Green - Elaine Mackenzie (1987)

Green's second album is Elaine Mackenzie and if you even liked the first album just a little bit then you will love this record. Just more 60s influenced pop music from this Chicago-based band masterminded by Jeff Lescher.  In the first few songs you get some goodies in the form of She's an Addiction and Saturday Afternoon (with the obvious Kinks influence). Like the first Green album, previously reviewed on this blog,  listening to this Green album is sort of like playing "spot the influence" since Jeff Lescher is not shy about what he listened to and what inspired him as a musician and songwriter. If that is not enough, then maybe the vocal hook on the song Don't Ever Fall In Love With Someone When You're Already In Love With Someone Else. Just classic.

This CD comes with two bonus tracks that include the sublime "My Tears Are Dry (Now)". which I had previously had only on a 7 inch single bought many many years ago. This song maybe worth the price of admission alone.

I know that posting about old bands with records/CDs from the 80s is not great for clicks but you just can't deny the songwriting. If you like melodic rock'n'roll, you are going to love Green.

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.