Album Mini-review: Willodean — Awesome Life Decisions Volume One
File next to: David Bowie, Todd Rundgren, Ben Folds
Way back in 2005, Los Angeles-based Randy & the Bloody Lovelies released their second album, Lift. The album straddled Americana and power pop, with songwriting that recalled another Randy (Newman) with its inventive wordplay and wicket yet subtle humor. Predictably in a market dominated by Coldplay, 50 Cent, Hilary Duff and Eminem, the album sank without a trace. Fast forward more than a decade; Randy Wooten and Eric Holden have resurfaced as two-thirds of Willodean. But for this group, they cede front man duties to vocalist Abbie Huxley. “Don’t Give Up” explicitly recalls Hunky Dory-era Bowie, and the judicious use of synthesizer on “Devil & Me” conjures thoughts of Band on the Run. Awesome Life Decisions: Side One is a six-song EP – the first of four such planned releases – that applies modern rock sheen to Holden’s melodic songwriting, with a winning undercurrent of Americana authenticity.
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 4500-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 taught 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: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.