“She’s Got It All” wouldn’t sound out of place on the soundtrack to a cool 1960s spy flick and “It’s Your Turn” is pure power-pop perfection. Sharon and Karen co-wrote the fourteen songs on the album, and every track is a catchy, hook-filled delight that will have you constantly hitting the replay button. Related: “The One-Hit Wonder File: ‘Walking On Sunshine'” The luminous “Stop Right There” is a marvelous old-school pop confection that echoes with the classic girl group sound. Up next is the energetic, horn-driven “Face The Facts,” which includes some dandy guitar work. Calliope kicks off with the title track, a psychedelic-infused number featuring echo-laden vocals and mind-bending effects. The sterling musicianship and heavenly harmonies of this dynamic duo are featured throughout the album, and they’re aided in their endeavors by producer Frank Labor on guitar, as well as Buck Ellis, Ward Reeder, and Larry Alvarez on drums. The Bookends are cousins Karen Lynn (guitar, vocals) and Sharon Lee (bass, keyboards, vocals) whose lifelong love of music inspired them to form the group. The band’s musical style is a scintillating blend of genres, ranging from the girl group sound to sunshine pop and garage rock, along with a healthy dose of power pop. The record features a terrific set of effervescent tunes that are guaranteed to brighten your day and make you believe in the healing power of well-crafted pop music. The subtitle of this fine compilation of songs suggests there is more to come and, based on what has been served so far, Colorama’s reputation and therefore their roster is going to flourish, meaning plenty of delights await.If you’re looking for some sparkling pop songs to lift your spirits, Calliope, the sophomore album from The Bookends, just might be the ray of rock and roll sunshine that you need. A stomping rock tale of carnal desires, it’s direct but devastating. The gorgeous, angelic harmonies and swooning heartbreak of Still by Tiny Dyno stands out, as does the glistening psychedelia of Eloise’s Haunted.īut on this day, the bruising Neverready by Wilderman takes the crown. True Heart (Reid Anderson) is comparatively simple, a gentle heart-warming acoustic number, while Chris Watson adds some Parisian accordion to the overall carefree air on Secret Garden.Īll the tracks are strong, but such is the nature of compilations some must be better than others. Pale Sabres’ offering, Left For Dead, is a cosmic scouse odyssey not unlike the Peter Gunn soundtrack (and excellent as a result), while Nothing New Under The Sun by Robi Mitch is dub-flecked and includes an impressive vocal. Meanwhile the multi-layered vocals on the Byrdsian Wire (The Lunar Towers) are crisp but soothing. Bliss Williams’ Tearaway may have driving strings and Motown drums, but one can hear the smile on his face, while the hip-swinging guitars on A Simple Song (Sunzoom) combine with buoyant percussion (washed down with some bongos at the very end) recalling the confident subversion of Gruff Rhys. While the production levels and instrumentation across the tracks are varied, a sense of breeziness inhabits virtually all of them. Like Dreaming by Duvet Daze, but with extra righteous vocal and a more wistful melody. The dry, rustling percussion and wonky synths both delight and scare on You Ain’t Got It Bad (Teenage Waitress), with a consciously muffled sound akin to Unknown Mortal Orchestra. In-between, the listener is treated to 11 tracks with varying soundscapes and intent. In contrast, album closer Forevermore (a duet with Le SuperHomard) – all sumptuous strings, gentle acoustic guitar and heart-felt lyrics – is a low-key but beautiful way to round things off. Today, by his band, is a welcome bit of percussion-heavy sunshine as the nights draw in, his dreamy vocals recalling summers past and a reminder of how underrated The Moons are. However, some of their releases may have slipped through the cracks and not received the attention they deserved, so this compilation release, which collects the best cuts, is a handy starting point.Īs is his right, Crofts bookends the record. Initially launched as a vehicle for Andy Crofts (lead songwriter with The Moons and bassist in Paul Weller’s band) to release his own music, Colorama Records have steadily built up an impressive portfolio over the last 18 months, with a host of releases showcasing the diversity of acts signed up to the Moons man’s boutique label. This Is Colorama! – Volume 1 proves to be a winning compilation from the fledgling label.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |