jann arden

REVIEW: Lawrence Gowan – …but you can call me Larry (1993)

LAWRENCE GOWAN – …but you can call me Larry (1993 Anthem/Columbia)

Lawrence Gowan was clearly making changes for his first album since 1990’s Lost Brotherhood.  He was now going by his full name, Lawrence Gowan, though long-timers had a hard time not just calling him Gowan.  He assembled an ace crew of musicians including Robert Fripp and Tony Levin from King Crimson, Ken Greer from Red Rider, Jann Arden, and drummer/producer Jerry Marotta, who goes back with Levin.  The result is a more organic album playfully called …but you can call me Larry.  The sound is pure 1993, in the best possible way.

Tinkling acoustics open “Soul’s Road”, a far cry from from the synthesizers of a decade ago.  This great song soon kicks into gear on the chorus with the crackling electric guitars and the cry of a pedal steel (by Greer).  It reverts back to acoustics and piano on the verses.  Gowan employs just a touch of rasp in his voice for an earthy vibe.  It has just the right balance between hard and soft.  Great opening track, and should have been a hit.

“When There’s Time (For Love)” features Colin Linden on guitar, and stays in the acoustic zone.  This slow song is loaded with melody and passion, and once again really comes to life on the excellent chorus.  This is a ballad for a quiet night in, but it isn’t lifeless at all.  The drums keep it moving, and the musicianship on all instruments is absolutely stunning.  Such a full, rich mix.  You can really feel the bass.  That’s Paul Northfield’s mixing work, done at Morin Heights in Quebec, where the album was recorded.

Co-written with Jim Vallance, “Innocence” goes for a different vibe, with a tense little piano line soon giving way to a powerful chorus.  Tony Levin shares bass duties with Terry Gowan, who is currently touring with his brother in Styx.  This rocker still maintains a touch of acoustic guitar in the background, but this is a rock song with just a hint of nocturnal menace.

Back to ballad territory, “Your Stone Walls” has a folksy sound, beginning with minimal instrumentation and letting the acoustic guitar carry the weight.  It gradually builds, adding organ and drums, but the folksy sound remains.  It’s an exceptionally beautiful song, especially as it continues to grow into something more epic, with soulful backing vocals and keyboards.

Things really pick up on the moving “Dancing On My Own Ground”.  Levin’s bass has a lot to do with why this one moves with such an incredible pulse.  Upbeat and bright, this acoustic rocker is probably the album highlight for those who like feel-good music.  There’s a violin solo to boot.  Gowan’s music always includes outstanding musicians, often from the progressive rock genre.  It’s no wonder he ended up in Styx with that kind of experience.

By contrast, “Cry On My Shoulder” is the opposite; a somber piano ballad.  (Was the idea of having two “On My…” song titles in a row a coincidence?)  This one features ample cello parts, and a stunning slide guitar part by Ken Greer.

Things go suddenly retro on “Moonchild’s Psychedelic Holiday”.  Using sitar became more common in the early 9os, and of course that combined with the word “psychedelic” means we’re going back to the era of free love.  There are only slight Beatles-isms incorporated, but Jim, both Hendrix and Morrison, are cited in the lyrics.  It feels a little corny and contrived, but others may think it’s the best thing on the album.  Enjoy some purple haze and see what you think.

The somber acoustics of “You Never Let Go” feels like we’re back on track.  Yet, it’s poweful.  The lyrics tell a tale of a friend, a bad seed, that Gowan can see the other side of.  Even though it is mostly a quieter song, there is an undercurrent.  A drive.  A power.  A tension.  It’s all released at the halfway point when the electric guitars kick in.  One of the more impressive songs on the album.

Larry goes upbeat again on “(In The) Wild Summer Night”.  It never goes too hard or heavy, but this rocker has some rhythmic piano, great drums, and a bouncing chorus to keep the party going.  If you can criticise …but you can call me Larry for anything, it would be that the album gets burning too rarely.  There is nothing here as bouncing as “Strange Animal” obviously, but “(In The) Wild Summer Night” gets the blood flowing.  The soul singing comes back for the outro, as the drums just light it up.  Get out of your chair!

