Green - s/t (1986)

Originally released in 1986, this review is about the reissue that came out in 2009 on Lion Productions out of Illinois. Green is from Chicago and play pop music which, based on the liner notes to this reissue, was not the hippest thing to be during those days.

I first "discovered" this record in its vinyl form back in the late 80s. When I first saw the cover I immediately thought of another Midwest punk band that were the rage at the time. Much to my surprise, what came out of the speakers was a series of catchy pop songs. Jeff Lescher, singer/songwriter/guitarist, really wears his influences on his sleeves since the band is not afraid to play those Beatles/Byrds melodies. However, that is not all. Jeff, growing up in Chicago, was also influenced by blues and soul music, and not to be overlooked, a little bit of country music. In fact, it is fun to listen to the record and see what are the specific influences for each particular song. Spoiler Alert. Jeff, in his liner notes, reveals those influences!

After all these years, I still love playing this record (whether on vinyl or CD) because the songs are timeless and Jeff's vocals are so strained and true. It is a perfect combination. Try it out Green. It is worth checking them out.

Curt Boettcher - Misty Miracle (2018) (cassette)

My previous post discussed baroque pop and one of the American masters of that sound is Curt Boettcher. This cassette (via Burger) is a reissue of a CD that was originally released in 2000. This recording is made up solo LP sessions, outtakes, demos, and adverts between 1967-1969.  The music is beautiful and very melodic. For example, listen to Misty Mirage or Baby It's Real. Note - I have included the definitive version of Baby It's Real but the demo is as good. That is just on the first side! The rest of the album has a similar feel and quality is high on the remainder of this album. More 60s goodness!

Pete Dello and Friends - Into Your Ears (1971) (cassette)

Don't know much about Pete Dello aside from the fact that he was in a band called Honeybus. I have always heard of Honeybus, and I may have heard a few songs here and there, but I do not own any of their releases. Well, if this LP is even remotely similar to Honeybus, then I need to get their records because this album is really good. This cassette version (via Burger Records) is a reissue of an album that came out in 1971. How to describe the music? The music is really melodic late-60s era baroque pop that is really pleasing to the ear. What is baroque pop? Well, (as I described in a previous post) it is sound that can be described as the merger of psychedelic music and lush orchestral arrangements that includes flutes, oboes, harpsichords, recorders, and french horns. Think of Sgt Pepper by The Beatles and Pet Sounds by the Beach Boys. I think if you are a fan of melodic pop, you will enjoy this a lot.