Ken Sharp’s "I'll Remember The Laughter"

Ken Sharp is the gifted musician behind such excellent albums as Miniatures and 1301 Highland Avenue, and the author of a number of fine books about rock and roll, including Starting Over: The Making of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Double Fantasy and the Play On! Power Pop Heroes series. His latest record, I’ll Remember The Laughter, may just be his best work yet. The album features 50 tracks, which touch upon a number of musical styles, including power pop, glam rock, classic soul, 1960s style pop, 1970s rock and even a touch of folk.
 The songs feature a kaleidoscope of emotions, from joy, sadness, and the wistfulness of remembering times gone by, to loves lost (and found again) and the lasting power of true friendship.

The record kicks off with the marvelous “Maybe Next Summer,” which wouldn’t sound out of place on a classic Beach Boys record. The first disc also features the swirling, power pop-inspired “There Goes My Sanity” and “Lady Godiva” which sounds like a lost tune from Bread or America, circa early to mid 1970s, right down to the effervescent guitar work. Then there’s the gorgeous “Cracking This Heart Of Stone,” one of several tracks on the album where Sharp indulges his inner soul man. I think it’s one of the best songs he's ever written, and it’s a high water mark on an album that’s filled with brilliant tunes.

I’ll Remember The Laughter is bursting at the seams with a host of marvelous songs, including the 1960s garage rock style “Sock It To Me,” the gentle pop/rock swing of “42nd Street,” and the lovely, 1960s pop-infused “Baby It’s Just A Matter Of Time.” From the Raspberries-style power pop of “It Pays To Be A Rock and Roll Star,” to the guitar-oriented rock sound of “No More Silver Linings” and “Shut Out The Lights,” there are few pop, rock and soul genres that Sharp doesn’t masterfully (and successfully) tackle throughout the album’s expansive track list. There's even a tribute to the late Dennis Wilson of The Beach Boys on the sublime "Dennis."

I challenge you to listen to fantastic selections such as the joyously soulful “Philly Get Back,” the shimmering “Great Big Memphis Sky,” the California rock vibes of "Somewhere South of San Diego" and the awesome 1970s infused anthem “Wrote a Song For You,” without reaching for the replay button. In addition to the dazzling original compositions on the album, there are also several covers featured on I’ll Remember The Laughter, including a pop-tastic version of The Who’s classic “The Kids Are Alright,” an enchanting rendition of Davy Jones’ “Girl” and an outstanding interpretation of “Mr. Make Believe,” a track from Gene Simmons’ 1978 self-titled solo disc.

If that’s not enough to grab your attention, the disc also features Sharp taking on a pair of tunes from Rick Springfield’s 1973 disc Comic Book Heroes, the title track and “I’m Your Superman,” with Springfield himself providing backing vocals. Other guests on the album include Roger Manning of Jellyfish, as well as Rob Bonfiglio and Probyn Gregory, both of whom have toured with Brian Wilson. Co-produced by Sharp and Fernando Perdomo (who also appears on the disc), I’ll Remember The Laughter is a magnificent record that will bring great pleasure to rock, pop and soul fans with eclectic tastes and discerning eardrums.

You can find out more about this excellent album and sample the tracks over at https://kensharp.bandcamp.com/album/ill-remember-the-laughter. Here’s a link to the video for “Philly Get Back,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0ob1hHl9HA. I’ll Remember The Laughter is filled with splendid music, composed and performed from the heart. Ken Sharp’s deep love of rock, pop and soul is evident in every note on this superb record.