Odds and Ends

Each week I use this space to post some mini-reviews, cool tracks, random thoughts, neat news, or whatever else I damn well please.

MiniReview

Alpine White “The Hale” [EP] – The band did not take its name from the at-home teeth bleaching system, but rather the Gibson guitar. Colin Denker (lead vocals, guitar, piano, drums) is the mastermind behind this San Francisco quartet, which is rounded out by his brother Ian (bass, vocals), Ivan Wence (guitar, vocals), and Javier Benavides (drums). “The Hale” EP consists of four songs, the first half being superior to the second half. The gentle yet bright acoustic strumming of “When She Gets Home” serves as a fine introduction to this mellow rock band that straddles indie rock and power pop. “When She Gets Home” is memorable and moving, with enchanting backing vocals providing a sobering warmth. “The Evidence” picks up the pace a bit, practically floating with its soaring harmonies and crisp guitar line – another winner. “Days and Nights” is plagued with a lumbering introduction, but even when the vocals finally kick in, the song just doesn’t seem to get out of second gear. The record ends on a decent note with the steady “All The Weight” – lyrically strong, but musically less exciting than the standouts. Check out Alpine White if you like Snow Patrol, Arctic Monkeys, or Band of Horses. The EP is due out November 1 – learn more here.

Surprise of the week
Science has spoken – what are the catchiest songs ever? Some of them might surprise you…

News
I think this one will be a contender against the Lou Reed/Metallica collaboration for worst record of the year. Listen to William Shatner covering Black Sabbath here.

It has been a long time since we’ve heard from Alien Ant Farm (remember their awesome cover of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal”)? I’m looking forward to the new record from these guys due early 2012. Details here.

Def Leppard discusses the state of music business: "The music industry went from being an art form to a business, and then to an industry." Read more here.

Butch Walker autobiography details here.

It’s confirmed: Jani Lane died of alcohol poisoning. Story here.

Rooney frontman Robert Schwartzman has announced the release of a new solo album and a supporting tour this fall.

And finally, in memory of Steve Jobs – a man who changed the face of the music business as much as he did computers.

Random iPOD song of the week
The Jayhawks – “Blue”


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Review: Ned Brower “Great To Say Hello”

Most of us know Ned Brower as the drummer and a vocalist for one of our favorite power pop bands, Rooney (see reviews here). Brower also has some modeling and acting credits under his belt (Big Fat Liar, Dawson’s Creek, Not Another Teen Movie), and now the multitasker is testing the waters with a solo record.

Brower’s debut record, ““Great To Say Hello”, was produced by none other than pop maestro Mike Viola, who put his indelible stamp on many of these songs. There are plenty of catchy hooks and ear pleasing harmonies to go around, more than enough to satiate any fan of Rooney, but Brower injected enough of himself into the record to make it a clear standout from Rooney material. In general, the record is peppy and bright, like the cover art. “Underneath Your Spell” is a sublime classic pop gem with a hint of 70s bubblegum flavor. You’ll fall in love with its bouncy melody and the warm and fuzzy harmonies. Other pop rocking highlights include “Hide Your Secrets Away” and “The Alleyway”. “Mine and Mine Alone” is also a standout, breaking up the stream of power pop with a funky groove and juicy chorus that will win you over in a heartbeat. I’m also a sucker for father-son tunes, so have to give props to “Father To Son”.

Given the outstanding solo albums from Taylor Locke and now Brower, it gives us a greater appreciation of the massive talent tied up in Rooney. Lucky for us fans of power pop, this abundance of talent can be dealt out in more than one venue.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 5, 6, 8

Ned Brower on MySpace. Official site. Get it on iTUNES.

Listen to “Underneath Your Spell”

Review: Taylor Locke and The Roughs “Marathon”

How many people can put out 3 great albums in a single year? Virtually no one…no one but Taylor Locke, that is. Locke is best known as guitarist in the powerpop band Rooney, but he is quickly making his mark as a talented solo artist. It was only back in April when we reviewed his outstanding debut, “Grain and Grape” (review here). Then in July we reviewed Rooney’s latest CD, “Eureka” (review here). Now he throws a collection of 10 new songs at us on “Marathon” (review here…you’re reading it!). The most astonishing thing is that his work has been phenomenal throughout. To say the guy is on a roll is an understatement.

While most of “Marathon” is brilliant, it does get off to a false start – the epic opener, “The Honor Role” sounds like 3-4 completely different songs loosely patched together. I presume they were going for something that rivaled McCartney’s “Band On The Run” or a Jellyfish opus, but the disparate parts just don’t work together. They quickly get back into the race with a peppy acoustic driven rocker called “Jenny”. Things really start to pick up, ironically, when the band slows it down for the gorgeous “Don’t Forget”. “Don’t Forget” features moving chord changes and a terrific vocal performance from Locke. “My Only Drug” is my favorite track – powerpop at its best performed with gusto. Another highlight is the undeniably catchy “Badfinger”, which also gives the band a chance to nod to a major musical influence.

Some other tracks come close to being great, but have an irritating element or just feel like they’re missing something. For example, I would love to hear Locke slip up into his graceful falsetto on “One More Time” rather than struggle to scream it out. In fact, he screams too much on “Marathon” in general, as if he’s trying to prove he’s got what it takes to rock. You don’t need to do this, Taylor.

