Indie Roundup: August 2011, Part 2

From time to time I do a “review roundup” in which I take a quick look at a stack of CDs that has found its way onto my desk. Each disc is worthwhile in its own way; otherwise I wouldn’t waste your and my time. But because there’s so much other material I want to cover in depth, I’ll restrict myself to brief summary remarks about these titles. Note that most of these are indie/self-released efforts; no major label releases here. So these are almost certainly titles that would otherwise slip by unnoticed by most listeners. They deserve better.

Mars Hollow – World in Front of Me (www.marshollow.com) – I reviewed this group’s first album not long ago, and this newest one offers more of the same. I mean that in a good way. The sonic similarities to Rush have been dialed back a bit, and Mars Hollow’s own singular style is showcased more here (John Baker still sounds like Geddy Lee when he sings, though.) Melodic progressive rock with the emphases on the melodic and the rock. Lyrics are pretty emotive and expressive for the genre, too. I mean that in a good way as well. Recommended.

Oy Vey – Botanical Curiosity (www.oyveyband.com) – This is a duo, but the warm and inviting production aesthetic suggests a full band. Yes, there are plenty of sequences and synthetic instrumentation, but an organic songwriting approach with a strong sense of dynamics and melody makes this a winner. The songs hook the listener quickly and then the go someplace. That’s a quality which is often in short supply; but not here. Vague echoes of early (powerpop era) Enuff Z’nuff.

James Lee Stanley and Cliff Eberhardt – All Wood and Doors (www.allwoodanddoors.com) – This one scores serious points right off the bat for its unique concept: acoustic renderings of songs by The Doors. Extra points given for enlisting the enthusiastic aid of players including Paul Barrere (Little Feat), Laurence Juber (Wings), Timothy B. Schmidt (Eagles) and Peter Tork. Plus two guys called Densmore and Krieger. But once you get past that, the project is ultimately more impressive in its scope than its delivery. The reworkings are fine for what they are, but succeed mainly in stripping the songs of the power they once had.

Bill Toms – Memphis (www.billtoms.com) – I hear strong influences of Memphis (naturally) and New Orleans on these tracks. A bit like John Hiatt, Toms has a growling, gravelly voice and a loose, shuffling vibe to his arrangements. The feeling that the players were having fun cutting these tracks comes through loud and clear. Will Kimbrough‘s sympathetic production is surely responsible for much of that. The music occupies the sweet spot between rock, soul and that catch-all term Americana.

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About the Author

Bill Kopp

With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4000-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he is co-teaching a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 40 Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.