The project resulted in a single album called "Alpacas Orgling" and it is simply magnificent. A mix of upbeat rockers and melodramatic ballads, this record sounds more E.L.O. than some of their own. Channeling the ability of Jeff Lynne to effortlessly blend rock, pop, and dance, "Ya Had Me Goin'" is the ultimate feel-good party song. Sounds like it came out of a late 70s time capsule (in a good way)!
Showing posts with label Andy Sturmer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Andy Sturmer. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
"Ya Had Me Goin'" by L.E.O.
In 2006, modern powerpop songwriter Bleu gathered some of the best players in the genre to pay homage to Jeff Lynne and E.L.O. Likeminded musicians who contributed to the project included Mike Viola, Hanson, and Andy Sturmer (Jellyfish).
The project resulted in a single album called "Alpacas Orgling" and it is simply magnificent. A mix of upbeat rockers and melodramatic ballads, this record sounds more E.L.O. than some of their own. Channeling the ability of Jeff Lynne to effortlessly blend rock, pop, and dance, "Ya Had Me Goin'" is the ultimate feel-good party song. Sounds like it came out of a late 70s time capsule (in a good way)!
The project resulted in a single album called "Alpacas Orgling" and it is simply magnificent. A mix of upbeat rockers and melodramatic ballads, this record sounds more E.L.O. than some of their own. Channeling the ability of Jeff Lynne to effortlessly blend rock, pop, and dance, "Ya Had Me Goin'" is the ultimate feel-good party song. Sounds like it came out of a late 70s time capsule (in a good way)!
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
"New Mistake" by Jellyfish
Once in awhile a group of musicians comes together to create something truly magical that can't be repeated. Jellyfish is such a group. The short-lived band emerged in San Francisco in the early 90s when power pop luminaries Roger Manning and Andy Sturmer of Beatnik Beatch joined forces with Jason Falkner. Together they created a sound that mixed Queen, XTC, and Cheap Trick, writing some of the most eclectic yet harmonious songs of the decade.
Jellyfish released only two records, "Bellybutton" and "Spilt Milk," the latter without Falkner, who left the band to work on a new project called The Grays. Despite a great deal of acclaim from critics and other musicians, neither album was a big success. The only charting single the group had was the terrific "Baby's Coming Back," which stalled at #62 in 1991. It is probably the first song in the Top 100 since the 70s to feature a harpsichord.
Both albums are lost treasures, but if I had to choose, I'd say "Spilt Milk" is the one I'd take to a desert island. Not a bad song in the bunch, this album is amazing from start to finish. "New Mistake" may be one of the most underrated pop songs of the 90s. Unfortunately, Manning and Strumer differed on the direction the group should take, forcing an end to this cherished band.
Jellyfish released only two records, "Bellybutton" and "Spilt Milk," the latter without Falkner, who left the band to work on a new project called The Grays. Despite a great deal of acclaim from critics and other musicians, neither album was a big success. The only charting single the group had was the terrific "Baby's Coming Back," which stalled at #62 in 1991. It is probably the first song in the Top 100 since the 70s to feature a harpsichord.
Both albums are lost treasures, but if I had to choose, I'd say "Spilt Milk" is the one I'd take to a desert island. Not a bad song in the bunch, this album is amazing from start to finish. "New Mistake" may be one of the most underrated pop songs of the 90s. Unfortunately, Manning and Strumer differed on the direction the group should take, forcing an end to this cherished band.
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