Review: Honeymoon Stallions “Moonlighting”

Power pop

I learned a thing or two listening to The Goldbergs (reviewed here) – and that is to pay attention to anything Andy Goldberg touches. His latest project is The Honeymoon Stallions and their first offering is “Moonlighting”.

Recorded in Nashville with local musicians, “Moonlighting” doesn’t stray far at all from the tasty pop formula Goldberg has followed all along. Stuffed to the brim with overt influences from The Beatles and Badfinger, this debut Honeymoon Stallions record will appease his old fans and hopefully recruit many new ones to the fold. This is perhaps most evident on the instantly hummable opening track, “If It Wasn’t For You”, which shines with classic AM radio overtones. The other 8 songs in this collection follow suit, with highlights including the radio friendly (naturally) “Radio Song”, the chillin’ “Driftin’”, and the very Lennon-esque “Every Now and Then”. But go beyond the highlights – each song is beautifully constructed, with stirring harmonies and cozy melodies – not a bad one in the bunch.

The Honeymoon Stallions – Official site.

Review: Gary Hood "Gary Hood and the Last Show Ever" [EP]

Faithful readers know that we are nuts about Andy Goldberg (of The Goldbergs, see review here). He has produced and performed on a new five song EP by friend Gary Hood, entitled "Gary Hood and the Last Show Ever".

Gary Hood is a roadie and guitar tech who has worked with Lou Reed, Sean Lennon, Steve Earle, and - yes - Justin Timberlake. But he has his own musical ambitions and aspirations, playing impromptu acoustic gigs wherever he can while on tour with fellow musicians. Hood's own sound is an eclectic blend of folk, blues, and rock, at times recalling Bob Dylan, Todd Snider, The Band, or Wilco - no Justin Timberlake. A couple of tracks clearly have Goldberg's distinct pop sensibilities in the mix, most evident in the harmony vocals he contributes, which never fail to disappoint. The five songs that grace this EP are pure and organic, usually with harmonica and bouncy bass to make you feel like you're in a roadhouse. My favorite cuts include "Ice Cream" and "Space Age Blues".

"Gary Hood and the Last Show Ever" should be available on iTUNES by April.

Gary Hood on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Goldbergs "Jingle Jangle Pop" [EP]

An early holiday treat is about to come your way! Andy Goldberg (see our review of the latest Goldbergs record here) is releasing a special Holiday EP appropriately entitled "Jingle Jangle Pop". The EP contains 4 tracks - 2 brand new and 2 from his previous project, The Sun Kings. Individual tracks or the entire album will be available only on iTunes no later than November 9 - mark your calendars as this is one powerpop fans won't want to miss.

My favorite track, the playful "Chanukah Guy", has that trademark Beatles-esque Goldbergs sound that I raved about earlier this year in my review for "Under The Radar". "Chanukah Guy" features Rich Pagano on drums (who is in the Fab Faux) and John Conte on bass. "Christmas Time Again", recorded entirely in Andy's basement, features Andy singing and playing everything himself.

Tracks 3 and 4, "Santa's Calling" and "Have a Very Merry Christmas", are from Andy's old band The Sun Kings (circa 1998). In addition to giving me two more tracks I can't wait to add to my iPOD's holiday playlist, these tracks provide an intriguing glimpse into Andy's evolution as an artist.

I can't wait until the next full-length release from the Goldbergs, but until then these four holiday tunes will be great to 'yule-tide' me over.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 4

The Goldbergs on MySpace.

Review: The Goldbergs "Under the Radar"

The Goldbergs made a huge impression on the power pop community back in 2006 with the release of the aptly named "Hooks, Lines & Sinkers". A tough act to follow, but their latest effort will cause your jaw to drop to the floor once again. If The Goldbergs hooked you once, they will hook you again.

The Goldbergs is actually just a single Goldberg...Andy to be specific. Andy Goldberg is a wonderboy writing, singing, arranging, producing, and playing guitar in all of this charming music. I bet he even cleans the studio and cooks a gourmet dinner for his session buddies.

The Goldbergs' "Under the Radar" sounds a lot like a lost recording that would surface during the cleaning out of George Harrison's estate (RIP). A treasure trove of golden pop gems, "Under the Radar" is drenched in Beatlesque harmonies and instantly memorable melodies. Goldberg also has a knack for arranging and producing music that would make Jeff Lynne proud...perhaps even green with envy. I also hear the pop genius of Abba in some of the tunes, most notably "I've Had Enough".

In my musical utopia, "Under the Radar" would be a number one, multi-platinum record that spawned 7 top 10 hits, 3 going to number 1. But alas the kind of world where good music like this rules the charts is long gone. The three tunes that would have sat at the acme of the chart would include "Please Won't You Please", "Better Times", and "I'm A Hero (Waiting To Happen)".

What are you waiting for? Fly over to their MySpace page and land some "Under the Radar" today. Drink it down - it'll take you away.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

The Goldbergs on MySpace.