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.

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.

Sea Hags - s/t (1989)

They were hyped as the new Guns N' Roses when they released their only LP back in 1989. This release (from 2007) is a Rock Candy "Collector's Re-Issue" that contains 2 bonus demos previously unreleased. There are also extended liner notes that tell the story this promising band from San Francisco. Unfortunately, shortly after they released their debut album the broke up. Why? Well, the comparisons to Guns N' Roses may have been a bit too spot on since this band followed the rock'n'roll lifestyle a bit too much (i.e., heroin and other drugs). The music? Well, it rocks. This is a pure, passionate slab of 70s inspired hard rock. While the comparisons to G N' R are good, there is a bit of Aerosmith to them as well. Even for the late 80s, this is music that sounds inspired by an earlier era and does not have much to do with the hair-metal bands of Los Angeles. If you like your rock'n'roll dirty, with a little bit of danger, then Sea Hags will be a good listen.

Neil Young - After the Gold Rush (1970)

I found this in a used CD bin at Jupiter Records in San Diego. I have the LP but it is in storage :( I think I just needed to hear a little Neil. So many classic songs on this LP that it is hard to write about because most of you know it. Technically, this Neil's third solo LP and second with the superb Crazy Horse (this time with a 19 year old Nils Logren). If you like rock'n'roll maybe with a little a twang, then this is a must.

The Babys - Union Jacks (1980)

The Babys! Well, fairly well known and decent staple of FM radio in the late 70s and early 80s. Eventually, John Waite (lead singer) left the band to go solo and had a few hits in the MTV era. Good old fashioned mainstream pop band. The Babys were melodic with a little bit of muscle but not really power pop. They should have had more hits but they also should have had better songs. Still, not a bad band to get into and enjoy. Here is a hit from the album and then, my favorite song from the album, Back on my feet again. Midnight Rendezvous