As our friend Kevin mentioned in that all-important chat box on the left, the debut full length from Welsh band Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard has just been released. Uncut calls it a mash-up of Queen, Steely Dan and Slade. I can tell you right now that after two solid spins, nothing here sounds like Queen or Slade. That the lead singer occasionally sings falsetto doesn't make him sound like Freddie Mercury anymore than he sounds like Lily Pons. As for Slade, I don't know what the hell Uncut is talking about.
I have also read comparisons to Fleetwood Mac and T.Rex, as well as tagging the band with the power pop label.
Wrong. Wrong. WRONG!
But back to that Steely Dan reference, "Backhand Deals" is a terrific record that unabashedly sounds like a heartfelt tribute to early Dan. Actually, by the end of the record, I decided this could be a "Can't Buy A Thrill" bonus LP of studio leftovers.
The lyrics are smart and occasionally hilarious. Give a listen to "New Age Millenial Magic." The playing and production are both understated, yet very effective. And the quality of the songwriting is strong throughout.
Kevin also mentioned Jellyfish and that reference is strongest in "Demolition Song," which has a break that just maybe sounds a tiny bit like Queen, but only because Jellyfish at times, sounded a little bit like Queen. But that is where that comparison ends.
"Backhand Deals" kept my ears on their toes from head to tail. (I like that. I've got to write that down.)
Thanks for the recommendation, Kevin. Aside from that awful band name, "Backhand Deals" is going to get some heavy rotation in my house and I strongly suggest giving it a spin and doing the same. This one's a grower.
13 comments:
Good stuff - where did you order from? I couldn't find a U.S. seller.
Randy
Amazon UK, Randy.
I dig the album!
It's got a good beat and you can dance to it; I give it a 98!
I leave discussion of name and "sounds like" references to those more knowledgeable / passionate.
Listen to You're My Best Friend' by Queen, they're ripped that off nicely.
I don't understand, Anonymous. The entire Buzzard album sounds like "You're My Best Friend?"
All I know by this band is this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0WSmpYa2gM
and I defy anyone to deny the T Rex influence in it! :)
C in California
C in California,
Okay, it's not overt, but yeah, I can hear it.
That track is not on the album and nothing, to my ears, sounds anything like that.
I'm impressed. They capture a mid '70's vibe well, without sounding derivative of any of those groups they supposedly sound like, which is a good thing.
Re: One Sentence Reviews
Following Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is a tall order but I remember liking this album from the start. Besides the hits "Bitch is Back" and "Don't Let the Sun Go Down One" it also had one of my absolute favorite E.J. songs, "I've Seen the Saucers". "Ticking" still gives me chills. At the time I did wonder why he'd written a song about local newscaster Roger Grimsby. Not a groaner in the bunch with the possible exception of "Stinker" which never grew on me. I'd push it to 8 or 9.
cmealha,
I agree wotth everything you said, especially your comments on "I've Seen The Saucers" and "Ticking." (I have a great story involving some old friends and "Saucers" that I will tell you some day.) I gave it a 7/10 because there are 10 songs and 3 are weak--'Grimsby," "Stinker" and "You're So Static," though I don't mind "Static" so much.
I read a review comparing this band to 90'a power pop bands that had a glam rock influence, such as Redd Kross, Supergrass and Sloan.
I'd like to see Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard on a bill with Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs.
This is good, really good. I do hear Jellyfish in there, the density of the tracks has that feel. Going to enjoy this and Tears for Fears. Pretty good week. Also playing Mardi Gras mix in honor of fat tuesday.
BBB has an awful name, but a pretty good album. I liked it and will definitely give it another spin.
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