“Last Laugh” features Jann Arden, slide guitar, dobro, and hand percussion.  This laid back acoustic song really breathes when Jann joins Lawrence on the second verse.  Most songs on this album seem to have a feature or two that makes them stand out from the others.  In this case it’s Jann Arden.  Though it is not a loud song, it’s very powerful.  “We’ll have the last laugh, now…” they sing.

Album closer “Little Face” is the one with Robert Fripp.  Even so, I would have held this song for last anyway.  It is meant to be a closer, with a tension that builds and builds as the song goes on.  Impressive drums here, and a dark powerful vibe with exceptional guitar work by the King Crimson mastermind.  A burning closer with a great chorus.  “Little Face” is the cherry on top of an impressive record.

One look at the covers, front and back, and you know immediately that the design is by Hugh Syme.  Hugh did a number of albums in 1993 with similar fonts and marble designs:  Rush, Coverdale-Page, and Def Leppard too.  In fact this CD layout is virtually identical to Retro-Active by Def Leppard.  Hey, if it works…

4.5/5 stars

Thank you Aaron for this copy!

 

REVIEW: cameo.com (Father’s Day gift idea)

cameo.com

Have you heard of Cameo?  Services like Cameo have become popular during Covid, when we can’t just reach out and hug each other.  I have used it twice this year (more on that below) when I couldn’t be with my family directly.

Cameo is a website where celebrities will record a brief personal message for a fee.  My first reaction was, “As if celebrities need more money,” but some of the fees are quite reasonable.  Gary Holt from Exodus is only asking $25 for a personal video greeting.  That’s a steal, considering the video is yours forever.  Mike Portnoy?  Only $50.  Bruce Kulick is $100.  Work your way up to Caitlyn Jenner and you’ll be dropping $2500.  The range for your budget is huge, and you can choose form thousands of people in sports, movies, music, wrestling, and TV (reality and otherwise).

Each celebrity has a time frame during which they will make your video.  If you forgot your dad’s birthday today, it is too late to get Chevy Chase ($250) to record a video for him.  But if it’s not until next week, Danny Trejo ($100) can have a video to you in five days.

I struggled with a way to treat my mom right on Mother’s Day. I happened to be scrolling Facebook when I noticed a friend had received a Cameo video as a birthday gift.  It was Michael Rapaport ($175) and I thought it was a cool idea in a time when we couldn’t just give somebody a gift.  I started searching and came upon Jann Arden.  My mom loves Jann Arden.  She’s seen her live at least twice (only once for me).  Jann was asking only $65 with a three day turnaround.  I was just in time so I booked her.  Best of all, 100% of her proceeds went to various animal charities.  No celebrity greed there!

In two days (one less than expected!) I received a personal video from Jann Arden to my mom.  Jann sang “Good Mother” and I think my mom must have just about fallen out of her chair!  It was everything I hoped for and more.

Two weeks later I had another quandary.  My dad’s birthday.  He hates it when I spend money on him, but I don’t pay any attention to that!  I decided that I would do another Cameo.  But who?  My dad knows so very few celebrities.  It’s not like John Wayne is around to make videos.  Then I thought, “Star Trek”!  Who’s available?  A small number of people.  Marina Sirtis (The Next Generation), Garrett Wang (Voyager), Mary Chieffo (Discovery) and Evan Evagora (Picard) were some of the notable names, but I needed someone really special to him personally.  Then I found him:  Number One!  Jonathan Frakes!  Riker himself.  My dad is a huge fan of Captain William Riker.  Within three days, and $200 later, my dad received a personal message from Number One.

