Monogroove Opens Up A "Popsicle Drivethru"

Monogroove, the supremely talented West Coast band led by the incomparable Rin Lennon, are back with Popsicle Drivethru, another outstanding release in a first-rate discography that includes superlative albums such as The Flip Side and Into The Sun.  If you’re looking for a record that will lift your spirits, make you smile, and have you absolutely rocking out during these difficult times, then you need to take a deep dive into this splendid disc. The 14 tracks on Popsicle Drivethru are a remarkable collection of tunes that will have strong appeal for music fans who appreciate the classic rock and roll sounds of the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.

The songs on Popsicle Drivethru touch upon a variety of genres, including rock, pop, punk, and power pop, and every single song on the album is fabulous, and a must listen. The opening track, “Hello Everyone,”  exudes positive vibes, and is a paean to togetherness in this mixed-up world, as well as a call to change, very much in the spirit of The Youngbloods classic, “Get Together.” The album also includes power pop tinged tracks like “All Day, All Night,” and “Anything You Want,” which has a touch of punk seeded into its pop sound. “Chasing The Sound” catches the feeling of a band’s elusive search for the perfect vibe, and “That Girl” is a guitar-heavy rocker that will have you reaching for the replay button. There’s also an exuberant cover of The Rascals classic “Good Lovin.”

All of the tunes on Popsicle Drivethru are a joy to listen to and experience, including “Sun Needs A Holiday,” which radiates pop sunshine, the modern rock infused “Dangerous” and the lovely “Halo.” Many of the tracks on the disc meld together several genres, from Beatlesque rock and roll to 80s pop/rock, garage rock and punk, as evidenced by edgier selections like "Those Pills." The album is filled with letter perfect harmonies, shimmering guitars, groovy bass and high-energy drums. It wouldn’t be a Monogroove album without a heartfelt love song or two, and Popsicle Drivethru features a pair of them: “Meant For Me” and “Someone.” Both tracks feature ethereal lead vocal turns from the amazing Rin Lennon. I think the beautiful “Someone” is one of the best songs Monogroove has ever recorded.

The band’s phenomenal lineup features Rin Lennon on lead guitar, Michael George on guitar, Alex Ritter on bass, and Jay Smith on drums. Their undeniable chemistry and stellar musical chops help power Popsicle Drivethru into the rock and roll stratosphere. It’s clear that these top-notch musicians enjoy creating music and playing together, and that vibe comes thru on every song on the album. If you’re already a Monogroove devotee, I’m sure you don’t need more convincing to check out this magnificent album, but if you’re new to the splendid sounds of Monogroove, then Popsicle Drivethru is a great place to start your journey into becoming a fan of the band! Check out the album and get more information about the group and their music by heading over to bandcamp, by following this link: https://monogroove.bandcamp.com/album/popsicle-drivethru. You can also find the album on other streaming services, including Apple Music and Spotify.

A Detective, A Ghost and Some Lost "Souls"

Dan Moren knows his way around multiple genres. He's written a well-received multi-volume series called The Galactic Cold War, which combines science-fiction with action adventure. He's also penned All Souls Lost, an entertaining hybrid of a Dresden Files-esque horror story with a hard-boiled detective tale in the vein of authors like Raymond Chandler. All Souls Lost features Mike Lucifer, a spiritual consultant and private eye who investigates offbeat cases involving the supernatural. He's been off the grid for a while after an incident which resulted in the death of his partner.

When Mike returns to his hometown haunts in Boston, he finds himself embroiled in a new case after a young woman visits his office, asking for his help, because her boyfriend's been possessed. He soon finds himself hip deep in ghosts, demons, murders and behind the scenes skullduggery at a high tech company called Paradigm. Soon, both the cops and otherworldly forces are after him, and his investigation leads him to question some events in his past, and face some hard truths about himself.

