Everclear - Return To Santa Monica

Everclear – Return To Santa Monica
2011, Cleopatra Records

Through it all, Art Alexakis just keeps going.  His band, Everclear is on its third lineup, with the only original remaining member being Alexakis himself.  The Portland, Oregon band, formed in 1992, were darlings of the alternative rock scene throughout the 1990’s, leaders of the pop-based rock response to the grunge sound coming out of Seattle.  There has been a trend in the last few years of bands re-recording their hits, as aging acts separate from the major label apparatus have found a way to regain control of their catalog for licensing.  Everclear jumps on the bandwagon today with Return To Santa Monica.

The up side to such a move is it improves a band’s ability to generate income; for fans it can be an opportunity to hear a fresher version of a favorite hit or three.  Everclear does right by the fans with Return To Santa Monica, offering up a nearly live sounding collection of reborn hits from their catalog.  “Santa Monica”, “I Will Buy You A New Life”, “Father Of Mine” and “AM Radio” are particularly vibrant.  “Unemployed Boyfriend” seems even better than it did the first time around, though whether this is due to a change in the rendition or a change in the times it uncertain.  Everclear rounds out the remakes with “Wonderful” and “Everything To Everyone”.

Perhaps the biggest treats for fans, however, are the cover songs spread throughout the album.  The remake of Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” is classic, and Steve Miller’s “The Joker” gets a new look.  Death Cab For Cuties “I Will Follow You Out Of The Dark” is among the highlights on the disc, as is the closing number, Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl”.  The only misfire on the entire album is a somewhat messy cover of The Police’s “Every Breath You Take”, which Alexakis muddles his way through on, showing neither the vocal range nor (here, at least) the sense of personality to pull this tune off.

These sorts of collections are as much for financial gain of the artist (as opposed to a label) as they are for fans.  Sometimes such collections can be ill-gotten nightmares, but Everclear manages to pull the whole thing off with a bit of panache.  The album plays like an intimate live show, with even the production values bending in that direction.  So instead of a boring retread of hits and covers you know, listeners get a quality, live-in-studio set of songs that will have you tapping your toes and remembering the 1990’s fondly.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)
Learn more about Everclear at www.everclearonline.com or on Facebook. 
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Tuneola - Retrospective

Tuneola - Retrospective
2010, Now And Forever Records

Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, England-native Aaron Jaycie grew up in a working class household and followed in his father's footsteps as a steel worker.  Nevertheless, he never lost his love for music, and was soon playing in various bands in both the UK and Germany.  Jaycie put aside his musical dreams at the age of thirty due to a lack of desired success, but the music wouldn't stop coming.  Jaycie has begun writing again, but remains fond of his older material.  Retrospective is a collection of the best of Jaycie's prior musical life.  Released under the name Tuneola, Retrospective is surprisingly good for someone who almost walked away from it all.

Retrospective opens with "Roll Up You Sinners", a smooth mix of blues, rock and Americana that's reminiscent of Steve Miller.  Catchy in spite of the mellow presentation, the song is highly melodic and enjoyable; with a swaying feel that captures you in its vibe.  Kim Coupe capably takes the mic for "Maybe We Will", a mix of space age rock and Jimmy Buffet with a mellow vibe.  Something just doesn't quite click here, but many of the elements work.  "White Horses" is catchy, Abba-esque vocal dance pop.  Vocalist Joanne Wilkinson has a pretty voice that bounces around nicely here, even if the production occasionally gets in the way. 

"No Leaving Today" blends Americana and rock n roll in a sweet and smooth blend.  Jaycie infuses pleasant harmonies into both the instrumental and vocal arrangements, ala the Eagles, but with a mischievous R&B backbeat.  Tuneola gets spry and slinky with "Ride Your Psychedelic Scooter To The Beach Young Man", an early 1970's rock instrumental where the synthesizer takes charge with a melody line that wags its finger in your face.  "A Tadpole Short Of A Pond" is an interesting look at either a mystic man or a nut job, depending upon your perspective.  Crosby, Still and Nash style harmonies and a vibrant arrangement makes this a fun listen.

"Too Much To Do Today" advocates letting go of day-to-day responsibilities to enjoy life a little bit while engaging in a bit of Graceland era Paul Simon musical style.  This one is fun and full of a light energy that's irresistible.  "Politician" is a tongue in cheek look at the virtues of politicians, told from the perspective of one telling the truth for once.  The layered instrumentation and angular, edgy feel of the song fit perfectly to the subject matter.  "Just A Game" sounds like it might have come right out of a Psychodots (aka The Bears minus Adrian Belew) recording session.  Jaycie imbues the arrangement with tremendous energy and movement in a story about changes in perception and changes in reality.  There's some serious boogie-country in this song's genes, as evidenced in the virulent chorus.

"Hey Nonny No" is a joyous tune celebrating divorce in spite of all that he's lost.  The bouncy and fun country/rock arrangement finds him amidst the revelation that she got all the stuff but he got his freedom.  "The Return Of Eddie Shoes" is a funky instrumental that works in a faux horn section (synth); a light musical snack that's entertaining and works as great setup to the big close.  Retrospective bows with "Jingle Bells Ain't What It Used To Be", a catchy light disco number about how Christmas doesn't mean as much as it used to.  Kim Coupe is back in the driver's seat on lead vocals, and handles the duty adeptly.

Tuneola's Retrospective is a look back on the song-writer Aaron Jaycie once was.  It's good enough to make you hope that however his future songs develop; he doesn't lose the energy and inspiration that make this such a fascinating listen.  Aaron Jaycie walked away because he hadn't achieved the goals he set for himself by the age of 30.  Retrospective proves that this says more about the music industry in general than it does about Tuneola.  This one's a keeper.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

 Learn more about Tuneola at http://www.rnjcmusic.com/.  Retrospective is available from Amazon.com as a CD or Download.  The album is also available from iTunes.