Dad was over the moon. He still thinks I shouldn’t have spent the money, but who cares?  I think it’s the best birthday gift I’ve ever given him.  And I’ve given him a Lego Sopwith Camel.  (Added bonus:  Frakes was wearing a Picard Season 2 jacket, confirming his involvement in the second season.)

The only drawback to Cameo is that you only have 250 characters to communicate what you want from the celebrity.  It’s enough to tell them who it’s for, who it’s from, and a little bit about the occasion.  Not much else.  Celebrities don’t need to read an essay, but what harm could another 100 characters do?

Whether Cameo still remains popular when the world returns to a semblance of normal, I cannot say.  Most of these actors, sportsmen and musicians will be back at work.  I’ll be able to go and gift my dad a real Father’s Day gift.  And some of these people are asking way, way, way too much money for a short video.  Is Tommy Lee worth $400 when you can get Mike Portnoy for $50?  I’d go with Portnoy, on Cameo or in a drum battle.

Consider a Cameo for your next socially distant gift.

Cameo 4/5 stars
Jonathan Frakes 5/5 stars
Jann Arden 5/5 stars

REVIEW: Hit Zone 4 – Various Artists (1998)

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…Hosted by Vinyl Connection

HIT ZONE 4 (1998 BMG)

“If You Could Only See” the reasons I own this CD.

Nobody buys a CD like Hit Zone 4 and likes every single track.  Stuff like this was popular because it gave kids an easy way to get a bunch of one hit wonders from the rock and pop genres without buying the albums.  There were also big names on board.  CDs like this were always on the charts, year ’round.  Today, kids just go to Youtube or Spotify.  But even a curmudgeon like me can find a few songs here to enjoy.

In particular, I bought this CD for a rare non-album version of “If You Could Only See” by the underrated Tonic.  This was their big hit, and the version on Hit Zone 4 is an alternate recording with a slightly new arrangement.  The liner notes lie and say it’s from their album Lemon Parade; this is obviously false.  In fact there’s no obvious way to tell it’s a unique version without listening to it.

What else is good?  “All Around the World” by Oasis (from 1997’s Be Here Now) is one of their more Beatles-worshipping moments.  Here it’s in the form of a radio edit (4:50).  I’ve never felt “All Around the World” was one of Oasis’ best tracks, and it works better in the context of its grandly overblown album.  However, “All Around the World” is like freaking gold, compared to Boyz II Men….

Other decent music:  I have a soft spot for Chantal Kreviazuk’s ballad “Surrounded”.  Jann Arden too, and “The Sound Of” is one of her very best tracks.  I’ve seen Jann live, and she did a fantastic show with stories and jokes and unforgettable songs.  Then there’s fellow Canuck Bryan Adams, with his excellent acoustic rocker “Back To You”, from his Unplugged album.  Few Adams albums from the 90s on are worth a full listen.  Unplugged is.  “Back To You” was the “new” track used as a single.  It’s bright and alive in a way that Adams’ later music is not.  Fiona Apple’s dusky “Criminal” is classic, of course.  Finally, who doesn’t still love The Mighty Mighty Bosstones “The Impression That I Get”?  They were one band that truly deserved their hit.  They’d been at it for so long, and this song is really just that one perfect tune for the right time.

Unless you were a kid in the 90s, you’ll find yourself skipping over ‘N Sync, Backstreet Boys, All Saints, Robyn, and even Hanson.  Young Hanson can be tough to listen to.  I mean, they were kids, making music that kids liked.  It couldn’t really be helped.  I also find myself breezing past Mase, The Verve Pipe and Imani Coppola.  One hit wonders, right?  Shawn Colvin’s OK, but Boyz II Men can fuck right off.  “4 Seasons of Loneliness”?  Maybe because you guys are all wearing matching sweaters.  You can’t win friends with sweaters.

Hit Zone 4 is the kind of thing you buy in a bargain bin if you find it for $1.99.  These were once front racked at the old Record Store for $16.99 because they had so many hits from the late 90s.  It really was great value, because really, are you going to listen to Imani Coppola’s whole CD?  Be honest!

