SINGLES
Music and lyrics by Slow Pulp
Produced, Mixed, Mastered and Artwork by Henry Stoehr
"AT HOME"
Released June 5, 2018
"STEEL BIRDS"
Released November 1, 2018
-I am wondering if I am reaching the point that I can honestly say, "I knew them when..."
The continuing journey of the band Slow Pulp has taken some unorthodox steps in their evolution, from changing the band's name from the former Barbara Hans, to expanding their line-up from three to four members and even transplanting themselves from their Madison, WI. beginnings to their new home-base in Chicago, IL. Yet, all of the changes have served the band beautifully as 2018 saw the quartet release two singles which significantly upgraded and solidified their aesthetic, approach and artistry into the very best work they have delivered yet.
With both "At Home" and "Steel Birds," Slow Pulp, which consists of Bassist Alex Julian Leeds, Guitarist/Lead Vocalist Emily Massey, Drummer Teddy Matthews and Guitarist Henry Stoehr, have concocted a gorgeously languid duo of their self-described "dream punk" as its most intoxicating and lush, while not sacrificing the more angular elements that contain some of their musically sharper edges.
With a glistening production that has superbly elevated Slow Pulp's sonic qualities, the two singles possess a laconic, almost sleepy sultriness that evokes a 1970's styled melancholic haze while remaining undeniably contemporary, immersive and gorgeously enveloping. Whatever internal adjustments that may have been made upon Emily Massey's arrival with the original trio, have now firmly congealed into a unit that already feels more than poised to reach new, higher levels in the world of indie rock (especially after tenures in two highly celebrated Madison based bands, Modern Mod and Trophy Dad), levels that have been accomplished through more national attention, increased touring and that aforementioned move from Madison to Chicago.
Continued success to all of you but for now, these two singles have unquestionably drawn a stunning line in the sand, a glorious launching pad for their future.
"New Religion"
Released April 20, 2018
"Hindsight"
Released August 31, 2018
Composed, Produced, Arranged and Performed by Anna Wang
-There are often times when I honestly pinch myself when I realize once again that I do happen to have a certain proximity to the artists that populate the Madison music community. Those times always occur when I listen to the music of Anna Wang.
Now, dear readers and listeners, I wish to take this opportunity to assure you that my praise does not arrive from knowing this or that artist personally. None whatsoever. In the case of Anna Wang, she exemplifies a superior ability with pop songcraft of the very level that almost magically merges dark themes, cut-to-the bone honesty and emotional recognition, propulsive rhythms, addictive melodies, the blissful glories of the "hook," and that voice, that siren styled voice that grips you with its intimate allure.
For both "New Religion" and "Hindsight," the former tapping into Wang's inner Marvin Gaye and Prince to evoke themes of sex and salvation and the latter, a brooding tale of rejection, realization and a potential reclaiming of self, Anna Wang extends her sonic palate via supremely warm electronic and erotic soundscapes that ensure her songs are simultaneously ready for dancing under the mirrorball and for our more solitary interior moments.
Now returning to the magic that is indeed the "hook"! For me, Anna Wang exists as another artist, local to Madison or otherwise, who has fully embraced and is gradually mastering the art and craft of pop music songwriting, for with each song she releases, I am thunderstruck by her ability to create and then weave as many hooks as possible into her songs, establishing a variety of elements that continuously grab your ears and never let go. And I do not simply mean her choruses.
Just listen to these singles, dear readers and listeners and you will gather the fullness of what I am writing about. From her lyrics, to her wordless vocal mannerisms, to her drum programming and keyboards textures, to even the usage of the Vocoder throughout "Hindsight," Wang establishes one magnetic sonic signpost after another after another to an addictive effect, making me realize how much work she is indeed putting into every song's conception.
I am not privy as of this writing to her process, be it pen to paper or through consistent experimentation and recording, but whatever the means, the end results superbly weave lavishly executed seductive nocturnes as evidenced by these two terrific 2018 selections.
