January Album Reviews: Bloody Red Baron
GUEST POST: Mike Baron
Mike Baron (aka Bloody Red Baron) was the longtime album reviewer for Pop Geek Heaven. With the closure of that legendary power pop newsletter, we are very happy to host his latest round of album reviews here at Remember The Lightning.
The Weeklings—Raspberry Park (Jem Recordings)
Consisting of members of Styx, Dave Mason, Bon Jovi, and Southside Johnny, The Weeklings are devoted to the music of The Beatles, offering fresh interpretation of the classics and Beatles-inspired originals. There are many such bands, but The Weeklings stand out by virtue of their originality. The songs are recognizable but it might take a second or two because of The Weeklings’ innovative spin.
“Brian Jones” is an original, a throwback to classic R&B with a British twist, bluesy harp and a roadhouse vibe. Their minor key version of “I’ve Just Seen A Face” with piano soul and staggered vocals is fresh and exciting. “All the Cash in the World” sounds like a Swinging Steaks/”96 Tears” mash-up with Joe Bonamassa guitar. “Mr. Soul Satisfaction” is a Neil Young, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards mash-up but again—in sleek new duds, like the fifth generation Mustang Ford introduced in 2005. Recognizable, but modern. Their version of Springsteen’s “Fire” is almost ur-punk in tempo and treatment. “None of Your Business” builds on a Kinks-like foundation into something sleek and modern.
Danny The K—Cigarettes & Silhouettes (Rum/Bar)
Danny’s a sole proprietor, playing everything himself and overdubbing vocals for sweet harmonies. At seven tracks, this might have been an EP, but it’s also long enough for a full album. Danny’s writing is Carole King/Gerry Goffin bright, shunning the ancient first, fourth and fifth chords in favor of pure pop for now people.
“Roller Derby Girl” has a big, orchestral sound, while the first version of “The Skateaway” reminded me of Rubinoos. The second acoustic version echoes The Who’s “Kids Are Alright” before soaring into its own territory. “Sugar Rush” delivers with a pixilated keyboard intro, and the acoustic version of “Cigarettes & Silhouettes” has the subtle hooks of a Greg Pope or John San Juan.
Dolph Chaney—Mug (Big Stir Records)
Chaney is a pop genius in the vein of Nick Frater, Scott Gagner and Steve Stoeckel, writing fresh melodic anthems that send you out of the theater humming. “Nice” starts out like a Hit Factory baby with pure pop craftsmanship, and “Cool In the Sunshine,” with its Hushdrops-like adjacent chords, belongs in a musical.
The men and women who crafted the American musical during the depression knew the value of memorable hooks, and so does Chaney. “Bad Bet” has Stars Explode type power. The anthemic “Critic (the Mirror)” goes full throttle. It’s the kind of melody you store in your brain to battle ear worms, as is the closer, “The First Time Back.”
Big Stir’s packaging continues to excel, making the most of the CD format with exciting visuals and an upscale feel. They make the most of their real estate, as albums used to during vinyl’s heyday.
The Incurables—Inside Out & Backwards (Big Stir Records)
This is a bit of a switch for Big Stir, which up to now has focused on melody-driven power pop and electrified singer/songwriters like Dolph Chaney. The Incurables are more of a raucous roadhouse band like The Connection, or Brad Marino. It’s like Big Stir traded records with Rum Bar, and Rum Bar got Danny the K.
The Incurables are compelling. I always imagine a record played live in a bar and this is a band you would want to see, especially with their three-part harmonies and live wire guitar work from Pat Kelly and Dennis Pepperack.
“When You” combines Stones influence in the tonic and The Beatles in the chorus, with a big, thumping bottom. “Soda Pop” is long overdue, as those of us in the Midwest have been arguing what term to use since the beginning of time. “Funhouse” is a dissonant dystopian dirge suitable for a Stanley Kubrick movie. “Go Away” is the opposite, opening with doo wop acapella until the throbbing, pulsing rhythm section kicks in.
Check Out The New, Limited-Edition Tsar T-Shirts
My early 2000s rock glam/punk/pop group Tsar hasn't made any new merch in over a decade...until now! Check out the limited-edition Brian Walsby-designed "Calling All Destroyers" Tsar T-shirt from Bifocal Media. This custom drawing is based on an image of Tsar featured in Piper Ferguson’s excellent new book Indie/Seen.
