JANGLE ON – November

Posted on 01 December 2014

JANGLE ON!

NOVEMBER

by Eric Sorsensen

Jangle On

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In typical mid-Atlantic fashion, the high temperature of 74 degrees on 24 November tied a record, and a winter storm is in the forecast for two days later – which will make for a challenging start to Thanksgiving-related highway travel.  If weather keeps me from visiting friends in Pennsylvania for the holiday, I have some excellent new music – replete with chiming Rickenbacker 12-string riffs – to keep me company this Thanksgiving.

 

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

Good Vibes

Good Vibes: The Dropkick Songbook Volume 1 – for the past decade, Dropkick has steadily matured into a power pop group that borrows its harmonies and melodies from the Teenage Fanclub, Velvet Crush and Beach Boys palate.  The most chiming tracks are “Open Door,” “Only For Yourself,” “Good Vibes” and “Crisps And Irn Bru.”  I encourage readers to acquire the Dropkick back catalog, since this compilation only scratches the surface.  Let’s hope that Dropkick treats us to another decade of primo power pop music!

Well Wishers

A Shattering Sky – the Well Wishers.  Speaking of power pop bands that have matured and stood the test of time, the Well Wishers also fall into this category. Whether the tracks feature chiming guitars or not, the songs are always crisp, melodic and drenched with harmony.  The top jangly tracks are “Goodbye” and “When The Time Comes.”  Like Dropkick, this is a band whose back catalog speaks for itself.

Jeffrey Dean Foster

The Arrow – Jeffrey Dean Foster.  Move over Chris von Sneidern, Kyle Vincent and Jason Falkner … and make room for the very talented singer/songwriter Jeffrey Dean Foster.  The Arrow features songs that flirt with acoustic, roots-rock, pop and rock genres – all in a very gifted manner.  My favorite tracks are the chiming and upbeat “When You Break” and the softer “Jigsaw Man” – which is reminiscent of Dwight Twilley’s solo work.  This album certainly deserves Top Ten consideration for 2014.

Twilley

My mention of Dwight Twilly (a charter member of the Power Pop All-Star Band) provides an excellent segue to recommend his latest disc – Always.  While chiming guitars are mostly muted on this album, the sum of the parts adds up to Twilley’s finest record in years.  Twilley assembled a talented group of supporting musicians and vocalists on this twelve-track stunner.  Dwight Twilley is now in his fifth decade of releasing power pop music … and this latest album deserves strong consideration for Top Ten honors in 2014.

Power Pop Underground

Zero Hour Records has released an excellent 22-track acoustic compilation entitled Power Pop Unplugged Volume One.  My favorite cover songs are the two tracks by Jeremy Morris and the track by the Ringles (both very jangly artists when they plug in).  In Jeremy’s case, the jangle still shines through on his version of the classic Flamin’ Groovies’ song “I Can’t Hide” … and his rendition also features a mandolin and banjo.  This compilation is proof that power pop songs don’t always require a Rickenbacker guitar and amplification to be catchy, melodic songs.

 

For those of you who miss the chiming shoegazer music of the late 80s/early 90s, look no further than Real Estate’s latest disc – Atlas.  The standout jangly track is “Had To Hear” – which is getting video air play on the Palladia music channel.

Starbyrd

Horst-Peter Schmidt, the Crown Prince of Twelve-String, was kind enough to send me an advance copy of the latest Starbyrd CD – Making a Difference.  Schmidt, an accomplished guitarist and prolific songwriter, is on top of his game with some excellent new songs that feature a cross-section of timely topics and the usual chiming Rickenbacker 12-string riffs.  In addition to the easy to spot Roger McGuinn influences, I also detect a nod to David Crosby’s jazz influences during Crosby’s tenure with the Byrds.  My favorite jangly tracks are “Land Of The Rising Sun,” “Hooked On You,” “Under The Southern Cross” and “Make A Difference.”  Few singer/songwriters can continue to compose new material as well as Horst-Peter Schmidt.  Long may you run, my friend!

Mcguinn

Last but not least, I am pleased to let fellow Byrds enthusiasts know that the McGuinn Clark Hillman (and Crosby) Live at the Boarding House disc (formerly available only as a bootleg) is now available on All Access Records.  This concert was broadcast live in February 1978 on KSAN FM radio … and it was the last occasion that four of the five original Byrds bandmates appeared together until they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.  Age and substance abuse may have taken its toll on Gene Clark in his waning years, but his voice was strong for this performance.  Give yourself an early Christmas gift by buying this CD, and you’ll certainly “feel a whole lot better!”

 

Until next time, have a happy Thanksgiving … and jangle on!

 

             ERIC

One Response to “JANGLE ON – November”

  1. Kevin Kamphaus says:

    Starbyrd!!!