JANGLE ON!

JULY

by Eric Sorensen

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Sweltering heat has descended on the Washington, D.C. area and air conditioning has become a highly appreciated creature comfort.  Outdoor heat is a great reason to stay inside and catch up on the latest in power pop and jangly music.  New artists, discs and songs that I recommend this month include:

The PowerPopAholic website turned me on to two terrific download tracks by the Jangle Band (featuring Joe Algeri – a member of my personal Power Pop All Star Band).  The songs – “Kill The Lovers” and “This Soul Is Not For Sale” wonderfully resurrect the sound of the original Byrds … so much so that this fan hopes that a full-length disc will be released soon.

As promised in my previous column, the Crown Prince of Twelve-String – Horst-Peter Schmidt – has just released a compilation under his Starbyrd moniker, entitled In The Jingle Jangle Evening – Fifty Years After The Tambourine Man – A Tribute To the Music Of the Byrds, to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of the Byrds’ classic tune.  The disc features 18 songs that Horst-Peter has released as either Starbyrd or as a solo artist.  If you are not already familiar with Horst-Peter Schmidt, check out his back catalog (including his tenure with Different Faces).  Horst-Peter has very successfully combined the compressed and chiming sound of his Rickenbacker 370RM 12-string with passionate, original lyrics that have kept the folk-rock genre of music thriving to present day.  Long may you run, Sir Horst-Peter!

I am also pleased to announce that Graham Allman Talbot (AKA GAT) is about to release a new solo disc entitled Six.  Graham was kind enough to send me an advance copy of the disc.  Although prominent jangly guitar riffs are absent from the eleven tracks, this is a polished album that will appeal to mainstream power pop fans.  GAT continues to have a knack for writing catchy, hook-laden songs.  The opening track – “Gone For Ages” – could be mistaken for a Travelin’ Wilburys song.  Overt Beatles references and more subtle ELO and Everly Brothers influences can be heard in Graham’s songs.   As in the past, Graham’s vocals often remind me of George Harrison.  When you combine these ingredients, the finished product is some very fine pop/rock from a very talented veteran singer/songwriter/musician. When you check out GAT’s back catalog, you will discover that he collaborated with Horst-Peter Schmidt on the very first Starbyrd disc.  Long may you run, Sir Graham!

Other new discs that are in my play stack are: 13 In My Head by Nick Piunti (solid power pop from start to finish); Hung Up (On You) by the Stoneage Hearts; Euphoria by Chris Stamey; Depressing Beauty by the Orange Humble Band (Ken Stringellow, Jody Stephens, Rick Steff, Dave Smith, Darryl Mather, Mitch Easter and Jon Auer … along with special guests like Dwight Twilley and Susan Cowsill!); The Better End by Caddy (sweet jangly music throughout the 14 tracks); Between The Lines by the Stars Explode; Lessons From A Shooting Star by Reno Bo (fabulous power pop with a killer opening track – “Sweetheart Deal”); and Cycle by Steve Robinson (formerly of the Headlights) and Ed Woltil.

Fellow Byrds enthusiast Ray Verno continues to mine the INTERNET for jangly tracks, and his efforts yielded Volumes 110 and 111 in his Byrdsian compilation series.  Volume 111 features tracks recorded by artists who participate in an online Rickenbacker 12-string forum.  Standout tracks on the two volumes include: “Change Your Mind,” “Darling,” “Up Against The Wall,” “Needing A Friend,” “Once Or Twice,” “They’re Not Writing,” “Tough Face” and “Remember This Song” by the Young Sinclairs; “The Right Thing” and “Mr. Sunshine” by Dennis Gurley; “Searchin’ For Tomorrow” by Nicholas Coppola (not the actor AKA Nicholas Cage); “A Picture Of You” by the Shamus Twins; “Can’t Let Go” by Melissa, Howard & Bill; and “Mr. Satellite” by Rob Jones.  It is nice to know that the chiming sounds of a Rickenbacker 12-string guitar still resonate with so many indie pop musicians.

Until next time, jangle on!

ERIC