ALBUMS OF THE MONTH:
Long Live All of Us, by Glossary
Glossary have always had a reputation as a scrappy rock band from Murfreesboro, TN. While their latest doesn’t abandon the past, the band has injected a healthy dose of southern soul into the mix. And, man, does it sound good.
Opener “Trouble Won’t Always Last” matches hopeful lyrics with a lilting beat driven by a percussive piano. “When trouble comes around, don’t you be afraid,” sing husband and wife Kelly and Joey Kneiser, “This world can take your life, but it can’t take the love you’ve shown away.”
“Shoulder to Cry On” has the type of soulful swagger that hearkens back to the late 1970’s, yet with a sound that feels fresh today. Some stellar Stax-style horns punctuate the Kneisers’ harmonies, “So crawl with me out of the dark, let it be us the light shines on, for nothing is promised or guaranteed, but I’ll be the post that you can lean on.”
Lest anyone think otherwise, “When We Were Wicked” and “Heart Full of Wanna” prove that the band still has the chops for straight-up rock and roll. Electric guitars burst from the former track while a great bass line propels the latter.
“Some Eternal Spark” showcases the band’s quiet side and shines a light on Joey Kneiser’s thoughtful lyrics. “But listen to your heart and it will lead you through the dark,” he sings, “‘Cause somewhere in you burns a light lit by some eternal spark.”
See Eli’s take on the new Glossary release here.
Audio Download: Glossary, “Heart Full of Wanna”
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THE PLAYLIST
Everyone Has Their Day, Warren Zanes (from the self-released I Want To Move Out in the Daylight)
The New Jersey by way of Boston musician and rock and roll scholar channels the end of a relationship into a mature and meaningful release. “It got a little crowded there in your cage, the trash piled up no one took it away,” sings Zanes in a pop song subtle and sublime.
Audio Download: Warren Zanes, “Everyone Has Their Day”
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Not Once, Todd May (from the self-released LTD)
May, the songwriter behind Twangville faves the Mooncussers, has quietly put out a solo, primarily acoustic release. The format puts his impressive songs front and center, emphasizing the country flavor of his writing. There are songs that can be described as about having a tear in one’s beer, this one goes straight for the whiskey.
These songs are billed as demos, but I’ll take them just the way they are, thanks.
Audio Download: Todd May, “Not Once”
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Tin Can, Wires in the Walls (from the self-released New Symmetry)
The LA-based quintet caught my ear with this pop anthem. Electric guitars ring out gloriously as the song works its way to an explosive chorus. This one is meant to be played loud.
Audio Download: Wires in the Walls, “Tin Can”
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Sara Smile, Vance Gilbert (from the self-released Old White Men)
The New England folk musician is blessed with a sweet and soulful voice. Gilbert will captivate regardless of whether performing his originals, which range from solemn to humorous, or taking on a cover. I challenge you to not get in his dazzling cover of the Hall and Oates classic.
Audio Download: Vance Gilbert, “Sara Smile”
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Sweet and Fine, Tom Evanchuck and the Old Money (from the Peloton Records release The Evanchucks)
This 22 year-old from Cleveland, Ohio knows how to coax some deep and lowdown sounds from his guitar. His sound hearkens back to the classic rock of the 1960’s, heavy with blues-based riffs alongside a rumbling organ. The song title says it all.
Audio Download: Tom Evanchuck and the Old Money, “Sweet and Fine”
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Pretty In Pink, The 65’s (from the Dromedary Records release Strike Hard!)
The members of this New York-based quartet honed their craft in a number of regional bands and solo acoustic outings. Together, they bring on the rock with a healthy dose of guitar, bass and drums. Their debut has some enticing originals, but I’m going to take the cover route as they rock this song proud. And if you like the scruffy guitars here, I’m quite certain that you’ll like the rest of this release.
Audio Download: The 65’s, “Pretty In Pink”
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About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.
Thanks for turning me on to new artists to check out.