Bi-Annual Meeting Post

Cheap Trick – Wow, first meeting in years and Jay goes all Mongillo on us.  A solid sophomore effort, they played to their strengths.  Production holds up really well almost 40 years later.  This album was released in punk’s heyday, and while its not punk per se, it accomplishes everything the punks were trying to do.  No fancy arrangements, straight forward garage band with just a little pop flourish.  4 stars

Gerry Rafferty – One of the pseudo-Dylan’s of the 70’s unworthy of the crown.  The two singles are the best tracks on the album, and they aren’t very good.  Nothing I’d ever revisit under any circumstances.  2 stars

Houndmouth – An entirely predictable submission, but damn I love this album.  The four part harmonies, the way they blow out the choruses, the imitation Robbie Robertson guitar licks all combine for an Americana classic. Love the small touches, like the Dylan-esque characters like “Jenny Gasoline” or the whistling winds that open “Sedona”.  Is it sustainable?  History says no (see Band of Horses, Felice Brothers), but this is a great one. 4.5 stars

Benjamin Booker – Played it a couple times when it came out last year and it never clicked.  Did a little better this time, definitely a Black Keys White Stripe-ish vibe to it.  Dig the lo-fi, love the guitar work.  Not all the songs are great, but there’s enough here to make me think this guy is someone to watch for.  3.5 stars

AC/DC – My disc didn’t play, but what’s there to say about an AC/DC greatest hits?  Pre or post Bon, their best material is fantastic with an energy and sense of humor typically lacking in the genre.  The heavy mix of the rhythm section definitely renders this as “metal”, but they have a much defter touch than the typical head-banging band, which I find endearing.  I don’t need to hear It very often,  but I don’t turn it off when it comes on.