The College Crowd Digs Me

"Skeleton Crew" - Madisen Ward And The Mama Bear  (2015 )       “All I need is a sip of cherry cola and pie.”  Madisen Ward is a "know thyself" singer-songwriter who, together with Mama Bear , mixes up a fresh and timeless square of acoustic alt-folk rock that mesh beautifully.  Madisen's lyrics are original, honest, and on the sleeve—simple but never throwaway.  And m uch like Tom Waits or Geddy Lee,  Madisen Ward  also has a unique left-field vocal style that one will either embrace or defer.  As for me, I found the vocal tones and harmonies so warm and comfortable that I easily forgot about it and just sat back and enjoyed the music.      I didn't expect "Skeleton Crew" to rent so much space on my turntable, but the duo's debut is a good one.  I have nothing that sounds like this. The album is dusted with atmosphere—haunting one minute, uplifting the next.  This may be a Kansas City son-and-mother act, but ...

"Hang On Sloopy" - The McCoys (1965 )      "Hang On Sloopy" was a two-dollar find that sounds just like you might think.  Loose garage rock, a little heavier on the pop, with each band member being introduced before the classic title track kicks things off. (Note to self: Never introduce band members.)   Led by teenage Rick Derringer (aka Zehringer),  The McCoys  play mostly covers, but a good selection of covers.   There are two James Brown tracks and a cool Marvin Gaye one that the guys pull off with equal aplomb.  It's 1965, and the album is a fun, frat-rat spin.  A sock-hopper's delight.  And one of those…" better than I thought it would be" pick-ups. "Hang On Sloopy" - The McCoys (1965) Favorites:  (The title track, of course.) "Fever" "Stubborn Kind of Fellow" "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag"   "Sorrow"   This is a mono Premier pressing out of New Jersey.  I'm not a fan of the awkwar...

"Klaatu" - Klaatu (1976 )      The Klaatu/Beatles rumors started, in part, when a DJ wrote an article speculating that Klaatu might secretly be The Beatles under a pseudonym back in 1977.  Or maybe a DJ playing a Klaatu song and mentioning it sounded like the Beatles.  Whatever it was, the "Fab Four" connection began gathering steam.  Fans were hunting for clues and sharing their findings. (And remember, there was no internet.) McCartney and Lennon-esque moments on the album. The album had a Beatles/George Martin production vibe going on. No photos of the band or songwriting credits appeared on the album. No promotions, touring, or public appearances of the band. No interviews. Klaatu and The Beatles were on the same Capitol label. (in the US.) Ringo's "Goodnight Vienna," released two years earlier, had the Klaatu character on the cover. The record company seemed to be twiddling its thumbs with forthcoming information.      Adding this all ...

"Desolation Boulevard" - Sweet (1975)       "Desolation Boulevard"  jaywalks through fire with both hands in their pockets.   Nothing too deep or intense, but sometimes that's not what I'm looking for.  This spin rawks bravado!  Catchy as flypaper and a banger to crank.  Sweet was one of the better glam flames, and on this album, the band festoons early punk and metal into the mix.  The vocal harmonies are in the high Queen range and killer as well.  I was surprised by just how good this square is. "Desolation..." was Sweet's third studio album and had two singles, "Ballroom Blitz" and "Fox on the Run,"  that got decent airplay. (The UK version, released in '74, had a different track list.)  But if that's all you know, you're missing out.  This is a good one to pick up when out and about.   "Desolation Boulevard" - Sweet (back) "Desolation Boulevard" - Sweet (inner-sleeve front & ba...