Short-format Roundup
Nearly all of my reviews focus on albums. Only when the material truly merits an exception do I cover EPs or singles. Here are quick looks at three new releases that handily meet that standard.
Stay – “I Can Hear the Grass Grow” b/w “Get Going”
This Barcelona quartet is characterized as indie-psych, but on “Get going” they display a sensibility reminiscent of “Bang a Gong” era T. Rex, with a bit of early ‘70s Rolling Stones thrown in for good measure. The tune is a slyly swaggering slice of rock ‘n’ roll. The Move cover leans more into the psych side of the band’s approach. The arrangement answers the (likely unasked) question, “What would the song have sounded like if Kula Shaker covered it but didn’t have any electric sitars at hand?” It’s exceedingly well-done, meriting a new recording of the classic.
Andre Cruz & Chris Lujan – “Can I Call You Rose” b/w “I Like the Way You Love Me”
This sweet soul single brings together elements of ‘70s soul/r&b and a lilting reggae beat. “Can I Call You Rose?” was originally recorded by Thee Sacred Souls; their recording was reminiscent of Philly soul. Cruz & Lujan lean into the beat a bit more, while maintaining the romanticism of the original. The flip sound so authentically vintage that it’s unnerving; the performance, the arrangement, the production aesthetic – they’re all spot-on. A delight.
The Morning Line – Scene EP
This Bay Area indie group deals more in EPs than it does in full-length albums, with two of the former and one album (2019’s North) to its credit. But quality wins out over quantity, and this clutch of melodic midtempo rockers is a solid listen. Uncluttered production and arrangement with a close-in feel are the hallmarks of this seven-song set. Imagine Fountains of Wayne without the irony, or Cheap Trick with less guitar roar. Nice stuff.
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.