope to see perform live in the future.
Introducing Gentleman Jesse – Gentleman Jesse. This album, released in 2008, features a power pop trio that reminds me a great deal of the Barracudas. The songs represent a pastiche of pop/rock spanning several decades with many tracks featuring chiming, jangly guitars. “Attention,” “Butterfingers, “You Don’t Have To,” “Sidewalks,” “Wrong Time” and “If I can See You” should all please jangleholics.
Things That Shine And Glow – by Trolley. This is another excellent release from one of the Midwest’s finest pop bands. Look no further than “She’s The Kind Of Girl” (not the Gene Clark-penned song by the same title) for a Byrdsian song. Although the jangly guitars are more muted on this disc, this is pseudo-60s pop that will make fans of the Grip Weeds and the Contrast very pleased.
Unearthed – the Mind Reels. This cool 90s band never finished or released its second album … until now. All of the tracks have stood the test of time, and “Be Here With Me” and “In The Morning” are the catchiest tunes. Kudos to Mark Roberts and Randy Christopher for recognizing that these eleven songs would still appeal to pop listeners – in spite of the dated digital recording technology that was used. More pop artists should dust off their old tapes and give them the light of day!
Uplands Park Road – Cirrone. These three handsome Italian brothers channel the Hudson Brothers as well as any contemporary artists can. This album is Beatlesque from start to finish; and “Your Eyes Are Wide Open” and “Just Tell Me” are dotted with George Harrison-styled riffs. These guys won’t be playing small venues for long!
Some cool jangly tracks that I discovered recently through the CD Baby site include: “All Of My Heart” by Paul Starling, “Ice Steel And Stone” by Gary Gordon, “Heaven’s A Ride” by Jamie Rounds and “America” by Chris Corney.
Last but not least, check out Marc Carroll’s jangly take on the traditional folk tune “Matty Groves” on Marc’s latest disc – In Silence. Marc recorded one of the finest jangly power pop songs of the past decade – “Crashpad Number,” but In Silence showcases Mark’s more stripped-down folk side. “In Agreement With Reality” opens like a haunting twin to Dylan’s “Knocking On Heaven’s Door.” Just goes to show that Marc Carroll can very capably cross the boundaries between the pop, rock and folk genres of music.
