JANGLE ON!

JULY

by Eric Sorsensen

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            Although the past few months have been light on new jangly music, there has been no shortage of good live music … and no shortage of out-of-town visitors.  In fact, Pop Geek Heaven guru Bruce Brodeen and his family stopped by for a very enjoyable three-day visit that allowed Bruce and his family to view the July 4^th fireworks on the National Mall. My only regret was that Bruce missed some excellent pop music shows by several days.

We saw the Kennedys perform an upbeat show at Jammin’ Java in late June; we saw Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives give a free show at the American Indian Museum; and then we saw the Tommy Keene/Matthew Sweet show at the Birchmere in mid-July.  Matthew Sweet billed the show as the Matthew Sweet Rock Tour – and he wasn’t kidding.  Sweet’s touring band (which included Velvet Crush members Paul Chastain and Ric Menck) sounded more like Neil Young and Crazy Horse than a pop band.  For my part, I was thrilled to finally see Tommy Keene perform in person.  Keene hails from this area; he was once a bandmate with Richard X. Heyman in the Rage; and a coterie of devoted TK fans were on hand to hear his ten-song opening set.

New jangly discs and songs that are on my playlist include:

High Tea – The Britannicas.  I am pleased to report that there is no sophomore slump for the quartet of Herb Eimerman, Magnus Karlsson, Joe Algeri and Stefan Johansson (all excellent pop musicians in their own right)!  Rickenbacker 12-string guitars ring and chime throughout the disc’s thirteen tracks.  Standout jangly tracks include “Got A Hold On Me,” “More Like Than Different,” “Sign Out,” “Talkin’ Bout Summer,” “Too Far Gone,” “A Shag And A Cup Of Tea” and “Lyin’ On The Ground.”  High Tea is a long-distance collaboration by the Britannicas – much like their kindred spirits in Starbyrd.  Without a doubt, this is some of the finest pseudo-60s pop music to be released in several years.  (available at JAM RECORDS – Click HERE)

Wake Up To The Music – the Click Beetles.  Speaking of excellent pseudo-60s pop, look no further than the latest release from the Click Beetles.  This group shines on covers  (“Cynical Girl” and “Do You Want To Know A Secret”) and originals (“Bubblegum,” “The Changes” and “Try Girl”) alike.  Wake Up To The Music deserves Top Ten consideration for 2014.  (available at CDBaby – click HERE)

Windows (plus the seven-song bonus disc from Kool Kat Musik – click HERE) – Sunrise Highway.  My ears always perk up when a contemporary band can skillfully blend Beatles, Beach Boys and Byrds influences into catchy pop tunes.  Check out chiming tracks like “Breakaway,” “Foreverland,” “Big Mouth” and “Call Waiting” and you will understand that classic power pop is alive and well in 2014!

Vanishing Act – by Edward O’Connell.  There was no sophomore slump for Edward O’Connell either!  While one can accuse me of being partial to O’Connell’s music because he is another very talented Washington, D.C. area pop musician, I think that pop fans around the world will agree that Vanishing Act is a strong second release.  O’Connell channels elements of pop/rock from the past five decades (starting with British Invasion influences) into this superb disc.  My favorite tracks are “Every Precious Day,” “Severance Kiss,” “Odds Against Tomorrow” and “Last To Leave.”  O’Connell blends superior song-writing, an excellent sense of melody, strong vocals and a primo cast of supporting musicians on this terrific album.  The result is a twelve-track disc leaving the listener wishing for more.  Long may you run, Sir Edward!   (Kool Kat has a bonus disc w/ this release – Click HERE)

.  Much of what I just wrote about Edward O’Connell applies to this latest release from NYC pop stalwart Edward Rogers … although the tracks on Kaye are a bit more subdued and the lyrics are a tad more introspective.  The most chiming guitars emerge on “What Happened To The News Today.”   It’s nice to know that veteran pop songwriters like O’Connell and Rogers can continue to find an audience – and relate to them at the personal level – in an increasingly digital world. (Edward’s web site – click HERE)

Excitement At Your Feet – Tommy Keene.  Eleven great cover songs by Tommy Keene and his band.  Jangly music fans will be pleased to hear that Tommy turns up the treble setting on “The Puppet.”  This disc is everything you would expect from Tommy Keene … and more.  Enough said!  (available at Kool Kat – click HERE)

Until next time, jangle on!

             ERIC