It's easy to miss out on a good record. Even as a guy who listens to more music per day than most, it's impossible to be on top of it all. So, I can be forgiven for not knowing that Australia's Icecream Hands released an absolute gem of an album in 2020. But, I cannot be forgiven for not knowing that this band has been around since 1992. I mean, what the hell?
That said, if I didn't check in with my friend Dave to see what he was listening to yesterday, I could have possibly gone another 30 years without hearing "No Weapon But Love," a smart, hook-filled, power pop (sort of) jewel of a record.
This is not your by the books, power pop crunch fest. These guys employ Beach Boys harmonies underneath what I can only describe as an Americana version of "Revolver." Or maybe not. That might be pushing it. You listen to it and you figure it out. I'm hearing Petty/Heartbreakers, The Jayhawks and yes, Big Star. The lead singer, at times, has Peter Wolf's phrasing, and it's damn good, especially if you have ever dreamed of J. Geils Band making a power pop album. (I'm fine, really.)
Check out these tracks and then, maybe you will want to buy the record like I did.
17 comments:
You might want to check out some of Ice Cream Hand's main man Charles Jenkins's solo work. Kind of an Aussie Chuck Prophet.
I've always liked this band from the get-go. But I agree with you that there's so much music out there, it's impossible to keep track of it all.
I've also been listening to these guys for quite a while - yes, please check out Jenkins' solo catalog as there is quite bit there.
My fave Hands album is 1999's Sweeter Than Radio.
Randy
Wow. Those are absolutely awesome.
Can't wait to give them a spin. This newest one isn't streaming, but a bunch of the others are.
They're second record from 1997 is called Memory Lane Traffic Jam. Great title.
There's always more music :)
For many years now Charles Jenkins has been high on my list of favorite singer/songwriters on the planet, possibly perched at the very top. There are many solo albums - each one as capitivating as the next. A good place to start might be 2010's Walk This Ocean, but don't neglect The City Gates or really anything with his name on it. The guy is a massive talent, his stuff is exquisite, and he's deserving of much wider recognition.
Listening to the 2003 comp You Can Ride My Bike. Non-stop power pop perfection. @clawthing: There’s too much! But this is great stuff! Cleveland Jeff
It’s on Spotify, CJ
I streamed on Apple and Amazon Music.
Oh yes, please…and make it 2 scoops!
To hpunch, you nailed the Charles Jenkins/Chuck Prophet comparison.
To billybudapest, just listened to "Walk This Ocean." Effin' great! Wow!
And I am not crazy. Jenkins, at times, really sounds like Peter Wolf, especially on the tracks "Walk This Ocean" and "Swing Bridge."
One of my all time favorite power pop songs is "Rain Hail Shine" (from the Broken UFO album): https://youtu.be/uj0VFNiPfmg?si=wOpaqyqbCuyCv9lR
One thing that makes them such a good band is that they have two strong songwriters, Jenkins and Douglas Robertson. In fact, three of the songs in the post are Robertson songs.
Sjm: Wait until Sal focuses in on "Thank You," which is a Jenkins/Robertson co-write. I'll bet he flips! By the way, here is a rather joyful pandemic-era video of Jenkins' title track: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZAVbSS7284
Definitely hear Tom Petty, and dare I say a little John Sally Ride?
Post a Comment