This is an entertaining, fast-paced read that should appeal to fans of supernatural horror, as well as fans of modern noir. Mike Lucifer is a detective in the classic mold, and his quick wit and cynical observations are well-meshed with the horror elements of the story. There's a solid supporting cast of characters, including Lucifer's client, a gal name Jenny Sparks, who may know more about the case than she's telling, a detective who's (sort of) on his side, and some colorful human (and non-human) allies and adversaries, who both aide and bedevil our hero.

All Souls Lost is a clever tale with a convincing backdrop, a world just a step outside our own, where magic and technology exist side by side. You might recall a made for HBO film called Cast A Deadly Spell (1991), which featured Fred Ward as a detective in the hard-boiled mode investigating a supernatural mystery, and this novel has something of the vibe of that movie, albeit in a modern setting. All Souls Lost is a lot of fun. Here's hoping that Dan Moren will bring back Mike Lucifer in a new adventure in the near future.

Tribute Discs: The Hollies and The Left Banke

 Tribute albums are a difficult enterprise. While there have been a plethora of these discs issued since the 1980s, only a small number end up being considered essential listening by fans, who often debate the true worth of such releases. I highlighted a couple of worthy tribute albums back in 2015, and that entry is one of the most popular here at Eclectic Avenue, so I thought it was worth another look.

Sing Hollies In Reverse (1995) – The Hollies are one of the best bands from The British Invasion era, and their superb harmonies and sparkling guitars, showcased on a number of classic pop/rock singles like “Bus Stop,” and "Look Through Any Window" are fondly remembered by music aficionados to this day. The band also gave us our first look at Graham Nash, later to form a super-group with David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Neil Young. Sing Hollies in Reverse features twenty-one Hollies songs covered by a bevy of power pop artists, who are clearly fans of the band. Standout tracks include Tommy Keene’s version of “Carrie Anne,” The Wondermints wonderful romp through “You Need Love,” and The Posies perfect take on one of my favorite Hollies tunes, “King Midas In Reverse.” 

 

 

There are several artists who endeavor to put their own stamp on the songs, including Jon Brion’s psychedelic run-through of “Sorry Suzanne,” E’s interesting take on “Jennifer Ecles,” and the Flamingoes version of “Water on The Brain,” which is a must listen. You’ll also get to hear The Continental Drifters (featuring ex-Cowsills member Susan Cowsill) pour their hearts and souls into “I Can’t Let Go” and Material Issue do their best British Invasion pop star impressions on “Bus Stop,” while the Shakin' Apostles rock their way through “Dear Eloise.” Sing Hollies In Reverse is currently out of print, but used copies are pretty easy to find online. If you’re a Hollies devotee, or a fan of any of the groups featured on the album, it's worth seeking out.

Shadows Breaking Over Our Heads: A Tribute To The Left Banke (1999) - You probably know The Left Banke based on their two classic 1960s singles “Pretty Ballerina” and the oft-covered “Walk Away Renee.” This short-lived group truly helped define the “baroque pop” genre explored by bands like The Zombies and Love, as well The Beatles, The Beach Boys and The Rolling Stones. While their original output consists of only two albums, they left a lasting impression on their fellow musicians, and rock and roll fans. This album features 22 tracks, and there’s not a bad one in the bunch. Some of the most enjoyable entries include Frank Bango’s pop-tinged “Goodbye Holly,” Sun Sawed in 1/2’s effervescent “And Suddenly,” and Starbelly’s rocking version of “Myrah.” I also really like The Phenomenal Cats fantastic reading of “I’ve Got Something On My Mind."

 

A couple of tracks really hit it out of the park, including ex-Jellyfish member Jason Falkner’s beautiful rendition of “Pretty Ballerina” and The Jigsaw Scene’s late period Beatles sounding take on “Desiree,” while The Birdwatchers channel their inner Brian Wilson on “My Friend Today.” Blue Cartoon contributes a strong cover of  “Give The Man A Hand,” and Ken Stringfellow provides an echo-tinged interpretation of "She May Call You Up Tonight." As with The Hollies tribute, having power pop and indie bands take on these songs is an inspired idea that really pays off. Like Sing Hollies in Reverse, this disc is out of print, but readily available at various online outlets. Repeated exposure to Sing Hollies In Reverse and Shadows Breaking Over Our Heads: A Tribute To The Left Banke just might inspire you to seek out the originals, and turn you into a true devotee of The Hollies and The Left Banke.