2.5/5 stars

Part 76: Free Sh*t

You shall not pass, nor get anything for free

Record store employees get a lot of free shit.  From shirts to discs to posters to the oddest promotional merchandise you can think of, they get a lot.

Used record store employees, like myself, do not!

Reason being?  The word “used”.  The record distributors automatically assumed we would sell everything that we got for free.  Which we didn’t, because we didn’t want to hurt our already tenuous relationship.  This is where my personal experience differs from the average record store guy.  I got very, very little free stuff over the years.   

Sometimes you’d see the odd promo disc arrive, but it was either something completely unknown that nobody wanted, or something like Much Dance 2002, that nobody wanted.

I did get a few things.  Most of this stuff isn’t around anymore, either given away or wrecked.  Here’s a complete list of everything that I personally ever got for free from a record label during my 12 year tenure at the store, and it ain’t much!  This stuff would just show up in boxes of discs that we ordered.

  • A Jon Bon Jovi golf ball, to promote his solo album Destination Anywhere.  Ended up selling it at a garage sale for 25 cents.
  • A very nice Green Day Nimrod sweatshirt.  It too was green.  Don’t know what happened to it.
  • I had to fight for this one:  A nice black Kiss sweat shirt.  The higher-ups didn’t want me to get it.  (Don’t know what they wanted it for!)
  • A Jann Arden “Insensitive” baseball hat. 
  • A Vince Gill blue denim hat.
  • Two rolls of Star Wars stickers to promote the DVD release of the Original Trilogy.  These have lasted a long time and I still have a partial roll.  You’d be amazed how many things look better with Star Wars stickers on them
  • A bunch of Yoda buttons to promote Attack of the Clones.  Gave these away to kids.
  • A bunch of Lord of the Rings buttons, to promote Fellowship.  Also gave these away to kids.

Of these things, all I have left are the stickers and the Kiss sweatshirt, slowly fading from many washes.  Not a lot to show for 12 years of the record store grind, but as I said, the record companies really hated giving us anything for free.  The funny thing is, other people (DJ’s, employees at other record stores) would come in and sell us dozens and dozens of promotional discs that they got for free.  So the irony is, even though we played by the rules, we got stiffed.  The other people who broke the rules got free shit all the time!  Ain’t it the way?

Part 39: Mother’s Day at the Record Store

My first Mother’s Day at the store was unique.  We never tried this stunt again, because it was a bit of a waste.  It was spring 1995.  The boss had brought in a bucket of roses.  He said, “I want you to hand these out to every lady that looks like a mother, that comes in today.”  OK, all well and good.  A little on the weird/awkward/unique side, but OK.  I didn’t want to do it but I didn’t have much choice. You had to kind of guess who was a mother and who wasn’t. Not fun! “Do I look that old to you?” was a common response.

I guess the problem is that most mothers didn’t really go out to buy CD’s on Mother’s Day.  A lot of them headed out for morning brunch with the families, or spent the day with the families.  Then you’d have the occasional crackhead mother that I would skip, because they’d probably just try to smoke the flowers.  On Mother’s Day, it was pretty much just dudes.  They were in there to buy the latest Jann Arden, Celine Dion, or Shania Twain for mom.  As my bucket of flowers sat there, I figured I’d throw in a free one to any non-jerky dudes that were buying gifts for mom, too.  I got rid of a couple more roses that way.

Finally towards the end of the day, the bucket of roses still half full, I had a visit.  It was from a girl I liked named Holly.  Holly was a big Depeche Mode fan, and I had some CD singles in stock.  She picked a couple out and I decided, “What the hell?  Worth a try.”

“These are for you, Holly.”

I handed her the rest of the roses.  She was thrilled.  I didn’t get a date out of it, but at least the flowers didn’t go to a crackhead!

Oh!  And I did bring one home for my mom.

We never did the flowers thing again.  Happy Mother’s Day!