JANGLE ON! – March

Posted on 02 March 2015

JANGLE ON!

MARCH

by Eric Sorsensen

Jangle On

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January was a slow month for new jangly music, but February made up for that shortage in spades – so much so that I had to spread the new music into two monthly compilations.  Here are some of the terrific new artists, discs and songs that I recommend to my fellow jangleholics:

The Higher State

Absolutely Anything by the Higher State!  This pseudo-60s band was formed back in 2005, and they have been turning out singles, EPs, LPs and CDs on State Records and 13 O’Clock Records.  My colleague Ray Verno featured most of this band’s material on his Byrdsian Volume 105 compilation.  Songs like “Ain’t It Hard,” “Song Of The Autumn,” “That’s Where I’ll Stay,” “I Just Pretend,” “It’s Not Up To You,” “Clear Motive,” “Automatic Motion,” “The Gypsies’ Graveyard,” “Do You See Me?” and “Know That You Know” harken back to the circa 1965 Byrds.  The lead vocalist often reminds me of Richard X. Heyman, and the melodies –conspicuously accompanied by a compressed Rickenbacker 12-string guitar – also remind me of the Belltowers, the Kwyet Kings and Pribata Idaho.  Those artist references should certainly excite all fans of jangly music.   Robust thanks to Ray Verno for finding this band on the INTERNET!

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Love Changes Like The Seasons – the Carousels.  In the case of the Carousels, thanks go out to Ray Gianchetti of Kool Kat Musik for featuring this disc at his online site.  The Carousels draw from the Byrds’ Sweetheart of the Rodeo and Flying Burrito Brothers’ ouvre, and remind me of other contemporary Canyon Rock bands like the Beachwood Sparks and the Volebeats.  Standout tracks include “Call Along The Coast,” “Drifting Back,” “Deep Mid Winter,” “Never Know What Love Is,” “Sound Of My Own,” “Where I Fall,” “My Beating Heart,” “Don’t Get Me Wrong” and “Marianne.”  This is one of those discs that is fun to listen to from start to finish.  I hope that a sophomore effort follows this excellent debut.

Tom Alford

Second Foundation – Tom Alford.  I missed this disc when it was first released, which surprises me because I have Tom Alford’s CD EP in my music library.  Second Foundation is overflowing with upbeat pop tunes that feature chiming, jangly guitar riffs.  My favorite tracks are “Shiloh,” “Ever Question Why,” “I’m The Only One” (which reminds me of the Time Lodgers), “What Could Have Been” and “Look To The Stars.”  In retrospect, this would have been a Top Ten disc the year it was released.  Long may you run, Sir Tom!

The Yorktown Lads

Songs About Girls And Other Disasters – Yorktown Lads.  I found this power pop gem on CD Baby.  The album shines from start to finish, and it includes several chiming tracks that will appeal to jangly music fans: “La La,” “Home,” “Pronouns,” “Around” and “Sick Of Me.”  This is what power pop should be – strong vocals, catchy melodies and hooks galore!   (NOTE FROM BRUCE:  “This is one of my absolute favorite records from 2014 – just a flat-out stunner! Pick this one up!”)

Kyle Vincent

Detour – Kyle Vincent.  This disc may not excite jangleholics, but it will certainly draw the attention of power pop fans.  Kyle Vincent strikes me his generation’s version of Dwight Twilley – a solo artist with an endless supply of superb pop songs.  Two tracks do combine Vincent’s sweet vocals with chiming guitars: “Too Much Time In My Head” and “Whenever The Rain Falls.”  One can never tire of listening to Kyle Vincent’s power pop songs.  Detour should make many Top Ten lists for 2015.

Beyond Belief - Elvis Costello tribute

Also worthy of mention is the three-disc Beyond Belief: A Tribute To Elvis Costello.  Proceeds go to a worthy cause; the tunes feature many of today’s premier power pop artists; and the material covered is timeless pop/rock music.  Seek this compilation out.  (ANOTHER NOTE FROM BRUCE:  “This tribute blew me away with its rock-solid consistency and outstanding artist depictions of classic Costello – one of the better tributes in years.”)

 

Until next time, jangle on!

ERIC

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