 

 

The Grip Weeds Extraordinary "Soul Bender"

A new disc from New Jersey’s psychedelic pop/rock heroes The Grip Weeds is always cause for celebration. They're one of my favorite bands, and their latest release, Soul Bender, is a magnificent record that will, rock you, inspire you, delight you, and soothe your soul in equal measure. The songs on this phenomenal album are overflowing with scintillating guitars, thundering bass, high energy drums, captivating vocals and gorgeous harmonies that harken back to the classic rock of the 1960s, while also sounding fresh and contemporary. Soul Bender is one of the best rock and roll albums of the year, and it deserves a regular spot in your listening rotation, as well as a permanent one in your record collection.

The Grip Weeds lineup is comprised of Kurt Reil on drums and vocals, his wife Kristen Pinell Reil on lead guitar and vocals, Kurt’s brother Rick Reil on guitar, keyboard and vocals, and their long-time friend Dave DeSantis on bass and vocals. You can feel their unbridled enthusiasm at creating and playing music together. Their undeniable chemistry as a band is evident in every note, song and arrangement on Soul Bender, which was produced by Kurt at the band’s home base, the House of Vibes studios.

The record kicks off with the kinetic title track, an ode to love and musical inspiration, featuring dizzying guitars, high energy drums and impassioned vocals. That amazing opener is followed by “Flowers For Cynthia,” one of my favorite tracks on the record, a groovy baroque pop confection whose retro soundscape brings to mind the sounds of The Zombies, The Beatles and The Left Banke in equal measure. The dynamic “Spinning The Wheel” has a modern rock aura, while “Promise (Of The Real)” is an emotional tale of lost love, featuring strong vocal performances by Kurt and Kristen.

Soul Bender is filled with fantastic songs, including the hard-rocking “Conquer and Divide” and “Fragmented,” which have an edgier vibe than some of the more retro-imbued Grip Weeds tunes. Both tracks include some excellent instrumental work from Rick and Dave. “Gene Clark (Broken Wing)” successfully evokes the classic sound of The Byrds while paying tribute to the late guitarist and co-founder of that beloved band. The extraordinary “Someone In Love” is a revised version of “Your Love” the first song ever written by Kurt Reil. This wonderful tune has a definite Beach Boys meets early Beatles feel and sound to it, while the gritty “Wake Up Time” is an energetic, garage rock infused number that really kicks out the jams.

Every track on Soul Bender is worthy of multiple spins, including the sparkling, girl group styled “If You Were Here,” and the anthemic album closer “Love Comes In Different Ways” which joyously celebrates...love in true Beatles-esque fashion. To put it simply, Soul Bender rocks. It's an awe-inspiring, soul-satisfying record which showcases the talents of The Grip Weeds and elevates their already top-notch songwriting and performing skills to new heights. Soul Bender is out now on JEM Records: https://jemrecordings.com/. You can find out more about the The Grip Weeds and this phenomenal record at : https://www.gripweeds.com/.

Johnny J. Blair's Journey To The Sun

Johnny J. Blair is a multi-talented singer, songwriter and producer whose wide-ranging sound encompasses a variety of musical genres, including pop, rock, soul and jazz. He’s released some excellent records, including I Like The Street, Door in The Water and Grateful. Blair’s latest project is a sci-fi themed album entitled We’re Getting Closer To The Sun. Fans of artists like King Crimson, The Moody Blues, ELO, and Pink Floyd and should really dig this phenomenal record. We’re Getting Closer To The Sun is something of a sci-fi concept album, with themes ranging from a more hopeful, non-dystopian vision of the future, to love, faith and questions of mortality.

