Odds and Ends

Each week I use this space to post some mini-reviews, cool tracks, random thoughts, neat news, or whatever else I damn well please.

MiniReview
The Brigadier “Holiday Special” [EP] - Our old friend Matt Williams, aka The Brigadier is back with another EP in his seasonal series. This one celebrates summer and is called “Holiday Special”. Things couldn’t start off better than with the beautiful sunny side up spirit of “When The Sun Comes Out”, which contains just enough crunch in the guitar to give the brilliant harmonies a nice little kick. Not only my favorite off this EP, but one of my favorite Brigadier songs. “Swansong” is a pleasantly melancholy goodbye tune while “A Holiday Romance” is a cute island-flavored song. “Ogmore-by-Sea” is an interesting mix of surf and country guitar. Like holidays, all good things must come to an end, and the Brigadier departs for now with an epic, extravagant ballad entitled “Time To Go Home”. Among his most ambitious tunes, “Time To Go Home” oscillates between breezy orchestration and rocking fuzzy guitar breaks. Definitely a few tracks on here going onto my summer playlist. More info here.

Surprise of the week
New research from Australian scientists will convince you to always have some AC/DC handy if you take out your boat into shark-infested waters. Read why here.

News
New Chickenfoot record in sight? “Chickenfoot’s second album is almost finished, and we’re hoping to mix sometime in June,” says guitarist Joe Satriani. “It is heavier, and better than the first one, and I can’t wait to get it out there!” Read more here.

In related Van Hager news, Sammy Hager and the third Van Halen singer (Gary Cherone, better known as front man for Extreme) will be sharing a stage tonight. Cherone's new band, Hurtsmile, will support Sammy Hagar and the Wabos at Casino Del Sol tonight. Cherone also commented that Extreme is back at work on a new album. The full story is here.

How about some new Pearl Jam? With Eddie Vedder’s solo record out of his system (“Ukulele Songs”), the band is back at work on new material for their tenth album. Read the full report here, and check out this video from Vedder’s solo outing.



Random iPOD song of the week
From her breakthrough record, “I Do Not Want What I Do Not Have”, this definitive breakup song from Sinead O'Connor leaves me with chills every time. This particular performance is also noteworthy as it shows Sinead in rare form – with hair!

Review: The Brigadier “The Secret Of No Success”

Loyal readers will know we’ve been a fan of The Brigadier since day one (see reviews here). The Brigadier is Welsh born singer, songwriter, and producer Matt Williams, who has been receiving much acclaim for his intimate live shows and timeless pop. Influenced by all sorts of popular music past and present, he writes melodic pop rock with intricate chord changes and catchy choruses.

“The Secret Of No Success” is the fourth full-length record released by The Brigadier since 2007, not to mention his numerous seasonal EPs. This time out The Brigadier turns his attention to another topic most of us can relate to (except Charlie Sheen): the world of work. While in the States right now any job is a good job, The Brigadier focuses on the ins and outs of the 9 to 5 grind, creating what amounts to a concept album that climbs the steps of the career ladder. He covers everything from resumes to interviews, commuting to resignations, office life and the weekend break. As one would expect, his stories about career culture are set to music that runs the gamut of pop, incorporating 70s bubblegum, classic 60s pop, baroque, and indie pop all into one.

The songs are listed on the back in the form of a flow chart, consistent with the theme of this thoughtful record. The Brigadier wakes us up with “Doing The 9 To 5”, which begins the same way so many of us begin our day. “Just A Little Kiss Miss Busy” is another upbeat guitar-driven slice of pop heaven, and The Brigadier’s wry sense of humor (along with one of the catchiest Beach Boys-inspired choruses on the record) makes “Back In The Office Again” a winner. The 80s new wave spirit that permeates “Dreaming Of The Weekend” makes it a nostalgic treat. “Middle Management” is another brilliant satirical look at corporate mentality, a sweeping ballad with beautifully melancholy music. The title track and “A Better Day” are additional highlights you shouldn’t miss.

With so many catchy melodies and enjoyable harmonies, “The Secret Of No Success” may just be the ticket to success for The Brigadier.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 13

The Brigadier on MySpace. Official site.

Listen to “Doing The 9 To 5”