Further Observations From a Boomer Music Fan

If you’re like me, you may have found it difficult to focus on pop music after the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Twenty years ago, I worked in the Pentagon; I now work a half mile away from the venerable building. It was pretty eerie when I had to walk home past the burning building on September 11; it was almost as eerie to retreat to the peace and quiet of my residential neighborhood - less than two miles from the Pentagon. When I did resume playing music on my home stereo, Elvis Costello’s great rendition of “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding” kept crossing my mind. The more I thought about it, the more I realized how much music helps us to relieve our daily stress and capture the emotions that we often find hard to express. My brother-in-law flew up to visit us the day that air travel resumed, and we played lots of our favorite 60s pop tunes during his visit. Things may not yet be back to normal, but the stereo is once again the primary source of entertainment in our home.

That said, this past month has seen its fair share of jangly pop music that should bring enjoyment to your homes as well. Leading the pack is the latest disc from Adrian Belew and his bandmates in the Bears - Car Caught Fire. When three Rickenbacker guitars are pictured on the jewel case cover, you know there’s good music featured within the case! “What’s The Good Of Knowing” is a wonderful chiming pseudo-60s Beatlesque hymn; other standout tunes include “Under The Volcano,” “Dave” and “When She Moves.” I will certainly never tire of the Adrian Belew/Rickenbacker 12-string combination!

Roger McGuinn has been releasing some excellent Folk Den discs via MP3. The 12-string guitar guru recently released the studio album entitled Treasures From The Folk Den, which features collaborations with other veteran folk singers on 18 songs. You can hear McGuinn’s signature 370RM 12-string guitar on the remake of “John Riley” and the version of “Sail Away Lady.” If you visit MP3, you’ll also be teased by several other songs that feature McGuinn on his electric 12-string. McGuinn has inspired many jangly disciples during the past 35 years; let’s hope that some of them are as dedicated as he is to preserving America’s folk song legacy.

Bobby Sutliff (who secretly hopes that Roger McGuinn will someday record a version of Bobby’s “The Girl From Washington”) is engaged in a number of new recording projects - solo efforts and collaborations with Windbreakers bandmate Tim Lee … combined with the musical/production skills of legendary Mitch Easter. Bobby was kind enough to share some of the latest recordings with me, and I continue to be blown away by his material. Bobby has a superb knack for pop songwriting; whether the material is dated or new, his melodic pop remains infectious … and jangly! He sure knows how to make his Danelectro 12-string sound sweet. Pop Under The Surface Volume 4 features Bobby’s “Blinders” and the forthcoming Not Lame tribute to Jeff Lynne will include Bobby’s version of “10538 Overture.” Long may you run, Sir Bobby!

Friends and I had the good fortune to see Marshall Crenshaw during his summer solo acoustic tour. Crenshaw has just released a live solo acoustic recording titled I’ve Suffered For My Art … Now It’s Your Turn. Check out his acoustic pickings on the jangly classic tunes “Cynical Girl” and “Someday, Someway.” You won’t be disappointed by this 14-song live album.

Those purveyors of excellent alt-country AND pop music at Miles Of Music discovered another diamond in the rough when they offered Grandview’s self-titled debut disc through their catalog. The album features exceptional vocal harmonies and strummy, melodic tunes that will draw immediate comparisons with Simon and Garfunkel and Zelig. If this is indicative of the direction that the current “Canyon Rock” movement is going in, I’ll hitch my horse to their wagon any day! In many ways, Grandview reminds me of a more acoustic version of the Cosmic Rough Riders.

Todd Thibaud’s latest disc, Squash, is another excellent offering from Blue Rose Records (who also release material by some of my other favorite artists like Rich Hopkins, Reto Burrell and Big In Iowa). “Uninvited, Overdue” is a very catchy jangly tune, but all twelve songs merit listener attention. “Uninvited, Overdue” is featured on Hit The Hay Volume 5 … along with David Todoran’s “Did It Again,” which opens with a very appealing chord variation on George Harrison’s “Here Comes The Sun.” Hit The Hay Volume 5 also introduced me to Laura Cantrell’s sweet alt-country voice. Cantrell’s disc, Not The Tremblin’ Kind, features the title track (written by jangle-meister George Usher) and the jangle-twang tunes “Pile Of Woe” and “Do You Ever Think Of Me” (which brings back memories of several classic Doug Sahm tunes).

Speaking of Rich Hopkins (and the Luminarios, his talented studio/touring pals), I came into possession of his/their latest disc - My Lucky Stars. After numerous replays, I am now inclined to say that it is Rich’s finest album to date. It is more melodic and pop-oriented than his previous releases, but those wailing “Desert Rock” guitar riffs are quite pronounced on many of the songs. Blue Rose will be releasing yet another Hopkins disc later this year - Tinitus. This album will feature 16 guitar-rock tunes … including Rich’s “wall of guitars” version of “Eight Miles High.” Long may you run, Sir Rich!

I made earlier mention of Pop Under The Surface Volume 4, released by Zip Records. This is a superb compilation that includes 24 songs by 24 artists - and they are all top-notch tunes representative of the featured artists. Whoever selects the material for this series certainly appreciates chiming, jangly and ringing guitar riffs.

Hot off the presses is the latest release from the Dipsomaniacs - The Life You’re Faking. “More Than A Machine” and “Dismembered” are particularly appealing to jangleholics like me, but this album is a showcase for one of the finest pop/rock bands on the east coast - come to think of it, one of the finest pop/rock bands in America. Long may you run, Mick Chorba and bandmates! This disc deserves Top Ten consideration.

An unnamed friend also just sent me a CDR compilation of material by Robin Lane and the Chartbusters. Those of you who have studied the indie pop scene longer than I have may be more familiar with the time period that these two albums were released. My guess is it represents the early to mid-80s (Tommy Tutone/Red Rockers-styled songs with female lead vocals), and the two albums are chock full of jangly gems. Somebody PLEASE do the pop public a favor and remaster and re-release these albums on CD … with liner notes!

I mentioned Henry Gross’ latest CD, I’m Hearing Things, in an earlier column when I was able to preview the album before its release. The album is now available to the public - only through www.henrygross.com. Gross has always had a talent for pop songcraft; this album showcases his maturing skills - and a terrific assortment of Rickenbacker (and other maker) guitars. Long may you run, Sir Henry!

I don’t know about you, but it sure feels better to become immersed in all this pop music once again … so much so, that it’s time to put “I’ll Feel A Whole Lot Better” by the Byrds on the stereo, crank up the volume, and sign off. Until next month, jangle on!

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