ALBUM OF THE MONTH:
New Magnetic Wonder, by The Apples in Stereo
After a five year hiatus, the Apples return with their best album yet. Album opener “Can You Feel It” sets the stage with a burst of merriment, with an energetic cowbell-anchored beat to the ELO and Buggles (remember them?) style vocals on the chorus. The album continues mining 30 years of pop history, from the Beatles-esque moments of “The Sun is Out” to the ELO-stylings of “Same Old Drag” with enough spirit and originality to keep the party moving.
THE PLAYLIST
Sly, The Cat Empire (from the album The Cat Empire)
Australia’s The Cat Empire are ones to watch in 2007. This album is an amalgam of funk, jazz and soul with a few Cuban and reggae beats thrown in for additional flavor. One listen to this album opening blissful ska blast and you’ll be hooked.
Soul Satisfaction, The Resentments (from the album On My Way to See You)
The Austin music collective (Jon Dee Graham, Stephen Burton, Bruce Hughes and Scrappy Jud Newcomb) demonstrates their musical acumen on this infectious acoustic toe-tapper with some satisfying lyrical turns.
Just Around the Corner, The Low Stars (from the album The Low Stars)
A Southern California supergroup of sorts — featuring Jude, Dave Gibbs (Gigolo Aunts/Kid Lightning), Jeff Russo (Tonic) and Chris Seefried — pays homage to the California folk rock harmonies of Crosby, Stills and Nash and the Eagles. This track is a direct descendent of the Eagles/Jackson Browne song “Take It Easy” with a touch of the Who’s “Squeezebox.”
Behind Me Now, The Silos (from the album Come on Like the Fast Lane)
This songwriting collaboration between the Silo’s Walter Salas-Humara and Steve Wynn combines the slashing guitars that are a Wynn hallmark with the lyrical skills of Salas-Humara on this tale of a man leaving behind a dark past.
War, JJ Grey and Mofro (from the album Country Ghetto)
Channeling the Staples Singers in sound and message on this track, JJ Grey and Mofro deliver a great swamp groove heavy on the horns and organ. Special thanks to the Long Island Twangville Mafia for the introduction to Grey and Mofro.
80’s Life, The Good, the Bad and the Queen (from the album The Good, the Bad and the Queen)
An indie rock supergroup channels the Beach Boys on this surprising number. GBQ features Damon Albarn (Blur), Paul Simonon (The Clash), Tony Allen (Africa 70/Fela Kuti) and Simon Tong (The Verve) with production by Danger Mouse (Gnarls Barkley).
Jesse Justice, Joe Ely (from the album Happy Songs from Rattlesnake Gulch)
Austin’s Joe Ely is the consummate story-teller, weaving tales of desperados who typically operate by their own sense of morality and lawfulness. In this case it’s a pool hustler who stays “one town out ahead of his fame.”
She Ain’t My Baby, Teenage Prayers (from the album Ten Songs)
The Prayers mine classic soul styles with an indie rock feel, call it rhythm-and-blues with an edge. Look out for a forthcoming release produced by Steve Wynn.
Southern Belle, Will Hoge (from the album Again Somewhere Tomorrow)
“So tell the girls in California, they’re the prettiest money can buy.
All the girls in New York City, don’t give a damn when I walk by.
Midwest girls are mighty fine; don’t want nothing I sell.
I’m going back down south, shut my mouth, gonna find me a Southern Belle.”
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.