Several tracks on the disc have a 1960s feel, including the title track and “A Place Across The Sky.” These terrific songs feature very cool guitar work and atmospheric production, recalling the aura of classic Jimmy Webb penned songs like Glen Campbell’s “Witchita Lineman.” The outstanding “Letting Go” and “Changing of the Guard” continue the 1960s aesthetic, and are spiritually influenced by the music of bands like The Moody Blues, The Bee Gees, and The Beatles, with a bit of glam rock and folk thrown into the mix. The album includes a fantastic cover of the David Bowie classic “Space Oddity,” on which Blair and his fellow musicians manage to deftly balance staying faithful to the original while absolutely giving the song some original touches as well.


Blair’s ethereal compositions also display some Laurel Canyon-esque touches, especially on the reflective “They Were There For You” and the powerful “I See The Angels Comin’ Round.” There’s a definite psychedelic vibe throughout the record, as evidenced by the presence of Mellotron and Stylophone. The remarkable tunes on We’re Getting Closer To The Sun feature sci-fi themed lyrics and concepts, and Blair has said that the album is influenced by a lot of classic science-fiction including the C.S. Lewis space trilogy, Alexander Key’s novel The Forgotten Door, and Nigel Kneale’s tales of Professor Quatermass. Like all of the best science-fiction stories, the music on this fabulous album is as much about love, faith and relationships as it is about spaceships, aliens and far out ideas.

We’re Getting Closer To The Sun is an extraordinary record. Concept albums are tough to pull off, and there are a quite a few rock and roll artists who’ve tried their hand at the genre throughout the years, including The Who, The Kinks, Genesis, Frank Zappa, Nine Inch Nails, and Green Day. Along with a group of talented musical collaborators which includes Prairie Prince, Mike Roe, and Chris Von Sneidern, “Singer At Large” Johnny J. Blair has managed to create a compelling album that will touch your heart, inspire your soul and have you reaching for the replay button to re-experience these amazing songs. You can check out We’re Getting Closer To The Sun at bandcamp by following this link: https://johnnyjblairsingeratlarge.bandcamp.com/album/new-album-were-getting-closer-to-the-sun.

Retro Science Fiction TV Series: UFO

Ed Bishop in UFO

 

During the late 1950s and on through much of the 1960s, the husband-and-wife team of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson created some of the most exciting children's shows on television, including Stingray, Fireball XL-5 and Captain Scarlet and The Mysterons. These series all featured top notch puppet and model work, and exciting action sequences. The Anderson series from this period that most US viewers remember is Thunderbirds, about a team of adventurers who rescued people in peril all around the world. By the late 1960s, the Andersons decided to branch out into live-action, and they produced a film called Doppelganger, aka Journey to the Far Side of the Sun, starring Roy Thinnes as an astronaut who returns from a spaceflight only to find he's landed, not on Earth, but on a parallel version of our world.

Their next project was UFO, a science-fiction adventure series about a secret organization called SHADO (Supreme Headquarters Alien Defence Organization) battling alien invaders who are visiting our planet for nefarious purposes, including stealing our organs to prolong their lives. The series starred Ed Bishop (who'd done voice work for the Andersons), George Sewell, Gabrielle Drake and Michael Billington. Bishop played Ed Straker, the head of SHADO, who commanded the group's forces on Earth (which were hidden beneath a movie studio) as well as their base located on the moon. UFO is fondly remembered by fans of a certain age for the excellent special effects by Derek Meddings, some groovy 1970s style fashions (designed by Sylvia Anderson) and the very cool theme music, provided by Barry Gray, a frequent contributor to projects produced by the Andersons.