While not as immediately mind-blowing as “Grain and Grape”, “Marathon” is no slouch and stands heads above most of the stuff we’ve heard in 2010. But after hearing “Marathon” so soon after the debut, one is tempted to coach Taylor Locke and The Roughs to pace themselves. The band could have made a single record this year that combined the cream of the crop from each, and that record would have been an instant classic.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 4, 5, 6, 8

Taylor Locke and The Roughs on MySpace. Fansite.

Review: Rooney "Eureka"

I've been a big fan of the power pop and rock outfit Rooney since their self-titled debut blew me away in 2002 with its ultra catchy hooks and sunny melodies. Now "free" of major record labels, the band has recently released their third effort, "Eureka" on their own new label, California Dreamin’ Records. It's been three long years, with only the excellent solo release from Taylor Locke to keep me company (review here), so I was on the edge of my seat with eager anticipation...

I am just as surprised as you may be when I say that my first listen produced nothing more than "meh". What the hell happened? This batch of songs is devoid of passion and almost completely lacking the charm that drew me in as a devoted fan. Being such a devout fan, I gave the record a second and third try, but still struggle to find the magic that made me fall in love with this band.

I don't mean to be overly harsh - some of the songs are quite good. Things get off to a decent, albeit lukewarm, start with the Weezer-lite sound of "Holdin' On", which was what I was doing in hopes that the rest of the CD would be more exciting. "Only Friend" also comes close, but I can't help thinking this sounds too much like Barry Manilow covering a song by Roger Joseph Manning Jr. The better tracks are "I Can't Get Enough", "All Or Nothing", and "I Don't Wanna Lose You", where Rooney get their groove back and showcase their love for everything from E.L.O. to Jellyfish. But considering what we know this band to be capable of, "Eureka" is remarkably dull. Give it a try if you are curious to hear what a more mature, subdued, and sugar-free Rooney record would sound like - otherwise, go with Taylor Locke's record.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 5, 7

Rooney on MySpace. Official site.

Interview: Taylor Locke

Check out my interview with Taylor Locke at Rock and Roll Report!

Read our review of "Grain and Grape", his great debut CD with his band, The Roughs, right here!

Review: Taylor Locke and The Roughs "Grain and Grape"

Take note of this name: Taylor Locke. Say it again: Taylor Locke. Locke is the next big name that should rise to prominence in the domain of melodic rock and power pop.

Some of you may already know the name through another band - Locke plays guitar and supplies vocals for the awesome power pop outfit Rooney (reviewed here). Locke's solo effort with his own backing band called The Roughs (Chris Price on guitar & keyboards, Charlotte Froom on bass, and Mikey McCormack on drums), is not a quantum leap away from the Rooney sound and spirit. In other words, Taylor Locke and The Roughs deliver plenty guitar-driven melodies, often surrounded by harmonies that conjure up the ghost of the Beatles or Queen.

Taylor Locke and The Roughs sound like a merger between Tom Petty and Badfinger - they have a style that is based in roots rock, but clearly shows some influence from British Invasion bands of the 60s. Best of all, they don't waste this likable sound on a bunch of junk songs - these guys can deliver the goods in terms of songwriting: crisp, memorable choruses that will have you singing along after just one listen. The lyrics touch upon universal themes, managing to be relatable without being overly trite (with possible exception of "Weekend Warrior"). Vocally, Locke reminds me of Owen Thomas from The Elms - he is a dynamic rock vocalist - gritty enough for the rockers, but also in possession of a sweet falsetto that is ideal for ballads. Sonically the album is terrific, mixed by the acclaimed Ducky Carlisle, who incidentally is the drummer for power pop supergroup called The Major Labels (reviewed here).

The record couldn't begin better - "Start Me Over" is a blast of fun with a soaring chorus that won me over right away. I didn't quite get the less memorable "Jennifer", maybe because I don't know said girl. Things come back strong, though, with a long string of consecutive radio-friendly gems like "Hourglass" and "Amnesia". "Reach for the Sky" is also a cool track, I just wish Locke would have done something more creative with the word "sky" rather than just scream it. "Joy" is the best ballad on the CD, showcasing Locke's gentle falsetto and the band's ability to ape a Queen harmony. "I'll Be Gone" is a groovy track laced with harmonica, thereby providing a welcome change of pace from the others in this pack of strong songs. The catchy "Stay Awhile" is another sunny, upbeat tune that ensures the disc ends on a high note.

I would highly recommend Taylor Locke and The Roughs for fans of Owsley, Bleu, The Grays, or The Elms. "Grain and Grape" may just be the best debut record you'll hear all year.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10

Taylor Locke and The Roughs on MySpace.

Review: Rooney "Calling the World"

I've been waiting impatiently for a new "official" release from Rooney (web site) since their impressive debut CD came out in Spring 2003 (self-titled). "Calling the World" is more of the same that made the debut so infectious, and in my book that is a good thing. Their signature hooks and harmonies abound on this one, and their experimention with unique sounds and instrument effects continues with great results. I can easily hear nods to a lot of classic 80s stuff in here, from the Hall & Oates-like "Are You Afraid?" to the Prince & the Revolution-like drums on "All in Your Head". Rooney shines on the more upbeat and bouncy numbers compared to the rare moments when they slow things down. A remarkable band that has skillfully taken dated 80s sounds and made them suitable for listening again. We should expect no less since they take their band name from Ed Rooney, the high school principal from the 80s film Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

Check out the video for the first single, "When Did Your Heart Go Missing."



iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Rooney on myspace.