REISSUES AND ARCHIVAL RELEASES
Throughout 2018, several reissues, remastered releases and archival projects all saw the light of day, only increasing the musical glories of the year.
The 3 disc version also contained a glorious collection of the band's original acoustic based demos, which indeed not only showcased the brilliance of their material (especially John Lennon's selections), but most importantly, their utter timelessness. A staggering testament to one of the finest albums ever recorded, in my humble opinion. And, if I may say so right now, never has "Revolution #9" sounded more astonishing, as the sound collage, all constructed via tapes as there was no such thing as digital recording in 1968, truly showcase how defiantly far ahead of the curve The Beatles actually were.
Turning our attention to the two releases from McCartney's post Beatles group Wings, I do believe that hearing these albums now, as opposed to when they were originally released and forced to sit in the immense shadow of The Beatles and the wounds of their demise, it feels as if both "Wild Life" and "Red Rose Speedway" could get more of a fair shake as well as the fuller appreciation of McCartney's more experimental tendencies, which I feel allowed him a level of expression that perhaps he could not achieve within The Beatles.
JOHN COLTRANE
"BOTH DIRECTIONS AT ONCE"
Released June 29, 2018
PRINCE
"PIANO AND A MICROPHONE 1983"
Released September 21, 2018
-Being able to hear the very music that you had never thought that you would ever hear it always a gift and in 2018, I felt more than graced to hear unearthed releases from both John Coltrane (an album discovered in 2004 and not heard until now) and Prince (released from the legendary vault).
For Prince, it truly felt like a gift to hear this solo, private performance, which really felt to be a rehearsal. Nothing complete or finalized. Just a run through, an exploration, and it amazed me that even with only a piano and his voice, how much he still sounded like a fully functioning one-man band. But even moreso, it is a reminder of what a voice he had and what an accomplished pianist he was and how we will never ever see the likes of him again.
TOM PETTY
"AN AMERICAN TREASURE"Released September 28, 2018
- This 4 disc collection, so adoringly curated by Dana Petty (Petty's widow) and Adria Petty (one of Petty's daughters, a filmmaker), is a beautiful testament to one of our finest and most celebrated American songwriters. Chronologically sequenced and containing album tracks from singles to deep cuts, alternate takes, demo versions, live material and unreleased songs from Petty's vault, the music he released with The Heartbreakers, Mudcrutch and as a solo artist has again been proven to be as timeless and as open-hearted as the sun and the sky. A treasure indeed, one to dive into and explore over and again.
"LOVE JUNK DELUXE"
Released September 21, 2018
-And even with all of those beloved artists who released music from their archives and vaults, this one was perhaps dearest to my heart as The Pursuit Of Happiness' debut 1988 album "Love Junk" reached its 30th anniversary this year, a testament to that album's endurance as well as my personal relationship with it, a relationship that has extended itself to some very surprising connections this past year, only re-confirming the album's power and grip upon my heart.
The Pursuit Of Happiness' "Love Junk" is an astounding power pop album that has demonstrated over these 30 years that it stands in a class all by itself as it firmly, purely, unabashedly merges the sugary sweet pop, the pulverizing hard rock, sky soaring harmony vocals and a collection of lyrics that read like the finest short stories, character portraits and inner monologues beautifully and honestly chronicling an age and time of life.
Bandleader/songwriter/singer/guitarist Moe Berg, guitarist/singer Kris Abbott, drummer Dave Gilby, bassist Johnny Sinclair and singer Leslie Stanwyck with Producer Todd Rundgren crafted an album for the ages as far as I am concerned and to now celebrate it with this lavish 2 disc version, complete with outtakes, demo versions, previously unreleased live tracks and even two Christmas songs, (almost) made me feel like I was receiving a brand new album after over two decades since their last album.
A wonderful reunion to have with such a seminal release, a cherished album in my personal collection.
Get ready for Side Four!!!!
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