The show was aimed at a more adult audience than previous Anderson efforts like Fireball XL-5, and was considerably darker in tone. Several episodes dealt not only with the ongoing conflict with the alien invaders, but focused on the personal lives of the SHADO crew, and the toll their job took on their personal lives. For example, the episode "A Question of Priorities" highlights a pivotal moment in Straker's life, as he makes a difficult choice between his family and his work at SHADO. Other entries dealt with ESP, corporate espionage and even a murder plot which was interrupted by the arrival of an alien. The cast was uniformly excellent, and featured several familiar faces in guest roles, including Jane Merrow, Jean Marsh and Lois Maxwell.

The series aired in England in 1970 and was syndicated in the US in 1972. While initial ratings in the States were strong, they dropped off towards the end of the run, which ended plans for a second season of the show. Originally, the new season would have mostly featured episodes set on SHADO's moonbase. Gerry Anderson re-worked this concept into what later became Space:1999, starring Martin Landau and Barbara Bain. UFO has aired throughout the years in syndication and on cable stations. Invasion: UFO, a 1980 film compiled from several episodes, was released overseas in cinemas and on cable in the US. UFO has also been issued on various home video formats, most recently on Blu-ray from Imprint Films. Here's a trailer for that release: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap2e-_bQ918. If you're a fan of 1970s sci-fi, or Gerry Anderson's other series, UFO is definitely work a look.

The Bongos Return with The Shroud of Touring

The Bongos were at the forefront of the alternative music scene in the New York area in the 1980s. Their music featured an eclectic mix of musical styles, and the Hoboken based group eventually gained national attention during the heyday of MTV, with the song “Numbers With Wings.” The band’s lineup featured Richard Barone on lead guitar and vocals, Rob Norris on bass and vocals, Frank Giannini on drums and backing vocals. Guitarist James Mastro joined the group after the release of their first full-length record, Drums Along The Hudson, which was issued in 1982. The album included the group’s alluring, dance-infused cover of “Mambo Sun,” by T. Rex: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6x1gUYBFO8.

The band’s unique musical style, blending elements of rock, pop, dance rhythms and new wave, as well as their high energy concerts, garnered them a reputation as one of the best bands on the New York area scene in the 1980s. The Bongos released Numbers With Wings in 1983, and the title song, as well as the dance floor hit “Barbarella” expanded their fan base, as more fans discovered them and grooved to their exhilarating music. The Bongos toured extensively throughout the 1980s, adding percussionist Steve Scales to their lineup. They continued to release new music, including 1985’s Brazilian rhythm-inspired Beat Hotel. The group disbanded in 1987, but the band has reunited several times during the 2000s, both live and on record, and The Bongos remain a much-revered favorite among music aficionados: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdPNmHJNQpc.

The great news for fans of The Bongos is that JEM Records is about to release The Shroud of Touring: Live in 1985, a never before released live album originally recorded during the band’s heyday. This phenomenal record effectively captures the band’s unstoppable energy, and the intensity of their incendiary live performances. The Shroud of Touring is being issued to commemorate the 40th anniversary of an incredible concert which occurred at the Tradewinds club in Seabright, NJ on Memorial Day weekend in 1985. The band was at the top of their game that night, and the track list includes favorites such as “In The Congo” and “Tiger Nights,” plus terrific tunes such as “Telephoto Lens,” and “Apache Dancing.”

The Shroud of Touring: Live in 1985 was produced by The Bongos and Steve Addabbo, and the disc has been lovingly remastered by Steve Rosenthal. This is an amazing record, showcasing the band at the peak of their musical powers. If you're a fan of the band (like myself) or were lucky enough to see the The Bongos back in the 1980s, this album will bring back some fond musical memories. If you’ve never seen or heard the band before, once you hear this fabulous record, you will definitely want to check out more of their fantastic, genre-defying music. To celebrate the album’s release, The Bongos original lineup of Richard Barone, Rob Norris, Frank Giannini and James Mastro will be performing several live shows in the New York/New Jersey area, including one at The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, NJ on May 31st. The Shroud of Touring: Live in 1985 will be released May 23rd on CD by JEM Records, and is now available for pre-order on Amazon.