Bash On Pop, May 2020
Hi, Everyone!
It’s been a long while since my last Bash On Pop entry, but better late than never, eh? Anyway, I thought I’d write some capsule reviews of a few albums which have, thus far, only seen digital release. Normally it’s my policy not to review anything for which there is no physical product, but I’m suspending protocol during these pandemic times, as it’s much more difficult to get anything manufactured, especially vinyl. So, without further ado, here you are:
My Flying Machine-Running Out of Things To Lose
Essentially the nom de plume of Hamilton, Ontario resident Brandon General, My Flying Machine distills a lot of his influences, including Jon Brion, Roger Manning, and Elliott Smith, and also reminds me a lot of Chris Brown’s excellent album from 2006, Now That You’re Fed. Most of the songs are light, but carry a powerful punch, with General’s often multitracked low tenor being the focal point. Really pretty stuff by a gentleman from whom we will hopefully hear a lot more. https://myflyingmachine.bandcamp.com/
Open Sound-Open Sound
The new project led by Justin Paul Sanders, Dan Rothschild and the ultra-ubiquitous Fernando Perdomo, this is power pop at its finest, with a just a touch of prog for taste. This album could have easily been an unearthed ‘70s classic without anyone finding out it wasn’t! Songs like “Spotlight Smile” and “Reason To Write” are about as good as it gets, and the other tracks aren’t far behind. Thrilling harmonies abound on every cut. If I’m dropping superlatives the way a cat goes through Fancy Feast, it’s because they’re justified! The album is produced by the more than capable Miami buddy of Perdomo’s, Zach Ziskin! https://opensoundmusic.bandcamp.com/album/open-sound
Bebopalula-Bepoplalula
A supergroup of the Los Angeles pop scene, masterminded by singer/songwriter producer extraordinaire Chris Price, Monkees bandmember Alex Jules, and Emeen Zarookian, whose album by former project Spirit Kid finished #1 on my Best of 2014 list! Most of the songs on the album have the whimsy and clever wordplay of Jellyfish, with a light ‘60s pop/psych feel a la Sagittarius/The Millennium, as well as occasional soul flourishes. This is probably the best amalgamation of talent we’ll hear in one band for a long while! https://boplula.bandcamp.com/releases
The Resonars-Blindside 2020
For more than 20 years we’ve learned to depend upon Matt Rendon to deliver album after album of thrilling, harmony-fueled garage pop, and Blindside 2020 is no exception! This one was done with a twist, as Rendon revealed each song on The Resonars’ band page one at a time, finally deciding when the album was “ready”. All I can say is if you love the kinds of ‘60s pop sounds you can find on The Hollies Evolution, The New Colony Six Colonization, with more balls than either one, you’ve come to the right place with this and any other Resonars album! Blindside 2020 Volume 2 is being “revealed” as this review is being written. https://theresonars1.bandcamp.com/album/2020-blindside
I hope you enjoyed the column, and even more than that, I urge you to purchase these albums!
Cheers, until next time. 🙂